WEEK 13 (Text Response)

"The typical Division 1 college football player devotes 43.3 hours per week to his sport [scheduled practices, lifting sessions, watching tapes...) --That's 3.3 more hours than the tpyical American work week." (Atschuler, The Sports Digest) According to additional research from this same source, It reads more than half of student-athletes said they spend seven or more hours a week outside of scheduled practices, on their sport. (The Sport Digest) With all the time they put in, these athletes can barely juggle academics and athletics, making it near impossible to juggle school, sports and a job. I argue that athlete's deserve a paycheck for the hard work they put into their sport team. I am not saying alot, but a couple hundred dollars a month should be enough for their day-to-day necessities. It would simply act as a job for a source of money. We put a lot of pressure on our student-athltes. This acticle states how we push athletes very hard, almost too hard. Knowing this knowledge in detail, I feel even stronger when I say- I think they deserve to be compencated for their very hard work. It's their job and duty to perform on the court, field, ot ect. Why dont we pay them for thier effort? It's not right that we arent.... this acticle is very eye-opening to what we put athlete through. we really should compensate them!

BLOG: WEEK 12

I have consumed much of my time towards my next big writing project. (Writing Project 3) In doing so, I have gained a bunch of knowledge in researching my topic. My topic for this assignment is arguing why I believe college athletes should get paid. This always will make for a great blog topic. In the past few decades, the popularity of college sports has gained quite a bit of hype. Whether it be Division 1 football or basketball, these players put theie blood, sweat, and tears into the sport. Sports aren't about fun and games by the time you are in college. College sports have turned into a big time buesiness! These athletes bring in enormous revenue to their Universities, as well as increasing the popularity of that college's reputation. In recent years, a controversial question has come up and remains as a debatable topic. Should students who play sports get extra benefits by being paid because they are a college athlete? Yes, I believe so, The student athletes deserve at least enough money to have a normal students life. A couple hundred dollars a month should be enough for their general day-to-day necessities. The sport simply acts as a job for a source of money. Additional reasoning on why pay for play is good, includes: Scholarships do not actually cover all an athletes expenses, student athletes should be compensated for their work, it will be treated as their job that they get paid for, if sudents get paid than they may be motivated to stay in school longer and get their degree.

BLOG NUMBER 11

It's time for another text responce. And, that means I'm voicing my opinion again. Which, I feel these blogs have turned me into quite an opinionated person. I am centering my feelings on a topic and standing strong in where I stand. Usually, I choice topics, for our 'text responce' blogs, in which I am on the opposing side in relations to the author. In feeling against a topic, I tend to raddle myself up. I am a passionate person. I have always stood up for whats right! Because of this class, I am now an opinionated person and one who has learned to argue my point very well. Better or for worse, I am proud to develop a skill that emotionly charges an environment and puts purpose in conversation! Bring any argument on! The text I read this week, inspired by a classmates argumentative writing assignment, is about the pageant world. The article I read, as I did further research, is entitled: "Teen Beauty Pageants can Teach Teens Many Valuable Life Lessons". Along with my classmate, I am disturbed immensly by this article. Trujillo, the aurthor, mentions how beauty pageants help girls to develop 'thick skin'. If 'thick skin' in this article refers to: depression, compitition for who's prettiest (pageant losers= ugly), eating disorders, low self-esteeme, low self-confidence, and the lose of one's childhood, well than 'thick skin' is the perfect phrase! :( Little girls are getting all the wrong ideas of what beauty is, by participation in such events! Little girls are told how to dress, what to say, and how to portray themself, all of which take away from that individual discovering themself. All their actions are performed primarily to satisfy the judges, as well as their appearance. Sadly, their appearance is based on the false body image the media puts forth. for example, a skinny body is a perfect body. A child, who participates in these beauty pageants, has absolutely no ability to discover their inner self. Inner beauty is the most important lesson for every girl. A woman is only as beautiful on the outside, as she is in the inside. But, these compititions only highlight the appearience, rather than who the person is deeper than the survise. Hopless little girls are being taught to have such an unnatural obsession with physical appearances. Something that shouldnt even cross a child's mind. Little girls, in my opinion, are mothers trained protigies. (It's hard to find a nice way of putting it.) Dont mothers want better for their children? Why cant they find a better "hobby" (I wouldnt call beauty pageants a hobby) that will enable a girl to flourish, oppossed to withering their self worth in such an unhealthy, ridiculous competition.

#10's blog! (free-choice)

I am Andrea! And, I am a new blogger, due to this class. Previously, before this coarse, I couldn't even have been able to tell you what a blog was or why you do them. Now, I blog every week!!!! (not to mention; it's mandatory)Blogging is a popular hobby! Not to mention, Blogging are some peoples way of life. For example, a blogger I have found and love to follow: Perez Hilton! A blogger, who has become somewhat of a celebrity by virute of blogging about celebrities. What Perez does, he does it well. Perez Hilton reports on the usual suspects (Paris Hilton, Lindsey Lohan, Jessica Simpson) and does it both often and expertly. He is hilarious and very bratty, and that is why fans love him!! He has blogged about the big celebrities for quite a while now. If you want to hear the big names, go to Perez. And, as his fame grows, it has been reported that his style has changed a tad. When Perez first started out, he was a lot snakier, but recent opinion has been that as he cozies up to more and more celebrities he's backed off a bit on his meanness. Good for him, but bad for us. Blogging has been fun! I am learning more and more about my blogging style every week! Should I take notes from Perez Hilton? I mean, he's done pretty darn good for himself! I better get meaner, and start gossiping....

Text Response (week 9)

For this weeks blog, I chose an article that about a subject that really intrigues me. I read about ways to treat Attention Deficit/Hyperactivuty in children. Sadly, It is was to often treated with medications. Personally, I dont think that medication is always necessary to treat this condition. I'm not saying that the option of medication should be eliminated innediately; I just think that it's better to try a more natural approach when treating the condition before starting medication. ADHDNews.com states that "it has been shown in numorous studies that stimulant medication provides significant benefit between 70 and 80 percent of children with ADHD" Brandi Valentine, (MD), who explanes that many children benefit from the stimulant medications especially Ritalin. Before medication, which i think you should always try an alternative before drugs, You can go about treating ADHD with natural approaches. Steps to improve their condition can include: They should have a positive attitude towards human contact, they should get a good amount of sleep, eat the right foods, exercise on a regular basis, and they should have a prayer/meditation time which helps theyr mind focus. (Hallowll and Ratey (MD's)) It's understandable that certain children may eventually need medication to treat their condition, but I really dont think that it's fair to put a child on such medication before exploring all of the different options.

WEEK #8's BLOG :)

"Family is like music, some high notes, some low notes, but always a beautiful song" -unknown My "free choice" blog topic this week is the importance of family. A bond a family shares is like no other bond! And, in thinking about my wonderful family, I am experiencing flashbacks from our family vacation where so many amazing family memeries link back to.... The sound of waves crashing, sand in my toes, sun kissing my skin, breathing in salty air, I am enjoying myself while relaxing on such a beautiful sunny day in Siesta Key, Florida! It's finaly that time of year when my family and I put our busy schedules to rest, to spend time with one another. I would lay on the sea-shore. I would anticipate every time a wave came, it would hit my legs cooling off my body from the hot Florida sun. I am glued to the site of Father and my brothers, Tommy and Joey, playing catch with a football out in the ocean. Although, Occasionally, I looked back to Billy, my twin, as he put the finishing touches to a sand castle he has slaved over all afternoon. Next to Bill's masterpiece, Mother would look like a beach god catching raise while reading her book. Later that night, there wasnt a dull moment at our kitchen table, as we would joke and laugh with one another. Conversation is almost hard to keep up with; it's bouncing from person to person so much! The smile not once leaving my face, I love thses kind of moments! I believe family vacations strengthen the bonds a family shares. These times are my fondest family memeries! I hope you take from this blog: You should love your family. You should put your busy schedule a side, and focus all of your attention on your family! And, cherish the memories you share with your family, even the smalles of moments can be cherished for a life time! Love. Peace. Soul.

Week #7's blog :):):):) TEXT RESPONCE

Today, I will respond to an article known on the internet as: "Scary Facts About Diet Pills that Work". The topic of diet supplements intrigue me immensely. That is because happiness is so important and this product promotes a false relationship between this kind of pill and a happy life. As I continue my responce, I will speak more of life, happiness, and good health. Isn't it beautiful how in your life; being happy and being healthy intertwine seamlessly? Working out, eating right, and getting an adequate amount of sleep are all ways to get to that happy, healthy place. Sadly, those who arent at this place take desperate measures to get to it. Unfortanitly, the market promotes 'diet pills' to provide a quick fix for those longing to be healthy/happy. It's relationship with being happy is so phony and just not true. Arthur Agatston, MD and cardiologist, states "even if you lose weight, you may have unpleasant, even dangerous cardiac side effects". Also, Your quest for a quick fix could be hiding stimulants, toxic ingrediants, anti-depressants, and more... These wont make you healthy, like advertised, but actually will harm you. "Dietary Supplements may represent the next big safety catastrophe" says Steven Nissen, MD and cardiologist, As previosly stressed, the best way to live healthy resulting in being happy is to work out, choose healthy and fresh choices when eating, and get a proper amount of sleep. It may take more time, but these are ways that TRUELY will lead to a a healthy life filled with happiness! These 'short cut pills' are in deed not going to make you healthy. They will actually make you unhealthy!! This is your life, and you only have one! So, it's so vital to make smart choices!

Week #6's blog! (free choice)

About a week in a half ago, I celebrated my favorite holiday! It was Valentine's Day, a time to focus on romantic love. But needless to say, our other relationships are equally important to leading us to live a happy life. So, on this day, we are reminded of the importantace of each and every relationship we hold in our hearts! Happify, LiveYourDreams.org's new sponsor, uses science to teach people happiness-boosting techniques using out of this world research in positive psychology. Being a psyc. major, I find my self browsing this site quite often. In it, according to Happify, "scientists have found that what separates the happiest 10% of the population from everyone else is the strength of their social bonds." Some very popular steps in strengthening relationships are to express your love, say it in words, give a gift of your time, and the list goes on and on.... Everyone has the chance to build healthy, happy relationships, that in the end provide you with a better life! And, who wouldnt want that? So, I advise you today to turn to someone you really care about and say the simple and most largly impacted three words: I LOVE YOU! Love, and be loved! Love, peace + soul <3

WEEK #5 :):):) [text response]

Being the girly-girl that I am, I absolutely love being on pinterest more than anything!! I enjoy scrolling through the fun arts/crafts, the humor, and also the quote category. This blog is inspired by a quote that I came across, and this quote quite simply touched my heart: "I used to pray that God would feed the hungry, or do this or that, but now I pray that he will guide me to do whatever I'm supposed to do, what I can do. I used to pray for answers, but now I'm praying for stregth. I used to believe that prayer changes things, but now I know that prayer changes us and we change things." -Mother Teresa After reading this quote, I was intrigued to learn more about this amazing woman!!! In an article, which was intitled "Mother Teresa's of Calcutta", I read about her life as a Roman Catholic nun. Blessed Mother Teresa donated her life to provide aid to those disabled, sick, old, poor, orphaned, and dying. During her years of work, she established hospice as well as centers for disabled, lepers, aged, and the blind. In 1979, Mother Teresa won a Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts. Mother Teresa had a long life commited to helping people in need. Her accomplishments are still remembered to this day. So many people can look to Mother Teresa as a role model of how they should live their lifes!! "I alone cannot change the world, but i can cast a stone across the water that can create many ripples." -Mother Teresa a hero

Week #4's blog :):):)

In a previous blog, I had mentioned how Jackie Robinson changed the face of baseball forever! He broke the color barrier in the game, and porvided players to showcase their talent no matter the color of there skin. It was such a brake through of its time! And excitingly enough, I think another brake through occured in the game of football this past week! Michael Sam announced he was a proud gay individual. No football player has ever announced that they were gay during there football carrer. unfortinutly, This kind of behavor has been frown upon in the past. Players have gotten let go just for supporting gay rights, let alone 'come out of the closet' for being gay. A star college football player, Michael is entering the NFL next football draft. Before announcing being gay, Michael was projected to be picked in the top 15 picks! I hope and pray that he is sucessful and no one discriminates against him! I think he has the power to open the door for gay football players everywhere in being sucessful! He is an amazing athlete, and should strive which will prove sexuality shouldnt matter. Michael Sam is braking the sexuality barrier in football, he is providing players to be successful because of there talent! He will prove that to be a football star it doesnt matter your sexuality but the talent you possess! You should be treated equal if you are straight or gay!

Week #3's Blog :)

Hope has been restored in every American Citizen the day Obama was elected president! Barack Obama is the 44th and current president of the United States. He is an amzing leader of our courty, but that isnt all he will be remember for. Obama is the first African American to become President. The color of your skin can no longer hold you back from doing anything, and President Obama is proof. I brushed up on his story by reading 'What Obama's Election Really Means to Black America', writen by Steve Gray. Author, Steven Gray, spoke about Obama's rise to power. The struggles of not fitting in anywhere followed Obama everywhere he went. I read about Obama's Struggle with getting acsepted in a church and the cold sholder he oddly reseved from fellow African American's because he was a 'fake' black. Obama's rise to fame wasnt easy and it was stressed in this article. I have gained more respect for this man after reading about his stregth. Over and over again his strength was tested. Author, Steve Gray, has a deep respect for our president and I agree with him, and believe Obama goes down as being a hero of today!

#1 Free choice blog- Jackie Robinson

There is so much more to a person than just there appearance. I would love to take the chance to blog about an amazing hero, who proves what you look like doesn't define what you can become! You just have to believe in yourself!


Lets Imagine: It is April 15th, 1947. You are at Ebbets field, in Brooklyn, For Major League
Baseball's opening day. The stadium is squirming with spectators. It is packed with people, who have all came to see one man. Everyone eagerly anticipates for the moment that the Dodgers take the field. At that moment, everything will change. It is a colored man that will step out onto prier to just a white man's baseball field. He is dressed as a Brooklyn Dodgers player. It will be a strong, dark, African American, who on April 15th, 1947, is the first black man to step up to the plate and bat in the MLB. This brave man will forever be known as a hero from this point on. He stepped up to bat and hit a grand slam in the Civil Rights movement for black men everywhere. You may ask who is this impeccable hero in time...

His name is Roosevelt Robinson. (Jackie Robinson)

Jackie Robinson played ten years for the Dodgers. He had a great career; winning MVP in 1949, named an 'all star' an impressive 6 years in a row, won a World Series, and the list goes on.... sadly, his last appearance was on October 10th, 1956 for his team: the Brooklyn Dodgers. Jackie's jersey number, 42, was retired by all  MLB teams after this game. Robinson will always be remembered not only as the amazing baseball player he was but, for breaking the color barrier in the game. This man changed the world! This man created equality between men! He opened a door of opportunity.

Jackie will forever be remembered in history. Jackie Robinson's legacy will never die! The number 42 is not just a number, this number represents a hero. Lone live Jackie Robinson, whom is the hero and idol of so many for promoting equality!

R.I.P. #42