First Timer...

On Sunday September 19, I attended my first packer game at Lambeau Field. Even though I have lived in Wisconsin for my entire life, I never took the opportunity to experience a live football game. So I grabbed the chance by the horns and dropped $141 for a ticket in the 9th row by the 10 yard line. Was it worth it?...YES! Should you have been there?...YES! Even if you don't like football or the Packers, I think the environment is worth it. From the tailgating, to the walk up to the stadium and the walk away memories were surly made.

Let me be honest here, I am not a die hard Packer fan, or Football fanatic whatsoever. I'm not able to catch every Sunday or Monday night game. But, after this Sunday I may be tuning in more frequently.

The tailgating was quite the show. Surrounding the stadium are hundreds of people gathered in small groups, playing games, throwing around footballs, laughing , drinking and singing along to good ol' tunes. Everyone that I looked at, had a huge smile on their face and awaited greeting the next person. Large white tents are filled with people,live music and even mechanical bull riding. Feel free to ignore a few vendors with expensive merch, the one 9 feet away will have the same thing maybe more or less.

Once your rear hits your seat and the beer to your lips, all worries melt away. Jets fly across the stadium following the national anthem. As you scan the crowd, you cant help but notice, that not one seat is empty. The entire game, fans are cheering and arguing with rivals. Chants are memorized like holy scriptures. Even if you don't know them, chances are that the guy next to you is to wasted and making up their own, play along.

With a win, the exit is just as interesting as the entrance. Face paint and wild get ups are still intact and of course beer sampling all the way to the parking lot your vehicle sits. The chaos continues for hours after the game has ended. Everyone was there for one thing in common, whether you were on this end or that one, the day is well spent.

"Che"

This familiar yet intense face, is sported on t-shirts all over the world. Ernesto "Che" Guevara is the name belonging to this revolutionary. At the beginning of the year, in History class I was able to choose any book to complete a book review on. I choose Che, despite the endless possibilities I had.

Che was born a native to Argentina, and immediately took an interest in school. He took a large interest in traveling and eventually dropped out of Medical School in order to travel. His early observations in Peru, Buenos Aires and Guatemala sparked thought of change. The inequality among individuals and groups within a society such as economic inequality really angered Che. He witnessed first hand many unjust activities that would stay locked in his memory forever.

Che returned home and finished Medical School. He began to travel again and ended in Mexico where his support was for liberation. Ernesto came to trust Fidel and Raul Castro. These men began a secret training camp which sparked the Guerrilla Warfare. Che was an outstanding leader, with amazing tactic and wisdom.

From 1956 to 1966 he lead battles throughout Latin America. His revolutionary state of mind ended on October 9, 1966 when he was captured, shot and killed.

The reason he stood out to me so much was because, he and several man; disagreed with the way Juan Batista ran the country. Many things were occurring that were unfair. Many were starving and addicted to drugs. Land was taken from people and the people no longer had the right to vote. Che and others came together to fight the government, because they knew what they were doing was wrong. Che more than ever wanted to liberate Latin America’s oppressed and exploited masses. Che made three fundamental contributions to revelatory thought in Latin America. The Cuban experience showed that popular forces, could win in a war against a professional army. Another was that you didn’t necessarily have to wait until all conditions for revolution are present, that not all demand of people need to be met or fulfilled. Lastly if its to succeed than full concentration on rural areas, not just cities alone. He knew that he was a powerful person and that many supported his cause. With his fellow believers by his side he was not worried.

When he was captured and before he was put to death, he had told the officer, "I know you've come to kill me. Shoot, coward! You are only going to kill a man!" Che was not just another man, he believed in something and would not let the Government continue with things that were not right. It was a serious fight that drove him to the Congo, to live and fight in caves in the hills. It was a sacrafive and ultimately a life sacrifice he gave for the rights of man.

I know that there are so many issues I think about on a daily basis, that the government can just go on ignoring. Just the fact that The United States is fully capable of feeding all the starving mouths of the world amazing, but we don't feed the hungry. Instead we continue to let 4,000 die every hour of starvation. I would like to challenge myself to make a scene on an important life threatening issue, but the power of the government, compared to none(me), is scary. I think these days its just easier to get rid of someone who stands in the way, rather than dealing with the person. I do believe thought that one day a group of people are going to come together for the greater of the people and make a severe change or at least impact.

BP Oil Spill

On April 20th an explosion and fire took place on an oil rig that left 11 workers missing is causing a much larger dilemma than expected.

The rig sank 2 days later and on the 28th a leak was spotted. A well in the Gulf of Mexico has been leaking at was once said to be a rate of 1,000 to 5,000 gallons a day and may now be up to 60,000 barrels, which totals in 2.5 million gallons per day. With the rapid amount of oil spilling into the ocean, it is said that this oil spill may out due, The Exxon Valdez Oil Spill.

To cover up the initial place of leaking, the cost to BP said to be, 300 million dollars. The oil slick is 600 square miles, and could reach up to Louisiana shores. Not only is this extremly costly, but our wildlife is being effected as well. Whales, tuna and shrimp; dozens of species of birds; land animals, and amphibians are being threatened by this oil spill.

Oil booms are being used to clean up some of the mess. The booms are nylons stuffed with hair and fur that are tied together and used to surround and prevent the oil from further spreading. Over 750 vessels are involved in the response effort, including skimmers, tugs, barges and recovery vessels. The are taking the oil that has reached sea level and in-situ burning it, In-Situ is a process that consists of corralling concentrated parts of the spill in a 500-foot-long fireproof boom, moving it to another location and burning it.

When I first heard about this oil spill, was bout early last week. I could not believe I had found out so late. More importantly, i could not believe that this was not being talked about amongst people around me? I began to talk about it at work, and how scary this situation really is. When you look at the big picture, you can find it easy to notice several parts of the economy just decline even faster. Not only is our wildlife at risk, but so is our economy. Forty percent of all fish harvested in the U.S. (excluding Hawaii and Alaska) comes from the Gulf of Mexico, which now contains an oil slick visible from space. Another major concern is if the oil flows into estuaries and oyster beds, which will cause a major negative effect to wildlife and the seafood industry. I can see the prices rising on sea food, and illness as well if seafood providers are not taking extra precautions.

Prescription Addiction

I can not explain the amount of anger I feel when, I read about a drug overdoses. Especially when the drug is a prescription pill that was either given to that by the doctor or sold by someone who did have authorization to obtain the drug.

I often wonder how doctors determine which pill is suitable for a patient. Trial and error was the observation when I went to see my family doctor. I was experiencing anxiety, and told my doctor of the issues I was having. Almost immediately, I was offered Xanax. Xanax treats moderate and severe anxiety. Side effects include dizziness, dis-inhibition, suicidal ideation, hallucinations, slurred speech, drowsiness etc.

As soon as I heard that word my jaw dropped. I immediately shook my head, no that I didn't want that. I heard to many horror stories about friends becoming addicted. In 2002: 3,340,000,000 outpatient prescriptions were written by doctors. Without even checking to see if I had a history of drug abuse, I was already being offered a drug many abuse and sell. Prescription drug abuse is the #4 leading cause of death. Sales of prescription medicines worldwide rose 7% to $602 billion, according to IMS health, a pharmaceutical information and consulting company. Xanax is not the only cause for concern there are many others. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse's (NIDA's) 2004 Monitoring the Future survey, 9.3 percent of 12th-graders reported using Vicodin without a prescription in the past year, and 5.0 percent reported using OxyContin. Another recent survey reports that approximately 48 million people-about 20 percent of the U.S. population-aged 12 or older had used prescription drugs for nonmedical reasons in their lifetimes.

I can share stories upon stories, about the friends I have had with addictions. They love to enlighten other on how they got there drug of choic. Often they went into the walk in clinic, their doctor, or even the emergency room just to get pain killers. Guaranteed the epidemic has been noted and doctors are aware of the new way to obtain drugs. The problem is addicts and dealers are getting a hold of them and our moms, dads, brothers and sisters are becoming its prisoners.

The realization of prescription drug abuse really hit home, when I received news Saturday afternoon that a good friend overdosed. The drugs used were prescribed to him and the other to his friend. He fatally made the decision to mix drugs and was found the next morning. Seeing a young person lose their life to addiction and abuse is probably one of the hardest to deal with. Close family and friends stood asking questions, but we all knew. We all new that a large percentage of Sheboygans youth has fallen to prescription drug abuse. Parents fuel the fire by leaving their pills laying out and doctors by prescribing powerful and highly addictive drugs to millions of Americans. Doctors are prescribing the pills, but are not even communicating with psychologists or psychotherapists on the proper treatment for the feeling and emotions a person is experiencing.

Doctors prescribe to many pills to millions of Americans everyday. We just eat them up and presume the problem will be corrected. Its leading to abuse, addiction and eventually death. The availability is outrageous and the use and abuse is sickening. According to the NIDA, "The number of new nonmedical users of pain relievers increased drastically-from 573,000 in 1990 to 2.5 million in 2000."

In 2006, a total of 38,396 persons died of drug-induced causes in the United States. This category includes not only deaths from dependent and non dependent use of legal or illegal drugs, but also poisoning from medically prescribed and other drugs.

The numbers continue to increase for outpatient prescriptions, along with the number of drug overdoses added to the death toll. Families and friends will continue to fall into the vicious routine of pills and become prisoners to something smaller than a dime.

"No, Sorry, I Cannot Service You. "

Guaranteed that if I was the owner of a restaurant, this is exactly what my kitchen staff would be expected to wear. I would some how find a way to get around every fire, medical etc. hazard these suits would cause. I have not been diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, I do not believe I should be or that I have have previous issues, but the disgust brought upon by co-works has brought me to this level.

Grandma having all the special connections she has, helped me get a job as a busser. I was working at a restaurant cleaning tables and keeping things fully stocked. I loved the job, cleaning was easy and just doing what I was told. Everyone failed to mention that Monday and Tuesday was always slow and the rest of the week there was constant traffic.

There was something major I was lacking, the fact that I needed to pick up the pace, and keep it going. When I am being watched by more that 3 people, I become extremely nervous. I begin to think about the worst possible situations. I picture it before it happens, an extreme dramatic attack. Possibly from this girl that has been giving me the stink eye. Or a possible robbery. I know this is kind of weird, but I have been in some pretty messed up situations. I am also constantly looking around at my surroundings and being aware who and what is around me. I also become clumsy and cause a scene anyway by spilling something major like salsa or tripping over myself, or even bumping into things.

I quickly clean the mess and escape to the kitchen. Now the head cook is a really well known respected woman. My Grandma specifically told me to, "NEVER EVER EVER, talk back to Margie" My Grandma used extreme caution in her eye contact. She knew, that I didn't fully understand when it was time to stop talking. Getting slapped across the face because of smart remark was common to me. But when I spilled the salsa for the tenth time in a week she was fed up and I understood why. I had to take the embarrassment, every time she pointed out my mistakes. She was just really mean about it. I was told by the head bartender, "she made grown men cry!" Margie just really told it like it was, with absolute no sympathy. Because you would just not learn that way. Lucky she tended to leave early so her wrath was only for a few hours.

It was then that I got to see the real thing. I really want to avoid going into detail. The cooks took short cuts in making things. No hair nets were used. There was a separate room where pots and pans where kept. Often I would have to run in there and see flies on the pans and I just prayed they would wash them before they used them. It really was not extreme behavior like spitting or inhumane things like that it was just not up to par with what I expect when I eat out. Witnessing these things just made me paranoid about my future experiences.

I love when a counter smells like Clorox. This may be an exaggeration, but I expect everything to be spotless. We all know that this may impossible. I just get really shocked when someone is puking for days on end because of bad food they were served. Are places trying to save money and save food after the expiration date? Is meat and poultry kept at standard and expected temperature? I know not every place follows the precise rules day after day, but I sure do expect that.

I just am uncomfortable with the fact that I can't see who is handling my food and what they could be doing to it. I guess this situation depends on the person but I rather make my own food so I know what's in it. As a first job I am glad it was at a restaurant. At times it was fun, and nerve-wrecking but the experience was an eye opener. Hopefully owners have great judgment and a well supervised and clean atmosphere to keep crazy customers like me at ease.

420

As for many of us, on April 20th we went along on all of our normal activities and schedules for a typical Tuesday. While thousands of other college students and many others took part in, "420" which celebrates Marijuana and promotes and hopes for government acceptance. The original meaning behind statement came from a group of San Fransisco bay High Schoolers would come together and smoke in the 1970's. This became a popular term and was then highly promoted in High Times Magazine.

Many Television networks dedicated their entire day just to celebrate, "420." Channels like G4 educated their viewers by giving the history of Marijuana, its causes and why, as well as its effects and why. They traveld to places like Amsterdam where Marijuana shops are legal and give the experience and traditions in Holland. They educated us on devices that are less harsh on the lungs like vaporizers. These methods of using Marijuana are becoming more popular among cancer patients. According to The Natural Treatment for Common Health Problems, "In vaporization, the active elements of marijuana are released or turned into a vapor without combustion. This stops the release of toxins in marijuana smoke. This means that medical marijuana patients can avoid the adverse effects of smoking with the help of a vaporizer."

They also humored us as well by playing popular movies like, "Half Baked, Super High Me, and Dazed and Confused, just to name a few. They had guest appearances like Snoop Dogg, Cheech and Chong who are known for their Marijuana use. They, themselves depict there recreational hobbies in Comedy Movies like, "Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke" and pictures that suggest Marijuana use. G4 also showed intense grow labs, many that are legal in Northern California. They also showed Law Enforcement catching on to outdoor illegal cultivation in places like natural forests. The Police and Investigators finds these plants and cut them down and eventually burn them destroying them all completely.

While I was amused by rituals involving marijuana, I wondered how the legalization process was coming along. Currently there are fourteen states that have enacted laws that legalized the use of medicinal Marijuana. There are twelve states that allow up to eight ounces, Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Main, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Rhode Island and Vermont. Washington and Oregon allow twenty-four usable ounces. In all states the user must obtain an id card. The identification card is prescribed by a doctor for the use of Medicinal Marijuana.

However here in Wisconsin on Marijuana is still illegal. On April 22, 2010 The proposal to legalize is not, "one of the top prioritizes" the Legislature will take up. "While advocates for legalizing it had hoped the bill would pass under support from Democrats who control the Legislature, the proposal never made it up for a vote in either the Senate or Assembly." Unfortuitly for people in Wisconsin they will have to keep trying.

The masses of students on capital property, lighting up and blazing is quite a site to see. Police stand around making sure crowds stay in control and observe thousands smoking out of bongs, pipes, and joints. You can hear Bob Marley in the distant sound waves and through the ear phones of many. The Rastafarian culture becomes known. The Colors Red, Yellow and Green are worn on beenes, or on t-shirts and wrist bands and bandannas. Part of the Rasta Culture is to smoke Ganja its considered, "Sacrament." Ganja cleans the body and mind, heals the soul, exalts the consciousness, facilitates peacefulness, brings pleasure, and brings them closer to God or Jah.

In 1936 "Reefer Madness", scared parents by depicting Marijuana as a deviant social problem and if their children smoked pot they would, kill, rape, and eventually die. Through the years people have seen the growth and acceptance of Marijuana. Around the world it is part of rituals and religious ceremonies, or in pot shops for sale in food and in smokable forms. According to Get the Facts on the Drug War Facts, "Tabacco is the leading cause of death. This legal substance took 435,000 lives in the year 2000. Marijuana still at 0."

Weather you decided to partake it the festivities, or ignored them the Legalization train for Medicinal Marijuana use is rapidly increasing force. It will be interested to see where it will be in a few years.

Facebook vs Myspace

I remember the first time I created my account for Myspace. It was a series of questions, typical for signing up for something like this. I was asked about age, race, sex and marital status. It became more personal with questions asking my favorite books, movies and activities. I put up any random picture and background. I was all ready to begin accepting friend requests. A short time after I was finally comfortable with Myspace, when a new site came out called Facebook. I honestly was not interested in even signing up for one, but was influenced because it had more capabilities than Myspace.

Word of mouth helped these two online networking search engines gain a whole new community. Today more than 400 million active users belong to Facebook, and Myspace with only 125 million users. These websites give opportunities to people by allowing them share important events, broadcast personal music, and can even help find jobs. These websites come in different languages and allows an open door for communication. 70% of the users that belong to Facebook are international users. These two websites help communicate important things that happen around the world. From the touch of your phone you are able to know and see what is going on in another country half way around the world. These are just a few of the good things that comes from inventions like this.

However my personal experience with both of these websites was somewhat close to pointless. I quickly learned that most of the people on my friends list where there for a different reason than I was. Everyday that logged into Facebook and Myspace I encountered, underage parties being promoted, half naked pictures of girls at those parties, along with the kids that were passed out and drawn on. On the status updates I got to read and learn about personal issues, being exposed via internet and in an embarrassing manor. I noticed more humiliation amongst people in my age range than ever before. People would put the who, what, where and when in their status updates without even thinking about the damage that it could do. When the security setting are not set to your preference, your profile is allowed to be looked at by complete strangers. Not only does the danger of stalking alarm me from this website but its social tend dices of cliques continues. It gets more vicious online. Its not a face to face encounter, instead its behind a computer in the comfort of your home. I have read personal sexual conversations that were created to destroy someones reputation. Sexual predators are now allowed to have an even more secretive demeanor online. At times I would just read complete bashing of individuals. All of these reasons and a few more have just turned me off of websites like this.

All though the positive aspects were not fully discussed, they really do out weigh the negative. For the communication and networking aspect, its fantastic. I feel that people really can turn something positive into complete garbage. It is most likely the maturity level of my peers. I just don't have the time or interest to read about nonsense, especially at the expense of someones feelings.