Colorado parents have to especially worry about their children trick or treating this Halloween, as concerns over marijuana-infused candy rise in the legal state.
According to a video on the Denver Police Department's Facebook page, parents are encouraged to check all candy for tampered wrappers.
This last part, of course, is nothing new. I remember when I was a child and my parents would check every single piece of candy before I ate it, because it was so easy for people to mess with candy.
When I was younger, I used to think this was too precautionary; I didn't understand why my parents didn't trust the world the way I did. But as I've grown older and seen the horrors they have, it's no wonder why we have to worry; we have to worry about people who would drug innocent children celebrating a holiday.
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Teenage Marriage
Fall is always a prime time for weddings; within the last two weeks, my view of Facebook feeds has seen pictures from four different ceremonies.
However, the one that sticks out to me the most was a girl I graduated with: 19 years old and getting married.
Though I'm thrilled for her and wish her a lifetime of happiness, I cannot help but worry about the possibilities this could end badly; she's so young, and there are so many horror stories about teenage marriages ending in divorce.
I was reading an article earlier in the New York Times about Teenage Marriages, and it stated some of the worries I expressed.
"Studies show that today marriages are two to three times more likely to end in divorce than are marriages between 25 years of age and older," wrote Sarah Kershaw. "Most comprehensive study on marriage and age that sociologists cite was published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2001, from 1995 data, and it found that 48 percent of those who marry before 18 are likely to divorce within 10 years, compared with 24 percent of those who marry after age 25."
This information, along with other statistics, I read at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/04/fashion/04marriage.html?_r=0
Though it is true each love story is different, I can only wish that the girl I've known for 14 years doesn't end up another statistic.
However, the one that sticks out to me the most was a girl I graduated with: 19 years old and getting married.
Though I'm thrilled for her and wish her a lifetime of happiness, I cannot help but worry about the possibilities this could end badly; she's so young, and there are so many horror stories about teenage marriages ending in divorce.
I was reading an article earlier in the New York Times about Teenage Marriages, and it stated some of the worries I expressed.
"Studies show that today marriages are two to three times more likely to end in divorce than are marriages between 25 years of age and older," wrote Sarah Kershaw. "Most comprehensive study on marriage and age that sociologists cite was published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2001, from 1995 data, and it found that 48 percent of those who marry before 18 are likely to divorce within 10 years, compared with 24 percent of those who marry after age 25."
This information, along with other statistics, I read at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/04/fashion/04marriage.html?_r=0
Though it is true each love story is different, I can only wish that the girl I've known for 14 years doesn't end up another statistic.
Saturday, October 18, 2014
Response to Luke's Smartphone
In Luke's blog, he wrote about how our generation is so focused on using smart phones and technology that we are missing out on some of the most beautiful parts of life that come from living in the moment. He especially referenced a time during a concert in which he focused more on recording for later purposes, that he missed how incredible it was.
Reading this account reminded me of when this happened to me. It was my sophomore year of high school, and I saw my favorite band, All Time Low, for the first time. I waited in line for over four hours before the show, so I obviously was really close to the stage. I was so focused on snapping photographs that I didn't embrace the fact that I was literally just a few feet away from the bassist.
Because I was so focused on capturing moments for later, I missed so much of what was happening that moment, and now I only remember what happened during the times I had my phone put away.
I hope to do what Luke did, and see ATL the next time they do a US tour. They've been my favorite band since I was 13, and they are to this day. I want to put the phone away, and just sing along to the music that will always mean so much to me.
Reading this account reminded me of when this happened to me. It was my sophomore year of high school, and I saw my favorite band, All Time Low, for the first time. I waited in line for over four hours before the show, so I obviously was really close to the stage. I was so focused on snapping photographs that I didn't embrace the fact that I was literally just a few feet away from the bassist.
Because I was so focused on capturing moments for later, I missed so much of what was happening that moment, and now I only remember what happened during the times I had my phone put away.
I hope to do what Luke did, and see ATL the next time they do a US tour. They've been my favorite band since I was 13, and they are to this day. I want to put the phone away, and just sing along to the music that will always mean so much to me.
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Yo Quiero Un Taco
It was National Taco Day today, and Wittenberg's Dining Services joined in on the celebration.
The CDR offered a variety of tacos for its patrons. Students could go to various lines for hard or soft taco shells, and select from chicken, pork, beef, fish, or shrimp to have as their main taco portion. There were a couple of buffet-style tables set up, students could use for additional toppings for their tacos.
The staff also had a large pinata by which students could take photos. If students took photos with the object and posted it on the internet with the specific Wittenberg hashtag, the students had the chance to win candy. The staff were all very enthusiastic, even changing their work uniforms and donning sombreros.
For students who did not want to participate in the event, normal dining options of pizza, french fries, soups, salads, cereals, and sandwiches were available.
The CDR offered a variety of tacos for its patrons. Students could go to various lines for hard or soft taco shells, and select from chicken, pork, beef, fish, or shrimp to have as their main taco portion. There were a couple of buffet-style tables set up, students could use for additional toppings for their tacos.
The staff also had a large pinata by which students could take photos. If students took photos with the object and posted it on the internet with the specific Wittenberg hashtag, the students had the chance to win candy. The staff were all very enthusiastic, even changing their work uniforms and donning sombreros.
For students who did not want to participate in the event, normal dining options of pizza, french fries, soups, salads, cereals, and sandwiches were available.
Friday, October 10, 2014
Lyrical Content Show
Here I am at the Lyrical Content show, which is now picking up speed.
The show had a rough start, after troubles in scheduling with Pocket Lint renting out Founders for the same time slot.
The performers were shaken at first, trying to get into the groove, but they were able to get into something as rhythmic as their poetry.
I'm now enjoying a plethora of poems and raps about love, pain, confidence, and strength.
The show had a rough start, after troubles in scheduling with Pocket Lint renting out Founders for the same time slot.
The performers were shaken at first, trying to get into the groove, but they were able to get into something as rhythmic as their poetry.
I'm now enjoying a plethora of poems and raps about love, pain, confidence, and strength.
Sunday, October 5, 2014
Protecting Privacy of Public Personalities
Actors Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis shared the birth of their baby girl, Wyatt Isabelle Kutcher, earlier this week in an unconventional way.
The new father uploaded eight pictures of babies -- some of which were animals -- on his Twitter account, alongside a message of "Can you guess which one is ours, or does it really matter? All babies are cute." (The message has been taken down since its posting.)
High profile celebrities such as the former "That 70's Show" costars have to take extra precaution in protecting the privacy of their children. This instance was, for me, one of the cutest ways to do it.
Other celebrities in the past have gone to greater, more "out there" ways to protect their children, as the world saw with Michael Jackson forcing his children to wear masks when they were in public.
Though it is understandable that fans of these stars want to appreciate the joys of the new additions to families, it is unfortunate that celebrities should have to go to extra lengths to ensure their children's safety. They are people, just like you and me, and they shouldn't have to worry about a person out there with malicious intent. It is sad that they have to go out of their way to hide their identities if they want to take their children out shopping or to get ice cream.
I'm glad that Kutcher was smart enough to be cautious for his child from birth. I hate that he and Kunis can't share new baby photos like everyone else, but at least the pair are being sensible in their baby girl's protection.
The new father uploaded eight pictures of babies -- some of which were animals -- on his Twitter account, alongside a message of "Can you guess which one is ours, or does it really matter? All babies are cute." (The message has been taken down since its posting.)
High profile celebrities such as the former "That 70's Show" costars have to take extra precaution in protecting the privacy of their children. This instance was, for me, one of the cutest ways to do it.
Other celebrities in the past have gone to greater, more "out there" ways to protect their children, as the world saw with Michael Jackson forcing his children to wear masks when they were in public.
Though it is understandable that fans of these stars want to appreciate the joys of the new additions to families, it is unfortunate that celebrities should have to go to extra lengths to ensure their children's safety. They are people, just like you and me, and they shouldn't have to worry about a person out there with malicious intent. It is sad that they have to go out of their way to hide their identities if they want to take their children out shopping or to get ice cream.
I'm glad that Kutcher was smart enough to be cautious for his child from birth. I hate that he and Kunis can't share new baby photos like everyone else, but at least the pair are being sensible in their baby girl's protection.
Friday, October 3, 2014
Student's Sex Scandal
Breaking headlines this week is the case of Rachel Respess and Shelley Dufresne, two teachers who had a threesome with a 16-year-old student. Though cases such as this are nothing new, there is an aspect I'd like to address in this blog.
While, yes, I think we can all agree that the teachers have crossed a serious and disturbing line in having intercourse with a student and should be severely punished, I feel as though it should be recognized that the student was not raped. According to the police via Times-Picayune, he was "bragging to other students that he was having a sexual relationship with teachers."
Whether this is a defensive or coping mechanism is unclear (as I really hope that he isn't seriously happy with what transpired), but as it was expressed in one of the articles I read (http://www.nola.com/crime/index.ssf/2014/10/2nd_destrehan_high_school_teac.html), it seems as though the student is disregarding the serious legal offenses, and what these women could face in court.
Though I agree that they absolutely should be punished -- with or without consent, no adult should ever have sex with a minor. But if the case is true that he was bragging about this, what does this say about people's mindsets if they believe that what these women could be charged with deserves praise or a high-five from buddies?
This is not something to glorify; it is sad that these women's lives are ruined -- even though, yes, it was their fault -- and heartbreaking that, according to the police statement, he chalked it up to bragging rights.
While, yes, I think we can all agree that the teachers have crossed a serious and disturbing line in having intercourse with a student and should be severely punished, I feel as though it should be recognized that the student was not raped. According to the police via Times-Picayune, he was "bragging to other students that he was having a sexual relationship with teachers."
Whether this is a defensive or coping mechanism is unclear (as I really hope that he isn't seriously happy with what transpired), but as it was expressed in one of the articles I read (http://www.nola.com/crime/index.ssf/2014/10/2nd_destrehan_high_school_teac.html), it seems as though the student is disregarding the serious legal offenses, and what these women could face in court.
Though I agree that they absolutely should be punished -- with or without consent, no adult should ever have sex with a minor. But if the case is true that he was bragging about this, what does this say about people's mindsets if they believe that what these women could be charged with deserves praise or a high-five from buddies?
This is not something to glorify; it is sad that these women's lives are ruined -- even though, yes, it was their fault -- and heartbreaking that, according to the police statement, he chalked it up to bragging rights.
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Response to Ciara's "Is the HPER Doing Too Much?"
In her blog, Ciara discussed the working conditions in the HPER center for student workers. They now have to wear uniforms, enforce the ID check, and the students are not allowed to work on homework or studying while at work.
I, for one, don't see this as much of a problem. In a lot of jobs, people wear uniforms: it's part of the process. It shows unity and spirit in what you're attempting to do at your job.
Enforcing the ID check is also a good thing. While, yes, it is unfortunate that students are turned away for practices when they don't have their card, part of their responsibility is to recognize that they need to show it when they enter the building. That's like driving a car without a license; it's your responsibility to have your license on your person to verify that you are permitted to drive. It's an issue of safety/protecting the well-being of responsible parties.
And finally, being a student worker, I know what it's like to not be allowed to do homework at my job. While, yes, it's hard on me when I know I still have three papers to write or a large reading I haven't even started and I hear about my friends sitting behind a desk at another job finishing that same reading, I recognize that this is a JOB. I'm being paid to contribute to the Wittenberg community, not to do my schoolwork. An on-campus job has responsibilities, and we have to respect that and treat it as if it were a job in the real world.
I, for one, don't see this as much of a problem. In a lot of jobs, people wear uniforms: it's part of the process. It shows unity and spirit in what you're attempting to do at your job.
Enforcing the ID check is also a good thing. While, yes, it is unfortunate that students are turned away for practices when they don't have their card, part of their responsibility is to recognize that they need to show it when they enter the building. That's like driving a car without a license; it's your responsibility to have your license on your person to verify that you are permitted to drive. It's an issue of safety/protecting the well-being of responsible parties.
And finally, being a student worker, I know what it's like to not be allowed to do homework at my job. While, yes, it's hard on me when I know I still have three papers to write or a large reading I haven't even started and I hear about my friends sitting behind a desk at another job finishing that same reading, I recognize that this is a JOB. I'm being paid to contribute to the Wittenberg community, not to do my schoolwork. An on-campus job has responsibilities, and we have to respect that and treat it as if it were a job in the real world.
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