Switched-On :: Blog

In my school’s main building, they offer a bunch of newspapers for free. There’s a huge stack delivered every morning, and the papers are put right where everyone can see them. The thing is, the stack hardly seems to shrink as the day goes on. People just don’t take them. I don’t think this is really indicative of the newspaper business’ fortunes, but I think it shows how differently our generation consumes news. For me, a paper is a really unattractive way to find out what’s going on. First of all, it’s often old. Things happen very quickly, and the newspaper will always be delayed by at least half a day. Second, paper’s inconvenient. Trying to read one on the train or while walking is difficult – and just pray a light breeze doesn’t pass by. Still, I like to know what’s going on, so I have other resources. My big question is whether other people in my age range like to hear the news at all, or whether it’s something they just don’t relate to.
- Will

Recently, the New York Times ran a series of articles on the life and death of a hockey player, Derek Boogaard, who recently committed suicide. The articles raise a lot of questions about the safety of hockey, since the injuries Boogaard sustained and the painkillers he began to abuse played a large role in the decision to end his life. For any reader, this is tough to read. It’s basically the story of someone with a lot of promise losing everything. But what was even for disturbing for me was how this relates to sports fandom. The idea that millions of people pay money to see other people subject themselves to injuries is at least a little troubling. And then the treatment we give these players – boos, taunts, and jeers for not excelling – seems not to consider the fact that they’re human, too. This isn’t to say that we should ban hockey, or put everyone in foot-thick pads. Instead, maybe fans should just consider that the uniforms they’re rooting for are filled with people like themselves, risking a lot in order to play a game.
- Will

Going out of town for college is not always the most economical option. But if you want to, you can always look for scholarships and programs that offer generous financial assistance. There is no other chance better than college to stay away from your parents because college, with campus protection, makes your transition to adulthood become easier. Trust me, you will benefit so much post-college if you are already used to living independently. So take this option if you can.
- Phy