A Fresh Take

Query #9

2010-12-06T09:24:00.000-08:00

11/22/10

Features Submissions
Marie Claire Magazine
300 West 57th St., 34th Fl.
New York, NY 10019-1497

Dear Anna Maltby,

I am a student at CSU Sacramento studying Journalism and Photography.

I would like to pitch a story idea about domestic violence in which I would discuss the ways one can recognize domestic violence and address it accordingly, what facilities are available to victims, the recovery process after abuse, and what women can do to protect themselves.

Although, similar stories have already been published, I would be able to provide a different perspective for your readers by telling the stories of several extraordinary women who have been victims of domestic violence.

I have already conducted several intensive interviews with these women and they wish to share their stories in hopes of helping those women that are currently being abused and are afraid of leaving.

I can produce the story as soon as you may need it. I look forward to hearing from you and will follow-up with you in a couple of weeks.

Thank you for your time,

Bali Martindale
bali.martindale@yahoo.com

Query #8

2010-12-06T09:21:00.000-08:00

11/22/10

Redbook Magazine
Editorial Offices
300 West 57th St. 22nd Fl.
New York, NY 10019.

Dear Meredith Rollins,

I am a student at CSU Sacramento studying Journalism and Photography.

I would like to pitch a story idea about a recent study that discovered high levels of the toxic material cadmium in jewelry being sold to adults and children.

Testing on adult jewelry began after an Associated Press investigation reported that pieces of cheap children’s jewelry imported from China contained up to 91 percent of cadmium.

Many of your readers are women and have children. Although, adults would have to be exposed to cadmium over a long period of time before seeing any side effects, children are at risk because they tend to bite or suck on things, including jewelry.

I would not only provide information of the study and the negative effects of cadmium exposure but I will also provide a list of retailers that currently sell jewelry that is laden with cadmium.

I will also consult women of all ages along with parents and their children and offer the public's reaction on the matter.

I can produce the story as soon as you may need it. I look forward to hearing from you and will follow-up with you in a couple of weeks.

Thank you for your time,

Bali Martindale
bali.martindale@yahoo.com

Query #7

2010-12-06T09:19:00.000-08:00

11/22/10

Peace Corps
Paul D. Coverdell Peace Corps Headquarters
1111 20th Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20526

To Whom It May Concern:

I am a student at CSU Sacramento studying Journalism and Photography.

I would like to pitch a story idea about a current Peace Corps volunteer who is stationed in Micronesia. Her name is Felicia Vasquez and she teaches English and assists community members in community development.

I have already conducted an intensive interview with Vasquez and would be able to showcase her journey so far. I believe your readers will find her story of overcoming all odds and pursuing her dreams to be inspiring.

This feature would also provide background information on the Peace Corps application process along with positive feedback from Vasquez herself.

I can produce the story as soon as you may need it. I look forward to hearing from you and will follow-up with you in a couple of weeks.

Thank you for your time,

Bali Martindale
bali.martindale@yahoo.com

Query #6

2010-12-06T09:16:00.000-08:00

11/15/10

Cosmopolitan
300 West 57th St., 38th Fl.
New York, NY 10019

Dear Mina Azodi and Korin Miller,

I am a student at CSU Sacramento studying Journalism and Photography.

I would like to pitch a story idea about an alarming trend that has emerged amongst many fertility companies.

Several fertility companies are paying egg donors high fees for donors from top colleges and with certain appearances and ethnicities. Many parents are dishing out upwards of $50,000 for a human egg they hope will produce a smart, attractive child.

Many of your readers are college students who are struggling with the absurdly high costs of tuition and books and I would conduct a brief study that would provide readers with an idea of how many women would be willing to sell their eggs.

I would also provide background information of fertility companies and acquire the opinions of both health care officials and women who are against the practice of egg donation.

I can produce the story as soon as you may need it. I look forward to hearing from you and will follow-up with you in a couple of weeks.

Thank you for your time,

Bali Martindale
bali.martindale@yahoo.com

Query #5

2010-12-06T09:15:00.000-08:00

11/15/10

FitnessMagazine.com
Meredith Corporation
125 Park Avenue, 25th floor
New York, NY 10017

Dear Kristen Diederich,

I am a student at CSU Sacramento studying Journalism and Photography.

I would like to pitch a story idea regarding a recent study that claims that light to moderate alcohol consumption of red wine can help women keep weight off.

I would provide your readers with specific details about the study itself along with the opinions of health care officials, fitness trainers, and women of all ages.

Most weight-loss plans restrict the consumption of alcohol entirely so I believe an in-depth look at the results of this study would not only test its validity but give your female readers something to look forward to in their quest to lose or maintain their weight.

I can produce the story as soon as you may need it. I look forward to hearing from you and will follow-up with you in a couple of weeks.

Thank you for your time,

Bali Martindale
bali.martindale@yahoo.com

Query #4

2010-12-06T09:07:00.000-08:00

11/15/10

Women's Health Online
733 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10017

Dear Amy Van Deusen,

I am a student at CSU Sacramento studying Journalism and Photography.

I am would like to pitch a story idea about a new type of emergency contraceptive pill that claims to be more effective and work longer than the most widely used drug.

I would discuss the specific details of the study, detail the main differences between the old and new contraceptive pills, and provide opinions of both health care officials and women who have already used the drug, would consider using it, or are against using it.

Many women can be apprehensive when it comes to discussing their choice of contraception but I would be able to provide a comfortable platform for women in this particular age group to share their opinions.

I can produce the story as soon as you may need it. I look forward to hearing from you and will follow-up with you in a couple of weeks.

Thank you for your time,

Bali Martindale
bali.martindale@yahoo.com

Magazine Feature

2010-11-15T11:48:00.000-08:00

A recent study revealed the full extent of psychological problems among people who have spent years recovering from serious burns; about half of those surveyed showed signs of clinical depression, with women being most vulnerable.

According to Leora Bowden, a clinical social worker who works with burn patients at the University of Michigan, there are effective ways to help burn victims who feel ostracized.

“With the help of treatments like cognitive therapy, patients can improve their ability to function and their ability to feel better about themselves, both of which are equally important,” Bowden said.

According to John Findley, a psychiatrist for the burn and trauma unit at Massachusetts General Hospital, “It isn’t possible to change society’s reaction to disfigured people but we can get (patients) to look at themselves differently, look beyond the skin and see the healthy person that was there before the thermal injury.”

Titscher, Lumenta, Kamolz, Mittlboeck, & Burns maintain that the appearance of skin is crucial for our physical and psychological integrity, and is strongly associated with our emotional self-awareness.

Burn victims have to cope with negative and even threatening sensations resulting from the changed appearance of their skin after injury and also linked to experiences during the treatment.

The aim of their study was to “analyze differences regarding the emotional associations with skin in burn victims (burn group) to persons not having subdued any burn (control group).

Their poll suggested that despite long treatment, rehabilitation and even near-death experiences burn patients continue to have positive associations with skin.

This in turn, should encourage all specialists dealing with burns to engage in a continuous follow-up as well as enhance psychological and social support.

There are several agencies in the Sacramento area that do assist burn victims with rehabilitation upon discharge from the hospital.

UC Davis Regional Burn Center in Davis admits patients for life-saving procedures, intricate wound assessment and management, as well as rehabilitation and psychosocial support and counseling.

Firefighters Kids Camp in Sacramento provides children who have had serious burn injuries the opportunity to continue their rehabilitation and recovery process in an outdoor environment where they can have fun and feel safe.

Activities include rafting, swimming, boating, hiking, fishing, biking, rock climbing, astronomy, arts and crafts, campfire songs, and games.

There are also numerous counseling services available such as Cross Creek Family Counseling in Citrus Heights which provides counseling to individuals, children, couples, and families; specializing in recovery from abuse, trauma and crime.

Therapists use a variety of approaches to assist clients in reaching their goals including cognitive therapy, psychodynamic and object relations theories, family systems, communication, hypnosis, art, and group sessions.

The burn injury lawyer at Shepard & Haven in Sacramento can help burn victims by providing high quality legal counsel if they have suffered severe burns because of the negligence of another person or a company.

Compensation serious burn injuries can cover the cost of aesthetic reconstructive surgery, medical bills for recovery, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma. They also help secure loss-of-livelihood compensation and appropriate disability benefits.

Such services help to give burn victims a new outlook on life that doesn’t involve numerous hospital visits or doctors. It is a way for their souls to heal from the trauma they endured.

Personality Profile

2010-10-25T13:09:00.000-07:00

Felicia Vasquez is a 25-year-old who does not allow social norms to control her life. She is a level-headed woman who is motivated by her past and the drive to satisfy her curiosity.

Vasquez was born to parents Donna and Paul Vasquez Jr. on January 11, 1985 in Sacramento, Calif.

She has lived in Oak Park, a small Sacramento neighborhood, troubled with gang violence, drug trafficking, and prostitution all her life.

But what makes Vasquez so different is that she did not allow a past laden with adversity to consume her and dictate her future.

Instead, she overcame every obstacle and emerged on the other side with a fresh faced view of the world. She emerged with a newfound respect for where she had been and what she had learned. She emerged with a purpose that many spend their whole lives chasing.

It wasn’t long before Vasquez realized that the common denominator in living a mediocre life was, a lack of education, “My childhood was full of people who avoided responsibility at all costs and simply let life pass them by.”

“They were all going nowhere. I didn’t want that for myself,” Vasquez said.

After receiving her High School diploma through independent study at Capital City School, Vasquez enrolled at Sacramento City College.

She spent the next couple of years working on her general education requirements and graduated with an associate degree in general education and social sciences.

Vasquez took advantage of the study abroad program offered at Sacramento City College. She spent a semester in Italy and said, “I was bitten by the travel bug. I was bitten so hard that it changed my life forever.”

She continued her studies at Sacramento State University and graduated last spring with a Bachelor’s Degree in English and a concentration in education.

Vasquez is the first to graduate from college in her family.

“Felicia is the glue that holds this family together,” said Donna. “She was there for my girl’s when I was wasn’t.”

“She sacrificed so much in her short life but seeing my daughter today making her dreams come true is the greatest gift any mother could ask for.”

Vasquez has two younger sisters, Monique, a 21-year-old child care provider and Serena, a 18-year-old senior in High School.

“Felicia isn’t just my big sister. She is my mother, my best friend, and my role model,” said Monique. “She has taught me that where you come from shapes who you are but does not define who you are.”

Vasquez was a care taker to children and the elderly since age 14. She has also worked as a tutor with the Sacramento Food Bank and as a youth advocate with The Effort, a Sacramento based program targeted at teens. She helped organize various workshops dealing with teen issues such as sex health, violence, bullying and drugs.

“Education is important to me because it is the only way you can move up in life,” Vasquez said. “I want to share what I know and maybe help some people along the way.”

“Children in other parts of the world are not like the children here who take education for granted. They value education because they know it’s the only shot they have to change their lives,” Vasquez said.

Eager to somehow link her passion for teaching and traveling, Vasquez joined the Peace Corps. She was selected to volunteer overseas in Micronesia for 27 months.

She is currently based in Pohnpei and resides will her sponsor family. She teaches English to natives and assists community members with maintaining the village and making sure all the villagers’ needs are met.

Her ultimate goal in life is to start a global network of schools where students would eventually take the reins and become teachers.

“Community involvement is key in impoverished towns across the world. Being able to see one of their own beating all odds will act as a beacon of hope for the villagers,” Vasquez said.

Vasquez does however, have one apprehension when it comes to spending the next two years in a foreign country. It’s an obstacle she has been facing since childhood.

“I hate bugs, with a passion” Vasquez said. “I just have to constantly remind myself that they are probably more scared of me than I am of them.”

Vasquez has some contact with her family and friends back home.

“We all miss her so much but we know that she has an incredible opportunity to help those less fortunate,” said Paul.

When Vasquez isn’t busy changing the lives of others, she enjoys gardening, singing and writing.

She is currently working on three books which she alternates between in her free time. The first is a collection of short stories which features many of the characters she encountered as a child, the second is a book of poems in which explores the many facets of human sexuality, and the third is an in-depth look at her family history.

“The American dream is not striving to better your own situation,” Vasquez said. “The real American dream is paying it forward after you have achieved it because we only succeed when we all succeed.”

Query #3

2010-10-05T08:36:00.000-07:00

October 5, 2010

Travel + Leisure Magazine
1120 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10036

Dear Jennifer Barr,

I am a student at CSU Sacramento studying Journalism and Photography.

I recently traveled to South Korea and would like to pitch a travel piece that would focus on what to do and not to do while on vacation.

You may be asking yourself, with all we hear about North Korea who would want to visit its lonesome neighbor South Korea? Well, I would be able to put to rest any misconceptions your readers may have about South Korea.

South Korea is an extremely beautiful place that is full of life, culture, and some of the nicest and most respectable people you could ever meet.

Not to mention its plush gardens, breath-taking palaces and museums, and a shopping district that could easily trump that of a major American city.

I would provide a list of what to do and not to do including lodging, transportation, and food. As well as a short lesson in Korean that will have your readers haggling with the local shop owners and directing taxi cab drivers in no time.

I can produce the story as soon as you may need it. I look forward to hearing from you and will follow-up with you in a couple of weeks.

Thank you for your time,

Bali Martindale
bali.martindale@yahoo.com

Query #2

2010-10-05T08:29:00.000-07:00

October 5, 2010

Budget Travel
530 Seventh Ave. 2nd Fl.
New York, NY 10018

Dear Kara Hughett and Adam Nelson,

I am a student at CSU Sacramento studying Journalism and Photography.

Many are under the impression that a weekend of wine tasting is just too expensive. Is it any wonder with so many travel publications highlighting resort style hotels, spas, and wine train packages?

I would be able to provide your readers with tips on how-to spend a weekend in Napa Valley on a budget.

I will include the names of specific wineries that offer free wine tasting, maps of bike trails that will allow your readers to avoid having to drive to each winery, saving them gas and time.

I will also provide the names of wineries that offer its visitors the opportunity to bring food from home and picnic. Yet another way to avoid having to pay for overpriced food.

Overall, I would be able to remind your readers just how easy and affordable a weekend in Napa Valley can be just by following a few simple tips.

I can produce the story as soon as you may need it. I look forward to hearing from you and will follow-up with you in a couple of weeks.

Thank you for your time,

Bali Martindale
bali.martindale@yahoo.com

Query #1

2010-09-30T12:11:00.000-07:00

September 30, 2010

Budget Travel
530 Seventh Ave. 2nd Fl.
New York, NY 10018

Dear Kara Hughett and Adam Nelson,

I am a student at CSU Sacramento studying Journalism and Photography. I am also an avid snowboarder who frequents several ski resorts in Lake Tahoe every year.

With the economy in its current state, activities in the winter such as snowboarding simply do not seem plausible. I would like to pitch a story about how to spend the weekend in Lake Tahoe on a budget.

I would provide money saving tips on food, lodging, and snowboard rentals along with, how-to score lifts tickets for free and the best time of week to hit the slopes to avoid crowds.

I would also be able to offer your readers helpful tips on how to learn the basics of snowboarding without having to pay for costly training sessions. I would include links to videos so that your readers would be able to see professional snowboarders in action.

I can produce the story as soon as you may need it. I look forward to hearing from you and will follow-up with you in a couple of weeks.

Thank you for your time,

Bali Martindale
bali.martindale@yahoo.com

How To Save Money on Textbooks

2010-09-27T16:37:00.000-07:00

With the cost of higher education once again on the rise, it is becoming more and more challenging for college students to finish their studies without being slapped with a huge bill six months after graduation. Alas, there is hope for the starving college student after all.

Although, there is little we can do in regards to tuition, parking permits, and lab fees, there are ways to save a few hundred dollars a year on textbooks. Before you reluctantly walk into your college bookstore and fork over a few hundred dollars on textbooks, be sure to do your homework.

Here are a few ways you can save money on textbooks:

1. Rent Textbooks.

Renting textbooks is a fairly new concept that is becoming popular among college students. There are numerous online sources that offer textbooks at a fraction of the cost elsewhere. Textbook rental agencies such as Chegg.com, collegebookrenter.com, and bookrenter.com are among the most popular.

The process of renting a textbook online has been made easy by such websites. Simply set up an account, search for the textbook you need, choose a return date which is typically based on whether your school is on a quarter or semester schedule, wait about a week for delivery, and return the textbook before the due date using a pre-paid return label.

Chegg.com and bookrenter.com even allow you to highlight and dog-ear pages and have a 30-day money back guarantee in case the class gets canceled or you end up dropping it.

Chegg.com even plants a tree on your behalf in an effort to combat deforestation around the globe.

Some campuses even have textbook rental programs. The upside is that you do not have to pay for shipping or wait for your books to arrive in the mail since all you have to do is walk over to the campus bookstore. But a word of caution, the selection of book is rather limited for a lot of classes.

2. Buy Used Textbooks.

Buying used books whether they are from your campus bookstore or online through sites such as Amazon.com or Half.com can also save you money in the long run. Once you have found the textbook you are searching for, you are able to assess which site is offering the best deal and order with them.

The best part about buying used book through websites such as Amazon.com and Half.com is that you are able to sell them back at the end of the semester. Although, you are not guaranteed to get back every penny you spent, something is better than nothing.

3. Borrow textbooks from the campus library.

Many professors now place a copy of the textbook on reserve in the library. You are allowed to check the book out for a few hours at a time and can even make copies of chapters so that you have a hard copy to take home with you.

4. Search for older editions of the book.

Professors typically list the most recent edition of the textbook on the syllabus but older editions can work just as well. They are typically half the price of a new textbook and the only downfall is that you may need to consult with a classmate to make sure you are on the correct page.

5. Share the Textbook and the Cost.

You can even share the textbook and cost if you go share a textbook with a classmate. The only downside to this method is you will not have full-access to the book. But this can be avoided by agreeing on a schedule that ensures both parties get adequate access to the book.

6. Buy textbooks from former students.

Yet another way you can save money on textbooks is by searching for advertisements from former students on bulletins boards around campus and websites such as Craigslist. Many times students are so desperate to get rid of their books that they allow the buyer to name the price. Another plus, the former student may also provide you with some helpful tips on the class itself.

Although, it may take some trial and error until you find a method that works best for you, all of these methods will surely add a few more dollars into your bank account.

Christmas Is...

2009-12-06T18:15:00.000-08:00

Christmas has unfortunately become a holiday that is centered around making lists and receiving gifts but few seldom stop to realize that gifts wrapped in pretty bows are mere material possessions; unneeded objects that occupy space.

Sure a gift can be a nice gesture to show someone how much they mean to you but almost everything we own will eventually end up collecting dust in the garage or in a yard sale on its way to collecting dust in someone else’s garage.

Many of us are so caught up in our own desires that we seldom stop and think of those poor souls that yearn not for lavish items but simply to have a roof that shelters them from torrential rain, clean water to drink, and food to settle their aching stomachs.

Christmas is the time of year when we can open our hearts and wallets not only to our family members but to those who need it the most.

Family should not pertain solely to our immediate relatives.

The homeless man who sits on the sidewalk hoping for us to look his way and drop a coin so that he may eat is our brother, the mother that has to sell her body so that her child may live another day is our sister.

Yet we simply pass them by riding on top of our high horses.

Who are we to judge others; we have no idea as to why so many men and women have been reduced to such a hopeless state.

We never even take the time to consider that our lives could change in the blink of an eye and we may find ourselves sitting beside them.

The power of giving should by no means be underestimated.

Something as simple as buying someone a hot meal or donating as little as sixty cents to a charity can do wonders for another human being.

Those who claim they don’t have much to give are wrong. Love, comfort, acceptance, and guidance are all things we can give in plentiful amounts.

Being able to help someone who is less fortunate is the most gratifying feeling in the world.

Giving is a selfless act that one should not boast about. The purpose of giving is lost when one begins to desire acknowledgment for their acts of kindness.

Christmas is also the time of year when we can gather with our loved ones and be thankful for our countless blessings.

We are blessed with an abundance of food whereas men, women, and children in other parts of the world die from starvation at alarming rates each day.

We have medicines and technologies that enable us to lead healthy lives and yet people willingly risk their lives by the use of legal and illegal substances.

We have an array of programs and services to aid us should a problem arise that we cannot resolve independently.

We live in a society that strives to bring justice through the use of law whereas criminals haunt villages across the globe freely.

We have educational institutes that aim to expand the minds of individuals regardless of ethnicity or financial capability.

We live in a land of opportunity which is priceless. But if we continue to take our blessings for granted, we will lose track of what is really important in life.

Christmas is the time of year when we can stop, reflect on the year that has passed and offer a little bit of ourselves to others.

It is a time of giving not receiving.

It is a time of inspiring others and restoring hope in those that need it the most.

Our First Turkey

2009-12-01T00:12:00.000-08:00

I was born and raised in the United Kingdom so naturally Thanksgiving is fairly new to our family.

Although, we celebrated something similar called Harvest Day, we have never actually had a traditional American Thanksgiving dinner.

This year was our first.

I woke to the sounds of the cupboards slamming shut, the rattle of pots and pans and of course the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.

It was a colder than usual morning so I decided to stay in my pajamas; absolute comfort was the goal of the day.

I made my way downstairs and discovered a kitchen that looked as though it had just been hit by a violent tornado.

I greeted my parents and sat down for some breakfast: blueberry pancakes with an extra helping of syrup and a cup of coffee with a splash of hazelnut creamer.

After breakfast it was time for me to get started on my contribution to dinner. I have a major sweet tooth so naturally I was in charge of the desserts.

Cupcakes, brownies, and apple crumble; I would surely be dubbed the queen of baked goods at the end of dinner.

My mum and dad divided the rest of the work amongst themselves since my brother was at work and unable to take part in the cooking.

As the three of us slaved away in the kitchen I paused for a brief moment to take in the overall ambiance in our home.

Holiday music was softly playing in the background, my cats Tigger and Simba were sprawled out in front of the fireplace to keep warm, and the aroma from a pumpkin spice candle filled the entire house.

For a split moment, time itself had stopped and the stresses accompanied with everyday life had suddenly melted away.

For a split moment, I was completely and utterly content.

When I returned to reality, I realized the only thing left to do was put the turkey in the oven so we grabbed the appetizer tray and our mimosas and headed over to the living room.

By this time, my brother had returned from work so we decided to watch a movie while we waited for the turkey to cook.

Before we knew it the timer on the oven went off. It was time to feast.

The table was already set so we grabbed our plates and piled on the goods; turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and gravy, green bean casserole, dinner rolls, and of course sweet potatoes drenched in brown sugar.

We each took a moment to say what we were thankful for before digging into the glorious bounty of food we were about to enjoy.

I must admit, I was a bit apprehensive to try the turkey because I’ve always heard such terrible things about it.

I was however, pleasantly surprised. It was moist, bursting with flavor, and absolutely delicious.

Now I finally understand why turkey is the star of the night in any traditional American Thanksgiving dinner.

We devoured our plates and even went back for seconds and in some cases thirds.

We were so full at the end of dinner that the distance between the dining room table and the living room seemed like a year long trek across the Savannah.

So we remained seated at the table and began exchanging sweet memories of years passed.

The night was full of love, laughter, delectable food and a bountiful amount of wine and champagne.

It was a night I will always cherish and hold dear to my heart.

A Night to Remember

2009-11-30T21:46:00.000-08:00

The time: 6:30 p.m. The location: the Bay Bridge. The destination: the Regency Ballroom in San Francisco, Calif.

The problem: my friend and I are stuck in traffic and have about 30 minutes before the show starts.

We left Sacramento around 3 p.m. ensuring more than enough time to get to the city. But of course, the traffic Gods were determined to stand between us and the one band that meant the world to us; Thrice.

We knew that panicking wouldn’t make the cars in front of us magically disappear so we turned up the radio and patiently waited for a glimmer of hope.

Before we knew it, we were zipping through tunnels and found ourselves in the heart of San Francisco.

Now the only thing left to do was find the venue which ironically proved to be a daunting task, even for San Francisco veterans.

If it weren’t for the map app on my phone, we would probably still be lost somewhere between Polk and Pine Street.

Alas, we arrived at the venue with just a few minutes to spare.

Security riffled through my purse and insisted that I throw away my half eaten pack of gum. She even asked me if I were chewing any at the time.

Apparently I’m some little punk who prides herself in how many wads of gum she can stick under seats. I reluctantly surrendered my pack of gum and proceeded to the ticket checkpoint.

Once in the venue we beelined it to the merchandise table, then grabbed a cold brew, and made our way up to the balcony (we voted against braving the floor since Thrice tends to draw hardcore mosh pit enthusiasts).

The inside of the venue was absolutely breathtaking. It was small enough to allow for an intimate gathering and the décor included gorgeous chandeliers that lined the ceiling.

Flash light security guards ran rampant but failed miserably at doing their job.

A young boy who was crowd surfing fell flat on his face because no one was at the front of the stage to catch him. The fall was so bad that even the lead singer of Thrice was startled and looked around for the security guards.

Luckily the kid made a full recovery, jumped right back up, and managed to walk off with the shattered pieces of his self-esteem.

Another kid, disguised as a crowd surfer, jumped up on stage in the middle of Thrice’s set. He was eventually caught and dragged off of the stage.

He did however, manage to give the security guard who jumped up after him a good run around; a comical sight nonetheless.

And who can forget the potheads foolishly lighting up in a closed venue? A word of caution for those who choose to do so: look up, there's a cloud of smoke above your head. That cloud is your very own smoke signal and your one way ticket out of the venue.

The show itself left me speechless.

As an avid concert-goer, I can honestly say that no one does it quite as good as Thrice.

The band embodies the true meaning of creativity and showmanship.

And unlike, many other bands nowadays, they have perfected the key elements required to make a performance unforgettable.

The set list was impeccable, a healthy balance between old and new songs with a few acoustic melodies thrown in, much to my delight.

The band also utilized the sound system so that it emitted top notch sound that one could only expect from arena shows and carefully planned out the lighting adding to the surrealism of the night.

This quartet undoubtedly gives it their all and the memories you take away from one night are bound to linger on for years to come.

It's Always Funny

2009-11-16T23:00:00.000-08:00

Television has gone through a rapid transformation in recent years.

“Reality” shows that are scripted, makeover shows that are so graphic they make even the strongest of stomachs churn, and dating shows starring has-been celebrities vying for the attention of overzealous men and women are currently plaguing the world of entertainment.

And who can forget, the television dramas full of over-the-top scenarios that could only be possible in tv land?

Don’t get me wrong, I have succumbed to dramas such as Grey’s Anatomy on more than one occasion but who really wants to watch a depressing show that has you reaching for a box of Kleenex at the end of the hour?

I seek refuge in comedy shows.

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is not your typical comedy show.

It is a show that doesn’t just push the envelope; it gives the envelope the finger.

The series follows a group of five semi-alcoholic, unethical underachievers who run Paddy's Pub, a run-down bar in Philadelphia.

The cast includes Charlie (Charlie Day), Mac (Rob McElhenney), Dennis (Glenn Howerton), Sweet Dee (Kaitlin Olson), and Frank (Danny DeVito).

So what makes this gang of self-centered owners so special?

Their unwavering determination to do just about anything, no matter how ridiculous, in an attempt to better their own situation.

“Paddy’s Pub: Home of the Original Kitten Mittens” aired on Nov. 5.

When a merchandising convention came to town, the gang tried to develop marketable products in an attempt to build the Paddy's brand.

The episode opened with a minute long commercial starring Charlie Kelly.

“Hello, Charlie Kelly here, local business owner and cat enthusiast. Is your cat making too much noise all the time? Is your cat constantly stomping around driving you crazy? Is your cat clawing at your furniture’s? Think there’s no answer? You’re so stupid! There is! Kitten Mittons. Finally, there is an elegant, comfortable mitton for cat! Is your cat one-legged? Is your cat fat, skinny, or an in-between? That doesn’t matter! Cause one size fits all! Kitten Mittons! You’ll be smitten! So come on down to Paddy’s Pub. We’re the hoooooooommee of the original Kitten Mittons. Meeeeeeeeeeowwwww!

Kitten Mittens were hands down the crowing jewel of the episode.

The gang also experimented with other merchandising ideas including, Paddy’s thongs, a stress ball (actually just a raw egg), the dick towel which showcases hand-drawn genitalia of all sizes, and last but not least shot gun, a gun (not a toy) that shoots alcoholic beverages into your mouth.

With such a hysterical start one would wonder, is this a precursor to what lies ahead or just another comedy show that starts off strong and falls flat on its face mid-episode?

I was however, pleasantly surprised; a mere thirty minutes of this laugh out loud comedy show and I found myself begging for more.

Not to mention the fact that there are so many jokes layered on top of one another that a single viewing of any given episode just won’t do.

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is politically incorrect, controversial, and downright hilarious.

It is a breath of fresh air in a genre that often tries too hard to well, be funny.

I give this gang from Philly an A+ and a secured spot in my TiVo’s weekly line-up.

Be sure to catch its latest episode this Thursday at 10 p.m. on FX.

Life Happens

2009-11-09T21:29:00.000-08:00

“What happened? You were doing so well at the beginning of the semester,” said my Punjabi Professor.

I thought, life happened.

Take this past week for example.

My beloved uncle had a heart attack. Thankfully, he is okay but we have been driving back and forth from the Bay Area ever since to help out with the family business.

My boyfriend and I broke up. The actual break up, oddly enough, wasn’t the difficult part. It was the aftermath that followed that took me by surprise.

You would think I'd be able to rely on my nearest and dearest for support but instead they felt the need to pass judgment on something they knew nothing about and pegged me out to be the bad guy.

Oh and my dad who is basically my support system went to South Korea and won’t be back until the end of the month.

Needless to say, studying for an exam in my foreign language class was the last thing on my mind.

A weekend like that was just an anomaly. A series of unlikely events designed specifically to test my will power.

Or so I'd like to think.

The good news is I'm still standing.

When life isn’t throwing every possible curve ball at me, my week usually consists of the following.

Mondays and Wednesdays I have class from noon to 6 p.m. and then it’s off to the gym. By the time I get home, I have just enough time to scoff down some dinner and attempt to tackle the beast that is homework.

But more often than not, my body is exhausted and my mind is running on overtime so I pop a sleeping pill and wait to drift away into a self-induced slumber.

The rest of the week consists of much of the same.

I try to divide my time equally but my obligations to my family and friends always prevail and homework simply falls to the wayside.

Life has become so hectic that I have been forced to take drastic measures just to keep from losing what is left of my mind.

Most people have one to-do list. I however, am privileged to have not one but four.

These to-do lists come in all shapes and sizes. After all, variety is the spice of life, right?

There’s the calendar which hangs over my desk, the white board that hangs on my wall, the agenda book that resides in my backpack, and the to-do list that lives in a little app on my phone known as the notepad.

You may be thinking why on Earth would someone need so many to-do lists? Well, each to-do list serves a specific and very important purpose.

My calendar reminds me of upcoming birthdays, holidays, lunches, and get togethers, my agenda book lists assignments and their due dates, and the list on my phone is specifically for errands.

The white board however, is the motherboard.

It is strategically hung by my door so that it’s the first thing I see when I wake and the last thing when I leave.

It is divided into four sections, one that reminds me what to do before I leave, one that reminds me of homework due the next day, one that reminds me to pay my bills, and one that is aptly labeled “someday” for those things that I will eventually get to.

I’m sure it seems absurd to have so many lists but ironically enough, it works for me.

I am able to manage my time better and never run the risk of forgetting anything.

I just wish there was a list that tells you how to juggle life and school without having to prioritize one over the other.

Until then, I will keep trekking forward with my end goal in sight and know that one day, this will all be worth it.

Meet Nicholas D. Kristof

2009-11-02T22:14:00.000-08:00

Nicholas Donabet Kristof is an American journalist, author, op-ed columnist, and a winner of two Pulitzer Prizes.

Kristof risks life and limb by traveling to the deepest corners of the world and shines a light on horrific daily occurrences in a way that grabs you by the heart and makes you appreciate the endless freedoms we so often take for granted.

He doesn’t just report and return to the comfort of his home, he plays an active role in the lives of the people he meets.

He is a free-thinker who is not afraid of voicing his views, regardless of how much they may differ from the popular vote.

Kristof's journey began shortly after graduating High School. While working in France, he discovered a passion for traveling. He began by backpacking around Africa and Asia and writing articles along the way to cover his expenses.

After graduating from Harvard, he studied law at Oxford University and graduated with first class honors.

Kristof has lived on four continents, reported on six, and traveled to more than 140 countries, and all 50 states.

During his travels he has had "unpleasant experiences with malaria, wars, an Indonesian mob carrying heads on pikes, and an African airplane crash," according to his blog.

Kristof joined The New York Times in 1984 and served as a Times correspondent in Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Beijing and Tokyo.

He covered economics and presidential politics.

Kristof was an early opponent of the Iraq war and among the first to warn that we were losing ground to the Taliban in southern Afghanistan.

He was also among the first to raise doubts about Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) in Iraq and the first to report that President Bush's State of the Union claim about Iraq seeking uranium from Africa was contradicted by the administration's own investigation.

Kristof has written an op-ed column for The New York Times since November of 2001 and is widely known for unveiling human rights abuses in Asia and Africa, such as sex and human trafficking.

His columns have often focused on global health, poverty and gender issues in the developing world.

In particular, since 2004 he has written dozens of columns about Darfur and visited the area 10 times.

In 1990, Kristof and his wife, Sheryl WuDunn, also a Times journalist at the time, won a Pulitzer Prize for their coverage of China's Tiananmen Square democracy movement. Cementing their place as the first married couple to win a Pulitzer for journalism.

Kristof won a second Pulitzer in 2006, for what the judges called "his graphic, deeply reported columns that, at personal risk, focused attention on genocide in Darfur and that gave voice to the voiceless in other parts of the world."

His other accomplishments include winning the Michael Kelly award, the George Polk Award, the Overseas Press Club award, the Online News Association award and the American Society of Newspaper Editors award.

Kristof and WuDunn are also the authors of "China Wakes: The Struggle for the Soul of a Rising Power," "Thunder from the East: Portrait of a Rising Asia," and "Half the Sky: From Oppression to Opportunity for Women Worldwide."

He has even kept up with the rapid expansion of multimedia. He was the first blogger on the New York Times' website, has a Facebook fan page, a YouTube channel, and also twitters.

Kristof personifies the true meaning of journalism.

He is a driving force for change. He is a beacon of hope.

He is my inspiration.

A Bad Habit

2009-10-27T00:30:00.000-07:00

The Habit Burger Grill is located at 7400 Laguna Blvd. in Elk Grove, Calif. Nestled between a FedEx Kinko’s and an apartment complex, blink and you just might miss it.

On second thought, go ahead and blink. You’re better off never setting foot into this so-called “burger joint.”

Unless of course you fancy dining in a poorly decorated establishment that plays horrible music from the 80s and paying upwards of $8 for a mediocre, at best, meal.

My first experience at The Habit was about a year ago, when they first opened for business; a sad day for burger-lovers everywhere.

It was disastrous to say the least but what can I say, I believe in second chances.

I arrived at The Habit a little after 12:30 p.m. and was surprised to see absolutely no one in line. There were however, a few patrons scattered around the restaurant.

I walked up to the counter and glanced at the menu, a mere wooden board dangling high above my head.

My first experience at The Habit had taught me to avoid their signature “Charburger” at all cost so I opted for a grilled pastrami sandwich instead.

The employee who took my order greeted me with a smile but must have been hard of hearing because I was forced to repeat my order three times before he actually understood what I was asking for.

He then proceeded to tell me my total, “That will be $8.06.”

As I reached for my wallet, I thought, eight bucks for a sandwich and a coke? This better be worth it!

My fellow classmates and I sat down and patiently waited for our numbers to be called.

I was the first to order but the numbers were being called out of sequence. I thought there was a first come, first served protocol at burger joints but apparently The Habit has a different approach.

I walked back to the pick-up counter after my number was yelled over the intercom. As I carried my tray back I couldn’t help but notice the puddle of grease forming around my sandwich.

The sandwich was served on a sweet roll and consisted of Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, caramelized onions, teriyaki sauce, and of course, pastrami. It was also paired with a sliver of cantaloupe on a piece of romaine lettuce.

I took a bite and almost immediately spat it back out.

The sandwich was so hot that I burnt my tongue on the first bite. I thought, and we’re off to a great start!

The pastrami itself however, was grilled rather nicely apart from the occasional chunks of fat I was reluctant to come across.

Calling the sandwich messy is an understatement. There was a mixture of tomato run-off and teriyaki sauce leaking from every corner. I went through so many napkins that I’m sure I killed a tree or two.

For the record, whoever thought teriyaki sauce would pair well in a pastrami sandwich must have been off their rocker.

Midway I decided if I carried on with the sandwich I would surely be spending the night praying to the porcelain Gods.

I then turned my focus to the cantaloupe. I could only assume that its sole purpose was to wash the flavor of fat out of my mouth.

But there was no way I was going to try fruit that looked as though it had been sitting in the fridge for weeks.

And the romaine lettuce which was black around the edges was just a pathetic attempt at improving the overall presentation of the meal.

The only thing pleasant about The Habit was the conversation taking place at the table and that my Mr. Pibb didn’t taste like watered down Coke. A welcome surprise nonetheless.

As I threw the remaining half of my meal in the trash, a familiar phrase echoed in my mind; history always repeats itself.

Alas, yet another lesson learned.

The Wonders of Apple Hill

2009-10-20T06:11:00.000-07:00

It’s October, the leaves have changed color and fall is officially here. This can only mean one thing; it’s time for Apple Hill.

Apple Hill is the ultimate destination on a gorgeous autumn day. It caters to the needs of all ages and more importantly is fairly inexpensive.

The 56 farms that make up Apple Hill are located north of Highway 50 between Placerville and Pollock Pines about one hour east of Sacramento and one hour west of South Lake Tahoe.

Traffic getting into Apple Hill gets pretty bad around lunch so plan on leaving a couple of hours before.

There are a few ways to explore Apple Hill.

You can drive from farm to farm or if you are really adventurous park your car and travel on foot but this can be very exhausting since some of the farms are farther than others.

The best way to experience Apple Hill however, is via shuttle bus. Just drive up to the pick up lot closest to you and hop on.

The red route pick up is located at the U.S. Forest Service Ranger Station on Eight Mile Road in Camino and the green route is located at Schnell School on Schnell School Road in Placerville.

The shuttle bus runs every 15 minutes and admission is free. Maps of Apple Hill are also passed out before you board the bus so you can plan your entire day while waiting.

However, the shuttle bus only operates from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends in the month of October.

Now that you know how to get there, let’s move on to what Apple Hill has to offer its visitors.

Every farm has several tents set up showcasing hand-made artwork, jewelry, and even clothes that are for sale.

If you are looking for a more hands-on experience you can make your own candles by mixing colored sand and wax or simply go apple picking.

Pony rides, face painting, corn mazes, and pumpkin patches; the activities for the little ones are endless.

For those of us 21 and older, why not do a little wine tasting? If you prefer beer be sure and stop by the Jack Russell Brewery where you can enjoy a cold glass of hard apple cider. There are also various pale ales and lagers if you fancy a more traditional beer.

Picnic tables are set up directly in front of the brewery so you can bring your own lunch or try one of their signature Tri-Tip sandwiches that give even the finest of restaurants a run for their money.

While waiting, you can sample a medley of flavored nuts ranging from savory to spicy. If you really want to dazzle your taste buds, try the jalapeño pistachios or the tequila almonds.

If dessert is what you crave, indulge your sweet tooth with a delectable slice of apple pie à la mode at Abel's Apple Acres. Fair warning though, you'll be tempted to take an entire pie home after your first bite.

Or you could sample a variety of apple butter served on freshly cut apple slices. If warm fried dough covered in sugar is more up your alley, the apple cider donuts at Rainbow Orchards are a guaranteed crowd pleaser.

My personal favorite is an old-fashioned caramel apple. Don't be fooled though a caramel apple from Apple Hill isn't your average granny smith you can find pretty much year round at the local supermarket.

I'm talking about a freshly picked apple covered in a finger-licking caramel that makes you wonder how you ever did without.

The beauty of Apple Hill is that you can tailor your trip to your personal preferences and if you don't get to everything this time around there's always next year.

Days and hours of operation vary for each farm. For more information, visit www.applehill.com.

Puff, Puff, Pass

2009-10-05T22:26:00.000-07:00

The legalization of marijuana has been a controversial topic of discussion for years. It seems however, we may have built up enough momentum to actually vote on the matter next year.

The proposed measure would legalize possession of marijuana for adults 21 and older in California, allowing the state to tax and regulate its sale.

The petition, which was started by supporters in San Francisco late last month, will need over 400,000 signatures to appear on the November 2010 ballot.

Previously passed legislation has shown time and again that age plays a crucial role in determining when an individual is capable of making sound decisions.

At 18, we are legally allowed to smoke cigarettes and vote. At 21, we are legally allowed to consume alcohol.

So, let me get this straight. Mere teenagers have the power to sway a nation by casting ballots according to their own political preference, potentially aiding in the rise or demise of our nation, but adults face criminal charges if caught smoking “the devil’s lettuce?”

Where's the logic in that?

Legalizing and taxing marijuana would create a new revenue stream for cash-strapped California. The state estimates the proposal could generate $1.3 billion a year.

Experts estimate that legalizing marijuana would also save $7.7 billion dollars a year by reducing the enforcement and incarceration costs.

Drug dealers would lose a significant percentage of their business and be forced to find other ways of "hustling." The FDA would also be allowed to regulate the quality and safety of the drugs for all users.

The drug generally isn't more harmful than alcohol or tobacco. Studies have even shown that many patients suffering with HIV/AIDS, glaucoma, cancer and chemotherapy, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and other debilitating illnesses find that marijuana provides relief from their symptoms.

Moderation is key, as with all things, so individual users will undoubtedly have to limit their personal consumption.

It is no secret that the state of California is in shambles but many individual’s are turning to alcohol and gambling as a means of coping with their severe financial hardships.

Consuming large amounts of alcohol and gambling both equate to the loss of large sums of money; counterproductive behavior to say the least.

Alcohol is known to impair judgment significantly and since most leave home to find refuge in a local bar, the amount of drunk drivers on the road increases considerably.

Not to mention the fact that some gamblers have been known to auction off their homes in hopes of “winning big” leaving their families helpless and in some cases even homeless.

So what's worse, a drunk driver who knowingly endangers others or a stoner who falls asleep while watching cartoons and munching on Cheetos?

It’s rather simple. The demand for marijuana outweighs the supply. By legalizing it, we will not only be able to compensate for the demand but also reap the benefits of taxing and regulating its sale.

All Californians would agree that we are in dire need of immediate change. Perhaps it is time we take a different approach.

Perhaps, the solution is to simply puff, puff, pass.

A Rabbit’s Fight for Survival (Revised)

2009-09-28T19:38:00.000-07:00

It was time for lunch and the destination was a quaint restaurant called Suki Sushi located in Elk Grove, Calif. that offers an array of Japanese wonders at reasonable prices.

I scanned the parking lot for open parking spaces and saw one directly in front of the restaurant. As I turned the corner, I saw the most dreaded word in the realm of parking lots painted in bold white letters on the pavement: COMPACT.

My car, a Volkswagen Rabbit, is fairly small but I typically steer clear of compact spaces. I have witnessed too many individuals putting dents in other vehicles to take that sort of risk.

But I was determined to do anything to avoid trekking across a parking lot in 100 degree weather. I reluctantly parked my car and headed to the restaurant with my friend Sarah, who was also joining me for lunch.

Towards the end of our lunch I happened to look over and noticed that the car next to me, a Toyota Corolla, had blocked me in.

Alas, the one time I chose to park in a compact space against my better judgment, the inconceivable happened.

I took a deep breath in and hoped for the sake of the person who so carelessly blocked me in, that they would have disappeared before I reached my car.

Ten minutes passed and there was still no sign of the vehicle’s owner. We exited the restaurant and the closer I got, the more enraged I became. From far away it looked as though there was a possible chance I would be able to squeeze through the almost non-existent gap between both cars.

But the car was parked so close to mine that I was unable to reach the back door, let alone actually get in. To make matters worse, the driver had so much room on the other side that it was apparent this was done out of sheer disregard for, well, me.

We waited for the driver in the scorching heat for another few minutes. Sarah later suggested that I get in from my passenger side and crawl over to the driver’s seat. I thought, sure that would solve the initial problem of getting into my car, but it was the principle of the matter.

I have always been encouraged to voice my emotions in writing, so I did just that. I walked over to the Corolla and placed a note on the windshield that read, “Dear Jack***, Do not block people in! It’s just rude!”

I walked back to my car, crawled over to the driver’s seat and just as I began to reverse I saw a figure emerge from the corner of my eye.

It was in fact, the culprit responsible for ruining my lunch. Still fuming, I refused to make eye-contact. Sarah informed me that he read the note and then tossed it on his passenger seat.

Some may think I reacted poorly to the situation, but I’d like to believe that my one little note not only inspired him to rethink his parking “skills” but jump-started a revolution so that all vehicles big or small can one day stand side by side without the fear of being blocked in.

You can call me the queen of wishful thinking.

A Rabbit’s Fight for Survival

2009-09-22T03:12:00.000-07:00

It’s time for lunch and the destination is a quaint little Japanese restaurant called Suki Sushi that caters to sushi lovers throughout the day, unlike many of its competitors which inconveniently close during peak lunch hours.

I scan the parking lot for open parking spaces and see one directly in front of the restaurant. I swiftly turn the corner and see the most dreaded word in the realm of parking lots painted in bold white letters on the pavement, COMPACT.

My car, a VW Rabbit, is fairly small but I typically steer clear of compact spaces because I have witnessed way too many careless individuals putting dents in the doors of other vehicles. But I was determined to do anything to avoid trekking across a parking lot in 100 degree weather so I pull in and head off to enjoy an array of Japanese wonders.

My friend Sarah and I are seated alongside windows and I have a full view of my car. Towards the end of our lunch I happen to look over at my car and notice that the car next to me has blocked me in.

Alas, the one time I choose to park in a compact against my better judgment, the inconceivable happens. I take a deep breath in and hope for the sake of the person who so carelessly blocked me in, that he or she is in the bank next door and will have disappeared before I reach my car.

Ten minutes pass and there is still no sign of the vehicle’s owner. We exit the restaurant and the closer I get to my car, the more enraged I become. From far away it looked as though there was a possible chance I would be able to squeeze through the almost non-existent gap between both cars and actually get into my car.

But the car is parked so close to my car that I am unable to reach the backdoor, let alone get in. To make matters worse, the driver has so much room on the other side that it is apparent that this was done out of sheer disregard for, well, me.

We waited for the driver in the scorching heat for another few minutes. But then Sarah suggested I get in from my passenger side and crawl over to the driver’s seat. I thought, sure that would solve the initial problem of getting into my car but it was the principle of the matter.

I have always been encouraged to voice my emotions by writing them down so I did just that. I walked over to the driver’s side and placed a note on the windshield that read, “Dear Jack***, Do not block people in! It’s just rude!”

I walked back to my car, crawled over to the driver’s seat and as I began to reverse I saw a figure emerge from the corner of my eye. It was in fact, the culprit responsible for ruining my lunch. Still fuming, I refused to make eye contact. Sarah later informed me that he read the note and then tossed it on his passenger seat.

Some may think I reacted poorly to the situation but I’d like to believe that my one little note not only inspired him to rethink his parking “skills” but jump-started a revolution so that all vehicles big or small can one day stand side by side without the fear of being blocked in. You can call me the queen of wishful thinking.

The Delta's Hidden Gem

2009-09-15T03:30:00.000-07:00

Most Sacramento natives have enjoyed a summer day or two on the Delta but what if I were to tell you that there is an exclusive getaway hidden amongst a family of oak trees that has the power to transport you to a different realm. A place that is only accessible by boat and where rules are virtually non-existent. A place where one can break away from the clutches of clocks and cell phones.

One would be inclined to wonder if such a place truly exists. This magical retreat is referred to as The Island because it is, in fact, an island located just East of Stockton, CA.

The Island is the Delta’s hidden gem and a haven for those looking to escape from the stresses of everyday life. Friends and families can come and go as they please and those spending the night may set up camp wherever they see fit. With bathroom facilities and showers on site, who wouldn’t want to spend an entire weekend on The Island?

Island-goers may participate in an endless array of activities including playing a game of volleyball or horseshoes or simply working on their tan by laying out on the beach. Not to mention the playground complete with tire swings and slides for the little ones.

Those looking for a bit more adventure can take the boat out for an afternoon of wakeboarding, waterskiing, or kneeboarding. With two large docks available for securing your boat, your spot will still be there when you return.

You’ll be sure to find everything you need come dinner time. There are barbecue pits located at every camp site. And you won’t even have to worry about bears or raccoons getting into your food before you do. Not to mention the 15-foot-long barbecue grill, which is typically used by The Island’s personal chef on special occasions, but also available for all your grilling needs.

After sunset, you can cozy up near the fire pit and enjoy a few s’mores or lay out on the deck and star gaze with your significant other. Those looking to take the party to another level can take part in a beer pong tournament held in the clubhouse. The best part for those who end up drinking more red cups than sinking is, there’s no need for a designated driver when you’re only a few feet away from your tent. Just be sure to have a flashlight handy or you just might find yourself wandering into the Delta instead of your tent.

When it’s time to head home, there’s no need in lugging all your camping gear back to the boat. Simply lock everything up in the storage units and you’ll be guaranteed to find everything just the way you left it when you return.

The Island has got it all but as with anything this good, there’s one catch. You have to be a member of the Stockton Water Ski Club in order to enjoy the many perks offered at The Island. However, the yearly membership fee is nothing compared to the memories you will make with your old and new friends that will undoubtedly last a lifetime.

Rallying to Inspire Change

2009-09-07T16:51:00.000-07:00

It's noon and Calif. State University Sacramento is bustling with students on a mission. Some are desperately trying to make it to class on time, others are on their way to the grab a bite to eat, and a few are simply trying to get home. Here’s an unlikely sight though, a group of students and faculty gathered under trees, chanting at the top of their lungs, “They say cut back, we say fight back!” It’s nearly impossible not to wonder what the commotion is all about.

The blazing Sacramento heat just wasn’t enough to keep students and faculty members from voicing their concerns regarding fee increases, cut backs and mandated furlough days on Sept. 2.

Student and faculty jump-started the rally by singing, “Cus’ we got to work together to get out of these furlough blues.” They then took turns speaking into a microphone that barely emitted any sound. Many told their personal stories of how they were affected by the recent cuts and others simply chanted the catchiest slogan of all, “I’m fired up, can’t take it no more!”

Tuition fees have skyrocketed an entire 32% and teachers have received a 10% deduction in pay. Not to mention the dreaded mandated furlough days that affect students and teachers alike.

The overall purpose of the rally was to get students to band together and demand change. It seems however, that the most crucial question of all has simply been overlooked, how?

High university fees have been the center of debate for decades now. So what makes anyone think that sending a few emails and rallying in an ultimately insignificant amount in a university quad is going to create any significant ripples in the pool of change? The facts are simple. We are in a recession and everyone is being affected. People have lost their jobs, homes, and in many cases self-worth.

We can all agree that it is downright ridiculous to expect students to pay more for less education, teacher’s to take pay cuts even though they are already under-paid, and to take away precious class time from students and teachers. But singing songs, creating catchy slogans, and yelling at the top of your lungs is not going to change anything.

If we truly desire change, we should present our legislators with propositions on how to fix the budget deficit so that they no longer have the need to target education. We all know money does not grow on trees. Our government officials are just now seeing the consequences of their decisions. We must be patient because the crisis we are facing today is not going to magically disappear overnight. It took years to get to this point and will likely take just as much time, if not more, to get back on our feet.

Sure protesting can have some benefits. It has the power to bring to light issues that some may have overseen but such rallies should also offer possible solutions and pointing fingers is not the solution. Insanity by definition means, repeating the same behavior and expecting different results. Isn’t it time we try something new?