Christmas Break

Hey guys, Im back! After taking a mini-break after finals, I am ready to blog! I apologize for not being able to post anything the past week or so, but I have been busy wrapping up the end of the semester and whatnot.

I would like to begin by congratulating those of you who have completed your fall semesters of this year. You should be very proud of yourselves, and hopefully all the hard work and late night studying paid off for most of you. In my case, being that I am a freshman, I am now 1/8 of the way done with college! That kind of sounds scary though haha. Hopefully, everyone did well on their exams and final papers, and can now relax for the next month or so to recharge those batteries that I am sure are drained.

But lets examine some things that we can do on break:
1. Reading- I know that you guys are probably going to think I am crazy for suggesting to read during your holiday break, but I don't mean any school reading, I mean leisure reading. If you like animals, pick up a book on environmental studies, or if your a history wiz read up on Mussolini's fall in Italy. Just by reading what you enjoy, you not only stimulte the mind, but develop a deeper vocabulary which is crucial. Trust me, reading can be fun!
2. Sleeping- Most of you guys are exhausted physically and mentally from a long semester, so I suggest sleeping as much as you can. Getting at least 8-10 hours of rest a night is definately healthy for anyone's body.
3. Family- Spend time with your family and friends that you haven't seen for a while. Rekindling lost friendships and relationships is a good way to keep the ones you love closest to you. Call an aunt or cousin and set up a lunch date. They will appreciate it.
4. Enjoy Yourself- You are on break!!!!!Have fun. Be safe.

Olive Oil = Healthy Living

Healthy Eating with Olive Oil!

Adding olive oil to your diet — and cutting down on other, less healthy fats — can be part of a healthier way of eating. In fact, doctors and nutritionists commonly recommend olive oil as a component of a smart, well-balanced diet.


he adage "you are what you eat" is especially accurate when it comes to what kinds of fat you eat. Too much of any fat (saturated fat from animals, polyunsaturated fat from nuts/seeds, or monounsaturated fat) is a problem, of course. But certain kinds of fat, particularly saturated and polyunsaturated, can contribute to health problems because they can raise cholesterol levels. Olive oil, a monounsaturated fat, does not increase cholesterol levels. In fact, a diet that includes olive oil in place of other oils has been clinically proven to improve cholesterol levels.

Jersey Shore's "Situation"

Yes, I know this is a delayed commentary on MTV's new reality show entitled Jersey Shore, which follows the lives of 6 coined "guidos and guidettes" at Seaside Heights, for the end of summer, but I wanted to watch a few episodes before I can give an honest opinion. There has been an uproar in the Italian American Community, as groups such as UNICO and NIAF have signed petitions to potentially have the show removed from the air. Although there is a very small chance of this happening, I can understand why these organizations are upset.

A guido is a term that symbolizes a blowout hair style, artificially tan skin, abnormally large muscles, and a lifestyle that involves, alcohol, women, and clubs. Although they can "pump fist" with the best of them, this choice of living really is not something to be proud of. If they think they are acting Italian in any way, shape, or form, they are mistaken. Most of the characters on the show said that being guido meant representing family and the Italian culture, but I have seen neither of that. Does using expletive language and getting into fights really represent family? The answer to that is self explanatory.

With that being said, I have come to realize that you need to take this show with a grain of salt. It is all staged, and you have to understand that its just a big joke. Instead of getting upset over it, just laugh about it. SOme of the things they do is quite comical! My favorite character is by far Vinny, as he parallels the closest thing to a true Italian, but he is still far from it.

In conclusion, I would not try to get the show cancelled, because the first amendment in our US Constitution is the freedom of speech, press, and religion. MTV has decided to air this show, they are supporting this lifestyle, so be it! I'll continue to watch for the good laughs and "The Situation"

MUSIC!

Hey gang:

This is a random, yet informing message! Go on your facebooks and friend request the new emerging rap group called "9.0.8" Ask to be the groups friend and they will accept so you can listen to their songs! Check them out! You will love them.

Enjoy,
Stef

I graduated college. NOW WHAT?!

After graduating college, most young adults go off to live on their own in small apartments or developments. They are unaware of the responsibilities of paying bills, balancing a budget, and maintaining overall finances. I stumbled across this great article on MSN Money which gives a brief overview of handling your money while you are in your 20s. Enjoy!

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/CollegeAndFamily/MoneyInYour20s/Your5MinuteGuideToMoneyInYour20s.aspx

copy and paste the above URL into your browser.

Talk the Talk, Walk the Walk

In my class today, my professor posed a question to all of us. Do you agree with Obama's decision to increase the amount of troops in Afghanistan? Once most of the class answered YES, my professor posed a follow-up question. Would you be willing to be drafted to fight in Afghanistan? Our mouths were silent. We had no answer.

The point my professor was trying to make is that many people take a certain stance on something, but never act upon it. People oppose racism, but what do they do to stop it? I am blogging today to call on those people who do feel passionately about an issue to make a difference. Act not only through their words, but their actions. I will admit I am adament about issues such as immigration and racism, but I really do not do much to create change.

Its about not only talking the talk, but walking the walk as well. I hope this challenge allows you to think outside the box, and really focus on what needs to be done to better society.

Don't Drink & Lecture

A new priest at his first mass was so nervous he could hardly speak. After mass, he asked the monsignor how he had done. The monsignor replied, "When I am worried about getting nervous on the pulpit, I put a glass of vodka next to the water glass. If I start to get nervous, I take a sip."

So, next Sunday, he took the monsignor's advice. At the beginning of the sermon, he got nervous and took a drink. He proceeded to talk up a storm. Upon his return to his office after the mass, he found the following note on the door:

1) Sip the vodka, don't gulp.

2) There are 10 commandments, not 12.

3) There are 12 disciples, not 10.

4) Jesus was consecrated, not constipated.

5) Jacob wagered his donkey, he did not "bet his ass."

6) We do not refer to Jesus Christ as "the late J.C."

7) The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are not referred to as "Daddy, Junior and the Spook."

8) David slew Goliath, he did not "kick the sh*t out of him."

9) When David was hit by a rock and was knocked off his donkey; don't say he was "stoned off his ass."

10) We do not refer to the cross as the 'Big T.'

11) When Jesus broke the bread at the last supper he said, "Take this and eat it for it is my body." He did not say "Eat me."

12) The Virgin Mary is not called "Mary with the Cherry."

13) The recommended grace before a meal is not "Rub-A-Dub-Dub; thanks for the grub - Yay, God."

14) Next Sunday, there will be a taffy-pulling contest at St. Peter's, not a peter-pulling contest at St. Taffy's