FINALS!

urgh....finals...I am not looking forward to studying at all. It's already Saturday and I have yet to start. I just can't get myself to study knowing that these are the last few days here with my friends! Luckily, most of my friends live in the Chicago area so I can visit them over the summer, but I still would rather hang out and do anything but studying. This is probably not the smarted idea..oh well..I'll get myself to start at some point today.

race card??

Tuesday night Bill Clinton accused Obama of "pulling the race card." He said he pulled this card to go against him. I don't think that anything was "pulled" to directy affect the campaign of Hillary Clinton especially since it is Bill who is taking the impact of the issue. Clinton stated that " ...we now know from memos from the campaign and everything that they planned to do it all along." I'm not one to stay up on all the political news and everything, but I don't think that this issue should become a huge deal in the news since it seems to be an attempt to hurt Obama's running.

Free from Egyption jail

A graduate student was arrested and put in jail in Mahalla on April 10. To help himself he sent out a text message to a micro-blogging site called "Twitter." He sent a one word text that may have saved his life. People that were also part of theblogging site were able to get news of his arrest right have he sent the message. This shows that blog sites and texting is important because it can ultimatley save lives. He used the site Twitter that is used when people are in urgent situations like Buck was in Egypt. Just with the use of this site, Buck's friends hired a lawyer on his behalf to help out the situation. It is nice to know that there are sites and blogs that can help people in this way and not just for communicating about everyday life. This also shows how quick texting communication is even from across seas. Twitter and sites like it make me feel safer if I were to be in any urgent situation like Buck was in.

Crash survivors!

I was reading an article from CNN.com and saw an interesting article about a plane crash in Congo. There was a family going to visit their son in Goma when the plane crashed after take off. What made it worse was that it crashed on a market were there were a ton of people standing or in the market. April Mosier, who is 14 and was aboard the plane when it crashed, escaped through a small hole in the plane in order to live. Her family rushed out of the plane as well and were soon reunited at the hospital. I don't know how I would react or feel if a disaster such as this plane crashed happened to me. I doubt I would have as quick of an instinct as April did when she ran to the front of the plane to escape her death. I hope no one ever has to go through such a horrible experience, but if something occurs I hope people can be as brave as the family on the plane. I was hoping for a more uplifting article when I read this one, but my wishes go out to the families of people that have lost members on the plane.

campaign...

so you know how im working on this blood campaign with my group.... well i never realized how many people have not given blood. Most people I found/had to tape for the website only had positive thoughts about giving blood, but have not actually participated in it.. i mean i guess i cant really be mad or anything since... well im still terrified of needles and WONT do it.

Obama

I like how Obama provided a free Dave/ Tim concert this past Sunday. He had a large outcome at the union when he came to speak to students and I think everyone was excited to be there and hear what he had to say. I also thought it was very thoughtful of him to come to the track for the mens little 500 race this saturday. This shows that he is dedicated and follows through with what he says and is willing to fulfill the needs of students and Indiana University.

DMX

DMX got arrested?? I'm so happy I didn't buy tickets to this event during little 5 because they only got to sing 3 songs before IUPD came and arrested them from the stage because they had went past their 9:30 period of time. If I were in the audience I would have been furious becuase people had to pay for these tickets and probably expected a show lasting longer than 15 min. I think the police went a little to far arresting them, but even worse when they maced the entire front row of the concert for not obeying? Maybe these are all just rumors, but for some reason I don't think I can believe that since EVERYONE has had the same story. The police should have given them a warning before they took measures this far. Oh well, like I said I am glad I didn't end up paying for such a short concert.

Stop Loss

I just saw this movie the other week or so and found it to be very depressing in a way. If people in the military or any force helping to provide freedom and safety to our country, they should get every ounce of respect from our government. I don't think it is right for the government to give these people a contract and a date of when they get to go home to their family, and then later decide they are no longer going to honor their contract becuase they need more people to fight. My sister's finance was in the marines and has just returned to the country last month from what seemed an endless amount of time in Japan and Iraq. If he were to be sent back into Iraq after he has done his share it would be extremely devastating for my sister and his family. If the government wants us to respect them, they should respect the people that are giving their lives to help our nation.

The Pope!

That is exciting to know that Pope Benedict XVI will be coming to Washington in the next week or so. Apparently it is going to bring the largest showing of people during Bush's presidency. I think Bush is going out of his way and trying to put a better name to his face becuase he is going to give the Pope a 21-gun salute once his plane lands. According to CNN News, there is going to be around 12,000 people at the White House to welcome the Pope. I think this would be an amazing experience to be at, but too bad I have to worry about studying for finals and keeping up with my school work.

Little 500!!!!

I'm sorry, I just had to quicly write a post on how excited I am for this upcoming week!!! I cannot wait for the races and for the festivities that come along with it! I hope everyone has a safe and fun week!!!

Presidential Elections

After reading an article in the Mercury News, it is obvious that Bill Clinton will do what he can to be in the media involving his wife 's campaigning. He voiced that he was concerned about the fight between Hillary and Obama. He continued to go on voicing how when he was in the presidential race that he allowed himself to drop to 3rd overall before the start of the Democratic convention where he and Gore were placed first. Bill says that they need to "chill out." In a way I kinda think that Bill Clinton just wants to be in office again and is going through Hillary. If we are going to have our first woman president, I think it will look bad for the female candidate to be elected because her husband has been in office and knows how it works. If this happens, it may reflect poorly on having our first female president.

Summer

Like every other student, I cannot wait for the warm weather and the free time from school and hard work that we have to do all year. I love the idea of going home and being able to relax, but unfortunatley as I get older, summer becomes less and less of a relaxing time. Now when I go home I have to work and take summer school courses. Even though taking classes are more laid back in the summer, it is still not something I am looking forward too. One thing also, I don't know if they have finals? That would suck! I think that students should be provided enough time and credits throughout the regular school year to be able to graduate on time. This way they are not forced to spend more time and more money on school when they are already doing this throughout the year. Unfortunately I am suffering from loading up my summer with classes because I simply do not have enough time to complete the courses I need.

ANYONE PLEASE READ! (FWD)

Hello Friends,

We are parents who are pleading for your help. Our son Michael
is 19 years old and last May was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous
Leukemia (AML), a fast-growing cancer of the blood and bone marrow.
Many of you already know Michael's story but let me give you a few
highlights. As of May of 2007 Michael was a typical goofy 18 year old
from a typical family in Noblesville, IN who was ready to graduate from
high school. Michael loves hockey and lacrosse. We, as most of you,
thought that nothing would change our lives in such a drastic way. Boy,
were we wrong. Michael had some swollen lymph nodes and when they were
checked we were told the devestating news of cancer. We put on our "big
girl pants" and were ready to fight this thing. In December, Michael
went into remission but by January was back in the fight. This time we
are in the fight of our lives.

Fast forward to now, Michael has been receiving treatment at
Riley Children's Hospital in Indianapolis. His next step is a bone
marrow transplant. Michael needs to have the transplant in order to
survive. From our research the best place for treatment is Children's
Hospital in Seattle, Washington. Now here is the catch. Michael is at
his life-time limit for insurance. In order for Seattle to schedule the
transplant we need send them a check for $500,000. We are no longer the
typical American family and like most of you- do not have $500,000 to
send them.

WE NEED YOUR HELP! We are asking three things from you:

1. Your prayers that we get our miracle and Michael survives
his fight with AML and is able to return to the life of a typical
nineteen year old.

2. Please send a donation of $20.00 to the:
Michael Treinen Medical Trust Fund
c/o Mr. Sid Loomis
Harris Bank
107 W Logan Street
Noblesville, IN 46060

3. Please pass this e-mail to at least twenty (20) of your
friends and relatives and ask them to send this email to at least 20
people. Please feel free to share a personal connection with Michael and
our family.

This a time-sensitive grass roots campaign to raise the $500,000
that Michael needs. Time however is not our friend. We need this money
to be received by Thursday, April 3rd. We have to get treatment started
as soon as possible!

I know that many of you do not know us. I can assure that a
year ago we would never have believed that we would be asking not only
our friends and family, but complete strangers to help us pay to save
our son's life. Believe me when I tell you this is the last thing we
want to be doing. But, you do what you have to do.

Please help us and send a check to the bank...today! Also,
please send this email out to everyone you know. I know we can do this
with your help. If you want to know more about Michael, you can go to

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/michaeltreinen

67e781d5&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.caringbridge.org%2fvisit%2fmichaeltreinen>
.

God bless and thank you,

Tom and Kelly Treinen



PS: All funds that exceed Michael's medical needs will be
donated to charity- of course something to do with CURING CANCER!!!!

Blood Drives

I am pretty sure that everyone close to me knows or has heard about my experiences with giving blood. I am terrified of needles and cannot stand the thought of willingly giving blood without feeling like I am going to pass out. I know that giving blood is an extremely important process that helps many people that are sick or are in need of blood. I am always the person incouraging my friends to donate and to get involved, but then I sit back and think to myself, I WOULD NEVER DO IT! I bet it is hard for people to imagine why people like me do not want to give blood, but my fear of needles over comes my desire to help people. I was recently assigned to a group project where we are helping out with blood drives and possibly creating one of our own to help people in need. It was not drawn to my attention of how bad my issue with needles really was until my teacher brought up the idea that I should give blood to document for our class campaign. I wish there was a different way to donate blood to help people who need it, but as of right now I cannot get the strength to get myself in a donating chair. I am sure that there are many people with my issue and I wish there was a way to fix this!!!

You tube

http://youtube.com/watch?v=PktRhDdWuaY

I thought that this you tube was interesting because it shows how much people care and why each individual vote for the president matters.

Gas prices

I don't think anyone remembers what it was like to have gas prices as low as $1.00 per gallon. The price for gas has risen 30 cents this past month and it expected to rise more over the summer. Last year the record high was less than the $3.28 average it is at right now. Apparently this time of year is when gas prices tend to reach their peek, but it is also the time of year of traveling and spring break where people are more likely going to have to fill up on gas. CNN stated that prices could reach a high of $4.00 a gallon before it starts to decrease at the end of the spring season. I think to make everyone happier drivers, we should all try to conserve our resources and prevent these large increases in prices. Hopefully we will find an alternative to using gas, allowing us to have a cleaner environment and heavier wallets.

Technology

My friend Megan is majoring in Informatics. I found this to be very odd, mainly becuase I did not have a clue of what it was. After a little explanation from her, I learned that she was making probably one of the best decisions majoring in this topic. Technology is the fastest growing part of our economy and soon enough everything will be based around computers and electronical devices. In a way I think this is a wonderful improvment in our society, but then again I feel bad for those who are older and cannot catch on as quickly as the people who are growing up with technoloy. Computers have been an important part to my schooling and have aided in almost every school project or assignment I have had to complete. Take this class, Citizen Media, for example, it is soley based around computers and technology as a source of media. Having the opportunity to major in such a large growing subject will help our society further the growth of technology. If only I had a better understanding of computers. (aka not AIM and facebook)

Understanding Comics

I never thought that I would like or even think about reading a comic book until I read Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud. This book showed me that comics are not just pictures that go along with words, but that these pictures are part of the stories and that they even tell a story themselves. The development of comics takes a lot more thinking then I first thought it would. I found that McCloud explained the development and history of comics very thoroughly. Having the back round of comics I think helps people understand where they come from and the ideas they are based off of. Another thing I found to be interesting was that each human figure that has a visible face contains the standard smiley face. Each character that is drawn derives from one simple shapr that is internationally known. I have yet to pick up a comic book since reading Understanding Comics, but I feel that if I see one on the shelf at the library or at a book store, I will look at it differently and possibly give it a chance.

Declaring a Major

I just changed my major my psychology to publie health and I am hoping that it was the right decision. I have alwasy been interested in issue involving health and I think that this is the right track for me to be on right now as I continue to learn and grow at school. I think it is hard for people to declare a major when they really do not know what it involves until they are enrolled in a university. Having the option of exploritory is a wonderful idea, this way is doesn't force people to declare a major when they are not 100% sure that this is what they want to do with their life. Ya, you can change your major, but if you do it too late you lose credits and may end up having to stay longer in school or be pressured into taking an overloaded schedule.

TNT

I love watching shows like law and order, las vegas, without a trace, etc. I find them to be very interesting and I love always being on the edge when I watch them, but it wasn't until recently when I started to think, are the things the lawyers and detectives do in these shows realistic? I know that everything is most likely exaggerated and I think that is what makes these shows as interesting as they are, but are the ways the detectives go about solving murders and cases realistic? If so, doesn't it make it harder for people with these careers to carry out there every day jobs when they are being broadcasted on television series? I love watching murders, robberies and what not being solved and the clues and evidence that leads the police to close the case and I think that if these tactics are what our local police and detectives use, then I feel I have a better understanding of what they do for society. I don't know, just a thought... I am going to get back to watching my shows! =)

Philanthropies

Even if you are not greek, I think it is important for everyone to try to get involved in philantropies. They are events and/or charity events that help raise money for good causes. Each chapter has a different cause and I just wanted to say I think everyone should keep an eye open for this great opportunities to get involved!

Housing situation!

Next year I wil be living in Pi Beta Phi with a bunch of my best friends. I am so excited to have the opportunity to be able to live in a house with such wonderful people and there are so many benefits that come along with it. We have cooks and a house mom that takes care of any needs or situations we need help with. The one thing that kinda sucks is that we don't get to pick who we room with the first semester in the house because the older girls do that for us so we can get to know more people in our pledge class. I think this is a great idea because people get out of their clicks and groups of friends and get to hang around with other people. The bad side is that I don't want to live with someone who is super messy or what not. I guess I'll just have to wait and see when I get back next year!!

Bourne

I recently watched the Bourne Identity series and could not help but think, what if this situation really has happened, what if someone had lost their identity and did not know that they had been controlled by the government. It was not until I re watched these movies when I began to contemplate these issues because before they were just movies to me. How horrible would it be to find out that you or someone close to you had to overcome an issue as this. I do not think I would be able to trust the government or anyone I did not know personally ever again, although if you lost your memory of who you were, it would be impossible to trust those you knew because you cannot remember them. Sometimes I think I over think movies, they should just be entertainment, but sometimes I can't help but involve myself in the situations or plots.

NIU Shooting

I was in complete shock when I heard about the shooting that happened at Northern Illinois University. I have several friends that attend the University and I hearing that people had been shot and killed scared me. It sad to think that people actually want to harm others for no apparent reason, although it was known that the killer had not taken his medication he needed to maintain his health. It is unfortunate that Kazmierczak, the killer took the lives of 7 people, including himself. I feel that if someone takes the lives of others, he or she should take responsibility for it, and taking your own life is not fair because it is the easy way out of not having to deal with the consequences. I don't understand why people do things such as this.

RECYCLE!

I am really getting annoyed with the extended winters and the random snow in the spring. We all know what these weather conditions are from, global warming. Most of the warming is due to greenhouse gases and pollutants that we put into the atmosphere. We have to learn to live a life that does not pollute the air as greatly as it does, because in the end it is only hurting us and the way we live our lives in the future. I think that everyone should recycle and there should not be any excuses not to, after all it is just the difference of putting it in a different container or walking your recycling bin to the end of your driveway at the end of the week. ( The same thing you do with your garbage anyway) These small steps are important in perserving out earth and even though we are only slightly affected by global warming today, it is only going to worsen in the future.

Barack!

Since I am not really that involved with politics, this upcoming election does not affect me greatly. To be completely honest, I doubt I will even vote. Even thought it is not that big of a deal to me, I was excited to see that Barack had won over Maine this Sunday. He had 57% to Hillary Clinton's 42%. If I were to pick a side or a canidate, it would be Barack because I am from Illinois and I am biased towards him only because of that. I wish I was more involved with new information about the canidates, but as for now hearing about it here and there is fine with me!

xanga to myspace to facebook

im pretty sure that everyone at IU or at least for the most part have or has a xanga, myspace or a fcaebook. I used to have a xanga before i even knew what blogging really was. i just wanted it because all my friends had one and i thought it was interesting to see what people had to say. Then along came myspace which ended up doing nothin but get people in trouble and for creepy people to look at. Myspace was better than xanga for me tho because it had pictures, movies, music, etc. Anything you wanted you could potentially put on your myspace. I thought i was set with it, until I heard of facebook. Once after i got my facebook i was addicted. Ill admit i love looking at other peoples pictures and walls, its intertaining. I know everyone is saying to be careful with what you put on your facebook because it could get you in trouble, but i just update my privacy settings. I really dont think i would be able to delete my facebook anytime soon because it is my source of entertainment when i have nothing to do or just dont want to do my work.

Super Bowl!

One of the best parts about the super bowl is that if you don't have a tv in front of you, it is being broadcasting online and on the radio. I think the best way of enjoying the super bowl would be to actually be there in person, but since A LOT of people do not have that opportunity, it's cool how there are so many other ways you can get involved in the game. Being a bears fan, aka I hate the colts, I was so happy to see the Giants take over in the fourth quarter!

Public Health

I was reading over some information on public health on Wikipedia just because I wanted to see what people had to say about it in this blog. I am excited to be able to earn a degree in a field such as public health because I feel it will benefit society greatly. Anything from helping people recieve vaccines to just have safe water to drink is important to me and it happens to be the example given in Wikipedia. It is important to me to be able to achieve a complete overall health and not just worry about dealing with and recovering from specific instances. I found that Wikipedia has provided me with information I already had a general idea about, but that it also is important for everyone in a social group to work together to achieve their overall health.

New Blog!

I was looking up blogs on the internet to better familiarize myself with citizen media and came acorss one I find really interesting. Since I never have time to watch the news or read a newspaper concerning information on politics, I have a feeling this blog will help me out. It's http://chronicle.com/news/ After reading only a few posts I already feel like I know a lot more information than I did only a few minutes ago before I came across this blog.

Spring Semester

I can already tell that this semester is going to be harder to keep my concentration. It is only a few weeks into the semester and I am already finding that I want to spend my time on anything but school work. What also doesn't help this is that my schedule seems to be 100x busier than it was during the fall. I am beginning to become overwhelmed!! I feel like once I finished one project, I have to more directly onto the next without any free time or time to spare. Hopefully this craziness will calm down soon.

ElVIS

I have an uncle who is obsessed with Elvis. I am pretty sure that he has every collectable item, every CD and every book ever written about Elvis. I realized that it was really bad (in a funny way) when he sent me a picture via text of him at some Elvis convention and he had on huge sideburns and sunglasses trying to look like him. It was the funniest thing I have ever seen!! I think it is great that people can be so pasionate about something like this.

Heath Ledger?

I missed the news last night, but I woke up this morning to text from my little sister about Ledger's death. It came to a surprise to me because he was only 28 or so and an amazing actor! I have always been a fan of his. It is sad to see such great people pass away especially when the cause is yet to be determined.

cancer treatment

Since there has been such a dramatic increase in the price of cancer treatment, including the price of chemotherapy, it is getting harder for oncologists to do there job. I don’t think it is right to raise the prices of a practice that is so crucial for those effected by cancer. It is becoming harder for cancer patients to live there live to the fullest, even when they are diagnosed with only a few remaining months or so because it will potentially make them bankrupt. I think that there should be a volunteer or some type of organization that can provide or help with the chemotherapy prices and the other methods used to help cure cancer that are beginning to rise in price as well. This would be extremely helpful for the people that are sick and do not have good medical insurance. I do not think it is right to put the stress of not being able to pay for your health on the people that are already fighting for their lives. I wish there was a way for everyone to help in lower the prices and even increasing the percentage of survivors from cancer.

controversy

Of all the controversy arising from birth control, many of it is only focused on “the pill”. This is giving it a bad name and making people believe that it is overall bad for you and that if you are going to use a method of birth control, you should choose a different type. People that do not take the pill and that are not affected by it do not understand that it is not used for the reason many are thinking, preventing pregnancy. Many people need the pill to help with their personal health and to make the times women go through every month easier on them. I feel that most of the controversy comes from those who are anti-abortion, or pro-life. In these circumstances it needs to be understood that birth control is not used to get rid of, or “fix” an unwanted pregnancy. Instead it is used to prevent these situations so women are not put in the position to choose between having an abortion or not. I think that women should have the right to used any method of birth control they want and that they should be targeted for it.

DARE

I just wanted to put this up. D.A.R.E. was a very important awarness group that we had in middle school. I won the essay for my grade and I just thought it was a good idea to show what younger children are being taught.
http://www.dare.com/home/default.asp

simon does have a heart...

http://youtube.com/watch?v=QWNoiVrJDsE


This girl is amazing for her age!!! She's only 6 and can sing so well! Just watch it is adorable!

HOOSIERS

http://youtube.com/watch?v=HT8zFRpiLCM


Wooooo go Hoosiers.. I think this Youtube is an accurate display of IU. It does have a wide variety of people and different groups that enjoy different things, but these people still come together and become friends. I like how Indiana has people from all over and not just from Indiana. I think thats what makes our crowd at IU the best!