We're all a million different people from one day to the next.

Christmas aftermath entails:

-food coma brought on by extreme consumption of baked goods and other festive foods.

-hangover of thanks after having had to thank trillions of people for their gifts. (And yes, each thank you was sincere.)

I was thinking today about how at this time of year, it always seems that you want some sort of company. I've been told by more people in the last few days than ever before of how they're just lonely and looking for some attention from really anywhere that they can get it. Are we that unstable that we've got to constantly seek the company of others to feel alright? I'm no different. Feeling alone sucks. I've never taken a psychology class, but I imagine feeling wanted and appreciated is a basic need.

Christmas Eve/Morning

It's 3:30 in the morning on Christmas Day, and once again, life rocks. I encourage everyone who should glance at this post to take a moment to appreciate their families and friends who've surrounded them and make life the amazing gift it is.

These last few days have been unbelievable. Terrible, amazing, unusual, drab all in the same day at times. But my God, I feel like I've grown 10 years time since this past Friday. It's all about perspective, and how you look at things I guess in life that make the difference in what happens to you. Take what you want out of that. It's late, or early, and I'm brainwashed from my Star Wars mini marathon me and my brother did tonight.

New objectives for the rest of break:

-Watch all 6 Star Wars DVD non stop. This will be accomplished.

-Have a Friday Friday. You know what I'm talking about, and if you don't, go to hell.



A few thoughts-

1. Jesus Christ lived and died so that we may be forgiven for our sins and be granted eternal life at His side. I hope we don't lose sight of the importance of this time of year.

2. It's truly better to give than receive, and the best gift of all, is kindness. Smile at a stranger, open yourself up to the world and for lack of better words, spread the good vibes!


Stop being such fucking scrooges and Merry Christmas!

And you thought you had problems?

http://www.todaysbigthing.com/2008/12/18 <---That chick, has problems.

Anyways, each time someone tells you that something that happens unfavorably towards you is a learning experience, it's usually the last thing you want to hear. True story. It's so wild when you actually realize just how much you take away from those instances though.

My new objective-To communicate openly and honestly my feelings with others, and to not sugarcoat or be embarrassed about doing so. You only hurt yourself worse if you never let people know how you feel.

Don't think, just be.

Friends are friends, and enemies are nothing.

It's up to you to decide who's which and for how long they remain that way, because things change in an instant.

At this point in my life, my friends and enemies are constantly changing, and one of those enemies of mine is myself.

Who are your friends and enemies?

Theraputic Self Destruction

Music is an absolute escape into another world where you can do anything you want. Whatever you're carrying, whatever you're feeling, you can sink into a song and just wash away with it. By the end of that song, you're so far removed from wherever you were, a different mindset has taken over. That's kind of the case for me anyways.

It's warm (Florida warm) here, and I'm loving it.

I met Alonzo Mourning tonight at a book signing, and if anyone is interested in a strong willed individual, I suggest you research him a little bit. My all time favorite basketball player.

I'm taking this winter break to focus on personal growth, as I have a lot of free time on my hands, and am trying to be productive in some sort of way. My goal is to develop a better understanding of myself, so that I may understand others more clearly because of it. This sounds kind of dumb, but I think everyone at some point should have to face themselves, but rarely do we ever get the courage to recognize and acknowledge our flaws and actively pursue a solution to them. This is my early New Year's resolution. What's yours?

If you're an astronaut, I'll take you to the moon and back

It's amazing what the sense of touch can do to affect your mood. Just notice what happens when your hands touch some other person's the next time it should happen. Interesting sensation.

In other news, Fall 08 is over, and I'm looking at strait A's.

Today at Costco, my dad and I had a thought:

Does the mentality of living for reward and fearing punishment foster a lack of ethics? What I mean by that is, if we always look to be rewarded, and we always fear being reprimanded should we make an error in any way, do we lose sight of being good for the sake of being good to others? I'd like to hear what anyone has to say about this. It's a pretty interesting thing. Do we then think it's ok to do things that society deems unacceptable, but we ourselves do because we know there's no chance of being punished? If we know there's no punishment for an action, is it then seen as acceptable in our eyes to do it? Is it justified? What happens if that action is harming someone else? I'd love to hear what someone else thinks.

Other than that, it's warm, all the windows in the house are open, and I'm in shorts. Go to hell Northern states.

In the name of the wolf

That's a song by the band Last House on the Left. They're sick. If you dig heavier music, give them a spin. Rad stuff.

It's finals week, and I am unaffected. I have three to take in 5 days. In the immortal words of Travis Cook, "I'm chillin real hard."

I watched a total of 10 minutes of TV today and loved it. Not having to subject myself to constant barrages of advertisements about things I don't need is relaxing.

I leave for Florida this Saturday, and am very excited, but not in the same way I was last year. I noticed the differences:

Last Year-

I was excited to come home and see my friends, not have to worry about classes, and party. That and I was looking forward to cavorting around West Palm without a curfew. The typical stuff.

This year-

I'm still excited to see my friends, but that group I want to see has gotten considerably smaller, and I like it. Those I want to see are the ones I hold dearest to me, those friends who've always been behind me, and who I know regardless of our futures we'll always be able to pick right back where we left off. But most importantly, I'm excited to see my family.

I think one of the most forgotten things in our lives today is the importance of family. Not your extended network of friends you call your family, but your blood. They are the cradle from which you were molded into the human you are today, for better or for worse. I have a spectacular family, one which I love very much, and I'm not one known to use the word love in every day use. Just take this Winter Break, and appreciate it not for the spirit of Christmas so much (although Christmas still rocks) but just enjoy the moments you share with those you hold the closest, the ones you love the most. That's what I feel times like these are about. Family is the most important thing next to God in my life, and it only took me 19 years and change to realize that.

Back to coastin'

What a long and enjoyable weekend.

Just today was nice, waking up late, getting a good run in, going to an amazing show, and watching some movies with friends. It's been nice lately.


Real quick since it's 4:30 in the morning:

Life is weird. Just have faith you're going in the right direction.

College football, Christmas parades, Golden Corral

Going to see Between the Buried and Me and Advent tomorrow in Charleston. If you haven't heard Between the Buried and Me, I encourage you to do so. Unless of course, you don't like music.

I hate the concept of time and how it works.

Time is always our enemy, whether we have too much of it and are anxiously waiting for it to dissipate, or we're squeezing every second out of every minute, whether to preserve a moment, or just to cram in a few extra facts before a test, like... FINAL EXAMS. Obviously, this has been said trillions of times before, but time has absolutely flown by these past months. This semester became past-tense in record time I feel. I can't tell if it's because I just forgot to appreciate all that was happening around me or if I was just so busy with schoolwork. Either way, I'm shocked that I'm a semester away from half of my collegiate undergraduate career being over. I can remember a time when I just wanted to get old enough to watch PG-13 movie. I can remember when I used to think college was just going to football camps all the time. I still think though that I've got a lot of things to accomplish these next 5 semesters. Only my friend time, will tell.

I go to school in the SEC. Therefore, I have a healthy dislike for my conference foes. Florida, in particular, isn't a favorite of mine. But I can't for the life of me, hate Tim Tebow. I don't know how anyone can. He's humble, he's hard working, he's a great leader, he's a good kid, and holy crap he's a great football player. I just hate that he's not on my team. He won the game for them today against Alabama. I thought the Tide was really going to take it at points in the 4th quarter.

I hate Big 12 games. Anticlimactic. I really am a product of the generation of instant gratification.

Speaking of which, what's up with every player in college football having an issue with the other players during the game? It's like everyone's got to shove and jaw at each other during the game. A lot of puffed up egos strutting around on the field is all I see. I understand the emotion of the game, but a lot of it is just prostrating. If I had D-1 athletic ability, I'd much prefer to be a silent assassin. Say nothing, annihilate everything, whether it be a receiver across the middle or a hustling defensive lineman with his eyes upfield and not on me. Speak softly, carry a big stick baby.

A few things:

1. Trying to eat more is HARD.

2. President Bush admitted the War in Iraq has taken longer than expected and been costlier than expected. That's all I have to say about that. (In the immortal words of Forest Gump)

3. I just found out about Tommy Bowden's daughter. It's gonna suck to be her kids in this era of infinite information.

Thought:

For some reason, some people dislike you putting effort towards caring about them. I find this to be odd, but even more strange that others agree about this. I thought one of the basic principles that we as humans are taught growing up is to care about your fellow man. When were we supposed to forget about that, and how come it's almost looked down upon amidst the more youthful culture? Maybe people are afraid of returning the kindness they've received? I guess I just wonder what a world would be like if people knew and actually remembered the concept of unconditional love. Doing nice things for people just to be nice. And for those who believe I'm sounding too soft by writing this, to quote Vincent Bennett, "I don't mean any disrespect, but I hope you are buried alive."

The day of gluttony

It's over.

At least for most Americans, the day of stuffing morsel after morsel into your over salivated mouths is finished. But not for the Wunderlich family. Eating Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow at our father's, and then on to Sushi Saturdays, a custom every time I come home from school.

Regardless, take this time of plenty to really step back and just recognize that this is how good life can be. I love every single person that's been put into my life, and am thankful for everything I've been able to do and will do in the future. I hope everyone can find a small amount, or a large amount of joy in today and the days to come, as life is just that, a joyous event. Celebrate, and smile. You're alive, well and living better than kings did in eras before us. Despite the negative things happening in this world, there are still pockets of truly good times and people. I choose to think they are not just small pockets either, but spread across this earth like seeds in a field. You just have to know where to look, and how to look.

Happy Thanksgiving everybody, I hope you've enjoyed today as much as I have.

Don Shula is somewhere in Miami looking for champagne

It's Sunday night and once again, the Miami Dolphins perfect 1972 season is safe. Matt Cassell looked great today, but I thought the Dolphins hung in and the offense looked great. The defense... well, I guess that WAS Randy Moss out there.

The Titans are 10-1 now, Brett Favre looked great today, and the Lions after jumping out to a 17-0 lead on the Bucs, proceeded to hand it right back. Nice!

After watching a solid block of football this weekend, college and professional, I have come to the determination that there is not a bigger bunch of egos than there are in professional basketball and football. Giant, hulking freakish athletes are heavily tattooed all over their glistening biceps with words of... whatever. After a play of stuffing the running back in the backfield for a loss, a defensive tackle will run out from the pile before high fiving his teammates and do some sort of dance in the open field so the whole stadium knows he was the one that made the play. Yea, I'm down with athletes getting psyched up and being intense, but the level of posturing that's done in these leagues is beyond that of Project Runway. Signature sack dances? Please. It's all about the team baby, I'd much rather a guy get back and get rowdy with his teammates after a great play than go and waltz all over the field like a male peacock prancing around in search of a mate. And seriously, the tattoo thing, what's the point? Can anyone explain why exactly one gets a tattoo? There really is no justifiable reason. Commemoration. Right. How about you commemorate them by honoring their lives through your actions? It serves as a reminder of something. Sure. Cause post it notes aren't hood.

This is a crazy world we live in ladies and gentlemen. Appreciate each breath you take, and don't ever complain. Seriously. It could always be worse.

Nevermind

Slaughter in the 2nd half. Oh well. It was nice for half a game, but you can't expect too much. Hopefully next year looks a little better than this year for Michigan. Hope you're happy Papa.

In other realms of college football, UNC blew it, WF is blowing it, and the ACC continues to baffle me. Maybe some more later, if not, back with follow ups and NFL tomorrow.

Halftime

It's halftime of Mich-OSU, 14-7 Buckeyes right now. This is definitely why they play the games. You never know what's the outcome of a game until it's played. So it stands true today. Michigan's offense (or at least Sheridan) looks sickly. They did manage to find some semblance of a running game at the end of the quarter and aside from two plays on defense, the Wolverines are giving Pryor hell. Let's see what the second half brings.

Clemson is in a dogfight at UVA. Go Cavs.

WVA is looking feisty against Louisville. What happened to the Big East this year?

Purdue is annihilating Indiana.

Go Blue!

Also

I forgot to add, this is the first Michigan-Ohio State game in my life that my grandmother's husband, my Papa, Bryce Keough won't be on this earth to watch and take in his Buckeyes and listen to my dad and I give him hell about how the Maize and Blue will once again be the victors in this storied rivalry. He was the team captain of the 1955 National Champion Buckeye wrestling team, and was one of the most genuine and kind spirited individuals I've ever come across on this planet. Born and raised on a farm, he was the classic Ohio farm boy to the T. He lost half of his ring finger while working on his family farm, but for his entire life, nobody could ever give him a handshake as firm as his own. He is one of my heroes in life, and I know he's looking down at the Horseshoe today clad in Scarlet and Grey and in full throat. The man sat in the student section every time the game was in Columbus, and never hesitated to call my dad and I in pregame, midgame, and postgame, regardless of the score and outcome. One of my last memories of him was talking to him last football season, where he asked me, "I'm rooting for South Carolina now, when are you gonna start rootin' for the Buckeyes?" My answer? "Never." No blood connection or bribe could ever make me root for that team. Regardless, my Papa was one of my favorite people I've ever known, always smiling, always bringing a warmth and joy to whoever he came in contact, even dancing with the wedding crasher at my dad's wedding and not caring. Whenever this game happens, I'll always remember my Papa cutting firewood for us in 18 degrees of Michigan winter, making homemade peanut brittle for his grandkids, and crushing my hand every time we shook hands with the line, "Gettin' a grip now aren't ya boy?" Every day I see something that reminds me of him and I can't wait till we can jaw at each other again.

Back with a vengance

It's been a long time coming, but I have returned.

It's November 22nd, and at this time of year in college football, seasons are wrapping up and crucial games hold conference and national championship implications. Funny thing is, while that's true this year, the traditional games aren't where you should be looking for those story lines.
Who would've thought BYU-Utah would be such a big game? What about being able to disregard Michigan-Ohio State as any big deal this season? (Unless of course, you're pulling for either team, then it's always a large occasion.) There's some unusual teams in some unusual places this year, but such is the changing landscape of college football. I chalk it all up to that offensive system I love to watch but hate to accept, the spread. Bring back the power I!

Anyways, I went to Gainesville last weekend to watch my Gamecocks take on the Mighty Florida Gators in the Swamp. Luckily, I had friends to keep my entertained throughout the weekend, otherwise, I probably would have left the game at halftime and drove strait back, 6 hours and all from that game. What an absolute failure. That's about all I want to say on that game, because there's really not much else to say. So for the UF-USC game I have one word to sum up everything that occurred on the field and the consensus feeling around Columbia: Failure.

Now, The Head Ball Coach, being that prodigious offensive mind that he is (was?), has chosen Chris Smelley to start against Clemson this coming weekend in Clemson. Frankly, this leaves me baffled. What does Chris Smelley do in practice to earn this right, or what does Stephen Garcia NOT do in practice to give the game away? Chris Smelley gift wrapped the Florida game for the Gators, turning the ball over twice in two throws in the first quarter, and taking any air out of USC that they may have had. Not that I thought we had a real shot at winning, but at least we had a chance at COMPETING. Chris Smelley looks absolutely lost on every play that's not a wide receiver screen, middle screen or halfback draw. His pitifully weak arm and dreadful decision making just make me wonder what exactly happens in and out of practice that allows Smelley to keep a hold on this job. Garcia may be a bit of a vagrant and lack experience, but let him learn! Anything right now is better than Smelley chucking it up to the other team. Also, as I've said all season, our offensive line is the worst in the nation. I'm glad people understand that now. I hope they all fail out of school, none of them take that seriously anyways.

More later, it's 12pm, and time to veg and watch Michigan shock the world.

J325 Assignment II- Dr. Moore's class

Michael Wunderlich
Dr. Moore
Journalism 325
11/07/08
News Story #2-Campus Health & Flu Season
As November settles in and the weather becomes ever cooler in the city of Columbia, students aren’t only focused on breaking out the thermal socks, sweatpants and scarves.
Along with the cooler weather comes the susceptibility among students to contract contagious illnesses, or to put it bluntly, flu season has unofficially arrived.
The month of November sees Columbia average temperature lows around 43 degrees Fahrenheit, continuing a descent into colder weather that lasts through February, providing ample opportunity for the common cold to become more than a nuisance to USC students.
With so many of Carolina students living on campus, the close quarters living conditions come into a closer focus as the temperatures drop.
“I’ve heard a lot of people getting strep throat,” said Chris Clarke, a second year Mechanical Engineering major living in Bates West. “Sometimes I’ll get a cold but it usually goes away on its own. Last year I got a sinus infection.”
Despite the rise of these common maladies, Lauren Vincent, the Public Relations and Quality Improvement Coordinator for Student Health Services on campus reports that at least 75% of students opt not to get the flu shot that’s offered at the Thomson Student Health Center.
“25.8% of USC students reported getting vaccinated last year,” said Vincent. The shot itself costs 15 dollars for students and 20 dollars for faculty, staff, and their spouses.
The three main viruses the shot protects against for the 2008-2009 flu season are A/Brisbane/59/2007(H1N1), A/Brisbane/10/2007(H3N2), and B/Florida/4/2006, all three of which are influenza virus strains that research indicates will cause the most illness during the flu season.
Vincent also noted that flu season really doesn’t get into full swing until the beginning of the new calendar year.
“The peak of flu season is actually in January,” said Vincent.
The large percentage of students who don’t receive the on campus flu shot from the Student Health Center may not necessarily be a telling statistic overall though, as a number of students opt to receive vaccinations from their local physicians.
“A family friend owns her own medical supply business, she used to be a nurse and we all get free flu shots every Thanksgiving,” Clarke continued. “It’s an awesome deal.”
Still, others are taking their own preventative measures to combat the spread of diseases this fall and into the winter months literally into their own hands.
“Getting my flu shot yea, but making sure to wash my hands, a lot,” said sophomore Natalie Rosenblum.
Vincent advocated the same course of action for students, advising, “Obviously the flu shot is the most effective… but good hygiene and washing your hands are important as well.”
Vincent also stressed that college students bet mindful of their surroundings, noting that contagious diseases don’t immediately die.
“A virus can last two to eight hours,” she continued. “Hand sanitation is a big factor.”
While there are those students that actually do receive the flu vaccination on campus as well as those who travel home to their local doctors, Vincent reports that one out of three college students still believe the flu can be contracted by receiving a flu shot.
Vincent suggested those who feared contracting the flu from the flu shot to try using an alternate medical treatment called the FluMist, a nasal mist that is administered through the nose where the virus usually enters the body.
FluMist is actually a weakened live virus vaccine, having been made from a live virus designed so as not to cause the flu and has been recommended for people from ages elementary school age to age 49.
Aside from benefiting student’s own personal health, Vincent reasoned that getting either the FluMist or a shot would be beneficial to a student’s family.
“Students may want to protect their family from diseases they bring home from school during winter break,” she said.
Students can track flu season on CDC.gov/flu and send confirmed cases of the flu to the Department of Health and Environmental Control for evaluation.
Above all measures taken by students this flu season, Vincent remains vigilant about one point to increase student health, emphasizing to students, “Wash your hands!”

Blog link:

http://michaelwunderlich.blogspot.com/

Saturday- LSU v. USC

It's gameday in Columbia, and fall is officially here. It's 63 at high noon, and is supposed to be in the high 40's tonight for game time. Looking forward to an exciting game to say the least. More on that later.


I'm watching Georgia Tech v. Clemson right now, and Clemson, Willy Korn and all, looks sickly. Cullen Harper is switching in and they both look bad. I dare say Clemson's offensive line is about as bad as USC's on some plays. Georgia Tech has a great D-Line though, so that also may play a factor. Tech so far has just been smashing them. But there's a lot of game left with three quarters to play.

Rays host the Sox tonight. Beckett goes for the Sox against Big Game James. Personally, I thought this would be where the series would end all along, as Beckett plays much more favorably into the Rays aggressive approach at the plate. He challenges hitters and the Rays are a great fastball hitting team. I'd be cautious if I was Varitek calling pitches if Beckett gets behind in the count tonight. Longoria and Upton will feast on fastballs low in the zone.

For the LSU USC game:

Steven Garcia gets the start tonight, Mike Davis at tailback, and LEMUEL JEAN PIERRE AT LEFT GUARD. The first two I'm fine with, but Jean Pierre? Arguably the worst offensive lineman I've witnessed this year in college football. Against LSU's D-Line no less. If he has multiple false start calls tonight (usually the case) I'd not hesitate to yank him for life.

My keys for the game for USC:

1. Execute on third down. When USC has played well, against Ole Miss and second half of UK, they've executed on third down. That means playing smart, sound football, knowing where to go, and not making mistakes or costly penalties.

2. Control the line of scrimmage on offense and defense. LSU has a great line on both sides of the ball, I think USC needs to control the line of scrimmage on at least one side of the ball to have a good shot at winning. The USC D is great, and I think it will be a defensive struggle for the most part of the game, with the team committing less turnovers emerging the winner.



Quickly:

-There's got to be something more than just living for each Friday night to drink away.

Days draggin', years flyin'

So I got advised today, the last two times this happened I left the J-School in a state of severe depression, as it felt like the only thing ahead of me in my scholastic ventures was pain, suffering, and a mountainous workload. But that's what you sign up for going to college right? Well, today was decent. I'm getting into my major, which I dig, BUT I am eternally saddened because I have to take COPY EDITING at 8 a.m. at some point in my life. But NOT next semester I vow. Regardless, my projected schedule for next semester looks pretty sweet, no Friday classes, that ought to be swell.

The Phillies are in the World Series. Last time that happened, Joe Carter was hittin' bombs out of the Skydome, and John Kruk was still pretty fat. At least they had Darren Daulton. I like the Phillies lineup, J-Rollins at the top, Jayson Werth who reminds me of Corey Hart, Utley, Howard, Burrell, pretty nasty. The rotation is decent looking too with Hamels, Meyers and Moyer.

The Rays, sorry Boston, look like they'll be the AL representatives, maybe by as soon as Thursday night. If that happens, I think Philly has a shot to win this thing. My thinking is this: Dice K OWNED Tampa in game 1 of the ALCS. Why? Dice K nibbles the strike zone, never actually challenging hitters, relying on the corners. Beckett, Lester and sometimes Wakefield, all have stuff that's worthy of challenging hitters, and the approach to boot. The Rays are a young, aggressive team, perfect for those types of pitchers, terrible against nibblers like Dice K, as they end up swinging at bad pitches out of the zone. I think Jamie Moyer will be especially effective against TB, and I HATE Jamie Moyer. Regardless, go Rays, let's see a Series debut.

Briefly:

-all the strength you have within a group melts away by yourself. Facing yourself alone is the greatest challenge to feeling happy.

-Winds of Plague is still kicking my ass.

Following a weekend of gluttony

Such a weekend it was, filled with pastries of all kinds, seafood that trumped the finest offerings South Carolina could ever produce, and the reminder that life goes on everywhere else, even when you're not there. That's what I learned in West Palm Beach this weekend.

Oh my god, WINDS OF PLAGUE. They dropped their album in February, but I just decided to give it a listen today. Unbelievable. That and Bring Me the Horizon's Suicide Season, will serve to keep me entertained for multiple weeks. If you're into heavy music, check those albums out, they're ILL.

The Gamecocks won Saturday, the Dolphins LOST by a point today, Michigan lost to TOLEDO, and the Lions... anyways, here's a few observations from the Carolina game:

1. Chris Smelley does NOT look off his primary receiver. There were way too many times he'd drop back, set his feet, and fire at the first target he laid eyes on. When a Kentucky player didn't break it up or intercept it, it usually was errant and off target. How did Chris go from looking like a competent, legitimate quarterback in the SEC one week ago to an absolute failure against Kentucky? I wasn't even that mad with the O-Line this week either.

2. Steven Garcia has a MUCH better arm than any other USC quarterback right now. It's now all about decision making against LSU. I pray to God that Steve Spurrier doesn't handcuff him and stick to the hyper-conservative playcalling that's dominated USC's offensive selection for most of the season until recently.

3. Jasper Brinkley, ladies and gentlemen, is BACK. Did anyone else notice whenever he hit someone Saturday, it was more of a doling out of punishment? He's thumping in the middle.

Quick thoughts:

-focus on what you can control, everything else falls into place.

-running, is awesome. try it.

-If you want something bad enough, you'll do something to get it.

Yahm Kipper!

Happy Yam Kippur (I hope I spelled it right) to all those who observe Judaism. Thanks to ya'll, there's no public schooling today.

Real short:

There's nothing more that I love than seeing a team I despise totally drop the ball in a season they're expected to ball out. Thank you Clemson.

I had pumpkin cheesecake tonight. Delicious. My brother is fat.

BYE.

Bring your own pillow to the airport

I hate Atlanta airport, and hate flying in general. That's because I hate heights, and Atlanta's airport is too huge for it's own good. Anyways, my flight was canceled today, and I had to pay for a hotel room and a 4 am wakeup call. Solid. See you on Thursday, South Florida.

In other news, check the bros. Not a lot of resemblance eh? Tanner and Eli ladies and gentlemen.

It was a beautiful, beautiful day

Thanks to all those who wished me a happy birthday Tuesday, it was greatly appreciated and made for a fantastic day. Spectacular weather combined with the kindness of others makes for the best of birthdays. Turning 20 wasn't so painful after all!

Tuesday nights for the obsessed sports fan are lonely ones. ESPN ran the riveting Madden show chronicling a bunch of overweight trash talking teenagers trapped in young adult bodies when it could have showed some NBA preseason games or at least just rerun PTI over and over again. ANYTHING but that Madden show. It hurts to watch. Well, almost as bad as the And1 mixtape tour show. THAT was bad. "Oh baby!"

The ALCS and NLCS are set. I'm siding with Tampa in the AL, and Philly in the NL. Why? I hate Manny. He's a lout who doesn't hustle and pouts when life sucks. Wait, how can life suck when you're making 20 mill a year? I do dig Joe Torre though, thought he got a bum rap in NY. I want to see the Rays win because A. I'm sick of Boston. B. Tampa's the underdog. C'mon. C. I really am just sick of Boston. Sorry Boston, I love KG, I even love Tom Brady (Hail to the Victors!), but man, your act got old. New blood!

I fly out for home Wednesday, to enjoy the splendors of birthday celebration with family and friends still in West Palm. The beach is a plus too.

Tuesday Observations

1. 20 years really isn't that long of a time to be alive. I'm probably not the first kid to have learned this upon turning 20 though.

2. The best gift is the gift of kindness. Material items pale in comparison.

3. If you just believe that everything happens for a reason, life begins to make a whole lot more sense, and the anxiety and stress of daily life is taken away.

4. It's not the things in life that mean anything, it's the people you share your life with that mean everything.

J325 Assignment-Dr. Moore's class

The following is my article for Dr. Moore's J325 class, the first of two in the semester.



Students share mixed views on campus security
By Michael Wunderlich

“Crime takes but a moment but justice an eternity.”
Those anonymous words depict the situation of many a University of South Carolina student that has experienced personal damages due to crimes committed against them or personal property on campus.
There will never be a day when every criminal will be apprehended in a timely fashion, every injustice paid for, but students and housing staff feel that there has been progress made at Carolina in dealing with on campus crime.
The month of September saw a series of high profile crimes and incidents occur on the Columbia campus.
What was described as an “all out brawl” took place in the Russell House dining area between five Gamecock football players and a group of unknown assailants suspected of having gang affiliations in the Columbia area.
Across the campus are papers showing a police sketch of an armed robbery suspect wanted for holding a USC student at gunpoint near the Sims and McClintock residence halls on September 14.
Campus police take action
In response to the recent spike in crimes, the USCPD has begun installation of security cameras throughout the campus that will monitor areas 24 hours a day.
The cameras, having been installed at various locations throughout the Columbia campus, from the Greek village to the Horseshoe and Bates parking lot are expected to be fully functional by the spring or summer.
Aside from the new cameras, there are also the traditional emergency call boxes placed around campus in case of emergency.
Campus safety progressing
Despite the recent rash of higher profile crimes that have taken place at USC, members of the Campus Housing staff feel that campus safety is improved over previous years.
“The state of campus safety has really caught up with the times we’re in,” said a Campus Housing Resident Mentor, who spoke on condition of anonymity. (Due to policy about giving interviews on campus conduct, no Campus Housing official was available for comment on the record)
“We’re becoming a lot better with dealing with mental illnesses than ever before, and although it’s not directly related to campus safety, it’s an offshoot of it I think,” the RM continued.
While the RM commented on campus safety as an improving situation, they noted nothing’s ever a perfect system.
“As an organization, housing is more reactive than anything. We can’t really prevent anything from happening.”
Recently, there has been an increase in official presence on campus, as USCPD has stepped up its involvement in patrolling the school grounds, taking preventative measures into focus.
Problems still exist
While there have been actions taken to discourage criminal activity and provide a better chance of catching criminals when they do act, students still feel there are areas of problem on campus.
“Garages and lots,” said sophomore Lyle Sweet. “I remember a friend of mine getting mugged in a lot last year.”
Sweet also remarked that earlier in the year, his car was broken into in the Horizons parking garage.
“The new parking garage hasn’t had any attendants in it to my knowledge,” said sophomore Abby Rouen.
Still other students would like to see more aggressive and hands-on steps in the form of human action and personal responsibility take form on campus.
“I would like for the campus to adopt what is done in Utah, Concealed Carry for students,” said sophomore Edward Jones. “The university is doing what it can without taking too much freedom from the students, which is important.”
Concealed Carry is the ability to bear a handgun without it being seen by anyone else. The idea is to not show a criminal who is armed, making carrying out a crime a more difficult decision.
A permit is available to those 21 years of age and older to carry a concealed weapon, although the state of South Carolina does not issue permits to non-residents, which would make obtaining a permit difficult for out of state students.
Jones owns a firearm himself, but does not keep it at his on-campus residence.
According to the data provided by the US Department of Education, the number of burglaries increased on campus from 2004 to 2006, as well as in residence halls.
The USC Division of Law Enforcement and Safety also keep crime statistics on its website, and list that from 2001 to 2006, the number of cases of assault reported has risen from 47 to 62, although the total number of crimes listed on campus fell in those years from 635 to 558.
Compared to the national average, Columbia as a city ranked worse in every crime category except murder.
Risks evident in surrounding area as well
Aside from the incidents that recently took place on campus, there have been places of worry for students going to and from common local destinations.
“The walk (from Five Points) gets kind of scary at night,” Sweet said.
Recognizing the distance between the campus and one of the more popular student hangouts in the area, USC this year has introduced Cocky’s Caravan, a free shuttle service for students with stops spread from the Vista, to Five Points to the Koger Center and Greek Village.
Aside from the new Cocky’s Caravan, there still are the preexisting APO Escort Services, or Duck bus, and the availability of police escort as well.
The University website also has a list of tips to keep safe on its main website, advising students not to carry large sums of cash with them, avoiding shortcuts and isolated areas after dark and not walking alone after dark among them.
What can you do right now?
Students seeking further statistics and information on campus crime can access the school’s law enforcement website at www.sc.edu/crimestats/index.asp, where tips on preventing and avoiding crime are available, as well as contact information for campus police.
Campus police were not available for comment.

"Maybe Next Year" Vol. 101

The MLB playoffs are in full swing, and I love life. None of my teams, (Tigers, Marlins) are participating, but that doesn't mean I can't cheer! The Rays as of Monday are up 2-1 on the White Sox, and even though he got the loss today, Matt Garza has disgusting stuff. 98 mph cheese and when it's on, a ridiculous hook, he's going to be their ace before Kazmir ever figures out how to work the inside of the plate next year. The Cubs? Ehhh. Anyways, I'd love Boston win to see them lose to the Rays in the NLCS, that'd make for some compelling television. In the NL, the Phillies are my choice to get to the Series, they have to face LA, and I believe they'll crush LA's pitching, although Milwaukee just didn't have a chance when Ben Sheet's arm fell off.

In the NFL, the Dolphins continue to wage war against AFC preseason contenders, vanquishing the Chargers this week. Ronnie Brown is the new Darren McFadden in that Wildcat offense. The REDSKINS look legit, Jason Campbell is money. I can't really devote a lot of league commentary as I have a book to be reading for English, but oh my God... the Lions! New plan: move the team to LA, and get an expansion franchise in there, and make Mike Illitch the owner. He likes winning, William Ford. You don't.

Hockey season is here! The Panthers... traded Olli Jokinen, so I'm boycotting my fandom towards them. The Red Wings are favored this year, and with Marian Hossa, let's see what happens.

In world observations, the world's fattest man is giving another morbidly obese dude diet tips. That's an actual story on MSNBC. The world we live in...

Sunday Observations:

1. Little Pigs BBQ in Columbia might be where God goes and grubs out. It's that good.

2. Chris Smelley has a pulse, and Emanuel Cook tackles anything with two legs.

3. Early autumn = absolutely gorgeous weather, enjoy the outdoors you rats.

4. The loudest man is usually the weakest man.

Hey Mr. Carter, tell me who's a good FA pickup?

Lil' Wayne now blogs for ESPN. I dig the man's flow, especially on BM Jr, but something's telling me he's only blogging for ESPN because of his celeb status? At least he's got some interesting team allegiances. Bruins? Allright! In any case, I'm glad to see a little bit of enthusiasm for anything outside of basketball and football in the contemporary rap world.

The Mets can't hold a lead and I love it. I'm curious as to how the media will handle a playoff without any NY team in the mix. At least there's always Boston for that Northeastern fix. Regardless, I'm rooting for the Ray's in the AL and the Cubs in the NL, just because I hate Manny, I'm not enamored by the Phillies being that I am a Marlins fan, and as of now I don't know if the Brewers are in. If they do, I'm all on the Brew Crew train. Just because I love Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder's a vegetarian.

The Dolphins annihilation of the Patriots is still carrying over this late in the week, and I'm enjoying every minute of it. Ronnie Brown looks great, and the playcalling was spectacular. It may not happen week in and week out, but that win was nice.

In other NFL thoughts, Millen's gone, all we need now is Mike Illitch to buy the Lions and we'll be on the road to salvation.

Life's too short. Drive the sports car.

In the middle of the Major League Baseball playoff hunt, ESPN runs poker on Tuesday nights. With university cable I am hampered from viewing pivotal games with October drama. I love network deals. Oh well, the Tigers are cooked and so are the Marlins. I'm jumping on the Rays post-season bandwagon. Godspeed Longoria and Co.!

Maybe I haven't looked hard enough, but amidst the hullabaloo of the market's latest meltdown, George Bush has publicly commented on it... once? Twice? Where is the guy? Maybe he's in Louisiana building homes for those newly marooned victims of Hurricane Katrina. Hey wait a second, that was two years ago, shouldn't that have been done by now?

It's beginning to get cooler outside, so I've decided it's time to learn to adapt http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.callanbentley.com/writing/wild_williamsburg/images/hibernation.gif&imgrefurl=http://www.callanbentley.com/writing/wild_williamsburg/ww_hibernation.htm&h=403&w=450&sz=66&hl=en&start=11&sig2=nYozQkNOOs47HXGzrzlRXg&um=1&usg=__KzS1mFJWto0om4ACjm5LR0CVN0M=&tbnid=fFldvl-Kx9K4vM:&tbnh=114&tbnw=127&ei=mtfZSP-DJoq28AT1w_ioBQ&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dhibernation%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DG
.

Today's observations:

-Eating three well sized cookies following a workout probably isn't the most productive or efficient post workout meal. Especially when that workout probably was walking the treadmill for 30 minutes and some conscience soothing low impact ab exercises.

-The loudest man is usually the weakest man.

-A mom's reassurance is all anyone ever needs when a bad day occurs.

Orange County Blonde and Blue

The new Bleeding Through album is going to slay. The new tracks are crushing. I'm excited. September 30th.

A few quick thoughts from today:

-Monday Night Football has been awesome after three weeks.

-The louder the music, the faster you run.

-People ought to worry about treating each other with more respect on a day to day basis. We're all people made the same way, yet there are people that conduct themselves as superior to others. Eliminating that sense of elitism and feeling of entitlement among people would be a welcome development in my eyes. Maybe I'm part of the problem, but I'm weary of improving.

-Gamecocks play calling-predictable, tentative and irritating.

-Drunk fans I encountered in W-B Stadium during the game-worse x 10k. If you want to load up before games, by all means, get rowdy, but don't be an asshole to others.

-It makes a world of difference in someone's eyes if you just ASK, rather than TAKE.

SHOW RESPECT.

"I am the Alpha..."

This blog was created as part of an assignment for my J325 class. I am unapologetic. Aside from the assignments that will be posted on here for this class, my own ramblings on anything that enters my mind and I deem worthy for the world to know about shall also be entered here. Enjoy the show.