Entry #6- The Insanity of Rock N' Roll Concerts

Ever been to a rock n' roll or metal concert? They've been given bad raps as being full of violent, aggressive, drugged-up, drunk people. While some of the people who attend these concerts are like that, this is far from the truth of what a rock n' roll or metal concert really is. It's truly about the music, support, unity, and letting loose. I've been to a few all-day metal festivals, local shows, and even a death metal concert in a small venue for a world-famous band. In personal experience, these types of concerts are not what they're made out to be. 

Desert Uprising Music Festival 2013

Gojira at the Marquee Theater in Phoenix

Local band, Enkaged, at The Nile 

In my experiences with rock n' roll concerts, I've met some of the nicest people one can meet. Of course there are people who drink and do drugs, but that can be found at any concert. That type of behavior is strictly in fault of the people, not the music. 

People can say these concerts are violent. Well, yes, they can get crazy; however, you can still enjoy the music without getting hurt at all. Moshpits typically have designated areas, so just stay away from those areas if you don't want to participate. Even then, if you fall or get hurt in a moshpit or anywhere at a rock n' roll/metal concert, the people around you will immediately stop what they're doing and help you. They'll make sure you're ok before moving on. Sometimes, if the band members themselves see you get hurt, they'll even invite you up onstage to make up for it. I've been to concerts of other music genres, and I've never seen this type of care for others as I have at rock n' roll and metal concerts. 

Here's a prime example of such behavior at an Avenged Sevenfold concert:

Even though stopping the show to help a fan who got hurt caused them to mess up, they still invited her onstage and maintained a good sense of humor despite difficulty getting the song started back up.

So you see, metal and rock n' roll concerts aren't all violence, drugs, and evil people. In reality, they're actually full of some quality people. Don't judge book by its cover is really a cliche that should be followed in everyday life! 

Entry #5- Shorter ASU Courses

Regular or Shorter Classes?

The typical university semester lasts about 15weeks long, which is a good fit for many students but also too long of a time period for others. Arizona State University is now starting to offer sped up courses that are only 7-1/2weeks long for their students. These courses would require students to spend twice as much time in class than they did for the 15week courses, but they are being given the opportunity to finish the class much quicker.

Short courses like this have their pros and cons, and they most definitely are not for everybody. They would also only be proper for certain classes while harmful to others. 

Short courses would be good for students who have enough time to dedicate to the extra-fast pace, are committed to the workload, and who can also handle the stress of the quicker pace since most college students would agree that college is stressful in the first place. It wouldn't be good for those who can't handle the more time-crunched, stressful workload. 

These type of classes would only be good for general education classes such as English, critical reading, and math. Again, if the student can keep up with the pace, it could be beneficial to get these types of classes done quicker. Science and healthcare related classes, however, would be harmed by such dramatically shortened semesters. Many healthcare students go straight into the workforce without any experience, not really knowing what to do, along with already being overwhelmed with large workloads crammed into the longer, 15week semesters.

That being said, students do still have the options of different course lengths to take, so they do not have to take these new, shorter courses if they do not want to. Simply sign up for a course that you think you can handle and is at an appropriate pace. 

Entry #4- "That Broke College Student Life"

"That Broke College Student Life"

If you attend college and have moved out of your parent's home, then you are more than likely living the stereotypical, "broke college student life." I myself, am a broke college student. I moved out one month after turing eighteen. I love my parents, but I need my freedom and respect that it's, "their house, their rules." To say, it's tough having to pay for all my own things on a low income and being a full-time honors students in college. Although, it's not impossible! You have to be very smart with your time and money.

BUDGET YOURSELF and TIME MANAGEMENT!

- make a list before grocery shopping, and never go when hungry

- always set aside money for gas if you drive, and no slamming on the gas pedal

- don't buy brand name items

- LIVE BELOW YOUR MEANS, so you can have leftover money in the case of an emergency

- never procrastinate... get everything done as soon as possible

- don't waste money on things such as alcohol.. you don't need it

- if it's not necessary for life and success, don't buy it

- sleep whenever possible to prevent burnout

- prioritize, prioritize, and prioritize

- don't be afraid to ask for help when you really need it and have the option

- Keep a positive attitude

No doubt, living on your own and staring out in life is tough. For me, it's definitely full of penny-pinching, but I know hard work and dedication will eventually pay off. I knew life would be expensive, but not as expensive as it turned out to really be. I have a lot of bills and responsibility, but by following the list above, it's possible. So long as you are able to stay organized, keep your priorities in order, and budget yourself, IT IS POSSIBLE! It's tough to start out on your own, but not impossible. It'll all pay off in the end and be completely worth it!

Entry #3- Slanted Reporting

There are many instances of reports that are indirectly opinionated, but they do still possess an opinion. While the opinion is still there, it is just cleverly hidden without being directly stated. All the author has to do is input only the information that they think supports their opinion to persuade the reader while only using a little information that might say otherwise.

This is a perfect example of slanted reporting since the man asking the questions is only asking the other man questions that answers would all be in favor of Obama. He's not directly stating his opinion that he thinks Obama is doing a good job as president, but he sneaks it in by only giving the other man the option to choose positive responses about whether Obama is doing a good job. 

Slanted reporting is used in many things, such as news reports, so careful evaluation of such work should be made to see if the hidden opinion is valid or if they're just pulling your leg. Slanted reporting isn't necessarily non-credible, but it needs to be used and evaluated carefully so as to not lose credibility or to be blindly persuaded.