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As Thanksgiving approaches, a few things come to mind: turkey, football, family, and the anti-holiday, Black Friday. I guess I shouldn't say anti-holiday. I should also clarify that I am not totally opposed to the Black Friday craze. I just find that Black Friday seems to overshadow Thanksgiving increasingly each year. Pretty soon, we'll scrap the whole turkey nonsense and focus on the "real" holiday at hand.
There are two kinds of people in this world: those that find delight in the thought of stuffing away turkey, sleeping for fifteen minutes, and heading out at the crack of dawn to head into the jungle that is the retail industry on the Friday after Thanksgiving...and those that don't. Don't get me wrong; I appreciate a good deal just as much as the next gal. However, the succession of holiday events seems somewhat inconsistent. It's ironic, isn't it? Let's all get together, share a lovely dinner, discuss how blessed we are, only to get ruthless at the mall as we fight over the latest digital gadget hours later.
Thanksgiving, as its name implies, means gathering with family and friends to spend time together and express appreciation (at least that's what I was always taught). After partaking in this wholesome experience, however, many Americans clear their plates--along with their gratitude--and take on the personas of materialistic vultures. I'm talking about the worst-case scenarios, of course, but still. I think some of us need to reassess our values. Even though many venture into the abyss of Black Friday for holiday shopping purposes, in pursuit of gifts for others, the persistent mindset of Black Friday shoppers is what is most upsetting to me. The measures that some people take to win this shopping marathon can be quite disturbing.
We've all heard some Black Friday horror story. One in particular has resonated with me. A couple years ago, an employee was killed at a Long Island Walmart in the early morning hours of Black Friday. Killed. As in, this person's life was unjustly taken as a result of a cultural oversight of basic values. I don't think it's wrong to want to get a bargain. I do, however, think its wrong when this obsession for saving money comes at the price (no pun intended) of human life. No amount of "great deals" can ever justify the harm or death of another.
As Black Friday looms, it's crucial to think in terms of the big picture (no, not the big picture TV). Is it worth it? If your answer is yes, it's worth it to wake up at 3:30 am in order to wait in line at Walmart, that is absolutely your prerogative. Just remember not to take anyone down in the process.
(Don't be fooled by the seemingly harmless look of these brightly-colored cans!)
Have you heard about the alcoholic beverage, "Four Loko"? Although it was introduced in 2005, I hadn't heard about the drink, nicknamed "liquid cocaine," until recently. Not only is the drink alcoholic, but it also contains a significant amount of caffeine and sugar. Apparently, it tastes like an energy drink, but has more serious effects than the average caffeine jolt. The hybrid alcoholic-energy drink has already elicited some media attention. Currently, the Food and Drug Administration is investigating the safety of Four Loko.
Four Loko comes in a variety of fruity flavors: Citrus, Grape, Fruit Punch, Orange Blend, Watermelon, Blue Raspberry, Lemonade, Cranberry Lemonade, and Lemon Lime. The carbonated beverage tastes like an energy drink yet contains twelve percent alcohol -- equivalent to over two beers or mixed drinks. The danger in drinking Four Loko relates to just how easy it is to consume them. Several of my friends drank one and a half cans each one weekend and have since sworn off Four Loko -- according to them, even one is too much. Apparently, Four Loko doesn't necessarily induce an out-of-control drunken state, but it causes drinkers to feel over-energized. According to a CBS News article, "Four Loko: Is New Party Brew 'Liquid Cocaine'?" "Some Four Loko fans say they like the 'caffeinated malt beverage' because it gives them a paradoxical alert-but-relaxed feeling."
Four Loko is popular among college students, but many are learning the hard way that perhaps the drink is all it's cracked up to be -- dangerous. One article from the Daily Orange summed up Four Loko's appeal, "The drink has taken off in popularity, especially on college campuses where students are attracted to its high alcohol content and cheap price." However, some campuses have actually banned Four Loko. A Syracuse news report stated, "After students at northern New Jersey's Ramapo College were hospitalized last month after drinking Four Loko, the college president ordered that it and similar drinks be banned - and he's encouraging other colleges and the state to follow suit." As a dry campus, URI will not follow suit. However, perhaps it should warn its students about the possible ramifications of "coke in a can."
Thanksgetting
Posted by
Kayla
on Sunday, October 24, 2010
/
Comments: (0)
As Thanksgiving approaches, a few things come to mind: turkey, football, family, and the anti-holiday, Black Friday. I guess I shouldn't say anti-holiday. I should also clarify that I am not totally opposed to the Black Friday craze. I just find that Black Friday seems to overshadow Thanksgiving increasingly each year. Pretty soon, we'll scrap the whole turkey nonsense and focus on the "real" holiday at hand.
There are two kinds of people in this world: those that find delight in the thought of stuffing away turkey, sleeping for fifteen minutes, and heading out at the crack of dawn to head into the jungle that is the retail industry on the Friday after Thanksgiving...and those that don't. Don't get me wrong; I appreciate a good deal just as much as the next gal. However, the succession of holiday events seems somewhat inconsistent. It's ironic, isn't it? Let's all get together, share a lovely dinner, discuss how blessed we are, only to get ruthless at the mall as we fight over the latest digital gadget hours later.
Thanksgiving, as its name implies, means gathering with family and friends to spend time together and express appreciation (at least that's what I was always taught). After partaking in this wholesome experience, however, many Americans clear their plates--along with their gratitude--and take on the personas of materialistic vultures. I'm talking about the worst-case scenarios, of course, but still. I think some of us need to reassess our values. Even though many venture into the abyss of Black Friday for holiday shopping purposes, in pursuit of gifts for others, the persistent mindset of Black Friday shoppers is what is most upsetting to me. The measures that some people take to win this shopping marathon can be quite disturbing.
We've all heard some Black Friday horror story. One in particular has resonated with me. A couple years ago, an employee was killed at a Long Island Walmart in the early morning hours of Black Friday. Killed. As in, this person's life was unjustly taken as a result of a cultural oversight of basic values. I don't think it's wrong to want to get a bargain. I do, however, think its wrong when this obsession for saving money comes at the price (no pun intended) of human life. No amount of "great deals" can ever justify the harm or death of another.
As Black Friday looms, it's crucial to think in terms of the big picture (no, not the big picture TV). Is it worth it? If your answer is yes, it's worth it to wake up at 3:30 am in order to wait in line at Walmart, that is absolutely your prerogative. Just remember not to take anyone down in the process.
Thoughts on studying abroad
Posted by
Kayla
on Friday, October 22, 2010
/
Comments: (0)
Next semester, I will be studying abroad in Salamanca, Spain. I am both thrilled and terrified. When I was researching which program to pursue, I came across myriad articles -- both informative and satirical. I thought I would relay some of my experience--so far--in the study-abroad process. Obviously, I have not actually experienced studying abroad yet. However, I have already undergone many of the steps in selecting a program, submitting an application, and following the procedures here at URI. I am still in the midst of all this, and I will be the first to admit that I wish I had gone about it in a more organized fashion. I have already learned a lot during this pre-study-abroad experience. Hopefully the actual experience follows suit. Here's a very informal list of suggestions for someone who would like to study-abroad:
Don't make the same mistakes I did!
If you are like me, you "know" you want to study abroad. You have to; it will enrich your academic life and provide you with an incredible experience. However, make sure that you don't let your inhibitions affect the application process. What I mean is that once it came down to filling out the application, making advising appointments, etc., the reality of studying abroad began to set in for me. I started to get nervous as I came to understand that I would be away from home for over four months. Thus, I would do my homework or chores or anything else before my application. I avoided the application process because what it signified began to terrify me. I started dreading getting the e-mail reminders about deadlines. I got anxiety every time I would make a list that capitalized, "COMPLETE ABROAD APPLICATION!" I can't even explain the things I would do instead of the damn application! (I began to feel sudden urges to clean everything, fold clothes, catch up with old friends...) My point is, don't procrastinate filling out the application and other paperwork. Even if it begins to give you anxiety, if you think you want to study abroad, do the application early. That way, you'll have it done and won't have excess anxiety when you're cramming to finish it!
Don't make the same mistakes I did!
If you are like me, you "know" you want to study abroad. You have to; it will enrich your academic life and provide you with an incredible experience. However, make sure that you don't let your inhibitions affect the application process. What I mean is that once it came down to filling out the application, making advising appointments, etc., the reality of studying abroad began to set in for me. I started to get nervous as I came to understand that I would be away from home for over four months. Thus, I would do my homework or chores or anything else before my application. I avoided the application process because what it signified began to terrify me. I started dreading getting the e-mail reminders about deadlines. I got anxiety every time I would make a list that capitalized, "COMPLETE ABROAD APPLICATION!" I can't even explain the things I would do instead of the damn application! (I began to feel sudden urges to clean everything, fold clothes, catch up with old friends...) My point is, don't procrastinate filling out the application and other paperwork. Even if it begins to give you anxiety, if you think you want to study abroad, do the application early. That way, you'll have it done and won't have excess anxiety when you're cramming to finish it!
Livin' la vida loko
Posted by
Kayla
on Monday, October 11, 2010
/
Comments: (1)
(Don't be fooled by the seemingly harmless look of these brightly-colored cans!)
Have you heard about the alcoholic beverage, "Four Loko"? Although it was introduced in 2005, I hadn't heard about the drink, nicknamed "liquid cocaine," until recently. Not only is the drink alcoholic, but it also contains a significant amount of caffeine and sugar. Apparently, it tastes like an energy drink, but has more serious effects than the average caffeine jolt. The hybrid alcoholic-energy drink has already elicited some media attention. Currently, the Food and Drug Administration is investigating the safety of Four Loko.
Four Loko comes in a variety of fruity flavors: Citrus, Grape, Fruit Punch, Orange Blend, Watermelon, Blue Raspberry, Lemonade, Cranberry Lemonade, and Lemon Lime. The carbonated beverage tastes like an energy drink yet contains twelve percent alcohol -- equivalent to over two beers or mixed drinks. The danger in drinking Four Loko relates to just how easy it is to consume them. Several of my friends drank one and a half cans each one weekend and have since sworn off Four Loko -- according to them, even one is too much. Apparently, Four Loko doesn't necessarily induce an out-of-control drunken state, but it causes drinkers to feel over-energized. According to a CBS News article, "Four Loko: Is New Party Brew 'Liquid Cocaine'?" "Some Four Loko fans say they like the 'caffeinated malt beverage' because it gives them a paradoxical alert-but-relaxed feeling."
Four Loko is popular among college students, but many are learning the hard way that perhaps the drink is all it's cracked up to be -- dangerous. One article from the Daily Orange summed up Four Loko's appeal, "The drink has taken off in popularity, especially on college campuses where students are attracted to its high alcohol content and cheap price." However, some campuses have actually banned Four Loko. A Syracuse news report stated, "After students at northern New Jersey's Ramapo College were hospitalized last month after drinking Four Loko, the college president ordered that it and similar drinks be banned - and he's encouraging other colleges and the state to follow suit." As a dry campus, URI will not follow suit. However, perhaps it should warn its students about the possible ramifications of "coke in a can."
The truth about Columbus
Posted by
Kayla
on Tuesday, October 5, 2010
/
Comments: (0)
I love this upcoming weekend. Who wouldn't love a long weekend to kick off the fall season? The leaves are beginning to turn, the air is starting to crisp, and even to me, an apathetic spectator, the thought of football games on Sundays is appealing. Like so many other holiday weekends, though, we seem to lose sight of why we celebrate. Since I am guilty of this oversight, I decided to do some investigation about Columbus Day.
When I think of elementary school, a few popular rhymes come to mind, "In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue," being one of them. In high school, however, I learned that this little rhyme may not be exactly true. So, who really discovered America? If it wasn't good 'ol Columbus, why do we celebrate him?
As it turns out, Columbus was not the first person to discover the Americas. Nope, not even close. Besides the Native Americans, indigenous to America for some thousand of years before 1492, others came before Columbus. The Vikings, led by Leif Erikson, journeyed to America in 1000 AD. The name, America, even precedes Columbus. Amerigo Vespucci, an Italian explorer, is recognized as having named the "New World." Maybe we should consider following Hawaii's lead and rename this holiday weekend, "Discoverer's Day." Whatever its origin, I'll take the long weekend.
http://www.lawzone.com/half-nor/swearinger.htm
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,807597,00.html
When I think of elementary school, a few popular rhymes come to mind, "In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue," being one of them. In high school, however, I learned that this little rhyme may not be exactly true. So, who really discovered America? If it wasn't good 'ol Columbus, why do we celebrate him?
As it turns out, Columbus was not the first person to discover the Americas. Nope, not even close. Besides the Native Americans, indigenous to America for some thousand of years before 1492, others came before Columbus. The Vikings, led by Leif Erikson, journeyed to America in 1000 AD. The name, America, even precedes Columbus. Amerigo Vespucci, an Italian explorer, is recognized as having named the "New World." Maybe we should consider following Hawaii's lead and rename this holiday weekend, "Discoverer's Day." Whatever its origin, I'll take the long weekend.
http://www.lawzone.com/half-nor/swearinger.htm
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,807597,00.html
Living in the (desensitized) digital age
Posted by
Kayla
on Friday, October 1, 2010
/
Comments: (0)
First of all, I would like to start by saying that technological advances have accomplished some pretty amazing feats: expanding medical capacities, broadening the scope of communication, and modernizing methods of education, to name a few. Advancements in technology, however, come with serious repercussions. Recently, I read an article (
http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society/2010/1001/Rutgers-student-death-Has-Digital-Age-made-students-callous) about two students from Rutgers University who allegedly set up a Webcam that publicly streamed a gay student's sexual activity. The victim of this hate crime, Tyler Clementi, consequently committed suicide by jumping off the George Washington Bridge just three days the videos aired.
This tragic, extreme incident calls into question some of the implications of modern technology. Even if this instance of cyberbullying was not the sole cause of Clementi's suicide (there are likely to have been other factors), this worst-case scenario highlights the importance of evaluating the dangers of technology abuse. It seems ironic that with an influx of technology, especially that which pertains to communication, we are experiencing such a desensitization, such an interpersonal disconnect. In a New York Daily News article (http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_crime/2010/09/29/2010-09-29_rutgers_freshmen_busted_for_spying_on_fellow_students_online_sex_session_officia.html) the authors recall that Clementi's last Facebook status read:
"Jumping off the gw bridge sorry." In a world in which we document our every actions through status updates, Twitter posts, and text messages, there is an undeniable loss of sympathy among people. We are more connected than ever before, yet we are by no means more in touch with one another.
This case has also raised awareness regarding the issue of cyberbullying. Typically associated with teens in middle and high school, cyberbullying is becoming more prevalent (or more widely reported) on college campuses. In a Wall Street Journal article entitled, "Cyberbullying Goes to College" (http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2010/09/30/the-rutgers-students-suicide-cyberbullying-goes-to-college/), author Jennifer Valentino-DeVries writes, "Cyberbullying is such a new phenomenon that psychologists don’t know much about exactly what causes it, but in theory it’s similar to ordinary bullying, Dr. Kowalski said. That sort of bullying was long thought to result from overcompensation for low self esteem, but in fact it’s typically people who have high self esteem. These are people who just 'think that this is sort of funny,' Dr. Kowalski added." Although I have never experienced cyberbullying, it is evident that this practice occurs at colleges and universities throughout the US. In the case of the Rutgers student, this cyberbullying aggression had grave effects. In the wake of this tragedy, the only positive result lies in awareness. One can only hope that such a calamitous event enlightens others about the seriousness of cyberbullying.
For more information on the Rutgers tragedy and other instances of cyberbullying, see:
http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2010/10/05/2010-10-05_hate_crime_may_not_be_option_in_rutgers_case.html
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_crime/2010/09/29/2010-09-29_rutgers_freshmen_busted_for_spying_on_fellow_students_online_sex_session_officia.html
http://stopcyberbullying.org/
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2010/10/02/rutgers_mourns_freshman_who_committed_suicide/
http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society/2010/1001/Rutgers-student-death-Has-Digital-Age-made-students-callous) about two students from Rutgers University who allegedly set up a Webcam that publicly streamed a gay student's sexual activity. The victim of this hate crime, Tyler Clementi, consequently committed suicide by jumping off the George Washington Bridge just three days the videos aired.
This tragic, extreme incident calls into question some of the implications of modern technology. Even if this instance of cyberbullying was not the sole cause of Clementi's suicide (there are likely to have been other factors), this worst-case scenario highlights the importance of evaluating the dangers of technology abuse. It seems ironic that with an influx of technology, especially that which pertains to communication, we are experiencing such a desensitization, such an interpersonal disconnect. In a New York Daily News article (http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_crime/2010/09/29/2010-09-29_rutgers_freshmen_busted_for_spying_on_fellow_students_online_sex_session_officia.html) the authors recall that Clementi's last Facebook status read:
"Jumping off the gw bridge sorry." In a world in which we document our every actions through status updates, Twitter posts, and text messages, there is an undeniable loss of sympathy among people. We are more connected than ever before, yet we are by no means more in touch with one another.
This case has also raised awareness regarding the issue of cyberbullying. Typically associated with teens in middle and high school, cyberbullying is becoming more prevalent (or more widely reported) on college campuses. In a Wall Street Journal article entitled, "Cyberbullying Goes to College" (http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2010/09/30/the-rutgers-students-suicide-cyberbullying-goes-to-college/), author Jennifer Valentino-DeVries writes, "Cyberbullying is such a new phenomenon that psychologists don’t know much about exactly what causes it, but in theory it’s similar to ordinary bullying, Dr. Kowalski said. That sort of bullying was long thought to result from overcompensation for low self esteem, but in fact it’s typically people who have high self esteem. These are people who just 'think that this is sort of funny,' Dr. Kowalski added." Although I have never experienced cyberbullying, it is evident that this practice occurs at colleges and universities throughout the US. In the case of the Rutgers student, this cyberbullying aggression had grave effects. In the wake of this tragedy, the only positive result lies in awareness. One can only hope that such a calamitous event enlightens others about the seriousness of cyberbullying.
For more information on the Rutgers tragedy and other instances of cyberbullying, see:
http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2010/10/05/2010-10-05_hate_crime_may_not_be_option_in_rutgers_case.html
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_crime/2010/09/29/2010-09-29_rutgers_freshmen_busted_for_spying_on_fellow_students_online_sex_session_officia.html
http://stopcyberbullying.org/
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2010/10/02/rutgers_mourns_freshman_who_committed_suicide/
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About Me
- Kayla
- Hello! I'm Kayla: student, writer, learner, reader, sister, friend, coffee-drinker, picture-taker, Spanish-speaker, dreamer, and believer. I am about to graduate from the University of Rhode Island with a double major in Writing & Rhetoric and Spanish and a minor in General Business. I hope to contribute my strong writing and communication skills, as well as my creative capacities, in a marketing, advertising, or writing position.
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