TEXTING AND DRVING REVISED BLOG POST

Every day I get into a vehicle, as a driver or passenger, I always seem to come across someone who is using their cell phone as they drive. Whether it is texting, dialing a number or talking, cell phone usage while driving has become a bigger issue. I can admit that from time to time I do use my cell phone as I drive. Since my previous blog post about texting and driving, it has now become illegal for anyone in the state of Wisconsin to text and drive, so I no longer keep my phone out. Before this law was in action, I used to both text and talk on my phone. For some reason I felt that I was more aware of my surroundings and not as much concerned with my cell phone as I drove, like most others are. Very, very seldom did I use my phone as I drove just to talk to someone. If I needed to use my phone for any reason it would be to get a hold of someone. I have seen a wide variety of people texting while driving. A few months back I witnessed a woman, I’d say mid-thirties, driving a minivan and texting at the same time.

Now I wouldn’t be too concerned usually because that’s her own issue for texting while driving, but for some reason this lady really got to me. She had an older woman in the passenger seat, which looked as if she was sleeping, along with children in the back seat of her minivan. Not only did she have children in the back, one of the children was still a newborn, and you could see her talking/yelling at the kids. If something would have jumped in front of her vehicle, a car cut her off or drifted in her lane, I doubt she would have noticed. More than likely an accident would have been the result of that situation. A study showed that in 2009, 29 percent of accidents in the United States were caused by the driver of one vehicle (ages 18-30) being distracted by the use of their cellular device. It was also stated that four out of five accidents are caused by distracted drivers. I believe that the law against texting while driving is suitable for citizens because it took a step forward in keeping everyone on the roads safe.  However, if an accident is still caused by the distraction from the use of a cell phone, major action should be taken place. The driver at fault should be given a heavy fine for what they had done. I believe texting on a phone is much more dangerous than talking on the phone. When a driver is texting they more than likely are not even looking out the window, but down at the screen of their cell phones. Having a verbal conversation on the phone is not as dangerous because the driver would be able to see the road while continuing the conversation. I do not think that talking on the phone should be illegal. A recent study by students at Virginia Tech concluded that someone who is texting and driving is twenty-three times more likely to be involved in an accident compared to someone who is focused on driving.  Another study found of that, in their opinion, texting and driving is more dangerous than drunk driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released the 2008 statistics regarding accidents resulting from the use of cellular devices. According to them, in 2008 alone, 5870 people had died in crashes and over 515,000 people were injured in the United States. Around 28 percent of the crashes were people between the ages of 18 and 29. It does not really matter the circumstances, there more times than not, is a chance to pull off the road, or into a rest stop or restaurant to make an important phone call or shoot a quick text. People should not use their cell phones while driving. It has been proven time and time again that it is a highly dangerous situation in which many people have resulted in injury or even death. So, save yourself and others and don’t use your phone and drive.

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/texting-while-driving-statistics.html

REALITY TELEVISION

Reality television seems to be not such an actual reality at all. In today’s world of television there are so many “reality” shows that who knows what’s real and what has been staged. The shows all seem to run together along with the drama and actions which the characters or reality TV stars create. To me, the fights, drama, crazy situations that happen on the reality television shows are all staged just for ratings. What’s the point of calling a show a reality television show, if the only reality is that the people were randomly selected to be on the show? Although some reality TV shows are set up for love or money, all those who apply to be on them, want, is fame. Fame from reality show is now days considered a shoe in to success and money. Once you make it to one reality show, you are offered to different shows, especially if you’re full of drama.

Show’s like the Bad Girls Club, just makes the women feel obligated to act their worst and instigate fights for the shows content. Watching reality shows can actually be really unhealthy for people because then they start believing that this is what happens in real life Hollywood or on television at all times, NO! Those who are casted on to reality television shows are told specifically how to act, when to start fights and sometimes even what to say to create more problems in the show, for more ratings. Viewers feed off of drama, arguments and tension between castmates on each show.

 Vh1’s reality show “I Love Money” just encourages people to befriend, betray, backstab, and be manipulative and horrible to people just to get further in the game. In the end only one person gets the money anyways, so why go through the game being an awful person? In their defense, if they really believe that they have the shot at the money prize, maybe acting terrible is worth it? It really all depends on that person’s character and morals, I guess. Shows like the Bachelor or Bachelorette seem to be a hoax, because how can you possibly know someone so well during the filming of the show (around two months) to propose to them, and potentially expect to spend the rest of their life with that person?

I suppose it is possible to find that “special someone” with that thing they call love at first sight, but when you have a house full of 20 plus women or men all fighting for your attention, how is one supposed to depict true character from someone trying to be more than they are or on the show for the wrong reasons. All reality television shows have something sketchy about them; however they do make interesting and addictive television. I admit that I am a reality show junkie, and cannot resist watching the variety of shows that stations provide. Although I know most of it is not real, I enjoy watching it and getting a laugh here and there.

ENERGY DRINKS

Energy drinks are becoming one of today’s latest crazes; with names like five hour energy, cocaine, red bull, monster, amp, four loko and rockstar, some of which have been banned from production. Energy drinks are supposed to have a high level of caffeine that, like its title, gives you energy. Now not just caffeine will boost your energy level; it takes several ingredients including some chemical based things that make up these high caffeinated drinks.

Four Loko, for example, is one of the energy drinks that are now banned. Its mixture of energy drink supplements and alcohol caused outrageous, negative affects on people in which caused harm, including one death and several injuries. Energy drinks have two sides to them. They are good in the way that it gives the person drinking it a temporary energy boost, but on the downfall they “crash” severely which can potentially harm their body systems, especially Four Loko since it is mixed with alcohol. The cocaine energy drink, for example, has over twice the amount of caffeine in which one cup of coffee contains. Studies have shown that too much caffeine, in anyone’s body, mixed with a lot of sugar, which is also included in energy drinks, can cause irregular heartbeats and higher blood pressure. In a 2007 survey, approximately 31 percent of American teenagers (7.6 million) have drunk an energy beverage in that year. A jump of 3 million people since previously surveyed in 2004. Since then recent studies have shown that energy drinks are becoming more and more popular in which the number of people, mostly teenagers will start and continue to use and drink them.

I have tried energy drinks before, and for me they work for a little while, but after almost an hour I get exhausted and sick to my stomach from drinking that beverage. It doesn’t feel good in your body and doctors and studies have shown that it isn’t good for your body either. In my personal opinion, the harsher energy drinks should either be banned or have their ingredients changed so it is not as harmful as it currently is. With energy beverages and supplements, it is doing more bad than good. I do NOT recommend energy drinks; instead I would find an alternative to get your energy level up instead of using an outlet like energy drinks.

http://newsandtribune.com/homepage/x519361428/Energy-drinks-sales-explode-despite-concerns?keyword=leadpicturestory

DOES HOLMEN HAVE A "CURSE"?

The Holmen “curse” is something I know all too well. Since 2005, Holmen, Wisconsin has lost ten students or recent graduates due to some type of tragedy. Whether it is falling off of Grand Dad’s bluff, a car accident or a death related to drugs or alcohol. It seems like an all too common occurrence, and almost something expected now

 that Holmen has lost so many

students. It is depressing to be

expecting a death, but it happens so often that it’s all students and residents of Holmen can think about. In my graduating class alone we have lost two females in the past year and a half; one to an accident of the ground coming out from her at Grand Dad’s Bluff in September of 2009 and the other a car accident due to road conditions this past Monday (December 13th). Students, staff and community members of Holmen have suffered so much over the last few years that I don’t know how much more they can all take. Students in the Holmen School District have now called it the “Holmen Curse” saying that at least one student will pass away from each graduating class. Unfortunately so far the curse has “struck” for every graduated/graduating class so far, since 2005. Students have talked about moving schools and being scared for what’s to come.

Everyone believes something will happen to them or someone they are close to. Its frightening for everyone because they are always expecting something terrible to happen. I’m not sure what can be done about this, basically nothing, in my opinion. All people can really do is be extra cautious at all times and not think about the “curse.” Losing someone you are close to or acquaintances with is a tough thing to go through, especially when it happens multiple times. The mental and emotional stress is exhausting for young people. I believe counselors and the school district are doing an okay job trying to get counseling and help for those who are having troubles coping with the death of a friend or loved one.

Death is a hard thing to get over, and when it happens more than once it tends to become a common feeling of sadness and hurt. I really hope that this is the last of this “Holmen curse” because it hurts me to see everyone around in constant pain or depression. I believe that ten is way too many to have lost in a short time and that the “curse” stops here.

THANKSGIVING / BLACK FRIDAY

Thanksgiving is something I look forward to every year. We only get together on my mom’s side for holidays, which happen to be a large number of people. My mother has 7 brothers and sisters who all have a significant other and at least two children; then my grandparents and my grandma’s brothers usually attend as well. Because of the large number of people we unfortunately cannot all sit at one table, or in one room for that matter. We end up separating into three tables, wherever you happen to sit down. It’s quite funny at times because when my family starts to tell stories or make conversation, the other tables either try to listen in or they interrupt and start a harmless, fun argument about it. We all get along great and it’s a nice feeling to get away from all the stressors in life and just relax and have fun with one’s relatives. For our Thanksgiving meal we had: turkey baked chicken, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, grilled pineapple, two kinds of cranberries, and many, many different desserts. After the meal, games, and just hanging out with family, I drove two hours home so I could work that evening and then participate in Black Friday. Black Friday is something many people look forward to each year, while others dread that very day. On Black Friday almost every item you could think of goes on sale for those early Christmas shoppers. This year I did go out on Black Friday not even looking for anything in particular. I first went to Wal-Mart right around midnight and let me tell you, the parking lot alone was insane: people racing for spots, people piling out of cars because they were packed in and some couldn’t even find a spot at all. When I got inside there was more people than I have ever seen in a Wal-Mart at one time. Now I’ve been Black Friday shopping before but it was never as crazy as it was this year. Although there were so many shoppers and people scrambling for things, I went shopping without an agenda or any expectations of buying anything. The things I would have expected to have gone right away happened to still be there at an outrageously low price, so I ended up buying a few things. Some shoppers were running with carts, stopping to make a game plan, just throwing random things in their carts; it was crazy! I’ve never seen anything like it. I think if you are going to go Black Friday shopping don’t have any expectations or anything in particular you NEED to get, because if it’s not there you’ll only get disappointed and frustrated which will make your experience in long checkout lines even more horrible. If you think about how low the prices go for certain things you would be thinking to yourself “wouldn’t the business be losing money for dropping the price so low?” But the truth is that, that is just how much markup was originally on that product, that if they lower it to that price they can still be making money off of it. Which ultimately seem ridiculous to buy anything at regular price now days when you know they’re making a ton of profit off of your purchase. I came to the conclusion that from now on, I am going to save some money on the side just for Black Friday and when the time comes, just buy every sale or discounted item that seems like a good deal to me for Christmas presents or everyday items I may need, because what’s the point of buying anything if it’s not on sale or clearance?

TANNING BEDS

It seems like everywhere you look you see someone who obviously uses a tanning bed and I do admit that I use them, myself. Although I do use them, and sound like a hypocrite, they are beginning to become more and more of a problem now days. Each time someone enters the tanning bed their risk for cancer increases greatly. Even though these facilities cause harm to people, it is their own decision and right to enter them. I believe it is right for laws to be enforced regarding children tanning or teens to a certain age. If a child, under the age of 18, wants to use a tanning bed, at a salon, then a parental agreement form should be signed. Because the child is not a legal adult, the parent should have the right to make the decision on whether they want their child to use the tanning bed or not. It is said that over one million Americans tan each and every day and according to the FDA Consumer Health newsletter, about one million Americans get diagnosed with some form of skin cancer each year. I was watching E! Hollywood Insider about a story concerning former Miss Maryland and her battle with cancer at age twenty. Brittany Cicala began using tanning beds at age 17 to prepare for beauty pageants and a short three years later was receiving treatment and having surgeries to try to get rid of her cancerous skin cells. After having over 20 surgeries she was literally scarred for life, and is now reaching out to children to prevent their use of tanning beds. Ultraviolet radiation given off by tanning beds can cause the obvious, skin cancer, as well as permanent eye damage, and can lower one’s immune system. It’s hard to believe that between 10 and 20 minutes in a tanning bed is equivalent to a FULL day under the sun’s harsh rays. Resources have shown that even tanning one time every month increases someone’s chance of getting melanoma, the worst form of skin cancer, by 55%! To me that’s so crazy! I guess if they have statistics and medical evidence proving their facts, then it must be true. I have thought going tanning or not over many, many times. I’m sure one day I will stop but as of now I still tan on occasion and probably will continue to do so.

PET ALZHEIMERS?

For thirteen years now I have had the same cat, Trinity, whom I had adopted her from the Humane Society. They had found her at the Trinity Lutheren Church, hence the name. Trinity is the nicest, calmest, sweetest cat you would ever meet and it’s crazy since she’s always been this way, even as a kitten. As one starts to age, just like humans, pets start having some problems. It seems like Trinity is losing a little bit of her sight, hearing and I believe some memory loss. When you call her name she now looks the opposite way or doesn’t recognize a voice at all. While it is quite funny at times her wandering around looking for you, it is also quite sad. I feel bad for her and I feel helpless because what am I supposed to really do about it? I am not going to put my cat down because she becomes confused here and there and is having trouble seeing and hearing at times. She obviously doesn’t speak English or any language for that matter, so when she meows how am I to know if she is in pain, is whining, etc? I don’t! I have no clue what I can do for her. However, despite all of her troubles from getting older, Trinity has started acting out and doing things kittens would do. For instance, she climbs up on the counter, searching for food, crumbs, anything she can find. She also has been caught in the sink licking dishes, including the butter dish. To me, it’s disgusting, because she gets plenty of food and she just chooses to eat and explore. Because she eats so often, and so much, you would think that this cat is 100 pounds, but no. Trinity is a whopping 5 and a half pounds of fur. She has been tested for thyroid disease; stomach disease and many more and they cannot find anything wrong with her except for the fact that she is too happy and hyper for an older cat. So, despite her tendency to walk in the other direction, not see properly, have trouble hearing and remembering where she is, Trinity is healthy and as happy as a clam . . . when the dog’s not bothering her that is.