The Open Forum

It's kind of ironic. Our nations' students go from public schools
where speech is very much limited. No prayer in schools and
strict dress codes pervade high schools. From this innocuous
educational environment they get thrown into the fire. The
fire I will argue is our nation's colleges. There free speech runs
wild. People like this are allowed to speak at one of our nation's
universities that previously banned the ROTC from their campus
(well, I guess it is somewhat limited) and this guy was allowed to
teach at another institution of higher education for many years.
But wait a minute a former Secretary of Defense gets opposition at
Stanford. A quote from article:

The unofficial platform of the faculty opposition, an email sent by
English Prof. Robert Polhemus entitled “Ten reasons why the
appointment of Donald Rumsfeld to the Hoover Institution at
Stanford as a Senior Fellow is sad, ridiculous and contemptible,”
has widely circulated and garnered more than 40 responses from
like-minded faculty overnight, Polhemus said.

Some colleges appear to have it backwards on who should allowed to
speak and who shouldn't at their campus. Check this video:



It's no surprise that studies find that "72 percent of those teaching
at American universities and colleges are liberal." College is a time
to be inundated with new ideas. Well, perhaps, the idea the America
is a noble country and conservatives might have some valid points is
a bit too much for some professors. Book closed on that one. Isn't tolerance
a running theme throughout those English, history, political science, and
philosophy textbooks? How about tolerating people with conservative
view points?

College should be a place where students and their instructors should
be able throw around new ideas and information. The best part of the
learning process for me was getting to bouncing of thoughts of people
specializing in the same subject matter as me and having my opinions
scrutinized. However, isn't counterproductive the people doing the
instructing are like-minded. Is academia really an open forum?

The Slippery Slope

Yesterday two news stories involving journalistic ethics
grabbed attention. In graduate school I read several books
on journalistic ethics. I'm thinking I should send copies to some
of the folks working in broadcast news, which is slowly turning
into infotainment news.

First story was a report on MSNBC.com by Bill Dedman. According
to the report, "MSNBC.com identified 144 journalists who made
political contributions from 2004 through the start of the 2008
campaign, according to the public records of the Federal Election
Commission." Of those 144, 125 journalists gave to "Democrats
and liberal causes." As noted by the article some news organizations
strictly forbid political activity. I believe this issue is important because
it speaks to the objectivity of the people working in the newsrooms.
Can we trust that we are receiving an unbiased report on a political
issue when the person giving us the news just donated $500 to a
political campaign?

I know that many will say that objectivity is a fallacy and wishful
thinking. Yes, journalists are human and have strong views
and perspectives and bring that to the table when they report.
But I think to ask them to put those political leanings aside and
report the facts about the story is not too much to ask. And perhaps
you can donate money to a political campaign and still be objective.
The Bible says, "..where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
I think these reporters just showed us where their hearts lie.

The New York Post reported yesterday that NBC has agreed to pay
as much as $1 million dollars for an after jail Paris Hilton interview, which will
be aired on the 'Today Show.' Although, today MSNBC.com is reporting
NBC News denies it pays for interviews. However, the last paragraph of
the article sounds a little fishy:

Recently, NBC landed an exclusive interview with Britain’s Princes William
and Harry, which, conducted by Matt Lauer, aired Monday as an edition of
“Dateline NBC.” NBC also reportedly paid a fee in the low seven figures for
American rights to air a concert next month in honor of their late mother,
Diana, to mark the 10th anniversary of her death.

A time for change

I've been following the '08 campaign trail lately and
there has been a lot of talk of change. As much as
we would like to think that changing leaders will change
our country, it's not true. Change doesn't start from the
top and trickle down to the people (it is bad Reaganomics).
The biggest problems facing America is not the war in
Iraq, huge deficit, poverty, political corruption, or a
mediocre educational system. Our country has a
heart problem. Isn't it time we just admit that the United
States has had its priorities messed up for a very long time.

We live in a service society. Where people want to be served
but no one wants to serve others. Immigrants are coming into
the country primarily to fill service industry jobs. I read in the
book "One Perfect Day," that Americans are increasingly hiring
wedding planners because more and more Americans don't even
want to plan their own wedding! If one doesn't even want to take the
time to call florists, bakers, photographers, etc. then what makes
that person believe they are going to take the time to work on a
marriage?

We live in a society where technology is making it easier for us to
zone out from reality. If you don't want to hear sad news today.
That is ok! Just listen to the 1,000 songs in your I pod, watch the
40 hours of television saved on your TIVO, or how about watching
some user made Youtube videos. And you don't have to feel emotions
anymore either. If you're feeling a little down take some Zoloft. If
you're feeling a little anxious pop some Xanex. If you really want some
help read a self help; there are plenty to choose from. Or watch
Dr. Phil and listen to him tell people what idiots they are.

Individuals and communities no longer have an identity. Everyone
is moving to urban cities in coastal areas. Every suburb looks the
same. Each with the same shopping centers and the same retail
stores; all with horrible service. And the people making the products
in the retail stores are probably from an impoverished country
overseas.

There is also gross disrespect for people in authority. Children talk
back to parents. Rappers tell their listeners no snitching to the police.
Teachers are underpaid.The President of the United States has been
called almost every name in the book on national television. If children
grow up not having to respect their parents, teachers, law enforcement,
or people holding positions in our government then who should they
respect?

Culture doesn't shape us, we shape our culture.
Let's stop blaming Washington, Hollywood, the educational system, or
big business for our ills. Because if our hearts were in it we, the American
people, could change those institutions in a minute. So America doesn't only
need a change in leadership, it needs a change of heart.

One Expensive Day

This opinion article discusses the "wedding
industrial complex." Basically, massive spending
on the wedding. According to the article, the average
cost of a wedding and reception in the United States
these days is almost twice the cost since 1990. There
is a book called "One Perfect Day," by Rebecca Mead
on the topic.

Here is a quote from the article:
Couples buy into the wedding extravaganza as
a substitute for the lost meaning of the ceremony
itself, Mead found. For many couples, especially those
living together, there's little difference between the days
before and after the big day. Many weddings seem to be
more about the bride and groom making a personal statement
than making one before God.

This is truly a sad trend. Weddings are turning into empty,
meaningless events.

Quarterlife Crisis

It’s great to be in your early twenties!
You are young and still legally considered an adult.
This might seem like a carefree and ideal time of life,
but that is not what many twentysomethings are revealing.
The early twenties are awkward years filled with uncertainty
and difficult life lessons to learn. Many of life’s huge questions
are still unanswered. My generation has named this transition
into adulthood “quarterlife crisis.”

Twentysomethings see their high school or college buddies making
big changes, such as moving across country or getting married, and
wonder if they are making the right decisions in life. The uncertainty
that results from constant changes can cause anxiety and frustration.
As a 25-year-old, I can relate to the feeling of questioning and doubting
the choices I’m currently making in my professional and personal life.
Continue reading here

Being Casual

Yesterday, someone told me they had been
invited to a casual themed wedding and
informal wear was allowed. At first, I
immediately thought that was such a great idea.
No need to make a big fuss about what to wear!
The important part is the commitment being made
not the formality of the event. Later I thought
perhaps a wedding should be in a formal setting.
I think informality has crept into so many areas
of our lives such as our workplaces and language.
I've become accustomed to a world where
professors cuss and pastors don't wear a suit and
tie. Should we also welcome casualness in a wedding
ceremony?

I guess my question is:
Have we become too informal of a society?
And is that a bad or good thing?

Too Taboo for Yahoo?

This weekend I applied to participate in
the Yahoo! Publisher Network beta program.
Today they sent me an email confirming
my application and tips on how to better
my chances to be accepted into the program.
The email had a link to this web page.
The page includes guidelines for content on
pages that their ads can be shown.
This part got my attention:
We will not show results on pages that contain
problematic content or on pages with URLs that
refer to problematic content, including but not limited to:

• Political, religious or charitable organizations, issues or causes

It immediately got my attention because
if you haven't noticed yet my blog mainly
deals with politics and religion. I thought to
myself, "Oops." I've been hearing from different
places that you shouldn't discuss politics and religion.
I can understand where there are certain instances that
this type of conversation is uncalled for because it is
impolite. But I just keep having this thought:
Why is it such a taboo to talk about religion and
politics?

I know when people discuss these topics they can
get heated real fast. Perhaps, the reason why these topic
lead to red faces is because we don't talk about them.
We avoid the topic like a plague (did I just say
plague... that can be taken as a reference to the plagues
in the Bible... and that might offend someone ... oh no!).
So when we are confronted about issues concerning
political or religious beliefs we don't know how
to properly address it.

I would like to let my readers know that I am not always
going to be discussing politics and religion in my blog.
Although, this is a personal blog and those issues
are dear and near to my heart and soul.
I also want to state that I try to write my opinions in
a tactful manner as to not purposely offend. Feel free
to challenge me on any of my stances and opposing views
are certainly accepted here.

Terry Ann

Finding meaning

I remember in high school, I was debating an atheist(who later
said she was Catholic because that's what her mom said) and we
were debating the existence of God. During the debate she asked me,
"Why would God let a young, innocent six year old die?"

The question kind came out of nowhere. I have no idea why she in her
rhetorical question she used a certain age. Perhaps, I thought in our
discussion we were speaking in hypotheticals but she was speaking from
experience. Or she was trying to give specifics to make a more emotional
appeal.

The question bothered me. I really didn't know how to respond to that
question. How does one respond to the question of human suffering?
It is so hard. However, I don't believe non-believers have a sufficient
answer to the question either.

I thought about it for a minute and I went up to her later and asked her
something like, "Then if there is no God then what was the meaning of that
child's six years of life ?" I honestly can't remember exactly how she answered.

I was young and stupid maybe it wasn't the best response. I think as humans
we try to find meaning and purpose for our life and suffering.

Today I remembered a scene from House where the atheist doctor is trying
find out why a young Christian girl who was raped won't abort.

24 hour news coverage

Last year I did my Master's thesis on the topic of stress
and cable news' continuous coverage during
times of national crisis. Yesterday was such a tragic day.
I thought I would share the intro to my academic paper.
If you would like to see my resources on this topic please
contact me. Here it is
Continue reading here

During the past five years the American public has experienced
traumatic events, such as the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001,
wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and Hurricane Katrina. It is during times
of crisis when news media services are most needed and used.
Television news, and particularly cable news, brings the viewing
public front and center to unfolding events.

People have different reactions when a crisis occurs before their eyes.
Turning away from the television screen during a disaster is difficult for some.
For example, on September 11, 2001, Americans watched an average of 8.1 hours
of news coverage of the attacks (Schuster et al, 2001, p. 1509). Images of the two
airplanes crashing into World Trade Center buildings were replayed on television
throughout the day of the attack and the days following. During Hurricane Katrina,
video segments of dead bodies floating in the flood waters were repeatedly shown
on cable and broadcast television.

As these events appeared across television screens, the audience
became virtual eyewitnesses. Whether it was live from Baghdad or
New Orleans, the images broadcast through the airwaves left a lasting impact.
Through the medium of television the general audience encounters the sights
and sounds of the news event. According to Newhagen (1998), a television
news program has the capacity to deliver more images of violence, suffering,
and death in a half hour than most people would normally experience in
a lifetime (p. 266). Television news has a powerful emotional impact because
of its visual and audio components. Television is an intimate medium because
it brings events into the living rooms to millions of American viewers on a
daily basis. The visual medium provides a dramatic concretization of images
and scenes that draw the viewer into the events. Such scenes can evoke an
emotional response to those removed in time and space from direct personal
threat (Slone, 2000, p. 516). This thesis seeks to understand the relationship
between this powerful medium and stress during crucial and eventful times.

Related articles:

Prozac Nation
State of the Media

Alternatives to Spring Break

It's March and you know what that means,
Spring Break time.
College students in masses flock to the
beach for some debauchery. I've come up
with some alternative solutions for college
students to embark on during their much
needed break.
Here is my alternative list:

1. Catch up on homework
2. Volunteer at a food or clothing pantry
3. Clean your apartment
4. Catch up on episodes of your favorite
television programs
5. Wash your nasty looking car
6. Actually read the textbook your professor assigned
7. Cook a healthy and satisfying meal for once
8. Think about of all the puking your friends will be doing
9. Give your liver a rest
10. Add some hours to your part-time job
11. How about taking the week off from school
and stay stationary for few days and actually relax
from school? What an idea!

Confessions of a Pessimist

Hello.
My name is Teresa and I'm a pessimist.
This week my pessimism has been under
attack.

It started this Saturday when my pastor's
sermon (yes, I go to church on Saturdays)
was about having a more positive
outlook on life. Then the next morning
my mom was in the living room watching
on television the ever so happy Joel
Osteen. He has to be the most encouraging
person I've ever seen. Later that day
I decided to see the new age movie
The Secret after hearing much buzz about
it. The movie is about how thinking
positive helps you get things.

I realized how cynical and negative I have
become. Being a pessimist comes naturally
to me. It just runs through me. I also believe
it is reflected in my career choice.

I often think how can one be so optimistic
when there are so many bad and wrong
things happening everyday in this world.
But the people who make a real difference
have hope. For example, people like J.F.K,
Martin Luther King Jr., and Mother Teresa
had messages of hope.

I'm trying to learn to be less critical.

M..M..arrriaggge

I always enjoy seeing celebs squirm
when they get asked if they plan to marry
in television interviews.
I just finished seeing an interview Diane
Sawyer did with the stars of "The Good
Shepherd," Angelina Jolie and Matt Damon.
In the interview Matt Damon tells Sawyer that
he enjoys being married.
Jolie becomes visibly uncomfortable with the
topic; she couldn't even make complete sentences.
Brad Pitt has said he won't get married until
all people, meaning homosexuals, can.

I guess I can understand why most famous people
have commitment phobia- since no marriage in
Hollyweird lasts for more than 6 months.

The striking thing to me is not tying the knot seems
to be a growing trend in America. This report in
The New York Times shows that married couples are
being outnumbered by singles.

A Modest Proposal

I read an article by a feminist Jessica Valenti
about chastity becoming 'chic.'
She has some issues with the chastity movement
because she sees it as 'retrograde' and perpetuates old
female roles.
And of course she quotes a sexist Harvard
professor (which I find highly ironic)
to make her point.

I think a woman's decision to live this
lifestyle does not necessarily have to hold the
1950s values that said women are to be housewives
and have no say in their own decisions.
I also believe women using their sexuality to
gain 'power,' as it is often shown in the media,
does nothing for advancing female causes either.

The article also pointed a website that encourages
modesty in young women, which I found interesting.

Single in the Country

There are three times during the whole year
that make me wish I was not single:
Christmas, my birthday and obviously
Valentine’s Day.
Every year they come and go with out any
changes for me.
Something about this time of year begs for you
to have someone special in your life.
It is the time of year when people have time off
and more free time for social events.
Relatives ask about what is going on in your life.
Television seems to get all gushy and
relationshipy (I know that is not a word).

Can Christmas be merry without
that significant other?
I believe so or at least I hope so.
I am just grateful for things I do have
such as a wonderful family, health,
and all that other good stuff.
And fortunate for me Christmas, Valentine's,
and my birthday happpen in a 3 month
period.
Ok, I feel like Carrie Bradshaw now.

Lyrics to "My Jesus"

I thought the lyrics to this song by Todd Agnew make some strong statements .
By the way the word edited in the song is sluts.
The song gives some much needed criticism to American Christians.
Have we forgetten about charity and forgiveness?
Last time I checked they were both in the New Testament.
American 'Christianity' is becoming so poliical and commercialized.
Let's leave politics to the politicians and commercialization to businesses.

Partisanship in Cable News

Fox News is for the conservative, patriotic, military-supporting, Jesus loving, gun carrying and country music listening type of person. CNN is for the liberal, New York Times reading, anti-military, irreligious, latte drinking, and classical music listening type of person. Right?

Well that seems to be the perception many have. Sadly, cable news has turned to a battle in partisanship. More than half of regular Fox views describe themselves as politically conservative. At the same time CNN has a more Democrat-leaning audience than in the past, according to The Pew Research Center. It was suggested that Americans were moving to their own ideological corners in their media consumption, or a more European style of ideological media. Perhaps the American model of a non-ideological independent press was dying (State of the News Media).

Is this a good or bad trend?

Education in America

Last night on "20/20" aired a great piece done by John Stossel about our education system.
That was great journalism!!!!
They need to re-air it several times.
It highlights enormous problems.
It is embarrassing that such a super power like America has such a horrible education system.
In the show Belgium students were ridiculing our students.
One even flat out called us stupid.
Stossel suggests that parents should have more choices when sending their children to school.
I went to a pretty bad public high school so this show really enticed me.
I would come home from school many times and just felt I wasted my time.
I think America needs to put a much more higher value on our education.
Education and poverty are topics that are ignored by many and
needs to be a priority.

Self-destructive America

It is amaziing to me how self destructive Americans can be.
I was reminded of this self-destructiveness when I watched the movie Traffic yesterday.
It is about the drug problem in America.
America is the probably the most prosperous country in the history of the world.
It seems we have so many things but it still doesn't make us happy.
I know we are not happy because depression and drug abuse is ramped.
In 2000, 10 out of every 100,000 persons died by suicide.
In the movie it adequately showed there is an extremely high demand for drugs
in America from rich and poor.

It is also amazing to me that many biblical principles are found in life.
The Bible clearly states that riches don't make us happy.
Psalm 49:20
A man who has riches without understanding is like the beasts that perish

Twenties are ackward

Twenties are such an ackward age.
I am in graduate school right now.
It is weird being an adult but not being finiancial independent yet.
You don't know what direction your life is heading.
Will you get that dream job?
Will you get married?
I know you are not suppose focus on the future (just like you're not
suppose dwell on the past)....
but it is hard when the present feels so ackward.
I can't wait to get into the work force!
I am not interested in money,
I just want the independence that comes with
being financially stable.