This is the art of chaos. This is what sets apart man from beast.

Now, I’m not encouraging distracting behavior in class, but I am letting you know that an outlet every once in a while is good for the student soul. Here are some other classroom pranks that are sure to get you laughing.

“In college the guys were fond of ‘papering’ people into their rooms with
a wall of news paper acrossed the door. I went one further by filling up
the gap between the newspaper and the door with styrfoam packing
material. Let’s just say the recipient (my RA!) was amuzed when he
opened his door…..”

“Tie a fake snake to your shoe with fishing line and start running for
your life, screaming at the top of your lungs.”

“If your teacher has one of those computer chairs that spin around,
tape the lever that makes the seat go down. So when they sit down,
the chair will go down too.

“Snipe Hunts. ‘Nuff Said.”

“Superglue several quarters to a flat surface such as a bench or floor and watch people try to remove them.”

In the very left corner of HMA (Hole Memorial Auditorium) at La Sierra University, sits a classroom-sized lounge. Four very mismatched couches form a square and the walls are lined with shelves and vending machines that provide sustenance for the students of that fine institution. Not only do the walls creak and the roofs leak, there’s one solitary window fan that provides the heat or the air conditioner for the whole room.

But it’s not usually the decor that makes people double-take. It’s the sleeping students, piled on the couches. All of them taking a quick nap before having to head off to classes, rehearsals, or practice. Usually, those sleeping aren’t bothered by the groups of friends lounging and laughing or reviewing for class.

This room, as humble as I may make it sound, is like the living room of HMA. It’s a “watering hole” for music majors, if you will. This room is where friendships are made and kept. It’s the room where people go when they’re exhausted and need to refresh themselves. I can testify that the lounge is what keeps me coming back to HMA every single day.

I love the lounge.

Here’s the answer: We want people to care. We want to know that people are genuinely interested in our lives to give us some self-worth (well, as far as facebook worth is concerned). People seem to post every small increment just to get a comment saying “I’m sorry” or “That’s cool.” We like when people respond, because that means we’re of some amount of importance.

Yup. And on the other side we like to stick our noses into other people’s business. Humans are naturally nosy. We need anything to engage (or entertain) our brains. This is best spelled out in reality TV. We watch it because their lives are more entertaining than ours. Period. That’s why Facebook is so popular. It gives us a permanent way to watch other people’s lives and have a say in it, which makes us feel important.

Yeah, Facebook makes us nosy and it can make us attention needy. But all personal interests aside, it’s a great way of keeping in touch. I’ve talked to people that I haven’t seen in years– All through Facebook. Although it can be abused and over-used, it is a great way to communicate

.

Let’s go through my Monday schedule.

9AM-10AM English

10AM-11AM Theory

11AM-12AM Chamber Singers

12PM-1PM Opera Practice

1PM-3PM String Methods

3PM-5PM Work (where I get my homework done)

5PM-6PM Dinner

6PM-7PM Practice

7PM-10PM Chorale

10PM— Practice

Not to mention, I have to get 5 hours of practice a day. This day leaves me almost no time for practice. When do I sleep? I have some time in between 1AM to 7AM. I’m very busy… Very busy, indeed. Who says music majors have it easy? I’d like to slap them in the face with my schedule (or maybe my cello).

Where do I get my social time? Well, there’s Glee club on Wednesday, and dinnertime is usually with friends.  Thursday nights are SALSU nights and Friday night practices usually involve a plethora of friends. I can’t complain, though. I love music. I love this school. I love life. I just can’t wait for Thanksgiving break!

It’s one where we can read the epic wins or super fails of random people and then laugh at them. And it’s not FML.com! It’s actually the exact opposite. I appreciate reading these posts every day. I’ll post some of the funniest here:

“Today, I found out that if a kid gets hit by my college’s shuttle bus, they get their entire tuition here paid. Never in my life have I considered jumping in front of a bus more than I am right now. MLIA.”

“Today, I got married. Since my husband and I aren’t leaving for our honeymoon until tomorrow, we’re staying in my parent’s house until our flight leaves in the morning. Rather than doing what most couples do after marriage, we built a giant blanket fort in my old bedroom and had a pillow fight. I knew I married the right guy. MLIA.”

“Today, I went to go take a shower, no one else was in there, which is rare. I of course started to sing. I’d gotten through quite a few of my favorite Broadway and Disney songs by the time I was done. I wrapped my towel around myself and opened the curtain…and saw all the girls on my floor as well as my RA outside my shower. They burst into applause and one girl handed me a flower. I love college. MLIA”

“Today, my mom and I got Chinese fortune cookies. Mine said “You are very happy.” My mom’s said “Happiness is right next to you.” I was sitting next to her. MLIA”

This is genius. I love this site. Whoever thought of this concept must be either a genius or really, really bored. In light of my Freshman UNST class, I would say that this is one of the many ways to be an online celebrity. I can’t wait to get something published on this site.

Despite the fact that these people are mostly random and anonymous, I feel like this is one of those things that brings the world closer together. Plus, it’s a good way to cheer everyone up. Another great idea is to use it as a conversation starter. You can tell that most people can relate to a funny story some way or somehow.

I definitely recommend getting hooked on this site and not F-mylife.com

It's my viola!

So, I need to write a new post. What should I write? Well, when in doubt, list stereotypes about your own culture and explain. This should be fun. These are only a few stereotypes…

1. Asians are bad drivers.

We are not bad drivers. This stereotype comes from a simple change of culture. In most Asian countries, it’s okay to drive fast and to not stay in the lane (or even on  your side of the road). In general, driving is different. Rear-view mirrors aren’t usually used, cars and their drivers have right of way over pedestrians, and there aren’t speed limits on streets. Basically, that’s just the way we are used to driving. We drive differently than Americans.

2. We have small eyes.

So, basically, we do usually have slanted eyes. However, not all of us have small eyes. Some of us have rather large eyes, but people like just like to tease us. It’s actually really funny. In Asia, there is tape that small-eyed people wear to open their eyes. They simply stick it on the eyelid and attach it close to their eyebrow, and “ta-da”, they have bigger eyes. Funny, I know.

3. We are a little more than conservative with our money.

Basically, we’re like any American. Being cheap depends on the person. This stereotype is totally false. But, in all honesty, I have yet to find a thoroughbred Asian who isn’t at least slightly on the conservative side. Maybe it’s because the majority of Asians living in Asia are poor and have to conserve the little money they do have. Maybe this is passed down generations so that we appear “cheap”. Who knows?

Here’s a list of totally true stereotypes pertaining to Filipino people.

-We eat a lot.

-We love to sing and dance.

-We tend to eat some exotic things.

-We point with our lips.

-We make a “Sssst” sound to get another person’s attention.

-When we actually catch up to the person, we flick their shoulder to get their attention.

-Most of us “American-raised” Filipinos can do a truly authentic Filipino accent.

-We cannot resist a good round of karaoke.

By the way, attached is a picture from my UNST class that I had to take. Yay for a really bad camera and lighting!

My answer (or response questions) to the question would be: How would I know? How did I get into a coma? Were other people with me who also fell into a coma? Are we talking about the present or the future? Some people I know may be dead by then. Would I even care at that point? Aren’t I in a coma?

I know people hate it when I answer questions with more questions, but you can see where I’m going with this. You’re in a coma! Isn’t getting better the main idea? Plus, it’s not like you can react. But, I digress. I guess the real question people are trying to ask is, “Who are the people that really care for me?“

Some people may say that they want their friends and family there. But, as for me, I don’t. I’d rather have them remember me alive instead of remembering me in an almost death-like state. So, in essence, I’m saying I don’t want anyone but the nurse to visit me. My view may be a little bleak, or a little different, but I figure that a reason you like a person is because they respond to you in a way that you appreciate. If I can’t respond, why be there? It’s not like I would feel cheated. I’m not even awake!

Anyway, I do think that my family would show up against my wishes (because they are hard-headed). II don’t doubt that I’d have some friends there. I’ve made some very loyal and loving friends over the years. As for the rest of them, I’ve done my best to reach out to them, but it’s their decision if they do or don’t want to see me. I suppose if I were to ever find out, I would learn what kinds of friends I have, but again, I digress.

I guess I don’t plan on being in a coma any time soon, but when the unexpected happens I’ll be curious to see what happens. Knowing how you’ve affected those people around you is important, but what’s even more important is knowing how those people affected you. I don’t care who shows up for whatever reasons, but I know that if I were put in that position I would definitely acknowledge the power of your friendship with me by showing up. And I know that each and every one of you have contributed something wonderful to my life, so thanks for giving me a reason to be there for you.

Last thought: I’m definitely needing help with topics. Please comment with a topic you’d like to see.

James D Ardis Discussion of the night: In early July, three baseball players were put on the disabled list for a 15-day-span due to anxiety. Some argue that these players are making so much money that they have severe anxiety living up to the hype. Were psychological problems always as prevalent or has the development of this category of illnesses caused some people to become more psychologically sensitive than past generations?
James D Ardis Here’s a link to the article:http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/2009-06-25-mlb-anxiety_N.htm
John Hines hmm its a little late for the discussion of the night. i really dont know alot about this type of topic but i did find something on youtube that kinda relates and will make you laugh real hard. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9_v-o_eFps
Chris Nevins i actually think that psychological problems are being under-diagnosed today. to answer your question, no, the psychological problems you are referring to did not exist to this extent in past generations. this is largely due to the increased isolation and competitiveness we are subjected to on a daily basis (the use of facebook is a perfect example of this isolation, and increased participation in competitive sports such as baseball is an example of competitiveness.). the psychological issues people have are often legitimate in spite of the ability to order tempting cocktails of mind-altering drugs to get a sort of buzz or high (i.e. vicodin in house, md, haha). i really am too lazy to get any sort of academic support for this, but this is just my opinion.
James D Ardis Great points, as always, Chris.
Cale Skinner Being famous through sports hasnt necessarily changed, but our lives as our world grows more modern has. With the more stressful lifestyles we live now, I could see how certain psychological conditions such as anxiety could more readily develop in people that deal with mental and physical strain, such as athletes.
Elizabeth Chan I’d have to agree with the guy above me.
In terms of anxiety and stress, I’d say the modern world has caused psychological problems to skyrocket. Most people are expected to do better than average (which means to say that we’ve changed the meaning of what average is), and in doing so we’ve “raised the bar” in expectations of the average person. This, in turn, causes most people to raise their expectations of themselves, which means more work with higher stress and anxiety levels. Most (if not all) in the medical field agree: If you have higher levels of “bad” stress, a toll is taken on the mind and body. Yes, people are usually under-diagnosed because stress-related problems are so common in a stressful society.
Here lies the problem: If the problem is so common, is it necessarily wrong to treat it as common? I mean, many people suffer from asthma. Should we freak out every single time someone starts to wheeze?
I won’t really go into my opinions here, but, you can see where society can argue.
(I don’t know if you can follow my train of thought >.<)
Much love, cousin ♥
James D ArdisGreat points guys. It seems that people agree that modern society is much more stressful than it has been for past generations. But here’s a question I have for you guys: do the new resources that we have (the internet, texting, ipods) balance out and maybe even outweigh our heightened expectations? And I love you too, Elizabeth.
Elizabeth Chan Not at all. If anything, it can make it worse.If we let ourselves believe that technology makes everything less complicated, we fall into a trap. Now, we are expected to have an even bigger capability due to the fact that we have technology on our side. But what does that expectation accomplish? It just means more work! I think a common economics rule applies here. “There is no such thing as a free lunch.” In other words, EVERYTHING has a price. We still have to do work. It doesn’t matter if we have the tools, there is still an even greater expectation and workload. My history teacher once said, “Society can only add. It never learned to subtract.” Society doesn’t move backwards, it only moves forward in a different direction. (And if that doesn’t make any sense, I’m sorry T_T)If society can’t subtract, then all of this added stress (with or without tools) still weighs on our mind to some extent.
Chris Nevins I don’t know who you are, Elizabeth, but you’ve pretty much articulated what I’ve been thinking the entire time but haven’t been able to flesh out very well. High five! And “There’s no such thing as a free lunch” is one of my high school economics teacher’s favorite quotes. When I was in his class, I’d see it every day because it was posted in bold letters on a big banner, haha.
Elizabeth Chan It’s every Econ teacher’s favorite line
*Super high five*

As many of you know, I’m a music education major with a vocal emphasis. Basically, I learn how to teach music and instruments in general. I’ll be able to play all of the different instruments, conduct, write music, and perform by the time I’m done here. I love being the all-around winner (but doesn’t everybody?).  Unfortunately, I find myself distressed and upset (and yet I’m so excited) at the growing number of multi-talented people. I mean, I can play many different instruments to a certain degree, but I find myself overwhelmed when they can do something better than I can. And this is not to say that it’s their fault for being better, but it’s my fault for being so competitive.

For example, I have played the flute for 4 years. It’s nothing big. I simply played in the school band and some church ensembles. But, a classmate of mine (A vocal major also) has also played flute. But, she’s played for 7 years under an actual flute teacher. I, on the other hand, learned from a brass player/conductor. I find it hard to cope with the fact that I can’t compete. I want to compete. It’s my nature to compete.

In string methods class, I am learning how to play the violin, viola, cello, and bass. I’m so anxious to get better. I hate that I’m mediocre and that I’m not as good as other people who treat it as a hobby. It’s a competition. I need to be better.

Bah. I’ve even gotten myself worked up over this post.

I know this is a little unreasonable. “They’ve had more experience!” “You can’t be good at everything!” I’ve heard a lot of those things before. But I can’t suppress it. Being competitive seems to be one of my uglier traits. But, even though it can get in the way, it also keeps me going. I feel good that I’m excelling in string methods and that I’m part of the flute ensemble after a little break. And this is all thanks to healthy (or is it unhealthy?) competition. I’m happy that my competition drives me to succeed.

I know that now I dream about being great, but someday I will be. Watch out. I’m coming.

I think friendship before dating is a valuable way to get to know a person and build a solid foundation. In my case, I know who they are and how they are and I can judge the relationship before it starts. If I don’t like where they’re headed, I simply have a new friend. Nothing more and nothing less. I can enjoy this benefit. I also think that this builds a bridge so that the couple can go the distance together. If you don’t know someone very well, what would make you want to hang around for the hard times? There is no incentive.

I guess you could date someone you don’t know and just dump them if you don’t like them. But, it seems a little heartless to me. Plus, there’s so much awkwardness at the beginning of the relationship. It seems like too much work. Then again, if your heart doesn’t break very easily, I suppose you could just stand to lose that tie in your life. As for me, I like to keep all of my friends.

I would appreciate if someone would present the other side of the argument. I still don’t understand and I can’t find any articles presenting that side of the argument.

I’m just boggled by the complexity of dating and relationships. I’m betting many people are in the same boat, as well. I suppose it’s easy to get lost in the success of a relationship, but as the saying goes, “It was better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all.“

http://www.helium.com/knowledge/3348-should-you-be-friends-first-or-jump-into-dating

Last thought: Do all college students flirt frequently? If so, should I hide in a corner? (Hahaha)