Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Terror in Paradise... Pirates don't only exist in story books
I was getting on the Internet on my office computer and as always breaking news is the first thing that catches my eye being as it's settings are on a comcast news site. The leading story was about four Americans being killed by pirates. I honestly caught myself stop and re-read the headline thinking, "did I just see this right?" I'm not trying to show my "roots" here, but I honestly didn't know that pirates existed in real life. Sure there are movies like "The Little Mermaid" and even non-animated movies such as "Into the Blue" and others that feature thieves in the ocean robbing innocent bystanders and label them as pirates. Nonetheless, I thought it was just a story, not real life.
When I continued reading I was overwhelmed as I realized it was in fact real life, being as four innocent people were killed today.
The four people were on a yacht of the coast of Somalia, and the yacht, the Quest was hijacked on Friday. When a bombing occurred today, SOF Soldiers reached the Quest and found the remains of the Americans as well as four pirates. In all there were nineteen pirates involved in the tragedy.
Secretary of state Hilary Clinton is wanting the piracy policy to change, especially after this being the most horrific pirate attack to date on Americans.
What do you think should be done in order to increase Americans safety in waters off of our borders?
God Bless,
Lauren
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/02/22/americans-aboard-yacht-captured-pirates-reportedly-killed/?test=latestnews
When I continued reading I was overwhelmed as I realized it was in fact real life, being as four innocent people were killed today.
The four people were on a yacht of the coast of Somalia, and the yacht, the Quest was hijacked on Friday. When a bombing occurred today, SOF Soldiers reached the Quest and found the remains of the Americans as well as four pirates. In all there were nineteen pirates involved in the tragedy.
Secretary of state Hilary Clinton is wanting the piracy policy to change, especially after this being the most horrific pirate attack to date on Americans.
What do you think should be done in order to increase Americans safety in waters off of our borders?
God Bless,
Lauren
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/02/22/americans-aboard-yacht-captured-pirates-reportedly-killed/?test=latestnews
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Obama's plans.. oh my oh my..
A podcast I recently watched on CNN displayed Obama's newsest plans on Budget cuts. He tells us that we are impatient and he is confident that their will be a agreement on budget cuts with the Republicans.... Hmmm..
They go on to say that between the thoughts of Democrats and Republicans, the democrats think that Obama's plans are to lean and Republican's think that they are to fat. What a great analogy!?
I think O'bama needs to quit complaining that we are impatient with him and actually make something happen which will satisfy us and not give us reason to become impatient.
Maybe I'm being harsh, but he has been promising change, change, change and hope, hope, hope, since he was elected into office and I feel like my hope has became hopeless.
They are discussing deep budget cuts on Social security, military spending, and medicare. What money are you exactly going to take away? I'm just confused about the whole situation. I think if something is going to be done, it needs to be done now... We have given him over two years, he needs to give us what he promised, hope and change.
God Bless,
Lauren
http://www.cnn.com/
They go on to say that between the thoughts of Democrats and Republicans, the democrats think that Obama's plans are to lean and Republican's think that they are to fat. What a great analogy!?
I think O'bama needs to quit complaining that we are impatient with him and actually make something happen which will satisfy us and not give us reason to become impatient.
Maybe I'm being harsh, but he has been promising change, change, change and hope, hope, hope, since he was elected into office and I feel like my hope has became hopeless.
They are discussing deep budget cuts on Social security, military spending, and medicare. What money are you exactly going to take away? I'm just confused about the whole situation. I think if something is going to be done, it needs to be done now... We have given him over two years, he needs to give us what he promised, hope and change.
God Bless,
Lauren
http://www.cnn.com/
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Injuries change your tomorrow
Slate's Hang-up and Listen really is an interesting podcast. If you have never listened to a segment and enjoy sports, I reccommend you check one out.
Yet again, My A.D.D kicks in as I listen to one of these podcasts. My mind always tend to focus in on one specific point they hit on, and this one happens to be injuries.
Of course, while writing the blogs, my personality always tends to kick in as I type up my opinion's and overviews of these podcasts, Jesus always seems to be the basis of opinion.
In this particular segment, they discuss the impact of injuries on teams, and specifically the hit that Ben Roethlisburger took after throwing an interception. He wasn't the same the rest of the super bowl. It makes you realize, that's all it takes to be done with the game is once second to change everything! One tackle, one messed up throw, one quick cut, one fall, one run, your whole career could end in one play.
Kinda scary isn't it? All your preparation you take in order to build muscle mass, to perfect your throwing, your free throw, your jump shot; making sure every exit out of track blocks is on time and smooth, gliding over each hurdle without stuttering, masteting all skills would be pointless, because of one moment that shattered all your hard work. It could happen, that quick.
Don't take anything for granted, be thankful for what you have, and enjoy it while you have it! Sports are wonderful! They encourage confidence, fun, demonstrate hard-work ethics, display passion, create chemistry, but at the end of the day its just a game. You always need a back-up plan. Don't lean on your sport to always support you, because in the blink of an eye it could be forever changed.
God Bless,
Lauren :)
"I lift my eyes up to the hills, where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of Heaven and Earth." Psalm 121:1
Yet again, My A.D.D kicks in as I listen to one of these podcasts. My mind always tend to focus in on one specific point they hit on, and this one happens to be injuries.
Of course, while writing the blogs, my personality always tends to kick in as I type up my opinion's and overviews of these podcasts, Jesus always seems to be the basis of opinion.
In this particular segment, they discuss the impact of injuries on teams, and specifically the hit that Ben Roethlisburger took after throwing an interception. He wasn't the same the rest of the super bowl. It makes you realize, that's all it takes to be done with the game is once second to change everything! One tackle, one messed up throw, one quick cut, one fall, one run, your whole career could end in one play.
Kinda scary isn't it? All your preparation you take in order to build muscle mass, to perfect your throwing, your free throw, your jump shot; making sure every exit out of track blocks is on time and smooth, gliding over each hurdle without stuttering, masteting all skills would be pointless, because of one moment that shattered all your hard work. It could happen, that quick.
Don't take anything for granted, be thankful for what you have, and enjoy it while you have it! Sports are wonderful! They encourage confidence, fun, demonstrate hard-work ethics, display passion, create chemistry, but at the end of the day its just a game. You always need a back-up plan. Don't lean on your sport to always support you, because in the blink of an eye it could be forever changed.
God Bless,
Lauren :)
"I lift my eyes up to the hills, where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of Heaven and Earth." Psalm 121:1
Sunday, February 6, 2011
It's can be a Lose-Lose, or you can make it a win-win!
If you are a big sports fan, or quite frankly, a sports fan at all, you will be entertaining yourself with three and a half hours of NFL sacks, passes, tackles, and INT's in February as the Super Bowl overtakes your television. I personally am a College football, NBA watcher, more than College basketball, NFL fan. Nevertheless, like all other football obsessors, when the Super Bowl came on, I was watching like thousands upon thousands of others.
This year didn't affect me much. I am not a fan of Mr. Ben, the well-known (for many reasons) QB at the Steelers, or well-informed on the standings and stat's of Mr. Aaron, the QB at the new Super Bowl champions of the Green Bay Packers. Not only have I not been following much NFL ball because I had been so consumed with my two teams, UNA and Alabama, but I didn't care much for the two that would be battling it out for the Super Bowl Championship. I also must add, the little support I ever possessed for the packers was in fourth grade at ten years old when a boy in my class thought he was their number one fan, and being as I thought I was the number one fan of this boy's, I became the number two fan of the packers..... For a week or so as the crush lasted ;) I was also interested in this team during Mr. Brett's reign as QB, but now that he has moved on and apparently became much WELL known in other aspects, (falling in line with Mr. Ben) I have lost a little interest in his skills on the field.
I decided that after the packers scored the second time, I would turn off the television and my roommate and I would go to the movies and watch the movie "The Roommate".. Ironic, huh? (This post by no means is a movie review, but I would not recommend anyone see it, a waste of time and money!!)
As I am reaching my point.... I tune into CNN.com to give myself an idea for this blog and the headline story is dedicated to the Packer's winning the Super Bowl, and the picture locked in with the article is Mr. Aaron holding his trophy proudly. I quickly ask myself two things. One, with all the turmoil, problems and issues in the world, it's so interesting how sports still go on, and not just that, but they are making headline news. I also ask myself, why is the QB always the person we reference to a team, or two a team's victory or defeat?
To answer my two questions, I looked back on my weekend experience at an FCA retreat. Regardless of what is going on in the world, I do believe that athletics and sporting events will still be receiving checks. They are the radio to today as it was in the beginning. They are people's home away from home, something that they can focus on and drift of for a little while to get their minds off their worries and stress. Sports are people's passion, obsession, past-time. They give people excitement, love and joy. Regardless of how big of a fan you are, the Super Bowl, National Championship, March Madness, the World Series, etc. are things athletes and sports lovers tune into to get their fix. That is why sports news are headlines, because they do make an impact on people.
Secondly, to my comment about QB's. I got to spend a weekend getting to know many athletes across the state at an FCA retreat. While there, I was able to sit and chat (on several occasions) with UNA's starting QB. You know, regardless if you are aware, they have a LOT of stress resting heavily on their shoulders. They are responsible for being leaders on and off the field. They control the team's offense, the pace of the game, the team's image. They are like the offensive Coordinator and Head Coach's little intern, running around, doing the will of his boss. It is a difficult job. Many people say the team is based on how good of a QB they have, and a lot of the time I agree. When I think about a team, whether or not I like them or think they are successful, I think about how well the QB plays and what his stats are.
So even though Sports have began to consume the way things are, and the norm of everyday life, don't think that you have to put your life aside to follow them, they are after all, just a game. But also, don't think that they aren't news, because "new" is news ... and crowning a new Super Bowl Champ is definitely new! Don't base a team solely on the QB, look at all the players, but do not think that a team can be successful with a successor, every team needs a leader. I want to thank all of UNA's leaders on and off the field, but especially our QB for stepping up and demonstrating what a true success story reads. :)
This year didn't affect me much. I am not a fan of Mr. Ben, the well-known (for many reasons) QB at the Steelers, or well-informed on the standings and stat's of Mr. Aaron, the QB at the new Super Bowl champions of the Green Bay Packers. Not only have I not been following much NFL ball because I had been so consumed with my two teams, UNA and Alabama, but I didn't care much for the two that would be battling it out for the Super Bowl Championship. I also must add, the little support I ever possessed for the packers was in fourth grade at ten years old when a boy in my class thought he was their number one fan, and being as I thought I was the number one fan of this boy's, I became the number two fan of the packers..... For a week or so as the crush lasted ;) I was also interested in this team during Mr. Brett's reign as QB, but now that he has moved on and apparently became much WELL known in other aspects, (falling in line with Mr. Ben) I have lost a little interest in his skills on the field.
I decided that after the packers scored the second time, I would turn off the television and my roommate and I would go to the movies and watch the movie "The Roommate".. Ironic, huh? (This post by no means is a movie review, but I would not recommend anyone see it, a waste of time and money!!)
As I am reaching my point.... I tune into CNN.com to give myself an idea for this blog and the headline story is dedicated to the Packer's winning the Super Bowl, and the picture locked in with the article is Mr. Aaron holding his trophy proudly. I quickly ask myself two things. One, with all the turmoil, problems and issues in the world, it's so interesting how sports still go on, and not just that, but they are making headline news. I also ask myself, why is the QB always the person we reference to a team, or two a team's victory or defeat?
To answer my two questions, I looked back on my weekend experience at an FCA retreat. Regardless of what is going on in the world, I do believe that athletics and sporting events will still be receiving checks. They are the radio to today as it was in the beginning. They are people's home away from home, something that they can focus on and drift of for a little while to get their minds off their worries and stress. Sports are people's passion, obsession, past-time. They give people excitement, love and joy. Regardless of how big of a fan you are, the Super Bowl, National Championship, March Madness, the World Series, etc. are things athletes and sports lovers tune into to get their fix. That is why sports news are headlines, because they do make an impact on people.
Secondly, to my comment about QB's. I got to spend a weekend getting to know many athletes across the state at an FCA retreat. While there, I was able to sit and chat (on several occasions) with UNA's starting QB. You know, regardless if you are aware, they have a LOT of stress resting heavily on their shoulders. They are responsible for being leaders on and off the field. They control the team's offense, the pace of the game, the team's image. They are like the offensive Coordinator and Head Coach's little intern, running around, doing the will of his boss. It is a difficult job. Many people say the team is based on how good of a QB they have, and a lot of the time I agree. When I think about a team, whether or not I like them or think they are successful, I think about how well the QB plays and what his stats are.
So even though Sports have began to consume the way things are, and the norm of everyday life, don't think that you have to put your life aside to follow them, they are after all, just a game. But also, don't think that they aren't news, because "new" is news ... and crowning a new Super Bowl Champ is definitely new! Don't base a team solely on the QB, look at all the players, but do not think that a team can be successful with a successor, every team needs a leader. I want to thank all of UNA's leaders on and off the field, but especially our QB for stepping up and demonstrating what a true success story reads. :)
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Be the change you want to see in the World :)
For all of you who are following the news updates in Egypt, I am in complete fear, wondering how a country can become so out of control in a matter of eight days. In all the video’s I have watched I hear the same words being used-all said towards Egyptian President, Hosni Mubarak's, and these words are “Get out!”
It seems as if an angry crowd is gathering in the streets, causing many different problems and issues and all they are seeking is for the man who has been leading their country for 30 years to step down and let someone else take over, we would give into the group in order to prevent further turmoil.
I’m not one to say, “Give into the bully” but this instance is different. This country that has seemed to stay off the radar for major troubles is currently over taking the news and is all we are hearing about. I believe the only way to fix this chaos would be for the President to resign. It seems that the issues would minimize quickly and things would go back to normal if the President listened to the will of the people. I hear of the people who are dying on the streets by being beaten to death, buildings burning, people asking for help, change. Why can’t the President just give them their wishes? I have viewed the videos of his work for Egypt. Apparently, he has won three elections, however, by law, no other name is allowed to be on the ballet. Recently when the next closest vote receiver tried to object and have a recount, he was arrested and sentenced to five years of hard labor. Sounds a little fishy? I think so.
How would you handle this situation if you were a protestor in Egypt? What would you do to see that President Mubarak was removed from office, or keep him in office?
God Bless,
Lauren
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
I will follow you, follow you wherever you may go??
When you listen to a song, watch a movie, or a sporting event, there is always going to be a distinctive point, play, lyric ,that will stick out to you. As an assignment for my media convergence class, I'm responsible for listening to pod casts outside of class. My problem with this is, I usually just take one big situation or topic to heart and it stays with me, but not so much everything else. I'm not saying I overlook the rest or ignore it, but most of the time only 10% of the talk show stays on my mind.
After listening to the newest version of Slate's hang-up and listen Sport's podcast, I was able to take hold of their opinions not just on some particular football teams and players, but also NBA and baseball teams. What I took from this podcast was a point they made about having super teams. If you think about, we truly do not have any teams that are consumed with the top athletes in their sport. Sure we have the Miami Heat considered to be a super team, and others will label different NBA teams to have those same characteristics. However honestly, looking at Football teams -(NFL) - what would you think about combining big names all to one team? They discuss this because they refer to it being more as a business deal. Nevertheless, I wonder, what would teams do if they realized they were playing one team that was unbeatable because they possessed the best of the best. How intimidating would it be to have all the biggest names wearing the same jerseys? I also think about the money that would be made while people purchased tickets to see this team, merchandise to support it, and so on. Would people change their favorite teams if their teams leaders changed teams? I look at it like this, if Kevin Garnett left the Boston Celtics, I would not love the Boston Celtics like I do.
On a college level, it would be incredibly different for me. Alabama has my heart and soul. If we lost a big name player, I would still cheer for Alabama. I believe that is the difference in collegiate and national sports. I still fear though, that our "teams" would no longer be ours if we lost our favorite athletes. Let's be honest, we ALL loved the Bulls when MJ was there, but who still cares as much for them now? Yeahhhh..... that's what I was thinking...
What do you think? Will you change your mind?
After listening to the newest version of Slate's hang-up and listen Sport's podcast, I was able to take hold of their opinions not just on some particular football teams and players, but also NBA and baseball teams. What I took from this podcast was a point they made about having super teams. If you think about, we truly do not have any teams that are consumed with the top athletes in their sport. Sure we have the Miami Heat considered to be a super team, and others will label different NBA teams to have those same characteristics. However honestly, looking at Football teams -(NFL) - what would you think about combining big names all to one team? They discuss this because they refer to it being more as a business deal. Nevertheless, I wonder, what would teams do if they realized they were playing one team that was unbeatable because they possessed the best of the best. How intimidating would it be to have all the biggest names wearing the same jerseys? I also think about the money that would be made while people purchased tickets to see this team, merchandise to support it, and so on. Would people change their favorite teams if their teams leaders changed teams? I look at it like this, if Kevin Garnett left the Boston Celtics, I would not love the Boston Celtics like I do.
On a college level, it would be incredibly different for me. Alabama has my heart and soul. If we lost a big name player, I would still cheer for Alabama. I believe that is the difference in collegiate and national sports. I still fear though, that our "teams" would no longer be ours if we lost our favorite athletes. Let's be honest, we ALL loved the Bulls when MJ was there, but who still cares as much for them now? Yeahhhh..... that's what I was thinking...
What do you think? Will you change your mind?
Facebook, Twitter, gone? What would be your reaction?
The stories are circling about Egypt banning social networking. How would you feel if the Government told you that you were no longer allowed to access any social networks, or the Internet for that matter?
Facebook has become the norm in America. It is something we visit often in order to update people on our lives and stay in tune with friends who may be close to us, or far away, family at home or over sea's, and also make new friends. Even though people can choose to use facebook and other social networks for negative reasons, most choose to use it to stay in tune with what is going on. As for Egypt, they are banning this liberty.
What is your opinion on this? Should the government be allowed to take away this technology? What do you think they are choosing to ban it?
God Bless,
Lauren :)
http://xponex.blogspot.com/2011/01/social-networking-sites-banned-in-egypt.html
Facebook has become the norm in America. It is something we visit often in order to update people on our lives and stay in tune with friends who may be close to us, or far away, family at home or over sea's, and also make new friends. Even though people can choose to use facebook and other social networks for negative reasons, most choose to use it to stay in tune with what is going on. As for Egypt, they are banning this liberty.
What is your opinion on this? Should the government be allowed to take away this technology? What do you think they are choosing to ban it?
God Bless,
Lauren :)
http://xponex.blogspot.com/2011/01/social-networking-sites-banned-in-egypt.html
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