smoking

There is nothing in this planet that I find more disgusting than smoking. I cannot seem to grasp why anyone would want to fill their lungs to capacity with harmful chemicals only to obtain a short pleasure. Even though I do not smoke, the thought of lung cancer increasing due to smoking would terrify me. For the most part, I choose to live a healthy lifestylel, although I do not eat like I should, excersising regularly is one of my top priorities. Another reason I choose not to smoke is to set a concrete example for my future kids. I believe that our society today could do without these harmful

video on Ted Williams

The video I watched and the article which I read on the Washington post is by far the most random unique viral video which I have seen lately! It is incredible that there are such talented people out there that have been led astray from stardom by simply picking up a drug habit or an alcoholic. From what I gathered from the article as all viral things are they come and go quickly, and unfortunately I believe nothing came of Williams’s short lived fame. Although it was a short lived Cinderella story, I find it very interesting and I’m sure regardless of the short live d story it will have a much longer affect on some. Hopefully a positive effect on some… encouraging them to stay away from distractions and addictions which could end an incredible career. I feel as though I am not the one to judge regarding whether Ted Williams career was a complete failure or not. The man most definitely made decisions which were questionable; i.e. using hardcore drugs and participating in the life of an alcoholic. Even though his career diminished that was the course in which he chose to take his life, although it is not all to blame on him, he may have been a victim of circumstances. One cannot help but question did he lose his job and simply turn to drugs as a means of escaping his current problems, or was he introduced to it as an alternate escape of his hectic lifestyle as a public figure. I tend to believe William’s was a victim of circumstances if one were to place themselves in the life of an icon, would they lose it and no longer have a desire to perform their job for society? Regardless the man is incredibly talented, and the article in whole intrigued me greatly.

flash mob article

I found the flash mob article on Wikipedia very interesting. The article speaks of facebook "peaking" among users. I am a very spontaneous person and found it interesting that these “social experiments” were based on spontaneity. It entertains me that a group of one hundred or more individuals could form a group with little leadership and very little communication and easily “take over” and entire social setting, such as a department store. The first attempt at a flash mob was created by Bill Wasik, it failed because the department store on which his group was to converge was tipped off. Although he failed his first try he was able to successfully pull off a flash mob at a Macy’s in New York, around a rug. The group told employees they all lived in a warehouse and wanted a love rug. Although the flash mob was “successful” it was viewed as a failure and in essence a waste of time.

challenges

At the beginning of last semester, I transferred to AUM for the sole purpose of joining the AUM Anglers fishing program. One of my close friends, Jacob Nummy, started this club in hopes of reaching potential anglers to promote this wonderful sport of college bass fishing. I have competed in two college tournaments finishing within the top ten both times. These tournaments have proposed a great challenge to myself, as well as my partner. I find us determined and hungry to excel above our expectations within these tournaments. Our next tournament will take place on the Alabama River in Montgomery, Alabama. My partner and I consider these waters to be our "home waters", and we feel that we have an excellent shot at winning this event. I've heard it said once that if you need something, God will provide it; however, if you want something, you must get it yourself. We want this, now is the time to capture it.

Summary of "Homeless on Campus"

In the report Homeless on Campus by Eleanor J. Bader, Bader describes the lives of numerous students who suffer from physical abuse of other individuals. She tells of many cases of abuse, however she puts unique emphasis in the first case. Bader tells of a twenty-year old named Aesha who attends Kingsborogh Community College in Brooklyn, New York. Aesha lives with four other people including her boyfriend in an apartment south of Bronx, New York. Bader explains her life in vivid detail with emphasis on physical abuse from her boyfriend. Aesha leaves the apartment with no residence to reside. This is only an example of the many cases Bader tells in this report. Some tell of different situations students are faced with.

spring sports

Bottom of the 9th, two outs, bases loaded; I step up to the plate. Situations like these are what I prepared so hard for in the off-season. I let the first pitch pass for ball one. The second and third pitches were strikes. Two balls later the count is full at three balls and two strikes. With my heart racing, I stepped back into the batter's box for one final pitch. As the pitcher released the ball, I realized it was my favorite pitch; a hanging breaking ball over the middle of the strike zone. I swung hard and launched the ball well over the left field wall. With fans going crazy, I made my "victory lap" around the bases due to my walk-off grand slam. To this day, this is my most vivid memory of the sport I miss dearly. When I think of spring, baseball is the first sport that comes to mind.

determination

When I walked of the stage of the 2011 FLW College Fishing Southeast Qualifier on Lake Guntersville, I felt extremely disappointed in myself. The event I prepared so hard for was shattered by defeat. I was fortunate to have an 11th place finish, however with two giant fish coming unhooked at the boat; I could almost taste victory. Although this tournament struck deep, I am not going to quit; I am only motivated to fight harder. As the old saying goes "Don't get mad, get even", I prepare to get even. With redemption on the horizon, I know my time is coming near. My next event is set to take place in Montgomery upon the waters in which life was spent. I have lost countless amounts of tournaments by just mere ounces. No more runner-ups. I'm ready to win the big one. I've heard it said once that if you need something, God will provide it. But if you want something, you have to go get it yourself. I want this, and now its time to do work.

Time flies

I've been told numerous times "time flies". Up until recently, I have been anticipating the days to when I graduate high school. I graduated from Prattville High School two years ago, and it feels as if I walked across the stage and received my diploma yesterday. Life seems as if the days become shorter as time progresses. I find it difficult to believe my college graduation will occur in two years. Although I am ready to begin a new chapter in my life, I feel as if the one that just started is coming to close, but until then, I will live life to its fullest.

paragraph 3

 Matisse is the best painter ever at putting the viewer at the scene. He's the most realistic of all modern artists, if you admit the feel of the breeze as necessary to a landscape and the smell of oranges as essential to a still life. "The Casbah Gate" depicts the well-known gateway Bab el Aassa, which pierces the southern wall of the city near the sultan's palace. With scrubby coats of ivory, aqua, blue, and rose delicately fenced by the liveliest gray outline in art history, Matisse gets the essence of a Tangier afternoon, including the subtle presence of the bowaab, the sentry who sits and surveys those who pass through the gate. From Peter Plagens, "Bright Lights." Newsweek (26 March 1990): 50.

Matisse paintings are remarkable in giving the viewer the distinct sensory impressions of one experiencing the scene first hand. For instance, "The Casbah Gate" takes one to the walled city of Tangier and the Bab el Aassa gateway near the Sultan's palace, where one can imagine standing on an afternoon, absorbing the splash of colors and the fine outlines. Even the sentry, the bowaab vaguely eyeing those who come and go through the gate, blends into the scene as though real (Plagens 50).

paraphrasing 2

 The twenties were the years when drinking was against the law, and the law was a bad joke because everyone knew of a local bar where liquor could be had. They were the years when organized crime ruled the cities, and the police seemed powerless to do anything against it. Classical music was forgotten while jazz spread throughout the land, and men like Bix Beiderbecke, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie became the heroes of the young. The flapper was born in the twenties, and with her bobbed hair and short skirts, she symbolized, perhaps more than anyone or anything else, America's break with the past. From Kathleen Yancey, English 102 Supplemental Guide (1989): 25.

In the twenties, crime and lawlessness was prevalent in the cities. As organized crime expanded, the police force seemed non-existent.

Paraphrasing

 "The Antarctic is the vast source of cold on our planet, just as the sun is the source of our heat, and it exerts tremendous control on our climate," [Jacques] Cousteau told the camera. "The cold ocean water around Antarctica flows north to mix with warmer water from the tropics, and its upwellings help to cool both the surface water and our atmosphere. Yet the fragility of this regulating system is now threatened by human activity." From "Captain Cousteau," Audubon (May 1990):17.

In the Audubon interview with Jacques Cousteau, he asserts that the Antarctic supplies a major source of cold on our planet. Cousteau fears that human activity could interfere with the balance between the sun.

The best things in life

The best thing in life is knowing that I have an eternal relationship with Jesus Christ. Knowing that I will spend eternity with him gives me piece of mind. I was raised in church with the mindset of trusting in God for everything. I believe strongly in the quote "the best things in life are free". This quote holds evident because you do not have to pay anything to receive God's love. The more knowledge I obtain about God and his love; it makes me want to learn more. In our society today, religion has been slowly diminishing to conform with things of the world. Our nation was founded on the simple principles in which God intended; therefore, our nation needs to return to those priciples.

Alabama A-Day Game

In the south, football is more than just a sport; it is a way of life. Some fans have been known to name their children after certain players and/or coaches of their favorite team. To say that I am a die hard Alabama fan would be an understatement. I have been a season ticket holder for as long as I can remember. Growing up in a household full of Alabama fans, I had no choice in which team to root for; however, I would not have it any other way. This weekend marks the annual Alabama "A-Day" game. The A-Day game is a scrimmage between Alabama's A and B teams. This game allows fans to preview what the teams talent level consists of for the upcoming season. With a national championship 2 years ago and a 10-3 season last year, I am excited to see what next season holds in store.

Baseball

Baseball, America's favorite past time, is a sport I miss playing dearly. My father taught me to how to play at a young age, and ever since then, I have loved the game. Often times I reminisce about the days of playing city league baseball with some of my closest friends. I was a fierce competitor. I made all-stars every year I played. Although I loved to compete, I did not play for that reason; I played because I loved the game. As I progressed in age, I began playing high school baseball for Prattville High School. Even though I played at a higher level of competition, my opinion for baseball did not change; I still played because I loved the game. My high school baseball career was just getting started when my career took a turn for the worse. I tore my hamstring in the beginning of my sophomore season. It was an injury that took a large amount of time to heal and still troubles me today. I hope to get back into fit condition to play again. Even though I have not played in a great deal of time, my love for the game still remains.

Distraction

In today's society, there are many things that cause one to become distracted from completing a task. Communicating with friends on social network sounds much more appealing than finishing a homework assignment. Although there are many distractions, I do not become distracted by anything when I am fishing. To me, fishing is not just a hobby; it is a sport at which I compete on a national level. When I am on the water, I find myself thinking of nothing else but how to catch the next fish. If I lose focus, my performance weakens. I am not a facebook fanatic by no means, which makes it easier for me to concentrate on what I need to accomplish.

Don't worry

Over the course of my life, I have been faced with a problem that is common with many people. I tend to worry frequently when things are not going according to plan. Although worrying is a part of life, it is unhealthy for your physical and emotional well-being. Worrying causes stress on the body, which in turn, weakens areas such as the immune system. I have recently discovered it is easier to enjoy life if worrying is not present. It is harder not to worry, however nothing is impossible.

Music heals

How many times have you found yourself lost in a song you enjoy? Was it the catchy beat that caught your attention? Or did you find yourself immersed in the meaning of the lyrics? I find music to be a great source of entertainment. Although my favorite genre of music is country, I have no trouble with listening to any type of music. Music allows me to escape from the stressful tension that this world brings. The next time you find yourself with major tension, listen to your favorite cd; it works for me.

Gas prices

To people in the American society today, it is no sececret that gas prices are outrageous. Over the past few years, gas prices have increased by a substancial margin. With prices reaching upwards of four dollars per gallon, gas prices have put a burden on people in America today. People who drive non-fuel efficent vehicles (such as myself) are seeking a more economic alternative to counter these painful prices. My prayer is for gas prices to decrease soon, because this burden is becoming unbearable.

Overwhelming assignments

Many college students in today's society seem overwhelmed by college assignments. As a college student, I can speak from experience that managing assignments is no easy task. When I am at school, I try my best to use the breaks in my schedule to an advantage. Balancing between school assignments and working full time is challenging, however it is not impossible. With the distractions in our society today, it is easy to become consumed in activities that cause one to lose focus. I hope to become more resistant to procrastination, for procrastination only causes one to be overwhelmed worse.

habits to break

Procrastination is a common habit among teens in today's society. I often find myself stretching time limits to complete a task. This habit seems to be controllable however there are more things that seem far more entertaining than work itself. Procrastination can be handled by self-motivation to maintain a schedule. Setting time limits, removing distracting objects (ex. facebook, texting, TV), and working consistently are ways to eliminate procrastination. I feel that removing distracting objects is the biggest obstacle to overcome. People in today's society allow social aspects of life to consume their time. In doing so, work effort decreases, resulting in "last minute" efforts to finish assignments.

Technology in today's society

Technology has advanced tremendously in such a short period of time. There are many devices in today's society that simplify our daily needs. Blackberrys, iPhones, televisions, computers, and many other technological driven devices are just examples of new technology that we have today. About ten years ago, email didn't hardly exist; in today's society, email can be checked via cellular device or even other devices that are Internet capable. Technology has allowed us different methods of communication such as Facebook, twitter, and other social networking sites. If technology has advanced this far, it will be interesting to see what future technology holds in store.

Henry Foster

As we go through life, we meet people and have that one person who is considered to be our best friend. In many instances throughout my life, I had friends who betrayed me and eventually disowned our friendship. Though many friendships have perrished, I have a friend who can always be counted on no matter what the circumstance. When I was ten years old, Henry Foster moved into my neighborhood approximately 3 houses down. We both had common intrests and hobbies of hunting, fishing, sports, and love for the outdoors. As years passed, we became closer as friends to the point of almost brothers. Henry moved to Birmingham, AL because of his dad accepting a job offer with Alabama Power Co. Although Henry relocated, our friendship still remained the same. We kept in touch and visited each other often. When I transfered to AUM, I was offered a position on the fishing team, however I had to find a partner. Henry agreed to transfering to AUM from the University of Montevallo to assist me on the team. I count it as a blessing to have a friend who is always there to help me with anyting.

Failure is not an option

Many people have an inspirational quote in which they apply to their life. For some it could be a quote about money or power; for others it could be a powerful explanation of love or a lack thereof. My favorite quote is a simple quote from a famous basketball player known as Michael Jordan. Jordan is considered to be one of the greatest to ever play the game. With numerous championships and MVP's in his name, Michael has created a place for his name in the basketball hall of fame. Many of Jordan's quotes consist of examples of how failure motivates one to succeed. My personal favorite is "I have missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I have lost more than 300 games. 26 times, I have been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I have failed over, and over, and over again in my life, and that is why I succeed." This quote has motivated me to not give up in anything. If you are faced with failure, do not consider quitting as an option, but use failure as motivation to conquer something you desire.

Inconsiderate fisherman

Fishing has been my most enjoyable hobby since I was a kid. I tend to find pleasure and relaxation from being on the lake searching for the next bite. Although I thoroughly enjoy this hobby, a wonderful day on the lake can be ruined by an uncourteous angler. In the sport of fishing today, the popularity of bass fishing has increased tremendously,which in turn, increases the number of anglers by a substantial margin. As a result, boat traffic has become more crowded on the lakes and rivers. Needless to say, with the traffic becoming more intense, reckless boat drivers have become more prevalent. I understand that catching fish is an adrenaline rushing experience, however no fish is worth risking one's life to catch. So the next time you are on the lake trying to catch a fish, remember not only to look out for yourself, but for the other person as well.