I'm a happy guy!

Hi everyone!

So much has been going on the past week or so, I just haven't had time to post like I normally do. This is just a reminder to watch the debate tomorrow night - it will be the last time you likely see Barack and John on the same stage.

For those of you on the UGA Campus, there is a debate between the Young Dems and Young Reps tonight at Phi Kappa. Check the site for more information.

Buenos noches!

Josh

The debate: Did you see it?

Wow! Did you see the debate?

I just have one (well, a few actually) thing to say to Sarah Palin: Your textbook knowledge of the issues facing America is simply not enough. Your rehearsed responses don't fool anyone. While some polls show you "won" the debate - although winning a debate, in my opinion, is simply a phenomenon - you sincerely showed your lack of true knowledge in the debate last night. By not responding to the questions at hand, and instead choosing to revert back to the topics you studied up on in the nights prior to the debate. Overall, Sarah, you did a fantastic job trying to demean Barack and Joe through your spiteful attacks which lacked the background to be considered successful. Both dems and reps can see this in the footage.

Ugh! Sarah Palin? Really?

Don't change a thing

Fall is officially here (well, as of a few days ago) and the air in Athens is cooling down. The dog-days of summer seem to be a recent memory now, but I am - as always - embracing this change of pace in weather. This is my favorite time of year for many reasons ...

• Fall is a great time for fly fishing in North Georgia - one of my favorite activities. The DNR revs up the delayed harvest program and there are plenty of fish to be caught all through Georgia's mountain streams.
• In general, outdoor activities are simply more pleasurable. Walking through downtown, North Campus, or at one of the many parks in the area gains a new sense of appeal. Picnicking or outdoor dining suddenly become desirable.
• College football! :-)
• Everyone throws their big annual events and festivals. Good food and good memories are plentiful as a result of this. (Look for a future blog post with some hints at good, local events.)
• The holidays are closer than ever ... Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas all offer a change of pace for students and an opportunity to spend time with our families we never see. More good food, too.

Enjoy the weather while it lasts, for it will soon be cold and blustery in Georgia.

Still at the SLC ... writing a paper I've struggled over for weeks now. I'm still not getting anywhere and this thing is due Friday. Why can't more experts write on identity and place in Nuyorican poetry?!

Buenos noches, mi amigos! Voy a ir a la casa esta los fines de semana!

Josh Barnett
957 D

You've gotta love this view

It's a big weekend in Athens. Georgia will play Alabama in Sanford Stadium, and more than 100,000 black-shirt-wearing, drunk, screaming UGA fans will fill up our small town once again. Families and friends will party on North Campus, devout UGA fans will walk the streets, and tomorrow evening, the Dawgs will beat the boys from Alabama. ESPN's College Game Day will be located at the Myer's Quad, and rumor is they'll be giving lots of free stuff away.

In all the madness of the weekend, don't forget to watch the presidential candidate debate tonight at 8 p.m.

Have a wonderful and safe weekend in Athens!

Josh Barnett
957 D

The Video: Yes We Can

My fellow Americans, yes we can!



Be a part of the movement for change. No longer accept politics as usual. No longer sit back and watch our youth die in a war that cannot be won. No longer watch the poor suffer without health care. No longer see your children grow up in an underfunded education system. Say 'no more' ... yes we can!

College students voice concerns

I just finished writing two articles for a forthcoming issue of a local magazine. One of these articles dealt with the student vote, and here is a brief synopsis of my findings.

• Students are not satisfied with gas prices. They feel the pinch on their pocketbooks when they drive home to see their families on the weekends. Those that can afford mopeds have made the switch to the more eco-friendly vehicles, others continue to walk, bike, or take public transportation around Athens. Everyone, though, wants to know when gas prices will be stabilizing.

• The environment is top priority for our generation. How we use resources and how we plan for the future use of natural resources is top-of-mind for students. Democrats especially see the need for sustainable energy vs. offshore drilling in the U.S., an opinion I stand by wholeheartedly.

• The war in Iraq is a constant in the minds of youth in America. We have seen our friends and family shipped off to a war many believe cannot be won. More than 4,000 American soldiers have died, and more than 1 million innocent Iraqi civilians have perished because of our presence in the Middle East. Talk about good ideas gone bad. Our armed forces are to be praised and honored for the service to our country in Iraq and Iran, but for everyone's sake, let's bring them home.

There are many other issues of concern to the college population in Athens, but you'll have to check out the forthcoming issue of Infusion Magazine to learn more. In the meantime, be sure to tune your television to the first Obama vs. McCain presidential debate this Friday, Sept. 26. Check your local listings for airing details.

(If you're reading this blog, please shoot a comment my way. We're trying to get a general number of readers. Thanks, Life at 957 D.)

Buenos tardes!

Josh Barnett
957 D

Sarah Palin: Decide for yourself

I've made up my mind about Sarah Palin, and I believe her to be sorely inexperienced and under qualified to lead the United States. Take a gander at this footage from the exclusive Charles Gibson interview and decide for yourself. (I'd also encourage you to take a deep look into her political and governmental history, much of which is not a pretty story.)



Buenos noches, amigos!

Josh Barnett
957 D

The art of being a night-owl: balancing work/play late at night

I live for the night, a lot of the times anyways. Many days it is up-and-at-em at 7 a.m. and back to sleep around 2 a.m. the following day. But I certainly am not the only college student who lives this way, so I thought I'd share some of my favorite ways to make this sleep-deprived lifestyle work for you.

• Don't stick strictly to work. Reward yourself between heavy duty thinking tasks. In doing so, you'll feel a sense of accomplishment and you'll also be having fun. Treating myself to a quick check on RSS feeds or dipping into the cookie box tend to be good rewards.
• If you have extended periods of time between classes, enjoy a nap in a comfy SLC chair, on the lawns in North Campus, at the Founder's Gardens. You'll feel refreshed and ready for your next class if you do.
• If you study intensively in the evenings, find a place where you can truly get away from the distractions. As much as we all like to think we can do five things at once - most commonly, study, AIM, Facebook, text messaging, and/or talking with a roomy or friend - you'll never generate the quality of work you would if you focused yourself more clearly. In the end, you'll be finished with your homework sooner and have more time for late-night coffee runs to Jittery Joe's and Facebooking with friends. My favorite place for night-owl studying is the 4th floor of the SLC. If you can snag a study room, you're in good shape.
• Don't fall into the habit of studying all night, every night. You'll lose touch with your fellow night-owls and you'll be sorry.
• Set a study schedule for the upcoming week on Sundays. Look over the syllabi your instructors have given you and make notes of everything due for that week. Don't be stuck searching for assignments at 2 a.m.

I hope these tips help you round out your work/play routine for late nights. Take a look at the time stamp on this post and you'll see that blogging is also a late-night activity. ;-)

I'd love to hear your tips and tricks for managing the college schedule, whether they be study or socially inclined.

Buenos noches!

Josh Barnett
957 D

9/11: Conversations at downtown's Which Wich

I had the great pleasure to enjoy a Which Wich 'wich today with a very dear friend of mine. Even better than the 'wich was the great conversation that ensued about politics and community.

It's most fitting that I had the opportunity to talk with my friend today about the future of our great nation. Seven years ago, America faced a big dilemma when innocent civilians were attacked and killed (some 3,000 of them) by insurgents from the Middle East. A few hours marked a turning point in American history, and not one of us has been the same since.

During the months immediately following the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Americans came together as one nation with one purpose and with one mindset. American flags could be found outside almost every home, families grew closer, and the nation strengthened in terms of organization and pride. We once again gave truth to our namesake, "united." Unfortunately, it took a catastrophe to bring millions together, and unfortunately today Americans find themselves divided once again.

But election years tend to do that, I know.

The greater message is that Americans should stand together as one unified voice. Essentially we all want the same things: a strong economy, first class education for our youth, affordable health care for those who need it, and peace amongst our constituents around the world.

Americans should focus on getting back to what makes this nation so great: diversity and the ability to change and mold ourself as we grow. America truly is the melting point for those seeking refuge from the confines of another world, a world away. America has become a home for everyone because everyone has equal opportunity to see out their own "American dream."

Both presidential candidates have, in their own ways, sought out and found the reality in their American dreams. Each has a variety of strengths, and each has a variety of weaknesses. Most recently in the news has been the talk about Sarah Palin as V.P. Does she have the strengths to replace McCain's weaknesses? Does Biden do the same of Barack?

I'd encourage you to do your research, and please vote. Let your voice be heard, but don't let the media alone shape your stance. Rely not on biased news networks, but on your own inhibitions and the track records of the candidates.

And, now, my 2 cents: If you seek change, vote not for a man who has nothing to show for 20+ years in the senate, but for a man who has consistently proven he is not afraid to break the system. If you seek change, vote not for someone who dismisses my generation, but for someone who knows what a factor we are in this election. If you seek change, vote not for a candidate who is entrenched in the outdated policies and "politics-as-usual" mess, but for a candidate who has not and will not fall into that trap. If you seek change, or you believe America is fighting a war that cannot be won, or you believe Bush's No Child Left Behind plan is underfunded for your children, or you believe all Americans deserve affordable healthcare, vote for Barack Obama and Joe Biden. You won't be sorry.

Buenos noches! Comments invited and requested! ;-)

Josh Barnett
957 D

Signs of hope and change

YES WE CAN!

Blogger blues

I'm not much in the mood for blogging tonight, or anything for that matter. Sniffly noses and dry throats are the anti-blog. Hopefully Hump Day will bring a better attitude. ;-)

But I'll leave you with some great bathroom quotes from last week. I spotted these around campus last week.

• If you shake twice, it's playing with yourself.
  
• Quick, list three reasons you exist. If you cannot do this, immediately cease to exist.

Hope you all are having a great week ...

Buenos noches!

Josh Barnett
957 D

Volunteering win-win situation

Working at a soup kitchen on Saturday morning. Cleaning the streets in your neighborhood once a month. Teaching an underprivileged child to read and write, or how not to fight. Giving back to your community in any number of ways.

To volunteer is to give of yourself - not of your purse - for the betterment of someone or something else. Consequentially, though, volunteers will find a renewed sense of self after helping others. Volunteering is the ultimate win-win situation.

Individuals have a vast array of volunteer opportunities available to them. Outside of the examples listed above, someone looking to give back may be interested in conserving trout streams or other animal habitats, helping with their children's school events, picking up trash on the roadside, or devoting themselves to a cause close to their own heart. (Lots of people start their own charities, too.)

Volunteers have a reputation for being goody-goodies with knacks for organization and time management. But in reality, non-profit or charity work does not have to be the center of your life for you to make a difference. Instead, giving just an hour or two of your time at a food bank each week, or participating in a mentor program at a local school one day a week, can be just what someone needs. And boy does it feel great to fill the niche in someone else's life.

All of you reading from the Athens-metro area will soon have a chance to learn about a great number of local organizations who need your help to see out their mission. On Sept. 26, the Athens Volunteer Expo will be on display at The Classic Center in downtown Athens, Ga. I'd encourage you to attend and see how you can make a difference in your community.

I enjoy volunteering with the following organizations ...
Trout Unlimited - Board Member - Conserves cold water trout streams in North Georgia
Keep Jackson County Beautiful - Board Member - Works to beautify my home county
March of Dimes - Committee Member - Seeks to prevent premature birth, birth defects, and infant mortality
Family Connection - Board Member - An umbrella organization that pulls together resources for struggling families
Friends of the Harold S. Swindle Public Library • Better Hometown Jefferson • Jefferson Area Business Association

CLOCKED

Athens enjoys an abundance of restaurants, both locally owned and a few franchise places (some that are very good, too). I had the occasion to dine at CLOCKED this evening and thought I'd give everyone a heads-up about a neat eatery.

The menu ranges from burgers to salads, and also contains a variety of sandwiches (any of which can be ordered as a salad, for no extra charge). While I'm vegetarian, my parents, who I enjoyed the meal with, are not. They had cheeseburgers and had nothing but good things to say about their dinner. I had a great grilled cheese on homemade sour dough with decent potato salad. I would argue it needed more mustard, but that's just me. The fresh cut French fries were great, too.

The best part: the setting. Walk in and you feel like you're in a true Southern kitchen. Retro styling adds a zany feel. Outdoor dining is also available. The wait staff was excellent and the prices were fair.

Oh, and the sweet tea was delicious - a quick sign of a good diner. ;-)

Josh Barnett
957 D

TGIF; reflections thus far

TGIF. Well barely, but technically it is Friday. And that's a good thing, because this has been one crazy week and it is time for me to take a break. Kind of anyways.

This afternoon will be busy as I travel to Atlanta to pick Dad up from the airport. He's been fly fishing across the West with good friends and I am certain they've had a good time. Nothing beats being alone in the western wilderness, fly rod in hand, trout rising. It did snow a couple days during their trip, and I am sure that added another element of excitement for several Georgia boys used to the southern summer heat.

And Saturday brings volunteer work and an evening on the town in Athens. Sunday will be saved for resting up and finishing assignments for the following Monday. Not a whole lot of rest, but I suppose it's better than full days of classes and miles of walking, which always seems to be "up hill" here at UGA. (Fellow students, you feel my pain, quite literally sometimes.)

This week has been good all-in-all. Several A's in my classes; a Young Democrats meeting; a ugazine intro meeting. I'm making changes in my life, too, folks. As the weeks progress, you'll hear more and more how I'm becoming young again. Stay tuned!

Buenos dias/noches!

Josh Barnett
957 D

Your vote is crucial

If you're not a political person normally, that may have changed recently. If you still haven't noticed the politicking happening around you, you ought to wake up.

America is in the midst of a historic election year. The eight years of turmoil our country has seen under the Bush administration is at near completion, and we all now face the decision of who we want to fill his shoes.

On one hand (the left, of course), we have a black man who grew up mostly outside the U.S. who is in his late forties. On the right hand, we have a much older (72 years I believe) white man who is closely aligned with soon-to-be-former President George Bush. Of larger note is the latter's running mate, a young woman from Alaska whose 17-year-old daughter is pregnant. But that's another story.

Sen. Barack Obama, along with vice presidential hopeful Sen. Joe Biden, is representing the Democratic party in the 2008 election; Sen. John McCain and the superiorly inexperienced Alaskan Gov. Sarah Palin are representing the right-wing Republican party.

As youngsters, it is easy to feel that our vote does not count. But rest assured, it does. Sen. Obama has capitalized on this in his campaign production, targeting a young audience with his liberal outlook and suggestions of "change" in America. Conversely, John McCain has not made much of an effort to reach out to young voters, assuming that outdated politics will do the job.

Your vote does matter. More importantly, though, your vote should be one of informed intelligence. Get rid of the "my father voted Democrat so I'll vote Democrat" mentality and inform yourself of what's what in the political arena.

Likely you're interested in some of the hot issues in this year's election: alternative energy sources, abortion, gay/lesbian marriage laws, and one that we all should be concerned about - the economy.

Without steering this post too far in a one-sided direction, it's worth mentioning that I have forever seen myself as a Republican, tried-and-true. BUT, that has changed this year. John McCain has made me lose all hope in the Republican party and his poor choice of running mate, Sarah Palin, even farther disgusts me. He argues Obama has no experience, but chooses a VP hopeful that has served as mayor of a small Alaskan town and has been governor of the same state for even fewer years. Her experience is inferior.

Besides, for someone who strongly promotes abstinence-only sexual education, Palin has a 17-year-old daughter who is five months pregnant. How can we expect "change" from a woman who still endorses an outdated practice of the past?

Obama on the other hand has reached out to those of us in our teen years, our twenties, and beyond. His voice of reason and his promise of change is paired with Biden's strength on foreign affairs and his years of experience in the Senate.

If for whatever reason you feel the past eight years have been a failure for America, you should take note that McCain votes with Bush on almost every issue. Do we really need a repeat of the last administration?

The moral of the story is that every vote counts, even yours. There may be millions of people in America, but your individual vote is crucial. If you're not registered to vote here in the Classic City or whatever place you call home, do so now. Make your voice heard this year and vote with your heart of hearts. But most importantly, inform yourself before you hit the ballot boxes.

Places to get information: www.barackobama.com / www.johnmccain.com / check news sites as well

Fun in the Classic City; live like a local

If you're reading this, you likely live in the Classic City, or at least you're living here for a few years while studying at the University of Georgia. Many of you are new to the Athens scene and are probably wanting to hit up the local attractions. But do it like a local.

Athens is home to myriad things to do, and it's also home to an eccentric group of residents. I should know; I've lived 10 minutes from downtown Athens the past 18 years (a.k.a. my entire life). The people here add variety to our city, and as a likely resident of the Classic City - for at least a few years anyways - you, too, can be a part of the Athens cultural scene.

Live like a local:

• Hit up local restaurants, bars, and clubs. Nothing is more sinful than living in a city like Athens and not making yourself aware of the great variety of good eats, good drinks, and good times available to you. Some of my favorite hang-outs include Espresso Royale, Depalmas, the Taco Stand, etc. And don't forget sweet spots outside of downtown like The Varsity, Five Points Deli, and a quick ice cream stop at Hodgson's Pharmacy in Five Points.
  
• You're surrounded by beauty. Take it all in. UGA-goers, especially those with classes on North Campus, know how beautiful it is. Don't be too bashful to take a stroll through Herty Field or the Founders Garden. You'll be delighted you did, and you'll likely find a special study place or the setting for a romantic date.
  
• Music, music, music. Just visit www.flagpole.com to learn about the Athens music arena. Likely any genre can be found on Friday and Saturday nights at the bars and theaters in and around town. Immerse yourself in music, you'll be happy you did.
  
• Festivals and events. Visit downtown during the spring and fall over the weekends and you will find something to do. From parades to the annual Twilight Bike Races, there seems to be an endless array of weekend events in the Classic City.
  
• Parks and recreation. Athens has parks. Stops along the Oconee River are a favorite of mine, but be careful where you go. (Beware of Ben Burton Park ...) Take a stroll on Athens greenspace; take your precious poodle for walk; paddle the river; fish local ponds; play disc hockey at Sandy Creek Park. There's no reason to stay cooped up in your apartment with so much to do outside.
  
• Stay abreast. No, not breasts. Abreast. Be aware of what's going on. Good sources of Athens info are www.flagpole.com, www.onlineathens.com, and www.athensmagazine.com. Students, read The Red & Black religiously. You won't be sorry. Stay tuned here, too, for local outlooks
  

So, the moral of the story is: Live like a local. There's nothing better than finding a place to call home and Athens can be just that for you. Get involved, get outside ... you'll find your place in the Classic City. You'll be living like a local in no time.

Buenos noches!

Josh Barnett
957 D

It's a feel-good thing

When it comes down to it, we all like to feel good. Whether we do volunteer work, help someone out in need, donate to a local food bank or children's shelter ... we all do things that make us feel good inside. That give us that tingly, warm sensation ... that feeling that we've made a difference in someone's life. I normally find myself in such situations in the oddest of places.

Last week, on the bus between downtown Athens and my residence hall, I had the fortune to meet an older black man who had a story to tell. As I boarded the bus I saw another passenger disregard the man, shrugging his shoulders with a look of disgust on his face as the man attempted to share a conversation with him.

The man, a Vietnam veteran, obviously had been drinking and smoking as I immediately smelt his well before he sat down beside me. He proceeded to ask me how my day was going. So I replied, "Good, and you?" Luckily I had plenty of time, and was enjoying my coffee, so I didn't cut him off mid-sentence as I am often seen doing. I decided this man had a story to tell and it was worth listening to.

I learned from him the terrors of the war, heard first-hand how America's response to the brave souls that went to Vietnam and made it back truly affected lives, and about how hard soldiers struggle to maintain or restore normalcy in their lives after fighting for their country.

My new friend, who could barely speak between slurs and deep coughs from years of smoking, announced he was writing a book. He pulled out his hand-written manuscript from a dirty, stained manila envelope. In big, elementary letters was his story ... one that few will likely hear. Regardless of whether I am right, I felt deep down that listening to him made validated his story. For once, someone wasn't blowing him off, but instead giving him a chance to air out his history, to share something that had been weighing him down.

And to boot, it made my day. I continued feeling good about myself, with a rejuvenated sense of the world. So, the moral of this story is that sometimes it's good to just listen. We all too often find ourselves scrambling around in effort to "get things done," but we far less often find ourselves listening to those around us with open ears and an open mind. Do yourself and the world some good and just listen one day.

Buenos noches, amigos!

Josh Barnett
957 D