Sleep Tight "Field of Dreams"

  

All good things must come to an end. This past week, the baseball field created for the 1980's hit, "Field of Dreams" was sold. It was built in the middle of a cornfield in a small, southern town and became the main scene in popular movie starring Kevin Costner. But, after years of glory and tourism, the owners of the land have decided to sell to a youth baseball and softball organization known as Go The Distance Baseball L.L.C. Although the owners of Go The Distance plan to leave field as is, they also plan to build more outdoor fields as well as an indoor center for baseball and softball. Before the land was sold off, owners Don and Becky Lansing opened up their land to 65,000 tourists per year. Their home, which was featured in the movie, is located fair enough away from the field on their property so they were able to obtain privacy. They offered free tours to all who visited and welcomed everyone to play baseball on the field. Frequently, visitors would bring a cherished baseball item and bury it in center field. Aside from free tours, they also sold t-shirts and coffee mugs. However, the Lansings were not looking to make a profit from their land, they wanted everyone to be able to enjoy and stand where the ghosts of the 1919 White Sox team once played in the movie.

The Lansings describe their parting with the field to be "bittersweet" as they will miss they entertainment factory but are looking forward to a smaller property to maintain. Author, Ken Belson appears to be a baseball fan as he knew proper baseball terms and was very familiar with former players. He also proved to be knowledgeable about "Field of Dreams". I think that Belson was disappointed with the Lansings decision to sell the land. I agree with him because I think that such a special piece of property should not be sold to be turned into an indoor sports center. I do think that youth sports are important but I disagree with the new owners decision to built an indoor sports center. The field was a unique tourist attraction because it was located nearby a small town of only 4,000 people and the Lansings did not to anything to promote it. Although there is a website and a few brochures, there are no tourist alerts or signs on the highway to attract visitors. There was no admission fee and souvenirs were cheap. Hopefully the outdoor fields built in the place of the former field in the Lansings yard will be cherished almost as much as the original.

New Dreams for Field
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/30/sports/baseball/field-of-dreams-setting-tourist-magnet-in-iowa-is-to-be-sold.html?pagewanted=2&hpw

Outside Reading Book...

For my outside reading book I chose to read the Memory Keeper's Daughter. I have heard very good reviews about it and am interested to learn about the two very different lives of the twins born.

The Healthier, The Better

On top of all the current economic and political issues in America, the eating style of Americans has also become a major problem. Although everybody individually makes their own choices about what to eat, younger children do not have as much of a variety because they eat what their parents chose for them and in some cases, it is not the best choice. In an effort to improve children's diets, many programs have sprouted across the United States to promote healthy eating in public schools. For instance, the non-profit group, FoodFight, aims to help high schoolers make healthier food choices and guide those in low-income homes to cheaper but just as healthy options. Founders of FoodFight, Carolyn Cohen and Deborah Lewison-Grant feel a majority of healthy food programs in the United States are aimed towards elementary and middle school children. Their goal is to help students learn how to correctly read food labels and to to prepare nutritious and affordable meals, and to identify the political and economic forces that shape their diet" (Wallace 1). Their unique approach of introducing high schoolers to healthier foods and more options rather than telling them exactly what to eat has been proven successful. Students who participate in the FoodFight classes during the school day are encouraged to keep a food journal and record everything they eat daily. Students who participate in the class praise their teachers and enjoy learning how to improve their diets. 

Although FoodFight is based out of New York, Cohen and Lewison-Grant aim to make it a world wide program. First Lady Michelle Obama is also an avid worker in healthy food programs. She created her own campaign, "Let's Move" which encourages public schools to serve healthier meals and to grow gardens on school property. I agree with both the author and the founders of FoodFight. I think that children should be taught at a young age to make healthier choices about eating and learn how to live a healthy and happy lifestyle. With programs such as FoodFight and Let's Move, public schools are able to offer education on such topics. Obesity rates are currently estimated at 35% of adolescents are overweight or obese, it is imperative that children are properly educated on it. Hopefully these programs will encourage healthy eating among youth across America and the obesity rates will drop. 

In High Schools, a Critical Lens on Food

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/27/nyregion/foodfight-a-nonprofit-group-works-with-new-york-city-schools.html?hpw

It's the most wonderful time of the year...not really

Back to school! A time when students drag their feet and parents jump for joy. While each year brings new changes and adjustments, college is one of the biggest yet. It is very similar to kindergarten, you don't know what to expect but you're parents assure you everything will be fine. However, unlike kindergarten, students have to chose a college to go to and their choices are almost unlimited. Without considering geographic location, finances, or courses offered, there are over 2,000 four year colleges in the United States alone. So, where do you start? It is hard to know exactly what you want to do with your life at only 18 years old but choosing to further your education is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make. It is hard to choose which college is best for you because there are so many options and you do not want to limit yourself. And with the economy situation of the United States right now, it is a struggle for many to make ends meet let alone pay for education only to come out with heavy student loans. For the first time ever, the Federal Reserved reported that outstanding student loans will add up to more than $1 trillion. So with that in mind, you want to choose a college that is right for you because you don't want to end up paying off your loans for a college that wasn't for you. Another important part of your decision is your major and the courses offered. Studies have proven "that 36 percent of the students are studying five or fewer hours a week and get a 3.16 grade average.” While that may pass you with a B average in college, it is not going to fly in the real world. Author Richard Arun, who co-wrote, Academically Adrift, said that students are doing the bare minimum to pass their classes and are pleased with their lack of effort. Arun also said that professors are not pushing students hard enough and giving them enough work to do which not only prepares them for the real world but gives them more opportunities to learn. 


Gail Collins, the author of Humming to a Higher Ed, encourages parents to remain involved in their child's work in college. She thinks that although students should gain independence in college and learn to do things on their own, she still believes that parent intervention in grades is necessary. Collins feels that it is a waste of a students education, and money if they are doing the bare minimum to pass their classes. The problem is that professors accept that because they are not their to hold your hand and guide you through success 24/7. The lack of work and study skills that students are practicing in college are only damaging them for the real world, where they are most important. I agree with Collins in that not everything is handed to you in life and you need to work hard for what you want and deserve what you earn. So while students skip off to their dorms, parents should be concerned about their aspiring students grades and loans are worth it at graduation.


Humming to Higher Ed by Gail Collins
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/22/opinion/humming-to-higher-ed.html?_r=1&ref=opinion

The ever changing life of a Barbie doll

Welcome to the 21st century Barbie. Once a childhood favorite, the makers of Barbie created a special edition, Tokidoki Barbie doll. The Tokidoki Barbie doll "went under the ink" to show off a "cutting edge" new look. Tokidoki Barbie, as a special edition, rocks a short pink bob, an off the shoulder t-shirt, leopard leggings, and multiple tattoos. While Barbie has gone through many transformations in her lifetime, none have ever gone this far. She has had all the jobs little girls dream of such as a teacher, veterinarian, or model, and she had the best boyfriend ever, Ken! The creators of the new, radical Barbie geared the model to adult doll collectors and were not planning for children to be interested. The newest Barbie has a very mature look to her and is probably not the best doll for your children. 


Tokidoki Barbie is just another phase Barbie is going through and hopefully she will grow out of it soon. The article, by Mary Elizabeth Williams presents both sides of the arguments, with quotes from parents both for and against the newest Barbie doll. One parent who feels that the Tokidoki Barbie is appropriate for young children said, “I think the pink hair and tattoos are fine. The objectionable things about Barbie are the tiny feet and gigantic fake boobs.” However, a parent opposed to Tokidoki responded with, "If I was a mother I wouldn’t buy one for my daughter. This seems to be sending out the wrong message.” Personally, I agree with the second comment and that if I were a mother, I would not want my daughter to be playing with a tattoo Barbie doll. I do not feel that passionately about tattoos but I think that young children should not be exposed to them in their toys. While I admit to not liking to play with dolls when I was younger, I do remember being "influenced" by my toys. If I did play with Barbie, I would idolize her perfect lifestyle and hope to be like her one day. However, lets keep in mind that our Barbie dolls were not trashy looking. I agree with the author in that tattoo Barbies should not offered to children at such a young age because of the level of maturity in the tattoos. However, I do praise Barbie and her creators for breaking away from the "perfect blonde" to embrace all types of beauty. Hopefully the current trend of Barbie will remain only as ephemeral and not drag on. 


Barbie gets a tattoo makeover
http://www.salon.com/2011/10/19/barbie_gets_a_tattoo_makeover/

Wedding of a Lifetime

Weddings. One of the most important days or your life that you will never forget. Especially if you are Kim Kardashian. One of today's most popular reality stars although no one is entirely sure what she is truly famous for. Nevertheless, fans across the nation counted down the days until the airing of Kim's wedding to NBA star Kris Humphries. However, those lucky enough to be a friend of the bride or the groom or fortunate enough to be a family member witnessed the extravaganza live. Kris's aunt, Dedria Humprhies attended the wedding with her husband and two children. Her first notice of the wedding came not from an invitation but in an e-mail from her brother, Kris's father, with a list of hotels reserved fro guest. Dedria assumed a formal invitation was soon to follow, but instead she received a call from her sister-in-law, Kris's mother saying that Kim asked guests to dress in black and white, to follow her old Hollywood style wedding. Finally, three weeks later, the formal invitation arrived wrapped in a small box that was wrapped in a larger one. However, Dedria's question of the location of the wedding was still not revealed. Guests were transported to the wedding by private valet, and were required to leave cell-phones behind. From the start, Dedria had hinted that this was not your typical wedding. She was blown away by the atmosphere of the wedding and the cost of everything. It was a top of the line wedding, one that will never be out done.

Dedria was very proud of her nephew and humbled by her invitation. She admitted to having no idea as to who Kim was before the wedding but admired the love between Kris and Kim. While she wasn't allowed to reveal any personal details or information from the wedding, she said it was very fun for all. She complimented Kris in the article saying he was a hard-worker and believe success came from yourself. She led the reader to believe that Kris works hard for the things he want and it was clear to all that his love and dedication to Kim is real. I will admit to being a Keeping Up with the Kardashian fan so I found the article to be interesting. For those who do not like the Kardashians, Dedria put her own spin on it, making it personal and a family connection to Kris rather than glorifying Kim. I enjoyed reading this article and seeing a different opinion about the wedding rather than a Kardashians or the press.

How I ended up at Kim Kardashian's wedding

http://entertainment.salon.com/2011/10/08/how_i_ended_up_at_kim_kardashians_wedding/

"Sun kissed skin" is not so hot anymore

The popularity of indoor tanning is rising as quickly as it is being prohibited in certain states like California. On October 9, 2011 California governor Jerry Brown signed a bill prohibiting minors from using tanning beds. While it may not seem like much of a problem because the term "minor" represents children ages 17 and under, many frequent tanners fall into that age category. It has become a lifestyle for some, others an addiction. The governor feels that by passing this bill, it will encourage non-tanners to never start and those currently tanning to stop. Although lying in a tanning bed does not directly give you cancer, it certainly can become a leading cause for it. It has been proven that the rays used in tanning beds are made to penetrate the skin deeper than typical rays of the sun which will cause more damage. Skin cancer does have many possible factors contributing to the cause such as genetics and blistering sun burns, but tanning beds are ones you can avoid. By putting yourself in a tanning bed, you are willingly increasing your risk of having skin cancer. California feels that by implementing this law, it will help make regular tanners more aware of the consequences. 

The author appears to agree with the law as she includes information about skin cancer and all the negative affects of tanning. She does admit though while the law does not allow indoor tanning, there is nothing preventing teens from tanning outside or using baby oil rather than sunblock. It also does not prevent tanning lotion, which is a much safer alternative. She also admits to the fact that tanning beds do not directly cause cancer, which is true, but she still warns current users of the harmful effects. Personally, I think that tanning beds are extremely dangerous and I would never use one. I would much rather tan naturally or use lotion than risking my life simply to look a little bit darker than others. To me, tanning is not that important but some people easily become addicted to it. Doctors have gone so far to call the addiction, "tanorexic." While tanning comes as enjoyment to some, others want nothing to do with it and would rather use sunblock than increase a chance of death. I do agree with the author and the state of California and hope that this law will start a trend across the nation to help prevent indoor tanning and promote a healthier lifestyle. 

Should Teens be Prohibited from Tanning?

http://life.salon.com/2011/10/10/should_teens_be_prohibited_from_tanning/

Only Daughter

Being the oldest of five children, people took to me as a leader. They expect me to have nurturing and care-giving skills, similar to a mothers. Being the oldest of five children with four younger brothers has presented many opportunities and joys in my life but it also comes with expectations. It has taught me to appreciate my time with them and to get to know their individual personalities. Although my brothers and I all look extremely similar...our personalities vary. While being the oldest creates expectations like no other being the only girl with four brothers is more of a challenge than you think.

When I am introduced to someone new and they ask if I have an siblings I proudly respond, yes I have four younger brothers. People are immediately taken aback and sometimes shocked at a family that big. Their next comments are usually something like oh they must adore you or you must be the princess in the house...which is the opposite from the truth. When people assumed I am a "princess" in my house and get what I want whenever I want, I am kind of offended. Never in my life have I heard someone say to a boy with all sisters that he must be the "prince" of the household. However, I do not receive special treatment. I am lucky enough to not have to share hand-me-downs with my brothers, one benefit of being a girl, and I have my own room but I still share all of my belongings with them. They feel that because they greatly outnumber me they can just waltz into my room whenever the feel like it to borrow something...not cool boys. But, growing up in a household of boys has taught me life lessons that other people will never learn. I'd say I'm pretty good at yard work and I enjoy sports. So, growing up in a family of five children and being the only girl is not as easy as all think. My special treatment is little to none as only my baby brother is spoiled now but I have no problem with that at all. I would never trade my family for any other and know that one day I will be able to look back and think about all the fun we had growing up.

Big Bad Bruins

With the start of the 2011-2012 season, just one day away, the Boston Bruins are soaking up the last bits of glory from their Stanley Cup Championship. On Tuesday night, October 4, the Bruins received their championship rings. Made up of more than 300 diamonds, championship rings tend to be a little larger than the ordinary. Fan favorite Milan Lucic when asked about the size of the rings said, “yelling at you, screaming off your fingers.’’ The ring features all of the teams the Bruins defeated in the playoffs last season surrounded by the NHL logo. Although the cost of each ring was not released, Bruins winger Shawn Thornton said, It’s probably worth more than my parents made growing up. I’m kind of speechless." All players and coaches agreed it was the perfect way to end a tremendous season. The players noted that it was one of the most memorable seasons that played in not just because of the Stanley Cup, but because of all the people involved in the journey. Although all good things must come to an end, the Bruin's success in 2011 will never be forgotten. On opening night, the  banner will be raised proudly to join the other championship banners at the Garden. That way, the Bruins (and Celtics) success will reign forever. 


The author, Jake Seiner, kept a very professional standpoint while writing the article however, at times he did cave to the excitement of the Bruins. He praised the team and coaches, and appreciated all of the fan support. He included extremely positive quotes from players such as Michael Ryder's comment, These guys, we’ll always remember each other for what we did...It’s good to get together and have this time.’’ Although it had been 39 years since the last Stanley Cup win in Boston, it was worth the wait. The author's use of logos convince the reader he was not only knowledgeable about the Bruins, but he was extremely interested as well. He congratulated the Bruins and wrote to the fans of Boston. The Bruins have high hopes for this season but they will soak up to glory for one more day. Let's go  Bruins!


Bruins Receive their Stanley Cup Rings
http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2011/10/05/bands-brothers-bruins-get-rings-for-winning-stanley-cup/SGwjCiJ1lVvxtLMKMaOOjL/story.xml

I scream you scream we all scream for...Ben and Jerrys?

 Ice cream. One of America's most popular treats. A summer without ice cream is like a summer without heat. But, with all of the new rising ice cream companies, much fancier than we have ever seen before, will traditional ice cream stand a chance? Young children no longer desired a simple soft serve cone with rainbow sprinkles, they want the blizzard or triple scoop or even better...frozen yogurt. Based out of Vermont, Ben and Jerry's has come to take over the ice cream world. While the small local ice cream shops are still strong in business due to the originality of the flavor and setting, Ben and Jerry's is taking over the "chain" world. Our beloved Friendly's, which has been serving ice cream since 1935, has been forced to close many of their restaurants. Although they introduced the "friend-z" not too long ago and created more designs and displays of ice cream, they have been out done. With larger sizes and rumored better taste, Ben and Jerry's has out done Friendly's for the worse. Unfortunately, Friendly's is now said to be considering "Chapter 11 protection." Friendly's has attempted to widen their variety in competition to keep up with Ben and Jerry's but nothing is working. 

I agree with the author in that the simplicity and originality of a Friendly's ice cream cone is definitely the way to go. The author supports Friendly's in this article, noting its history and long streak of success. The author sympathizes with the many recipients of a Friendly's ice cream cone and tries to downgrade Ben and Jerry's by making them seem like copy-cats. The article contains words such as "bad economy" and "management blunders" to account for the closing of many Friendly's locations but it all comes down to the truth: Friendly's was met with the competition of Ben and Jerry's and they were not prepared for it. However, the author also includes her feelings of sympathy by saying, Friendly’s doesn’t have the fanciest ice cream, but that’s never been the point" or hopefully New England can hold on to a chain where a cone is still just a cone, and not a personal statement." Personally, I'm no ice cream snob but when it comes down to choosing where to go for ice cream, I want to know I will go somewhere traditional and loved by all. Don't get me wrong I do love my ice cream, especially in the summer but I like to keep it simple and avoid flavors such as "late night snack" by Ben and Jerry's which contains potato chips...not my scoop of ice cream. 


Friendly's: A sundae, not a statement
http://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/editorials/2011/10/04/friendly-sundae-not-statement/kdjj1710j3WnledKz90tBL/story.xml