… and so it ends.

The semester is coming to an end. That translated into the end of writing blog entries. I must admit that at the beginning of the semester I was uneasy about creating a blog for my 100W class. I had never blogged before and I didn’t know what to expect. All I can say is that it wasn’t so bad.

It was interesting reading other classmates blog entries. I got to read what their interests are. In turn that allowed me to get to know each one better. I’m sure if any of them read my entries they got to know me better. I give props to La Professora for making these blog entries a requirement. I did, a few times, have writers block, but nothing I couldn’t overcome. It was a great experience and assignment.

I would like to thank all those that read any of my entries. I hope you all enjoyed reading them and learned something. If there is a demand that I continue writing entries, I may think about it. In the words of G’s final blog entry, “ I guess this is it, but one day I may blog again. Cheers to all.” Peace!

Image Credit: http://www.dannysdailys.com/issues/taz-goodbye.jpg

People have sex because....?

Have you ever wondered why do people have sex? Sex is a three-letter word that means many things to many people. Both men and women have their own reasons for having sex. I am quite sure that by now, even though you have read only a few lines, you have started to think of a few reasons why people have sex. Society would lead us to believe that men and women are completely different. Therefore, the reasons must be different. However, when it comes to sex, that is not the case.

Cindy Meston and David Buss conducted a study over a five-year period, which found out the main reason for sex. They started by first questioning 444 men and women, ranging from the ages of 17-52 and came up with a list of 237 reasons people have sex. Then they asked 1,549 college students to rank the reasons on how they applied their experience. The results showed that there is no huge difference in the reasons men and women have sex. In fact, both men and women seem to have sex because they were attracted to the person.

Meston stated, “Men were more likely to be opportunistic towards having sex, so if sex were there and available they would jump on it, somewhat more so than women. Women were more likely to have sex because they felt they needed to please their partners.” The results were based on data gathered from college students. Meston believes that there would be a huge difference for the older groups of adults.

To check out the complete list of reasons why men and women have sex click here. There are other lists that are quite interesting as well, so check it out. Below is a list of the top 10 reasons for each gender.

Men
1) I was attracted to the person.
2) I wanted to experience the physical pleasure.
3) It feels good.
4) I wanted to show my affection to the person.
5) I wanted to express my love for the person.
6) I was sexually aroused and wanted the release.
7) I was “horny”.
8) It’s fun.
9) I realized I was in love.
10) I was "in the heat of the moment".

Women
1) I was attracted to the person.
2) It feels good.
3) I wanted to experience the physical pleasure.
4) It’s fun.
5) I wanted to show my affection to the person.
6) I was sexually aroused and wanted the release.
7) I was “horny”.
8) I wanted to express my love for the person.
9) I wanted to achieve an orgasm.
10) I wanted to please my partner.

Thoughts?


Image Credit: http://www.someecards.com

The Day Sky

Last week the entry wasn’t all that educational. That is why this week I am going to try my best to teach something. Let’s see, I could blog about why the grass is green. Although it is a complex process it doesn’t interest me. I am going to continue with the concept of the sky from a few weeks ago. This time, however, I will focus on the day sky.

Most of us don’t think much of the day sky. Yet, it is important to know certain things about it. Why the sky is blue is something that we all should know. The smart mouths will be quick to say it is because of the atmosphere. That is true, but it is not the complete answer.


Sunlight travels to Earth and comes in contact with the atmosphere. In the atmosphere there are gas and dust particles in the air. It happens that blue light is the one affected by these particles. The dust particles are bigger than the blue light waves and smaller than the red light waves. The blue light is scattered in all directions by these particles in the air. Simply, the blue in the sky we see is scattered blue light.

Then why are sunrises and sunsets red? The sunlight has to travel through more atmosphere, meaning more particles in the air, compared to when it is directly above us. The blue light and all other colors are scattered so much that only red, orange, and yellow light remains visible. I hope it makes sense and good luck retaining the information.



Image Credit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sharaff/1221184257/
http://spaceplace.jpl.nasa.gov/en/kids/misrsky/misr_sky.shtml

Zzz-ing in Class

Throughout my years in the college classroom setting, I have seen it all. To be honest, not much bothers me in the classroom. Although, one thing really “grinds my gears.” That is students who sleep in class.

I am sure most students have fantastic excuses as to why they fall asleep in class. I’ve heard “I was working on a paper all night” to “I was up late studying for a midterm.” No matter what the excuse is students should not fall asleep in class.

To those that sleep in class, what in the world are you doing? Seriously, what are you thinking? If you are tired as all hell, stay home. Do you realize how foolish you look, your head bobbing, trying to stay up? Not to mention, how disrespectful and distracting it is to the professor and fellow classmates. Why show up to class if you’re just going to fall asleep. Stay home, in your warm comfy plush bed. Don’t make an ass out of yourself.

I have heard many students who fall asleep say, “At least I am in class.” Really, are you in class? If you’re sleeping in class, your pretty much not there. Go to class if you are fully awake, willing to listen and learn. You could even go to class just to meet up with your friends. What’s up fellas?

So please, please don’t show up to class and fall asleep.


Image Credit: http://www.sdarts.org/features/sdclassroom/student%20sleeping.gif

The Night Sky

As a kid I was always fascinated with the night sky. I recollect nights where I would spend hours, with a flashlight and a book of constellations, trying to map it out. There would also be nights where I would just look up and think. It has been a long time since I have spent hours looking up at the night sky. On occasions, I would take a quick glance and still be fascinated by it.

Astronomy is the study of celestial objects. In Astronomy, the numbers are what amaze me. I must point out that Math and I have never had a great relationship. However, I understand sizes and distances. The scale of the Universe is so enormous that it gets hard to comprehend distances. Astronomers use the distance light travels in a year as a unit of measurement, which is 186,000 miles per second.

To get an idea of the scale of the Universe, imagine traveling at the speed of light in a spaceship. It would take 8 minutes to reach the sun. If you continued onward you’d arrive yo Pluto in 5 and a half hours. To reach the nearest star, Proxima Centauri, it would take over 4 years. If seeing the nearest galaxy was your goal then it would take 2.5 million years to get there.

Think about it, we have been told that the speed of light is the fastest speed imaginable. Yet, there is no possible way a human can live long enough to reach the nearest galaxy. In retrospect, light isn’t really all that fast. It all comes back to the distances these celestial objects are from each other. Most people have heard that the stars we see at night are as they appeared ages ago. I always find myself asking, what do they look like now?

From the smallest to the biggest things the numbers are incredible. The celestial objects are not there as decoration or for amusement. They allow us to see where we live among the rest. Look up at the night sky, appreciate that it’s there. Think about the distances and you might get some perspective.





Click the image


Image Credit: I have no idea where I got it from. I found the image years ago. Whoever made it, I give you credit.

SKATE

SKATE is a video game that has recently brought back old skateboarding memories. Most of my skateboarding memories were good but some were not so pleasing. I started skating freshman year of high school and finished approximately four and a half years later.

While everyone in high school was doing extracurricular activities, I was out and about skateboarding. If one were to look at me now, no one would assume I was once a skater. However, listening closely to my speech pattern, you might be able to figure it out.

Skateboarding put a lot of excitement in my life. There are many situations the guys and I would get into. I recall plenty of times running away from cops, principals, or any authority figures. We constantly would find ourselves trying to get out of trouble. It would give us a thrill seeing how much we could get away with.



As I said before, skating put a lot of excitement in my life but it also brought pain. Falling was a reoccurring theme everyday. I would tweak my ankles countless times. Scrapes and bruises were always to be expected. However, breaking a bone was the worst possible thing that can occur in skateboarding. I broke my right wrist skating and had worn a cast for over 2 months.

Every time I play SKATE more memories come back. Skateboarding was a major part of my life, for it is one thing that has shaped who I am.

Let’s play SKATE.



Image Credit: http://www.gamesradar.com, http://z.about.com/d/skateboard

Left, Right?

At a young age, I became aware that I was a different: I am left-handed. It has not always been an enjoyable experience being left handed.

I recall a classmate in Elementary School telling me that I was associated with the Devil for being left handed. At that moment, I could not think of a single thing to say to counter argue her statement. Till this day, I can still hear that classmate telling me that.

It is has been over 13 years since I was told I was associated with the Devil. Finally, I have come up with a counter argument.

If being left-handed means being associated with the Devil then that is perfectly fine with me. Being left-handed, I have a good chance of making more than my right-handed counterparts.

According to a study done by Kevin Denny of University College Dublin and Vincent O'Sullivan of the University of Warwick, it turns out that left-handed males earn 4% more per hour than right-handed workers. It may not seem like a lot but no one would decline a 4% increase in pay.

Just like the researchers, I was surprised with the findings. They expected left-handers to earn less because “left-handers are living in a right-handed world. They are more accident prone and have more health problems.”

Denny stated that left-handers tend to earn more because they are more creative. This “points to neurological studies, which have shown that left-handers, particularly males, are better at divergent thought or thinking outside the box.”

Denny claims that left-handers seem to have the ability to adapt in certain and bosses must notice that. That would explains why left-handers would get paid more.

Being left handed might not be bad after all.



Image Credit: http://www.reddevils86.com/Assets/RedDevil_Med_JPG.jpg

Those Damn MySpace Angles

My intention for this entry is not to discuss MySpace as a whole. Rather, to focus primarily on MySpace angles. MySpace angles are an Internet disease that was created in the MySpace community and has infested the entire online community.

MySpace angles are pictures taken in specific angles that make unattractive people appear attractive. Thereby fooling us all. This epidemic must be stopped. Unattractive people need to stop spending their time creating these down right misleading images.

If you consider yourself unattractive then do something about it. If you’re a little on the heavy side, go out and run. If you’re a toothpick, then go lift some weights. If you do not have a problem with how you look that is perfectly fine. However, if you feel fine with your appearance please do not use MySpace angles to make yourself look attractive.

If you want the world to see what you look like, show them the real you. Don’t show them close up facial pictures or side views of yourself where we can’t tell a damn thing. If you can’t seem to let go of using MySpace angles at least have a few frontal full body pictures. That way the world can see the real you.

Remember, if you feel unattractive and you take MySpace angles, you are not only lying to the world but also yourself. On the other hand, if you are unattractive and are perfectly fine with that then more power to you. Just don’t lie to us all by using MySpace angles.



If you would like to get educated more on MySpace angles click here. It is worth the extra minute investment, it has pictures that show exactly what MySpace angles are. Enjoy.




Image Credit: http://www.steveklotz.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2006/08/liar.jpg

Graduation

No, I am not talking about graduating from college. I am referring to Kanye West’s third album, Graduation. In simple terms, I think it is by far his best one.

Kanye’s songs are not like most artists in the industry. He writes about life issues and not about drugs, cars, fighting, or killing.
When comparing Graduation to his previous albums, College Drop Out and Late Registration, you can hear the artistic growth with each verse. Each album is unique in its own way.

College Drop Out stems from his decision to drop out of college and pursue his dream of becoming a well-known and respected lyricist. Late Registration, metaphorically, is West’s way of picking up the pieces and getting back to work. Finally, Graduation is success.

On Graduation, West tried to assess the problems his first two albums had. He cut out all the skits that would plague his previous albums and kept everything short and simple.

“This is an album that you first like, then love. “Good Morning” elevates from a gentle hook to a perfectly chosen Jay-Z sample; “Barry Bonds” is a mix-tape song with a moaning groove that you could listen to for weeks; and on “Flashing Lights” and “Stronger,” West single-handedly takes hip-hop back to its pre-Run-DMC disco days.” -Nathan Brackett, Rolling Stone.

In my opinion his best song in the album is “I Wonder.” He tries to express how people have no idea as to what they really want, and they never act on fulfilling their dreams/goals. As a result life just passes them by without them finding their dreams.

Graduation is exactly that, it is Kanye’s graduation. I, for one, stand up and applaud him for a job well done. Hopefully the next graduation I’ll talk about will be my own.




“On that independent shit,
Trade it all for a husband and some kids,
You ever wonder what it all really means?
You wonder if you'll ever find your dreams?” –Kanye West, “I Wonder”.


Image Credit:http://musicmedia.ign.com/music/image/article/819/819703/graduationinline_1189642853.jpg

G-R- you kidding m-E Exam

According to the GRE website, the exam “measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and critical thinking and analytical writing skills that have been acquired over a long period of time and that are not related to any specific field of study.”

If you’d ask me, I think it is an exam that is full of ****. Yes, I said it.

The GRE exam is one of many standardized exams. The only difference with all the exams is the cost to take them. The price tag for the GRE exam is $140.

Unfortunately, I will be taking this exam in late October. I plan on furthering my education in the Graduate realm. Most students in Political Science take the Law School route. I just want to take the time to tell them: Thank you, thank you for not being competition.

I thought about taking the Law School route but I realized if I did, all I could be is a lawyer. Weird, huh? Meanwhile, if I took the Grad school route I can be whatever I want.

I will never understand why it is that we need to take an exam in order to complete an application for Grad school. As much as I detest the exam and bash on it, I have to submit to it and take it.

I’ll put the effort to study for it, but let the record show I am not pleased. I’d rather have an interview of any kind, than take an exam. Especially, one that expects to test me on knowledge “acquired over a long period of time.”

If you know what a tome is then your ahead of the curve. (Oh, and if you have a Masters and/or Doctorate and you know the definition of the word, then you don’t count.) Now, if you don’t have a clue as to what the meaning of the word is then join the group. The creators of this exam have got to be kidding me.



Image Credit: http://www.someecards.com

XX + XY + 1 Contract = Marriage?

Marriage, what does it really mean? Every single one of us has a different definition of what marriage is, but it’s my blog so you’re only going to get my definition. Marriage, for me, is a process that a couple goes through which eventually creates a contract with unlimited uncertainty. It also is something that society pushes one into doing.

You might be asking yourself “how does society push one into getting married?” Well, if you think about it, when you’re in a relationship for quite sometime, somehow it gets expected. Your friends, siblings, and parents start asking you or your significant other “when are you guys going to get married?”

If you think like I do, then you’re going to agree with me about my next statement. I don’t think that getting married is something we all need to do. I mean honestly, what are the real benefits of signing your life away to another person? I can only think of one reason to get married, and that is (drum roll please) taxes.

Reality is that most marriages in the United States just don’t last. 2006 statistics show that for every 1,000 people there are 7.5 marriages and 3.6 divorces. Those figures might not mean a whole lot but it is something to think about.

Reading the news this morning I came across a piece on Gabriele Pauli. She is a politician in Germany running for a leadership position in her respective party. She spoke today on a new approach to marriage. She suggested that marriage should be a contract that should terminate after seven years. Once the time has expired then the partners can renew their contract or go their separate ways.

I think that is an excellent idea. One thing that I would suggest is that it be five year contracts and not seven; seven years seems to long. Imagine, you’re into the 3rd year of your marriage and you absolutely regret getting married. It’s ok though because just two more years and your home free. (Sigh of relief)

Once your contract is over it basically means no strings attached, nothing. No paying spousal support, nothing. I love that idea. Although I believe that most people around the world will probably shut that idea down. Some will say it devalues the concept of marriage. I think that it will actually give it value. Celebrating 10, 20, 30, or 40 year wedding anniversaries would mean that much more.

Some couples last together for the rest of their lives. Others aren't so lucky with this whole concept of marriage. What is certain though is that marriage is something we all come across. So what does it really mean? Who really knows what marriage is?

Image Credit : http://www.bankruptcyprofessor.com/lrc/images/divorce.jpg

The Value of College Basketball

It was bound to happen. I’m a guy and it’s only normal that I talk about sports. As a kid I never watched sports, but somehow one day I turned on the TV and watched a college basketball game. It has been over 11 years now since that fateful day. I continue to watch college basketball and I seem to find myself enjoying it more and more.

Now don’t get me wrong, I like watching NFL, MLB, and NBA games but they aren’t as pure as NCAA Basketball. Professional athletes attempt to perform at the highest levels for economic incentives. In college basketball, the players aren’t getting paid to play. They play for the love of the game, and for on court respect. What college players do receive are benefits like scholarships, which ultimately allow them to earn a degree, and they get to travel around the country.

When college basketball players take the court they seem to live for the moment. Each game they play with heart, intensity, and a fiery passion. Watching a game where a team hits a desperation three-pointer, with a few tenths of a second left, to win is what its all about. Following such a scenario results in the masses rushing the court to collectively celebrate the improbable win. I’m going to be honest; I get on the edge of my seat when a game goes down to the last shot.

College basketball isn’t just basketball, reputations are earned or destroyed. Dynasties are created or erased by a single shot. Traditions are established with each win. Every loss is taken with disdain and regret.

Around late February that’s when the real excitement begins. March Madness arrives and 64 teams begin their quest to be crowned the National Champs. Each game that passes is more intense than the previous one. Each team is constantly reminded that if they lose, they go home and it’s the end of the season for them.

Every year there are major upsets where an underdog takes down a heavily favorite in the early rounds of tournament. Just like every year there are favorites that make it deep into the tournament. Yet, the idea that anyone of the 64 teams can win it all, makes watching college basketball that much more interesting. March Madness is a tournament that everyone should watch to experience the true definition of college ball. It’s indescribable the feelings one gets watching the tournament unfold. College basketball isn’t just basketball; it’s a game that has value.



Photo Credit: http://content.clearchannel.com/Photos/sports_photos/College/Basketball/college_basketball_EzraShaw.jpg

Problems? Answer: Money...

I came across this artwork a few years ago. At first I recall laughing at what was written on it. Later, I thought about its significance. The artist who created it apparently was trying to send a message. I’ve seen many of Donny Miller’s work, I even own a few of his art books, but this piece quite frankly speaks to me.

Why does it speak to me? It must be the fact that it’s true. Money is something that we all want and need. Some of us might say, “Oh, it’s not that important to me.” Excuse me? No, believe me, it is important to all of us. In some way, shape or form, money plays a very important role in our everyday lives.

Think of the many uses we have for money. It gets us what we most desire and most importantly it gets us out of any problem. Lets take a moment to think about those who have lots of this so called, “Money.” Can they do whatever they want? Yes. Can they buy whatever they want? Yes. Are they happy? Of course they are.

For those of you who believe money doesn’t buy happiness. Are you sure? I mean seriously, think about it. I want more of it, I’m sure you do as well. If you don’t, then let those who want some get some of yours. It’s funny how green pieces of paper have rule over us. Yet, imagine yourself without any of it. Not a pretty picture. Take a hard look at the artwork, what do you think about it?

“Money fixes everything. Just rub it on any problem you have in your life.” – Donny Miller


Image Credit: http://www.donnymiller.com/archive/gallery/moneyfixeseverything.html

They Steal Our Jobs?

Around mid-August I was sitting on the couch watching TV when my older brother came up to me and handed me a book. I gave him the “what in the world” is this look. He could have given me anything else, but no, he had to give me a book. Nevertheless, I accepted this book. The book is called “The Undercover Economist” and Tim Harford wrote it. It turned out to be a pretty good read.

This book had a little bit of everything, from who pays for your coffee to what supermarkets don’t want you to know. Reading it I stumbled upon a paragraph where he briefly touched immigration. As I read that section it made me think, “Dude, he’s right!” The paragraph in question reads as follows:

“Well educated workers with jobs requiring skill and training, along with businessmen in need of cheap labor, tend to welcome immigration as part of an enriching process, which adds to each nation’s economic and cultural life, while poorly educated workers tend to reject any further immigration by unskilled immigrants on the grounds that, “They steal our jobs.” Perhaps that’s too much of a caricature, but it makes sense from a self-interested viewpoint.”

I am not going to get deeply into immigration in this entry. Yet, after reading that paragraph you must agree with his point of view on immigration. When was the last time that a professional worker has gotten his or her job taken away from an immigrant? Those that fight immigration by saying “they steal our jobs” are people that have what I like to call “crappy get nowhere jobs.” They have the type of job that anyone on the street can accomplish.

Most of the good jobs require some type of education with a degree. If you want to make the big bucks then get a degree. Most of us are rational thinkers, or at least I hope, and we all don’t like paying more than we have to on anything. So, why pay more on labor when you can hire cheap labor for the same job?

If you have ever said, “They steal our jobs” then you are an uneducated loser. The only people that can say, “they steal our jobs” are immigrants that have been here longer than the new ones coming in. The real battle over jobs is between themselves and for us to say immigration is bad based on that belief is simple minded and idiotic. If that bothers you then you must be an unskilled worker, and instead of bitching about it do something for yourself. Go back to school and get some valuable skills.