Is 9/11 Overrated?

With less than 5 years between today and September 11th, 2001, the tragedy that occured in NYC, Washington DC and the crash of Flight 93, it seems the events just won't go away. It's still newsworthy and currently Hollywood has begun to release movies based on the events of 9/11. In a few weeks, Oliver Stone's new film tells the story of 2 firefighters trapped beneath the rubble of the world trade center. Although the film looks promising, it seems many people are outraged that Hollywood is trying to profit from the loss of life that occured on 9/11. Many innocent Americans died that Tuesday morning and like most Americans, I too was shocked that morning.

The devistation that seemed to unfold live on CNN and other networks covered nothing but 9/11 stories for the first week. I know because that first week, I became addicted to the news but looking back, I can't help but wonder why. The news footage seemed to loop the video of the Twin Towers on an endless cycle. What became a national tragedy soon turned into a media circus that earned CNN the highest ratings since the Gulf War coverage in the early 1990's. After all that attention, came the one year anniversary of 9/11. On September 11th, 2002 CNN reminded many Americans what a difference a year really makes. Even without Hollywood, 9/11 has become something to exploit. From George W. Bush's connection between 9/11 and Iraq, or the magnetic ribbons attached to practically every car on the highway, or even those idiotic "We Will Not Forget" t-shirts that people bought right afterwards. (Ironically,the remaining patriotic shirts were forgotten and then got marked down so low that it's difficult for me to believe companies didn't just decide to throw them in the trash) Do you remember the last time you saw somebody on the street wearing one of those shirts? Hmmmm, if so, you are one of the few. I'm assuming those who bought the shirt forgot em' and its hanging in the back of the closet right now.

Many innocent people died that morning and although I do feel bad for the families, most Americans need a reminder that we still have it better than others. How many people in this world starve to death while we eat more food than is humanly possible? Although the terrorism on American ground was terrifying, it's nothing compared to the poverty that the rest of the world goes through while our own government ignores it all.

Religion Must Die

How can the president (lower-case p) veto a bill that could possibly help so many people? Starting an unjust war that has killed so many American soldiers and innocent civilians in the Middle East doesn't sound like the man has any interest in life, so why is he so concerned with the false belief that stem cell research is the same as aborition or murder? I can not believe how idiotic grown men and women are when it comes to supporting the president.

Good-bye gay marriage. Good-bye to the hope that anybody doomed to spend their lifetime in a wheelchair will one day walk again. Good-bye to the advantages that Clinton gave so many Americans, now being taken away again by the president. I just hope the next President brings back the unity that this country deserves.

Good-Bye Madison

Well it seems as if most of my friends in Madison have either left or are planning on leaving within the next year. I'm not sure if I'll be making many visits to Madison these days since lately my last couple visits have been spent either with my parents (not the greatest or most enjoyable weekend) or with my 2 remaining Madison friends. It seems that if I'm in town any time soon, I have a feeling practically nobody will know.

The fact that most of my friends have either left or plan on leaving making the decision to relocate myself after graduation easier. I've thought about a few choices, such as Seatle, Minneapolis, London, Essex, San Francisco or possibly someplace that has mild winters and tolerable summers. I guess I have a year or two left to decide.

Triple Date

For the past 5 months, I've been dating a guy named Scott and my friends have heard me talk him from time to time but they have yet to meet him. Well, 2 weeks ago, I was drinking margaritas with Dave, Warren and Jason and somebody had the bright idea to have a triple date. As much fun as this sounds, it also makes me wonder if they will like him as much as I do. I suppose in the long run, it doesn't matter if anybody likes him or not because I like him alot and I see this relationship working out for both of us.

Tonight will also mark the first time any of my friends have ever met someone I've dated. Usually the guys I date don't last more than a month so there isn't much time for introductions. They come and go, or they bore me to death and I show them the way out. In 5 months, I can safely say that Scott has never bored me and we have never found ourselves in a big debate/argument like some of my friend's and their boyfriends. I know it's important that couples argue in a relationship but it's not a good sign if those arguements happen too early in the relationship.

Well, I guess all I'm saying is that I'm happy where I am now and I hope it lasts a little longer.

Mountain Dew no more

I heard that cutting back on soda can help people loss weight. Although I don't think I'm fat, I do believe I drink way too much mountain dew. It has become an addiction for over 10 years. As of July 1st, I decided to stop drinking soda. As an experiment, I also decided to weigh myself. As of July 1st, 2006 I weighed 117lbs. In a month, I plan on weighing myself again to see if any significant weight loss has occured. Even if I don't loss weight, I'm sure I will save at least $10 a week.