Holiday Spirit?

Where is the holiday spirit these days? Sure there are festive decorations, Christmas parties, lights, and holiday cider, but I’m not talking about the commercial aspect rather the feeling of peace and happiness. All I’ve come across is stress and hostility. Christmas should bring out the best in everyone and that it does. If you consider getting into a cursing battle at the mall for a parking space, practically knocking each other over to grab that last sale item or even as extreme as killing another person. This year there were not just one, but several cases of people actually getting killed on Black Friday. I couldn’t even believe it when I saw it on the news, it truly blows my mind. I don’t understand how people can be so greedy and selfish, just to save a few extra bucks. What great model citizens we have here in America. People’s true character shines through during the holidays. I know we are experiencing an economic disaster right now, but you would have never known it by the way people were out in full force on the biggest shopping day of the year. Merry freaking Christmas, I hope you enjoy that new plasma TV I literally killed to get. It’s almost like a joke or something from a movie, but unfortunately it’s reality and I probably shouldn’t even laugh about it. I couldn’t imagine losing someone to a deathly holiday shopping accident. I really hope that present was worth taking a life for. Like a stampede of wild elephants attacking their prey is representable of our fellow citizens herding the aisles of every store in America. To my surprise, some stores even opened as early as midnight on Thanksgiving. So much for giving thanks and cherishing family on one day out of the entire year. It was about praying for good bargains to some people and camping out in line after scarfing down a piece of pecan pie.

I know that this even furthers my decision to NOT celebrate the gift part of Christmas this year and proven my point that Christmas isn’t what it use to be. Yeah I know very un-American of me to not go out and max out my credit card, so I can be in debt for the new year. Way to start it off right. My mom and I already agreed that we are going to go out and "do" things, enjoy each others company rather than spend money on gifts we probably don’t need or want in the first place. Memories are forever, gifts are for the moment.

Simplicity looks more and more enticing every year as our world and daily life gets more and more complicated. It has just become so ridiculous and people have gotten out of control. Peoples’ lives are so busy with a million things on their minds. We all just need to slow the hell down and enjoy the moment.

Christmas is becoming a gimmick and seems more like a burden to get gifts for everyone. People feel obligated to get each other gifts, because they think the other person will give them a gift. If you don’t get the other person a gift in return than it makes you look selfish and greedy. There is really no winning in this situation. I understand if it is something from the heart that represents someone or for the kids, but when we become adults it seems like more of a hassle than anything else. This is why we are so stressed during the holidays, when we should be relaxed and "in the holiday spirit." Which we often easily forget what that means. It is about being good to one another and thankful for family and friends. Cherishing everything we are lucky enough to enjoy and helping the less fortunate.

When I was younger, Christmas was the best time of the year, but then again I was just that: young and naive. All I needed was the newest toy and I was a happy camper. Now that I am older, I am more aware that it’s not just about getting a Wii or i-pod. It’s being thankful and blessed to have one another together. The true spirit of Christmas and the holidays are becoming ignored and neglected by materialism. It is becoming just another "Hallmark Holiday." Good for business bad for society and culture. Whatever happened to family traditions and values?

Instead of guessing what your in-law from the east coast wants, you should spend your time and money being more productive. Like volunteering at a local shelter or donating to the food bank. That is what the true Christmas spirit is about, making sure everyone has a nourishing meal and clothes on their back. I understand, easier said than done especially with the current state our economy is in and more families than ever living below the poverty line. But if everyone does their part and contributes in one way or another things can workout. Last year I served Christmas dinner at a local shelter and that was a fulfilling enough gift to me. Most of us just donate and volunteer during the holidays which is greatly appreciated by many and is often when needed the most, but what about the other eleven months of the year? Poverty doesn’t just occur one month out of the year unfortunately. We easily forget throughout the rest of the year to help others.

Back in the good ol’ days, as our grandparents would say, things were simple and people enjoyed the little things in life. But just like everything else, times change, and along with that so do people. As people change, customs, traditions and values also change. So just slow down and remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Going Abroad Essay

Life is really about what you make of it. To me, it is not about the size of my paycheck or the kind of car I drive. It is about the people I surround myself with, following my dreams and most importantly, the experiences I encounter that truly shape my life. Studying abroad is one thing I have always wanted to do. I know it will be a life changing event and I will learn a lot, not only in the classroom, about different cultures and people, but about myself. I am a third year Communications major with a love for writing and learning. I am very dedicated, focused, and hardworking. I feel studying abroad will benefit all aspects of my life and allow me to look at things through different perspectives. I am very interested and excited to study in Sweden, I know I will get so much out of it and forever remember my time abroad.

I try to get very involved with extracurricular activities and make the most of my time in college. Since I can remember, I have been involved with sports. I was a three sport athlete through high school and continued into my freshman year with a scholarship to UC Irvine. I think it has contributed to a huge part of who I am today. More than the game, I learned how to get along with others, commitment, hard work and dedication that will continue to help me throughout the rest of my life. Along with sports I have done everything from Camp Fire, youth group, volunteer work, and various clubs. I am currently the sports editor and staff writer for the school newspaper, a DJ for the school radio, conversational partner to three international students, and on the Ultimate Frisbee team. I think all of these activities have helped me to become more outgoing, adventurous and open minded. They have prepared me to handle different situations and become well rounded. Aside from the Communications courses I have taken, a few others have caught my attention. A general education course I took, Sociocultural Anthropology, opened my eyes to different people, societies and cultures. I enjoyed learning about the different cultures throughout the world and know that Sweden would be a good place to see for myself and experience their traditions.

I feel my academic and career goals will tremendously benefit from my time abroad. I want to learn how different countries and cultures see the media. How national news is portrayed throughout the world. Being abroad will allow me to see the different aspects and contrasts of the media. It will also give me insight to what it would be like to travel and write, being that I want to become an independent journalist and write stories around the world. It will familiarize me with different places and different cultures.

I truly feel that at this point in my life, after all the obstacles and triumphs I have faced, I am now more than ever prepared for a new experience that will leave an impression on me for the rest of my life. It is not just a reason to get away or escape, but I know it will be life changing and provide me with many unforgettable and irreplaceable memories. I have worked hard for everything I have earned and will do whatever it takes to be able to experience studying abroad. I don’t want to regret letting the opportunity of a lifetime pass by.

Living the Dream

Informing the world one story at a time. For Wadner Pierre, life is about getting his message to the public through independent and photo journalism. He is all about the truth and breaking people’s perceived image of his country, Haiti among other topics. Wadner was inspired to start his journalistic career, shortly after the Coup D'état in February of 2004, where he was involved and witnessed the many struggles Haiti and it’s people were facing. The Coup D'état, was the removal and overthrow of the popular government of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide by Canadian, French, and U.S. policy. The consequences of the overthrow of the elected government caused many struggles and trauma to Haiti and they have endured it even to this day. The United Nations is still the major force and predominant power in Haiti.

"I live for the moment and try to take everything in at every situation." The passion and motivation come from the heart for Wadner Pierre, an independent journalist and an all-around inspiring person. Interesting is an understatement to describe Wadner. He is good-hearted, true and dedicated. It is clearly present in his daily life and all the work he does.

"A picture says a thousand words and it depicts feelings and emotions of the people. The only way you can get more real is to personally be there. It is the best way to perceive actuality," feels Wadner. He experienced and saw the problems his people were living and wanted to do something about it. He used photography along with his writing as a powerful way to show the reality of what was going on.

Born in 1983 in the city of Gonaives in the Artibonite province of Haiti. Wadner has eight half brothers and sisters. He is currently visiting California from his home in Port-au-Prince, where he writes for the Inter Press Service and other independent news outlets. He is a co-founder and contributor to HaitiAnalysis.com, a media collective of young journalists from Haiti, the United States and abroad. In 2007, he won an award from Project Censored for his outstanding coverage of the largely overlooked conflicts currently taking place in Haiti. Many of Wadner’s photos are used in magazines throughout the world, such as Human Rights Network Magazine. During his time here in Sonoma county, he has had articles in the Bay View Newspaper, Press Democrat, and different Sonoma State University mediums. Although, Wadner has not been in the journalist field for long, he has received more awards and accomplishments than some do in a lifetime.

"I do it because I love it and want to spread truth and awareness." He doesn’t do it for the money, far from it actually. Wadner started out his career working for his own enjoyment and contribution to society. Even to this day, the money he makes still barely covers his costs. It is about the strong love and belief in his cause that guides him to his work. The feeling he gets and the fact that he is doing his part to help the world is his form of payment.

"I thank God everyday to live the life I have. It is more than I could have ever imagined and no amount of money could compare," said Wadner about his lifestyle. He is thankful everyday for the blessings to be able to live his dream and have these opportunities. Just seeing the joy and excitement in Wadner’s face when he talks about his job and life truly show how happy and grateful he is.

"Getting to the truth is my main focus," said Wadner about his work of independent journalism and photography. "By being an independent journalist and not working for a news media corporation, gives me the freedom of choice". Wadner is very proud and connected to his home country of Haiti, so most of his work deals with and is based around it. He really wants to show the world the truth about Haiti and prove it is more than just the image that most people have. Wadner writes about many different topics from human rights, news, politics, international relations, economy, law, civil society, culture, environment, health, and mass media. He works a lot with human rights issues and the grass roots project. All of Wadner’s articles are honest and true. He feels to get the truth, you have to go to the source or the "roots". Wadner doesn’t just speak for himself and only give his own personal opinion, he goes to the people and gives their story. He lives with them and listens to them, because that is the only real way to find out about their lives and message. From that he gains inspiration and realism to truthfully write his story.
"Besides being inspired by my country and my people, I am also very influenced by Ghandi and his non-violence movement."

"I want to see things happen, people to take action." The greatest challenge of his work isn’t the writing or creating of the story, but rather actually seeing the change happen and giving new perspectives. Wadner wants to see that his work has influenced cultures and societies to change for the better. Awareness and change are his goals that he seeks out daily. Through independent journalism he hopes to achieve them.

He believes that there are many benefits to working independently. He has much more freedom to write what he feels has importance and doesn’t have as many restrictions or guidelines as a common news company would have. He can give his own personal insight and express feelings and emotion. Whereas, mainstream news corporations perceive and experience things differently. They will show viewers what is beneficial to them, meaning what will profit the most versus independent journalists that show the truth and reality of an event. He has actually met several former corporate news writers, that are now working independently. They were tired of being restricted to show one part of a story and having so much censorship over them. Major corporate media firms are about money and as we know money talks. So, they are biased to show what will be profitable in the long run.

"To be a good independent journalist, you must not do it for the money, but because you are honest and you care." You want to help change the world by giving true perspective and awareness. Wadner is very proud that he can tell the world what they want to hear through his work. He stands by his writing, but doesn’t believe in brainwashing in any way. People can perceive it the way they want. Intelligibility is an important part of journalist writing according to Wadner. It is the ability to be understood and to understand. Which I think really does have significant meaning. If you are passionate about spreading your word and cause then the writing will come easy. Like Wadner, you may even meet interesting people, make new friends and also experience some life changing journeys along the way. Since, he’s began his career as a independent journalist only two years ago, he has already experienced a world full of adventure. He has traveled to many different places, meet many interesting people, and made many lasting memories. He is very happy and excited with where his life is leading him. He is so appreciative to be able to travel and continue his true passion. Wadner is motivated for the future and all the journeys he will experience.

"I like to take one day at a time and believe things will workout the way God intends them to." Wadner is very dedicated to his family, friends, and pursuing his dreams. He is focused on all of those important aspects of his life. Belief in himself and god have helped guide him to where he is today. It is hard for the citizens of Haiti to break free from their routine and live outside the normal lifestyle. Wadner has proven to do more than just separate himself from the rest, but create a successful and fulfilling life.

The Last Lecture

Enough to make you cry and smile all at the same time. Not tears of joy, but rather tears of motivation and imagination. Randy Paush is good hearted, spirited, and genuine. A true kid at heart. He gave one the most amazing, heartfelt and meaningful speeches you’ll ever see. Can truly tell it comes straight from the heart. Although, his lecture created quite an occurrence and powerful message across the world, he didn’t do it for the fame or glory, but because he cares for others and wanted to share his experiences with everyone. His outlook on life is amazing and we should all be grateful that he was able to share it with the world. He has changed and inspired many lives through his journey by his words and mentality.

It wasn’t just your typical college lecture on Sept. 18, 2007 at Carnegie Mellon University, far from it actually. Possibly the best lecture many of us will ever witness our entire lives. More than the lecture itself, it was about following your dreams. "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams", was the title of his lecture. The substance of his speech was about childhood dreams, enabling the dreams of others, and lessons learned. Randy shared his own dreams he had as a kid, childhood memories, and all the achievements he had experienced throughout his life. The most important point Randy emphasized was "how you can achieve your dreams or enable the dreams of others."

"I probably got more from that dream and not accomplishing it than I got from any of the ones that I did accomplish. It’s not about how to achieve your dreams. It’s about how to lead your life. If you lead your life the right way, the karma will take care of itself. The dreams will come to you," Randy strongly agrees that not matter how big or small are dreams may be we still need to have them. It is not just about accomplishing our dreams, but about the process to get there. It is a learning experience and it can only help us. It is not about finding ourselves through our dreams, but about creating ourselves along the way.

"We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand," Randy feels you have to take everything you have been given, good or bad and make the most of it. Randy had slides of his CT scans on the background for the audience to see. He told them about the cancer that was destroying his pancreas and that eventually claimed his life a few months after. But clearly this lecture was not about how to die, rather it was about how to live. On the stage, Randy was very youthful, energetic, cheerful, and funny. He was having a fun time and really interacting with the audience. You never would have been able to guess he was dying a slow, agonizing death. He seemed invincible with the world in his hands. He had an inspirational and peaceful spirit that filled the room and the hearts of every person watching. He touched everyone witnessing his speech, in one way or another. The impact his words have were so powerful that they will affect you in one way or another. Some will take it as a push to succeed, others as a glimpse of hope. Whatever it may be, Randy’s lecture is inspiring and has taught us all a lesson in life.

"Have something to bring to the table, because that will make you more welcome. Be good at something, it makes you valuable." Randy drove the importance of being unique and having something personally special to share with the world. He shows us a way of leading a great life by achieving what you want for yourself, but remembering to always help others, as he has done throughout his life. He will make your outlook on life brighter just by reminding you of the simple things. Learn more, love greatly and never give up. All too often people make life more complex than it really is. In reality the answer to life's questions lie in the simply things. In Randy's case it was in his childhood dreams.

"The brick walls are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something. Because the brick walls are there to stop the people who don’t want it badly enough." The things in life worth working for don’t come easy. Good things will come to those who prosper through the hard times and survive.

Randy’s lecture has become a phenomenon, as well as his book he wrote based on the same principles, celebrating the dreams we all strive to make realities. There is a lot to be learned from Randy. I feel touched and blessed to have witnessed such an amazing speaker give such a life changing speech. It is amazing to see how Randy has influenced people all over the world. He makes you look deeply into your own life and also how you affect others lives. Only until we love ourselves, can we love others. The most important message from his lecture is that leading your life the right way is never just about yourself, but about you and the people around you. Although, Randy lost his battle to pancreatic cancer on July 25th 2008, his legacy will continue to inspire us all for generations to come. It is true, the good die young. Randy is another hero blessed to heaven.

Work Together

With all the problems going on right now in our own country, it is hard to think about our own welfare getting any better, let alone on a world level. How can we help other countries with their problems if we can’t even fix our own? I think we need to take care of ourselves before we can take care of others. Not in a selfish way at all. But come on people, how many trillions of dollars are we in debt? How much money do we give in aid, to just get it used against us in the end. How much aid have we ever been given? We should know by now and past history that "no good deed goes unpunished." America loves to live by that motto.

With the recent Fannie Mae, AIG and stock market catastrophes, among a long list of other problems. We are experiencing an economic disaster. As if you haven’t already been aware of that. It is possibly becoming the worst financial and economic crisis our country has ever seen, worse than the Great Depression. From rise in price of consumer goods to people losing their jobs left and right. The economic state that we are in is causing horrible outcomes and consequences. Foreclosures, bankruptcies, unemployment, poverty, and even suicide are all steadily increasing.

Our own corporations and government are corrupt and hurting our fellow citizens. If our own corporate CEO’s and "big wigs" are screwing their employees. They don’t care that they are ruining many lives and taking away from families. Everyone is out for their own good and greed. We are like animals fighting for dominance. It’s a jungle out there and we have to fend for ourselves. It’s hard to trust anyone and few truly care about others. Always watching our back and preparing for the worse is what we have to do to survive. Aren’t we suppose to help each other for the common good? But in reality most just care about themselves. It is all about the bigger picture: money. Go against everything we believe for that extra buck. When times are tough can you really blame us? If we as a country can’t take care of our own people, how can we expect to take care of other countries? We need to solve our own problems before we can go out and "save the world."

World peace can’t be achieved in a day, a year or even a lifetime. Realistically possibly never, especially the way things are going now. But we can at least hope and strive for it. Seems like things should be getting better, with all the technological improvements, research, and such. But from what I see, I beg to differ.

Morale is especially low right now and we have no faith in our country during these hard times we’re facing. If we’re not healthy ourselves, it’s hard to help others. Make it happen, do your part to help in whatever way you can, big or small it all adds up in the end. This may sound like a long shot and unrealistic, but I believe to help people on a greater scale, we have to begin on a small scale. As simple as achieving peace at home with your family, peace at school and work. It is a domino affect that will spread. Only when we can better ourselves, can we better others and better society, our country as a whole and the world. We’re all in this together! "Think globally, act locally."

Stand Up!

When our personal values and morals are put into question, we have a choice to make. We can stand up for what we truly believe and go against the grain or back down and pretend to be something we’re not. Everyday we are put in situations to make decisions. Everything from agreeing to what your professor’s say even though you feel offended. Following your boss’ orders when they are unethical. Or something as minuscule as being pressured into that extra beer when you feel you’ve had enough. We more often than not, don’t say anything. We just go along with it even though we feel uncomfortable. We don’t want our grade to be affected, lose our job, or seem "uncool." So, we find it easier to just overlook the problem and go with the flow. It’s what they expect of us.

We all "believe" that we follow our morals, but when put to the test, we sometimes take the less impacted way out and throw our beliefs aside. I’m pretty sure, no matter how much we don’t want to confess, we have all let our feelings, friends, pressure, or acceptance overpower our values and lead us to the bad side. I can think of many instances myself right now. Just like we know we should always take the high road when situations get out of hand, but it is often easier to lower our standards and give in. We demean ourselves by doing this, it shows we can’t handle the pressure. Try to stay controlled and keep your composure. They are just life’s little tests in every experience we face. Get used to it, they’re not going away anytime soon. So, the more familiar you are with these annoying little "tests", the better prepared you’ll become.

Next time you’re in an awkward, uncomfortable or unethical situation, stand up for yourself. I know, I know, easier said than done when actually put on stage. But you’d be surprised to find you might actually be respected for your morality and honor. I know in my books, you’d basically be a bad-ass. No one should be forced into doing something they don’t feel is right and everyone can fight for what they believe. That’s one of the great things about this country. We HAVE the freedom to express our opinion and make our own choices. Words of wisdom: Don’t change your identity, define yourself by "who you are." It’s not about finding yourself, it’s about creating yourself.

Inevitable Truth

If you haven’t noticed, gas prices are on the rise and there is no slowing them down. It seems like every time you go fill up, you can add a few more bucks to your balance. Ultimately, we as consumers have to pay the price for all the political problems and other issues that affect theincrease.

We all hate it, but the truth is we have absolutely no control over it and there is nothing we can do to change it. Gas is a necessity and will always be in demand, unless they come up with some universal and available alternatives. The sad thing is that many people have to choose between food and other necessities to driving to work. I really feel bad for those who have along commute to work everyday, it’s ridiculous when they are spending half or more of their paycheck on the darn gas to get them to work. Where is the profit margin here?

Many families are struggling right now with the high gas prices and something needs to be changed, but in reality it doesn’t look like the outlook is good. There are many alternatives to gas, but they just aren’t readily available, affordable and on the market. As if the economy isn’t already bad enough right now, they have to bury us even deeper in the hole with gas prices.
Even though we complain about gas, we don’t really seem to be doing anything to fix it. If Americans weren’t so spoiled by all of us having our own cars, so we can go wherever, whenever at our own convenience, we could actually take some steps in keeping gas costs down. Most of us think we are too good to take the bus to work or are too independent to arrange a carpool. Yeah, we may not have the best public transportation system compared to Europe and other countries, but we do have something and if you actually make the effort to use it, it will probably workout. There is always the good ol’ man powered automobile, the bike, which would be good for everyone, their health, the environment, and your wallet Also, arrange your schedules to be most gas efficient, do things like your grocery shopping on your way home from work, not take a separate trip. We all just need to face the fact gas is out of control and try to do the best we can in these hard times.

A Little Respect Please

Why is it that people feel they can treat complete strangers like crap for no reason? I have worked as a waitress the last three summers and have never been treated so badly by complete strangers. Although, most of my customers have been fine, but it is always the bad ones that weremember most. I just don’t understand who people think they are treating an innocent waitress so horribly. Is it a position of power they feel they have over someone for that moment when I am serving them? I honestly feel that is a huge part of it, because the customers that gave me the hardest time were usually the least educated and lower class citizens. They take advantage of servers, because that is probably the only time they have power over someone or something in their lives. I would give great service and take good care of them while they were dining at the restaurant I worked at, but they would always find someway to demean me and make me feel worthless. My coworkers and I would always talk about the rude customers and tell each other we shouldn’t even care because those people mean nothing to us, but I would always take things personally unfortunately and it would make me feel bad. Some of the worst customers I have ever had would make personal attacks on me that had absolutely nothing to do with the service or food. It was really unnecessary, but I guess it made them feel better about themselves and boost their self-esteem. I just think there are better ways to do that then attack your friendly local restaurant server, who is just trying to make a few bucks to keep the college loans down. Also, while I’m ranting about that, people need to know about gratuity. I don’t think they understand that a server’s job is based on tips. That we get taxed on 11%, so the government assumes we make at least 11%, so basically when we get stiffed, we are technically losing money to serve you. Good tippers usually can make up for bad tips. Don’t eat out if you aren’t going to tip. It should just be assumed and if not there is always a McDonald’s down the road, with a dollar menu. Waitressing is not a fun job, so try not to make it even harder on the server. You really think somebody likes waiting on rude people that always need something or there is always something wrong? It is usually just good money and flexible hours for college students. The good thing about working in a restaurant is that it really made me want to get a good education so I won’t have to be doing it my whole life. I really feel sorry for the older ladies that have waitressed their whole lives and have to rely on it as their only income. If you ever need an incentive to get an education and go to school, become a waitress. You will quickly be motivated to get a degree.

Election Feelings 2008

With the election soon approaching many of us are still left in the dark or hastily trying to draw a conclusion for our candidate. This election is possibly the biggest historical election thus far. Whoever would have imagined there would be both a minority man and a woman, now that Sarah Palin is involved, in the race. This shows how far we have truly come from when our four fathers began and that anything is possible. It really wasn too long ago when women suffrage started around the late 1800s and now we have had a woman run for president and one that could be vice president. This is history in the making and we are fortunate enough to witness it.

"From concerns about the economy and the war in Iraq to the perennial topics of Social Security and the health care system, a range of issues is guiding this year presidential race," according to CNN 2008 Election Center. With this being such an important election, more people are registering to vote and becoming more aware of the issues and topics that affect our country.

"More than 10 million viewers tuned into Wednesday’s Democratic debate on ABC, making it the most-watched debate of the primary election season," according to The New York Times. The media coverage and amount of viewers of the presidential debates topped the scales and that truly shows how involved people are becoming in this election.

"I want to vote and feel like I need to, but I’m not sure of which candidate to choose or why. I feel like I don’t know very much about the election and the candidates. I only know about them from what I see on TV and read in the paper," said college student Leona Witenberg. Leona along with many other Americans is unsure of her presidential candidate selection and is very swayed by the media. With so many new voters and more people than ever registering, not everyone is informed about their decisions. They base them strictly off of how they are portrayed by media and influences from their family and friends. When they need to just take the time to find out about the issues that concern them and how the different candidates view their stances. People want to take action in voting and be part of the change, but unfortunately some are very naive and inexperienced with politics and government. Although, there are many Americans who hold strong opinions and are very well educated on their decision.

"Obama’s campaign spent over $377 million and McCain $194 million," according to open secrets.org, a center for responsive politics. Millions of dollars are spent for candidate’s campaigns and most of it is raised through private donors and corporations. Candidates rely heavily on donations and without them their would be no campaign. It sometimes turns into a popularity contest, with how many signs your committee can get out or how many commercials are on television. The more the public can see your name or face the more it sticks with them and the better chance they will end up voting for that candidate. It shouldn’t be about who has the most money to spend or who has the best campaign committee, it should be about the issues and how they will affect our country.

There are many ways and resources out there that can educate voters about the two presidential candidates, Barrack Obama and John McCain. The information is widely available, but it is up to you to choose whether or not to use it. A good website that discusses a wide array of issues and topics is PresidentialElection.com. It is a non-partisan directory and information center to educate voters. It doesn’t endorse any of the candidates and is only intended for informational purposes, according to the site.
"It is exciting to vote in such a big election that can make a big difference for our country," said student Kyle Herd. For Kyle and many other new voters their first election is an important one that can have a tremendous impact on our nation.

Even if you’re tired of hearing about the election, put that aside for the next few months and become involved, because although this year's election is historic, its consequences have a bigger outcome. The next president of this country will make a difference for you and me. If you think your vote doesn’t matter, that one person can’t make a difference, you’re wrong. You can’t win the lottery unless you buy a ticket. Yes, the outcome of this election matters. So be sure to do your research about both candidates and find out exactly where they stand on the issues that affect you most.

Technological Dependency in the 21st Century

Sometimes we don’t know how hard it is to go without something until it is gone. We take our luxuries for granted and don’t truly appreciate them. Sophmore, Stephanie Christen, knows exactly how that feels. She was recently out of commission for a whole three days, while her cell phone was broken. Being in the 21st century in American society everyone is so connected to their phones and technological gadgets that those few three days can seem like a lifetime. "I didn’t realize how dependent I was on my cell phone," said Christen and I’m sure most of us can relate to that as well. It is such a convenience to constantly have our cell phones by our side, but it also restricts us from solving some problems by ourselves and just being able to get away and not be "connected" to everyone and everything.

Majority of college students have a cell phone and it is typically their main or only source of staying in touch with their family and friends. So, when we don’t have our cell phones for a few days, it really is a hardship. "I don’t have any other way of people reaching me than through my phone," added Christen. It is a weird concept for us and we feel disconnected from the norm that society creates. It is harder to get in touch with friends and you can possibly even miss out on things, by not being informed through phone. Students always have their phones with them wherever and whenever they go. It is a comfort to students to have their phones for easy access to not only family and friends, but also for safety resources, which is very reassuring to everyone.

Our society is very connected to the luxuries of technology. "I feel like I can’t live without it," said Senior Krystal Martinez. Youth these days are getting cell phones as early as six years of age. What a change from just as recent as fifteen years ago, when cell phones weren’t hardly even available. How did past eras ever survive without them? Well, they seemed to manage just fine and life was very different from what we know now in our high tech age. In earlier times, phones were a privilege to have and only the elite could afford them. Now they are readily available and in large supply. Some people even have multiple cell phones and those that don’t have phones are seen as some sort of outcast.

While Christen experienced a disconnection from her family and friends last week, she truly realized how much she depends upon her cell phone, but also knows she can survive without it. With technology taking over and becoming the future, the people who totally rely on it, sometimes lack or loose social and communication skills. The impact technology has on people is overwhelming. "You loose emotional and personal connection through a phone," agreed Stephanie. Whereas communicating in person, we can truly see and feel what we are saying through facial expression, feelings, emotion, emphasis, etc. Remember phones are great to have, but don’t loose that personal connection either.

NFL: Part of the American Life

So, why DO Americans love football so much? Many people believe Americans take football too seriously or are just completely obsessed. You may think it is overrated but leave it to the fans to decide that. Only a true fan will ever know the real feeling and the passion it brings out. It’s more than just something to look forward to on the usually dreaded Monday nights. It’s part of the American culture, American life. It’s about the excitement, anticipation, halftime shows, tail gating and parties. But even more important than the game itself, it is about traditions, family past times, bonding with your son and buddies, and coming together for a common cause. A good excuse to throw down a few cold ones. Getting that first jersey when you’re a kid, going to your first game and Sunday barbeque’s with your family and friends are what the love for the NFL are all about. Of course, a win always makes things better, but there is more to football than the literal aspect.

It is the reason some people get up in the morning, the light that keeps them going, okay now I may be exaggerating a bit now, but people do take it seriously and it does become a big part of their lives and themselves. Sometimes, literally, I mean how many team logos have you seen tattooed on people? I know I sure have seen a fair share.

Although, there are definitely some over obsessed hardcore fans out there that would literally die for their team. My brother included, it actually scares me sometimes. He gets so into the game that it literally determines his attitude for the week. I always knew to stay clear of him when the niners lost. I’ll admit there are those crazy fans that get a little too intense and involved at games. The ones that find themselves being hauled away by security after brawling with the other team’s fans. If that pertains to you, words of advice: you should probably get a life and know that whether your team wins or loses, life WILL still go on.

The Super Bowl might as well be declared an official holiday. As it is, more people do celebrate it than most holidays. I bet some of you fans out there are already guilty to missing Sunday service or calling in sick to work so you could watch the game. Don’t be ashamed to admit it, we know it is true.

Some of us, especially women don’t fully understand the football frenzy and may never know, but don’t judge until you have experienced it yourself. I get really annoyed by people out there that put professional sports down and criticize them. Saying, "it is just a stupid game and people need to get a life." Well, maybe THEY need to get a life, what is so bad about having a passion for something or a healthy outlet to your daily routine. People need something to look forward to in their busy lives and if it happens to be game day, then good for them. It seems healthy to me. The ones who knock it are usually the people that were last to get picked for kick ball when they were younger and it is built up resentment. They just need to get over it.

It may mostly be a guy thing, but women also love football. One word: shopping. Game days are the only time of the year they can go shopping without being hassled and are actually encouraged to leave. Women, be sure to take full advantage of football season, that great opportunity may never arise again.

True fans are dedicated to their team until the day they die and will never back down or give up. "Their team" will always be "their team", and they would never ever consider switching. They are not front runners or band wagoners. Go Niners, I stand by them in their good and as we have seen in the past few seasons, definitely their bad as well.

It’s more than just being a spectator, NFL fans live it. There is a real feeling and
importance football plays in your life. If this wasn’t true, the NFL wouldn’t have such a remarkable impact on American culture, as it has more than proven to be.

My Life Blues

I hope to have a fulfilling life and I want to accomplish something before I die,
I hope to have a fulfilling life and I want to accomplish something before I die,
I want to make something out of myself, so I don’t have to live a lie

Everyday my life gets shorter and every year I get even older,
Everyday my life gets shorter and every year I get even older,
The obstacles that I face help to make me bolder

I don’t want to be just another human being in this world we live in,
I don’t want to be just another human being in this world we live in,
I want to be happy then I won’t need to sin

I get stressed about school and sports,
I get stressed about school and sports,
I just need to relax while cruising to many ports

I’m tired of the same routine and need to break out of the shell,
I’m tired of the same routine and need to break out of the shell,
But I would never do anything to go to hell

The tragedies that I encounter through my life make me stronger,
The tragedies that I encounter through my life make me stronger,
But the triumphs have helped me to live longer

Sometimes all the negative in the world makes me want to run away and hide,
Sometimes all the negative in the world makes me want to run away and hide,
I can only hope this world will get better so the next generations of lives will have a fun ride

I often dream of being thebest,
I often dream of being the best,
But I’m sure I will just be one of the rest

I want to someday meet a true and loyal mate,
I want to someday meet a true and loyal mate,
Not just a boring date

Life isn’t fair and the world is full of hate,
Life isn’t fair and the world is full of hate,
The best we can do is wish for a great fate

When I think about getting old and dying it makes me cry,
When I think about getting old and dying it makes me cry,
So I should live life to the fullest and wipe my tears dry

Time is running out I need to conquer my dream,
Time is running out I need to conquer my dream,
And if it comes true the excitement will make me scream

I guess I shouldn’t worry, because things always find a way to workout and when I find my place in the world the world will find me,
I guess I shouldn’t worry, because things always find a way to workout and when I find my place in the world the world will find me,
Hopefully that’s the way my life will be

The troubles that I face on a day to day base,
The troubles that I face on a day to day base,
Are something we deal with in the human race

When it is my end of time,
When it is my end of time,
I hope you will all remember this rhyme

I should not worry because I’m sure I’ll be fine,
I should not worry because I’m sure I’ll be fine,
And this is the end to my poetry line

Torn

Not a day goes by that I dont wish you were by my side,
but sometimes things get too complicated and I just want to run away and hide.
Youre more to me than just a boring date,
maybe even a loyal mate.
I enjoy all the time we spend together,
and hopefully it can last forever.
You seem different from all the other guys,
I never want to have to say our goodbyes.
I can share my feelings with you, unlike the rest,
and thats what truly makes you the best.
I thought we really had something, all was going well,
then my heart was broken and I felt like hell.
I stayed up in bed,
and cried from what you said.
But its better that you didnt lie,
than to never know before I die.
My trust and respect for you went down,
then I remembered our nights on the town.
I want so hard to give you a second chance,
and everything to be as good as it was with our first dance.
I think about you all the time,
and this is the end of my poetry rhyme.

Living the Dream

Living the dream,
the dream I've always had.
Never knew it would come true,
until the day I saw it through.
I worked so hard to make it happen,
now I get to live what I've imagined.
The light is on and shinning so bright,
that all I can do is make it feel right.
So lucky to be in this position,
with all of these opportunities.
Can only hope the drive will follow
on to bring the unexpected.
No urges can fight with me now,
that the hard times are down.

Until the End

Things are turned all upside down,
and upon my face is a frown.
But when I look out and see the sun,
I just want to forget it and go have fun.
Our time here goes by so fast,
thats why we need to make it last.
Life is full of challenging obstacles and tests,
that when we fight through them it brings out the best.
Sometimes it seems like its all I can take,
but I guess thats because its what we make.
I want to be the best I can be,
and people to truly know me.
I want to forget the mistakes of my past,
so the years to come can be a blast.
I dont really care what people think,
as long as while I sail through life, I dont sink.
Im not really one for fades or fashion,
Id rather be known for having compassion.
Life is gone in the blink of an eye,
so I want to live like Im not afraid to die.
I love to hangout with all my friends,
I hope their will never come an end.
As the days go by and weeks rush on,
it seems before I know it a year is gone.
Each day is going at a different pace,
with a new look on my face,
for life is one hell of a crazy race.
I want to make a name,
but sometimes I feel like giving up on this game.
As days come and go,
the distance between reality and dream grow.
I know that I am no longer a kid,
and will soon have to prove the things I did.
I can choose to live my life many ways,
whichever will provide me with the most memorable days,
I want to break out and try something new,
but I tell myself to keep pushing through.
I will keep strong with my belief,
so that at the end of my life I can be relieved,
that all my goals have been achieved.
Everyday my mind is full of reason,
which I express through each season.