Archive for December, 2008:
08 Dec
The Native American Student Association or NASA, celebrated Native American Heritage Month throughout November and hosted a Native Cultural Night that encompassed many aspects of the Native American lifestyle Nov. 18. This event, held in the African American Cultural Center, included food, giveaways, and performances. The money that was raised by the event will help NASA support diversity on campus and maintain funding for future programming.
Mallory Richardson, senior in English and communication opened the program with a greeting. Following the welcome, a guest speaker, Laura Kay Oxendine a representative of NASA, dressed in traditional European influenced clothing spoke to the audience about her wardrobe and the meanings behind every garment. Oxendine talked about the pinecone patchwork which is a distinct pattern used throughout each individual outfit. Berries were used as decoration on the pieces of clothing as well as in the jewelry that she wore. A Southern fan or a Northern fan is carried alone with a shawl that is worn on the side that matches each outfit. The Southern fan is made up of turkey feathers, rabbit fur, and deer skin while the Northern fan is made up of goose feathers and otter skin. After describing her attire, the speaker read poem entitled “Thanksgiving: A Native American View” by Jacqueline Keeler.
This night was filled with performances by the Red Oak Singers, a drum group established in 2003. The leader of the group explained that the drum was given by ancestors as a mistake. He repeatedly stated, “do not be wary of your waist” which has a historical meaning in Native American culture. The drum that was present at this event was composed of cow skin and pine and cedar wood. The three person ensemble performed a few songs before they were joined by a fourth person. The drummers lead those in attendance in a friendship song. During this song, many people joined hands and formed two circles. The leader of the group stated during this song that anyone is welcomed to participate in the dance no matter if you are “white, black, pink, polka dot, purple, or Barney himself” because we are all connected somehow.
Clarissa Beaty, a freshman in accounting said that the “most exciting part was listening to them [drummers] sing those songs from the heart and hearing the story behind the drum.”
NASA also served a pre-Thanksgiving meal that featured many traditional as well as conventional items. The food ranged from turkey, stuffing, and gravy to sweet potato pie. After eating and dancing, the members of the NASA organization handed out gifts for those who purchased raffle tickets and door prizes. Even though this event was scheduled to end at 9p.m. the festivities lasted well past the scheduled time limit, showing how everyone involved enjoyed the event so much that they lost track of time.
Kadeem Myrick, junior in business administration, said that “culture night is an event more students should try to attend. I learned so much about the Native American Culture. It was a great experience!”
According to the informational bulletin the organization displayed at the event, NASA was established on March 1, 1999 to “enhance the N.C. State population by informing unaware student, faculty and staff about Native American Heritage.” The mission of this group is to “educate, serve and sponsor programming to assist” in an effort to enhance the knowledge of Native American history on this campus. Even though NASA is focused on Native Americans it is a “non-discriminatory organization that welcomes persons of all nationalities, and ethnicities, from all backgrounds.” Their goal is to “involve strong, diverse, leader from throughout the N.C. State community.”
08 Dec
In order to educate and inform the campus about the sickle cell trait and the symptoms and forms of treatment that come along with the disease, the Kappa Lambda chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. presented their program “C2 The Crippled Cell” on November 18.
The program began with an ice breaker where students partnered with someone of the opposite sex in order to “make a baby.” The point of this ice breaker was to inform students on how the sickle cell trait is genetically passed on from one generation to the next.
Following the ice breaker, the hosts showed a YouTube video of a young boy who was cured of sickle cell anemia with a bone marrow transplant. The video was entitled the “Amazing Story of Joseph Davis Jr.” In the video the family of Joseph shared their experience of dealing with the disease and explained the process they went through before Joseph received the bone marrow transplant. Joseph was hospitalized through much of his life until he received the bone marrow that was given to him by his younger brother. The family’s mood changed when sharing their experience after the bone marrow transplant. They were delighted that Joseph could now live a normal and happy life like any other child his age. After the video the president of the fraternity, Chris Akpobiyeri, presented a PowerPoint discussing the disease.
Sickle cell anemia is characterized by red blood cells that carry a sickle shape in the form of the letter C. Because of the irregular shape of the cells, they tend to block the blood vessels which can then lead to bouts of pain called a pain crisis. This is different from normal shaped red blood cells that are doughnut shaped and easily flow through blood vessels without causing any harm to the body. Due to their irregular shape, sickle cells do not last long in the body and live for only 10-20 days, but because they are continuously dying the body does not carry the normal amount of red blood cells a healthy body should carry leaving the body with a lower amount of blood cells then actually needed.
There is no real cure to the disease, however, a small amount of people have been cured due to a bone marrow transplant like Joseph. The best type of treatment is a bone marrow transplant; however, people who suffer from the disease should try to stay healthy. Patients can do this by taking vitamins, Penicillin, and a regular routine of folic acid. They should also avoid extreme cold and hot temperatures, get as much rest as possible, and stay out of places that are low in oxygen. Some symptoms that come along with the disease are jaundice, fatigue, pain crisis, slow rate of growth and late puberty. This disease affects many nationalities, but is more common among African-Americans. In order to find out if you have sickle cell anemia or carry the trait you can go to your family doctor and take a blood test. Everyone should get tested when planning on having a baby, especially because 1 out of 12 African-Americans born in the U.S. are carriers of the sickle cell trait.
Stacy Graham, a senior majoring in communication, said, “Many myths that I had about the condition were dissolved. The program provided information that I had never considered; mainly that I could possibly have the recessive trait and that I could pass it on to my kids.”
Scott McGregor, a senior majoring in computer science, said, “From my stand point, I see it as a situation that either a lot of people are in or know somebody that’s in. It’s always good to be knowledgeable of.” This program successfully informed the campus of sickle cell anemia and urged many people to begin thinking about it in a new light.
08 Dec
When most people think of Thanksgiving they think of food. That’s the honest truth. Even I do. We think of turkey, ham, sweet potato pie, stuffing and so on. Some of us even look forward to the football games and parades on television. All of these exterior favorites have slowly taken away from the internal importance of Thanksgiving.
In elementary school we learn about the origin of Thanksgiving and the story of the pilgrims and Native Americans. We make cardboard turkeys from tracing our hands and fill cornucopias full of paper fruit. It is cute, but it doesn’t really teach us anything. I am under the impression that elementary school is fashioned to be very idealistic for the sake of the children, but it wouldn’t hurt to give them some real world knowledge.
Every year the question “What are you thankful for?” comes around. Some people give the traditional answers like friends or family. Some give people mention things they have received like a raise, a new car or a good home-cooked meal. Others have more of an egotistical approach when they mention their happiness and philanthropic qualities. I believe that individuals rarely think about why they are thankful for these things. Sometimes it seems like they are mentioning them without any thought as to what they would do without them.
I always wonder what it would be like to have no family. It is true that there are a portion of people out there with no relatives. It is a sad and unbelievable thought, but it is true. I couldn’t imagine not having someone to go home to on the holidays. To me, family and friends are the most important things to be thankful for on Thanksgiving. We should appreciate them year round, but since Thanksgiving is the traditional time when we voice our thanks we should mention them. I know almost everyone says they are thankful for “friends and family,” but are they really? Are you thankful if you criticize your friends all the time? Are you thankful if you don’t try to keep in touch with your family? Are you thankful if you can’t remember the last time you told your mother you loved her?
What I am trying to say is that being thankful goes beyond just saying you are thankful. Show how thankful you are. If you have a classmate that has nowhere to go on the holidays, invite them home with you. If you know someone who can’t afford a nice dinner pull some strings and help that person have a hearty meal. If your mom cooks all the time offer to help her out with a dish or two. Showing your thankfulness goes a long way, longer than sitting down at the table and stuffing your face full of everything imaginable.
I can say that the holiday of Thanksgiving hasn’t lost all of its credibility because it hasn’t gone completely commercial like Christmas. It seems as if the American people have still held true to some of the traditional elements of Thanksgiving. Although, since it has not been jazzed up I feel that sometimes it is looked at as less important. Everyone I know has said that it seems as if Christmas starts earlier and earlier every year. I agree! I went to Wal-Mart a couple of days before Halloween and the Christmas section was already building. I find this rather ridiculous. Now, and I am not going to be hypocrite and say I don’t love Christmas (because I do), but Thanksgiving needs some love too! This past Thanksgiving has really made me think of the holiday and what it is really all about. I come from a background that didn’t normally celebrate any holiday at all, and when I moved in with my father and my step family I feel that I was shown another world. My step-family (which is basically my real family) is large and has more people than I can count. They love each other so much and are always willing to let others into their hearts. At first I was apprehensive about joining a new family, but after a while I felt like one of the gang. That is what I am thankful for. I am thankful for being accepted into such a lovely group of individuals and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I can’t imagine my life without them.
So, when next year rolls around and it is Thanksgiving again take a step back and evaluate your life. Are you truly thankful for what you say you’re thankful for? Have you done a good job of showing your thankfulness? Thanksgiving is a holiday centered on appreciation and love so appreciate and love the holiday of Thanksgiving.
08 Dec
Monday ushered in the beginning of World AIDS Day, which promotes the awareness of AIDS, a disease which afflicts many people globally. According to the World AIDS Day Campaign website, worldaidscampaign.org, the mission of the organization is to bring together individuals and organizations to bring attention to the epidemic that is drastically impacting our world and society. Their theme this year, “Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise,” rings true of their vocation to end the mass spreading of HIV/AIDS and to advocate the practice of safe sex. An elegant red ribbon stands as the symbol for AIDS awareness and is often worn to show solidarity for patients coping with the virus. Red ribbons hang everywhere from the White House to jacket lapels to skyscrapers in every size. According to nationsencyclopedia.com, the campaign began in 1988 at the World Summit of Ministers of Health on Programmes for AIDS Prevention and has continued ever since.
AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, a disease that is brought on by the HIVvirus. HIV progressively destroys the immune system and weakens the body by effectively destroying white blood cells that fight off infections in the body. HIV/AIDS is transmitted through a number of unsafe practices including unprotected sex and the sharing of infected hypodermic needles. Fohn.net states that the disease was first discovered by scientists in 1981 and was identified so by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. According to avert.org, AIDS has taken the lives of an estimated 1.8 million to 2.3 million people around the world in 2007, about a quarter of those lives were children. 33 million were expected to be living with the HIV/AIDS virus last year, including 2.7 newly affected people. Over half of the people affected with the virus reside in sub-Saharan Africa, according to avert.org. There is no cure for AIDS, and although there has been significant advances in medicine to research treatments, these remedies are very costly. What remains, from avert.org, as the best prevention method is education on safe sex practices and clean needle exchange programs for drug users to trade in used hypodermic needles for new ones.
Students can get involved in the World AIDS Day Program by signing up on their website, making pledges, campaigning on behalf of local organizations, spreading the word about HIV/AIDS to peers, and handing out pamphlets to others. According to their website, the goal of the campaign is to promote AIDS awareness among global organizations, but they stress that individuals and grassroots movements can make an impact as well. Younger people are especially encouraged to take part in the campaign since people under 25 years of age account for half of the new HIV infections each year, as stated by avert.org AIDS is a pandemic. All across the world people are standing up on this special day to promote the awareness of the infliction and remember those who have died from AIDS in the past. Together we can stand up and fight this epidemic through education and devotion. Stop AIDS. Keep the promise.
08 Dec
Beyonce delivers her diva status credit once again with “I AM…Sasha Fierce.” Yes, it is definitely a different sound for Queen B, but what is a real diva without the risks? She formally introduces the world to her somewhat known alter ego – Sasha Fierce. Sasha Fierce is who Beyonce personifies when she burns up the stage, the half of her that is fearless. Sasha Fierce is the sassy comparison to the well-known calm, cool, and collected Beyonce we often see in interviews.
There are all kinds of sounds we associate with her voice in this album and there are some we do not. We get a taste of R&B, hip-hop, pop, and then folk, and rock. If you are a die-hard Beyonce fan, then you will definitely fall in love with this edition to her legend, but if you are not open-minded to a celebrity switching things up a bit, then maybe you will find it hard to embrace each track. Although it would do me much pleasure to highlight every song on the album, the standout track from both I AM… and Sasha Fierce(SF) is “If I Were a Boy”; we have all heard this hit single and fallen for it. Even though some would say this song is too much like Ciara’s “Like a Boy,” it sends the same message but exudes a different vibe. The truth is… there will always be women wondering how differently things would be if a man could see a situation through her eyes, or even wonder what it would be like to show a man how it feels to love a girl by even being him just for a day. So who cares how many times artists may say the same thing, a good song is a good song, and this is a beautiful track.
Beyonce’s range is one of a kind, and undeniably powerful for songs such as these. “Halo” is that song you hear that replays in your head all day. Her falsetto is gorgeous, and sounds nothing but heavenly. “Standing in the light of your halo, you’re my saving grace, you’re everything I need and more” – yes, beautiful lyrics delivered by a beautiful voice. “Disappear” is a song that Beyonce connects with listeners, using a sweet soft voice to fill us in on the confusion of not knowing how a man feels about you. She wonders like so many-”If it’s good, it’s got to last, it feels so right.”
“Broken-Hearted Girl”, “I know that I love you and let me just say, I don’t want to love you in no kind of way.” Enough said – you learn quickly that this song is the epitome of what you don’t want to be … many girls can relate to the feeling of broken heartedness; they will definitely appreciate this track. With “Ave Maria,” B took it back with this classic song, and really one word describes this song; soothing. As soon as the music starts, it is like you are in a dream or listening to a lullaby.
From SF: “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It),” the new single ladies anthem that has taken the place of “Get me bodied,” which every lady still loves, it is only a compliment that the video, which is 3:13 seconds of straight dance moves. “Radio,” B sings, “I think I’m in love with my radio, he never lets me down.” It’s a cute song with a dope beat that explains how her radio is the equivalent of a boyfriend. I can relate to these lyrics because just like B, the music that a radio belts out will always be my first and last love. “Diva,” “A diva is the female version of a hustla.” This song is the “upgrade you” of the new B album. The beat is sick, and the lyrics portray a Female Hustla’s or Diva’s attitude. “It’s all about me, my status, and my money.” And “Ego”; if you are proud of your man’s swag, and his BOSS status, then this song is for you.
I have to rate this album an A+, because there is something for everybody whether you are up, down, or feeling like listening to a different genre of music at the moment. Beyonce is still the best at what she does, and who can blame her for testing the waters and trying something different. Just like “B-day” is still in rotation, “I AM…Sasha Fierce” will be in the line-up for some time to come.
08 Dec
As the month of December continues, many are paying close attention to the playoff picture in the NFL. With the regular reason over in a little over than a month, teams are making a last minute effort to make sure their team gets into the post season. But for those who don’t know exactly how to decipher the often difficult playoff picture, just take a few minutes and this article will explain it to you.
In the AFC (as of now), the Tennessee Titans are the number 1 seed, followed by the Pittsburgh Steelers (2), New York Jets (3), Denver Broncos (4), Indianapolis Colts (5), and the Baltimore Ravens (6). With a 11-1 and four games left to play (two against playoff contenders), there is a very good chance that the Titans will finish the season as the number 1 seed, guaranteeing them a first round bid in the playoffs. The spot for the number 2 and 3 seed may go either way between the Steelers and Jets, depending on how well both teams perform in the last five games of the season. The Broncos should stay in the number 4 position considering that the division they represent, the AFC West, is fairly weak this season. The same is the case for the Colts and Ravens; if both teams can be consistent in the last month of the season, they should be able to hold on to the number 5 and number 6 seed, respectively. Now I know there are New England Patriot fans out there wondering about where their team ranks. Well the Patriots are the number 7 seed and all season long have dealt with devastating injuries. The only way for the Patriots to have a spot in the playoffs, they would have to win the next five games outright and have the teams in front of them to lose two or three of the last five games.
In the NFC (also as of now), the New York Giants are number 1, followed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2), Arizona Cardinals (3), Chicago Bears (4), Carolina Panthers (5), and the Dallas Cowboys (6). As with the Titans, the Giants are at the top of the NFC and will more than likely have the number 1 spot at the end of season, also giving them a first round bid in the playoffs. The Buccaneers should be able to keep their number 2 spot, if they can finish the season strong. The positions for the number 3 and 4 seed are still up for grabs considering that the Cardinals haven’t been playing as now as they did earlier in the season and the Bears have appeared to hit their strive and have their eyes set on making a deep playoff run. There are questions about whether or not the Panthers can start and finish games if one considers the fact that the Panthers have struggled against teams like the Detroit Lions and the Oakland Raiders and were man-handled by the Atlanta Falcons. The question of if the Panthers go into the playoffs will have to be looked at on a game-to-game basis. And if the Cowboys can win the next two or three of their last four games, they have a chance of either placing fifth or sixth in the conference at the end of the season.
The NFL playoff picture is never an easy thing to figure and will never be that way. With the outcome of games that change as much as North Carolina weather, one can only guess what the future holds in store. So with that being said, it would be a word of wise to the reader to sit back, relax, and enjoy the last lap of the NFL season because somewhere in all the chaos is the next Super Bowl champion.
08 Dec
As the weather gets colder, it is time to move some things to the inside warmth of a building. For the Wolfpack and the Lady Wolfpack the heat is only going to be hotter. When it comes to basketball, the ACC is considered one of the best conferences on both sides. With powerhouses, legendary coaches, and some of the best players to step on a court, NC State needs to show that they belong in the ACC. After last season in which both teams lost in the opening round of the ACC Championship, I want to see if these Wolves have a bite to accompany their howl.
Coaches and legends, Kay Yow and Sidney Lowe, need to be just more than inspiration to these players. Kay Yow has over 700 wins and is the fifth highest winning coach in Women’s basketball history; she is also probably one of the most well-known coaches among Tennessee’s Pat Summit and Connecticut’s Geno Auriemma. Yow is arguably one of the best coaches to never win a national championship, but she has beaten breast cancer multiple times and has brought the disease to the forefront of our nation; this in itself is a great victory. However, I would at least want her to really and truly contend for an ACC or National Championship. These women are going to have to show that they are not the stepchildren of UNC or Duke and that Maryland is no better than them. They went winless versus those three teams last year and took a good amount of losses that they shouldn’t have lost. A great showing in the NIT last year won’t make up for an early exit in the ACC. Khadijah Whittington was arguably one the best basketball players that the Lady Pack ever had, but she has gone onto the pros, which means that some new and old players will have to step up bigger and better. Shayla Fields, Sharnise Beal, and Tia Bell are three individuals who are all upperclassmen that I am looking to lead the Pack to the next level. They do have height, power, speed, and skill which make me believe in this group. I want all of the ladies to play tough and stay hungry, though Coach Yow does deserve that much and so do we Wolfpackers.
Coach Sidney Lowe represents a part of history that the school wants to be repeated in a National Championship. He has turned a single piece of clothing into a trademark and a personality in its own. His first season seems so long ago, when he took out the blazer and showed schools that the Pack had bite. Last season was a major reality check and the aura around Lowe seemed to fade. However, now it is time to either play hard or just fade away further.
Gentlemen, gentlemen, gentlemen, where do I start, I could count your number of ACC wins on one hand. There were only four, then a couple of close games, then some flat-out disappointments. If they win some games that they are supposed to win, then there will be hope or else it will be the same old sad song. I look at the roster and for a basketball team, it’s small. A group of 6′8″ and 6′9″ guys doesn’t appear to cut it against true centers which State is lacking. With J.J. Hickson in the pros with Cleveland, a majority of the scoring and rebounding went with it (to sit on the bench). Now I wonder what will happen with Brandon Costner and Ben McCauley, both of these two stepped backwards and will have to go back to their old ways and show some force down low. Courtney Fells, are you going to show us some great guard play and great shooting? I want to know that I can look forward to more than just four ACC wins. I would like to see if we can show Duke and UNC that there is no shade of blue better than red.
So Wolfpack, your mission is clear. If you choose to accept it, then the Wolfpack should contend on both sides of the gender. We want you all to succeed, and we all want to have pride in our teams, and it is much more deserved when you win. So let’s see if you will show yourselves and show up.
08 Dec
During the run up to Barack Obama’s historic presidential victory, one key factor was in almost every observer’s mind: the effect of the Black vote. A lot of prognostications depended on two vastly different scenarios. One depended on the idea that the black vote would turn out in record numbers and propel Obama to victory and make him competitive in southern states where democrats usually had no hopes of winning. The other held to the idea that the black vote would turnout either in normal numbers or that he would not get enough of an increase in black turnout to win.
Neither of the scenarios ended up being true, and in the end the black turnout was slightly higher than usual, but it was not the sole reason of President Elect Obama’s victory. There was actually a drop in the black turnout here in North Carolina, but Obama was still able to win a narrow victory here. What seemingly turned out to be much more important was that Obama won all other nonwhite racial demographics nationwide by a two to one ratio.
If Obama’s win was a pleasant surprise for many people, it must have been almost as much of a surprise that Obama won without a significant increase in black turnout. Conversely, the continually mediocre turnout has to be considered problematic. If blacks do not consistently participate in the democratic process, the community’s political power will be compromised. The entire situation really does beg the question: why was black turnout not higher, and what can be done to remedy the problem in the future? Historically, low black turnout has usually stemmed from social barriers that kept blacks from voting such as poll taxes and literacy tests. Even more recently black turnout has been harmed by rumors of voter suppression, like the rumors of automated phone calls to black neighborhoods telling people that democratic voters are to vote on Wednesday and not Tuesday.
Voting irregularities that were not even clearly aimed at black voters, like when forty percent of votes in predominantly black communities around Jacksonville were thrown out, also contribute to a lack of black voter confidence in the electoral system. Largely because of problems like these, black turnout has traditionally been lower than the white communities by as much as a ten percent difference, according to studies done by George Mason University professor Michael McDonald.
Worries such as these surfaced again this time around, with rumors that early votes would not be counted, or other worries that somehow someway Obama would simply not be allowed to win no matter what. Thankfully, election day went smoothly without any major problems and all of the votes were counted successfully. Hopefully, this will be the beginning of the end of people not voting because they have a legitimate worry of not having their votes counted; this still does not answer the question of why black voter turnout is still fairly mediocre.
What has to first be understood is that not only the black community has struggles with getting people to the polls. The problem is an American problem. In the end it is going to rest on the shoulders of individuals to get themselves to go out and vote. But hopefully the success of Obama and the relatively smooth nature of this past election will encourage more black voting. It would also help for groups to show how local officials affect people, encouraging people to get to the polls to make a difference in their own neighborhoods. In the national arena an increase in black voter turnout could transform the electoral map (especially in the south) and allow the black community to hold more power as a voting bloc. The hypothetical increase in voter turnout could do a lot for the black community, but until those who do not vote take it upon themselves to vote, the potential for the increased political influence of the black community will remain unfulfilled.
08 Dec
For some, having a cup or two of regular coffee or a few energy drinks seems more of a necessity than a habit. This statement is especially true if the drink isn’t decaffeinated. Staying on the go, especially during the college years, isn’t uncommon. As people, the need to stay active in our activities and schoolwork should be treated as a top priority. With this in mind, there isn’t any doubt that caffeine is so vital for many because of the stimulating effects it provides. Don’t believe me? The statistics may in fact surprise you.
According to medicinenet.com, caffeine is the most widely used psychoactive drug in the world, with approximately 80% of the world’s population consuming it daily. It is also the most convenient psychoactive drug as it is found in quite a few drinks we consume today, especially coffee, energy drinks, and even tea. Specifically with Americans, the average daily caffeine consumption is at least 280 milligrams per day; 20%-30% of Americans drink more than the aforementioned average intake.
Caffeine can show some positive effects, such as decreasing drowsiness and increasing motor skills, according to the Health Services of the University of Michigan. However, caffeine can also have its negative side effects, especially if not used in moderation. If someone is sensitive to caffeine or has consumed at least more than 250 milligrams of caffeine, minor side effects such as insomnia, restlessness, headaches, and extra heartbeats can be present. This amount of caffeine intake is about the equivalent to more than two 6-oz. cups of coffee or five 12-oz. colas (i.e., Pepsi or Coke). Larger amounts of about more than 1000 milligrams a day may have more serious and long-term detrimental side effects; this can include infertility, bouts of heartburn, and changes in bowel and sleeping habits.
But if you are outside of the norm and currently not consuming caffeine, it can be tough. There are of course side effects to giving up on caffeine. Quitting caffeine, especially in large amounts, can show symptoms of what is known as caffeine withdrawals. According to an article on wisegeek.com3 about the subject, caffeine withdrawals can include symptoms of moderate to severe headaches, mood swings, and fatigue; although it isn’t widely reported on many occasions, other symptoms can include bouts of muscle tension and nausea as well. These symptoms can be present for at least 12 to 24 hours after the very last intake of caffeine.
For those who are willing to reduce the amount of caffeine used daily, here are some tips to help make the transition of limiting your intake easier:
1) Don’t give up on it completely. Take gradual steps as you give up on coffee. If you do, your chances of experiencing severe caffeine withdrawal symptoms will increase. You definitely don’t want this to happen!
2) Decaffeinated products as an alternative. If giving up on coffee isn’t much of your thing right now, but you would still like to make some changes to your diet, try de-caffeinated products. Although some traces of caffeine are there, they are in lesser amounts as compared to regular caffeinated drinks.
3) Try other various alternatives. You can experience different kinds of alternatives to coffee and even other alternative drinks. Try yerba matte, Chai tea, green tea, black tea, or even hot chocolate. Even if you’re not in the mood for a drink, food and other alternatives like music or participating in another activity can be just as stimulating.
4) Always keep water at hand. Increased consumption in coffee can lead to decreased hydration in the body, thus creating changes in bowel habits. Water can also help gradually cleanse out caffeine from both your blood and the liver.
5) Extra sleep is necessary. If adjusting to life without caffeine, at least a couple of more hours of sleep will be necessary to help get your body back on schedule. Though many have busy schedules, finding ways to sleep a little bit more may be beneficial for adjusting.
6) Exercise. From personal experience, I know going to the gym can be easier said than done sometimes. However, if you don’t have time to head to Carmichael or any of the mini-gyms on campus, there are other ways of staying active. Take a walk. Do some warm-ups exercises before class. Pick up on a game of basketball. For the gamers out there, even Dance Dance Revolution and Wii Fit can be a substitute.
7) Be aware of what you’re getting. Some products may have traces of caffeine in it without your awareness. For example, the average amount of caffeine found in even three tablespoons of cocoa mix can be as much as 5 milligrams.
While some believe that caffeine isn’t totally bad for you, consuming it in low to moderate amounts is much better as compared to higher doses. For those that are currently trying to limit their intake, keep the tips above in mind, and of course, best of luck on your transition.
08 Dec
Black Friday sales were better than expected but experts say, the success of retailers’ sales is short lived and bittersweet. The National Retail Federation estimated that consumers spent $372.57 on average, an increase from 7.2 percent from a year ago, according to CNN.com. However, these statistics aren’t comparable to the holiday season as a whole, but only the sales of Black Friday. Furthermore, the article states, “NRF is predicting just a 2.2 percent increase in holiday shopping sales this year, which would be the smallest increase since 2002.” A suffering economy may push some mainstream retailers into unexpected bankruptcy, which would further diminish job opportunities, especially for working college students.
Considering that last Thanksgiving landed on Nov. 22, almost an entire week proceeding this holiday, Nov. 27, consumers had five weeks instead of four to shop for last year’s holiday bargains. With the influx of food prices, and decrease in gas prices, people hungry for great holiday deals were even more eager to shop on Black Friday because they are trying to capitalize on the value of a dollar, rather than expending them more quickly with more expensive purchases.
Meanwhile, the economy isn’t the only concern, for students that is. 65 out of 100 college students attributed additional stress to their jobs, according to the study, Stress and College Students with Jobs, administered by April Cochran of the Department of Psychology at Missouri Western State University. Trockel, Barnes, and Egget (2000) took a random sample of 200 students and found that there was a relationship with the number of hours worked per week and lower grade point averages. Students who have to work are being deprived of study time they would otherwise have. This holiday season could be a final straw for students struggling to balance academics, employment and purchase holiday gifts for friends and loved ones. Bnet.com also reported a poll given by MonsterTrak.com, a leading networking site for college students and working professionals seeking employment, stated, “A staggering 82 percent of MonsterTRAK users and 66 percent of Monster.com users are interested in obtaining a job this holiday season.” Chelsea Richardson, freshman in the transition program “All my gifts will be more thought out and planned, I won’t be able to purchase the ‘extras’ I normally buy.” “Because of the economy, I spend more money on the necessities, therefore I buy cheaper items for the holidays” Lynette Hill, freshman in Education.
