As I drove to work today I breathed a bit easier as I noticed that gas prices had once again dropped below the $4 mark ( not sure what the prices were like else where in the country but here in Central Indiana we peaked at $4.20 a gallon last week). Not sure how long the prices will be below $4 as Fourth of July is just a week away and chances are we will see yet another spike. I also recently heard that the price of steak will be rising as the floods in the central part of the country have devastated many crops (not to mention peoples homes) and so with the cost of gas plus the cost of corn that feeds the cows on the rise such affordable restaurants like Texas Road House, Outback, and LongHorn might all become a luxury of the very wealthy.

The “experts” have all been on the morning shows and the various news stations informing us how we can all save money and “go green”. They talk about how we should ride bikes, car pool, use public transportation, shop at our local farmers market, walk, go on a stay-cation rather than a vacation, recycle, grow your own vegetables, and the list continues. Now, while all these are great ideas and suggestions I am just wondering how realistic they are in today’s America. For instance, I would love to not drive and use public transportation however I live in Anderson IN and work in Muncie IN and guess what, there is no bus, train, trolley, or subway that goes from Anderson to Muncie. In fact, there is no public transportation system that connects any of the outlying cities to Indianapolis (example Indygo does not make stops in Fishers IN where a great number of people commute from everyday). Car pooling is another fantastic idea but how many of us live by our co-workers or even someone who is generally going our same direction not too mention, is on the same time schedule as us. On top of that last time I drove to Indianapolis I did not notice any car pool lanes. I know they have them in other cities but of course they are much larger and have better public transportation.

Growing a garden sounds wonderful as I have heard it is very therapeutic with stress relief and a great source of food. I live in a 650 sq ft apartment. I have no yard to grow a garden. Not sure what the rest of your living conditions are like but for me growing a garden is out of the question.

Walking and riding bikes. Where can I start, well again great idea but here in Central Indiana sidewalks and bike lanes are an anomaly. So you basically take your life in your own hands if you decide to walk or ride your bike anywhere.

However, I have started attending the farmers market and picking up some locally grown fruits and vegetables, and that has saved me money as well as they seem much fresher then when I get them from the grocery store. I have also started recycling. I have my own bin on the deck of my apartment and I recycle everything I can. I have noticed I have a lot less trash and now when I see someone throw away an aluminum can I find myself getting it out of the trash can and recycling it (may be a little OCD I know).

While we can all probably do a couple of the green ideas what about the big picuture? Will we eventually have to redesign our cities (both big and small) to be more self efficient? Or will we a large number of people start moving to the bigger cities (Chicago, New York, San Francisco) and the suburban life all be just a distant memory?

I believe we Americans took for granted our natural resources and our cost of living. And while we complain about the rise in cost of living I feel as a nation we are just waiting around for big brother to cut interest rates and open up new oil reserves. To me this is not just a glitch in the economy that will soon pass. The days of driving our giant SUV’s and trucks on a $1 per gallon gas are gone. It is time for us to really take a hard look at how we live our lives here in America and start acting and stop waiting. 

This is my first summer here in central Indiana not to mention at Ball State. And so far the great summer bake of central Indiana has not yet set in. I believe that my bones are finally thawing out after the Arctic misery that is fall, winter and spring here on the campus of Ball State. I have to say I have really never been so cold as walking to class in the morning in the middle of February here (and I have lived through several upstate New York winters). It is like the coldest air just hovers between the buildings.

But the grass is once again green the fountains are running and students are once again out and about the campus working on their lap tops outside the Atrium, sitting by the pond at the front entrance, jogging the campus grounds, or just leisurely strolling to their next class. I was unaware that there were this many students. As running from building to building in the winter I did not really stop to observe other students or even notice them, I was on a mission to the next warm building. The campus atmosphere for the most part seems to have relaxed from the hustle and bustle of spring and fall semester.

And since I am not running from building to building I have to say I am very impressed with the campus. (I started at BSU in January for the most part any place is hard pressed to look appealing in the middle of January so it is no fault of the campus.) I did my undergraduate work at a very small university and had always feared I would just get lost at a big state school.

 Well, I survived the spring semester and feel that I have just now started to get to know the campus and my professors. I am not sure how many of you readers stuck around for summer classes but, If you never did you may have missed out! Classes although intense (as professors are forced to sometimes cram as entire semester of work into 5 weeks of class) feel much more open and less stringent. I feel like I have so much more time to spend with my professors and get to know them, as well as, they get to know me. Again, I was always afraid that in a big state school I would lose that one-on-one with the professors I got during my undergraduate studies.

I feel I am finally getting around to feeling comfortable at BSU. My decision to come here has been one of my best as I feel that the education and experiences I am getting are nothing but first class. 

For all you computer techs out there you may have already heard about this new social networking program called Secondlife. For those of us who have not let me try to explain…..Secondlife is a social networking tool where the Internet socializing happens in real time. It is like instant messaging except instead of just a screen name you have what is called an avatar (a computer character that can some what resemble you in real life) and instead of just talking you can buy, visit, walk, watch, eat, drink and even fly (like you have wings and fly not like flying on an airplane). Basically, you can do everything you can do in real life (minus the flying). For the most part Secondlife is free. By that I mean it is free to create an avatar and walk around the different “islands”. Now you are thinking what is an “island”, well that is basically a piece of cyber space in which you or your organization can purchase and place your buildings on. For example, Ball State owns an island and it looks just like the real life campus. So your avatar and go and visit Ball State’s island and then if you get bored there you can go visit Yale’s campus or take a tour of Van Gogh’s work. You can also go shopping and purchase items such as clothes and food and they will be delivered to your house. You and your family could take a virtual vacation and with gas prices continuing to go up Secondlife might be a great vacation alternative. Now if I have completely confused you go and check out the website.

Now once you have checked out the website and created an avatar you may just want to check out Ball States second alumni event in Secondlife. Our first event was just an introduction to what was on Ball State’s island but for this event we are going to show a documentary film made by one of the students here on campus.

The student is a journalism student here from Iraq on a Fulbright Scholarship. Prior to coming to the states he created a documentary about a civilian hospital in Baghdad. The documentary premiered on HBO of January 2008. Not only did HBO pick up the film but it has also won an Oscar award for the film.

The 45 minute film will be shown on July 15 and will also include a question and answer segment in which you can talk to the student/film director of this documentary. If you want to know more about the film and this extraordinary student you can find a short interview at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/omer-salih-mahdi/diary-of-an-iraqi-er-doct_b_83259.html

Continue to check out the blog as well as the alumni web site for the showing time.

So the days of walking to the campus gym at just about any hour of the day and getting a quick workout in while chatting about what is going on that day/night with your friends are long gone after you walk across the stage and recieve your diploma from Ball State.

Quickly, you learn that after an 8 plus hour work day going to the gym to workout is the last thing on your mind and if you have children any spare time that you did have for yourself is now filled with driving to games, practices and homework.

And just for fun lets add the rising cost in gas and an economic recession. So less time and less money equals you NOT going to the gym to workout. Matter of fact, you may have already terminated your gym membership in order to help cut your costs.

Now maybe you are one of those peoples whom employer has provided a workout factility on the job site. If that is the case then the excuse of cost cannot be used in why you have not been working out. But what about the rest of us? There are numerous articles out there that talk about how to workout on the cheap. Between walking the dog to making your own weights out of canned goods and milk cartons or buying the latest Tae Bo dvd collection you can pretty much get the same workout as you would at the local gym.

But really although all these sugestions are great and could in theory work when was the last you thought “you know what tonight I think I will go for a quick jog or walk with some canned goods and use them as weights.” Or how about the workout DVDs? Ever had a bad day at work come home and pop in Billy Blanks or Richard Simmons and thought you could just beat the smiles off their faces. I mean really when have you ever seen anyone smiling that much when working out? It is like they have no central nervous system.

But what if working out wasn’t dreaded activity but a game? Not like basketball, golf, or raquetball but a video game? What if all you had to do was walk out to your livingroom, bedroom or gameroom turn on your video game system and be able to workout? No Billy Blanks or Richard Simmons cheering you with thier inspirational  words, music, and smiles.

Well there are no more what if’s as  Nintendo Wii has just launched  “Wii Fit” that focuses on physical well-being.The games range from mental self-improvement to weight loss and yoga instruction. In fact, one such game called “My Weight Loss Coach” enables players to upload real walking data into the game.

Another game to hit the market (although it is not billed as a fitness game) is Active Life: Outdoor Challenge. The game touts itself as “a fun and easy way to get off the couch and get hearts pumping,” relies on a pressure senitive floor mat that requires players to run or jump in place on order to control thier onscreen charater. In addition, the charater’s physical appearance is linked to how well you play the game.

Is this the wave of the future or just another gimick that claims to have health benefits? I guess we will just have to wait and see.

Open up a newspaper, turn on the evening news, click open msn.com. It is all over the headlines. It is our current economic state, and the outlook does not look very promising. As of April 7, 2008 the U.S economy has lost 232,00 jobs and that is in just the first quarter of 2008. With the rising cost of living and the downward trend in the job market many graduates will be returning back to their parents homes in order to try and pay down some of their college loans and save money so that they at least have a chance of survival in the “real world”.

On the other hand some students will choose to remain in school in order to attain their masters degree. While there are some professions that require graduate degrees even for entry level positions ( for example: psychology) is it a good idea for other soon to be gradutes to stay in school? For example, should business majors continue and get their MBA first before getting any real job experience? Or should communication students continue and get their graduate degrees without any job experience? Or should they all stay and get their graduate degrees while they are young and independent? Are internships enough to compensate for real experience?

Coming from a student (me) who considered going to graduate school right out or undergrad, I am glad I waited. Research shows that most people who graduate higher education rarely get a job in what major they studied in college. I can attest to this statement as I studied journalism in undergrad and upon graduation went right into sports marketing. During my time spent in the sports industry I cannot say I really used any of my journalism skills I honed in my undergrad course work. Now, I always knew I wanted to go back and get my masters degree but in what changed like the wind. I looked into sports administration and then sports marketing then back to sports administration and then I even thought about getting my MBA. I am now 29 and I have left the sports industry. I am currently a full time graduate student in the journalism program here at Ball State.  My advice to the graduating class of 08…go out there experiment with your job choices. Enjoy your 20s and then if you still desire the graduate degree go back. You will be much more marketable with experience (any) and a graduate degree.

Not sure how I did it, but somehow I’m only 12 days away from graduating from Ball State University!  I BARELY SQUEEKED BY…not in terms of passing classes, but in terms of getting all the necessary requirements completed.  At BSU, everyone is required to pass a writing competency exam before they are allowed to officially graduate.  You have two chances to pass the exam but if you are unable to, you must take another English class to satisfy the requirement.  Being the master procrastinator that I have evolved into, I OBVIOUSLY waited until the absolute last chance to take the exam. Mind you, you are able to take the exam as a junior so basically I have procrastinated for 2 years!  Luckily, I passed, but soon after found out that you had to register for graduation.  Register for graduation?  Why would I have to do that?  Doesn’t Ball State know that I want to graduate?  I guess you were supposed to “register” back in September …so I’m only like a half a year late, no biggie! 

Long story short, I’ve got all that behind me.  I’ve passed the writing comp, I’m registered for graduation, and I finally bought my cap and gown.  I AM READY. 

It’s so cliche, but it really does seem like only yesterday that my parents moved me into Lafollette.  I can remember every detail about my freshmen year.  Being in a fraternity, I have always heard “it goes by fast, make every day count” whenever alumni would come back to town.  Ignorantly, I would dismiss their remarks, but now I see exactly what they meant.  It has gone by quickly, it seems like in a blink of an eye my college career has passed.  I can’t believe its over.

Time to be a “big boy” now.  It looks like I’m going to have two offers on the table by the end of the week.  401k plans? health benefits?  LIFE INSURANCE?  I dont even know what that stuff is!  O well- here I come, watch out world!

Goodbye Ball State! 

CHICAGO HERE I COME!

It’s that time of year, graduation! As seniors pick up their caps, gowns, announcements, and thank you cards, students of all grades begin to reflect on what their futures will hold. Seniors think of new job opportunities; juniors think of what it will be like when they graduate; and sophomores and freshmen think of how much they want to be seniors.

Graduation can be such a hectic time for the senior class. There is so much to do and remember. For instance, getting through finals, sending resumes, and thinking about where their lives will lead them next can make anyone go through life without stopping to take a break every now and again.

My advice is to stop and smell the roses. Enjoy being a senior and spending your last few weeks as a student. After all, this is the only time you will be an undergraduate. Speaking of enjoying yourself, seniors, have you thought about coming to the St.A.R.T. Senior Congrats Party?

The Senior Congrats “Fiesta” Party is one of the best (and last) ways to celebrate graduation here at Ball State. It is held at the Alumni Center on the Friday before Commencement. There will be the infamous Carter, Papa Johns, nachos, music, games, dancing, free t-shirts, give-a-ways, and did I mention FREE T-SHIRTS? This is one of the coolest parties on campus, everything is free, and it is just for you, senior class.

So, take my advice. Stop and smell the roses. Come out to the Senior Congrats party. Say goodbye to your friends, enjoy free stuff, and take advantage of what this great opportunity has to offer.

By: Arica T.

4.11.08

Yesterday Chelsea Clinton visited Ball State University and Butler University.  Based on the current reports from the media, her visit to Butler proved to be more memorable than her visit to Ball State…and not for the right reasons.

A student at Butler University asked Ms. Clinton about the Monica Lewinsky scandal while her father was in office, and her retort was simple, yet effective, “None of your business.”  Before giving this simple answer Chelsea said that in the eighty-plus schools she’s visited so far, no one had the gull to ask her such a personal question.  So of course, this infringement on her personal life and the personal life of her family has now hit every major TV station locally and made national news.  Channel 8 News has a public poll today online about what happened, and the guy who asked the question was already on a national morning television show today!  This whole “ordeal” leaves me wondering, “Is it really that big of an issue?”

 I agree that the personal lives of the Clinton family, especially when talking about an affair, should stay personal.  However, this scandal was already made public when it happened, and Chelsea (as well as her family) should know that questions such as the one the Butler student asked are going to arise.  Not to mention, the question wasn’t asked to be spiteful.  He said that he was a strong supporter of the Clinton campaign and planned on voting for her in the upcoming election.  The question was asked in order to gage how the former First Lady and upcoming presidential hopeful would handle tough situations that would be brought to the light of the media if she won.

Personally, I think this is just another example of the media taking what may deserve to be a five o’clock news story and turning it into a week-long, drug out, unnecessary mess.  The Clintons have been in the media for long enough now to know that unwanted questions may arise, but they are going to get asked and often.  I guess a good way to look at it is that at least the question wasn’t asked here at Ball State.

-Cassie Derado

Spring break is over. The break that I looked forward too since my last break which was for christmas. As of today, I have 25 days until I’m done with my freshman year. FRESHMAN YEAR! Goodness I feel so old, even though in reality I’m not. I am only 18 but I guess dealing with college (I.e. homework, class, work, volunteering, school activities and trying to juggling my time between family and friends.) seems to take it’s tole on me. But I must admit, I can honestly say I’ve enjoyed my first year here at Ball State University.

This week (3/21-3/28) I have many things to do such as attend many meetings, go to events and study for exams. For example I’ve was just assigned my very own soccer team through the Muncie Area Career Center (MACC). Dealing with the set up of practice and being labelled as a “coach” is somewhat intimidating but I can do it! It’s all about having fun right? (I thought so too) This weekend I also have an opportunity to go the the Indianapolis Childrens Museum with the Student Alumni Relation Team (St.A.R.T.).  It will be an all day event and I can’t wait! Other than my meetings and activities, school work is my priority right now. Studying for exam after exam and writing and revising paper after paper! It happens, right? Oh well git r done! Well I must bid farewell because political science is screaming my name saying, “Sally, please read me. Just do it.” Needless to say but, I’m overjoyed I can’t wait (Hope you caught the sense of saracasm is my voice!) Summer here I come! Sophemore year here I come! Life-let’s rock and roll!

 Sally Prosen- Ball State University-Freshman. Majoring in Telecommunications with a focus in News Media and a minor in Leadership. Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio

Over the weekend we found out that Ms. Clinton would be visiting our campus. Without much time to prepare Ball State set her up a spot to speak in the AJ building. Sean Astin came with her. In case you are wondering who this Sean Astin is… he was Rudy! Need I say more? He also was in Lord of the Rings and one of my all time favorites Goonies. He spoke for about 15 mins before Chelsea took over. 

Putting politics aside, as I know everyone has their own opinion and of course everyone is right… she did a really good job. She spoke confidently with poise and perfectionism. She was asked some very tough questions about health care, financial aid, the war in Iraq and NAFTA and didn’t stumble once. I cannot imagine how much time she has to spend sharpening her skills to make sure she can perform at the top of her game every time she does a Q & A. One never knows what question will be asked next.

Considering her performance and her family I have a feeling this is just the start to what could be a long career for her.

s fulton