Comment in Goose's Blog, "Help Wanted"

I commented on Goose's blog post regarding a difficult situation with her roommate, "Help Wanted." Here is the link, http://cmsbb2.systems.smu.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_35108_1%26url%3D.

Clothes Call - Dress up or dress down?

It's 8 in the morning and your suddenly woken by your vibrating cell phone alarm. You spend the next five minutes brushing your teeth (hopefully) in a half-awake daze and then head over to your closet and are faced with a choice, what on earth are you going to wear to class. I know I speak for myself and my roommate, at least, when I say choosing your day's clothes is not a fun experience, especially early in the morning. Should you spend the extra time it takes to pick out a decent outfit or get in some last-minute sleeping in and wear your pajamas?

At the beginning of the year, I had always thought I would never dress too down for class and always try and wear something semi-stylish.  After talking to some of my older girlfriends at SMU, they all laughed and told me within only a few weeks I'd abandon my fashion plan and be wearing Nike shorts and over sized t-shirts in no time. While I have began to wear my gym clothes athletic wear one or two days a week, I still am going to try and spend some time in the morning to make myself look, at the least, presentable.

On any given day on the boulevard, one can look around and find an enormous range in what people are choosing to wear. While occasionally you can spot a few who seem to have literally just woken up from a deep sleep and rolled out of bed, everyone, for the most part, seems to put a little effort in to their appearance. And likewise, you'll find your share of perfectly coiffed and matched girls on their way to class. No one seems to put too much importance on how they or their classmates look or are dressed, which is nice and most of it just seems to come down to personal opinion. So, are you one of the people who take pride in always looking sharp to class or do you find our outfit irrelevant for the day ahead? 

I posted a comment on Hamilton's blog post regarding the American drinking age. 

Sarah Palin - Queen of Controversy

A lot has been said about John McCain's recent vice presidential pick, Sarah Palin.  Before her jump into the spotlight, this unknown Alaskan governor probably never dreamed of the media frenzy she spark. It seems as if everyone has an opinion on this woman, and a very strong one in fact. Love her or hate her, has the "Palin Mania" gone too far?

Some of the leading Palin critics come from Hollywood and have enjoyed plugging their disapproval McCain's choice in any possible situation. Tina Fey's biting impersonation on Saturday Night Live portrayed her as a redneck with a highly distinctive accent and brought in record viewing numbers for the popular satirical show. Film star Matt Damon has a joined the celebrity chorus and calls the pick a "disaster." There are countless online spoofs of Sarah Palin and her family. Just try googling her name and see what comes up.

Check out the SNL skit:

I know that our right to freedom of speech is at the very heart of our democracy, but there is a very possible chance that this lady could be the Vice President of the United States.  If we can't even stand together to at least bear with Sarah Palin, how can we expect the rest of the world to take us seriously?  I say we keep our mouths shut for the moment and speak at the polls this November

Game Opener

As I sat watching the Dallas Cowboys victoriously triumph over the Cleveland Browns this afternoon, I began to wonder how important sports act as a connector between people across the globe.  In such a diverse world we live in, it seems as if sports could be one of the very few universal commonalities we share.  As an avid Cowboys fan, the game-day experience has long been one of my favorite weekend traditions.  Sitting in the stands, in my navy and silver Tony Romo jersey, I often look around and note the varying people in the crowd.  Other than our love of "America's Team", the other thousands of spectators filling the seats have very little else in common.  Fans range from the ages 4 to 84, accounting for many religions, economic groups political ideals and localities.  Yet we all are drawn together, even for just a few hours, by our love of football.

Of coarse, this concept does not start and end with Dallas football.  Secretary-General Kofi Annan describes sports as "the world's universal language."  The Olympics held this summer is another showcase of the world coming together to compete and appreciate athletic talent. During the es, the world's most powerful democratic leaders were joined with some of histories most oppressive dictators to rally for their countries athletes.  No other world event could ever bring about this type of world unity, even if only shortlived.

Whether its the millions of world-wide soccer World Cup viewers or the Friday night football high school football game of a small Southern town, the love of sports has been and will always continue to be a uniting force.