It's about that time of year that the holidays are coming and we're all headed home from Thanksgiving/Christmas break. I love this time of year, not because of Christmas or anything like that, but because I love spending time with my family. I like the snow, the red and green and gold decorations and the smells of cinnamon candles.
I DON'T LIKE driving in the snow, though. I actually hate it. I've lived in a little rural town out in the sticks my whole life. I've had to drive on back roads in snowstorms and survived, but I've never gotten over the fear or driving on a slippery road in the dark. I have snow tires and a good winter car, yeah yeah but still, I never feel completely safe when I'm on the road with snow.
Just the other day, my friend's dad rolled their Subaru (a GREAT winter car) when he was coming down the hill by their house. He was taking their cat to the vet, and lost control on the slippery roads. Luckily both he and Skittles are okay, but terrifying nonetheless.
So, when you're all driving home or wherever you're headed over break, PLEASE be careful. Drive slow. Take the extra 30 minutes to get where you're going if that means you'll get their alive.
Saturday, November 29, 2014
Black Friday blues
BLACK FRIDAY.
Or should I should I say Black Thursday? Unless you're living under a rock, you probably know about the infamous "holiday" that is Black Friday. This is the day where all the shoppers looking for a bargain head out to the stores and compete for marked down items.
Personally, I've never been interested in this shopping day. I love to shop, but I can't deal with the massive crowds. More than that though, I really dislike how people become basically brainwashed by big business in the weeks, sometimes even longer, leading up to this day.
Now, these businesses have decided to get a jump on the day and begin their sales on Thursday evenings. This irritates me because Thursday is Thanksgiving. People travel from all the over to be with their families and eat together, but now these stores have offered these "massive deals" on the day of Thanksgiving. These deals tempt those who are looking to save some money for Christmas or birthday presents. Not to mention the obvious issues that revolve around this day like forcing retail workers to work on Thanksgiving and the mad rush of sometimes angry people which can lead to injuries or death.
Basically, Black Friday sucks.
Or should I should I say Black Thursday? Unless you're living under a rock, you probably know about the infamous "holiday" that is Black Friday. This is the day where all the shoppers looking for a bargain head out to the stores and compete for marked down items.
Personally, I've never been interested in this shopping day. I love to shop, but I can't deal with the massive crowds. More than that though, I really dislike how people become basically brainwashed by big business in the weeks, sometimes even longer, leading up to this day.
Now, these businesses have decided to get a jump on the day and begin their sales on Thursday evenings. This irritates me because Thursday is Thanksgiving. People travel from all the over to be with their families and eat together, but now these stores have offered these "massive deals" on the day of Thanksgiving. These deals tempt those who are looking to save some money for Christmas or birthday presents. Not to mention the obvious issues that revolve around this day like forcing retail workers to work on Thanksgiving and the mad rush of sometimes angry people which can lead to injuries or death.
Basically, Black Friday sucks.
Monday, November 17, 2014
Test anxiety
As Thanksgiving is coming around the corner, finals week is right behind it. As a senior in college, I know finals week too well. I've battled and survived six semesters and six finals weeks. I know what's coming. I know that I will be stressing out, reciting definitions and terms in the shower, walking and studying index cards at the same time and wishing I began studying weeks in advance.
That routine has yet to change for me. Another thing that hasn't changed for me, is my loathing of cumulative tests. I know it's always voiced, but I truly feel that cummulative tests do not effectively measure my knowledge on a subject. I don't see the point in learning all semester and then being handed a 50 question multiple choice test.
Like many others, I have test anxiety. Even if I studied day and night for a week, I don't think I would be able to successfully answer every question right on a test. I get nervous, my palms sweat and I can feel my heartbeat racing when I sit down and flip through a six page test.
I love being handed a test that offers short answer or an essay portion. For me, being able to explain myself and explain what I'm thinking is much more effective for me. I can convey what I've learning easier than trying to deduce the answer from four given answers.
I know that multiple choice works for some students, but I also know I'm not alone in the essay department. I think that professors should offer a choice or offer both options. I'm not sure if that's even possible, but I would love to be able to walk into a test and feel confident that I can explain my train of thought rather than be drilled with questions and given four possible answers that often seem like a trick. #college
That routine has yet to change for me. Another thing that hasn't changed for me, is my loathing of cumulative tests. I know it's always voiced, but I truly feel that cummulative tests do not effectively measure my knowledge on a subject. I don't see the point in learning all semester and then being handed a 50 question multiple choice test.
Like many others, I have test anxiety. Even if I studied day and night for a week, I don't think I would be able to successfully answer every question right on a test. I get nervous, my palms sweat and I can feel my heartbeat racing when I sit down and flip through a six page test.
I love being handed a test that offers short answer or an essay portion. For me, being able to explain myself and explain what I'm thinking is much more effective for me. I can convey what I've learning easier than trying to deduce the answer from four given answers.
I know that multiple choice works for some students, but I also know I'm not alone in the essay department. I think that professors should offer a choice or offer both options. I'm not sure if that's even possible, but I would love to be able to walk into a test and feel confident that I can explain my train of thought rather than be drilled with questions and given four possible answers that often seem like a trick. #college
Kim attempts to break the Internet
I'm sure you all have seen Kim Kardashian's attempt at "breaking the Internet." Last week, celebrity Kim Kardashian posed for Paper magazine in her birthday suit in a revealing photo-shoot in which she was trying to shut down the Internet with people frantically searching.
Now, Kim's latest attention-grabbing move didn't come without negative criticism. It's hard for the Karadashian sister to do anything without getting comments from people who are less than approving of her lifestyle and fame.
One criticism I'm focusing on is one that isn't being talked about much. This isn't criticism for Kim, it's criticism for the fans.
Just a few months ago 'Charmed' star, Alyssa Milano posted a photo to Instagram of her breastfeeding her newborn baby. She was wearing a t-shirt –– not even showing her nipple. There was outrage amongst the Instagram community, and the photo was removed.
OK. What? How is something that is supposed to be a natural interaction between mother and baby considered "inappropriate," but Kim can bear her bare ass, and pose full frontal, naked? It's actually ridiculous that people are so uncomfortable by a woman's natural human body, but have no problem with admiring an oiled up naked posed body.
This isn't targeted toward Kim or the photographers. I disagree with the photographer's choice, based off of other cultural reasons. I'm just saying that I find it repulsive that people continue to shame women for BREASTFEEDING. I mean, come on.
Now, Kim's latest attention-grabbing move didn't come without negative criticism. It's hard for the Karadashian sister to do anything without getting comments from people who are less than approving of her lifestyle and fame.
One criticism I'm focusing on is one that isn't being talked about much. This isn't criticism for Kim, it's criticism for the fans.
Just a few months ago 'Charmed' star, Alyssa Milano posted a photo to Instagram of her breastfeeding her newborn baby. She was wearing a t-shirt –– not even showing her nipple. There was outrage amongst the Instagram community, and the photo was removed.
OK. What? How is something that is supposed to be a natural interaction between mother and baby considered "inappropriate," but Kim can bear her bare ass, and pose full frontal, naked? It's actually ridiculous that people are so uncomfortable by a woman's natural human body, but have no problem with admiring an oiled up naked posed body.
This isn't targeted toward Kim or the photographers. I disagree with the photographer's choice, based off of other cultural reasons. I'm just saying that I find it repulsive that people continue to shame women for BREASTFEEDING. I mean, come on.
Saturday, November 8, 2014
Swift (Again)
Apparently I'm on the Taylor Swift support wagon. But this a follow-up to my post from last week, "Shake it Off -- Swift Style." In my last post I expressed my distaste of the people who despise and shame Swift for being herself... a cheery, young singer who seemingly has a heart of gold.
Just the other day pictures of Taylor Swift with a fan went viral. Swift was out running in a park in Nashville. When she was running, she ran into a fan who was getting her photo taken. Swift surprised her by crashing her photo shoot. They took goofy pictures, both smiling ear-to-ear.
The little girl took to Twitter to express her happiness and how "sweet" it was of Swift to "maker her dreams come true."
BR>
It just enforces what I said last week. People are kind. Don't hate/shame them for being kind, just because it may come across "fake" to you. Instead, why don't we hate the people who kidnap women off the streets, like the man who took a women two weeks ago in Philadelphia. (She was found and is now safe at home, btw!)
Just the other day pictures of Taylor Swift with a fan went viral. Swift was out running in a park in Nashville. When she was running, she ran into a fan who was getting her photo taken. Swift surprised her by crashing her photo shoot. They took goofy pictures, both smiling ear-to-ear.
The little girl took to Twitter to express her happiness and how "sweet" it was of Swift to "maker her dreams come true."
BR>
It just enforces what I said last week. People are kind. Don't hate/shame them for being kind, just because it may come across "fake" to you. Instead, why don't we hate the people who kidnap women off the streets, like the man who took a women two weeks ago in Philadelphia. (She was found and is now safe at home, btw!)
"The Perfect Body"
Victoria's Secret recently launched it's new advertisement with the tagline "the perfect body," but it soon came with criticism. The advertisement was for Victoria's Secrets new "body" bra." The tagline over the photo of perfectly tall, shiny, thin women, read "The Perfect Body."
With the positive body image movement if full swing right now, the lingerie store should have expected to receive some major backlash from shoppers and supporters of the movement. The backlash came in different forms. A petition from Change.org started a petition with over 27,000 signatures requesting that Victoria's Secret apologize and change the campaign.
A Change.org petition requesting that Victoria's Secret apologize and change the campaign had over 27,000 signatures at the time of writing. The underwear brand, Dear Kate, released their own campaign similar to Victoria's Secrets. Instead of all "perfect models" the ad featured diverse women of all colors and sizes.
The shop silently changed the advertisement online to "A Body for Every Body." There was no statement of public outreach. I find it refreshing that a major company actually listened to the outcry of it's customers. It's not often that a company releases an advertisement and then changes it when they see the customers are unhappy. It's been said a million times... but I'll say it again. There is no "perfect body" Every body is beautiful, every person is beautiful. If influential companies are encouraging this idea that one body is better than the other, then we'll never make the progress we need in order for all women to be comfortable in their own skin.
With the positive body image movement if full swing right now, the lingerie store should have expected to receive some major backlash from shoppers and supporters of the movement. The backlash came in different forms. A petition from Change.org started a petition with over 27,000 signatures requesting that Victoria's Secret apologize and change the campaign.
A Change.org petition requesting that Victoria's Secret apologize and change the campaign had over 27,000 signatures at the time of writing. The underwear brand, Dear Kate, released their own campaign similar to Victoria's Secrets. Instead of all "perfect models" the ad featured diverse women of all colors and sizes.
The shop silently changed the advertisement online to "A Body for Every Body." There was no statement of public outreach. I find it refreshing that a major company actually listened to the outcry of it's customers. It's not often that a company releases an advertisement and then changes it when they see the customers are unhappy. It's been said a million times... but I'll say it again. There is no "perfect body" Every body is beautiful, every person is beautiful. If influential companies are encouraging this idea that one body is better than the other, then we'll never make the progress we need in order for all women to be comfortable in their own skin.
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Shake it off — Swift style
"I'm just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake. I shake it off, I shake it off," These are the lyrics stuck in everyone's head the past month or so... it's Taylor Swift's mega hit "Shake it Off." Of course, Taylor's hit isn't warmly welcomed into many people's musical minds. Her hit, like most of her others, is greeted with people groaning and grunting about "how it annoying she is."
OK, it's fine to not like Taylor Swift — you can not like whomever you want. But, what bugs me is that people write her off as this blonde bimbo who dances and sings annoying songs about her ex-boyfriends. People constantly criticize her for dating a bunch of guys and then writing songs about them. What's wrong with that? She's channeling her emotions and energy into music, which happens to be her CAREER, and she makes money from that. How is that different from writers writing poems about their epic love tales and break ups?
Taylor's music can be a little too poppy for me sometimes, but it's great cruising with your windows down kind of music or dancing in the kitchen while you clean kind of music. I feel as if people forget she's a person, too. She's a young woman who dates, likes cats, loves baking and stays out of trouble — unlike many other Hollywood stars.
Love or hate Taylor Swift... it doesn't really matter, but stop criticizing the shit out of her just because she writes bubbly songs, bitching about her ex-boyfriends. I know for a fact that some of those people who are complaining that she's annoying because "that's all she does" are the ones who won't shut up about the guy or girl who they just broke up with.
Shake it off, ya'll.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfWlot6h_JM
OK, it's fine to not like Taylor Swift — you can not like whomever you want. But, what bugs me is that people write her off as this blonde bimbo who dances and sings annoying songs about her ex-boyfriends. People constantly criticize her for dating a bunch of guys and then writing songs about them. What's wrong with that? She's channeling her emotions and energy into music, which happens to be her CAREER, and she makes money from that. How is that different from writers writing poems about their epic love tales and break ups?
Taylor's music can be a little too poppy for me sometimes, but it's great cruising with your windows down kind of music or dancing in the kitchen while you clean kind of music. I feel as if people forget she's a person, too. She's a young woman who dates, likes cats, loves baking and stays out of trouble — unlike many other Hollywood stars.
Love or hate Taylor Swift... it doesn't really matter, but stop criticizing the shit out of her just because she writes bubbly songs, bitching about her ex-boyfriends. I know for a fact that some of those people who are complaining that she's annoying because "that's all she does" are the ones who won't shut up about the guy or girl who they just broke up with.
Shake it off, ya'll.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfWlot6h_JM
Philly stole my wallet
So, this past week I attended the ACP/CMA National College Media Convention in Philadelphia. I went as a member of our student-run newspaper, Cardinal Points. I was super excited to attend this year because I had an awesome time at the last convention in New Orleans. I love going to the sessions with my notepad and scribbling down all of the tips the presenters (who are successful and usually pretty cool) have to say.
I packed all of my stuff and headed to the historical city in van with 7 other Cardinal Points members and our adviser. I was ready to learn, have a few drinks (I'm 21!) and hang out with my friends. I've never been to Philly, so I was psyched to see what the city had to offer.
Now, I'm from a small town. When I say small, I mean TINY. I graduated with about 30 people. It's insanely small. But I love it there. It's quiet, surrounded by beautiful views, farms, trees and family. I love going home because I always feel safe there. I've been to large cities both in the United States and abroad. I like to think that I've moved past the basic "touristy" person who makes dumb mistakes. That is... until I went to Philly and proved myself wrong.
On our third night in the city, I found myself at an Indian restaurant with a couple other Cardinal Points members. We were the only ones in the restaurant around dinner time... a little weird, but nothing to be too concerned about. It was a bit of a "hole-in-the-wall" kind of place. We sat down, and immediately the waiter gave off creeper vibes.
We contemplated leaving, but we were so hungry that we deicded to stay. Big mistake.
The waiter grew increasingly more creepy and annoying. He kept telling stories about his girlfriend back in India, showing us pictures on his phone, asking us irrelevant questions and just lingering around the table. As we began to eat our food, we noticed a strange man sitting behind us for just a few minutes. He got up, spoke to the man in a whisper and left.
We barely noticed it.
When it was time to pay, I saw that my wallet was missing. Shit.
I didn't think about it atthe time, but everything about that experience at the restaurant led me to believe I had been scammed and robbed by these guys. I checked my bank statements, and I saw I had over $400 in charges. UGH.
I cancelled my cards and called the police. They were less than helpful.
I lost two credit cards, my student ID, my license, $25 and a number of gift cards.
I could go on forever about how upset and pissed off I was that I didn't listen to my gut when I thought I should leave, but that will get me nowhere. Lesson learned: ALWAYS listen to what you're gut is saying!
I packed all of my stuff and headed to the historical city in van with 7 other Cardinal Points members and our adviser. I was ready to learn, have a few drinks (I'm 21!) and hang out with my friends. I've never been to Philly, so I was psyched to see what the city had to offer.
Now, I'm from a small town. When I say small, I mean TINY. I graduated with about 30 people. It's insanely small. But I love it there. It's quiet, surrounded by beautiful views, farms, trees and family. I love going home because I always feel safe there. I've been to large cities both in the United States and abroad. I like to think that I've moved past the basic "touristy" person who makes dumb mistakes. That is... until I went to Philly and proved myself wrong.
On our third night in the city, I found myself at an Indian restaurant with a couple other Cardinal Points members. We were the only ones in the restaurant around dinner time... a little weird, but nothing to be too concerned about. It was a bit of a "hole-in-the-wall" kind of place. We sat down, and immediately the waiter gave off creeper vibes.
We contemplated leaving, but we were so hungry that we deicded to stay. Big mistake.
The waiter grew increasingly more creepy and annoying. He kept telling stories about his girlfriend back in India, showing us pictures on his phone, asking us irrelevant questions and just lingering around the table. As we began to eat our food, we noticed a strange man sitting behind us for just a few minutes. He got up, spoke to the man in a whisper and left.
We barely noticed it.
When it was time to pay, I saw that my wallet was missing. Shit.
I didn't think about it atthe time, but everything about that experience at the restaurant led me to believe I had been scammed and robbed by these guys. I checked my bank statements, and I saw I had over $400 in charges. UGH.
I cancelled my cards and called the police. They were less than helpful.
I lost two credit cards, my student ID, my license, $25 and a number of gift cards.
I could go on forever about how upset and pissed off I was that I didn't listen to my gut when I thought I should leave, but that will get me nowhere. Lesson learned: ALWAYS listen to what you're gut is saying!
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