Padd Solutions

Why is it that reading a textbook is the quickest way to fall asleep? I can feel 100% wide awake, open a textbook and BAM! drowsy as a drunk.

Quite frustrating when you're trying to get homework done. If nothing else, textbooks are good sleep aids at least.

So it's halfway through the first week of classes and so far so good. Although busy, I've managed to stay on top of things between yesterday and today. I know what you're thinking... "Yeah, uhm, it's only been two days..." but you don't understand. Every day is a victory when I get this busy. If I'm not behind on doing something it's a very huge accomplishment!

Today's practice was pretty rough for my girls. They really really struggled. Hopefully tomorrow will go better. We're having a terrible time with serving and serve receive. It's either on or it's off... there seems to be no in between. Alas, things aren't always what they seem. We will learn how to be consistant servers and passers if it kills us... and it just might.

In other news... Sen. Ted Kennedy died of brain cancer. The Kennedy family left a ridiculous political legacy. Check this out: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27440144/?gt1=43001 Also, this is a pretty good article: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32572683
Read up. He pushed for some really awesome things for the people in our country. Specifically women, disabled, and elderly. There is a pretty good video summing it up that is on the same page as the article. It's only a couple minutes long, go watch it.

Chris and I went to the second to last Dillas home game tonight with his grandparents.
It was really fun except for my stupid allergies. They have been out of control since I came home from Corpus. I can hardly stand it! The only thing I've tried that really works is Benadryl and that knocks me OUT. I mean out cold. I could sleep for about 14 hours straight after taking just one Benadryl... yes, it's that ridiculous.
Anyway, back to the baseball game. We left in the bottom of the 8th when the Dillas were up 12-4. It was a close game until the 7th inning when the Dillas decided they really knew how to play baseball. hahah Even though I'm a die-hard volleyball fan (woohoo for indoor sports!) I enjoy the occassional baseball game. And football game. Actually, I really want to go watch WT play football Friday. WT football games are always a blast. :)

Anywho... well now that I've been on the computer for a little while I'm good and awake so I think I'll get back to reading my textbook. Goodnight!

Argh. Back to the grind of classes again! I really enjoyed what little break I had from classes this year. Now it's over until Christmas. Sheesh.

I do really enjoy taking classes... I DON'T really enjoy trying to find a parking spot at AC! I went up there today to finish up buying my books (which they still don't have one in stock) and there was quite literally NOWHERE to park. It was insane! I think that is the most packed I have seen it... ever. I wonder what enrollment is at for the fall semester? I bet it's high. Last year was higher than the year before and I bet this year is even higher still. I'll have to assign a story on that. :)

So I'm really excited about starting up with The Ranger again! Anyone out there reading this needs to be sure to read The Ranger... even if you just do so online (I know the statistics people).

OH GUESS WHAT?! I can't believe I forgot to blog about this...
I GOT AN APARTMENT! Yaaaaaaaaaay! I am so pumped! I move in on September 11th. The most awesome part of it all is that I have almost all my furniture, I just have to pick it up to move it in. Yes, I'm extremely excited!

Well, my little break from the world of news is over. I know, shame on me for even having one. But honestly, I've barely had time to breathe let alone keep track of anything in the news. I will officially begin catching up tomorrow.

Want to hear something funny? One class I'm taking this semester is Fitness Walking I Online. Bahahaha! I mean, the words fitness and walking to me are funny to begin with (I know walking is excellent exercise it's just too boring for me and doesn't say "I'm getting in shape") but when you throw in the 'online' that just cracks me up! I'm not too sure how it's going to work out (no pun intended haha) but I'm guessing I will have to just log my walking hours everytime I go to the gym. Guess I'll find out!

Okay so I have a million and one things to do... here's to another great semester! Good luck everyone!

Well, got back from Grandma's yesterday evening--btw, I made a 5 hr drive on 3 hrs of sleep. Not recommended, boys and girls!--and saw that my Summer term grades were ready. Made A's in Radio Production I AND Media Internship! [Media Internship is blogging for this site. :)] That makes all A's for me since I started at AC last Fall. I'm really psyched about that, because I want as good a GPA as I can get for when I transfer to a four year university after next Spring! It makes me feel good, because the first time I went to college, I didn't do so well, not because college was hard, but because I was lazy and didn't apply myself. Now I have a definite goal in mind, and I'm motivated. This is something I want really bad!

No rest for the wicked tho--Fall starts Monday. Ready or not, school is here!

What a slacker I have been on this blog last week up to now. To my loyal readers... I sincerely apologize.

LoL

That's right, I just laughed out loud at my own humor. Anyways, things have been crazy as of late! My life has thrust me back into a serious torrent of time crunching, and in a few short days it will get severely worse.

Classes start Monday. Monday. MONDAY.

Dear summer: Why did thou art evade me so?

Sad times bro, sad times.

Well, my volleyball teams are really improving! Our missed serves were absolutely out of control these past couple weeks, and we're slowly but surely reigning them in! We are officially missing less serves, serving more consistantly, and successfully serving to the zones I call on the court. Let me just say... hallelujah! hahah My Freshman team won the Silver bracket at the River Road Freshman Tournament this past weekend. It was a fun Saturday!

This past Sunday I decided to take the day off and go to the lake with Chris and friends. It was a blast! We tubed and wakeboarded. And by we I mean, well, I definitely can't get out of the flipping water on a wakeboard. It's quite annoying really. My competitive nature won't let me let go. I have to do it. I have to prove to myself that I can do it. Yet time and time again I fail. And then I get mad. Oh yeah, that Italian temper kicks in and I get frustrated with a capital F. Sometimes that capital F gets a few choice letters behind it.

Like...

Why the Freak*ng crap can't I do this?!?!

Yeah, you just thought.

So definitely didn't get up on the wakeboard. Even my mom can wakeboard. And she's over 40 (still looks young and is a hott mama, but still!). Argh. It's supremely annoying. I did, however, tube like a pro. I'm proud of myself. And I have the sore muscles, aches, and bruises to prove it. Lordy am I sore! It even hurts to put my seatbelt on in the car! hahah

But yes, definitely a fun day on the lake, soaking up rays of sun with friends.

Now here I am, at 2 a.m. I just finished planning a couple volleyball practices. Tomorrow I will be in the gym for almost 7 hours. Phew. It's tough, and I'm beyond tired, but I love it. I love my job. I love what I do. I love doing what I like and I like doing what I love. It's a pretty sweet deal if you ask me!

Well, off to Grandma's house for a few days. I try to visit her a couple of times a year, and I always enjoy it! She lives in Ft. Stockton, which is about an hour south of Odessa, so I have a 5 hr drive ahead of me. This is my dad's family, so I'll also see aunts/uncles/cousins that I don't get to see too often.

Sorry if this vacation sounds boring! I was actually thinking of spending the week in Austin, where I have other friends and relatives, but I have some chores to do this week before Fall semester starts; also, my budget is a little tight. So, relaxing at Grandma's house for a few days is just what the doctor ordered!

Gotta go. See y'all in a few!

Just want to chime in briefly on the ongoing healthcare debate.

I'm very troubled by what's coming out of the White House and the left in this debate. Those of you who've read my blogs this summer have figured out that I lean conservative, and I do on most things. I like to think of myself as moderately conservative--not far right, like the idiots who think President Obama isn't a natural-born citizen. In fact, there are some issues where I would lean somewhat to the left (such as the environment, civil rights, welfare, etc.) if it were not for the incredible arrogance on the part of liberals. You can see that front and center in the debate about healthcare.

You may have noticed media coverage of town hall meetings across the country usually portray those who strongly disagree with the President's plan less than favorably. Prominent Democrats like Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid dismiss and demonize opponents as Nazis, fascists, and quite frankly, as stupid. It's this arrogance that turns me off on liberal issues. To me, their attitude to the people of this country is: Just do what we tell you. We know what's best for you.

Thank God we live in a democracy, because the increasing opposition to healthcare reform is lowering the President's popularity in all major media polls; and, in fact, has caused him to shift tactics, from pushing government takeover of healthcare, a la Europe and Canada, to health insurance reform, with a public option for those who can't afford it. As I stated in a previous blog, most people (85% in fact, say most polls) are happy with their insurance. It's not access, but cost, that concerns people. The public is increasingly aware that President Obama's plan would lead to some sort of rationing; and, the Congressional Budget Office has repeatedly stated that, far from reducing cost, government involvement would add about $1 Trillion to the national debt!

If liberals truly wanted to reduce health care costs, they would do three things: first, allow insurance companies to sell in every state, not just the state they're based in. We can buy auto, home, and life insurance from anyone, anywhere, but we can't buy health insurance from another state. Lifting this restriction would increase competition and lower costs; second, enact tort reform. Limit medical malpractice to the actual damages sustained, not punitive damages. Every study and poll of the health industry documents quite clearly that doctors order unnecessary procedures and tests for the sole reason of preventing lawsuits; however, many doctors are sued, anyway, and most settle out of court, and these costs get passed on to the consumer; third, allow insurance co-ops, where insurance companies or small businesses can share their costs, especially for those who can't afford it on their own. Insurance regulations would need to be tightened, to protect the consumer, but it works in the Auto and Home insurance industries (ex: Texas Windstorm Insurance Association).

Unfortunately, most liberals aren't considering these options. Many Democratic leaders, such as Barney Frank, are on record as favoring a complete government takeover with a single-payer system, such as in Canada. If anyone objects, they are demonized, patronized, and dismissed. Well, most people haven't attended Harvard, but we can tell when we're being condenscended to, and I think this is a large part of the reason the public doesn't trust government to make health care decisions for them.

In closing, a short observation. My condolences to the Shriver and Kennedy families over the recent death of Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Also, her brother, Senator Ted Kennedy, is battling cancer. Mrs. Shriver is a hero to me for her work witht the Special Olympics. I don't necessarily feel the same towards Senator Kennedy, but I do respect his decades of public service. But consider this: they live in Massachusetts, which has a single-payer government run insurance plan (signed into law by former Republican governor and former Presidential candidate Mitt Romney), but has bankrupted the state and has led to a cut in services. Did Senator Kennedy and Mrs. Shriver use the Massachusetts health system? No! Did they go to Canada, Britain, France, or anywhere else liberals hold up as the ideal health care system? No! They paid for their health care with private insurance paid for either by the public, in Kennedy's case, or out of pocket, like Mrs. Shriver.

Actions speak louder than words.

Took my Radio Production I exam on Tuesday, and I aced it! Found out I got an A for the class. YEAH! So far, since I started AC in Fall '08, I'm batting 1.000 -- straight A's! I want to keep that up this Fall, so next week I'm going out of town for some badly needed R&R! I'll probably head to Austin for a few days, then visit Grandma--hopefully, she'll have her world famous banana nut cake ready, which, believe me, is enough to KILL for, much less die for!

A short week and a half break until the Fall semester. I've got a lot on my plate, as usual. 7 hours of classes (News Reporting and Writing, Meteorology, and Weight Training and Conditioning) plus 2 jobs, KAMR-TV and Cumulus Radio (Rock 108, 95.7 The Kar, 1440 AM ESPN Radio, etc). Also, I found out today that there's a good chance I can get on the air to call some high-school games this fall. This is a double YEAH YEAH!

Btw, as I'm writing this, I'm watching Paul McCartney perform on the marquee of the Ed Sullivan Theater for the Late Show with David Letterman. Too cool! 45 years ago, four lads from Liverpool came to America...and the rest, as they say, is history!

Wish me luck! Final exam for Radio Production I is tomorrow morning. I've studied hard the last few days, and finished my paper writing a consultation for KXGL-FM. I feel very confident--I'm gonna knock this one outta the park!

I had a lot of fun with this class over the summer. Brian Frank is a great instructor, and although there is a class element, he puts most of the emphasis on how well I did as a DJ for FM90. Don't get me wrong, I learned a lot in class. I learned how a radio station operates, the duties of the Sales Manager, Program Director, Promotions Manager, Chief Engineer, General Manager, etc. Also, how and why radio works--differences between FM and AM, formats, promotions, the history of radio, things like that. But the part I liked best was cracking the mic and entertaining the listeners. It just felt natural. I haven't decided yet if I'll return to FM90 for the fall--I need to see how my work schedule at Channel 4 and Cumulus works out--but I would have lots of fun if I did!

Radio Production I is available in the Fall and Summer semesters, so if anyone is looking for an elective that you'll have a lot of fun doing, this is your class!

So AC isn't requiring parking permits anymore. Yay! No more tickets when I forget my parking pass!
Check it out: http://prod.campuscruiser.com/PageServlet?pg=home_annboard&tg=AnnBoard-detail&annId=464271&cx=22.291

Cool huh? I'm excited. Although no parking passes definitely won't help parking space issues. You know, the fact that there isn't ever anywhere to park. Haha

Well I am so busy already! Holy cow! My lessons have started back up, season is in full swing and I am tired. Tired mode will be my main operative switch all semester I'm thinkin'. But that's okay, because I love what I do.

I'm excited to get started up with The Ranger again! I can't wait to use everything I learned this summer. I definitely have a lot of experience under my belt now.

Speaking of my summer... my story made the front page of the Caller today! Which was really cool considering I'm not even there anymore. I haven't actually seen it, Natalia called to tell me. It made my day!

So I cannot believe how many people are getting married these days! Every time I turn around someone new is engaged. It's crazy! I guess it's just that phase of life eh?

I have still been somewhat avoiding the news. I know, I really need to get over myself and find the time. A reporter can't not pay attention to the news you know what I'm sayin'? hahah I've just been spending most of my time in the gym lately and have hardly even turned my laptop on, let alone turned on the TV.

Season is going great so far. I have a really good group of girls and they're all very athletic. Very respectful as well, and athletic! That's a good combo. As long as we can get the basics down we'll be doing good!

Alright so I just decided to turn on the TV for the first time in forever and the Animal Planet show "Eaten Alive" is on. It's about people who have parasites and are being eaten from the inside out. As disgusting as that is, I just can't change the channel! i'm hooked! So I'm going to go finish watching it. Adios!

Well, it's about 11:30 Friday night, and many are out partying and having a good time, I'm sure, I'm stuck on my computer doing schoolwork!

It's my own fault, really. I have a paper due for Radio Production I on Tuesday, the same day as the final for that class. My assignment is to pick a radio station here in town, write about it's format and target audience, it's promotions, music, on-air feel, analyze how well it does, then make recommendations for how to do better.

I chose The Eagle--KXGL-FM 100.9. (I was not allowed to do this paper for a station I work for, so that eliminates any of the Cumulus stations like The Kar, Rock 108, The Beat, or KPUR). The format is Classic Hits, and is aimed at the baby boomers with songs mostly from the '60s and '70s. The Eagle is pretty good at holding contests, like large cash giveaways and concerts. The Eagle is the #2 radio station in the Amarillo market, behind only KGNC-FM, which has a country format. You'd expect country music to be #1 in the Texas Panhandle, but I was a little surprised that rock and roll from the '60s and '70s would be #2.

And, tonight was my only chance to do this paper, anyway. I'm super busy this weekend--I'm working at Rock 108 Saturday morning, then my other job at Channel 4 Saturday evening. Sunday, since we're getting into football mode, I'll be at Channel 4 from 2-11. Monday, I need to study for the final the next day, so I thought I'd better get this paper out the way tonight.

I'm actually looking forward to tomorrow morning--I will learn how to run the board at the radio station for a live remote show. I've asked to be a DJ for either Rock 108 or The Kar, and this is one step in the process. This will get me on the air, and another step toward fulfulling my ultimate goal of calling play-by-play for football, baseball, etc. It's just that I have to get up early on a Saturday--YUK!!!--so I'd better behave myself and stay in tonight. So, this seemed as good a time as any to do this paper and get it out of the way!

The end of Summer term is almost here! Thank goodness, because I need a break!

Tomorrow, I have an exam in my Radio Production class. I feel pretty confident--I've knocked the other two exams out of the park, and this one should be fairly easy. After this, final exam is next Tuesday, my term paper is due also next Tuesday--I have to pick a local radio station, figure out its format and the intended audience, and make recommendations on how they could do better--and my final aircheck as a DJ on FM90 is this Thursday. Please be sure to listen to me on FM90 every Wednesday from noon to 4, either on your radio or streamed live on the web. Check us out at http://kacvfm.org/.

The week after next, after school is all done, I'm taking the whole week off from work. I need a break from there, too! Don't get me wrong, I'm learning a lot about the news and television business at KAMR, but too much of anything is not good! Plus, one of the directors is really getting on my nerves with his drill sergeant act, so I just need to get out of town for a few days and recharge my batteries. With football season just around the corner, my weekends are about to get SUPER busy! I haven't decided where to go yet--I might go to my Dad's farm in Tennessee, or I may visit my aunt/uncle in Austin, then go to my other grandmother's house.

Also, I need a breather before Fall semester starts. I'm taking News Reporting and Writing with Mike Haynes, a weightlifting class for my PE credit (I'm a little uneasy about that--I'm afraid if I get anymore buff, the ladies won't be able to take it haha! :P), and Meteorology online for my science credit. BTW--there's still time to register for Fall! Please go to http://prod.campuscruiser.com/q?pg=home_welcome&cp=291 for information on how to register, or drop by any of AC's campuses and visit the very nice academic advisors who will be more than happy to help!

Well, wish me luck on my exam tomorrow. cya! :)

Well, I'm home! Friday night I had an awesome welcome home party. It was so great to see my family and friends again! I've been able to spend lots of time with Chris, which has been wonderful. It's so great to slip so easily into our routine again.

However, I'm exhausted! Two-a-days started yesterday and boy have I been getting my fill of gym time! Tonight was also my first volleyball lesson of the month. I really missed being in the gym but it sure takes a lot out of you! hahah

Our first scrimmages are Friday. Yay!

Anyway, I have been pretty out of touch with the world lately outside of volleyball! I haven't even had time to sit down and read caller.com or get on facebook! School is going to start before I know it...

Okay I know this is short but I will post more later. I'm really really tired.

Yesterday, the House of Representatives took the next step towards setting up government-run health care. The House will vote in September, and the Senate is also working on its version. http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/08/01/health-care-showdown-looms-house-panel-passes/?test=latestnews

The problem for President Obama and the Democrats is that the more people learn about the details of government run health care, the more people don't like it. The turning point came when the Congressional Budget Office said that, far from reducing the costs of health care, President Obama's plan would increase the federal deficit by $1.1 Trillion. Uh, that's Trillion with a "T" folks. Talk about sticker shock!

The latest Rasmussen polls show how people are starting to turn against Obamacare. http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/current_events/healthcare/july_2009/just_23_believe_health_care_costs_will_go_down_if_reform_passes_congress
As of Tuesday, July 28th, while 47% favor Obama's plan, 49% now oppose. More significantly, while 76% of Democrats support and 76% of Republicans oppose--no surprise there--among Indpendents, 35% favor while a whopping 60% are opposed. In other words, if you remove the ideological factor, more people are now opposing Obama's plan than support it.

In my opinion, the reason is that Obama's plan is designed to guarantee access to health care for everyone. While most people sympathize with people who can't afford health insurance, far and away the most important issue is the cost, not access, of health care. Most people want to choose their own health care, and realize that if cost is reduced, more people would have access to it. Also, the truth about Euro-style government health care has come out: although everyone in Europe and Canada has access to health care, there are huge waiting times if someone actually needs medical care. In Britain and Canada, people sometimes have to wait years to have surgery! This explains why, although many Americans go to Canada to buy medicines, Canadians by the droves come to America for medical procedures.

Full disclosure: this opinion is written by someone who does not currently have health insurance.

Amercians are starting to realize that if Obama and the Democrats pass a health care plan that puts government in charge, health care will be rationed, just like in Europe and Canada. For all its shortcomings, America has the best health care in the world, and people want it to be more affordable. Also, Americans are already frustrated with HMO bureaucrats making decisions for them; they sure don't want goverment bureaucrats doing the same!

One thing Obama and the Dems can do that would take a huge chunk out of the cost of health care is tort reform. It is well known that doctors peform tests and procedures not because they are necessary, but to protect them from lawsuits. I used to date a doctor, and she showed me all the things she had to do on even minor illnesses, just in case she was sued. Also, she charged someone with health insurance much higher than someone who had none, in order to balance out the cost of running her practice. Now, there are incompetent doctors, but placing limits on lawsuits, and limiting payouts to actual, rather than punitive, damages would lower costs for everyone. Of course, Dems won't do that, because one of their major constituancies are trial lawyers, for whom a significant part of their income is suing doctors. See John Edwards.

Another idea I like is the concept of a co-op--insurance companies or small businesses who band together to offer lower cost insurance. I think most people would look favorably on that.

Realistically speaking, as long as conservative Blue Dog Democrats go along with it, Obama has the votes in Congress to pass health care reform. It was one of his central campaign themes, and there is pressure for him to get it done quickly. However, if more of the public turn against his plan, then he will have to water down his proposal, or postpone it. It goes to show that the real power in America rests with the people, after all!