The NABJ

Volume I, Issue V March Issue

Showcase
The National Association of Black Journalists strive to inform and entertain all
students of the University of Georgia through the talents and skills of our
members

News Features
pg 2 pg 5

Entertainment Opinions
pg 8 pg 12

Writers
*Denver Blackwell *Crissinda Ponder Copy Editors
*Amanda Dixon *Shamar Toms-Anthony
Editor In Chief *Krystle Drew *Nicollette Higgs *Jessica *Amanda Dixon *Krystle Drew
Lilly Workneh Washington *Jessica Watson *Bianka Huling *Brittney Holmes
lillyuga@gmail.com *Naria Williams *Crissinda Ponder *Jessica Watson
 Deaths from Driving
! Distractions
by Crissinda Ponder
Glancing at a touch screen or smart
phone at the wrong time can put one in a world of
inescapable trouble.
Take Riccardo Blas Rivas II of Naples, Florida for example. According to
NaplesNews.com, on May 23, 2009, Rivas was driving over 70 mph in a 45 mph zone
when he failed to stop at a red light. He caused an eight-vehicle crash, killing 32-year-old mother,
Tracy Cate.
Cell phone records show that Rivas had been texting a friend moments before the crash. Only 17 at the time of his arrest,
Rivas was charged with vehicular homicide, a second-degree felony, and seven first-degree misdemeanor counts of reckless driving
with property damage.
This is only one of many instances where distracted driving has completely altered people’s lives.
But, what exactly is distracted driving? On the official U.S. Government Web site for distracted driving, Distraction.gov, distracted driving
applies to anything that takes your eyes off the road for more than two seconds, takes your hands off the steering wheel, or interrupts your
concentration while driving.
At the close of 2008, nearly 6,000 people died on U.S. roadways in accidents that involved distracted driving. While cell phone use
is just one distraction, texting while driving includes a mixture of visual, manual and cognitive distractions that increases hazards and is
potentially deadly.
In fact, according to a recent study conducted by University of Utah psychologists, individuals who text message while operating a
vehicle are six times more likely to crash than those who do not text while driving.
The federal government has taken measures to reduce this risk in some areas.
On Oct. 1, 2009 President Obama signed Executive Order 13513, Federal Leadership on Reducing Text Messaging While Driving. The
order prohibits all federal employees from text messaging while operating government vehicles, operating privately owned vehicles
government business, and using government issued electronic equipment such as cellphones, ipods, etc.
On a local level, the state of Georgia prohibits bus drivers from using cell phones, but there is no statewide ban for all drivers. The
Georgia General Assembly is currently considering House Bill 938. According to the Assembly’s website, Legis.ga.gov, if House Bill 938
is passed without amendment, it would prohibit the use of wireless telecommunication devices for sending or receiving text messages while
operating a motor vehicle. Drivers could be
fined anywhere from $50 to
$100 and have two points
placed on their
driver’s license.

2
 Beware of
Diabetes
by Jessica Washington

Every March, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) celebrates diabetes awareness
and the fourth Tuesday of the month is Diabetes Alert Day. On this day, communities
across the nation educate those who are overweight, physically inactive, or over the age of 45
years about the dangers of the chronic disease.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease and greatly affects college
students. According to the American Diabetes Association, in 2007, 23.5 million or 10.7% of
all people 20 years or older have diabetes. Although there are many diagnoses throughout the
year, there are still reportedly thousands of young adults that are unaware that they may also
be victims of this fatal disease.
Complications from type 2 diabetes are a result of the body either ignoring or refusing
to produce insulin, which is essential as the body’s source of energy. Such complications can lead to
blindness, glaucoma, and an even more serious chronic disease, such as heart disease, if not treated in a
timely manner.
The American Diabetes Association also explains that 3.7 million, or 14.7% of all African
Americans aged 20 years or older have diabetes. Unfortunately, diabetes disproportionately affects the
black population. This fact results from a lack of physical activity and a lifestyle of habitual
consumption of unhealthy foods.
The purpose of Diabetes Alert Day, which we will celebrate on March 23rd,
is not only to inform young people about the dangers of diabetes, but also to
educate those with nonchalant attitudes about possible symptoms of the
disease.
Occasionally, type 2 diabetes does not have any symptoms at all.
However, family medical history can predict an
individual’s chance of developing the disease.
Overweight people are at a greater risk regardless
of genetics.
During March, the American Diabetes
Association encourages everyone regardless of
age, race, or gender to ask questions regarding
their lifestyles and determine whether they are at
risk for this deadly disease. In 2006, it was reported
that diabetes was the seventh leading cause of death
in the U.S. This social problem can only worsen as
long as people ignore the seriousness of living with
the disease. The American Diabetes Association
provides an online test for those who are
suspicious of their status. Visit
http://www.diabetes.org/ for more details
regarding the symptoms, diagnosis, and
treatment of diabetes.

3
 Countdown to
Alternative
Spring Break!
by Naria Williams
The countdown to Spring Break begins the moment second semester kicks off. Strategic planning takes
place as students prepare to pack up and venture across the country to the hottest party cities. While many
head to the “hot spots,” more and more students are finding satisfaction in alternative spring breaks. Could
you trade in a week long party for community service? Since 1994, over 1,500 students from the University of
Georgia have participated in the Alternative Spring Break program and traveled across the Southeast to
participate in meaningful service projects that benefit the communities in which they work.
The Alternative Spring Break program is a service offered through The Center for Leadership &
Service whose mission is to, “engage University of Georgia students in an affordable weeklong substance free
experiential service learning project that
encourages an understanding of pressing social issues in a significant way”. Everyone is eligible to get involved
by visiting the Alternative Spring Break Office in Georgia Hall, Tate Student Center, or by calling
706-583-0830. Applications are accepted throughout fall semesters, but due to high demand, some students
are placed on waiting lists as the deadlines approach. $140 (divided into one payment of $80 and a second
payment of $60) covers all expenses.
Students sign up to perform short-term projects for community
agencies and to learn about issues such as poverty, racism,
homelessness, healthcare, and the environment. Total immersion is
the goal as students are asked to commit 40 hours of service
work while living in the communities they are serving.
“In Orlando, we helped the Orlando Day Nursery in
Downtown Orlando […] we really got the feel of living in
poverty, and that's what I really
enjoyed about it. The main premise of the trip was to help
children who experience poverty everyday in their
lives, and it was wonderful to experience it for the
week!” said Wendell Scott, a sophomore at the University
of Georgia.
When another participant was asked about the
impact this experience had, he answered: “This is a
once in a lifetime experience that you should not pass
up as a college student and it is also a touch of the
real world that we as college students don't get to see.”
UGA’s Alternative Spring Break program
is linked through the national non-profit organization Break
Away whose mission is, “to train, assist and connect
campuses and communities in promoting quality alternative
break programs that inspire lifelong active citizenship.” The
growth accelerated in the mid 2000’s, and has been
attributed to two factors: the institutionalization of volunteer
service as an integral part of the college experience, and the
overwhelming interest in service work along the Gulf Coast in the
aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. For more information, visit
"http://alternativebreaks.org/"http://alternativebreaks.org/
or
4
 Just when you thought there
was not another way to get
involved on campus, another
organization appears to enhance
students’ time here at UGA. The
Contemporary Media Society (CMS)
is a new student-run organization
of campus, an extension of the
Art-X: Expanded Forms program
Behind the
affiliated with the Lamar Dodd
School of Art.
Scenes: The
Various students come from all
parts of campus, including but not
limited to: Lamar Dodd School
Contemporary
of Art, Grady College of Journalism and Terry College
of Business. The organization offers a wide range
Media
of possibilities for all students to get involved
and find where they can best use their Society
skills. The best way for students to do
this is through the three committees by Jessica Watson
offered within the organization.
The first committee is one that plans
several workshops for the organization. This
committee is solely responsible for preparing
activities in which students can come to learn the
ins and outs of several programs, including:
Photoshop, Flash GarageBand and InDesign.
Members of this committee do not necessarily
have to possess the skills of any particular program,
but that is definitely a bonus. Students within this comm-
ittee will be responsible for contacting experts and host-
ing the workshops put on by CMS. The second committee
is public relations and blogging.
Through this committee, peers are responsible for
promoting events that are put on within the organization
through social media sites such as Facebook, MySpace
and Twitter and through flyers/posters to be distributed around
campus. The third committee is the 6x6 Media Arts Competition at
Cine. This committee will be responsible for setting up and cleaning up
for the competition as well as publicizing the event on campus. The day
of the 6x6 Competition, students involved in this committee will assist wherever they
are needed.
This organization is all about exploring the world of art and digital media and
how they have become closely related in our society today. Students who choose
to participate in this organization will gain new insights and have a chance
to express their talents as well.
CMS also has a point system that they will be implementing
for their members. Members gain points by coming to meetings,
making flyers and attending events. While it has not yet been
disclosed as to what the prize will be for the top point earners, it
was said that it will be an exclusive event that they will only be
allowed to attend.
If you’re proactive, email the CMS President, Dara Porter at
HYPERLINK "mailto:cms.uga@gmail.com" cms.uga@gmail.com
for more information about this new organization. If you’re looking
for an eye opening experience then come out to the next CMS
event to see what they are all about!

5
 by Denver Blackwell iWant an iPad
Since its announcement a few weeks ago, the Apple iPad has been causing quite
a stir in the tech world. The question on everybodyʼs mind is: Why would I need it?
What Is it? What Does It Do?
The super sleek 9.7 inch table- It plays music, it plays movies, it has e-mail
style multimedia device weighs a and web functionality...it is essentially a
mere 1.5 pounds. Itʼs said to be large iPod Touch. It works over Wi-Fi and
the bridge between the you can purchase an optional prepaid
Smartphone and the average $30 monthly unlimited data plan through
consumer laptop. It uses an on- AT&T. Not only does it run current
screen keyboard and features iPhone Apps, but it also ushers in a
Appleʼs unique 30-pin dock new branch of iPad specific apps
connector, a 35mm headphone accessible through Appleʼs iTunes
jack, Bluetooth capability and Wi- App Store. If you have an iPhone,
Fi...all with a whopping 10 hour you know the possibilities are
battery life (standby). endless.
Why Would iWant it?
Why Wouldnʼt iWant it?
Being at UGA, with a campus this There is no multi-tasking,
size, portability is key. The iPad is which means a user can only
super light, super portable, and is run one app at a time. This
relatively cheap. With models could be incredibly annoying,
ranging from $400 (16 gigs) to $600 especially if a person is
(32 gigs), itʼs reasonably priced for trying to use their Pandora
just about any college student. With internet radio app and surf
a new iPad version of Appleʼs the web, or write a paper
iLifeʼ10, taking notes and in iLife at the same time.
completing quick assignments on It also suffers from a
the go should be a breeze! Even for lack of Adobe Flash
the most unproductive students, the support, much like the
App Store will keep any student iPhone and iPod
occupied with over 150,000 apps. touch and will hinder
One of the biggest selling points to access to a few key
students is that Apple has signed websites.
lucrative deals with almost all major
textbook publishers to convert their
textbooks to iPad compatible
e-books.

6
Big Ben Says to Come
See HIm: Study Abroad! by Krystle Drew

It is time for another class. You have tried your best to be on time and avoid
tardiness. However, when you arrive, you learn that the first 10 minutes of lecture will
be used to let someone talk and hand out flyers about traveling abroad. Why do
professors give their lecture time for studying abroad information? Is it really that
beneficial or an important opportunity? Dr. Kaplen Trivedi, the director of the UGA at
Oxford program insists that it is.
“It is one of the best things a student can do while at this university,” he says. “UGA
at Oxford allows some of the top students from the University of Georgia to connect with
professors at a top university in England.” When asked why study abroad programs are
beneficial
Type totoenter
college students in particular, Dr. Trivedi pointed out that college years are
text
about experience and because students in college are already open to new places,
cultures, and experiences, a college student might be able to get more out of this trip
during those years than at another point in their life.
The University of Georgia offers a variety of programs for students to study abroad.
There are over 90 study abroad and exchange programs available to university students.
A few programs include in Tanzania, Japan, and even Antarctica. But other factors can
play a part in student’s discussion to participate in the programs. Kimberly Green, a
sophomore at the University of Georgia, said she feels money is more the issue. “Most
students associate traveling abroad with high expenses,” Green said.
Dr Trivedi illustrates how this can be a slight misconception.
“Students look at the program individually and think wow, this costs x amount of
money, I cannot afford that. But what they have to think of is not the total cost of the
program individually, but the net cost between the study abroad program and studying
at UGA. Whether a student is at UGA or somewhere abroad, they are going to have to
pay for basic housing and meals.”
There are various scholarships made available by organizations that can help
students pay for these extra expenses.
The University of Georgia’s efforts to encourage students to study abroad are
evident. The university hosts study abroad fairs every academic school year to raise
awareness about the opportunities as well as sponsor several study abroad scholarships
including UGA program specific scholarships (which are described on the UGA study
abroad website).
Adetinpo Thomas, a second year drama major, traveled abroad to Cortona, Italy
this past summer and had only positive things to report.
“Easily the best summer of my life…There are these little nuances about other
cultures that we don’t notice until we go somewhere else. Like every Sunday night in
Cortona, people walk their pure bred dogs through town.”
When asked if language was a barrier, Thomas explained that it was not.
“Cortona really embraced UGA and at least one person in every shop spoke English… It
was definitely worth every cent!”
With a response like that, it is hard to imagine that going abroad to study could
lead to anything but a satisfactory experience. Studying abroad allows students to learn
about different cultures and experience life in other countries all while earning credit
hours. Seems like a win- win- win situation.

7
 Ways to Lose Weight
for Spring Break! by Jessica Watson
Everyone is looking forward to Spring Break 2010 coming up next week, but
while the warmth and fun of the beach are prominent thoughts in many students head,
the concern of a physical appearance also arises.
Several students, mainly young women, are looking for that last quick fix to get their bodies in shape before
putting on that new bathing suit they purchased online solely for this spring break occasion. Unfortunately, ladies and
gents, there are some fads and weight loss tricks that just won’t work the way you want. Throw away the diet pills
and stop trying to eat only solely soup and crackers for lunch. Furthermore, stray away from working too hard at the
gym without having an adequate meal, as this could raise your risks of passing out. It’s not worth it. The best quick
fixes won’t come from the Atkins Diet, regurgitating your food after thinking you ate too much or neglecting anything
with more than 200 calories. It’s more about the old rules that you’ve heard over and over again, but have yet to
believe.
If you want to look excellent in your bathing suit with a week left before Spring Break hits, just follow these
four easy steps:

Eat your fruits Get in mini workouts

and veggies:
Yes, our
parents were right
when they told us that
fruits and vegetables were good
for us. Try to incorporate fruit or vegetables
with every meal, substituting for french fries
or macaroni and cheese. Fruits and
vegetables are good for your body and will
make you healthier overall.
throughout the day:
There are several small exercises
that can be done when you’re merely
going to class. Skip steps when you
go up the stairs or walk instead of
taking the bus. If you’re just sitting in
your room watching the television,
get on the floor during commercials
and do as many crunches/sit ups as
you can.

Don’t skip Combine watching

meals:
The worst thing that you
could do is skip a meal in
order to lose weight. Get small
serving sizes when you go to eat.
Eating smaller portions at a slower
rate will make you feel just as full as
eating larger portions at a fast rate.
Combine this method with at least 30
minutes of cardio for the next 7 days.
your portions
and getting in
your cardio:
It’s important that you
either eat 3 larger meals a
day or 6 small meals. Doing this
will keep your metabolism up
which essentially will break
down more fat and therefore
help you to lose weight.

These are just a few tips to help, but the best is just to love how you look! Constantly telling yourself
that you don’t like the way you look doesn’t help you perceive your already perfect image. So with only a
week left the results won’t be extreme, but you’ll be able to tell if that bikini bottom isn’t as tight as
before and hopefully you’ll love the wonderful you.

8
 GAGA
over
Makeup by Nicollette Higgs

The month of December is the month for HIV/AIDS awareness, but did you know that
March focuses on HIV/AIDS awareness for women and girls?
For pop icons Cyndi Lauper and Lady Gaga, this issue resulted in a collaboration to promote
AIDS awareness. As the new faces of the VIVA GLAM MAC campaign, they are promoting a new
lipstick line that will donate 100 percent of its revenue to the MAC AIDS Fund. The lipstick, priced at $14, is
available in two shades that are named after each artist, VIVA GLAM Gaga and VIVA GLAM Cyndi.
Both women are known for their creativity and talent, but behind their eccentric personalities and clothing is a
serious message. GaGa and Lauper made appearances on “Good Morning America” and “The Today Show” to inform
viewers on the AIDS epidemic, and to present themselves as strong advocates of safe sex.
Coming from different generations, the two artists represent two age ranges, 17 to 24 and 39 to 60, that have
surprisingly shown an increase in the number of women with HIV/AIDS. Both women hope the lipstick will
represent a feminine bond between mothers, daughters, sisters and friends. In encouraging a connection among all
women, Lauper and Gaga have also formed their own bond. As a child, Gaga was inspired by Lauper’s musical talent
and today she has made a name for herself as an innovative musical artist.
During the “Good Morning America” interview, Gaga discussed the common misconception that AIDS only affects
the gay community. She made it clear that the disease could affect any gender. Lauper also placed emphasis
on the lipstick being every woman’s reminder to always use protection. Robin Roberts,
newscaster of the “Today Show,” pointed out that it was a good thing for them to be able to
touch on a topic that is frequently avoided in conversation.
While some are critical of Gaga’s and Lauper’s unconventional tendencies, the pairing
of the two is a great idea and I support their cause. They may constantly choose the path of
nonconformity, but that is what makes them so successful. What truly makes them unique,
however, is their ability to use this success as motivation to donate and give back to those
in need. Their participation in the MAC campaign allows them to send a positive message
to women and girls and to shed light on AIDS as a growing issue around the world.

9
Internet:
!
A World of Ideas by Nicollette Higgs

Print journalists are running in all Employers also use Google searches to
directions in fear of what will become of find employees. This may seem harmless, but
their careers. It seems as though news- the first 10 results they see should be
papers and magazines are a dying trend positive, not negative. A great way to have
pushed to the side by the exponential impressive results is blogging. Voice your
growth of the internet. Even journalists opinion or provide an account of the daily
who use the internet as their primary out- news on blog sites like Weebly and WordPress.
let have to be quick on their feet. As Using these sites can also help you get more
intimidating as this task may seem, it is experience with your writing and feel more
important to be a jack of all trades comfortable with utilizing online sources.
and a master of none in the world of mass With these sites, you can create your own
media, especially for future journalists. personalized blogs and display your skills and
NABJ’s event entitled “Convergence experience for employers to see.
Media” was just the place to be for Digg and Evernote are also effective
great information on how to understand sites. While articles posted to Digg can be
the new world of fast-paced media and how rated based on their levels of interesting
to take advantage of it. Kiley Dorton, a content, Evernote can help any future !
graduate assistant of the New Media In- ! journalist by offering software and
stitute at Grady, came to give journalism ! programs that help organize !
students tips on how to reap the benefits ! information and record notes. The
of convergence media. ! ! more sites you use to your !
The use of convergence media is not ! ! advantage, the greater ! c h a n c e
only helpful, it is essential. The key is to ! you have of being noticed for !
know how to manipulate it to remain up ! ! your work.
to date. Do you already have a Facebook ! ! It also helps to have an
or Twitter account? Well having both is ! ! ! easily accessible online
your first step. Yes, Facebook ! ! ! resume. LinkedIn is best in
and Twitter are used for social ! ! ! presenting your
networking and getting all the ! ! ! professional skills. It is
details on what your friends ! ! ! ! similar to Facebook,
have been doing, but they ! ! ! ! but instead of
can also be used as self- ! ! ! having friends, you have
marketing tools. Today, ! ! ! business connections.
employers are turning to ! ! Potential employers can
these sites to look for ! ! view your profile and
potential employees, so be ! ! ! learn about what you
sure to keep your pages ! ! ! can offer.
professional. ! ! The future is still
! ! ! Bright for journalists
! ! ! and the need to stay up to
! ! ! date with fast changes is
! ! ! greater now more than
! ! ! ever.

10
 5 Things You Must
Bring: Spring Break by Jessica Washington
F.Y.I. Spring Break is right around the corner! Donʼt let the stress of last minute tests and
papers leave you unprepared for an unforgettable week with your closest friends. Lucky for
you, NABJ cares enough to provide a quick checklist of must-haves for your fun in the sun!

Old Navy Flip-Flops

Umbrella
These necessities are not only available
Yes, we know sunscreen is designed to
for women, but for men too! Thereʼs no
prevent sunburn. But umbrellas are a bit
better way to show off your freshly
more effective with sun blockage and can
pedicured toes while walking along the
come in handy when that unexpected rain
beach. Priced at 2 pairs for $5,
cloud ruins your tanning session. Also, be
these flip flops are a deal that
edgy and pack an umbrella that
you could not resist.
coordinates with your swimsuit!
MP3 Player

Trendy Beach Bag

There is no better way
to enjoy the sun than to No one should ever go to
vibe to the latest music! the beach without a bag to
So while your feet are carry his/her belongings in.
relaxed and intertwined It is the easiest way to lose
with the sand, you should your possessions, and you
be relaxing to your favorite do not want any regrets on
jams. Donʼt forget to your road trip back to Athens.
update your music before I recommend a stylish bag
departure! that is large enough to hold a beach
towel, sunscreen, camera, and other
necessities.

Your Digital Camera!

No vacation is complete unless you
have hundreds of photos as proof of
your amazing adventure! Remember
to pack your cameraʼs charger, memory
card and extra batteries, so there is no
excuse for the lack of photo shoots!
Facebook is waiting for you. (smile).

11
 Smash
& Grab
by Crissinda Ponder
Both infuriating and annoying, smash-and-grab burglaries is spreading
throughout the Atlanta area like a new strand of influenza.
A smash-and-grab is a technique used by burglars in which they drive
a vehicle through a building and steal several items, preferably of great
value.
The problem became more prevalent closely before, after, and during
the recent holiday season. The criminals’ focus were mainly targeted on
clothing and department stores and boutiques with high-end fashion items.
According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, on Jan. 17, 2010, two
smash-and-grab burglaries were committed at the Focus Clothing Store in
downtown Atlanta and the E-Z Shop Food Mart on Sylvan Road, escaping
with $50,000 worth of designer jeans from the clothing store. Fortunately,
nine individuals were arrested for committing those crimes. The suspects
range in age from 14 to 19.
Nearly two weeks later on Jan. 30, another smash-and-grab was
reported on Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive. The burglars drove a vehicle
through City Package Store and stole six cases of Hennessy. Nothing else was
reported stolen from that particular location and no arrests were made in
connection with the crime.
This last one hits a little closer to home for me, being a resident of the
Southside of Atlanta.
Around 2:30 a.m. on Feb. 7, six males drove a Dodge Intrepid through
the Macy’s in Southlake Mall in Morrow,Ga. They stole about $10,000 worth
of clothing, mainly Polo Ralph Lauren items. Because of the collective effort
of Clayton County, Jonesboro and Morrow police, five of the suspects were
captured and the sixth suspect turned himself in.
It’s amazing just what lengths people will go to possess those items they
feel they could only receive by stealing. Some of these smash-and-grabs have
been committed by a recently noticed gang, 30 Deep. The Atlanta Police
Department believes that 30 Deep originated in the Mechanicsville neighborhood,
right near Turner Field in Atlanta, Ga.
It is alleged that the gang has committed numerous commercial burglaries
from Buckhead to Gwinnett County. According to the AJC, the police
also said that these gang members sell drugs and
have stolen high-end jeans and expensive
electronics.
It’s really sad that these things continue to happen
on a regular basis.
It will take more collective efforts, like the city
and county police working together in every
surrounding county, to crackdown on these criminals.
Of course, these crimes may be looked at as a
response to the current recession, but there is an
alternative to teens and young adults acquiring the
material items they desire: GET A JOB!
Yes, every Foot Locker, Kroger or McDonald’s
may not be hiring, but go cut someone’s grass,
clean someone’s gutters, or pick up a paper
route.
Please and thank you… 12
Which Team Are
You On?

13
 Team BlackBerry
by Shamar Toms-Anthony VS
There are plenty of
smartphones on the market, argument
Team iPhone
by Denver Blackwell
It seems like this
will never die,
partly because BlackBerry
but only two have the power
users are delusional. Let
to polarize an entire country; me just say that there
The Research in Motion (RIM) is not a single thing
BlacBerry and the Apple BlackBerrys can do that
iPhone. I rely on facts and iPhones can’t (yes, they
specifications when deciding to
can BBM if they’re
spend well over $200 for a phone.
jailbroken). After talking
It is going to take more than a few with a bunch of BlackBerry
gimmicky applications and the nerdy users, most being my closest
Steve Jobs to convince me to fork over that friends, I realized they always
kind of money. have the same, horrible arguments.
When looking at the stats and
hardcore facts (and not the pointless applications that There are many ways in which the iPhone is a better
iPhone users constantly brag about), it is obvious that if you phone, but let me start with the main arguments I hear.
need to get the BlackBerry smartphone if you want a phone
that speaks for itself. The iPhone users’ best argument was that “BlackBerrys are business phones, iPhones are toys.”
the BlackBerry lacked an application store, which is no longer a
-- When the iPhone first launched, it wasn’t aimed at the
valid argument. RIM now has a great BlackBerry app store with corporate world. It was a phone for your everyday consumer.
hundreds of free apps or those for purchase. BlackBerrys have existed since 1998 so of course they’re going
The BlackBerry is the veteran smartphone and is available on to be more prevalent in the business world, not to mention a
every wireless phone carrier, making it more universal than the lot of corporate level BlackBerrys are dirt cheap. BlackBerrys
iPhone, which is now currently stuck on AT&T. handle email, user collaboration, calendars, etc. just fine. So do
When it comes to the basics like productivity, the BlackBerry iPhones. Iphones support exchange servers, sync multiple email
Bold 9700 is the best phone for business use. If you’re a big on accounts, sync all calendars, and let’s not forget the thousands of
business apps that are available to increase productivity on the
texting, e-mail, or picture ability, the Bold is the phone for you. iPhone.
Equipped with a 3.2 megapixel camera with a flash, an easy to
use QWERTY keyboard and the newest addition of the trackpad, “Touchscreens are unreliable, they break,
the BlackBerry takes the win for the best business smartphone. and they’re not practical. I need buttons.”
Now if you are looking for a portable game system that --iPhone touchscreens are the most responsive and accurate
happens to take calls and dim pictures, touchscreens on the market. (http://mashable.com/2010/01/11/
touchscreen-comparison/) A lot of BB users come from other
B l a ckBerry then the iPhone smartphones with dismal touchscreens so I can understand why
iPhone Bold 9700 might just be for they’re afraid of them. RIM doesn’t seem to feel the same way
3GS 3 .2 MP you. Besides,
3 MP Yes when is the last
as they’ve launched not one, but TWO touchscreen phones (Storm
N o & Storm 2)...both of which pale in comparison to the iPhone.
am er a m i t e d time you heard Not only that, RIM is launching a half-touchscreen/half-button
C
1 Unli
Flas h te r s of BlackBerry phone (Blackberry Magnum). All phones break, especially if you
er of compu th Y e s user drop them! True, the iPhone is mainly glass, but you can’t
Numb can sync wi iple N o blame the phone for the mistreatment of the device. If I
devi c e ul t complaining
th m
ork wi Hours
dropped my MacBook and the screen cracked, would I be pissed
Can w s 5 6 about a at Apple? No! Dare I ask how many BB users have dealt with
carrier u r s cracked
Ho faulty trackballs that pop out and need replacing, or buttons that
Ta lk Tim
e
12 1 9 Days screen? just stop working? Let’s not forget the new trackpads in the
9700 that stop functioning or become loose (google it!).
Days 4.2 oz
y Time
Standb 4.8 oz 32GB “iPhones are too complicated.”
t No --The one thing BlackBerry users can’t argue for is their
Weigh mory Free
a n d a ble Me $99/ glitchy operating system (OS) which from what I hear is prone
Exp tacts, to freezing up every now and then. Without a doubt the iPhone
E m a il, Con ents year operating system is way more user friendly and technologically
Sync lendar Ev 60
and Ca
480×3 480×3 advanced than ANY BB OS. Virtually anybody can use it with no
on 20 problem and It has limitless functionality thanks to the App
esoluti pi Store with over 150,000 apps to enhance your life in multiple
≈246 p
p l a y R 163
Dis ways (compared to BBs few thousand) and the versatility of the
ppi Yes touch screen. I could literally go on for days about what it can
ensity No
Pixel D Yes
do.

Theme
Suppo
rt No 14
g
Taskin
Multi
H
Adkhdud by Amanda Toney
      Religion has become a trend.  I believe the term ‘religion’ is another social 
                construct  created to  separate  and  create  more  inequality  and confusion  in  our 
                  communities.  Religion  has  become  leisure,  an “ask &  give”  relationship,  with 
                        only  one  person  giving.  There  are  so  many  denominations,  and  different 
          beliefs  and  not enough  of sound doctrine. Even in our  own collegiate  society, 
          there  are so  many claims  of religious people but not  nearly  enough examples 
         of that religion. 
      There  are  so  many  outlets  where  religion  just  doesn’t  Fit  in,  especially 
                in  a  college  environment.  It’s  easier  to  go  out  to  a club on  a  Friday  night 
                 and get drunk, than it is  to go  to a  campus devotional.   It’s much easier on 
                a  Saturday  night  to  be  impure  with  your  signiFicant  other  than  go  to  a 
       dating  devotional  that  encourages  a  spiritual  relationship  between 
                   each  other.  Many  think  that  life  is  right  when  you  have  a  good  sense 
      of  what’s  wrong  and  what’s  right.  This  is  not  religion,  this  is  simply 
        morality. 
      I  am  a  disciple,  which,  in  one  deFinition,  means  ‘any  follower  of 
                Christ’.  I  am  a  Christian.  These  two  terms  ARE  interchangeable 
                       according to the Bible (Acts 11:26). The Bible is my standard for 
        life.  That  is  my  doctrine.  Every  day  I  strive  to  live  out  Luke 
        9:23  which  says,  “Whoever  wants  to  be  my  disciple  must  deny 
              themselves  and  take  up their  cross  daily  and follow  me.”  I  am 
        careful  in  my  walk  by  not  just  acknowledging  that  God’s  grace 
                          is  free, but  I do my best to  “have nothing to  do  with the fruitless 
                           deeds of darkness, but  rather  expose  them.”  (Ephesians 5:11)  I 
                spend  time  studying  the  Word  daily  and  praying.  I  have  not 
                always  had  this  relationship.  I  made  a  decision  that  I  was 
                    going to  learn for  myself what  was really in the Bible and to 
                         not live on traditions or  morals. I was  challenged by  people 
          who  were  really  living  by  the  Bible,  not  claiming  a 
          belief and being the opposite of what it really is. 
          Anybody  can  have  a  relationship  with  God.  The 
                       question is, however, if our  relationship is pleasing in 
                      his  sight.  So  many  do  not  know  what  is  actually  in 
              the  Bible  or  what  any  of  it  means.  I  would 
              encourage  people  to  really  study  it  and  Find  out. 
                Find  someone  who  has  a  relationship  with  God 
                  that  you  admire  and  that  you  see  is  true  and  not 
                  just  another  hypocrite,  and  ask  them  to  study 
                               the Bible with you.
              I  a m  a  m e m b e r  o f  t h e  A t h e n s 
              Church  of  Christ  and  a  member  of  the 
              Alpha  Omega  campus  ministry.  The  body 
                of  disciples  has  been  an  encouragement 
                  during  my  walk  with  God  and  also  a 
                s u p p o r t  i n  m y  s t r u g g l e s  a n d 
                trials.  I  have  not  always  been  a 
                disciple.  I  committed  and  gave  my 
                    life  over  to  God  on  April  1,  2009. 
                Church  is  the  believers,  the  disciples, 
                  the followers. My church is my family 
                      and it  is  encouraging to  be  around 
                  people who  are striving for  the 
                  same goal of salvation. I made a 
                  decision  to  not  be  like  the 
                  people  in  2  Timothy  4:3,  but, 
                     like Ephesians 5:8­10, to  be a 
                    “child of light”.
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