Why I am Even Walking Around Campus – Part 3 of 3

As a side note, and amusing antidote, I was eating with Dan (my polysci 520 and astro 102 friend) and he mentioned that on the bus he heard a girl talking to her friend say:
'Man, I hate him, he gave me...'
Obviously the girl noticed where she was, and she caught herself before she admitted that she got an STD from a ex boyfriend, or, even worse, a random stranger.

Anyways, on to my actual post... well, on to it if you click READ MORE...



Well, to answer the question that the title poses, a simple explanation would be that I go to OSU and this is what we do. A less simple look would require me to admit that it is wrong to eavesdrop, even if unintentionally, and I will never do that. So, we can just assume that it is based on the fact that I live on (technically off) campus.

Anyways, there actually is a good and thorough reasoning for me writing about all of this. It is more about the appropriateness, the way we teach our kids, and exactly how comfortable drunk people can be with complete strangers. In all honesty, that is the exact reason I chose to write about this. Let's start:

Appropriateness
This is something that seems to be a problem for today's youth. We answer cell phones while at a job interview, discuss professors online, and will even strip at frat parties (Note, I have only done one of those three... guess which). Hell, today, while walking to a forum on the semester switch, I passed hundreds of ladies in the oval wearing nothing but a bikini top and bottom (oh, and that preacher was there). Instead of coming and fighting against a change they don't want, the rather sit there sharing their bounty with the world. Granted, I didn't complain while walking through all of this, but my issue still is there.

How is appropriate to sit in a dinner and talk about sex? What about on a bus and talk about STDs and what your latest sex-buddy decided to give you? These are not as uncommon as they appear to be, and they are never appropriate. As I hear these things from every party, from all people when I am out getting fatty foods, and just randomly when riding the bus, it is clear that there is a systematic failing of this common conception. Clearly, these people have not been properly educated, and they either do not know what is wrong with this OR they don't respect themselves enough. This, obviously, is something that needs to be fixed.

Hey, look, that leads us to our next sub-topic...

The Way We Teach Our Kids
Clearly there is a failure at some point in the education of these young men and adults. Sure, you should be proud of your body, but you should also be modest in exposing it. I mean, while I might like looking at your flat stomach and voluptuous (my word of the day) curves, there are also those who will take advantage of that. Whole porn websites are dedicated to random images like that, and they are something that should be avoided. Same with the whole sex talk at a restaurant, or discussing how cashed your bowl is when you are at a party. All of these are not proper, and all of these could be avoided simply by raising the kids properly.

Now, yes, I fully enjoy blaming parents for all of lifes problems. Texting, Sexting, Pregnancies, etc. are all partially the fault of parents. Too often parents refuse to act like, well, PARENTS and instead try to act like friends. NEWS FLASH: you are parents, act like it. This is something that parents should teach their children: when you should say something, and who you should say it to. Saying you have STDs to a best friend is one thing, saying it while on the bus is different.

Watch Who You Are Talking Near
this is something that seriously needs to be worked on as well. Certain people are good to talk to, certain are not, but, I can guarantee you, it is never good to talk sex with strangers around - unless you are Dr. Laura, that is... This is true for not only teens and college kids, but all other sorts of people. I have been eating dinner and overheard the person behind me explain to her friends that they left their daughter at home alone (normally she is old enough). If I were a molester, or something of that nature, I would take full advantage of this.




This is something that we need to work on in all levels. There are certain things that you can discuss anywhere (that dress, those shoes, how hot that chick is) and things that should only be discussed, in a non-academic sense, when with those you are close to. Come on folks, there is no justification for talking about this stuff, flaunting your assets (pun intended), or anything else in public. Look around you, see who can hear, and then judge if it is proper or not.
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Random Listenings of a College Campus – Part 2 of 3

Simply by wandering around a campus on a Friday or Saturday night you can learn hundreds of interesting and unique things. You can learn about the fact that the government caused 9/11 (disclaimer, I do not agree with this), how a girl lost her virginity, or simply that a person is super smashed (direct quote). All of these things are simply learned by walking around listening, not even volunteering or anything. Seriously folks, these are just shouted out.



Though this is not in a category, this is the best of anything I have ever heard on campus. We have these crazy preacher guys on OSUs campus all the time, and the lecture, preach, and condemn like the world was about to end. Anyways, one of them yelled at a shirtless Frisbee player ‘put a shirt on you heathen’, which the player responded with ’I have yet to eat the apple, so I do not yet know my sin of nakedness’. Wow, simply Wow. I mean, this dude thought on his feet, was able to respond, and actually cracked the preacher up.



I have been walking down the street, ambling by parties, and overheard the following fun tidbits:

-Man, this pipe is finished, get me some more weed
Seriously man, if you are yelling out that you need more weed then any good cop will come arrest you

-Come on baby, I love you and I want to fuck
Now, I must give the girl credit, she responded with ‘but you’re drunk’ but I still have to wonder exactly what was going through his head, and hers when she chose him

-You know, OSU used to be a military base
Wow, just wow. I really want to see where he came up with that

-9/11 was caused by Osama Bin Laden and he is the president
Either this dude was dyslexic or he seriously had some issues

-Yeah, my first time was on my parents bed, he was so small
I just feel bad for the guy… oh, and her parents


Those, arguably, could be considered private, as they occur at a party. Much more interesting, however, are the comments that happen when you are at a restaurant (read PJs or Buckeye Donuts) at like 2 in the morning

-Man, my thong is riding up to high, I got me a wedgie
(this was followed by me turning around in interest, discovering it was a guy, and then loosing my greasy food)

-Mark screwed me like 15 times yesterday, it was so good
Seriously lady, what the hell? I mean, I understand the concept and all of that, but why would you explain that

-You know, my prof. is pretty hot… I wonder if I can get good grades for fooling around with him
Um, lawsuit anybody?

Even better, that statement was followed up with her friend saying:
-don’t do that… I went to this party once, hooked up with a dude, and it turned out it was my TA. He made so much fun of me
Really, I would have loved to be in that class


I know, you are wondering why I chose to share all of this with you. Well, if you come back on Wednesday you will find out…
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Random Observations From A College Campus - Part 1 of 3

So, over my time at tOSU I have noticed several things. I have also heard several things. They are interesting, insightful, or downright scary. Anyways, I decided that I would share some choice observations with you today (and this weekend), and I hope that you enjoy them just as much as I did.
On Monday I will share with you some choice things I overheard
On Wednesday I will share with you why exactly I am posting these.



What Barga Notices

If you wear a shirt with writing on it, expect me to stare at your breasts. Seriously, while I usually will not need the excuse, the writing is just asking for it. I wear shirts with sayings and images to have them looked at, if you don't want me looking, don't wear that shirt.

Same is true of the ass part of pants. Seriously ladies, if you have a nice butt, and it says 'pink' or 'cheer' on it, I am going to scope it out. This is true of any dude, so be warned.

You know, there is something to be said when guys walk around showing off their muscles. They walk around, their arms bulging out, and yet wearing the loosest pants ever. Why? Well, obviously steroids harms the growth of certain male parts (penis').

Whenever you have a nerdy looking dude (read ME) in a 'tough' class I will always be buddied up with the hot girls. They sit by me, try to be my friend, and then right before the midterm ask for help and notes. Too bad ladies, I am not only taken, but I don't take notes.

What about the guys who will wear shorts, a t-shirt, and sandles all winter? I mean, come on, don't you freeze your ass off? And, most of the dudes are walking around shivering, that really isn't attractive (Note, I am one of these dudes)

And the girls who wear miniskirts during December but also wearing about 20 sweaters on top. I mean, you have no leg hair, and no real lower body fat, but somehow you think that you will stay warm with that sexy skirt on. There is an issue here.

You know, you can learn a lot from bathroom stalls. I mean, I have learned the numbers of girls who give good head, learned what a land shark was, and even learned that Obama really has a N in the front of it. Seriously, if you ever want to study humanity, simply walk into a college restroom.

Let's chat about clothing choices for another second. Men, if you wear a banda, you are tool. Ladies, if you wear a miniskirt you are a whore. Dude, if you wear tweed you are an idiot. Ladies, same for you. Guys, if you wear a sidewise hat you are a poser. Girls, don't wear hats

You know, there is far too much PDA on campus. Seriously folks, I will walk through the oval and see dudes and chicks all over each other. See, I hate PDA in any form,both gay and straight, and I think that something needs to be fixed. My proposal, spray all PDAers with water.

Student government is a joke, about as much of a joke as the real government. only the greeks get in, and they all suck. They promise to change things, but they really do the exact same that had been done for the past bit, and they just put their own people in power. No wonder only 5% of the students vote in elections.

Last, but not least, what is up with all the kiss ups to the professors. Seriously, while that might work in the 100 level classes, all professors of higher level classes hate it and actually think badly of it. Students need to be students, not friends.
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Player X Should Come to MSU. There, I violated NCAA rules!

-Note- Don't read this until Friday, i didn't mean for it to go live now

There are tons of rules regarding how School Y can recruit Player X. These are designed to protect the player 'during a trying time in their life'. I know, it is total bullshit, but any school that wants to compete in the NCAA needs to follow these policies. To me, these policies are idiotic, as the kid should be contacted; he is an adult, if he can't deal then get the hell off of my football field. Anyways, with all of these rules, the NCAA has decided to take it a step further...

Click on 'read more' to find out what they did...



So, apparently the NCAA has decided that student run facebook groups are a violation of their recruiting rules (http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_11704/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=xgXNr5K9). Yes, that is right, students can violate NCAA rules apparently Yep, it is fishy and funny...

We already know that the NCAA is allowed to make these rules regarding colleges and the like. In fact, the courts have ruled as much in the past, so this is not an issue. What is an issue, is if the NCAA is actually allowed to inforce this against a private citizen. Let me say this clearly, should a private company be allowed to limit speech from an outside third part? Obviously, the answer is NO, so what the hell is the NCAA doing?

Now, while I disagree with the reasoning behind these restrictions, I recognize that the NCAA has the right to regulate its members and make rules accordingly. That said, however, this does not give them the right to regulate students and ban students from doing things. If I want to convince that freak from Oklahoma to come to MSU and play basketball, then I should be allowed to. I am a student, I am not in the NCAA, and I have every right to say what I wish.

Screw you NCAA, you are not in charge of me

Looking at it even further, you notice that it was the school that took action on the students. This is absurd, and, frankly, unconstitutional. There is no way that a school which gets any federal, state, or local money should be allowed to CENSOR the language or actions done by a student or employee, short of normal allowances (threat, violence, etc.).

This is nothing short of the government violating the constitutional rights of their students. I propose that we all step up and call for certain players to go to our favorite schools and wait for OSU/MSU/UM/etc. To fight us. When they attack us, we sue, simple as that.

Tai-ler Jones, Barry Every, and John Fulton should all head to OSU!!
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Where Are The Fans?

Before I start, I can not help but advertise myself... I have been on the Chicago Sun-Times twice now, most notably here. The Sun-Times is like the 7th most popular newspaper in the country, so I am rocking. As for the rest of my sports coverage, see it here.


This might be short, but it is more or less a rant that has been bugging me for some time.

On Saturday night the Columbus Blue Jackets finished off a record season for the club. With new records on wins, away wins, home wins, goals, points, and a whole slew of other things, they are poised to bring a new era into Columbus. Additionally, this is the first time that they have ever reached the Stanley Cup, and it means that we can finally stop being made fun of. Even with this record season, however, not enough people seem to be paying attention to the team.

To me, this seems like a giant mistake on the citizens part. Sure, we might be a football town, but we have a soccer team (The Crew) who won the bloody MLS cup last year. On top of that, we have the Jackets who are doing amazing. This is a great time to let the rest of the country know that we are not just about football. Seriously folks, why does nobody come out to support these teams?

And, on a side note, we have four potential non-championship trophies... The best Goalie, The Best Rookie, The Best Player (all three Mason), and the best coach Read more ...

Sup All, Whalertly says hi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

before I start, barga wanted me to update you on the whole semester thing going on. Here is a link to the NBC video that he was in. He interviewed for about 15 minutes and they used the worse 5 seconds, typical media... Barga looks so stupid, LOL
http://www.nbc4i.com/cmh/news/local/article/osu_students_use_facebook_to_protest_semesters/14448/



Hey peeps, this is Whalertly, the 5th of 6 people that need to say hello to all of you. Because I want to be different, I am going to make a list; suck on it if you don't like it

Why whalertly
Well, I wanted to remain anonymous, and I talked to Barga and he told me that this would be a fine name. So, I took the name and ran with it.

Political Leanings
As you might have guessed, I am a bit right of the line. However, it really depends on the issue, because, like Barga, I decide it per issue, not per party. That said, I am generally distrustful of politicians and love to insult everybody equally

education
What be this? Yeah, I am a 7 year student at OSU who is from Sandusky, Ohio and my name is Tommy. I said I wanted to be anonymous, so I won't even give you this

Sports
I like the Blue Jackets, The Crew, The Clippers, and The Destroyers. I hate the Buckeyes, they suck monkey balls
Yeah, I just said it

Politically Correct
There is no such thing of this, just cowards and real men. See, a coward is somebody who will only say what will not get them in trouble. A real man just speaks the truth
deal with it

Parents
They need to take more care of their kids and handle their responsibilites. Your teen sends sex messages, odds are that it is YOUR BLOODY FAULT

The Constitution
Supreme Law of the Land. Plus, it will give you a paper cut if you violate it

Favorite Sites
That thing from ben keeler, the thing from C Beth, the other thing from C Beth, NRA.org, this site

Have I said too much and/or didn't do what you expected
Yes Read more ...

I will be on TV later today!!!

Later today (about 530) I will be on NBC talking about the OSU semester switch and why students don't like it. Though I talked to the reporter for about 15 minutes, I am quite sure that I will be a five second video, but you should look at it. I will be posting it on here later if I can.

For those who have no idea what I am talking about, please read the following links:
Story on in the Lantern regarding the switch

From my site:
http://whalertly.blogspot.com/2009/03/osus-academic-calendar-maybe-its-time.html
and
http://whalertly.blogspot.com/2009/03/come-on-osu-usg-do-your-job.html

on Blogcritics
http://blogcritics.org/archives/2009/03/24/201847.php


Do to the fact that I have been working on this issue all day with many people, I will not be posting at midnight. I talked to Whalertly and he has accepted the fact that he needs to post an intro tonight, enjoy it. Read more ...

It Is Time To Revamp The School Enrollment System

I know, I know, it is not like me to make a giant rant, but I really feel the need to here. See, I do not like how our schools function, nor how they work within a certain system. Far too many schools accept crap students and ignore the good ones. So, basically, I want to bitch about that.



So, here is my beef. I have an IQ that is easily among the highest of people you will meet; in an average room of 100 people, only 3 will be smarter than myself. I had SAT and ACT scores that were in the upper 90th percentile. I took tougher classes then most other applicants, and I did far better on exams then they did. I did more volunteer work, political work, and anything you can think of then others. I even worked with endangered animals. Yet, somehow, I didn't get into OSU for my first year of college but a bunch of kids who took theater and art with As got in.

Yep, Didn't get into the biggest school in the country, even though I deserved it.

OSU, for most graduate programs, requires a GPA of about 3.5 (3.0+ and it is considerations). They don't care what classes you took, any extra work you did, or anything like that. All they care about is the grade. To me, this is absolutely stupid, as it ignores anything outside of a grade in deciding if the person matters. For these programs, you are simply a number, nothing more, nothing less. This is the worst part of upper education, and should be stopped.

Not only does this show that you are a number, but it doesn't credit anything else that you do. Sure, grades matter, but they should not be a big factor. Outside actives and other things show more about a person, and thus should be considered more. The caliber of a person is far more important then their GPA. Additionally, the classes should be considered, as a C in calculus should be worth more than an A in geometry.

But, of course, they can ignore these requirements if you are a sports person. While volunteer work, classes, and even chess club do not matter, sports do. These athletes are not people, no, they are Gods, and they are above the rest of us. Schools let in students who fail all of there other requirements, provided that they can help the school in sports. This is, frankly, bullshit and needs to be fixed.

Schools need to focus more on who the person is, and what they have done, not what grades they have. Sure, their GPA might not be great, but if they clearly are intelligent then they deserve to be in. The person with a 2.0 who serves the community is worth far more than the 4.0 greek whore (no offense, but this is based from my observations) who took easy classes. Schools need to look into the actual merit of each person, not how they look on paper.

Of course, this can never happen until schools are actually schools, and no longer buisnesses.
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OSU's Academic Calendar: Maybe It's Time To Listen To The Students

In 2006, changes in the political leanings of Ohio brought about the creation of a new office in state government, the office of the Chancellor of Education. Reflecting George W. Bush’s unpopularity, most voters were irked with the GOP and voted them out of office. This caused Ohio to move almost all of its elected officials into the Democrat column. In doing so, Ohio elected Gov. Ted Strickland to office. Strickland had promised his chief opponent in the primaries a nice juicy position if he dropped out, and Strickland always keeps his promises; thus, the new office of Chancellor of Education was created.

Eric D. Fingerhut, the man appointed to this shiny new position by Gov. Strickland, quickly set about trying to update the university system of Ohio. Making several sweeping changes, he wanted to put all of the state universities on one schedule, and one common academic requirement. This, arguably, would ease transitions between schools. However, instead of requiring this, Fingerhut let the schools decide to adopt it or not on their own.

Recently, the University Senate of The Ohio State University (OSU) decided that it was time to change the school's calendar from quarters to semesters; they cited Fingerhut's plan as a main reason for this switch. OSU, which has been running on quarters since 1922, will be moving over to semesters in 2012, ending a 90-year experiment that seemed to be working fine. The Senate, which vote 19-91 (20 abstained or were not there) in favor of the switch, presented a largely false case for making a change, and they did so in a non-parliamentary procedure.

The Undergraduate Student Government (USG) at OSU staged several "meetings" in order to get students talking about the proposed change. While they claimed that many students showed up, there was no advance publicity for these events, and they were basically full of pro-switch people. Though this makes it appear as though the students support the change, they didn’t show up because nobody knew about it. Even I, a member of USG, had heard nothing of these meetings, and did not know that they had happened until after the fact. There was no publication of them in the newspapers, no emails, nothing. Thus, any input from these meetings is highly suspect.

Additionally, USG, which is supposed to represent the students at OSU, paid no attention to the comments made by the students on various websites, and even in the school's own newspaper. Only one USG senator, Tracee Huffman, decided to ask the students how they felt, and she voted the way they felt, against the proposal. Most students mentioned that they were against the change, and that they wanted it to be thought out. Others, myself included, wanted to see a full plan of action before a vote. USG ignored us all.

Furthermore, during the motion in the Senate to pass the change, several irregularities and outright lies occurred. The side presenting the motion claimed that Strickland would cut off funding. Wrong — Fingerhut made it clear that funding would not change, nor would the schools be affected by the Board of Regents. They then claimed that it would be easier on students transferring. Wrong — one of the main reasons people transfer to OSU is the quarter system, and there have been only a few problems in the history of the school with transfers. They then argued that it helps internships. Wrong — President Gee, who supports to change, stupidly said that OSU actually has more internships, and better ones, by percentage then any other school. Oh, and they magically had ballots printed out for when somebody called for a secret vote; that was definitely set up.

Though there was not one good reason to make the change presented, the University Senate made the change anyway.

Students all over OSU are unhappy with the change. They do not want a change. They think that OSU is running well as it is. Some, myself included, believe that the fact that no full plan was proposed is bad, and that it is only writing a blank check to the school. We all agree that the transition from quarters to semesters will harm all students, and that it needs a plan (there isn’t one yet). OSU students are not alone with this unhappiness, as the other quarter schools, which will be changing as well, have unhappy students.

The reason that we believe the change will be harmful is one simply based on reality; how can you change a system without affecting those using it? Switching from one system of credits to another, in the middle of a student’s education, cannot be done properly without harm. The only way to do this would be to phase it in, and double the number of classes for those years. This, of course, is not feasible. Additionally, there is no plan to look at, and thus use to limit the total harm. We want to see how OSU is planning on making a change, and what it will look like. Heck, they didn't even make a prospective calender before the vote. Most of us will be gone by the time this happens, but we are all concerned about how this will impact the future generations.

Furthermore, most of us, as future alumni, are concerned about the prestige of the university. OSU is characterized as one of the most prestigious universities in the country, and it is currently the largest main campus in America. Students transfer to OSU for many reasons, but one of those, according to the questionnaires, is the quarter system. Additionally, the faculty comes to OSU for similar reasons. As stated in a letter to the Columbus Dispatch, current educators are contemplating leaving the university, or they already have, due to this change. Clearly, both students and teachers come to OSU because of the quarter system. We want the best teachers and students to come to OSU, and we believe that a switch will prevent this from happening.

Not only are the students angry, but they are fighting back. At four of the schools currently planning to switch, there are student petitions going around. At several of the schools, including OSU, candidates for USG president and USG senate are running on platforms against the change. A Facebook group opposed to the change has sprung up. Over the weekend before exams, it gathered roughly 7% of the OSU student body, a huge feat. There are even plans for legal petitions, which would cause a statewide vote on the issue to stop it. The students are not taking this change sitting down, they are fighting for what they want.

While there are no current plans for organized protests, several students have talked about the idea of nonviolently protesting the change. They want to force the universities, and the politicians, to understand that they deserve to be listened to. Students want the right to be represented properly, to be consulted, and not to be lied to. Students want to be heard and respected, and they are willing to fight for what they deserve.

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Come on OSU USG, do your job

For those of you who do not know, Chancellor Fingerhut has decided that it is time to make all public schools in Ohio switch over to a common schedule. Instead of making the smaller schools change, the Board of Regents decided that it was high time to make tOSU change their schedule. If everything goes as planned, OSU will change from semesters to quarters in 2012, using a process that will take 4 years. Well, they say that it will take four years...



For obvious reasons, I have a big issue with this concept. Why the hell should tOSU be the school changing, why not all the others in the state? I mean, aren't we the biggest schools, doesn't that mean we are doing something right? We are a Democracy (I know that we are not, ignore that part) and thus we should go by vote. If the biggest school in the COUNTRY keeps getting huge people it is probably because they are doing something right. Our biggest difference is that we are quarters, so we can safely assume that that is why...

Furthermore, I see no plan to make sure that the system is done without harming students. How does the university expect to switch calendar systems without screwing over the 4 years of students that will be hit by it. Students plan their entire college carrier. Some need to work around work, some have sports, and others have grand plans for when they take each class. This change will kill that for those four years. It also will cost kids credits, as they took 151 when a freshman and planned on taking 152 as a sophomore. Nope, not any more, now they need to take the combined class, repeating their 151. There is no way to implement this without harming the kids.

Taking it a step further, where are the plans for the overall change? How can the university have a vote on okaying a change without an overall plan. Are they phasing in classes, in an attempt to keep from screwing kids but costing them money? Or is it all at once? How do the professors feel about it? There is no general plan, and OSU needs one before they act on this. Unless OSU has a plan, we should never okay a change.

Additionally, the lose of $10 million (min) simply to change a calendar is absurd.

Now, on Thursday, the Senate of OSU will be voting on if they should okay this proposal or not. My issue is that they are voting on something without a full plan there. There has been no real student input, no real plan, and no good reason for the switch. Just because Gee and Fingerhut want to do something doesn't mean that we should. I am hoping that the Senate stands up and votes against this proposal.

The job of the Senate is to make sure that the students have a voice, and that they are protected. If the Senate votes to okay this, then they are not doing their job.

On an ending note, Why has there been no study on this and the student's views?
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My Glorious Tattoo

Hey all,
Anyways I went out and got a tattoo today from Evolved body art, and so far I am pleased with it. I had expected it to be bad but it really wasn't. In fact, in did not feel bad at all. I didn't cry and now I feel like a tough dude, and I am...



For those wondering, here is the layout in detail:
-Center - that is a tree of life, the celtic circle is caused by the interlocking branches and roots
-Top - That is my symbol and I created it years ago in Adam's basement. Frankly, it is somehting that I have used to represent myself for a while and I really like it
-Right - That is my whale, you should recognize it. Basically, it contains my pledge to continue this blog and shows my love for marine biology and oceanography
Left - block O, what do you think that means

Notice that there are three more spots open, those will come later, probably with three sets of initials...

Anyways, here are some images of it, keep in mind this is just after the bandage is removed, so I will post better pictures in a few weeks when it is done healing.

What do you all think?












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Blogging, 4 Miles Up!!!

If you look at porn while flying, are you in the Mile High Club?




I am slightly upset with Mr. Tressel. While I understand starting Pryor, I still think that it would have been better to start Todd. At least he got a standing ovation when he left the stadium for the last time!

Also, The Crew is now the MLS champions for the first time ever in our history. Congratulations to the team, and I might be joining your crazy supporters next year (when I can go pubbing).

No, I am not currently flying and blogging, but it is an interesting idea. Being able to sit back in the 'comfy' chairs, smile as you see how to buckle a seatbelt, blog about the latest in airline food, and check your ESPN fantasy league. Yep, seems like an amazing thing to do. Well, now you can, as Virgin America is now offering a wifi based flight. While it is not live yet for any planes but it's trial run for Internet junkies, it seems to be a go (hehe, pun intended).

For only 10$ for 3 hour flights, or 13$ for more than 3 hours in the air, this seems like a good investment for people to make. While the Internet is slightly slower than what you are used to, and it will cut off voice and video chatting (how long until there is a workaround?), it still seems very good. Imagine being able to fly the redeye over for you meeting in London and being able to get the most accurate figures and updates for your morning presentation. Or, being a boss, and being able to keep up with the company news while flying to New Zealand for your 'vacation'. Yep, this service seems quite usable.

Now, I think that there needs to be some fixes to the current Internet plan. I agree with the way it is designed to adapt its allowance based on current use both by you and by others. I agree that it should not be filtered (though, I am sure if you are looking at porn they might ask you to put it away). And I agree that they should block (again, how well can they do that) the voice programs. However, I disagree with the fact that it allows torrenting (I mean, come on now, violations of copyright while flying) and disagree with the security of the Internet broadcasting that they are using. Frankly, I think that you should be assigned a password and number (tied to you via your reservation) and thus they can both protect you and prosecute you, which ever is needed.

While I like the idea of this, I am still worried about the possible consequences of this. Just like cell phone on planes, I can see this as being a giant annoyance to other passengers. I can also see people with Wi-Fi cell phones trying to use that Internet, and screwing with the navigation. I can see issues with kids sitting behind you when you are looking at your porn, or other users tracking your information. Frankly, I really would just be annoyed if the person sitting next to me was using AIM (screw you iChat that everybody on the test was using) all flight. I mean, seriously, those annoying noises would probably cause me to throw their computers out of the airlock.

So, while I like the idea for businesses, the end probable use makes it not worth it in my mind. What do you guys think?

Read more ...

A continuation on teens and sex:

*EDIT* this morning my AP feed on my iPhone alerted me that an Ohio girl (sorry, could no find a link to a website) admitted to sending naked images of herself to fellow high school boys. She was 15. This just goes to prove my point that teens are really already into sex nice and young, so parents pay attention. Also, The phone belongs to the parents, check who they called, their texts, and you know, you can look at the images they send. Parents, the ball is in your court, take it and use it*End Edit*





I would like to start with four quick things:
1) Over on Blogcritics I had the film article of the day with my breakup letter to Blockbuster. Please go read and comment on it.
2) Missouri went for McCain. HA, I was right about something.
3) It is mirror lake night, for those of you who do not know what this is, don't even ask. That said PARTY AND FREEZING WHALERTLY.
4) On Saturday it is the Michigan game, and it is also Senior Day. Now, I do believe that Pryor might be a better player than Todd, but I think that Tressel should let Todd take that first snap. he has been playing well, you gray and then red shirted him, and he has been the captain. Todd is playing with class, so should you Tressel.


A continuation on teens and sex:

As you might recall my entries on the Gloucer teens and their pregnancies and on the teacher/student relationships, I blame teens and parents for a lot when it comes to their sexual relationships. Being just out of the teenage years myself, I know that the kids are ultimatly behind their decisions, but that parents can play a large roll in the kids. Until my parents started paying more attention to me, I was a bad kid (no comment on age here), but once they did, while I still did bad things, I thought about them and analyzed them first, just to make sure it was at least a thought out bad thing. Basically, I am asking you parents to first talk to your kid, make sure that they can reason and analyze the issue, and then move on.

Anyways, to today's entry...

In two counties in Ohio, schools are being sued over their ineptitude in dealing with two cases of sexual harrasment. Two girls, were allegidly forced to perform oral sex on a school bus and got nothing when they reported it to the schools. This is outragous, and needs to be delt with quickly and harshly. Our students should not need to fear when they are assulted; they should be able to tell their teachers/school administrators and expect a result. It this happened in any office, the boss would be fired (and sued out of a ton of money) if they ignored it.

But, my issue is, what if the girls relationships were consentual, as the boys (and schools) claim. The schools followed up the allegations with investigations and found that the relationships were consentual. What school would find that way if it were not true? Wouldn't it be easier to say it were not, and keep this sort of suit away? I think that the schools probably had the right investigation, and that they are being sued because the girls do not feel comfortable admiting it to their parents. Keep in mind, I might be wrong on this

This is what bothers me the most. The parents should be the ones who the girls came to, and the fact that they didn't tells me that either there is something going on at home or that the girls are lying. Again, I could be wrong on this. So, I am wondering, why are the parents not more concerned that they were not told? Also, where was the bus driver during all of this.

Lastly, I think that charging the boys with rape is wrong. To me, Rape deals with sexual intercourse, not oral sex. Read more ...

A Hodge Podge of Ohio Thingies

For those here looking up Rule 34 from XKCD you are here due to the rss feed on my side bar.

go here for information of rule 34




Before I start, I would like you to know of a nice little statistic that I discovered; if I have 'sex' as a tag in a post (as I did for teacher and sex post, the one on Friday (and on this post, as I mentioned it)) my viewership quadruples. I kid you not, I have tons of people come in searching for "sex and blogspot". Seriously, this is very interesting and odd... (EDIT, while writing this entry, Somebody found my site looking up "student fuck". Something disturbing about that)

Also, go check out my writers page at Blog Critics. I often have new posts there (and have a review of an iPhone app. probably weekly)...

Thirdly, as you might have noticed, there have been some changes to this page. Please let me know (email me) if it ever doesn't load for you, so I can see what change caused it.

Lastly, I thought the new Bond rocked, who is with me?


So, this is more or less a little Hodge podge of some interesting things from around Ohio this last week:


The Crew:
On Thursday The Columbus Crew won over their arch rivals Chicago Fire (and the traitor Byran McBride) to get into the MLS championship. With 14,000 people their viewing, The Crew kicked some fire ass. Frankly, This is sweet, as it will hopefully help us get more people to go to the games, and hopefully will show that Columbus has a real sport (unlike what I said in this post). Hopefully this 14,000 will become the average for the next season, not just for our biggest game ever. That said, please join me Sunday the 23rd to root the Crew on to victory. WOOT.



OSU
Speaking of championship games, is there any chance that OSU could get to a third straight BCS championship game? Probably not, but they could easily finish in the top 5 (looking at the upcoming schedules, and the championship games). If Michigan State beats Penn State, and OSU beats UM, then OSU will be going to Pasadena (when I say we, I mean ME!!!!!!!). So, Lets hope that UM sucks (they will), and that MS will beat PS.


Boxing in Toledo
A boxing ring at Glass City Boxing (in Toledo) was stolen from its store recently. This ring, while easily replaceable, was used to train several successful and great pro fighters. It also is historical for various other reasons. Really, the fact that this was taken makes me wonder a little bit.
1) How the hell do you steal a boxing ring? I mean, seriously, how does nobody notice this, and how do you carry it?
2) Why the hell would you steal a boxing ring. You know, these people are paid to beat the shit out of others, and you think that they will not harm you.
So, if you are out running about in the Glass City, I recommend that you carefully check to make sure that no people are taking large items from your home, piece by piece. LR, be careful ;)


A Pimp in Downtown Columbus
This is something that I have never understood in my entire life. How exactly is aspiring to be a womanizing person who sells people a great aspect for a black person. Don't they see the parallel to slavery? Anyways, on that note, I have seen this man several times, and it is always interesting to see what he is wearing. While I took no pics of his face, I am sure that you guys will appreciate his amazing colors and outfit. Anyways, I have never understood the concept of dressing like this, and was wondering if anybody could fill me in...






Read more ...

Teachers, Their Students, And S-E-X!

What is it that makes teachers and students have relationships? I have never considered having a relationship, or even sexual contact with any of my teachers or professors ever (though some are quite hot). I do not understand what it is that drives these grown adults to consummate relationships with youngsters. Recently, in Marysville a teacher was suspended (and lost his license) for kissing his student. Over in Madison a teacher is being charged for having sex with his student. Seriously now, we put trust in these teachers when we give them our kids. What the hell are they thinking?

Now, the case in Marysville is interesting. The student propositioned the teacher, changed in front of him, and kissed him. While he denied the sex, he saw her naked and kissed her back. He also hugged her. Now, I understand the hugging, as it can be consolidation: when my team lost at NOSB last year, I hugged the captain, as she was crying and needed comfort. That said, there is a difference between me (20) hugging the captain (16) and the teacher (46) hugging a student (15). My point simply is, that one is somewhat understandable. As for the other teacher, what the fuck man? You have sex with a 17 year old, there is something wrong with you. Plus, how can you have sex at a mall? Clearly there is something wrong here.

This whole issue begs the question, who is at fault? Clearly, the teachers are mostly to blame, as they are the adults, and they should be acting professional. But, when the most searched porn is for teens, how can we fully blame them? The girl (at least in Marysville) propositioned the teacher, not the other way around. While he should not have done what he did (hey, at least he stopped before sex), she has some blame there.

As I usually do (and will until I have kids), I believe the blame also falls on the parents. Seriously, how can a teen believe that having sex with a person over twice her age is appropriate. When we have teens making pacts to get pregnant, there is obviously something wrong with the way their parents are raising them. Now, not all students who proposition their teachers have bad parents, some kids are just bad. But, if we have a trend going, there is obviously some problems with the raising.

So, what to do?
1) Teach your kid that sex is special, given to somebody that you love, and not just a tool to get ahead or to have fun with (no mention of marriage here)
2) Make sure that your kid knows about contraceptives, and safe sex
3) Make sure that your kids have an open forum to talk to you about anything, listen to them, and help them out
4) Explain to your kids what is a right relationship (caring, loving, tenderness, kindness, listening, etc.) and what is wrong (abuse, using, fighting (though sometimes this can be helpful), age differences)
5) Talk to your kids about this very article. Show them that it happens, and tell them why it is wrong and what to do about it

So, while I believe that the teachers are to blame 96.72%, I believe that the parents and teens share the other 3.28% of the blame. Parents, do yourselves and your kids a favor, discuss this issue with them, and do not hide from it. Seriously, if all parents would sit down, shut up, and listen to their kids this sort of issue would not happen.


As a side note, professor-student relationships are to be frowned upon, but allowed provided that they are currently not students/instructors. Same with teachers and their students once they are over 18. Read more ...

Touchdown: the game is on for tOSU football Tickets!!

Post 34:


Lisa over at Glass City Jungle recently had an entry on the fact that members of our executive and legislative branches of our government often take part in receiving comped football tickets (season) to OSU games. Politics.Ohio.Com had the same basic story. Ohio.com (via the Beacon) has an in depth review of this issue. And last but not least, this website has a review of those who got the tickets last year. Most of these sites featured commentary about the ethics and properness of receiving these tickets as a gift; however, I would like to talk about a few different things involved in getting these tickets, along with the ethics: I didn't get any, Ethical Problems, what about the general public and alumni. There are 102,329 seats open at OSU games making it the 6th largest stadium in the world, Why the hell could I not get a ticket? tOSU tickets; what really grinds my gigantic notched wheels.

I didn't get any:
I entered the student ticket area this year, a bit later than I could have but still about mid-way through the submission window. From what I was lead to understand, anybody who asked for tickets within that window would get them. Low and behold, at the end of April, MIDWAY THROUGH MY WINDOW, they had sold out of tickets. This, to me, is a problem. I pay out off my ass to go to tOSU and the least I expect is the right to buy tickets. Hell, one of the reasons that I went to tOSU to study microbiology instead of UMBC to study marine biology is that they told us that we could get tickets. News flash: we didn't. Not only did I not get tickets (and I am going to be a junior) but the freshmen had no chance what-so-ever. To me this is wrong. All the students should have the chance to get tickets, all should have the chance to get good seats. OSU, if you are going to stop selling student tickets before the window closes, why not keep it open and then lotto them off like you do the BCS tickets - which I am not eligible for this year (but I went last year).

This said, if anybody wants to sell 1-2 tickets to the UM game, please email me (or post a comment here)

Ethical Problems:
Yes, I know, I am jumping on the bandwagon in this one, but I don't really care. There are several ethical problems with receiving anything free as a legislature or executive, even if it is from a public university. Hell, the sole fact that the board of regents can get free tickets is a clear sign of problems. Anytime we allow lobbyists to give free items (1 season OSU ticket is worth $420 (I believe, based on $60 per game)) we risk corruption in our government. Even those who are responsible for overseeing this very organization are given free items by it. I have no issue with lobbyists who take a person out to dinner, or give them pens with their name/company/issue on them; however, I do have an issue with a lobbyist who gives out hundreds of dollars worth of items. It is high time that OSU attempts to set an example and not buy it's way.

What about the general public and alumni:
While I have an issue with not getting any tickets for myself, the new system that tOSU has makes it so that the alumni who have bought for years are unable to get their tickets. Thats right, the people who have been loyal and honest and paid well are being given the finger by tOSU. This is just sad, in my opinion. I know that the tickets given out would not change this, but this is part of the new system that tOSU is doing. Frankly, if I were the alumni association I would call for a boycott for a year. Once tOSU realizes that it can not do this to people they will stop.













As always, please leave any comments, no matter how large or how small about the contents of this blog post. Also, please leave any comments/suggestions about this site/post as a whole.
Feel free to e-mail me if you so wish too instead.
Thanks,
Robert M. Barga,
Editor of http://whalertly.blogspot.com/
barga.24@osu.edu



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