The Inevtable Afterlife, Or is There?

Due to my religion class that i have been taking this term, i have been thinking a lot about the possibility of an afterlife, and what it could possibly be like. I did some research and have found that there are loads of information on the Internet and supposed "proof" that an after life really exists.

Christians believe in heaven and hell, Jews aren't too concerned about an afterlife, and Islams also believe in a heaven and hell, just in a different translation. But what if there is nothing after this? All this money and research for nothing? "ghosts are definitely real," said the after-lifeknowledge website. in my opinion, i think somethings out there, i am just not sure what yet. Who knows, maybe nothings out there.

Education Concern... Declining?

Homework deadlines and increasing GPA pressure make the inevitably approaching finals week stressful enough for students. But what if the only internet access you had available wouldn’t allow you to use their college resources for “soon to be due” homework?

Due to the current economy crisis, my family like many others had to shut off the internet completely, resulting in higher stress for students. With the Benton Center closed on weekends and the public library only allowing an hour’s time on the computer, the pressure of deadlines are high, so I decided to go to the Oregon State Valley Library.

Expecting to get done in a few hours, I sat at the computer ready to do some homework. I complained at the front desk that the Microsoft Word wasn’t working and she (refusing to give me her full name) rudely replied, “Only those who are OSU students have the privilege to use that resource, you’ll need to find it somewhere else.”

Irritated and shocked, I sat and thought about exactly what she had just told me. I and many other students are going to LBCC in order to transfer to OSU; but how do they expect us students to get good grades when were not even allowed access to any resources we that we need.

“We cannot let anyone other than student or staffs have access to Microsoft due to political reasons,” said Sherry Thomas, and employer of Oregon State University.

Political reasons? I thought “don’t political leaders state regularly that education is one of the nation’s top priorities?” I did some investigating and found nothing of the sort of politics refusing access to the public of needed resources.

Although what I did find was a statement from the core of our political standing saying “our higher education system is very accessible and helps students succeed once they get there,” quoted the U.S. Department of Education website.

As you can see, Politics have nothing to do with why OSU won’t let any “non-students” use common resources that anywhere else (if were open) would gladly allow. My interpretation of the whole situation is nothing to smile about.

Thank you Oregon State, you helped oh so much.

"On Writing - Stephen King" .... and rewriting

On Writing: the novel written by the popular science-fiction author Stephen King, had a load of information "on writing" that will surely help me through my college and occupational future. I absolutely loved the first section of his book as well that was an autobiography on his life, mostly when he was rising to become an author. It made me realize that even some of the best and most talented were faced with rejection, and that is really inspiring to me.

I loved Stephen King's quote "write with the door closed, rewrite with the door open." He is saying that when your stuff starts out it is meant just for you, but when it goes out it belongs to whoever wants to read it. That quote really applies to my Feature Writing class, since it consists of a lot of writing multiple drafts until you get your story just how you want it. This book has really motivated me to keep writing and reading, and that when you face rejection to never give up and to always stand behind your work.

The Rising Price of Old-School

Classic video games: in my opinion the best games that have surfaced media. Then why are they so expensive if there over a decade old? That is what I’m prepared to answer.

Mario Brothers, Zelda and Donkey Kong are just a few of the game titles planted into mine and many others head over the past years. Missing the catchy theme songs and easy bosses, I decided to “visit the past” and buy myself a Super Nintendo over winter break.

Expecting that an inexpensive game system meant inexpensive games, I was soon bewildered by the outcome. I found that the Super Mario Brothers game I came to purchase at the pond shop was more expensive then the Super Nintendo itself! Twenty-two dollars to be exact.

Stunned, I decided to wait on the game and wait for a more reasonably priced one. I began to wonder why it is that you can only but these games at over-priced pond shops, and why they aren’t available in popular video game stores such as Game Crazy or Game Stop.

“People come in asking for old Nintendo games all the time,” said Phillip Kaiser, an employer of Game Crazy in Salem, when asked if many of their customers request such games.

I pondered the question “are classic video games so expensive because they are considered rare”? I would have to say so. Even though it is possible to find them, it does take a little bit of networking and patience to find reasonable priced ones.

When I asked Game Stop employer ,Jonathon Little ,why they don’t carry classic games he responded “it was a corporate decision, they said we don’t have near enough room for them.”

Enough room for them? Make your own judgement.

Film Festival Fever

My final story for Feature Writing winter term class is going to be a feature story about the upcoming Da Vinci Day Film Festival. This Festival is a galore of sufccesful independant film directors and aspiring film directors as well. THe event is held March 6th through March 8th.

Super Nintendo Games

Well my column idea is to rant about why old nintendo games are so expensive now. It just doesnt make sense why a mario game would cost $20.00 when a Super Nintendo itself cost just that.

Profile

Hard work and long days are the key ingredients to Travis Corbin's everyday recipe titled "life".
As a father of two sons, Jacob and David, 7, Travis takes valuable time off of work so he can bring the weekly responsibility in watching them every other weekend, due to a past divorce. "I absolutely love it when my kids are here with me, they're just so full of spunk," said Corbin.

Dressed casually in a black sweater and old Carhartt work wear, Travis instantaneously offers me a cup of coffee and really gives me the impression of a laid-back and comfortable individual. Behind his balding brown hair and neon blue eyes, you see a very family orientated, energetic and outgoing person.

"Travis just loves coming here from Adair Village and helping me with my home and my flower
business," said Kathy Corbin, Travis's mom.

Graduating at the top of his high school class in '98, Corbin soon decided to get up and start searching for his purpose in life. Jumping from many odd-end jobs, Travis finally came across one job working for a tow-truck company. He gladly jumped on the deal. "After just recently having two sons and being unemployed, I was willing to work anything," said Corbin. The job lasted, but his marriage sadly didn't.

Travis gladly speaks of his hobbies such as snowboarding, skiing and especially singing. "He has one of the most beautiful singing voices that I have ever heard," said Navarre Smith, a friend of his.

Travis also speaks of his many memories in the snow, while gladly showing off various scars on his body due to the snow packed fun. Travis speaks greatly of his two sons, especially about how proud he is of them. "All I want in life is to see my two boys grow up to be happy and healthy," said Travis.

"Maybe me too," he added.

The Beauty of the Rogue

The place i remember the most is the Rogue Valley (mostly the Applegate). I had spent most of my childhood there, and my favorite memories were spent there. The wildlife, the nature, the laid back people. Going back there last weekend for the funeral was the last time I was in Medford for the past 4 years. Even though the trip was a sad occasion, it brought back so many memories. I hope too go back soon.

My Bloody Valentine Review

Gallons of blood, guts and ear-plugging screams is what's in store for you at the "My Bloody Valentine 3D" feature playing at most cinema's.

With the surprisingly realistic 3D, "My Bloody Valentine" creators figured much of a plot was not needed. Although "My Bloody Valentine" will keep you on the edge of your seat, there is no strong story line to follow along with. "The 3D was so crazy, it was really awesome," said Austin Corbin, a fellow viewer of the gory flick.

Basically the plot is a Mine worker who lived in a small town and massacred countless people on Valentine's Day, and than ten years later many murders arose again, with many suspicious speculations on who the killer could possibly be.

The plot is weak, but the 3D and special effects were unreal. "I really enjoyed it, especially how someone was getting killed every 5 minutes," said James Nelson, a friend of mine. Essentially "My Bloody Valentine" was a bittersweet horror flick, that everyone with an open mind and a tough stomach should definitely go check out.

The Good Ol' Profile

Well I was talking to my mom about it this morning and she knows somebody from her classes that she said that he was in Vietnam and she said he is a really cool guy, so i'm going to ask if he will let me do a profile on him probably over the weekend, hopefully he will say yes.

Movie Review!

"My Bloody Valentine" will be the topic of my movie review that I'm am going to write for my journalism Feature Writing class. From what i know, My Bloody Valentine is a 3D horror flick, and is a remake of the 1981 film. I'm planning on going to see the movie this weekend, and i will let you all know how realistic the 3D is I will also rate the movie. Hope it is as good as it looks!

Historical Linn Theatre

Shirley Temple, Charlie Chapin and Harold Lloyd are just a few of many
old-time movie stars you may recall, probably as a result of watching
videos and DVDs with family and friends in the comfort of your own
home. But in an actual movie theatre you ask? Odds are you haven't.
The locally famous "Linn Theatre" is located within a twenty-nine
seat antique boxcar attached to the Linn County Historical Museum of
Brownsville. Established in 1962, the theatre features a diverse
collection of many westerns and silent films.
"I have always enjoyed the silent films there, they're always just so
funny!" said Neli Avilez, a resident of Shedd.
The theatre also features the unforgettable "Stand by Me" film (which
was filmed in Brownsville) by throwing "movie night" parties every now
and then.
The Linn Theatre also regularly shows many educational programs to
small groups and elementary students.
"'Steamboat Willy' being their favorite," said Gary Timms, the
manager of the museum/theatre.
While touring the historical museum, you will come across an obsolete
popcorn maker and a beautiful display of photos from famous timeless
movie stars.
Looking up you see the original neon sign reading "Linn Theatre."
While entering the boxcar you sense an everlasting impression of
history through a timeline of the past kinetoscopes, to the present of
IMAX.
"I just love that theatre, it's so surreal, I always get a historical
vibe when I visit there that you don't find in any other theatre in
the valley," said Ashley Svela, a resident of Albany.
The Linn County Historical Theatre is located on 101 Park St.,
Brownsville. The hours are from 1 p.m. through 4 p.m. Monday-Saturday,
and 1 p.m. through 5 p.m. Sundays, and the cost if free.
"Anyone and everyone is welcome, the more the merrier!" said Timms.

well i had already done my interviews... Tuesday and Wednesday were very busy feature writing days for me. I interviewed my friends friend (whom I'm not friends with, just acquainted). My friend had told me she was a theater "nerd" and loved everything about it... so i figured she would know something; and she did. I also interviewed an employer of the Linn Museum, he gave me a tour and gave me a bunch of information. And lastly i interviewed my boyfriends friends girlfriend. I heard she was really into classic films and that she often goes to the Linn Theatre, so I called her up right away. They all knew much about the films played, and they were great additions to my story.

My First Feature Story of 2009!

Next week I will be working on a feature story about the Linn-County Museum in Brownsville, Oregon. My main focus will be about the Theater located inside the museum. The theater features silent films, films like Wizard of Oz, and the famous Stand by Me that was filmed in brownsville.