25. October 2010 by student.

Upon reading this disturbing blog entitled “For women, It Pays to Be Thin” it brought an interesting concept into discussion. Within the job force, employers are searching for different psychical aspects when it comes to gender. And although we have progressed with semi- equal rights for women within the job force, we still are not where we should be.  New studies have shown that thinner women on average get paid more than average size women and way more than heaver women. The opposite is seen for men. Men who are labeled as being scrawny are penalized and often discriminated against by receiving a smaller pay check. Contrasted by men who are more heavy set who on average earn approximately $8,000 more a year then their skinny co-workers. This pay discrimination among men also takes a turn for the negative when men cross the line into obesity. This weight regulated pay incentive is detrimental to the employment process and is subconsciously adding to the insecurities of society. Being a women and have recently been job hunting, this is a very troubling concept to be considering while applying for work. I already have to compete with the my peers as well as the overly qualified general public due to lack of jobs, and now I have to worry about my weight? Now I understand that this weight issue can come into play with such jobs as prostitution and what not, but desk jobs? And blue collar jobs? Does weight really make a different? And how is this fair that men and afford to pack on the lbs yes women must keep this slender shape? I say if the job gets done, and done well then that’s all that should matter. If two women come in and are interviewed for a job, one is thin and a lacks some experience while the other in average and is very qualified for the position… the obvious choice is the average set women. Employment standards need to be centered around qualification, not having the best looking staff. With the up-coming college graduates coming into the work force, their job status should depend on their education not their body type. If employers want the best end product they should get back to hiring the best employee, not the hot blonde.

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

25. October 2010 by student.

A new technology that has been introduced is becoming very popular. It’s called Square. It basically turns a smartphone into a mobile cash register. Created by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, Square uses a free download software and a plastic card reader to let users swipe their cards for transactions on the go. This is quite beneficial for those businessmen that are traveling most of the time, as well as buying and selling online. Also, not many people carry cash anymore so this is also beneficial for others. Currently this app is only available for phones using Google’s Android system, and the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. Sounds pretty convenient, doesn’t it?

Posted in Introduction to Sociology | 1 Comment »

24. October 2010 by student.

Recently, I joined two different co-ed, intramural teams for football and soccer.  Both teams had a requirement for a minimal amount of females per team, and you aren’t allowed to play unless you meet this requirement.  Flag football is 8 vs. 8, where 4 players per team of 8 MUST be female and no more then 4 males per team can be on the field.  In soccer, it is 7 vs. 7, where 2 players must be females at all times.  In my opinion each team of 7 should have at least 3 girls on the field at all times, close to half of the team, as the football teams are laid out.  I agree with the girl requirements on the teams for the most part, except for two things in football and one thing in soccer.  In co-ed flag football, every other play has to be to a girl, and the guys can never run the ball.  This is ridiculous, and causes the game to be quite boring some times.  When the ball must be thrown to a girl, basically the entire defensive team just doubles up on all female players.  The guys on the offensive team literally have nothing to do but stand there.  Oh and let me add that if a female scores a touchdown its 9 points rather then 6.  Now this is insulting to females, due to the fact that it is made to be a great accomplishment when a girl catches the ball in the end zone.  Anybody can catch a football, and no the guys are not always open.  It is just ridiculous to give extra points because of gender.  Soccer is a little better, due to the fact that there isn’t a requirement to give the ball to the girls every other touch of the ball.  The problem with soccer is that if a girl scores its 2 points.  So the strategy is to run the ball into the zone, get a girl in front of the net, then pass it to her to try and get a 2 point goal.  The ideal behind this rule is that if they didn’t have that rule, nobody would pass the ball to a girl.  For most guys, that may be true.  But for the guys who aren’t like that, it sucks.  Personally, I would pass the ball to anybody who is open regardless of gender, but to each his own I guess.  I chose to write about this because I wanted to enlighten people on how stupid co-ed intramural sports can be sometimes.  I just hope that sooner or later they get rid of the boosted scoring rule for girls, and just make it even.  Sorry if this turned into a rant, my original plan was just to give my 2 cents on the whole thing.By:  Stephen Tavaglione

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

23. October 2010 by student.

Why have a pet if you’re going to abuse them for instance the Florida man is accused of choking his puppy to death. There are even other crazy animal cruelty stories you hear in the news. Is this because this is a way of coping with having been abused as a child themselves. Not that this excuses or justifies the wrongful behavior. Research shows that abusers actually set out to hurt animals but lack the mental and emotional maturity to realized the nature and extent of harm they are doing — not only to the animal but also to their own character development.

  According to Dr George Simon, PhD Serious intentional abusers actually derive satisfaction from hurting animals. From a psychological perspective, the reason is mainly about power. For the most part, animals, especially smaller or domesticated animals, can’t easily defend themselves and are vulnerable in the face of someone who can inflict great pain on them. Regardless of the reasons research tries to find, I believe that if a person knows that they’re feeling irritated towards their pets just give them up for adoption. There’s no need for an animal to go through pain and suffering.

Posted in Social Problems | 2 Comments »

22. October 2010 by student.

After our Religion project in Contemporary Social Problems, and daily in our society - for that matter - I find myself struggling with my intolerance of people who are intolerant.   This might sound funny, however it shows just how easily our biases influence our actions, even when we think we are on the side of right…. or righteousness.   I have come to the understanding that the only person I can control is myself and if I act within my ethics and my morals I can make the change I wish to see within my own circle of life.  I can only hope that my projection of ‘rightness’ is well worn and noticed by someone who might wonder if they should look at things differently.   I need to be tolerant of those I see as intolerant, for I don’t want to assume because I have an open mind I am allowed to judge another as less-than for not being as open.  I would then perpetrate my own discrimination. 

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

20. October 2010 by student.

Voting is one of the most important rights we, as American citizens, have in our country. Why qualified Americans choose not to vote? The statistics of non-voters is particularly unfortunate.  Statistics shows anywhere between 55 and 65% of Americans vote. These numbers are according to presidential elections. Of course, local elections are not as easy to define, due to wide variety and relevancy according to the size of the community. The survey found that 28 percent of infrequent voters and 23 percent of those unregistered said they do not vote or do not register to vote because they are too busy.

 People should vote to voice their opinion as far as our future is concerned, regardless of their busy schedule. I’m sure we could take a few minutes of our time to make our votes count. Even though the right to vote has proven to be difficult to achieve, us as citizens do have that right to vote in any election and, therefore, lets not waste our vote.

Posted in Social Problems | 3 Comments »

17. October 2010 by student.

I want to share how proud I am of my children. I have two step-children (girl &boy) and two children of my own (boys). My oldest step daughter is going for her Masters at Auburn. She went four years to UF and then decided to move on her own to Auburn to continue her education. I do not know many young adults or adults that would make that move on their own. My oldest son is serving in the US Army. I could not be prouder of him for his courage.  He has served over in Afghanistan three times. He just got back and decided to propose to his girlfriend and will be getting married next year.  My step son is now going to UF and is loving it. He enjoys the college and the life he is starting for himself. My youngest son is still in High School and just got his first job. He thought he was not going to get a paycheck. He got his first check and was really excited that he made his own money.

When I was raising these kids, many family members would tell me I was to hard on them and I needed to let them be kids. Well, I think we did a GREAT job in bringing them up. It was tough and they always fought with us. We held steady and did what we thought was right. We did not give our kids everything they got what they needed. Teaching them the value of a dollar and that hard work pays off. If you want to make it in life you have to work hard. I chose to have my kids early in life and now I am back in college to finish my education.  We had many discussions with them and let them know to get their education done and in their careers before they decided to settle-down and start a family.

Enjoy your life, live it to the fullest. It is the only one we have and we only have one opportunity to make the best of it.

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

17. October 2010 by student.

Smoking, to me, is one of the worst thing anyone can do their bodies. When I was a teenager, I wanted to see what it felt to be like other smokers but when I tried it, it wasn’t what I expected. That was when I knew that smoking was not going to be for me and if I was to meet someone and be committed to that person, that person had to be a nonsmoker. For, I would not like to be part of secondhand smoke. Smoking damages our bodies and especially our lungs. Inhaling secondhand smoke causes lung cancer in nonsmoking adults. Approximately 3,000 lung cancer deaths occur each year among adult nonsmokers in the United States as a result of exposure to secondhand smoke. The Surgeon General estimates that living with a smoker increases a nonsmoker’s chances of developing lung cancer by 20 to 30 percent. Why would I want to be a part of something that would that may increase breast cancer, nasal sinus cavity, and even brain tumors. My opinion is if I can save someone’s life by not smoking then I can be a part of helping someone live a healthier life.

Posted in Social Problems | 1 Comment »

14. October 2010 by student.

We all have our own perspective on the most controversial topics. Everyone knows it’s immoral to murder, do drugs, and become too intoxicated. But what’s the “acceptable” punishment for those crimes? How bad is too bad? Some believe the death penalty should be enforced, while others believe jail time is sufficient. Potentially endangering yourself and the lives of innocent people, while intoxicated, should result in much more than a ticket and fine.

            Understandably, everyone makes mistakes and wrong decisions in life. But is an apology and hospital visits enough? Some choices result in only harm or worse death. There’s not one correct or clear explanation of why driving under the influence is acceptable. Too many precious lives are involved for just a careless night of fun.

            Common DUI/DWI penalties are not nearly as bad as what they should be. They include suspension or removal of your license, expensive fines, community service, civil liability, or ignition interlock installation. None of those include the death penalty or 25 years to life imprisonment. If the law imposed stricter punishments including the death penalty, for drivers convicted of a DUI, the number of alcohol related deaths would decrease.

            Beginning at the year 2000, there were 17,380 or 41% alcohol related deaths in the U.S. Later in 2007, there were 15,829 out of 42,532 deaths or 37%. In 2006, Florida had 1,111 alcohol related deaths out of a possible 3,363 or 33%, an average percentage. While Wisconsin, having the most deaths of 352 at 49%. Even though the national numbers didn’t increase from 2000, there has not been a significant drop since then. These statistics given are a combination of deaths because of intoxication, and blameless humans being hit by a drunk driver. Nevertheless, whether the victim or not, choosing alcohol could lead to serious consequences.

            Anyone can easily say, “Don’t drive drunk!” But in reality are we responsible and designate a DD beforehand. Think about if you were the innocent person being hit by the drunk driver. What punishment would you choose for them? We all “talk the talk” and have our opinion, but do we contradict ourselves when the time comes?

Posted in Mr. Andoscia, Social Problems | 1 Comment »

14. October 2010 by student.

By levying “sin taxes” on fast-food meals, would result in healthier food choices, however many families would struggle and possibly leave many in debt. Today, our country is in a recession and many have to turn to the cheaper route, even if that means poor food choices. Normally fast-food means quick, cheap, and “more food for your buck”. For too many of us, that’s the only option we really have because of other priorities and maybe even because of time and working long and late hours. “Sin-taxes” unintentionally reproduce class differences because of these reasons. As I stated before, many live on pay check to pay check and can’t afford the healthier options, especially if they have a family. Going to a fast food restaurant, is affordable, quick, and can feed a large family if need be. Another reason why “sin-taxes” reproduce class differences is because if you look at fast-food places and look at who individually works there, majority are poverty-stricken and struggle with their income and own lives, aside from students and retired adults. By working at these places, employees receive free food and discounts, so in turn, struggling adults work there so they are able to still eat 3 meals and support their families. It’s a tough way to make a living and “sin-taxes” aren’t the way to go.A better way to encourage people to make better food choices is to take the time to find coupons and good deals at restaurants. In addition, eat at places such as Subway or Panera or Arby’s and choose the healthier choices. There are meals at these places that give you the healthier and cheaper option. We all have to choose the right choice and spend our money wisely. I also believe, certain places that could be considered “fast-food” should lower their prices, especially in tough times like now. Choosing wisely and using coupons at a grocery store can also help the budget and body. Be smart with your meal choices.

Posted in Mr. Andoscia, Social Problems | 1 Comment »