As we all know, on Monday April 15th, 2 bombs exploded near the finish line of the Boston Marathon killing three and injuring over 150. This act of terror was unacceptable and whoever is responsible will be found and punished accordingly.
Why the Boston Marathon though? Was there any symbolism here that this person was trying to fight? I think not. I think this person was deranged and psychotic and simply had the intent to kill and injure many innocent people.
When I first heard about this event, I didn't think too much about it, but then when I got back to my dorm from class I looked at facebook, watched the news and saw the videos. It was much worse than I thought it was. Then I realized through Facebook, all my friends from high school as well as my family who lives in and around Boston. I didn't know until later that I knew several people running in the marathon. Luckily, they weren't injured or killed.
That same day was the Red Sox "Patriot Day" at Fenway, where it is the only game in the MLB to begin at 11:00 AM. The game was done just before the bombs went off. After that tragic day, Patriot Day has stuck to me. We are all Patriots and we are all defenders of our freedom.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
A Fraternity Not A Frat
As a member of a Fraternity this is very important to me. Greek life is more than people just think. It isn't just a group of drinking buddies, a group of similar interests, or a group of random guys. I can find all of that in school with friends, clubs, and my hall.
The stigmas associated with Fraternities are what I would describe as a Frat. A Frat is a bunch of guys who drink together and rage together and have fun. They do things in their everyday life which could be considered a TFM (Total Frat Move). While sure, some things that are associated with a Frat are part of a fraternity. Its only part of it, just like Frat is only a part of the word fraternity. Frats dress fratastic, and yes I do dress fratty it is simply the culture of it.
A fraternity is a brotherhood. I know I can always count on my brothers and can trust them. Sure we might live the frat life, but we also live our lives like a true brotherhood. It is filled with trust, bonding, and brotherly love. These brothers are my life and some of my closest friends. It builds character, morals, experience, and leadership. All things that are critical to the real world and substantial to leading a successful life. It helps build relations with immediate brothers, other fraternal brothers, and alumni. These connections help to further ones life and get ahead of the game. All in all joining a fraternity was the best decision of my life and I wouldn't want it any other way. I am a member of Beta Theta Pi and I am in a fraternity, not a frat.
The stigmas associated with Fraternities are what I would describe as a Frat. A Frat is a bunch of guys who drink together and rage together and have fun. They do things in their everyday life which could be considered a TFM (Total Frat Move). While sure, some things that are associated with a Frat are part of a fraternity. Its only part of it, just like Frat is only a part of the word fraternity. Frats dress fratastic, and yes I do dress fratty it is simply the culture of it.
A fraternity is a brotherhood. I know I can always count on my brothers and can trust them. Sure we might live the frat life, but we also live our lives like a true brotherhood. It is filled with trust, bonding, and brotherly love. These brothers are my life and some of my closest friends. It builds character, morals, experience, and leadership. All things that are critical to the real world and substantial to leading a successful life. It helps build relations with immediate brothers, other fraternal brothers, and alumni. These connections help to further ones life and get ahead of the game. All in all joining a fraternity was the best decision of my life and I wouldn't want it any other way. I am a member of Beta Theta Pi and I am in a fraternity, not a frat.
Why I didn't Post This Earlier
This assigned blog was due last week and why am I just writing it now?
No, it's not because I didn't care about it, or that I'm trying to stick it to the man, or some other lame excuse.
In all honesty it was because I simply forgot and the reason it slipped my mind is that it seemed minuscule to all the other things going on in my life. What is one simple, little blog post? More than one would think. It's a way of expressing yourself and the more I get into this its calming and not just a boring assignment.
This past week I had a lot going on. Every day I had to be at a meeting earlier than I would've liked (8:30 AM) in order to have budget meetings. I met with every student group on campus and listened to them tell myself and the rest of SGA's finance committee their proposed budget for next year. I also had a lunch date with a prospective student, an RLC meeting on Wednesday and a fraternity chapter meeting. In addition, I had dance practice every night for AKA's "So You Think You Can Stroll". (We did a fantastic job, but didn't win) Our practices didn't go unnoticed, we just weren't the best ones out there. Finally, the coming weekend was my fraternity's formal in Savannah, Georgia. I was looking forward to it so much and looking forward to getting off of Furman's campus.
What I learned from last week and these coming weeks is I'm too busy and spread out to thin. We learn from our mistakes and fix them. That is why I'm currently reorganizing myself and getting my priorities straightened out.
No, it's not because I didn't care about it, or that I'm trying to stick it to the man, or some other lame excuse.
In all honesty it was because I simply forgot and the reason it slipped my mind is that it seemed minuscule to all the other things going on in my life. What is one simple, little blog post? More than one would think. It's a way of expressing yourself and the more I get into this its calming and not just a boring assignment.
This past week I had a lot going on. Every day I had to be at a meeting earlier than I would've liked (8:30 AM) in order to have budget meetings. I met with every student group on campus and listened to them tell myself and the rest of SGA's finance committee their proposed budget for next year. I also had a lunch date with a prospective student, an RLC meeting on Wednesday and a fraternity chapter meeting. In addition, I had dance practice every night for AKA's "So You Think You Can Stroll". (We did a fantastic job, but didn't win) Our practices didn't go unnoticed, we just weren't the best ones out there. Finally, the coming weekend was my fraternity's formal in Savannah, Georgia. I was looking forward to it so much and looking forward to getting off of Furman's campus.
What I learned from last week and these coming weeks is I'm too busy and spread out to thin. We learn from our mistakes and fix them. That is why I'm currently reorganizing myself and getting my priorities straightened out.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
"He's the hero Gotham deserves, but not the one it needs right now"
Could there be a Batman out there?
He is the most realistic superhero known to man, he has no super powers and is just an all around bad ass. He has technology and gadgets that help him to fight crime and is fully human. He is my favorite superhero hands down. But how realistic is this notion of a vigilante?
Very I would say. Someone who is advanced enough, smart enough, and physically fit enough can easily pull this off. Bruce Wayne by day and Batman by night, any typical human being can do this as long as he fits the qualifications. He could help the local police force to fight crime and make the cities and streets a safer place. Plus he is free to the city and maybe even more effective, saving the city a lot of money and making it a more effective way to clean up crime.
Would this man be a billionaire? I would assume so because they need a lot of money in order to afford this advanced technology. For all we know there is a Batman out there, like George Clooney or Mitt Romney or Donald Trump.
How helpful is this man? Pretty damn helpful because he would have done a lot. However, if we don't know if this man exists, do we deserve to have this man protecting our citizens? OR should this idea be saved for the government officials. We should take pride in the average citizen, Batman or not, who takes civil action. He is simply a good citizen and the citizen that we need to further our American values. For example, the rich celebrities aforementioned are not actually Batman (although George Clooney does play him). However, they contribute to society and are good citizens.
He is the most realistic superhero known to man, he has no super powers and is just an all around bad ass. He has technology and gadgets that help him to fight crime and is fully human. He is my favorite superhero hands down. But how realistic is this notion of a vigilante?
Very I would say. Someone who is advanced enough, smart enough, and physically fit enough can easily pull this off. Bruce Wayne by day and Batman by night, any typical human being can do this as long as he fits the qualifications. He could help the local police force to fight crime and make the cities and streets a safer place. Plus he is free to the city and maybe even more effective, saving the city a lot of money and making it a more effective way to clean up crime.
Would this man be a billionaire? I would assume so because they need a lot of money in order to afford this advanced technology. For all we know there is a Batman out there, like George Clooney or Mitt Romney or Donald Trump.
How helpful is this man? Pretty damn helpful because he would have done a lot. However, if we don't know if this man exists, do we deserve to have this man protecting our citizens? OR should this idea be saved for the government officials. We should take pride in the average citizen, Batman or not, who takes civil action. He is simply a good citizen and the citizen that we need to further our American values. For example, the rich celebrities aforementioned are not actually Batman (although George Clooney does play him). However, they contribute to society and are good citizens.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Place Your Bets
March Madness is finally here! Time to join your work place and friend bracket groups in order to compete for bragging rights and glory. If your good at guessing or have a lot of knowledge on NCAA basketball then this is an easy way to make some quick cash from winning the pool or part of the office pool. The odds of winning are extremely low and there is a science behind bracketology. Don't pick the exact same as everyone else nor the exact same as the "experts". The chances of you winning if you have the same picks as everyone is lower then. But simply put make good choices, don't pick the number 16 seed to win it all.
Also, one must do research before filling out the bracket. Listen to ESPN and read sports analyses. As stated, only 1.8% of the country has Texas winning, yet experts say they have a 5.8% chance of winning, thus making it a good choice. Very few people will have it and its chances are decent and making them the most undervalued team. It is good to go for undervalued teams because it increases your chances. (These statistics are based in 2011).
There is much needed analyses that need to be looked at and careful considerations needed. These careful thoughts could be the difference between winning and losing. This is now a cultural identity for Americans and a tradition in the work place. Time for a little slump in work place productivity.
Just some tips I heard on ESPN: Most years, all final 4 teams were ranked between 1 and 4 in their respective sections. Only once did the final 4 consist of all top seeded teams. So choose a top team, but don't always choose the most top team.
Also, one must do research before filling out the bracket. Listen to ESPN and read sports analyses. As stated, only 1.8% of the country has Texas winning, yet experts say they have a 5.8% chance of winning, thus making it a good choice. Very few people will have it and its chances are decent and making them the most undervalued team. It is good to go for undervalued teams because it increases your chances. (These statistics are based in 2011).
There is much needed analyses that need to be looked at and careful considerations needed. These careful thoughts could be the difference between winning and losing. This is now a cultural identity for Americans and a tradition in the work place. Time for a little slump in work place productivity.
Just some tips I heard on ESPN: Most years, all final 4 teams were ranked between 1 and 4 in their respective sections. Only once did the final 4 consist of all top seeded teams. So choose a top team, but don't always choose the most top team.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Keep Calm, Carry On
One of the biggest and most controversial issues in America today is gun control. How should the government regulate guns and how can we limit mass shootings?
Well unfortunately, mass shootings will never be stopped even if there was to be an entire ban on all guns because people can still access them. So what should we do? Well some gun laws are necessary and in fact I agree with all the laws present on http://www.tracetheguns.org/#. I think these laws don't prohibit guns or impede on the constitution or on my personal rights. They are simply safety checks that hold people responsible and accountable. Accountability is a major aspect that needs to be used. \
However, the current suggestions by congress and President Obama, I strongly disagree with. Background checks are a must, but limitations on magazine rounds are pointless, when one can reload a gun just as quickly anyways. Also, a semi-automatic weapon ban isn't much useful either. While there is no "real" need for them by the public, they are nice to have and add to a sense of security by civilians. Many criminals choose to use these and no matter if they are banned or not, criminals will still have access to them. They do now anyways and criminals don't follow the law anyways (hence they are criminals) so what makes us think they will in this case then. THEY WON'T! (98% of guns used in shootings are obtained illegally)
When looking at recent shootings, guns are used in self-defense purposes (hence the reason many civilians carry). For example in the Aurora, CO shooting. The shooter picked the one movie theater that was within a mile from his home which banned weapons (there were more than 8 other options). http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2012/09/10/did-colorado-shooter-single-out-cinemark-theater/
As the article notes, all mass shootings since 1950 have occurred in gun free zones. These criminals are smart and know that in gun free zones there is less chance of being stopped. Clearly by disarming the population even more, we are only left more vulnerable to criminals with guns.
Well unfortunately, mass shootings will never be stopped even if there was to be an entire ban on all guns because people can still access them. So what should we do? Well some gun laws are necessary and in fact I agree with all the laws present on http://www.tracetheguns.org/#. I think these laws don't prohibit guns or impede on the constitution or on my personal rights. They are simply safety checks that hold people responsible and accountable. Accountability is a major aspect that needs to be used. \
However, the current suggestions by congress and President Obama, I strongly disagree with. Background checks are a must, but limitations on magazine rounds are pointless, when one can reload a gun just as quickly anyways. Also, a semi-automatic weapon ban isn't much useful either. While there is no "real" need for them by the public, they are nice to have and add to a sense of security by civilians. Many criminals choose to use these and no matter if they are banned or not, criminals will still have access to them. They do now anyways and criminals don't follow the law anyways (hence they are criminals) so what makes us think they will in this case then. THEY WON'T! (98% of guns used in shootings are obtained illegally)
When looking at recent shootings, guns are used in self-defense purposes (hence the reason many civilians carry). For example in the Aurora, CO shooting. The shooter picked the one movie theater that was within a mile from his home which banned weapons (there were more than 8 other options). http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2012/09/10/did-colorado-shooter-single-out-cinemark-theater/
As the article notes, all mass shootings since 1950 have occurred in gun free zones. These criminals are smart and know that in gun free zones there is less chance of being stopped. Clearly by disarming the population even more, we are only left more vulnerable to criminals with guns.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Who Will It Be?
As the whole world knows Pope Benedict XVI has resigned, being the first to do so in centuries. Most Popes are Pope until death. So now all the Cardinals who are eligible to vote (younger than 80) are eligible to vote in the Conclave. There are over 100 Cardinals attending, where they will discuss who should be the next Pope and then vote on it.
The media of course is already weighing in on who it should be. Some of the favorites are Cardinal Timothy Dolan of the U.S. (who I'm personally hoping for), as well as Mark Ouellet of Canada, Peter Turkson of Ghana and many others. Who ever the Conclave chooses will have a lot to look forward to in the future. Technically, the Pope doesn't have to be one of the Cardinals, it can be any baptized male so that means it could very well be me. However, I strongly doubt that it would me, but I would make a darn good Pope if I do say so.
However, one must look to the favorite options. I think that it would be in the church's best interest to pick someone not from Europe to increase the diversity of the church and to promote non-European expansion of the Catholic church. Being a Catholic, I strongly favor advancing the Catholic church. It says that there are more conservative than liberal leaning cardinals than before so there is no chance of the church "modernizing" its stances on abortion, gay marriage, and other religious affiliated political and moral issues. While, I agree with the church's stances on said items, I believe that they need to become either more modern or accepting or even more transparent with their specific beliefs. If a younger and non-European Pope was to be elected the Papacy and church would look different and possibly gain back parishioners and expand the Catholic church and make it more appealing to younger generations and more cultures.
The media of course is already weighing in on who it should be. Some of the favorites are Cardinal Timothy Dolan of the U.S. (who I'm personally hoping for), as well as Mark Ouellet of Canada, Peter Turkson of Ghana and many others. Who ever the Conclave chooses will have a lot to look forward to in the future. Technically, the Pope doesn't have to be one of the Cardinals, it can be any baptized male so that means it could very well be me. However, I strongly doubt that it would me, but I would make a darn good Pope if I do say so.
However, one must look to the favorite options. I think that it would be in the church's best interest to pick someone not from Europe to increase the diversity of the church and to promote non-European expansion of the Catholic church. Being a Catholic, I strongly favor advancing the Catholic church. It says that there are more conservative than liberal leaning cardinals than before so there is no chance of the church "modernizing" its stances on abortion, gay marriage, and other religious affiliated political and moral issues. While, I agree with the church's stances on said items, I believe that they need to become either more modern or accepting or even more transparent with their specific beliefs. If a younger and non-European Pope was to be elected the Papacy and church would look different and possibly gain back parishioners and expand the Catholic church and make it more appealing to younger generations and more cultures.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Single's Awareness Day
Single's Awareness Day as I like to call it, along with many other single people in the world, or better known as Valentine's Day to those who have loved one's is today.
This tradition began a long time ago, during the Roman Empire, but became more spiritual following the death of St. Valentine. Valentine's Day has evolved from a day to show love in simple ways to a costly and important holiday for couples. Couples spend anywhere from $10 (middle school relationships) to upwards of $500 (my guess is married couples or serious relationships). It is the holiday with the second most amount of cards sent in the mail to loved ones. It has also developed more from couples to any sort of loved ones such as friends and family. Many parents send or give their children gifts, especially children who are single.
Personally, I don't see the big deal about the holiday and I don't see why people think it's such a great holiday. I absolutely hate it, most likely due to my relationship status, but I like to think it brings awareness to us single folk. What happened to the good ole days called elementary school where each student passed out Valentines Day cards and candy to their classmates and it was just a friendly holiday. That is when I actually used to look forward to this day, now I dread it. I find it to be depressing and pointless. People shouldn't express their love for people on just one day a year because the calendar tells them to. People should always show their love for anyone they truly love in their lives everyday of the year. What makes our love so special on this one day? Absolutely nothing. It is just a reason for people to get gifts, cards, and feel more loved than every other day. I think it would be better for marriages and relationships to spread out the gifts, cards, and love throughout the year and always keeping them surprised and interested. Also, what is the point in generalizing the holiday for everyone? It isn't and we single people accept it and accept the pity love and gifts we get from people we are non-romantic with. So here is to all those with a special someone in your life, enjoy today, but don't forget to show your love every other day of the year.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
How Super Is The Super Bowl?
The Super Bowl is the second most watched sporting event in the world far behind the World Cup. However, it is the most watched sporting event in America! So what is so super about the Super Bowl? The fact that the 2 greatest teams of that NFL season fight for the championship title and the Lombardi trophy in addition to the fame and fortune that come along with it. This is the moment that all NFL fans ,who religiously watch football every Sunday, have waited for! They obviously hope that there team is the one playing. (Side note: I'm sad that my favorite team that I religiously watch, The New England Patriots, weren't in it this year.)
Everyone can agree that this is the most momentous occasion in sports. The culture behind the Super Bowl is great! We can show off our pride for America through the patriotism that can be seen when "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "America The Beautiful" are being sung. May I say Alicia Keys did great, but I was brought more to tears when I heard Jennifer Hudson and the children from Sandy Hook Elementary School sing. The tremendous singing of these magnificent songs add to our patriotism. Another cultural aspect, the half-time show. This year it was done by Beyonce, who did a great job might I say since she didn't lip sync. She sang great when she did and like all artists before her didn't sing a lot of parts either. The half-time show has become more than just a singing show, but into a theatrical show as well (probably to attract more women to watch it). The final cultural aspect, is of course the hilarious commercials. My personal favorite from this year, the Oreo commercial in the library. These advertisement went for $4 million this year. That is insane! Companies think that by having a memorable 30 second commercial it will attract more revenue and make more profits. I have some belief that it does, but not enough.
However, in the end I think that the cultural values of the Super Bowl being so super, outweigh the costs that are attributed with it coming to town. The building of new stadiums help to attract more people and instill more pride for that city and teams fans. Some say the revenue attributed with the Super Bowl isn't sufficient, but I disagree. With so much money coming into the city and surrounding area, while prices are raised for everything, people there are willing to spend the money, otherwise they wouldn't be there. I think that the revenue they bring in is enough to pay off the stadium costs quicker than 30 years, especially when one hosts the Super Bowl 1+ times. Even if money is being spent at the stadium or national chains, more money is still being brought into the local economy than normal. Not to mention places that close for any sporting event often make more by having people pay to park than they would make anyways if they were to be open for business.
Well congrats to the Baltimore Ravens on there victory and hard fought battle. Don't worry fellow Pats fans, there's always next year. (We are the favorite to win next year 7-1!)
Everyone can agree that this is the most momentous occasion in sports. The culture behind the Super Bowl is great! We can show off our pride for America through the patriotism that can be seen when "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "America The Beautiful" are being sung. May I say Alicia Keys did great, but I was brought more to tears when I heard Jennifer Hudson and the children from Sandy Hook Elementary School sing. The tremendous singing of these magnificent songs add to our patriotism. Another cultural aspect, the half-time show. This year it was done by Beyonce, who did a great job might I say since she didn't lip sync. She sang great when she did and like all artists before her didn't sing a lot of parts either. The half-time show has become more than just a singing show, but into a theatrical show as well (probably to attract more women to watch it). The final cultural aspect, is of course the hilarious commercials. My personal favorite from this year, the Oreo commercial in the library. These advertisement went for $4 million this year. That is insane! Companies think that by having a memorable 30 second commercial it will attract more revenue and make more profits. I have some belief that it does, but not enough.
However, in the end I think that the cultural values of the Super Bowl being so super, outweigh the costs that are attributed with it coming to town. The building of new stadiums help to attract more people and instill more pride for that city and teams fans. Some say the revenue attributed with the Super Bowl isn't sufficient, but I disagree. With so much money coming into the city and surrounding area, while prices are raised for everything, people there are willing to spend the money, otherwise they wouldn't be there. I think that the revenue they bring in is enough to pay off the stadium costs quicker than 30 years, especially when one hosts the Super Bowl 1+ times. Even if money is being spent at the stadium or national chains, more money is still being brought into the local economy than normal. Not to mention places that close for any sporting event often make more by having people pay to park than they would make anyways if they were to be open for business.
Well congrats to the Baltimore Ravens on there victory and hard fought battle. Don't worry fellow Pats fans, there's always next year. (We are the favorite to win next year 7-1!)
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
What to think of Lance Armstrong...
Let's face it, doping and performance enhancing drugs are unavoidable. They are present in every single sport and at every single level. Whether it be Alex Rodriguez who injected himself with steroids and used other enhancing drugs and now Lance Armstrong. They are everywhere. Does that make them necessary to win though? NO! PEDs or performance enhancing drugs are not necessary. Plenty of athletes have won championships without the use of PEDs especially those in the good ole days when PEDs were very uncommon and barely used. So what has changed?
Well sports have become more competitive. Sports were always competitive and people have always been competitive. Who doesn't like winning? I know every since I was little, winning was everything. I would do anything to win, but nothing quite to the extremity of doping to win a major sports championship.
Mandeville and Hobbes would argue that Lance was just being a typical human by being greedy to get ahead. He was doing what he had to do in order to get ahead of everyone. Greed and the ambition to win is what drove Lance through his life and through his cycling career. The only way it was possible for him to win was through doping. Let's be honest, it is humanly impossible to win 7 Tour de France titles and Lance even admitted that in his interview with Oprah.
If cycling is as hard as it is said to be does doping really affect the outcome dramatically, especially when I suspect that Lance was definitely not the only one and was therefore competing against other doping athletes.
However, we must examine the good that came from Lance. Yes, that's right there is good that came from Lance and his doping. While his "wins" are now considered lies; Lance has brought hope to people and cancer. Lance is a survivor of testicular cancer and created LIVEstrong which has donated millions to cancer research and been at the forefront of cancer awareness. Thanks to Lance's story of "hope" and "inspiration", while we know now its fake it still has left an impact on us all.
Thank you Lance for all you have done for cancer awareness. Society shouldn't judge Lance on the lies that built up his foundation and reputation, but for what he has done to help better society.
Well sports have become more competitive. Sports were always competitive and people have always been competitive. Who doesn't like winning? I know every since I was little, winning was everything. I would do anything to win, but nothing quite to the extremity of doping to win a major sports championship.
Mandeville and Hobbes would argue that Lance was just being a typical human by being greedy to get ahead. He was doing what he had to do in order to get ahead of everyone. Greed and the ambition to win is what drove Lance through his life and through his cycling career. The only way it was possible for him to win was through doping. Let's be honest, it is humanly impossible to win 7 Tour de France titles and Lance even admitted that in his interview with Oprah.
If cycling is as hard as it is said to be does doping really affect the outcome dramatically, especially when I suspect that Lance was definitely not the only one and was therefore competing against other doping athletes.
However, we must examine the good that came from Lance. Yes, that's right there is good that came from Lance and his doping. While his "wins" are now considered lies; Lance has brought hope to people and cancer. Lance is a survivor of testicular cancer and created LIVEstrong which has donated millions to cancer research and been at the forefront of cancer awareness. Thanks to Lance's story of "hope" and "inspiration", while we know now its fake it still has left an impact on us all.
Thank you Lance for all you have done for cancer awareness. Society shouldn't judge Lance on the lies that built up his foundation and reputation, but for what he has done to help better society.
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