Learning Lab

Learning lab is a pain in my side. I'm actually in it right now. Why should I have to sit in a room with ten million other athletes that dont care to be here? They expect me to concentrate and actually get work done with all my friends sitting right next to me? Riiiiight..that's definitely good logic. I'm required to have 6 hours of learning lab a week, but the hours are counted on Fridays..so I really only have four days to get six hours done, because lets get serious, I'm not coming to sit in here on the weekend. I don't even have time on Wednesdays to get some hours, so I really only have three days! It's ridiculous..a complete and total waste of my life! I'd get ten times more studying and work done in my own room. All I find myself doing here is socializing and finding ways to entertain myself so that I don't go absolutely crazy. It's exactly12:47 right now..I've been here since 10:45. That is waaaay too long :( anyway, it's just something that frustrates me so I figured I'd talk about it. I feel much better now haha.

Articles

The first article I chose was from the Atlanta Journal Constitution. It is called "Health officials: Assume floodwater is contaminated." This article is representative of the newspapers contents because it catches the readers attention and informs the reader of recent events occurring. The AJC is known to be a credible source and can be used for information or good reading. This article was warning people to be careful around the floodwater.

The second article I chose was from The New York Times. It is called "Obama Is Considering Strategy Shift in Afghan War." This represents the newspaper's contents well because it is discussing a national issue. The New York Times is known throughout the United States as one of the most dependable newspapers in the country, so it only makes since that this newspaper reports on national news. The article is explaining the new strategies and ideas that he has about how to improve our progress in the war.

Peer Review

I'd like to comment on Ronald Sorto's blog! I loved reading his posts. They are original and hilarious. He knows how to incorporate humor even when discussing a serious topic. Ronald has a strong opinion and sticks to it. It seems like he doesnt care about how other people feel about his writing, so he writes what he thinks is true and does a good job of convincing the reader. I feel like I know him personally just from reading his writing, even though we've only spoken a couple of words to each other.

Game Time!!

We had our first softball games yesterday :) it was soooo much fun. The girls are amazing and so supportive. The fans were cheering and the coaches were enthusiastic. We kicked some Young Harris butt! The weather was pretty nice..it wasn't too sunny and there was a soft breeze, but it was kind of humid too. All the looong, tiring practices finally paid off. We won the first game 8-1 and won the second game 11-1. They didn't have a chance. I don't know if we're a really good ball team, or if they are just a really bad one. Maybe it's a little bit of both, but we'll find out soon enough because we play Georgia Tech next Sunday. Hopefully, we can pull out a win :)

Mississippi

I've never really thought about how people live in Mississippi because I've never planned on living there. I know it's a southern state, so I figured it's similar to the rural areas in Georgia and most of Alabama. I believe that there is racism in every state throughout the United States, and emphasis is only put on the southern states and the racial events that occur there because everyone in America already steryotypes them anyway. I can understand that there are probably more rednecks and racists in Mississippi because its more rural and conservative. The videos just prove that in every region, there are people with different values and beliefs. I think that people may be influenced by the people they grow up around and the lessons instilled into them all their life, but it doesn't neccessarily mean that they won't be different.

President Obama's Speech

I don't know why everyone has to make such a big deal about every single thing that Obama does. He's the President of the United States, and all he was trying to do was encourage children to stay in school and get a good education. I can understand parents may be a little cconcerned about someone else preaching to their kids about how to live their lives, but as long as the message was postitive and benefited the kids, I don't think there should be an issue. I believe Obama is a family-oriented man who just wants to help make this country improve and make people happy. There wasn't anything wrong with his speech!

Outdoors.

Sunday, I spend most of my day outside in the hot, humid air at a 5 hour practice. It was ridiculous! As soon as I stepped out of the car and made my way to the locker room, I knew it was going to be a long day in the heat. With zero clouds in the sky and a beaming sun, I stepped onto the field ready to put in a hard days work. It smelled of dirt and freshly cut grass, a very familiar smell to me. Trees stood tall and still above the field due to the lack of wind and, other than the team around me, the place seemed deserted. The sunscreen on my teammates' bodies brought back memories of the beach and gave me a short-lived break from my present reality. I was already sweating by the time I put my cleats on and helped put bases down, so I knew I had an intense practice ahead. As I was leaving, the sun was setting and everything seemed peaceful. I think I felt more at peace with the fact that I got through the first practice, but the smell of the outdoors always helps my mood anyway.

Favorite Song

I don't think I could ever pick an all-time favorite song, but if I absolutely had to choose one, I think it would be "Don't Take the Girl" by Tim Mcgraw. It makes me feel so many different emotions in only 3 minutes. It's happy, scary, sad, and hopeful. It's one of those songs that will never get old. I love it, and I love Tim McGraw :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YG2p96Yk_U