I think the issue extreme-multitasking is a sign of our times. However, it does create a few unique issues never seen before this age. Texting, although convenient, is by far one of the worst distractions causing conflict across the board. As a server, I interact with people who should be engaging with their fellow diners over a good meal. Yet, far too often I come across groups of people seated together buried in their phones not mentioning single word to one another. It’s bizarre when entire tables of people are too enthralled with the fragmented conversations with people who are far away on their phones than have a real live conversation with the people they are accompanying; but it’s worst when one diner is interested in conversing with their fellow companion who is rudely hammering away in their phone. Whereas it seems the younger generation can handle juggling more tasks at once, they seem to be losing touch with reality and common decency. I don’t believe the upcoming generation will have extreme issues with staying focused, as it has been proven that they can handle many things at once. I believe the issue evolving from this development is how this generation of people is losing touch.
American Dream Wednesday, May 5 2010
Uncategorized 1:01 pm
My version of the American Dream is the idea that anyone within this country can pull themselves up by their bootstraps and become whatever they want. Within this is the land of opportunity, freedom, and expression; one can grow up to be president, run their own corporation, or regulate a lucrative online business without fear of oppression. However, there is a dark side to the dream. Although the ideal is laid before us that in America success is out in the open waiting to be attained by those who have the drive to reach for it, in reality outcomes for the hopeful can be harsher. Improper school systems give the brightest of students an uneven chance at propelling their futures. Racism, sexism, and other sordid themes holdback many hopeful people from achieving their goal of attaining their personal American Dream. Although, we are free and have many opportunities in this country, we still have a way to go before the dream is truly attainable for everyone.
Bailout Woes Wednesday, May 5 2010
Uncategorized 1:01 pm
The government took on a major task by deciding to bail out the banking systems. I believe that when the government provided the financial institutions with this money, they should have provided the banks with strict regulations on how the money was to be used. I find it extremely unfair and irresponsible that large bonuses were rewarded to the employees of these financial companies. If a person can not pay their taxes and requests mercy from the IRS in the form of an extension or a payment plan, they do not continue to receive their refund check. Its obvious from this behavior that the banks have not learned their lesson nor have they attempted to curtail their grandiose way of handling other people’s money. The government can’t ask for their money back, but they can take a hardball approach in overhauling how these banks are run. With the way these banks are going, we will be in the same predicament in a few years time.
Democracy Wednesday, May 5 2010
Uncategorized 1:00 pm
I believe students are taught how to live in a democracy. They are given the history of how this country was started, the evolution of social and political situations that brought us to today, and they are reminded that in a democracy they hold the power. A democracy is a government for the people by the people. However, I believe that when our students become of legal age to vote they lose touch with the power they posses. Every year turnout at the polls is dismal. And if it is not a major election year, politics seems to be ignored altogether. Whereas our students are taught how this country is ran, they seem to take on the ideal that whatever they do “doesn’t really matter.” Although we have taught our students the definition of democracy, we need to urge them to be proactive and define it from themselves in their everyday life by becoming more involved in the political process. That is the only way to maintain democracy in this country.
Economic Changes Wednesday, May 5 2010
Uncategorized 1:00 pm
Americans have always adapted to the economic transformations experienced over the years. The economic transformations that have taken place have usually been the result of new technology or America’s new approach to dealing in the economic world. I don’t fear that American workers are at risk for losing their jobs; I believe that there is a form of succession within the economic world that keeps things moving. For example, decades ago when someone wanted to send a letter, they relied on the Pony Express. I man on a horse would deliver your mail at a slow pace. As time went on, technology gave us trains reducing and eventually eliminating the need of the man on the horse. Following the trains came planes and automobiles making the process even easier. Later down the road in our generation the e-mail was invented. E-mail threatens the existence of the letter altogether. The United States Post Office is in a bind because their future is bleak. However, e-mail and internet companies have hired many people thus keeping the cycle going.
The Rowdy Neighbor Wednesday, May 5 2010
Uncategorized 12:58 pm
I have always believed the adage, “You’ll attract more flies with honey, than you will with vinegar.” First, I would approach my neighbor in a friendly matter. I would remind him that he doesn’t live on an isolated plot of land and that he must remember to be respectful of those around him. I would suggest an hour that he retires from revving his motorcycle and request that he not do it unnecessarily throughout the day. The subject of the dogs is a bit trickier. There are few things that can be done after a dog has been purchased. You can’t demand or request that a person get rid of their animals. I would take my initial approach of politely mentioning my discomfort with the constant barking of the dogs. If my neighbor becomes indignant the gloves would have to come off. Every annoying sound that comes from his household could be considered ‘noise pollution’ or ‘disturbing the peace’ especially after a certain hour. If we can’t come to a reasonable solution ourselves I would have to get authorities involved.
University Sports Wednesday, May 5 2010
Uncategorized 12:58 pm
I believe that collegiate sports world can be as intriguing and salacious as the underhanded shifty ways of illegal brotherhoods such as the mafia. There are few aspects of the college sports that can’t be brought under major speculation; however, there is always some power higher up protecting the sports world’s components before any real punishment can be dealt. The issue of abuse with these players is likely. I believe that with any organization brimming with corruption, it is hard to contain every aspect of wrong doing. I’m sure that many people endure atrocities at the hands of this tainted sports world; and it is the few people who have become shorted, or who simple can’t handle the ways of this realm, who speak out. I believe history has called such people whistle-blowers.
There needs to be a serious investigation into the dirty operations of school sport. Unfortunately, the problems do not exist only within the athletic department of these universities. The academic portion of universities have been notorious for applying fake grades, or not making student athletes accountable for their own work so they can remain eligible to play. Overall, the entire institution is a mess. This abuse scandal is just one of the many truths in a foul system.
Starvation Wednesday, May 5 2010
Uncategorized 12:58 pm
During the first three weeks of my freshmen year I was completely without food. My father dropped me off in front of my dorm without money or a care of what I was to eat for the semester. Usually, incoming freshmen who live on-campus are required to purchase the meal plan that provides 10 meals a week. I lived in Sanford, which is an apartment style dorm, thus I did not have a meal plan automatically charged to my invoice. For weeks on end I waited for welcome back parties or get-togethers on campus that promised free food. When that wasn’t available I relied on the kindness of others or starved. I was experiencing problems with my financial aid at the time, and was not aware of the fact that I could add a meal plan to my invoice without paying up front. Ignorance of how the system worked, and my pride landed me in the hospital. For three days on end all I could get my hands on were dairy products. One day I ate only goldfish left behind by my roommate, followed by some yogurt a friend gave me the next day, and I ended with some string cheese I found in the refrigerator for breakfast. Unbeknownst to me at the time, I was becoming lactose intolerant and I ended up in health services with a serious viral infection. Had I known a little more about the incoming process of Georgia Southern I could have saved myself a little heartache and hunger.
Have you ever worked in a grocery store or as a food service worker (waiter, server, cook, dishwasher, salad prep)? Wednesday, May 5 2010
Uncategorized 12:57 pm
I currently work at the Macaroni Grill of Savannah, Georgia on Abercorn Street. Food service is one industry I always promised myself I would stay away from. I had reservations about being accountable for and handling food that others would be consuming. Personally, I love all things culinary. When I had cable, my television was permanently locked to the Food Network Channel. But taking on food on a professional level wasn’t something I desired.
Last summer I came across hard times and needed to make money fast. After a few fruitless job searches, I decided to bite the bullet and take the dive. I knew that in a restaurant money comes quick and you walk out with it in your hand at the end of every night.
So far working in this industry has been enriching. Working with the public is difficult yet entertaining. In a restaurant you get all types, rarely is the work easy, but overall it is one of the best jobs I have had thus far.
What is your favorite form of communication? Tuesday, Mar 23 2010
Uncategorized 1:39 pm
I have two favorite forms of communication, texting and facebook. I’m not a big fan of talking on the phone, and I am close to hating cell phones all together. I think phones play a necessary role when it comes to official and necessary business such as work, setting up appointments, and conducting personal matters; but when it comes to leisure communication I prefer something else. To me, talking on the phone can be tedious and overbearing. For instance, I might need to call a friend to ask them the specific time of an event. If I call them, ask them the question, say thank you, and hang up, it would be considered rude. When one calls a person you must say hello, inquire about their day, possibly squeeze your question in, and them continue with banal niceties until the conversation is over. However, I can simply text my friend same question without any pomp and circumstance and get my answer within seconds without the fear of offending them.
Facebook is the ultimate social tool and another great form of communication. I can keep in touch with everyone I’ve ever known since grade school without the hassle of trying to keep up with their names and numbers in a rolodex. It has the same fluid ease of texting, along with a great cheap way to keep in touch with friends and family members far away.
