Wednesday, March 31, 2004
In Palm Beach Florida a rumor that a 13 year old boy had a gun at school was started by his girlfriend. When the school police force found out about it, they brought the boy into the principal's office. The principal took out a toy gun (a plastic starter pistol) and held it to the boys head. He threatened the boy saying he would "squash him like a bug" and demanded that he produce the gun. As it turns out, there was no gun and the boy had no history of violence.
His mom is filing a lawsuit against the school board. (See my previous entry, "Sue-Happy Society") She says the boy is distressed after the incident. The principal was suspended for 10 days.
Has the principal gone too far? The zero tolerance laws in this country have been very strict, especially since Columbine. Nothing resembling a gun is acceptable on campus. Criteria for what is considered a gun has gotten ridiculous (that's another entry!). It is understandable to protect the safety of kids but holding a gun to the boy's head crossed the line. The kid was being cooperative so there was no need to threaten him in such a way. What does this teach kids about authority figures they should be able to trust? Plus, it's a bit hypocritical for the principal to have a gun at school (let alone threaten to use it) while they are enforcing the rule on kids. Also, since the campus has a police force I do not understand why they didn't handle it themselves.
It's a tough call on this one. If a kid is released after saying he had no gun and there was a shooting, the school security would be held responsible. I can see a school needs to keep things safe, but this principal let his temper get the best of him. He is not someone I would want at my school!
P.S. The boy should dump his girlfriend.
Monday, March 29, 2004
The Internet has multiple uses. One of them has now become Internet dieting. For $5 a week, sites like eDiets.com offer a range of services including personalized menus and access to nutritionists. The Internet allows a person to focus on a diet privately at home. This means no potentially humiliating Weight Watchers meetings, which cost about $10 each meeting. (The $5 is cheaper!)
To be continued....
Saturday, March 27, 2004
California is taking the leap. The state is proposing to raise the legal age to buy tobacco from 18 to 21. The reasoning behind this is to prevent younger smokers from starting. Newsflash: if teens want to smoke, they will! The same goes for drinking. Kids under 18 have their sources. (friends, parents, dealers, and the Internet, to name a few) Teens will just have to spend a few more years getting cigarettes from other people. Plus, if this law is put in place the current 18-20 year old smokers buying cigarettes legally will suddenly be out of luck?
The government realizes that teen smoking is a problem. Instead of combatting that problem directly they have decided to take the easy way out.
Smoking Laws
Message to teenagers about smoking cigarettes
Youth Smoking Prevention
Friday, March 26, 2004
The Guardian, one of the main newspapers in Britain, has compiled a list of the most irritating phrases. "At the end of the day" was voted to be the worst, followed by "at this moment in time". "Like" is third. I have found myself guilty of using some of these. I used to say "like" all the time, mainly in high school. I remember talking to my friend on the phone about it back then and we tried to continue the conversation without saying "like". It was very difficult! I am happy to say I have since decreased its use.
Some phrases not mentioned in the article are "you know", "actually", and "basically". I get caught using these sometimes as well. Most of the word usage comes from a lack of vocabulary or a loss for words. Sprinkling these phrases in can cause a distraction from the actual message. For example, by saying, "to be honest with you" the listener may wonder if that means you are not always honest with them!
As a member of Toastmasters, I am familiar with making word use choices. Toastmasters is an International speaking organization focused on helping people become better speakers no matter what level or reason. One job assigned at the meeting is the "Ah Counter". As we speak, we tend to use an assortment of crutch words. What is a "crutch word"? Here are the main ones: um, and um, so, mmm, and so, and, er, but, you know. These are tiny phrases thrown in as filler while thinking about the next thing to say. At meetings we have been trained to point these out and in effect, most people improve dramatically when thinking on their feet.
Eliminating crutch words and cliche phrases will help your speech and writing. Then "at the end of the day" you will communicate more effectively, "to be honest with you"!
Thursday, March 25, 2004
Friendster is the new face of social networking. This program allows the user to set up a profile including personal statistics, interests, and favorites. At first I was under the impression that Friendster was mostly used by teenagers. This article highlights the fact that it is being used for business. As they say, it's not what you know, but who you know. It's six degrees of separation at its finest! This could become quite handy in the future.
Wednesday, March 24, 2004
Let's face it: We live in a sue-happy society. If there is a way to make money for any form of discomfort, then sue! Currently at work (I lifeguard at an indoor pool) we have had many people slipping on the pool deck. Sometimes it is because a kid is running but most of the time it is just the slick surface. A kid slipped a couple months ago and said he was fine. Now his mother has come back saying he was not fine and wants the City to pay for his doctor bills.
As a result, we have to fill out an incident report for every slip, no matter how minor. Most of the time the people are just embarrassed after everyone sees them fall with a loud thud. Now they have to sit while a form is filled out with specific information. Sure enough, soon after I had been told this new rule a woman slipped. After a minor incident I explain the reason why we have to do the paperwork. Thanks to all the greedy people. It is because of you that we live in a society of paperwork, waivers, and witnesses.
Tuesday, March 23, 2004
The FCC has made it clear: Absolutely NO F-word allowed! After an incident with U2's Bono uttering the word at the Golden Globes, the FCC has been cracking down. Indecent words and acts on television seems to be a familiar topic to all lately. (i.e. Janet Jackson's boob!) I will never forget the look on my 9-year old cousin's face when he saw Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson's antics at the Super Bowl. It got me reconsidering what is still "safe" for kids to watch. Now more delay systems are being put in place. I wonder why they didn't do this earlier? People can be unpredictable, especially famous ones!
There is a 6am to 10pm threshold for broadcast TV but you still don't hear the most vulgar words. The European threshold is 9pm and after that it is amazing what is being said, done, and shown on TV. Let me tell you, it takes some getting used to! I think the United States is still more conservative and I don't think vulgarity on TV will catch up to Europe for a while.
The companies risk huge fines (could be up to $500,000) for indecency. I am glad the FCC is doing something about it. It's just a little unfair for a network to pay a huge fine because a rock star or singer does something indecent. Who is really to blame?
Sunday, March 21, 2004
As we plod along day to day, we live in risk. Sometimes we worry about bizarre things happening to us. To many it is only a passing thought. This site outlines some common (and not so common) occurances and the odds that they will happen. What things should we be worrying about and what should we forget about? Here are some highlights:
Odds of being struck by lightning: 576,000 to 1
This is probably the most popular odds mentioned in conversation. It is still very unlikely, especially if you stay in your car!
Odds of being murdered: 18,000 to 1
We have a better chance of being murdered, but still not a terrifying chance. Of course, it may be terrifying if you increase your chances by walking down dark alleyways, get in with the wrong crowd, or are stuck in the wrong place at the wrong time!
Odds of getting away with murder: 2 to 1
This is a bit scary. That means half the people that murder get away with it. What more can we do to to decrease these odds?
Odds that a first marriage will survive without separation or divorce for 15 years: 1.3 to 1
This statistic was a bit confusing. I thought the divorce rate was 50%. Yet again, that probably counts all marriages, including the multiple marriages of one person. This is a little reassuring that marriage can work!
Odds of winning the California lottery: 13,000,000 to 1
Don't bet on it. Save your money.
Chance of dying from a car accident: 1 in 18,585
About the same chance as being murdered.
Chance of dying in an airplane accident: 1 in 354,319
Air travel is probably the safest form of travel. Consider how many flights depart per day and the amount of accidents we hear about. It's not worth worrying about.
Chance of having a stroke: 1 in 6
Now to the health concerns. As we get older the chances of illness increase. Take care of yourself now and keep an eye on those symptoms!
Chance of dying from heart disease: 1 in 3
Yikes! This is not good. Keep in mind the American diet with big portions and fatty foods. We may have to pay for it later!
Chance of getting arthritis: 1 in 7
This seems about right. It's very much a possibility the joints may get a little stiff in old age. Once again, take care of yourself now to prevent this.
It's amazing how we worry about or set our hopes high for things that most likely won't happen. Just something to think about!
Saturday, March 20, 2004
On Thursday night, my journalism web production class took a tour of the Modesto Bee. Eric Johnston is the director of online services for Modbee.com. He was nice enough to offer his time to talk to us and show us around. We had a discussion about the newspaper and the future of online journalism. Then he gave us a tour of the building. Everyone was amazed that the entire online site is set up and maintained by only seven people! The tour was very enlightening and I'm sure we all enjoyed it.
Jean, Kei, Joe, and I were all riding together. The night was still young so we went to downtown Modesto to get some food. I am surprised how much the area reminds me of Downtown Lodi. I think it is better. This could simply be because it is not Lodi!
I like our small class. We have a good group! Many classes today are packed with 50, 70, even over 100 people. In that case it is impossible for the proffessor to get to know everyone and cater to everyone's needs.
Check out modbee.com, or the online version of your local paper. Online and print versions have their own unique features. You may be missing out!
Friday, March 19, 2004
Internet personals have revolutionized the dating game. A person does not have to go out and search for single people. On sites such as Match.com we can look for love with the click of a button. Last night after our class Modesto Bee tour, we got talking about our likes and dislikes. It sounded like we were spouting off our own personals!
While we're at it, I'm a 21/F. I've got one year left at CSU Stanislaus doing Communications and art history. I lifeguard at an indoor pool and teach some conditioning classes as well. I love to travel, and England is very dear to me.
Hmm, I don't think I'm very good at this. I've written "all about me" several times before, but never in a personals format! Some of the personals are so cheesy. I feel like I'm selling myself...and I guess in a personal, you are! It is very strange to think of it that way.
I have had the experience of meeting someone over the Internet and it worked for years. However, I don't think I will every seriously search for people through personals. This may sound hypocritical, but I did not meet though a personal site. We were online buddies and more like pen pals first, meeting a good few times before we got "together". With the Internet comes a lot of uncertainty. How can you be sure the person is telling the truth? I have always been wary of chatting or instant messaging people who are local out of worry they can find me!
Online dating has become very popular and more accepted in society. It is no longer so weird to say you met someone online. In fact, my sister met someone through online personals and now they are happily married. There are many success stories out there.
As for myself, I do not know if I'd do an Internet romance again. It can be exciting, but I think I'd rather do things the old fashioned way.
Scientists Study Online Dating
Wednesday, March 17, 2004
I'll say it up front: break-ups stink. It's not only me, but a couple of my friends are going through it too. It must be in the air. Inside you know it's for the best and everything will be ok. But it still stinks!
Sunday, March 14, 2004
Mother knows best. This list has a lot of truth in it, especially for you women!
I hate 4-way stops. At a busy intersection the traffic piles up, causing long queues. With each car coming to a complete stop it is a constant "stop and go". When two cars reach a stop at the same time the car on the right is supposed to go first. This doesn't always happen. The person can give a wave saying, "you go". Sometimes people cannot make up their minds, saying "no, you can go" while everyone else waits. Then there are the people who do not wait their turn and dart across.
Let's forget all this stop and go! What we need are roundabouts. What is a roundabout? It is a circular road at an intersection where the cars entering the circle yield to the oncoming cars and the traffic flows. Roundabouts come in different sizes and designs. The circle keeps traffic moving. Each "exit" point has clearly labeled signs (in Britain and Australia, anyway). If the driver is unsure which exit to take he can circle around as many times as it takes to figure it out.
Several roundabouts already have been introduced in the United States. Even CSU Stanislaus has a roundabout on the campus! However, it seems that many Americans just don't get it. (Think Clark Griswald stuck in the London roundabout in "National Lampoon's European Vacation"!) One roundabout in Woodland, CA has plastic posts put up around it to "guide" the car through. The roundabout in Woodbridge, CA has tire marks across the center circle because people just drive over it! This has officials concerned about roundabout safety in America.
Some Benefits
1. Roundabouts can decrease traffic speeds through the circular design of the road. (Most roundabouts are approached in second gear)
2. They are cheaper to operate than a traffic signal.
3. They are safer than traffic signals.
4. Minimized queuing at intersections (no more stop and go!)
5. Average 29% reduction in accidents, with a reduction from 9.3 to 5.9 accidents per year (from a sample of 11 sites; source: Roundabouts: An Informational Guide).
The roundabout is a new concept in the United States, but is a concept worth learning.
Yesterday I was able to see my favorite show, Starlight Express. It's an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical that many people don't know about. Based on "the little engine that could", the story is about racing trains. The entire show is performed on roller skates.
I first saw it in London at the Apollo Victoria theatre before the long run of 18 years ended. I was instantly hooked. Now the show is touring the U.S. When I heard it was coming to Sacramento March 11th-21st it was a must-see! Some new changes have been made to the show. The biggest being the absense of the race track. Instead of the characters racing live they have 3-D race sequences to watch on a giant screen. I prefer the track but filming the races is what allows the show to tour. A giant track is not portable enough for touring!
Changes were made to some of the original songs (to which I am still partial), but the show is still amazing. Just think about trying to skate, sing, and keep to the choreography. Not an easy task!
Thursday, March 11, 2004
Why are gas prices so high? Weren't prices around $1.55 a couple months ago? The days of $0.99 a gallon are far over. It seems that every time we go to the pump the price has creaped up a few cents. When compared to other countries, our prices are still cheap. Any island that pays import tax would be glad to pay $2.00 per gallon. Also, Britain normally pays an average of $4-5 per gallon. Once again, most of it is tax. The prices are accepted. They have no choice other than taking the bus!
When prices rise above the normal rate this affects business. Carefully calculated expenses instantly increase. This causes financial hardship, especially for those on a budget. Comanies such as flower delivery services may have to start charging more for the service to make ends meet. As a commuting student, I make eight trips from Lodi to Stockton each week. I am feeling the hole in my pocket. My money runs out quicker and I find myself at the pump frequently!
I admit I do not follow the political aspects of oil prices. People are starting to blame the oil companies. It is hard to tell how greedy they may be. The company may figure we get used to paying $2 a gallon so why not keep it there? It seems that gas prices will remain high. We are stuck and the oil companies know it.
Now here's an interesting topic relating to rudeness while traveling. For those of you who don't wish to read the article I'll supply a quick outline:
1. We can be space hogs
2. We abuse the use of our cell phones
3. We drive like maniacs
4. We don't know when to shut up
5. We are often short with employees
6. We take our kids where we shouldn't
7. We scream!
8. We lie
9. We make thoughtless comments
10. We request a lot more than we deserve
Like many of you, I found myself nodding my head while reading this article. Many of these don't just relate to travelers! Annoyances with cell phones and especially driving take place every day.
As a fairly seasoned traveller I have witnessed each of these at one point or another. However, I have also been subject to courteous gestures. For example, in Britain I have stuggled carrying my heavy bags up the stairs in train stations. Usually a man will come along and help carry my bags (without running off with them!). Also, if I am confused about something I do not hesitate to politely ask someone on the street for directions. They are usually happy to help. At least some people still can be polite.
My basic advice is to keep your mouth shut, be considerate of others, and be rational when things go wrong. I know it can be difficult for some, but it all comes down to manners! If you are polite to others there is a higher chance they will return the favor or be more willing to help. That is why it angers me when others do not make the effort. I guarantee that rudeness will be an ongoing theme in this blog.
Wednesday, March 10, 2004
I read this book over the weekend while on vacation. I have studied art history for 3 years now and I have always found Vermeer's paintings to be mysterious. This book brings one of them to life. In 17th century Holland, Griet, a young girl of 16 becomes a maid in Vermeer's household. The book follows her experiences and coming of age. Also, history and imagination are combined to create a story behind the painting. In the past couple months a movie based on the book has been released.
Of course, as soon as I finished the book I went to see the film. I found it to be enjoyable, but it could be potentially confusing if the viewer has not read the book. You get a lot more out of it because the book is written by a narrative of Griet's thoughts. When seeing it in live action it is more enjoyable to know what is going on inside her head as events unfold. Also, the ending to the film was a bit confusing. I saw it with my mom and grandma and I had to fill them in on the "real" ending and character development for them to fully understand what happened.
Overall, I enjoyed the film and the book even more. If you are at all interested in art or something different in Hollywood then I would recommend the book and film.
Tuesday, March 09, 2004
There has not been much activity in this blog for the past few days. That is because I have been on vacation in Palm Springs for the past five days. Normal blogging resumes now!
Thursday, March 04, 2004
Chocolate is good for the heart? That is good news for me, a self-proclaimed chocoholic. Then again, it all gets confusing with foods. One study comes out and says a food item is good for us and prevents disease, then another study will say it is bad. This happens with many things, such as fish, wine, and even fruits and vegetables! This makes me skeptical about these studies, making me throw up my hands and say, "Everything we eat is bad...and good for us!" As obnivores, we get away with putting several types of items in our body which can classify as food. We are what we eat. As stated yesterday, for some of us a lot of it is junk.
I hear of these studies but none of them have truly affected my eating habits. I like chocolate, and I am going to continue eating it!
Wednesday, March 03, 2004
McDonald's is getting rid of their supersize fries and drinks. At first I felt indifferent about this because I have never ordered a supersize anything. On thie other hand, this is mainly happening because of the threats and lawsuits claiming that fast food makes people obese.
Who is to blame? Is it the company for offering foods high in fat, sodium, and cholesterol? Oh dear, the food tastes so good it is addictive while McDonald's hides the health risks! Or is it some consumers' lack of control and bad eating habits? I think it's the latter. It is common sense that fast food is not good for you.
Yes, McDonald's does spend a lot of money on their image and their appeal. They are good at it. But I think it is just America's habits in general. We are by far the fattest nation in the world. Other countries are blown away by our giant portions of food and the amount of "junk" and "convenience" foods available.
McDonald's in Europe offers no supersize and the standard size fries and drink offered with the meal are smaller than the standard size offered in the U.S. The supersize is not necessary. If you really nead more fries and soda you can buy another portion of small fries and drink as well.
Yes, supersize means "more for your money", but in this case it's only more fat, sodium, and cholesterol that your body doesn't need!
Check out McSpotlight for international investigations of McDonald's practices.
