Thank You For Smoking

Thank You For Smoking was a very humorous and intriguing film. The movie was not just about the way Washington works but it also exposes the reality about friends, parenting, work, tough choices, paying the mortgage, and of course, freedom! I felt that the main character Nick Naylor really proved that it is simple to prove a point if you simply leave the opposing viewers thinking. I enjoyed the movie because there were many instances when any view point he presented was defendable, and he paid close attention to how he went about presenting it. Nick used just the right tactics, regardless of truth or ethics. Nick Naylor also used many thoughtful half-truths to expose the truth about cigarettes. I thought it was hilarious that he exposed himself to the women whom he thought he could trust! Just shows that when people need to pay the mortgage they don't mess around. ;) I would definitely recommend anyone to watch this film, it really tries to convince the simple minded that if they go beyond what is right in front of them they can accomplish anything. I think this film was a wonderful representation of what Professor Charlton expects from us in our classical arguments. This should be a challenge!

Christmas...Equals Broke!

Christmas time to me is one of the best times of the year! Not because of the gifts that I can't afford to buy, but because my family actually takes the time to get together. It is so comforting to know that Christmas is coming and I'll be able to spend a few day's just having the time of my life with the ones I love. My boyfriends grandparents also come up from Florida during this time, and to see them makes me SO happy! I don't have a grandpa that is living, I never have, and never will. His grandpa acts as my "step in" grandfather and this comforts me so much! I never knew what it felt like to have a grandfather until a few years ago and the feeling I get is undescribeable. Plus, during Christmas everyone decorates! Yay, this is my FAVORITE thing to do! Who doesn't like the smell of a freshly cut Christmas tree or the scent of a warm lit fireplace, and christmas cookies in the oven. Something I'll be thankful for this Thanksgiving, my five senses! :) Let's not get ahead of ourselves and forget about the FOOD! Yum, who doesn't love stuffing, mashed potatoes, and ham! I think I am fully ready for Christmas, even if my pocket's arent! Happy Holiday's!

Fort Hood

It is scary to think that in a few months my cousin Nathan a recent West Point graduate, yes I said West Point :) will be stationed at Fort Hood. Something a few weeks ago I would have been fine with just one more stop to save him from going over seas. Now it is just one stop closer that scares me. I'm sure you all have heard about the massive killings at Fort Hood. If you’re not heres what happened,
"According to the Indian Express on Friday the 13 they reported that US Army psychiatrist Major Nidal Hasan, accused of killing 13 people in a shooting rampage at a military base, was charged with 13 counts of premeditated murder, that may attract death penalty. Hasan, 39, is suspected of killing 13 of his comrades and injuring 38 others on November 5, when he went on a shooting spree at a military processing center at the Army base in Fort Hood, Texas. He has been charged with 13 counts of premeditated murder, officials said. Hasan will be tried in the military's court-martial system and prosecutors are likely seeking the death penalty."
One father said, the sad part about his son’s death was that "he had been taught and been trained to protect and to fight. Yet it's such a tragedy that he did not have the opportunity to protect himself and the base." It is such a terrifying thought to even imagine that such a tragedy could happen at an army base. How could the government allow this to happen when they knew he had psychological problems to begin with, just like the terror attacks they had been given the prompt that something was going to happen, yet nothing was done to stop it? Just like in this case, so many innocent people died from the negligence of our superiors. I am so saddened by the loss of all these innocent soldiers, after being spared their lives overseas a few weeks ago.

HALLOWEEN IS OVER :D

That one day in which all Party City employees dream to see. November 1st, the final pack up day for all Halloween merchandise! Thank goodness, that hell is finally over! I don't think anyone can understand how ridiculous the crowds are. Waiting in lines, which travel down aisle, after aisle just to reach the register and find out your spending a day’s worth of pay! It is uncalled for the amount of money American's spend on the most senseless things! I must say, I don't really celebrate Halloween so for me, it is very simple to walk past the costume wall and completely ignore every single costume, and price tag! Although, for many it is a time for parties, drinking, chocolate, and fun! The more power to you I always say! I would prefer staying home awaiting the arrival of all the cute little children dressed in such unique costumes, ringing the doorbell in search for their treasures! It truly is an experience for these children, but can also be an expensive one for parents. What I am personally looking forward to is the scrumptious Thanksgiving dinner coming up in a few short weeks! Oh, and not to mention my birthday! Which I share with my sister, and mother! :)

Spanking

Spanking is such a controversal topic in America today. I am doing a speech on spanking and I am looking on personal opinions and thoughts on anything relating to spanking children. I personally feel that spanking is merely a parents right. Although this is a right, parents should only use it in moderation and not excessively. For it then becomes moreless child abuse! I feel that if they "ban" spanking, it is only taking away the rights that a parent has to raise their children how they deem necessary. I am wondering, if you were spanked as a child, and therefore spanked your children? What is your reasoning behind it. Or, more interesting were you left to sit in the thinking chair instead of spanked and find it more useful to spank your own children instead of going about behavior issues as your parents once did. Just something to think about, feel free to comment!!!

Driving Destractions

There are many distractions while driving and we are more than likely to be effected by them in one way or another. Whether your guilty of the distraction, or your a victim its still dangerous. At one point in my life I learned my lesson first hand that the distractions we encounter sometimes while driving are serious and banned for logical reasons.

After dropping off my friend Lexi one night, I was driving through her development approaching a stop sign. Excited about my date later on that night with my boyfriend, I grabbed my phone and dialed his number. Accidently, driving through the stop sign. What a terrible mistake because as I looked to my left I noticed a police station. Shortly after the stop sign I saw the lights flashing in my rear view mirror. Apparently, one of the police officers had seen the run through. A lesson learned quickly that distractions are expensive! For now on, I wait to use my cell phone until after turning off the car!

My First Public Library Experience!

Martin Memorial Library

Thinking about the fact that my speech on effective teaching is due in less than a week I felt very overwhelmed because I had barely started and I had so much ahead of me! Unfortunately, I need a lot of credible sources for my speech and I was so lost on where to turn! While thinking about what I could do, I was talking to a friend and she had mentioned going to the Martin Memorial Library to see if they had any books that could help! What a fantastic idea! I went home from work that night and collected by things. I thought it might be a wonderful idea to take my two year old nephew along as well as my ten year old niece. It was absolutely the best idea, they loved the children's section and I recommend anyone with children, giving them the opportunity to freely explore the Martin Library. The librarians were so helpful when I was searching for books I needed. If you haven't been to the Martin Memorial Library yet, I suggest you do. It is such an amazing site to see!