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My name is Caitlin Isasky. I sit in the front row somewhere in the middle.

 

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• My screen name is svcaitlini3

 

 

December 6, 2005

 

First off, I would like to congratulate the Eagles on their AMAZING game last night :P! 19 Days until Christmas!

 

Kem, did you read the article today in The Daily Collegian. It reports about the Wikipedia tightening rules on postings. New articles will require users to register before they are allowed to post them. Do you have any arguments against the new policy?

 

I also read about a law in Britain that officially recognizes all gay couples. It “permits civil ceremonies that will give same sex couples social security, tax, pension and inheritance rights as married couples.” Maybe the United States could model Britain’s law and provide rights for homosexual Americans. This article will prove to be useful in my final paper, and I am excited that I read about it! It is what many homosexuals in the United States are fighting for—equal rights. I wonder how long it will take the United States to adopt a similar law. I am sure that homosexuals and others fighting for same sex marriage will be able to use Britain as basis for an argument that would allow same sex marriage in the States.

 

 

December 5, 2005

 

20 days until Christmas!  “The best prevention is simple: wash your hands and cover your mouth when you sneeze. While it seems so difficult for many people to follow these simple steps, it could easily prevent the spread of Avian Bird Flu. I find that many people believe that a quick rinse in the bathroom is sufficient for washing hands, but washing hands without soap and water for at least 15 seconds does nothing to prevent the spread of bacteria. It is truly a disgusting habit for most people, but I have become obsessed with soaping up for at least 15 seconds after using the restroom and before meals. Especially with flu season approaching and cold season already in full effect, I have become an avid fan of hand washing. Bird Flu has a mortality rate of up to 50 percent of its victims; common flu typically kills 2 percent of its victims. This website is useful for comparing the two types of influenza. I got my flu shot this year in hopes of preventing the common flu, and a few days later I was diagnosed with strep throat. I just hope it actually prevents me from contracting the common flu.

 

So who really thinks the Eagles have a chance tonight?

 

 

December 4, 2005

 

21 days until Christmas! It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! I slept in today until 10:30 a.m. and it was delightful! Haha. Let’s Go Steelers! I went to lunch today with my uncle and two cousins. They are visiting Happy Valley for the wrestling tournament. My uncle wrestled for PSU decades ago, and my cousin Sean is an excellent wrestler though he is only in 7th grade. I was just reading an article online discussing the importance of a healthy diet to help fight and prevent cancer. While many of my friends try to say that taking vitamins will suffice for their daily consumption of fruits and vegetables, the article does discuss the importance of eating vegetables. I love eating vegetables and fruits, and I do think that it is necessary to eat as many possible daily. Pick up an apple in the creamery or on your way out of the commons. Substitute it for a snack instead of the typical junk foods that tend to fill college students’ shelves.

 

P.S. Where is the Steelers’ defense today? And special teams?

 

 

December 3, 2005

 

Today I edited my english final and posted it to the wiki.

 

December 2, 2005

 

23 days until Christmas! And boy does it feel a lot like Christmas, at least a Pittsburgh Christmas, for it is freezing outside. I felt as if I was going to blow away. I am really ready for the end of this semester, but I will be sad to leave Happy Valley and all my new friends. I am really sad that one of my best friends is going to Rome next semester. He is a junior; I will not see him until May probably. It is cool that he is going, for it will be an experience of a lifetime, but he and I have become really great friends this semester. We go to lunch a few times a week, and he is just someone that I feel really comfortable around. He probably does not even realize how much I am going to miss him. I guess I will just have to meet some new friends to fill his shoes while he is halfway around the world. Since it will be so exciting to be home with friends and family, I am looking forward to the next few weeks.

 

PS. I read in The Daily Collegian today that it is estimated that 1 in 500 college students are infected with AIDS. A student at Penn State did the math and stated the possibility that 84 Penn State students could have AIDS and might not even know it!!!

 

 

December 1, 2005

 

24 days until Christmas! Writing this final paper is killing me, for I am severely suffering from writer’s block. I know what I have to do, but I cannot put my thoughts successfully into words. AHHHH! It is yet another miserable day in Happy Valley, and it is starting to influence my mood. Can we get some sunshine in our lives? Thanks that would be great! I would like to argue last nights ruling of the best house decided upon by the Interfraternity Council (IFC). I believe SAE should have won, for their house looks absolutely gorgeous. The way that it sits from Beaver Avenue, the white lights, and the lighted Christmas trees should have granted them a win! Sigma Pi looks pretty as well, but I did not like the house as much as I liked SAE. I saw both of the houses lit last night, and I would like to commend both of their efforts. It really makes me feel as if I am home; it brings the Christmas spirit to Happy Valley. Back to work…take a look at the houses if you get a chance!

 

 

November 30, 2005

 

Today marks the last day of November and wow has this semester flew past! As I read The Daily Collegian, I found an article that corresponds with my final project. A pastor in Stockholm, Sweden “denounced homosexuality as a ‘cancerous tumor,’” but is a cancerous tumor something that can not be avoided? Just as homosexuality is speculated to be something that is uncontrollable, so is a cancerous tumor. So why then is the pastor committing hate crimes? I would expect a pastor to be accepting, at least when making influencing others. Are we not supposed to love thy neighbor? I never heard of an addendum saying love thy neighbor as long as they are heterosexual. I found the article interesting, but I am going to get back to my work now. I hope everyone stayed warm today, for it was frigid. Just keep writing, just keep writing…haha

 

 

November 29, 2005

 

10 to Know: Top Cities for Holiday Shopping. Expedia.com attempted to make a list of the top ten cities to shop in, but they forgot one important place, Pittsburgh. I think Pittsburgh is an awesome place to shop, for although it is not in a famous place like Paris, there are many different exciting places to shop. Just while I was home over Thanksgiving break, I went to the new shopping/restaurant area in the South Side and there were at least seven or eight new places open since I had been there last. The stores are not just average stores either, for there are stores such as the United Colors of Benetton, BCBG, PUMA, Kenneth Cole, and many others. When thinking of a place to shop, one ought not to leave out Pittsburgh. Sure, Pittsburgh has not been a city in which many people have migrated to in the past years, but it is definitely still a thriving city. While in Pittsburgh, a person has to eat and drink at Primanti Brothers, visit Mount Washington, have breakfast in Shadyside at Pamela’s, and go on a “Just Ducky” tour among many other things to do when visiting our city. My mom asked me the other day if I would promise her to live in Pittsburgh after college, and I of course responded with a YES! I feel that people ought to consider living in Pittsburgh, for it is a stimulating city with lots to do!

 

 

November 28, 2005

 

“Target pharmacies can refuse to give out birth control” (The Daily Collegian). I thought that a professional must leave behind personal beliefs when he or she reports to work. I thought that is what defines a professional—a person who does their job as well as they possibly can regardless of what beliefs they hold to be true outside of the workforce. Dictionary.com defines a professional as one “engaging in a given activity as a source of livelihood or as a career.” Target pharmacists have the right to refuse filling birth control and emergency contraceptive prescriptions. Although they say “another pharmacist would fill the prescription the next day, or the pharmacist would call another pharmacy,” I do not think pharmacists should have the right to deny paying customers who have prescriptions that need to be filled (The Daily Collegian). I understand that they are willing to refer customers to another pharmacist or pharmacy, but why then is it such a big deal to fill the prescription? If a person is able to get the same prescription elsewhere, then why put them through the hassle just because you do not believe in contraceptives? I guess these people are trying to do their small part in rebelling against birth control and emergency contraceptives, but it is really unreasonable in this situation!

 

GO STEELERS! D-E-F-E-N-S-E! GO BIG BEN <3!!!!

 

 

November 27, 2005

 

Well, I am on my way back to school. We are sitting in colossal amounts of traffic. I never realized that there would be THIS much traffic going back to school. Penn State should consider giving us off the Monday after Thanksgiving. For one, Monday marks the first day of hunting season. Many students and parents alike enjoy hunting. For two, there are 35,000 students traveling back to school on roads that have double the amount of people traveling home after their holiday weekends. Can we PLEASE have the Monday after holidays off? I would not mind staying an extra day in the spring semester, for it would be worth it! One would have an extra day to spend with their family, and also the roads would be better for traveling back to school. Anyways! I have homework to do when I get back, and the long car ride without internet is not helping me accomplish very much. Normally, a trip to or from Penn State takes me a little under three hours. Today I think it will take me much longer! I will continue to write when I get back to school this evening…

So I am back in Happy Valley, but I am not so happy. I realize the next to weeks are going to be pure torture. Just RAN back from the gym—I don’t run—and now I have mucha tarea to do! See everyone in class tomorrow!

 

 

November 25, 2005

 

Today I helped get out our Christmas decorations and put up the tree. Our tree is not real, so we always put it up the day after Thanksgiving. I am glad that I got to put up the tree even though I am not home everyday to enjoy it. I realize that today marks one month until Christmas! I am exceptionally excited to be home with family and friends. It will be nice to spend time together. I know my mom misses me, for she asked me if I wanted to transfer to the University of Pittsburgh. I of course told her that I love Happy Valley, and that I will not be transferring any time soon. She definitely wished I would have said yes. She also told me today, this is very funny, that if I meet my future husband at school, and he is not from the Pittsburgh area, that he must move here. HAHA! One has to love mothers! I reminded her that I love Pittsburgh, and the fact that I do not foresee myself living any place else after college. I also assured her that I will not necessarily live in Munhall, and she of course happily agreed that I ought to move out of our small town. I then reminded her and also me that I still have a considerable amount of time until all of this happens. I have loads of schoolwork to do….ahhhh!

 

 

November 24, 2005

 

First and foremost, Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Things I am THANKful for:

1.Family—I have THE best family. I love each and every member of my enormous family. I would not trade the world for them. I do not get the chance to see them everyday, and each moment that I do get to spend with them is definitely special. As corny as that may seem, it is truth.

2.Friends—I have many friends from home that I cherish. Again, I do not get to seem them each and every day, but when we are together, it is as if we never left each other’s side. They are an integral part of my life; I love them! I also love my new friends that I have made at Penn State! I only hope to continue making new friends and learning and growing with them.

3.Health—although I have been sick the past few weeks, I am grateful that, for the most part, I am a healthy young adult. I take it for granted that I do not suffer from a life threatening disease. I realize that I do not always eat the right foods and exercise EVERY day, but I try to eat as healthily as possible. I enjoy going to the gym, and I am going to attempt my hardest to make it there at least six times a week from now on.

4.Education—I am so thrilled to be a Penn State student. I realize that college is not easy; it is a huge amount of work and dedication. I am thankful to have the opportunity to study and learn at a university like Penn State. There are many people who are not as fortunate as we are. And although I will be repaying school loans in the future, I realize that it is worth every last penny.

5.Freedom—I am able to do what I want when I want. Many people do not have the luxuries that we Americans do. I am thankful for all American troops who have fought, are fighting for, and have lost their lives protecting our rights and freedoms. I could not ask for a better country to be living in…this is the best place on earth (Besides Happy Valley that is!) I realize that they are giving up precious time with their friends, loved ones, and families. They could also be gaining an education at a university or working in a career.

 

I just wanted to take the opportunity to mark down my “thanks,” for I do not take the time to do so every day. I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving and spent time with loved ones, friends, and family! : )

 

 

November 21, 2005

 

Today I read astonishing news! About 5 million new cases of the HIV virus were reported in 2005! The article states that it is the highest jump in infected people since 1981 and the first cases of HIV were reported!!!! I should have done my final paper on HIV/AIDS. I could have had very good arguments for governments to begin finding cures for HIV and AIDS. People in the developing countries NEED educated, for it is killing hundreds of thousands of people. 40.3 MILLION people are living with HIV in our world—that is a HUGE number. I wonder how many other people are living with HIV and do not know it, for they could be infecting even more people. This is a huge epidemic and something needs to be done about it! Who should do something? I am unsure of where to point fingers, but maybe everyone should start doing something. On another note, a British man claims to have beaten HIV! If he has, he could save millions of people and provide aid in a cure. If his body has antibodies, they can be used to create vaccinations and save lives. I wish people would stop being ignorant and protect themselves. Educate the people in these countries suffering millions of deaths and cases of HIV, and maybe the number of cases will drop. It is just a thought…I only hope that the British man can provide help.

 

Have a great Thanksgiving everyone…Christmas is almost here (if you celebrate)! Haul out the holly…

 

 

November 20, 2005

 

I first and foremost would like to discuss my enormous detest for Tommy Maddox. I understand many people think that he has not had enough training and practice time, but he said he was ready for his “second chance.” As I sit and watch the overtime of the Steeler vs. Raven game, I am so disappointed in his performance today. He made some good completions, but he needs to be more consistent. I hope all goes well and we win. I will be highly disgusted with Maddox if we lose.

 

I read about non-virulent avian flu found in British Columbia (Canada). It worries me that the flu is so close to our home front. 65,000 birds had to be killed; what if one of those birds made it to the United States? I know that the strain found is low pathogenic, but it could always mutate and become highly deadly. I would love to know when vaccinations will be made public for the bird flu in the United States. I have not been hearing too much about the bird flu in the past few weeks, for much of the news has been about the new candidate for the Supreme Court. I also read about the troops in Iraq. Rumsfeld says that troops will reduce to 138,000 from 160,000. That is definitely an improvement!

 

PS. This game is bogus! At least Penn State is Big Ten Champs!

 

 

November 19, 2005

 

LET’S GO P S U! I LOVE PENN STATE! I AM BACK IN HAPPY VALLEY! IT WAS SO NICE TO BE HOME, BUT I AM GLAD TO BE BACK!

 

 

November 18, 2005

 

Yesterday was very difficult to remain strong and supportive, but I am so happy that I decided to come home. I got to see four of my best girl friends and five of my best guy friends. Of course I got to see my parents and my sister, and it is so comforting to be in a familiar place. I spent much of my day at the Bugel’s house (the family who just lost one of their sons) yesterday. My friends and I were able to bring some normalcy to their life, for every time we go to their house we eat and eat and eat! They kept feeding us more food, for people have made them so much food and sent so many baskets to their home. It was like old times, and at one point I felt like I was just going to go home at night and go to my same old high school with my same old friends. It is so crazy that people say “the only thing that changes is change,” but while so many things have changed, my true friends and I are still the same. It was like we never skipped a beat; we just jumped right back to the same place in time. I am excited for Christmas break, for we will hang out and eat like the fat kids that we are constantly. Blogging is something I have learned to love. At first, I strongly disliked blogging five times a week, but now I do not know what I will do without it next semester. Last night on the news, I watched as Pennsylvania Representative John Murtha called for immediate withdraws of U.S. troops from Iraq. On USATODAY.com, there is a full report of his opposition to troops being stationed in Iraq. I personally know a boy from my high school that went to Iraq. He was there for his tour and came back but had to go back again. He is home now though! Chip made it home safely to his parents and friends. I am interested to see how long it will take for U.S. troops to actually withdraw from Iraq. Will it be six months? A year? Who knows?! PS. I cannot believe November is almost over already!

 

 

 

November 16, 2005

 

Well I am on the Greyhound Bus on my way home to Pittsburgh. I will not get to Monroeville mall until about 9:35 p.m. and it is only 5:21p.m.as I sit here and write. I will be unable to use the internet for almost four hours! What ought I to do with my time? I was thinking I’d read The Daily Collegian, edit my English proposal, and possibly just sit and relax. What a concept, relaxation! The next few days are going to be very hectic for me, as I will possibly be traveling to Michigan Friday evening. I cannot say that I am ecstatic, for I have mucho tarea to complete. I’d like to return to the topic of not having internet for about four hours. I am a product of the millennium in the sense that I am addicted to checking my WebMail, chatting on AIM, and reading various news websites. I guess I should look into getting wireless internet connection like Kem, but often the option pops up to “steal” another’s wireless connection. I have never tried it, for I am unsure of its safety. Anyone know how safe it is?

 

 

November 15, 2005

 

So today I found out that after I go home tomorrow night for a funeral, I will be going to Michigan on Saturday for the game! My room mate was able to acquire four tickets from someone her dad knows. We are unsure of whom we will take, but it will be a grand time no matter who goes. College Game Day will be in Michigan; I am so excited. IT has definitely made my week a thousand times better. I am super stressed though, for I have a lot of work to do already with missing classes for the funeral. When we go to Michigan, I will be missing out on valuable time that could be used to study. BUT the opportunity cost of going, considering the trade offs, is much higher than not going. How many other times will Penn State be number four in the BCS?! I don’t know that I can risk that…so I will be traveling to Michigan this weekend. We do not know where we are staying, or who is driving, but we will get there. We WILL have an awesome time! Off to work I go…

 

 

November 15, 2005

 

Well, it is technically Tuesday, but I have not gone to sleep yet. I fell asleep reading on my bed, but now I am awake because my room mate woke me up! I have decided to go home on Wednesday night for my friend Austin’s funeral. I need to be there…I am going to have a lot of work to do in the meantime. I read today in the paper Spanier’s salary. It is an example of asymmetric information, an economic principle that basically states one end holds information that another does not. It is true that the public does not have record of people like Spanier’s salary each year. I do not know how much I think he should make, but Spanier will have made $492,000 this year. I need to find myself a job like that! SIKE! He does a lot of work, has to convey information to thousands of people, make decisions for a large university, and all the while, people do not always support his decisions. I realize that it is almost impossible to gain the support of all people, but I would not want to be in Spanier’s position at the end of the day. Maybe I could become the president of a smaller university…haha just a thought!

 

 

 

November 13, 2005

 

Well, I just got home from canning. I went to Downingtown, PA with Women In Business; we stayed at a house of one of the chairs. On Saturday, we raised a lot of money, but it was much harder today to raise money since some people had donated the day before. THON has definitely inspired me to become involved. I would like to raise as much money as I can for the kids. Every minute that I was feeling down, I would just think of the children fighting their battle with cancer. They may not even have to chance to go to college some day, and I think of how lucky I am to be healthy. Yesterday was a horrible day for me though, for I received news of a death of a close friend. My high school guidance counselor, who has become like a dad to me, lost a son yesterday. He was only twenty one years old! I do not know how he died or any of the details. His mother called me yesterday asking that I not tell her other son, Bryant. Bryant was my prom date senior year; he is in my grade. I cannot begin to even think of the words to say to the Bugel family. They have been there for my friends and me through everything. I want to go home, but I can’t just get up and leave State College. I have an exam tomorrow in Spanish. I can’t talk about this anymore, for I am getting too upset. I have a lot of work to do. Here’s to the night…

 

 

November 10, 2005

 

In response to LetsTalk’s blog about the “Facebook Fallout” in The Daily Collegian, I understand that anything on the internet is considered publicly viewable. But, I also do not believe that antics such as Facebook should be allowed to track down students for misdemeanors. Yes rushing the field can potentially be very dangerous as it was proven before this year when a college student died when a field goal post was taken down, but to what extent should police use Facebook? Should they be allowed to search students’ profiles to find underage drinking photos? If they did, many students would receive phone calls from local investigators and could potentially be charged with underage drinking fines. I fully accept the fact that Facebook is a website; many people have access to view the site. In all honesty, how many people think about what trouble they can get into when they are having fun joining groups on Facebook? Should one take caution to every “group” they join knowing that they could be arrested for being a member? Where does one draw the line? I think there is a need for boundaries to be set about the rules and discrepancies, and students should be warned that their Facebook accounts could be used to incriminate them. Facebook can lead to up to two years in prison and up to a $2000 fine! Who knew?!?!

 

 

November 9, 2005

 

100 days until THON! I think THON is a wonderful philanthropic event. Thomas Mei of course has opposing views in his column in The Daily Collegian. He feels that THON should be for other causes, but really, other people can begin organizations like THON. If he feels so strongly about raising money for organizations such as UNICEF, then why doesn’t he get out there and start doing something about it? THON needs the money that is raised for recipients of THON and the Four Diamonds Fund; it could not possibly raise money for all the organizations Mei suggested. If it were to do so, then the amount of money that would be donated would be much smaller. It would need to be divided amongst the various organizations. The families of THON never have to pay for medical expenses, and they are very appreciative of this fact. I am very proud to say that THON can do such amazing things, and I am going canning this weekend with girls from Women In Business. It is a club I have become involved in here at PSU; we have a THON family that we raise money for also. I guess my point is that Thomas Mei should not consider THON the answer for everything. It was developed for its own cause; it is for the kids. If he would like to have great results in other clubs, then he should work on promoting and organizing them to become successful.

 

 

November 8, 2005

 

Well today it was confirmed that I do indeed have strep throat. The University Health Services called me today while I was in Economics. I thought they were just calling to say that my second test was also negative, but I was wrong. I had to go all the way back to Ritenour and purchase Penicillin. Now I am up to five pills a day--three antibiotics and two decongestants. Anyways, I am feeling better though as a result of the medication. I am also beginning to obtain my voice. : )

 

I was reading GiovanGrazi’s article for class, and I was disturbed. I did not know that abortions were allowed up until nine months of gestation. According to the article he posted, it said that “The baby is alive, and probably kicking and flailing his legs and arms. The abortionist hooks his fingers over the baby’s shoulders, holding the woman’s cervix away from the baby’s neck. He then jams blunt tipped surgical scissors into the base of the skull and spreads the tips apart to enlarge the wound. A suction catheter is inserted into the baby’s skull and the brain is sucked out. The skull collapses and the baby’s head passes easily through the cervix.” I do not know how true this is, but I would imagine that because it is on www.Abortionfacts.com that it should be true. I have always believed and been a supporter of a woman’s “right to choose,” but I am highly unsupportive of this type of abortion. There should be strict legal laws that prohibit this from happening. Why then aren’t these unwanted babies given up for adoption? If they are fully grown and healthy, what reason is there that a loving family cannot raise and nurture the baby? I find this ridiculous that this occurs in America! Is it even legal?!

 

 

November 7, 2005

 

Today, I would like to attempt to more specifically define my audience for my final paper. My audience will be homophobic people. If homophobic people were accepting of homosexuals, there would not be so much discrimination occurring, and of course there would not be homophobes. I realize that it is impossible to for every person who is homophobic to become accepting, but I would like to at least make them aware of the effects of their discrimination. They should care because homosexual people are not just the people you hear about from another person. There are homosexuals living everywhere, in every town, across the world. One day, a person may realize that their boss is a homosexual. Will they just quit their job because of their hatred towards homosexuals? A person should realize that homosexuals are living in the same world that we are, and they deserve the same treatment as heterosexuals.

 

I went to University Health Services today; I never go to the doctor’s office. I am the type of person that goes to class, studies, does homework, and do not slow down when I am sick. I think I have developed this insanity from my mother. She has not missed a day of work while being sick in years. She has taken off work when I was really sick ONE time. My mom is the strongest person I know and puts her responsibilities ahead of her own health. Although I would like to be strong, I wish I could just relax in bed. So tonight, I think I am going to accomplish all my homework by 10:30. That would be an ideal time to relax in bed. I hope all goes well.

 

On another note, on the front page of The Daily Collegian, there was some extreme news. Of course the exciting end of the spectrum would be the wonderful stories and pictures of our victory over Wisconsin. On the other end of the spectrum, there was an announcement of room and board increases in price for next fall. Penn State says that the increases are necessary in order to install sprinklers, but in actuality, could they not find other ways to pay for the sprinklers? In addition to room and board rates going up, the price of student meal plans will also rise! YAY! I feel badly for all students who are out-of-state, for that is a tad bit ridiculous.

 

 

November 6, 2005

 

I commented and posted arguments for KerrMe’s proposal around 2:05 on this Sunday afternoon. I did the same for DaLiBlog.

 

I would like the class to read an article About Homophobia, for I think it is helpful in that it poses reasons why people are homophobic, the effects, etc.

 

Today I have many assignments to complete, and I even did some of my homework on Friday before I went out! To where does the time fly? It is so insane how fast time goes by. Time does not go by “so slowly” as the one song says. Just by looking back to the first football game and yesterday the last, I now realize how fast college will proceed. People always say enjoy this, enjoy that, but in actuality, one needs to enjoy everything about life. It will pass us all by so quickly if we do not take each moment, each struggle, and each heart ache, each homework assignment --each exam-- and really just appreciate the fact that it is going to pass quickly. Well off to complete my other assignments. Have a wonderful Sunday, and I hope it is not filled with too much work! GO STEELERS! P.S. The Nittany Lions are ranked 6th in the country, and we are ahead of VIRGINIA TECH.

 

 

November 3, 2005

 

The cause for homophobia is not a universal principle. It is not the same for all people who are against homosexual relations. While many people do not want to accept these people as a part of our society due to their homophobia, I too am unsure of why such discrimination exists. There are many reasons; many claims can be made. I will do my project on what causes the discrimination and why it exists. I will research different cultures, societies, views of people, and inequalities. My audience will be of course English 15, but also all the people who do share in homophobic views. I will attempt to make people more aware of the lives of gay people and the injustices that they suffer each day.

 

 

November 2, 2005

 

I became interested in the topic of gay rights this year more than I ever have in the past. Sure, I had a gay friend in high school, but it never really occurred to me that there were so many injustices and inequalities in the lives of homosexuals. I also became intrigued here at Penn State when Rene Portland was accused of making anti-gay remarks to members of her Lady Lion basketball team. A team member transferred from Penn State to another school because of Portland’s accusations. On October 11th, national “Coming Out” day, I read many articles and listened to the stories of many gay, lesbian, transsexual, and transgender people. I had never even realized that there was such an out crying for support. Here at Penn State, there is an organization known as Allies. A friend of mine is a member of Allies, and he has come out in the open about his sexuality this year. Although he has not told his family, he is gaining the confidence to be open with his friends here at Penn State. So many people are not supportive of homosexuality. Whether it is caused by conventionalism, homophobia, religion, or personal experience, many people do discriminate against gays, lesbians, transsexuals, etc. I want to argue in support of these people who are discriminated against. I believe they should be treated with the same respect as heterosexuals.

 

 

November 1, 2005

 

Weather: Sunshine in the morning and clouds and rain in the afternoon. The weather here at Happy Valley might but worse than the weather I experience at home in Pittsburgh. I was reading an article today in The Daily Collegian that confirmed previous article I read in the news a year or so back. There is something called Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, that affects an estimated 4 to 5 percent of students here at Penn State. In various states across the nation, such as Florida, Washington D.C. and Fairbanks, Alaska, a small portion of the population is also affected by SAD. It generally occurs in the fall and winter months and is relieved in the spring. I was talking to a friend today and he mentioned how he was depressed when the weather was similar to days like today. I told him about the article I read, and I also made him aware that I know other people who experience symptoms of SAD. SAD is not something that is a deep depression; it is something that affects people when the weather is not favorable. More sunshine, increased activity, and even one’s diet can help cure SAD. Just an interesting article I thought some people could relate to their winter doldrums.