Switched-On :: Blog

photo courtesy National Geographic

The BP oil spill has undoubtedly been an epic disaster. It’s so huge, and so foreign a subject, that it’s hard to even process the massive numbers coming out of the news. The flow may be 2.1 million gallons of oil per day, which is pretty much impossible to fathom. As a result, I didn’t really feel too outraged by simply reading the stats on the spill. What got to me were pictures of the animals affected. When I first clicked a link to see them, I didn’t anticipate at all the effect it would have on me. Immediately, the oil-covered birds and fish had a big impact on my outlook toward the spill. My thought is that seeing pictures like that puts the spill in context. The tragedy of a single animal can far exceed that of a number. To really understand the spill’s implications, it helps to see them firsthand.

- Will

photo courtesy flickr user polinasergeeva

A new study highlighted a growing choice many teens are making: trying to time sex to avoid pregnancy, while disregarding the benefits of birth control aids. Basically, teenagers are deciding to risk pregnancy by using the “rhythm method,” where they try to only have sex on days when they are least likely to become pregnant. The teen birth rate, which had dropped through the 90’s and up until 2005, is no longer falling. As more risky attitudes about sex prevail, the dangers of unsafe sex are rising. It’s not just choices teens make, either- it’s the mentality that causes them. When asked about their opinion on whether it’s alright for an unmarried girl to have a baby, 64% of boys and 70% of girls thought it was. These attitudes aren’t bad because they advocate sex. They’re bad because they can easily lead to a situation that isn’t reversible. Leaving your options open, despite inconveniences, is worth the trouble.

- Will

School’s out! Well, almost. But already, my excitement is dimming as I begin my summer job. My job mainly consists of picking up garbage, and it’s tough, because I’m on my feet for seven hours, and napkins are remarkably difficult to grasp, as they evade capture by dancing mischievously in the wind. It’s a good wage, but time goes really slow. I try not to look at the clock until I figure at least half the day has gone, but then I see that it’s only been an hour and a half. Such, I figure, is the nature of menial labor. This guys knows what I’m talking about.

Photo courtesy flickr user Moosicorn

I do work with some pretty cool people, though, which is a definite plus. Also, I’ve learned some basic lessons I’ll try to keep in mind, even after the summer ends. For one, I used to litter sporadically. Knowing that someone has to pick up that garbage has led me to stop. In addition, I’ve gained appreciation for the work that people do that goes unrecognized. I think that a lot of the lowest paying jobs are the hardest to do, effort-wise. I don’t think this will change any time soon, but treating these workers better is a start.

- Will