Tagged: Brandon Lewis
New parenting trend: diaperless babies
By Brandon Lewis, Staff Writer
@Brandon_S_Lewis
Are diapers becoming a thing of the past?/ PHOTO VIA youmaybenext.com
People say that when you have children, you change forever. Well, when it comes to hipsters having children, they pretty much stay the same.
According to an article in the New York Times, young New York parents have been catching on to ‘elimination control,’ which apparently means allowing their babies to roam society without diapers. Hipsters are granting their offspring the right to use the bathroom wherever their little hearts desire. It could be the supermarket parking lot, behind the bushes at the local park, or the kitchen sink.
Yes, the kitchen sink where you watch dishes and prepare food.
Many parents say this new tactic is a way to avoid the constant washing and reuse of diapers. So we’re training pets to use the bathroom on newspapers but teaching babies that it’s all right to pop a squat in the middle of the playground.
Elimination control is described in an article on CBC News’ website as enabling parents to recognize when their children have to use the bathroom. When babies are on the verge of eliminating their wastes, they most likely give off a warning such as a grimace or noise. Then parents associate the babies’ warnings with their needs. This connection between parent and baby represents the elimination communication.
Ten years from now when I become a father, my children will be raised with diapers on their bottoms. I just can’t imagine myself running to get a bucket to place under my child when he needs to use the bathroom. Even though a significant chunk of my income will be devoted to buying diapers, they’re just more convenient in my opinion. They provide a soft cushion for babies and let them use the bathroom without having to ‘inform’ their parents.
The only benefit I detect from elimination communication is that babies tend to be potty trained faster than kids that wear diapers. This may entice some parents but not me. Throwing away a diaper is easier than cleaning feces and pee out of a bowl, don’t you think? I’m sure that some people will think that elimination communication is the best thing in the world. But for me, my children will not step foot out of the house without a diaper. Sorry, not sorry.
Should college insurance cover sports-related injuries in current and former college athletes?
By Brandon Lewis, Staff Writer
@Brandon_S_Lewis
Kevin Ware’s teammate Terrence Williams. Ware’s injury has stirred up controversy regarding whether or not the injuries that college athletes sustain while playing college sports should be covered by college insurance plans./ PHOTO VIA Flickr user Bradjward
Kevin Ware recently suffered one of the most gruesome sports injuries in the history of the NCAA tournament. While attempting to block a Duke player’s shot, the University of Louisville point guard landed awkwardly on his legs, which resulted in his leg breaking in a very graphic and painful way. I would show you the video of the incident but I will spare you the gore.
After sustaining the injury, Ware was treated for his injuries. Officials at the institution he attended, University of Louisville, stated that Ware would not be on the hook for the medical expenses regarding his injury while he was in college. All Louisville athletes will not have to pay out-of-pocket for injuries sustained while still in school. However, this isn’t always the case.
Another issue surfaces when athletes graduate or move on to the big leagues. The New York Times reported that universities do not cover the health care expenses for post-college injuries that arise from injuries sustained in college. So if Ware had leg problems down the road, he will be liable for those medical bills.
So the question is: should colleges extend their medical insurance to athletes after they leave their institutions?
I say yes. NCAA basketball is an empire earning over $780 million a year simply based on the performance of the ballplayers. NCAA’s revenues stem from sports fans paying to attend games, television broadcasts of games, and countless donations. The NCAA has more than enough money to provide schools with the funds to medically cover their unpaid athletes. So money isn’t really the issue; it’s the colleges themselves.
College scouts travel all over the country looking for athletes to add to their teams in hopes of creating a championship caliber team. Once athletes commit to a school and play competitively, there is a possibility that they will get injured. Colleges should not withdraw their support for these hand-selected students when injuries occur. The least they can do is provide full medical insurance for athletes that these recruiters compete for.
When athletes leave college, I believe that universities should continue to cover the medical expenses related to injuries sustained or related to their time spent faithfully serving the school as student-athletes. In other words, after Ware leaves Louisville, I believe the school should cover the bills of any later health problems resulting from his broken leg. Athletes provide innumerable amounts of publicity for colleges, entice prospective students to attend their schools and build up the reputations of their institutions. They do so much for their universities and it’s only right for the schools to return the favor.
Sequester, explained
By Brandon Lewis, Staff Writer
@Brandon_S_Lewis
During the first few months of 2013, the “sequester” has been a hot topic in the media, economic debates and White House conversations. Many Americans believe the term refers to government budget cuts but there’s more to it than that. Do you feel confident about your definition of “sequester”? Here’s what I think you need to know.
Overview
- In 2011, Congress passed the Budget Control Act which contended that if Republicans and Democrats could not agree on a plan to reach the $1.3 trillion goal of reductions in federal spending to pan out over the next ten years, dramatic budget cuts would be implemented. It was deliberately created to have severe affects and was intended to inspire collaboration and agreement. However, since the goal was not met, the sequester was put into effect.
Sequester is…
- The sequester is a group of cuts to federal spending that went into effect on March 1. Throughout 2013, over $85 billion worth of cuts will be implemented across American agencies.
What will be affected?
- There will be an even split in spending cuts between domestic and defense programs
- Everyone, essentially, will be affected by indiscriminate spending cuts
- No programs are eliminated, but federal investment in the programs across the board is drastically reduced.
Possible Solution
- Compromise between Democrats and Republicans
- Balanced plan to reduce deficit
The sequester is in effect because the Republicans and Democrats can not compromise. Republicans and Democrats in Congress were supposed to come to an agreement on how to reduce the country’s financial deficits. Since they weren’t able to agree on any proposal, arbitrary automatic cuts (aka the sequester) were implemented. Hopefully, Congress can come to an agreement soon because they brought this crisis on themselves (and us) and only they can fix it.
I asked a few students about the sequester to see if what they knew about it.
The return of the Twinkie
By Brandon Lewis, Staff Writer
@Brandon_S_Lewis
Twinkies, along with other delicious Hostess snacks, will be returning to shelves this summer, according to an article by the New York Times/ PHOTO VIA Flickr user Christian Cable
Attention all Twinkie lovers! The Daily Free Now’s official Twinkie reporter, aka yours truly, has good news. Your favorite snack has a good chance of returning to store shelves this summer!
I’m sure everyone remembers Hostess’s announcement that they were filing for bankruptcy last November. Twinkies, Wonder Bread, and other Hostess products have not been produced since the company’s fallout. I honestly believed that Twinkies were never going to appear in stores ever again. But they received a reprieve.
According to an article by the New York Times, in an effort to liquidate its business, Hostess has been auctioning off its various brands over the past four months. Metropoulos & Co. and Apollo Global Management agreed to buy the Hostess cake brand for a whopping $410 million. Since no other qualified bids were submitted, Metropoulos & Co. and Apollo Global Management will become the new owners of Hostess products.
In a statement, Metropoulos & Co. CEO and founder Dean Metropoulos said the firm was looking forward to having “America’s favorite snacks back on the shelf by this summer.”
So after all the drama and chaos surrounding the demise of the Hostess empire, Twinkies will likely return to stores this summer. Who would’ve thought? It’s great to see that companies actually had interest in continuing the production of Twinkies and other Hostess products like Sno Balls and Ho Hos. Americans have been enjoying these snacks for over 80 years and it would have been a shame for the snacks to just disappear from American culture. Luckily this won’t happen. All in all, I would like to personally thank Hostess for my mini-heart attack and slight depression for the past few months. I now have a new reason to look forward to the summer: an all-American snack will be returning to grocery store shelves.
LOLThursday
By Brandon Lewis, Staff Writer
@Brandon_S_Lewis
Every year the Super Bowl ignites national frenzy amongst sports fans. Those who can’t watch the football championship live watch it from the comfort of their living room sofas. The perks of the later option: the entertaining commercials. This year my favorite ad was the Best Buy commercial featuring the comedian and actress Amy Poehler. The commercial commences when a sales representative asks Poehler whether she needs assistance. Then Poehler goes on to ask awkward questions about the merchandise such as, “Will this one read Fifty Shades of Grey to me in a sexy voice?” The funny thing is that Poehler’s concerns are questions that us customers really want to ask but usually don’t. Like Poehler, I always wondered what makes a smart TV “smart.” And admit it, you do too. Best Buy effectively portrays the message that they have the answers to all the customers’ questions, even the unconventional ones.
Talk of gun control dominates public discourse
By Brandon Lewis, Staff Writer
@Brandon_S_Lewis
Obama’s gun control plan includes a ban on assault weapons/ PHOTO VIA golocalprov.com
In the wake of the second deadliest shooting in American history, Americans are partaking in a heated debate over the future of gun control. Many are calling for legislation that would address the gun control issue head-on while others believe that little could be done to appease the national violence. Several days before his second inauguration, Barack Obama released his plan to reduce gun violence.
The plan outlines tighter gun license regulations, a ban of military-style assault weapons, making schools safer and increasing access to mental health services.
The passing of Obama’s plan falls in the hands of the Congress. We are not aware of their stance on the president’s gun control measure so in the meantime, here’s my opinion on the pros and cons of Obama’s proposal.
PROS
- An assault weapons ban is important so the most destructive guns will no longer integrate itself in street culture. Semi-automatic firearms should not be in the hands of the public.
- Obama’s implementation of school emergency management plans is necessary for preparing schools for emergency situations. Every school should have a set plan of action in the event of an emergency.
- The accessibility to mental health services is needed. Many believe that the perpetrators behind gruesome shootings suffer from mental illness. I believe that some of the perpetrators are, and increasing mental health service accessibility may help to cut down on tragic and unnecessary violence.
CONS
- If the assault weapons ban is passed, the government needs to find a suitable way to impose this legislation.
- There are always people that believe their natural rights are being violated. In this case, some individuals will view the banning of certain guns as another threat to their liberty.
- Many Americans also believe that guns are required for defending themselves in dangerous moments. When Congress considers Obama’s measure, self-defense will be brought up as a reason supporting the need for guns.
In my opinion, gun control has cemented itself as a prevalent issue in society and action needs to be taken. Obama said it best: “It’s not only the high-profile mass shootings that are of concern here, it’s also what happens on a day-in-day-out basis in places like Chicago or Philadelphia, where young people are victims of gun violence every single day.”
LOLThursday
By Brandon Lewis, Staff Writer
@Brandon_S_Lewis
Have you ever wondered what NFL players and coaches are yelling during competitive games? I always assumed that the coaches were calling plays or making sure their players understood their purpose on their field. I also believed that the players were either trash talking to the opposing team or making sure everyone knew the plan of action. Well, the Bad Lip-Reading series has targeted the NFL as its latest victim revealing the players’ humorous small talk. The small talk consists of random things such as pretty female parts, pregnant cows, magical potions, and making chicken rolls just to name a few. It’s dead-on.
“An orange peanut! Well, I accept you!”
MLK: celebrating a holiday and an alum
By Brandon Lewis, Staff Writer
@Brandon_S_Lewis
Jan. 21 2013 marks Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The holiday is known nationally as a day set aside to honor MLK’s contributions to history. Amongst BU students, it’s also recognized as a tip-of-the-hat to one of BU’s most notable alumni. And a three day weekend.
Without his significant role in the civil rights movement, the United States would be totally different. No progression, no equality, no unity. Iconic American figures such as Barack Obama and Jackie Robinson would not have been able to pursue their respective dreams in a close-minded American society. King strived to open the world’s eyes to its multicultural demographics and stressed embracing diversity.
But what does Martin Luther King Day mean to today’s students at his alma mater?
To me, it means a lot. His persistent activism has enabled me to obtain an education in culturally diverse environments. I am fortunate enough to attend a school that promotes and thrives off its diverse student population.
The city of Boston and the BU community are proud to have nurtured one of the most amazing philanthropic pioneers in American history. Martin Luther King Jr., we salute you!
An Allston without noise
By Brandon Lewis, Staff Writer
@Brandon_S_Lewis
Allston. BRANDON LEWIS/DAILY FREE PRESS STAFF
Imagine Allston without rowdy college students and loud, lively parties on the weekends. You probably can’t because Allston is a neighborhood defined by its collegiate party scene. If students want to enjoy themselves on the weekend, Allston is the place to be.
However, regular residents don’t seem to agree. Many non-college residents of Allston-Brighton have been known to contact the the police to voice their annoyance with the excessive noise of the neighborhood. And now, attempts to control noise have been taken a step further. The Daily Free Press reported on a new ordinance Tuesday that has proposed more police patrols of the area along with hefty fines for party hosts and attendees whose noisiness disturbs neighbors.
One resident interviewed even suggested that noise-makers should receive a fine of $500 for a first-time offense and $1,000 for a second-time offense. Don’t you think fining students is a little extreme? Besides, it would be pretty difficult to implement. At a noisy, crowded party, who would be fined? Random guests or the hosts of the party or …?
Let’s face it, we are in Boston, where thousands of students roam the metropolitan area. The Allston-Brighton neighborhood is known for housing many college students, who host many college parties. Residents should anticipate higher noise when choosing to live here. Allston is not the ideal place to raise a family or to live peacefully. Sorry, but that’s a fact. Residents need to know what they’re getting themselves into when moving to Allston. It may be an affordable place to live, but if you don’t like noise, don’t move here. If you have outgrown the party scene, then Allston-Brighton should not be on your prospective neighborhood list.
The residents of Allston-Brighton have to accept the reality that they are living in a neighborhood that will always be plagued by noise and parties as long as Boston remains a college town. If they can’t accept this, then I’m afraid it’s time to find new homes.
