Work WITH the trend; not AGAINST it

Now this is an interesting article in which nearly every student or professor can relate. Some may say cell phones are becoming a major issue, especially in schools, whereas others that believe cell phones are a part of technology choose to work with the trend; not against it. I definitely agree.

Many professors complain about the lack of attention students have in class due to the distraction of their cell phones. I don't disagree with that; however, it seems somewhat necessary these days to have a cell phone. What if there is an emergency at home? What if there is an attack on campus and the faculty needs to alert the students? Many people do not check their email every 30 minutes, therefore, it is essential that professors and faculty have an alternative way of contacting their students.

A professor in the article discussed how she has overcome the cell phone obstacle. She has incorporated parts of her lesson with technology. They have announcements sent over text and also hold class discussions using their cell phones. Not only does this break down the barrier students have against their teachers, but it allows them to learn through a different medium in which they are most familiar.

As an ambassador at the college, we are in charge of contacting a number of prospective students in a variety of ways: email, post cards, phone calls, and the newest medium--text messaging. Why? Because students USE their cell phones.

It was just today when a faculty member came into our office complaining about the DSC Banner system. The system contains invalid information, and it is nearly impossible to contact students when their cell phone number is not in Banner. How does anyone expect to conctact someone when they don't know their cell phone number?

So, although cell phones may be a distraction, there is no way to ban them. Cell phones are a part of the technological age we live in, and they should be used to their full capacity--even in the classroom. Again, work with the trend; not against it.

http://www.sltrib.com/ci_10528130

Sleeping alone when you're married??

Well, that may sound weird, but according to this article on cnn.com, nearly 25 percent of married couples sleep in separate rooms of the house!

I can relate to some of the people interviewed in this article. Since I have been married, my left leg has spasms at random moments--it's the weirdest thing. My mother-in-law wondered if it was because of a low calcium intake, so I decided I would purchase supplements and take them before I go to sleep. Since then, my leg has unexpectedly kicked my husband much less than before!

Although other couples may have such issues at night or sleep-talkers, or whatever, I hope I never resort to sleeping in the opposite room of my husband. As the professional in article describes, it can be unhealthy for a couple to be separated. First, they separate rooms; second, friends. The list goes on, and in the end, it may be the relationship that is sacrificed.

My suggestion? Talk to a professional (or in my case--a mother-in-law) and find out what will fix the problem! No more bruises for my husband, and hopefully others will find their own cure as well.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/personal/09/12/lw.sleep.alone.when.married/index.html

(As a little side note that somewhat relates to the article above, here is something for a laugh! What is this world coming to?!)

Can you imagine eating 23,000 Big Macs in your lifetime??

Well, according to cnn.com, someone actually has! However, it wasn't 23,000 Big Macs in his lifetime, but 36 years. Sick.

Don Gorske, 54, began his obsession in 1972 and has saved his receipts from McDonalds each time he buys a Big Mac to track his consumption. If you are concerned for his health, don't worry about that; he only purchases fries about once a month these days--what a healthy decision! The crazy thing is, this guy walks ten miles every day and has mangaged to stay in good shape.

There have only been eight days in the past 36 years he hasn't had a Big Mac. Such days include the day his mother passed away, days he was traveling and couldn't find a McDonalds nearby, or duing a snowstorm that prevented the local McDonalds from opening. He's been sure to keep four or five Big Macs stocked in the freezer during the winter season since then to be sure he won't miss another day for such a reason.

The visual of this man sort of makes me squirm. He may still be a "healthy" 185 pounds, but eating that many hamburgers in a lifetime cannot be a healthy diet for anyone.

Check the whole story out at:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/09/10/big.macs.record.ap/index.html?iref=mpstoryview