I will do my research project on the benefits of taking attention deficit disorder prescription drugs. I chose this topic because I was diagnosed with ADD in high school and my parents will not purchase Adderall for my condition.
I am a good student. Last quarter I barely missed a 4.0. However, I believe adderall will allow me to effectively manage my time. I want to be able to be involved in more extra-curricular's, in addition to a full course load, my job, and my active role in Beta. I believe adderall will allow me to do this.
Monday, January 26, 2009
My Movie
This is an interesting assignment. I would be inclined to pick all of my favorite musicians, actors, and actresses to star in my movie, but I don't think that would make for a quality movie. My favorite actor, Clint Eastwood, probably would not do a great job of portraying me.
However, some people say I look like Freddy Prince Jr. (I do not agree), so I guess he could play me. My dad would be hands down, Steven Colbert. As for everyone else, I have no idea who they would be.
I am not a film critic or a film junkie, so my knowledge of movie directors is very limited. Quinten Territino did an awesome job with The Dark Knight. I am also a fan of reservoir dogs. So, I guess he could produce my movie.
I am not sure about the musical score, my taste in music is so diverse. I would have a bunch of my favorites like John Mellancamp, Dave Matthews Band, Billy Joel, Elton John, Girltalk etc.
However, some people say I look like Freddy Prince Jr. (I do not agree), so I guess he could play me. My dad would be hands down, Steven Colbert. As for everyone else, I have no idea who they would be.
I am not a film critic or a film junkie, so my knowledge of movie directors is very limited. Quinten Territino did an awesome job with The Dark Knight. I am also a fan of reservoir dogs. So, I guess he could produce my movie.
I am not sure about the musical score, my taste in music is so diverse. I would have a bunch of my favorites like John Mellancamp, Dave Matthews Band, Billy Joel, Elton John, Girltalk etc.
Well, I broke a promise that I made to myself a long time ago: Never to get a facebook. Yes, I now have a facebook and as much as I hate to say it, I enjoy it.
As a very private individual, I never wanted anyone to know my business and from a professional perspective I was afraid a potential employer might come across a reason not to hire me. But, I was wrong. Facebook is a way to keep connected with friends. I can now see what my friends are doing and talk to them when they are hundreds of miles away.
What I don't like is a) how addicting it is and b) how anyone can post pictures of you. I probably spend an hour a day on it. Although this is probably below the average amount of time for most people, It is way to much time for me. Also, my friends are posting embarrassing pictures of myself that I don't want to be seen. I have probably untagged about 75% of the pictures I am in.
Anyways, facebook isn't as bad as I thought. I guess I am finally in the 21st century.
As a very private individual, I never wanted anyone to know my business and from a professional perspective I was afraid a potential employer might come across a reason not to hire me. But, I was wrong. Facebook is a way to keep connected with friends. I can now see what my friends are doing and talk to them when they are hundreds of miles away.
What I don't like is a) how addicting it is and b) how anyone can post pictures of you. I probably spend an hour a day on it. Although this is probably below the average amount of time for most people, It is way to much time for me. Also, my friends are posting embarrassing pictures of myself that I don't want to be seen. I have probably untagged about 75% of the pictures I am in.
Anyways, facebook isn't as bad as I thought. I guess I am finally in the 21st century.
Updated Response to Save the Economy
Well it looks like Rick Dalton will probably get his wish. I am sure in the pork-laden, near-one trillion, stimulus package that Obama is trying to pass, he will get a piece of the pie. I say this because if over a hundred million dollars is earmarked to be spent on providing citizens with contraceptives, then Dalton should have no problem obtaining some taxpayer dollars to pursue whatever he wants with College for Every Student.
WR Answers
#1: What is the writers stance? Rick Dalton is trying to persuade the audience to recognize the need for a better support system for underprivileged children in receiving more help to aid in being accepted into college.
#2 What is the writer's voice? As CEO of College for Every Student, Rick Dalton speaks from a very high level of expertise and experience. He comes across as speaking to the audience to persuade them onto his side.
#2 What is the writer's voice? As CEO of College for Every Student, Rick Dalton speaks from a very high level of expertise and experience. He comes across as speaking to the audience to persuade them onto his side.
#3 What assumptions does the author make about the audience? Rick Dalton seems to make the assumption that his audience is mid-middle upper class adults. He runs a non-profit which is funded through gov't assistance and private donations. I feel as though he is asking his audience for support, primarily in $$$.
#4 What is the writer's purpose? To convince his audience that poor education of the lower class will cause serious problems in American society. He is writing a persuasive essay.
#5 How does the writer develop ideas? Rick Dalton supports his argument by statistical data, in addition to offering his personal experience as CEO of College for Every Kid.
#6 Does the text appeal to emotions? To most, yes. To me, no. This explanation as to why is explained in a prior posting.
#7 Is the text fair? It is not fair in the sense that it does not consider opposing arguments.
#8 Is the evidence strong? The statistical evidence is very strong. However, the lack of an opposing argument makes me question whether or not there is just as strong evidence for the opposing side.
#9 Is the text effective? For me, the text was interesting, but not convincing. A detailed opinion of this article can be found on a prior post.
Post Inaugeration Post
Now that I have had a week to digest Tuesday, January 20, 2009. Here are my thoughts:
1. $150,000,000 - Are you freakin kidding me?
2. John Roberts is not as smart as he looks.
3. Obama was not the first black president.
Thought #1: Apparently the United States is in a depression every where else besides Washington D.C. The inauguration cost more than $150,000,000. Yes, this mostly came from the taxpayers dollars. President Bush spent $43,000,000 on his inauguration in 2004. Last time I checked, the U.S. hasn't experienced hyper-inflation yet. Although with a near-trillion dollar stimulus, we just might.
Thought #2: On Tuesday, media outlets were swarming with stories about Obama's awkward pause during the swearing in. To Obama's credit, it was not his fault, it was Chief Justice John Roberts fault. Obama paused because Robert's said the wrong oath. John, you made yourself look like an idiot.
Thought #3: At 12:00 Former-President Bush and VP Dick Chaney were sworn out of office. Barrack Obama was not sworn in until 12:03. So, who was President for this 3 minute lapse. Referencing Mark Levin, it wasn't Obama, but Condoleezza Rice. Sorry Barry, but you aren't the first black president.
1. $150,000,000 - Are you freakin kidding me?
2. John Roberts is not as smart as he looks.
3. Obama was not the first black president.
Thought #1: Apparently the United States is in a depression every where else besides Washington D.C. The inauguration cost more than $150,000,000. Yes, this mostly came from the taxpayers dollars. President Bush spent $43,000,000 on his inauguration in 2004. Last time I checked, the U.S. hasn't experienced hyper-inflation yet. Although with a near-trillion dollar stimulus, we just might.
Thought #2: On Tuesday, media outlets were swarming with stories about Obama's awkward pause during the swearing in. To Obama's credit, it was not his fault, it was Chief Justice John Roberts fault. Obama paused because Robert's said the wrong oath. John, you made yourself look like an idiot.
Thought #3: At 12:00 Former-President Bush and VP Dick Chaney were sworn out of office. Barrack Obama was not sworn in until 12:03. So, who was President for this 3 minute lapse. Referencing Mark Levin, it wasn't Obama, but Condoleezza Rice. Sorry Barry, but you aren't the first black president.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Pre-Inaugaration Post
I will be going to a party on Tuesday. However it won't be the kind of party most people will be going to. It will be a party of mourning. I am very fearful of our future as Americans. I believe our rights as Americans will start to shrink, as will individual responsibility.
I will watch the inauguration, but I am not in the least enthusiastic. I will do a post inauguration post on Wednesday.
I will watch the inauguration, but I am not in the least enthusiastic. I will do a post inauguration post on Wednesday.
My New Job.
Winter break was a time of big changes for me. The biggest change was my job switch. I had been with Citi Smith Barney, a wealth management firm, for three years. I started the job when I was a sophomore in high school. I was incredibly fortunate to have a great job at such a young age, but over time, I became aware that it is not what I wanted to do with my life.
I am now working in a job I absolutely love. I work for Safeway Step in national marketing and expansion. Safeway Step is a new start up company that has the patent rights to a product that allows us to turn a bathtub into a walk in shower without having to tear out an entire tub which is very expensive. We also sell other bathroom accessibility products such as grab bars and shower seats.
For the past few years, the bread and butter of our business has been installing the product locally. However, we recently received a large venture capital investment to expand our product nationally and internationally. This is where I come in. My responsibility is to work with the president on our national expansion efforts. I have only worked there for three weeks, but I am learning a lot and more importantly, I love my job.
I am now working in a job I absolutely love. I work for Safeway Step in national marketing and expansion. Safeway Step is a new start up company that has the patent rights to a product that allows us to turn a bathtub into a walk in shower without having to tear out an entire tub which is very expensive. We also sell other bathroom accessibility products such as grab bars and shower seats.
For the past few years, the bread and butter of our business has been installing the product locally. However, we recently received a large venture capital investment to expand our product nationally and internationally. This is where I come in. My responsibility is to work with the president on our national expansion efforts. I have only worked there for three weeks, but I am learning a lot and more importantly, I love my job.
Beta
This first quarter at UC has been amazing, this is due largely in part to the fraternity I joined, Beta Theta Pi. Beta has been an amazing experience for me. I have met and became friends with 28 men who were strangers only a quarter ago.
There is something to be said for greek life. Your brothers become like extended family. We are very different from one another, but we all have a common bond through Beta. It has amazed me how universal the concept of brotherhood is. I went to a leadership conference and you feel at complete ease with other Beta's, like you have known them for years.
Anyway, I just wanted to introduce Beta to my blog because I will probably be talking about it in my upcoming blogs.
There is something to be said for greek life. Your brothers become like extended family. We are very different from one another, but we all have a common bond through Beta. It has amazed me how universal the concept of brotherhood is. I went to a leadership conference and you feel at complete ease with other Beta's, like you have known them for years.
Anyway, I just wanted to introduce Beta to my blog because I will probably be talking about it in my upcoming blogs.
Research Project
I am looking forward to completing the research project. To my knowledge or memory, I have never completed a research project. I probably had to do one in high school, but not to the scale that this project will be.
My biggest challenge will be finding something to research about. I have no idea what I am going to research, but the will be my goal for this week. I have to ind something I am interested in or curious about or else the whole project will be a waste.
My biggest challenge will be finding something to research about. I have no idea what I am going to research, but the will be my goal for this week. I have to ind something I am interested in or curious about or else the whole project will be a waste.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Abortion
I had always attended Catholic Schools and had only been subjected to "right" side of the argument. Last winter, I read a great book called Freakonomics. Freakonomics offered a very convincing argument in favor abortion. The basis of the argument is that abortion is the largest factor in the large drop in crime beginning in the mid to late 80's. I am not going to go into the specifics of all the evidence, but I encourage you to read the book. So, by reading Freakonomics, it exposed me to opposing viewpoints and made me realize that sometimes the opposing argument makes more sense.
I consider myself neither pro-life nor pro-choice. To be honest, I can't stand the whacked out christian mothers that have the pro-life bumper stickers on there minivans just as much as I can't stand arrogant feminist's that believe it is a women's right to kill a baby.
I believe there are so many more important issues that need to be solved, such as the war, the economy, education, before this issue of abortion is even talked about. Abortion plays way to big of a role in Washington and should be minimized so politicians can focus on more important tasks at hand.
I consider myself neither pro-life nor pro-choice. To be honest, I can't stand the whacked out christian mothers that have the pro-life bumper stickers on there minivans just as much as I can't stand arrogant feminist's that believe it is a women's right to kill a baby.
I believe there are so many more important issues that need to be solved, such as the war, the economy, education, before this issue of abortion is even talked about. Abortion plays way to big of a role in Washington and should be minimized so politicians can focus on more important tasks at hand.
An Intro To My Blog
This post is going to serve as an intro to my blog. This probably should have been my first post, but o well. To be honest, I am not into the blog scene. In my opinion, blogs have become to faddy. The one thing I do like about blogs is the ability to use improper words like "faddy" and not feel as though I have bad grammar.
The only blog I have followed in the past is the McCain Blogette. McCain Blogette was a blog by John McCain's daughter Meghan. I foumd her insights and perspectives on the election fascinating and enjoyed all the behind the scenes photos.
I am going to have to put up a quick disclaimer for my blog posts:
Warning, this blog from here on out will be openly biased towards conservatives and conservative values. Liberals beware, this blog may be like nails to a chalkboard to you.
The only blog I have followed in the past is the McCain Blogette. McCain Blogette was a blog by John McCain's daughter Meghan. I foumd her insights and perspectives on the election fascinating and enjoyed all the behind the scenes photos.
I am going to have to put up a quick disclaimer for my blog posts:
Warning, this blog from here on out will be openly biased towards conservatives and conservative values. Liberals beware, this blog may be like nails to a chalkboard to you.
What Drives Me Crazy!
I have so many pet peeves that I probably come of as a really antagonistic individual. My biggest pet peeves center around driving. Yes, I am a recovering road rager. I am getting better at controlling my road rage, but every once in a while, a driver will push a button that sets me off.
My biggest pet peeves occur when driving. I especially cant stand people (especially truck drivers) that drive the speed limit in the fast or passing lane. If someone is going 65 in the fast lane when I am going 80, I tend to ride their rear until they get over. I also hate when people don't use their turn signal (probably because I follow people to close).
Like I said, I am getting better at my road rage. I like to be efficient and the faster I can go from place to the other, the more efficient I feel. On my most recent trip to Chicago, I made it from Cincinnati to Chicago in just over 3 hours. Needless to say, I was feeling very efficient that day.
My biggest pet peeves occur when driving. I especially cant stand people (especially truck drivers) that drive the speed limit in the fast or passing lane. If someone is going 65 in the fast lane when I am going 80, I tend to ride their rear until they get over. I also hate when people don't use their turn signal (probably because I follow people to close).
Like I said, I am getting better at my road rage. I like to be efficient and the faster I can go from place to the other, the more efficient I feel. On my most recent trip to Chicago, I made it from Cincinnati to Chicago in just over 3 hours. Needless to say, I was feeling very efficient that day.
Re: Save the Economy; Bail Out Our Kids
For the most part, I tend to disagree with Rick Dalton's notion of "keeping low-income students on a college track could yield huge returns." The principle's of personal responsibility have been instilled in me at a very young age. I am aware that all of my actions have potential consequences, as well as awards. This awareness of personal responsibility and freedom has allowed me to excel not only in school and work, but also many other activities.
The issue of education in inner city public schools boils down to personal responsibility. As children begin their academic careers it is their parents responsibility to make sure that their children succeed. Is leaving your wife or girlfriend to raise her child alone responsible? Is letting your child roam the streets after school responsible? Is it responsible to impose no punishments or repercussions for your child's poor performance in school? Everything boils down to individual responsibility.
The problem I have with Rick Dalton is this: although he did not directly mention his solution in his article, his solution is obvious. He wants more money from tax payers. The families of the best performing students must be punished (via additional taxes) to help those under performing students. Rick Dalton wants the government to be the answer, not individual responsibility. It has been proven that throwing money at the problem doesn't work especially when the home that the child returns to a home that does not support education. The best example of this is the Chicago Public School System, they spend in the ballpark of $10,000 per student annually and yet they are one of, if not the worst, public school system in America. For comparison, the average spending per student in a private school is around $4,000 per student.
My solution is this: not every student is meant to go to college. We are becoming a nation that is focusing more and more on the white collar jobs and less on blue collar jobs. As world economies grow, lower to middle white collar jobs are being outsourced. A plumber and electrician cannot be outsourced and can provide for a family just as well. The United States Government should support send underprivileged students who TRULY DESERVE to go to college. However, for those who do not have the test scores and capabilities, our government should support trade school opportunities.
The issue of education in inner city public schools boils down to personal responsibility. As children begin their academic careers it is their parents responsibility to make sure that their children succeed. Is leaving your wife or girlfriend to raise her child alone responsible? Is letting your child roam the streets after school responsible? Is it responsible to impose no punishments or repercussions for your child's poor performance in school? Everything boils down to individual responsibility.
The problem I have with Rick Dalton is this: although he did not directly mention his solution in his article, his solution is obvious. He wants more money from tax payers. The families of the best performing students must be punished (via additional taxes) to help those under performing students. Rick Dalton wants the government to be the answer, not individual responsibility. It has been proven that throwing money at the problem doesn't work especially when the home that the child returns to a home that does not support education. The best example of this is the Chicago Public School System, they spend in the ballpark of $10,000 per student annually and yet they are one of, if not the worst, public school system in America. For comparison, the average spending per student in a private school is around $4,000 per student.
My solution is this: not every student is meant to go to college. We are becoming a nation that is focusing more and more on the white collar jobs and less on blue collar jobs. As world economies grow, lower to middle white collar jobs are being outsourced. A plumber and electrician cannot be outsourced and can provide for a family just as well. The United States Government should support send underprivileged students who TRULY DESERVE to go to college. However, for those who do not have the test scores and capabilities, our government should support trade school opportunities.
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