If it's possible to boil one's self, I'm pretty sure that I did it tonight.
Tuesday, November 16
Monday, November 15
Today was interesting. For the first time, I cried over someone who I didn't even know, and it wasn't in a movie. At least not in the conventional sense.
I am in a media ethics course, and we did group projects and presentations. We did case studies in which we identified an ethical dilemma in the media, and presented the problem and discussed it using ethical models. Our group, for example, chose the Dan Rather/CBS/Bush Documents incident. Another group chose what happened at SABC (South African Broadcasting Channel).
I'm sure that you all read or heard about the man, Eugene Armstrong, who was beheaded by insurgents, and his beheading was taped and put online. SABC received the link, and broadcast the beheading on their nightly news show. The posted a disclaimer before showing the 2 minute long video with full sound. They received, for good reason, numerous complaints and fines.
In order for the class to fully understand the case, the group who presented it chose to show the video. They posted a disclaimer and told us all what we would see if we chose to stay in the room. I decided to stay. This video was the most horrific thing that I have ever seen. I really cannot put it into words.
In my short 20 years, I have been fortunate enough to not have had to deal with much death in my life. My grandmother, my best friend's grandmother, my friend's dad, my favorite teacher and a classmate are the only people who I have ever known who have died. And today, in my class, I watched this poor man's moment of death.
The visuals were barbaric and disgusting, but I could continue to watch them. The worst part was the sound. I had to cover my ears because I could not bare to hear this man suffer the way he did. It was horrible.
To prove to you how much it disturbed me, I couldn't talk for the rest of class. And if you know me, and my tendency to be chatty, that means a lot. This video is just floating around on the internet, and being played on the nightly news.
I think that today may have been the first time that I truly realized that there are awful people in this world. There are people filled with hate and passion, and they take action. September 11th, 2001 was a tragedy. The day we lost the shuttle Columbus was sad. But this goes beyond and below human decency and dignity. It is sickening to think of.
I am in a media ethics course, and we did group projects and presentations. We did case studies in which we identified an ethical dilemma in the media, and presented the problem and discussed it using ethical models. Our group, for example, chose the Dan Rather/CBS/Bush Documents incident. Another group chose what happened at SABC (South African Broadcasting Channel).
I'm sure that you all read or heard about the man, Eugene Armstrong, who was beheaded by insurgents, and his beheading was taped and put online. SABC received the link, and broadcast the beheading on their nightly news show. The posted a disclaimer before showing the 2 minute long video with full sound. They received, for good reason, numerous complaints and fines.
In order for the class to fully understand the case, the group who presented it chose to show the video. They posted a disclaimer and told us all what we would see if we chose to stay in the room. I decided to stay. This video was the most horrific thing that I have ever seen. I really cannot put it into words.
In my short 20 years, I have been fortunate enough to not have had to deal with much death in my life. My grandmother, my best friend's grandmother, my friend's dad, my favorite teacher and a classmate are the only people who I have ever known who have died. And today, in my class, I watched this poor man's moment of death.
The visuals were barbaric and disgusting, but I could continue to watch them. The worst part was the sound. I had to cover my ears because I could not bare to hear this man suffer the way he did. It was horrible.
To prove to you how much it disturbed me, I couldn't talk for the rest of class. And if you know me, and my tendency to be chatty, that means a lot. This video is just floating around on the internet, and being played on the nightly news.
I think that today may have been the first time that I truly realized that there are awful people in this world. There are people filled with hate and passion, and they take action. September 11th, 2001 was a tragedy. The day we lost the shuttle Columbus was sad. But this goes beyond and below human decency and dignity. It is sickening to think of.
Sunday, November 14
Sunday, November 7
I don't like George W. Bush. Those of you who have had a conversation with me know this. But I did hear a quote on the radio from someone, they didn't say the name, that really stuck in my head.
I will support the president, even if I didn't vote for him. I will criticize the president, even if I did.
So I will support Bush, to an extent. But those of you who voted for him, please, PLEASE, criticize him when it is appropriate. All I want is accountability. And a new president. But you can't have everything, eh?
I will support the president, even if I didn't vote for him. I will criticize the president, even if I did.
So I will support Bush, to an extent. But those of you who voted for him, please, PLEASE, criticize him when it is appropriate. All I want is accountability. And a new president. But you can't have everything, eh?
Tuesday, November 2
Voting is like Disneyland...
I waited three hours today to get INSIDE the building in which I MIGHT have voted. Let me explain.
I went to the First Congressional Church of Tempe, or something like that, I don't really know the name of it. I went there because that is where the Maricopa Recorder said to go. Makes sense right? You'd think so. So I stood in line with all of the others, and I don't think that there was anyone over 25 years old among us. Everyone was chatting and being generally friendly, it was like a college party without the booze. Volunteers were out there handing out doughnuts and chips and soda and water. It was really nice. But I was still really hungry, so I ordered a pizza from Papa John's and when it was delivered shared with my fellow electors.
Finally, we make it inside the building. And continued to wait there. We continued with our chatting and laughing and having a generally jolly time. And then this guy came up, put his hand on my back and said "You guys are going to have to keep it down or take it outside" (in a very nasty tone). There are a few things wrong with this, can you find them?
There are two. First of all, we weren't being loud, and I am not aware of laughing being against the law. And two, he TOUCHED me. I don't like that. I don't like when people who I don't know and aren't young hot guys touch me. It's gross. And made me feel extremely uncomfortable and ewwww!
Then it's my turn to sign in. I hand over my ID and the guys looks through his lists. He couldn't find me. I told him that I was directed to this poll by the Maricopa Recorder, and I registered to vote when I lived in Tempe. His response was, "First of all, you aren't in the right precinct, and second of all, you don't even live in Tempe anymore" (in a very nasty tone). Maybe you're seeing a trend. You should be. I even heard the people who were behind me in line and saw me get mad at touchy-guy saying stuff about how mad I was getting, and that I was gonna blow up at these assholes. But I didn't. Ass #2 proceeded to tell me about a provisional ballot that I was going to be given, but depending on the circumstances, my vote might not count. I was pissed.
Happy first fucking voting day to me!
The funniest part is that I still got my "I voted today" sticker. I noted that mine really should more accurately say "I might have voted today."
I waited three hours today to get INSIDE the building in which I MIGHT have voted. Let me explain.
I went to the First Congressional Church of Tempe, or something like that, I don't really know the name of it. I went there because that is where the Maricopa Recorder said to go. Makes sense right? You'd think so. So I stood in line with all of the others, and I don't think that there was anyone over 25 years old among us. Everyone was chatting and being generally friendly, it was like a college party without the booze. Volunteers were out there handing out doughnuts and chips and soda and water. It was really nice. But I was still really hungry, so I ordered a pizza from Papa John's and when it was delivered shared with my fellow electors.
Finally, we make it inside the building. And continued to wait there. We continued with our chatting and laughing and having a generally jolly time. And then this guy came up, put his hand on my back and said "You guys are going to have to keep it down or take it outside" (in a very nasty tone). There are a few things wrong with this, can you find them?
There are two. First of all, we weren't being loud, and I am not aware of laughing being against the law. And two, he TOUCHED me. I don't like that. I don't like when people who I don't know and aren't young hot guys touch me. It's gross. And made me feel extremely uncomfortable and ewwww!
Then it's my turn to sign in. I hand over my ID and the guys looks through his lists. He couldn't find me. I told him that I was directed to this poll by the Maricopa Recorder, and I registered to vote when I lived in Tempe. His response was, "First of all, you aren't in the right precinct, and second of all, you don't even live in Tempe anymore" (in a very nasty tone). Maybe you're seeing a trend. You should be. I even heard the people who were behind me in line and saw me get mad at touchy-guy saying stuff about how mad I was getting, and that I was gonna blow up at these assholes. But I didn't. Ass #2 proceeded to tell me about a provisional ballot that I was going to be given, but depending on the circumstances, my vote might not count. I was pissed.
Happy first fucking voting day to me!
The funniest part is that I still got my "I voted today" sticker. I noted that mine really should more accurately say "I might have voted today."
Friday, October 29
Thursday, October 28
Sweet!
You are StrongBad. You hate everyone, especially
HomeStar. Your e-mails and prank calls are
hilarious. You're my favorite character. You
try to be evil, but sorry, being shirtless with
boxing gloves just isn't scary. Don't worry
what everone else thinks because hey, they are
all "crap for brains".
There would be a picture but it wont work because it is a piece of turd.
You are StrongBad. You hate everyone, especially
HomeStar. Your e-mails and prank calls are
hilarious. You're my favorite character. You
try to be evil, but sorry, being shirtless with
boxing gloves just isn't scary. Don't worry
what everone else thinks because hey, they are
all "crap for brains".
There would be a picture but it wont work because it is a piece of turd.
Tuesday, October 26
Football is the political Ouija Board.
Apparently in the case of the last 15 elections, the Redskins have been a predictor. If the Redskins have won the Sunday before the election, so has the incumbent candidate. If they have lost, so has he. So this is the first and last time I'll ever say this as a Bears fan, GO PACKERS!!!
Apparently in the case of the last 15 elections, the Redskins have been a predictor. If the Redskins have won the Sunday before the election, so has the incumbent candidate. If they have lost, so has he. So this is the first and last time I'll ever say this as a Bears fan, GO PACKERS!!!
Wednesday, October 20
Sunday, October 17
I feel old.
In less than two weeks, I will bid farewell to the teenage years.
But that's not what I mean. My body feels old. I have been fairly active lately, getting in as much volleyball, softball and the gym as I can.
But I am now feeling:
Tendonitis in knees and ankles (old softball injury that flares up every once in a while)
Shin splints
A bruised shin bone (from that guy at volleyball a few weeks ago)
A pained tail-bone (from a TERRIBLE slide in softball last week)
A sore wrist (from volleyball?)
I'm tired and in pain. And I haven't even started my 20's yet. At this rate, I'm scared of my 30's and 40's, I might be held together with duct tape. Although, ... that might not be too bad...
In less than two weeks, I will bid farewell to the teenage years.
But that's not what I mean. My body feels old. I have been fairly active lately, getting in as much volleyball, softball and the gym as I can.
But I am now feeling:
Tendonitis in knees and ankles (old softball injury that flares up every once in a while)
Shin splints
A bruised shin bone (from that guy at volleyball a few weeks ago)
A pained tail-bone (from a TERRIBLE slide in softball last week)
A sore wrist (from volleyball?)
I'm tired and in pain. And I haven't even started my 20's yet. At this rate, I'm scared of my 30's and 40's, I might be held together with duct tape. Although, ... that might not be too bad...
Wednesday, October 13
So tonight was the big debate. The debate which I did not watch because I working, ironically enough some of that working was on the debate. Well, not exactly the debate, but I was helping out ABC News and ABSAT (a satellite service of ABC) for the past few days. I really didn't do much of anything, but it was an interesting experience, and I met a lot of really nice people. I saw lots of people too. I saw Sean Hannity walk by and wasn't sure if I wanted to challenge him intellectually, bring up Joey's challenge or just cut to the chase and punch him in the gut if I got a chance. But then I just watched as he walked by. I also saw Mr. Colmes, he is frightening looking. Seriously, it was scary. It was surreal, everyone there, the politicians, the media, the protesters, the Secret Service, the President, me. Very strange. And I realized something today, as I thought about how my week has gone. Essentially I have been working three jobs - Red Robin, ABC (although not getting paid), and I started my new job at Firebird's. I also have studied and done homework, even though I haven't had class at all so far this week. That is entirely a lot of stuff in a schedule. But I have the opportunity to make that work. And it might. I think that I might be able to pull off two jobs and 21 credit hours. I might be insane in a few months, but hey, isn't that what youth is for?
Sunday, October 10
This post is in response to recent clamor on http://poopshute.blogspot.com (Joey's blog).
A little late to hop into this one, but I wanted to make a few comments, as a neutral party. First of all, I read the post and did not find it aimed at anyone specifically, until names were brought up. Obviously I haven't been around for recent political discussions, maybe that was the Rosetta Stone that I was missing to consider the post an attack.
Voting is a right, but also a privilege.
This election will be my first vote, I'm super-pumped about it. I believe in it. Ed is right, the system isn't completely legit, but it is the one in which we live. So I will vote. I don't like Bush, I don't know if I even like Kerry. I think that some people look at the whole thing in too simple of terms. Vote or not vote, Bush or Kerry, etc. You can choose to "throw your vote away" as some may call it by voting for Nader or a write in. Or you can literally throw your vote away by not using it.
That is the choice that some are posed with. If you don't like the candidates, then waste your vote. It's like someone has given you a million dollars. You can waste it on candy and movies and other shit or you can throw it in a trash can.
But don't you think you would like to waste it on something?
A little late to hop into this one, but I wanted to make a few comments, as a neutral party. First of all, I read the post and did not find it aimed at anyone specifically, until names were brought up. Obviously I haven't been around for recent political discussions, maybe that was the Rosetta Stone that I was missing to consider the post an attack.
Voting is a right, but also a privilege.
This election will be my first vote, I'm super-pumped about it. I believe in it. Ed is right, the system isn't completely legit, but it is the one in which we live. So I will vote. I don't like Bush, I don't know if I even like Kerry. I think that some people look at the whole thing in too simple of terms. Vote or not vote, Bush or Kerry, etc. You can choose to "throw your vote away" as some may call it by voting for Nader or a write in. Or you can literally throw your vote away by not using it.
That is the choice that some are posed with. If you don't like the candidates, then waste your vote. It's like someone has given you a million dollars. You can waste it on candy and movies and other shit or you can throw it in a trash can.
But don't you think you would like to waste it on something?
Wednesday, October 6
I'm am now almost positive that I will be staying in school longer than December 2004. Don't hold me to that, but I'm pretty sure. I have applied to an exchange program to Chile. The only thing that is holding me back from being sure that I got it is the fact that it is run through the College of Business, and they have to approve for me to go and "represent them" or something like that, due to the fact that Journalism and Mass Communication does not fall under the general business category. I should find out within the next few days.
What I also will find out tomorrow is if I got a job that I auditioned for. Fox Sports Net held auditions last week for the Campus Correspondent position for a portion of their programming called "SunDevil Insider." I went, the audition went really well and whether I get it or not, I'm happy about the experience. But I still want it.
So, in summary, tomorrow I will find out if I am going to be a correspondent for Fox Sports Net as well as if I will be able to go to Chile next semester. I hope that both don't happen. Because then I will have to make a decision. Boo.
Well, that's the end of today's discussion, next topic, conflicts of interest(nice transition, eh?). See you all then!
What I also will find out tomorrow is if I got a job that I auditioned for. Fox Sports Net held auditions last week for the Campus Correspondent position for a portion of their programming called "SunDevil Insider." I went, the audition went really well and whether I get it or not, I'm happy about the experience. But I still want it.
So, in summary, tomorrow I will find out if I am going to be a correspondent for Fox Sports Net as well as if I will be able to go to Chile next semester. I hope that both don't happen. Because then I will have to make a decision. Boo.
Well, that's the end of today's discussion, next topic, conflicts of interest(nice transition, eh?). See you all then!
Thursday, September 30
Oy! Lots of things to talk about. First of all, I am really enjoying school this semester. And it is strange, I am getting good grades on all of my assignments. I have never gotten a 100% on a writing assignment, and I got 2 in one week! I am having a lot of fun, and that is mainly the reason that I think that I am pretty much decided on staying in school a little longer before I graduate. Also, I am applying to an exchange program that would put me studying in Chile for a semester - sweet. It's like the whole college experience is coming together for me in the "last" semester.
And I must really like my classes, because I have been keeping up on my homework! I have a book review that I have to do, it isn't due for a month, and I have already picked out my book, started reading it and started finding other sources to support my point.
What the fuck is going on here?
I am glad to hear that Bush got annihilated in the debate today. I unfortunately was in class and missed it, but I am anxious to read all about it tomorrow. God I hope he doesn't win the election, or not win the election again but retain the presidency. Seriously. He is not the dumbass that everyone makes him out to be. He's actually quite intelligent- no one gets through Harvard and up through the ranks of the Republican Party without some smarts. Even if your daddy is George H.W. Bush. He likes to be underestimated. He does, even he himself has said so. I don't want to see his face anymore. I don't want to hear his voice anymore. I don't want to hear about him being a dumbass anymore. I want him to go away. He can spend the rest of his life at the damn ranch in Texas for all I care. I just want him to go away, and rest in peace in the history books. If you ever get a chance to listen to what David Cross has to say about it, I suggest that you do (Shut Up You Fucking Baby). Funny man that David Cross. And read Lies, and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them. Due to my scholastic efforts of late, I haven't finished it yet, but I'm getting there, and enjoying it the whole way.
Ok, I'm going to go read now, and then fall asleep 5 minutes later because I'm sick. Good night.
P.S.
It's really cool that Hayden Library is now open 24/7 Monday through Friday. All you have to do is be a student, staff or faculty member, and show I.D. between 12:01 and 7:00 a.m. Bitchin'!
And I must really like my classes, because I have been keeping up on my homework! I have a book review that I have to do, it isn't due for a month, and I have already picked out my book, started reading it and started finding other sources to support my point.
What the fuck is going on here?
I am glad to hear that Bush got annihilated in the debate today. I unfortunately was in class and missed it, but I am anxious to read all about it tomorrow. God I hope he doesn't win the election, or not win the election again but retain the presidency. Seriously. He is not the dumbass that everyone makes him out to be. He's actually quite intelligent- no one gets through Harvard and up through the ranks of the Republican Party without some smarts. Even if your daddy is George H.W. Bush. He likes to be underestimated. He does, even he himself has said so. I don't want to see his face anymore. I don't want to hear his voice anymore. I don't want to hear about him being a dumbass anymore. I want him to go away. He can spend the rest of his life at the damn ranch in Texas for all I care. I just want him to go away, and rest in peace in the history books. If you ever get a chance to listen to what David Cross has to say about it, I suggest that you do (Shut Up You Fucking Baby). Funny man that David Cross. And read Lies, and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them. Due to my scholastic efforts of late, I haven't finished it yet, but I'm getting there, and enjoying it the whole way.
Ok, I'm going to go read now, and then fall asleep 5 minutes later because I'm sick. Good night.
P.S.
It's really cool that Hayden Library is now open 24/7 Monday through Friday. All you have to do is be a student, staff or faculty member, and show I.D. between 12:01 and 7:00 a.m. Bitchin'!
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