Page 6 The Lion’s Eye October 1, 2010 Eye sn"Editorraty College Life: I find it fitting that I write an article about procrastination, since I’ve been doing it for years. Self diagnosed back in my middle school days, I’m well aware at how great I am at putting things off. From school projects to getting the oil changed in my car, I wait until the last second possible for everything. Heck, I'm even writing this editorial two days after it was supposed to be submitted. If you are like me, you know ex- actly what I’m talking about. Procrastina- tion is more than just a habit, it’s a mental disease. Trust me, I’d be the first one that would love to change my ways; however, I don’t think I am in control anymore. I know, I'm pleading for a bit of sympathy but really, that’s how it feels. Procrastina- tion just owns me and I fear that I will be this way forever. Hopefully by now, I have you feeling so bad for me that you’re look- ing around this page in hopes of finding an address to donate a check to some By Justin Park Lion's Eye Editor in Chief jrp5321@psu.edu procrastinator’s rehabilitation program. Those don’t exist, but they should. I think procrastination is some- thing that everyone goes through every so often. The trick is to not let it consume you to the point that you know no other way. Motivation plays a big part. I don’t think I’ve ever procrastinated in play- ing video games, but I do it all the time for school work. Especially with papers and projects that don’t hold my interest. Again, I feel it’s not something I can help. How does someone get motivated for something that doesn’t interest them? So, for me anyway, that’s why I push those things off and do something that does entertain me. This is where I get to the point of questioning how bad procrastination really is. For your sake, I hope you never get to this point. During my procrastination process, I tend to give myself some (B.S.) excuses as to why it makes sense to pro- crastinate when I do, and that’s where the ranking of priorities becomes blurred. For this situation, I have two go-to excuses that I use in my defense. : The first is that the thing I want to accomplish isn’t going anywhere. The paper has the same deadline, whether I write it before or after Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. So why not watch Jimmy Fallon first, and then write my paper. Makes a lot of sense, right? Don’t philosophers push the belief of “living in the present”? Aren’t I just trying to get the most out of life? Yeah, until about four more things come before that same paper and next thing you know its 3 am and the paper’s due in five hours. Along with dignity, sleep is usually a casualty in my procrastination. Thank god for energy drinks. The second excuse is one that’s a common misconception/excuse among procrastinators. “My work is only good if I do it last minute”. This is one of those Confessions of a Procrastinator things that I’d like to believe to help defend my case, but I can’t buy into it. Al- though I truly do like the adrenaline rush of know I have to get something done in a short time, I honestly cannot believe that my quality of work is better at 3 am, ~ while I’m incredibly focused but equally tired. In the same sense, I like to think that I can piece together good work with- out having to wait until that last second. I need that hope so possibly I can someday change my ways. : Alright, the point of this article is to learn from my life alternating mistakes. It’s ok to procrastinate every now and then, but do not become a procrastinator. I’ve provided you all the tell-tale signs that you’re being consumed by the pro- crastination monster, so be aware. As for me, I'll keep waiting for that day where my procrastination catches up to me. Although that day may not exist, I need to believe that it does to motivate me to change my ways. Who The Hell Hikes in Iran? By Evan Romano - Lion's Eye Staff Writer erb5008@psu.edu We Deserve Better By Dave Serpentine - Lion's Eye Staff Writer dms5419@psu.edu The answer is three Ameri- can’s that were unwise enough to go hiking in Iraq close enough to the border of Iran to cross over without realizing it. They’ve now been imprisoned for over a year now in an Iranian jail on espionage charges. As I write this they have been in detainment for 415 days. Before I go any further, I have to ask. Why would you ever, in your right mind, go hiking in the hills of Iraq? They couldn’t have thought out a “better”, “safer” or just a more logical place to take a hike? I can name countless fun and exciting places around the world to travel to that don’t require me to travel in or around a country that just finished fighting a war and doesn’t border one of the most dangerous and radical countries left in the developed world. That’s just my two cents on the matter. They were apparently looking for a special “beauty spot” in the Kurdish area of northern Iraq in 2009, instead they wandered too far and fell into Iranian border patrol. The Iranian government claims they were spies and “entered the country illegally”. The battle to have the three hikers released has actually been in the works for a year now but it has only just recently be- come a media centerpiece with the potential bail of Sarah Shourd being set at $500,000 due to development of health problems. On Septem- ber 15th, Sarah was released. The Iranian government has denied the release of Shane Baur or Josh Fat- tal, and has extended their “pre-trial detention” (note: the number of days in detainment) for another two months. One thing to keep in mind is that $500,000 is not payment for her release it is just bail. Under Ira- nian law she would have to return to Iran to finish her trial if she doesn’t she would be considered a fugitive and could risk the trials of the other hikers. The money was also paid by an unnamed donor after news spread that Sarah’s family did not have the money to put up for bail. _ An interesting point about this whole scenario is the current rift within the Iranian political body. There was much controversy among party leaders and Mahmoud Ahma- dinejad and the release of Sarah al- most fell through due to in-fighting. This story is also closely related to the other hotbed issue in Iran over the internal outcry over a stoning sentence for a woman convicted of adultery. Take note of this, if you watch the news, Iran is becoming a ‘more common topic. Their country as a whole has come under heavy scrutiny of the American media and thus the American public is begin- ning to have a flare in opinions. From their nuclear policies, detain- ment of Americans, and trial of a women convicted of adultery that could be potentially stoned, Iran is teetering on the American hit list. This is a very ambitious statement but think about it. In 2002 President George Bush made an important statement that has resonated as a deep rooted ideology within the American conservative mindset. He declared the “Axis of Evil” as being the coalition of Iraq, Iran and North Korea for their joint efforts of aiding terrorist and seeking weap- ons of mass destruction. Since that statement, what has occurred? Iraq was invaded by America then North Korea and Iran developed nuclear capabilities. Yes, that is the order of events. “Axis of Evil” is declared. We invaded Iraq. Iran and North Korea have nukes. This wasn’t by chance. Now the news media has zeroed in on the internal prob- lems of Iran, the kind of problems that are only an issue because the American public is being made more aware. I’m not trying to build up conspiracy theories but those hikers have been trapped in Iran for a year now, did you know that before this article? Probably not, so why is this suddenly a major media focus? There is something there. I don’t know what, but something is brew- ing. Watch closely. “There is nothing wrong with change, if it is in the right direction” — Winston Churchill. In case you have not noticed, Penn State Brandywine is currently making renova- tions. For instance, they are replacing a new entrance wall at the corner of Yearsley Mill Road that leads to the Main Building. In addi- tion, there are plans to revamp the Vairo Library parking lot. My simple question to these renova- tions is why. Is all of this necessary? Last year, the school renovated half of the Main Building, which was nice, I can agree to that change. But for the life of me, I don’t understand why it’s important for a new wall. It makes no sense and it is a waste of money; it’s not right. Our money should go toward something a little bit more essential. One thing that needs change is an improvement of our classes. When it comes to course offerings, Brandywine is unfair. I’m not going to list them, but certain campuses offer many classes and students have a wide range of choices, just like University Park. Additionally, there are some campuses, like Brandywine that don’t offer this much freedom. This campus only offers ten baccalaureates, three associates, and nine minor degrees. Furthermore, the course offerings are either slim or rare. If there were a class I would like to take, it would be offered either once every couple of semesters, one time only, or at night. Brandywine should use its money to provide a better-balanced learn- expand our classes, teachers, and textbooks or other equipment. Every semester when the school posts the schedules of courses, I often gaze at other campuses and actually become jealous and wonder why Brandywine can’t be this efficient and convenient with its classes. For example, 1 would love to take a German class because I ex- celled in high school and would have hoped to take it in college. But sadly, Brandywine doesn’t offer those classes. In addition to another in- justice, why is there so many Human Develop- ment and Family Studies classes offered every semester and no other major or subject seem to equal that? I think it’s great that HDFS offers so many classes. It’s just why other majors can’t be as equal with offering a large variety and be as accommodating. When will the English depart- ment improve? Or the Science, Math, and Art departments? Why can’t most students finish their degree here? It’s not fair to those students who have to relocate to University Park unwill- ingly just because they’re in a certain major. Instead of building walls or improving an already fine parking lot, I say as a modest proposal we improve this campus by using money more wisely to fund more choices to offer in our classes and more professors to teach these classes. And yes, I will admit I am not familiar with the school’s budgets or funding. But what I do know is students deserve better. We deserve better! Knowlton MISSION STATEMENT serving the students, adminis- we will strive to make each issue wine experience. We also pledge journalism. ing environment. We should be using money to 'Editor-in-Chief- Justin Park Campus News Editor (s)- Jennifer - | ] on’s E e Local/World News Editor(s)- 2 daniel j. taylor T Op/Ed Editor(s) - Evan Kroboth Entertainment Editor(s) - Judy Bowker, Caitlin Hazinsky ‘Generation Editor - Caitlin Hazinsky Sports Editor(s) - Justin Park _ Contributing Staff Writers: i Ki - Martina Delgado, Ashley Carpenter, Colin : ~ We are the newspaper of the Coates, Ryan Ashby, Matthew Bodek, Judith tent, or views set forth in the Editorials/ Penn State Brandywine campus, Bowker, Kelly Crawford, Patrese Dekeyser, Opinions section of this publication.’ ‘Megan Draper, Anastasia Gianopulos, David. : . . Hoffer, Justin Le Pore, Evan Romano, Sarah tration, faculty, staff, and VISI- Sharp, Matthew Ryan Shupp, Latika Whitmire, torials and letters to the editor. Letters. tors of our campus. We vow to Sapphire Williams, Kaitlyn Bavuso, Kenny yuyst be no more than 200 words and ad- | inform all of our audiences, and Kellar, Danielle Lites, Angela Potter, Chris 3 : McSweeney, Karlo Radolovic, Steve Scoleri, / : : Jameelah El-Nimeiri, Nichole Fedora, Saman- fain contact information of the author. better, so that we remain a vital tha Garcia, Christine Gunther, William Handy, Guest articles can be up to 500 words. part of the Penn State Brandy- Janina Horakova, Stephen Iatesta, Kenneth Lankford, Lakesha Mack, Jasmine Middleton, ~~ ; ; Brendan Owen, Crystal Paulino, Tiffany Mor-. edit letters and guest articles for space. to be professional, and to follow ris, Kaitlyn Rigney, David Serpentine, Joshua purposes and content. Please send all the highest standards of quality i, Boney Walker, gitorial and guest correspondence to ‘Lion’s Eye Adviser- Karrie Bowen Contact the Lion’s Eye: . Justin Park- jrp5321@psu.edu Karrie Bowen - kab44@psu.edu . 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