United Way summary

          United Way of the River Cities is a non-profit organization that seeks to help the people of the tri-state area with education, health, and other needs.  Any local donations go to the local people.  United Way works with local charities such as The Salvation Army, Girl Scouts Black Diamond Council, and the American Red Cross.

            There have been several events that the United Way has been a part of this year including Super Kids Super Families Super Saturday and the Winter Series race. These two events allow anyone to be involved with no cost and promote family time.

            They have three initiatives/collaborations one helps families with financial problems called “Financial Stability Partnership,” another makes sure that children are ready to enter kindergarten called “Success by six,” and the last is the “Cabell County Substance Abuse Prevention Partnership,” which reduces local substance abuse.

            Laura Gilliam is United Way of the River Cities’ executive director. In an article I read on marshallparthenon.com, Gilliam seems very passionate about serving her community. She said in 2009 that United Way’s goal was to raise 1.4 million dollars and if it isn’t met the people of United Way will find out why and how they can improve for future performance.

Cassey Bowden is the director of research development and marketing for United Way. In a Herald Dispatch article, I found out that Cassey Bowden was chosen for Leadership West Virginia in 2010. She showed exceptional involvement in civic activities, public affairs, and in her professional career.

Bowden teaches at Marshall University and has on child. She and Gilliam are both listed under parents and business community on Cabell County’s 2010 Strategic Planning Committee.

The Salvation Army is a non-profit, Christian organization. They help families who are homeless or who are suffering financially. The home page for The Salvation Army has a short section written by Captain Bob Mullins that I found inspiring. He and his family had faced homeless when he was a child which seems to now be a motivator for his activities with the organization. They not only give food and money to help the poor, but also supply counseling and self-sufficiency programs to get people on their feet. 

The AP Style Guide strikes again

Writing according to the AP Style Guide can be difficult for me, especially when I already think I'm right about something. On Sept. 2, I completed an interview assignment for my news writing class and made a couple common mistakes. Instead of using the word "said" or "says" for a quotation, I used "explains" and "contends." I also used the word "alludes" (for example: A alludes to B) in the wrong context. Hopefully next time around I won't make the same mistakes.

Just something that is bothering me

In the news this past week I've noticed the controversy that the new (under construction) mosque in New York City is stirring up. People have been speaking out against it, probably because it's only a few blocks from ground zero. There have been protests at the construction site and I find it almost completely insane; they aren't replacing the World Trade Center with a mosque. There are Islamic Centers/mosques all over our country and people want to attack this one, now? It's a religion in our country that allows freedom of religion. Not all Islamic people are terrorists! The majority of Islamic people aren't terrorists! Ergo the term "terrorist groups," a way to label the terrorists within a society. New York City is a diverse place- our country is a diverse place, I think it's time everyone at least tries to accept that.

Editorial on nytimes.com that better proves my point.

"Your Brain on Computers"

I found this article on nytimes.com last Tuesday and it immediately caught my attention.  I feel I can completely relate to this. With so many portable, digital devices we now have barely any time to think for ourselves. This may not be correct of all people, but most of the time when I'm watching a video, listening to music, or just sending a text on my phone I feel as if my brain completely shuts off- I might as well be asleep (accept that would be contributing to my physical health). Personally, my favorite example of this is when someone is walking around campus engrossed in their phone and they don't realize that they are about to run into a person or a door. Whatever they're doing may be important, but is it important enough to risk missing something around you, be it the door or a chance to get Ryan Reynold's autograph?


Two studies mentioned in this article suggest that you can learn easier with fewer distractions, specifically electronic distractions. That doesn't exactly sound like rocket science to me, but maybe that's what it takes for people to realize this. The University of Michigan conducted a study that implies bombarding yourself with information throughout the day makes you more fatigued. For example, you come home and watch TV for two hours and you believe that you are relaxing or refreshing yourself, but it is actually tiring your brain.


This article also says that "when people keep their brains busy with digital input, they are forfeiting downtime that could allow them to better learn and remember information, or come up with new ideas." I agree with this, I find it much harder to write a paper or take a good photograph after I've been watching TV all day as opposed to days when I only focus on general tasks.

Ironically enough, here are some videos related to this article.


Try not to fatigue your brain!

There is a rumor among the students of Marshall University. It can be seen as an act of God by the city of Huntington whose cracked and broken sidewalks scream for the need of re-pavement, but it can also be a devastating blow to the ego's of Marshall fans and students. On the night of September 10, 2010 West Virginia University may be renting out Marshall's entire Recreational Center for its own private use. While this rumor has not yet been confirmed, the likelihood of it is undeniable. The city of Huntington, which owns Marshall's Rec. Center, would benefit greatly from the profit made by renting out the building from the financially fortunate WVU. While this is great for the city we inhabit, our personal feelings and pride may be damaged in consequence. This is our city, our campus, our Rec. There has been no confirmation of this rumor (though not from lack of trying), and we will be patiently waiting for the truth.

Furyk

Pro golfer Jim Furyk was disqualified from the Barclays for accidently sleeping in.  Furyk is one of the highest ranked players in the world right now and cannot continue in the tournament.  I believe that his disqualification is unfair; I don't think he deserves the consequences. It was just a mistake that many people make on a daily basis.  I personally do not agree with the rule, and the players should be given some slack- nobody's perfect. He didn't hurt anybody by showing up late, and he should be given another chance especially since he's been preparing for this tournament.