Pope comes to town

This week, the Pope came to America for the first since becoming the Pope three years ago. Here is an article about the Pope speaking to youths about his time as a Nazi. Do you think the Pope coming to America is a big deal? If so, why, if not, why not? Should it be getting round the clock news coverage, or should it be shrugged off as just another diplomat coming to speak?

Deadliest Week '08 in Iraq

Last week was the deadliest week in Iraq so far this year.  There were at least 19 soldiers killed last week.  Here is a link to the complete article on the killings.  After so many years in this war it seems that our news sources have changed from reports on the war to reports on Brittany and political scandals.  Do you think it is right that we are not getting as much information about the war?  Or do you feel that it is still just as important for us to be informed on these issues?  Is it even our role to demand what we would want to see in our news?  Let me know your thoughts on this.    

small town conflict

The movie we watched this week in class really struck a chord. It reminded me of the small community where my grandparents live in northern Wisconsin. It is a close-nit tourist community, where everyone knows everyone. Even the littlest issues seem to grow and take on a lives on their own and cause a great deal of controversy. People take sides, and make decisions based on emotion more than logic which leads to bitter feuds between members of the community. There is something about small isolated communities that cause these blow ups. Some people choose to make little, resolvable issues into large, complex, "personal" issues which lead to harassment and other forms of violence. It is too bad that these communities have this type of social structure, because these places are typically beautiful and peaceful. Can anyone think why this might be? Why do little, resolvable issues, get blown out of proportion in these communities? Or do these example signify and represent the basic structure of our country?

Sex Scandles

Am I the only person that is extremely sick and tired of reading about and watching 24/7 coverage of high powered political figures and their inability to keep it in their pants. The problem I encounter, is whether or not I should care? Should I give a shit that the gov'ner from new york likes to waste $80,000 on hookers? Or that the mayor of Detroit slept around with one of his subordinates? You tell me! I care if they use government money, but that's about it. They lied about? Yea, well so has every other politician. CNN Fox News, CNBC, and every newspaper need to focus on things that really matter. Another thing, if the person is doing a outstanding job at his/her position, should their mistakes in their moral character lead to their untimely dismissal? Let me know what you all are thinking about this.

flying

I recently just flew home to Chicago for spring break, since I don't know what else to blog about, I'm going to vent about flying. I'm sick of sitting at the window seat, next to people who are too consumed by their new Apple lap top to notice or respond to you when you ask politely to go to the bathroom. What's the deal with airlines making you pay for snacks now? What happened to meals in a box that they just give you? Why do they show 3 hour chick flicks like becoming Jane?After the flight sitting on the runway after you land for 45 mins because the airport doesn't have a gate ready. Then realizing that the airline put your bag on the wrong flight, so you have to sit at the airport baggage claim for 2 and a half hours waiting for you bag to arrive, after you've been traveling for 12 hours and haven't eaten all day. WOW, Thanks that felt better! So if you would like to vent about any poor flights or airport stories, feel free to do so. Or if you just want to vent about anything else which is relevant go ahead.
Thanks for listening.

So long gun slinger

On Tuesday, Legendary quarterback Brett Favre called it quits after a stellar 17 year career. Being a life long Green Bay Packer fan, and being born and raised in Wisconsin, this news hits home. It was relatively expected, but shocking none the less. He meant a great deal to the people of Wisconsin and especially those in Green Bay. Click here to view his farewell press conference or HERE to view a clip from one of his most heroic performances, when he threw for 399 yards against Oakland less than 24 hours after his fathers untimely death.

Go Pack Go!

Speaker Monday at 8pm

Greatings-

This is a little bit of a promotion, but I really think all of you who are able to attend the guest speaker on Monday. Her name is Angela Davis. It will be a fantastic experience, especially for those who are interested in racism and women's rights. I had the opportunity to read of one books for one of Dr. Reichard's previous classes about the prison system, and it was eye opening to say the least. I know our professors will encourage us to attend this event, but I thought I would maybe mean something different coming from a fellow student. It will be enlightening and will not disappoint. Look forward to seeing some of you there.