A Slow Start

The team predicted to crush the NL Central and be a huge contender in the National League is struggling in the beginning. The Chicago Cubs are currently (9-8) and are (4-6) in their last 10 games. Considering the fact that they just lost a series to the Cincinnatti Reds, I'd say this is as about a slow a start to the regular season as the Cubs have experienced in a while. The Cubs are currently in 4th place, not that standings matter this early in the season. However, it is a wake up call when you realize you are also trailing behind the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cincinnatti Reds. It's time to start playing solid, fundamental baseball. If the Cubs calm down, start picking up the offense, get their pitchers to go deep into games, and don't fail with the bullpen, they ahould make up those 3 games pretty quickly. If the Cubs do all of this, they will be in first place in no time, as predicted. This season will be full of drama, I'm sure. The Cubs always make things interesting.

Phelps is Free

After the picture of Michael Phelps smoking marijuana out of a bong got out, there were various reactions. Some said that the gold medalist and Olympic superstar should be acquitted of all charges. Those people reasoned that smoking had not affected his performance in Beijing and Phelps should therefore be forgiven.
Others believed that since marijuana is illegal, Phelps should be turned into an example and be punished. This would show all people that status and fame is insignificant when compared to the law. It would also display the consequences that are associated with drugs. People could forever look back and say, "Just look at what happened to Michael Phelps."
After much anticipation, Sheriff Leon Lott of Richland County, South Carolina declared that Michael Phelps would not be arrested because of insufficient evidence. Michael and the sheriff agree that drugs should not be used. The Sheriff also commented that Phelps is not being "let off" or "excused", he is simply following the law.
Although Sheriff Lott said Phelps was protected by the law, I have to wonder whether or not Phelps' infamy and recent performance in Beijing had any influence in this matter. While I hope not, I cannot be sure.

Classic vs. Modern

Recently, my xbox 360 overheated and I received the red ring of death which is the three flashing red lights to all who do not play video games. I didn't know what to do with myself, but out of misery comes a blessing.
Overhearing me express my anguish, a friend offered to lend me his Nintendo 64, a traditional video game set popular in the 1990's. I accepted his offer. Long story short, after playing many hours of Nintendo 64 at random hours of the night, I have come to a conclusion.
Although Xbox 360 has vivid graphics, phenomenal gameplay, and can offer many more options to enhance the entertainment experience, a classic is named as such for a reason. Nintendo 64 kept me glued to the television for hours at a time. I revisited my past with my animated friends Mario, Luigi, Link, Starfox, Samus, Captain Falcon, Piccachu, Peach, and all of the poorly animated athletes from NFL Blitz. As I spent time with these friends, I realized that some things never get old, especially Nintendo 64. Nintendo 64 is extremely underrated and in my opinion deserves a place in everyone's home.

Snow Day Mayhem

On December, 18, the school district called the homes of all students. The students and their families answered the phone to hear a recorded voice message that notified all that school was canceled the next day due to the expected snow. In other words, winter break got one day added to it because of a snow day.
Snow days are magical, to say the least. The possibilities for a snow day are endless. Not to mention, students have no school. Is this necessarily a good thing, though? I know many students who wish that we didn't have a snow day because they had several tests planned for that day. This means that their studying was wasted because they would have to study during winter break some time in order to remember the material on their tests. Instead of having one horrible day before winter break, they were forced to deal with the anxieties of a couple tests for two more weeks.
Personally, I had an English test scheduled for that day. Although I fully enjoyed my snow day, day off of school, and early beginning to winter break, new consequences arose. I had to study for my English test over winter break in order to remember everything. Not to mention, the things I was planning to do at school that day were put off.
There are repercussions and benefits to any snow day, but I still can't decide. Was it worth it?