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DrwHitNeyHoYtPhD
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Name: Whitney
Birthday: 11/8/1984
Gender: Female
Interests: Writing, reading, dancing, snowboarding, kayaking, scrapbooking, photography.
Occupation: Student
Message: message me
Member Since:
1/11/2005
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You Are 40% Weird
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Normal enough to know that you're weird...
But too damn weird to do anything about it!
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| Hello? Anyone out there?
Oh goodness, I wonder if I can even remember how to do this xanga thing… lol.
It’s been five months since my last entry…I don’t know why I let myself forget about my xanga buddies.
Here’s 5 months in a nutshell:
My dad and I moved out of our house and into a much more suitable house for just the two of us. We have a big backyard which is perfect for Kya. I was sad to leave for school and think about my dad being alone, but it is comforting to know he’s made so many great friends. I even adopted him a dog, Buckley, who has been nothing short of a great companion.
My summer working at Vanity was fun, I made great friends with my boss, Somer. She’s so unique and she’s often judged. I really learned a lot from knowing her this summer, and we’ve kept in good contact since.
I enjoyed my summer, especially with Kya and Patrick. I was fortunate enough to be able to follow him to a few of his golf tournaments this summer, and he played great. He’s at a mental level above most of his opponents, and that really sets him apart. He’s so graceful when he swings, it makes me smile just to watch his effortless motion. Although nerve-racking, it’s always fun to watch him.
Lisa and I moved into our apartment, and it’s fabulous. We still don’t have a couch, but our bedrooms are both very pretty. I decided to go with a calming, Bohemian theme, so it’s decked-out in earth tones and resembles the inside of a coffee shop or something. Val and I shopped for a long time, and finally gathered bits and pieces that add to the “chic-ness” of my lair. :)
Classes are going ok, they’re hard, and I’ve managed to get behind because I’m not managing my time well, but I’d say I’m off to an ok start so far. I just finished a three-part feature series that ran on the front page of the Daily News last week. I was happy with the way it turned out, but I am most happy about the friendship I developed with James, the subject of the story, during the research process.
My dad had a heart attack in the beginning of September. It was terrifying because it was a near-death experience. He’s lucky because not everyone gets a second chance. We were worried whether he’d have trouble cutting the alcohol, cigarettes and junk food out of his life, but he’s managed to maintain a healthy diet since. Yay dad!
Kya and I are closer than ever. She’s been nothing short of a fantastic third roommate, with the exception of her constant eating of my things. Her latest taste-test included a bottle of naproxen this past Saturday. She’s in the hospital until tomorrow.
I am enjoying the time I’m spending with my friends at school. Val is as pretty as ever, and Holly has finally gotten over her phobia of wearing her hair down. Now that she’s armed with a new “look at me, I’m totally rockin” hairdo, she’s pretty much unstoppable.
Val just got her certification for the photo lab, so now her pictures are going to be even better (if that’s possible). We had a run-in with a bit of bad luck when I dropped her lens last week. Fortunately only the filter broke, whew!
I was lucky to catch two days of Patrick’s tournament that his team hosted here in Muncie. It was good to see him play again, and he’s still so talented. He just keeps getting better….work it, Patty.
I’m hating my job at Vanity more than ever. It used to be so easy for me to work hard and feel good, but now that I’m at school I feel guilty when I focus time and energy on non school-related things. My biggest issue is with my manager, but that’s an entry for a whole different day.
Well, I’ve had a four columns that have run since the beginning of this school year, and I’m a slacker, so I haven’t posted them until now.
Enjoy, and hopefully there will be more entries to come.
Sorry it’s been so long, I’ve missed you, Xanga friends!!
Leave me some love!
~Whitney
LoSt In TrAnSiT
Students must fight to maintain funding for higher education
Whitney Hoyt
October 13, 2005
Following the proposal of a budget reconciliation bill, Congress will soon be voting to cut $9 billion in student aid and educational programs. Could Congress seriously be proposing such an outlandish slash in funding for students?
Let’s face it, when it comes to being broke, it doesn’t get much poorer than college students. With expanding debts, college students are faced with having to make the decision to cope with increased expenditures or give up on those college degrees.
According to the U.S. Student Association, if the budget reconciliation bill passes, college students could end up paying about $5,800 more for their loans, and they would be virtually swimming in endless debt.
Government officials emphasize the importance of education in their campaigns, but when issues arise such as budget reconciliation bills, they give serious consideration to cutting student aid.
Well, in defense of our Congress, let’s take a look at the good causes the money is being used for because sacrificing our education dollars might just be worth it.
For instance, according to the 2005 Pork Report by the Citizens Against Government Waste, inefficient spending by the government might be detrimental to educational funding.
In Tuscon, Ariz., $200,000 was spent on a mock election this year to teach parents and students about the importance of voting. The program was run by volunteers, yet was paid for by taxpayers — as if that makes any sense. I guess any event that teaches kids how to elect government officials is worthy of taxpayers’ money, even at the expense of general education.
Funds were taken away from a program intended to provide economic opportunity to low-income populations throughout the United States. Instead, the government thought the money would be better spent on the ritzy Biltmore Hotel in Florida. It’s been revamped into an expensive, elaborate destination, which shows us that the government keeps the well-being of the American people in mind when processing the budget.
The damage? $775,000 that could have been better spent elsewhere.
Researching wood utilization in 11 states cost $6,285,000, and since 1985, $79 million has come out of taxpayer’s pockets for this purpose.
In agriculture, $1,790,000 was spent on berry research. Oh, that’s not all, $1,108,000 was spent for alternative salmon products, and $358,000 was spent on seed research.
Not to mention, the war in Iraq is costing $7.4 million by the hour. So, war is worth paying for, but education isn’t? That’s a great lesson, and might be one of the only things kids will learn if their educational funding is cut.
But let’s get this straight: The same government that willingly spends more than $6 million on wood utilization research, $20 million on high-intensity drug trafficking programs and $177 million a day on the war in Iraq can’t afford to help students in their pursuits for knowledge.
Huh? Congress, get your priorities straight.
The bill was proposed to offset the cost of tax cuts, but which would you rather have, your education or a few extra dollars in your pockets after tax day?
It’s not fair, but students, we haven’t lost the fight yet. I urge you to demonstrate your dedication to your education and your future by contacting your congressmen immediately.
The vote on the budget reconciliation bill will be late this month or early in November, and it might be passed unless enough students can sway the congress to oppose the bill.
For more information, visit http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/ussa, or call your congressman to voice your opinion at 1-800-574-4243
LoSt In TrAnSiT
Americans face future of living in fear
Whitney Hoyt
October 04, 2005
When I was younger, the Discovery Channel used to run shows called “The lives of Bees” or “Worker Ants” or even “Sharks of the Ocean.” It’s no coincidence that now, in a country living every day in fear, such shows have been renamed to “Angry Bees,” “Killer Ants” and “When Sharks Attack.”
The truth is, in a society that is as scared as we are, fear sells.
Filmmaker Michael Moore said it best in his movie “Bowling for Columbine” when he described America as “Living in fear.” Americans’ fears have been immensely taken advantage of, especially in cases of politicians gaining support and companies selling products to fearful consumers. The whole vicious cycle fuels the fires of America’s fear — and the only results are anger and violence.
Author Gavin De Becker reiterated this point in his bestseller “The Gift of Fear.” De Becker believes that most of America’s violence can be attributed to acts made out of fear or with the intent to scare other people. Violence is what happens when the desire to inflict pain upon someone else becomes greater than the fear of the consequences.
Such violent acts have made people afraid of being attacked — and rightfully so.
Recently in Bloomington, four young adults lured a homeless man into their car and drove a few miles to Lake Griffy. They proceeded to beat the man, punching and kicking him with the intention of bodily harm. If that isn’t enough, one girl stabbed him twice, then the four assaulters left him for dead.
The man, barely alive, managed to drag his body to a boathouse phone to call 911. The doctors quickly tended to his injuries, including a collapsed lung that was a result of a stab wound.
Why would they inflict such pain and violence upon another person? De Becker suggests that acts of violence are subconscious ways of making other people frightened and, thereby, becoming more “powerful” or “frightening” people ourselves.
When questioned as to why she would commit such an act, the stabber claimed she was afraid of what would happen to her if she hadn’t stabbed him. She told police that someone forced her to commit the crime. Her story, although not accepted by judges and other officials, shows how powerful a weapon fear can be.
De Becker is an expert at predicting human action and interpreting fear. To him, fear is nothing more than a defense mechanism that prevents humans from being caught in dangerous situations. He explains that people are defenseless against random, unexpected acts of violence.
“Fear,” he writes, “is a set of survival signals that protect us from violence.”
Why, America? Why has our society come to this? The answer is: because we’ve let it.
We’ve bought those products we’ve been scared into buying. We’ve voted for those politicians who have scared us into voting. We’ve even been captivated by those threatening television shows.
We’ve allowed corporations to capitalize on the very emotion that drives humans to behave the ways they do. And it’s not just about watching scary programming. Moore compared the news in the United States to the news in other countries, and we’ve completely changed the way we interpret what’s happening.
Has fear become our primary motivation?
It’s the reason students stay in school, the reason drivers obey traffic signals, the reason we get vaccinations and the reason Americans own guns and keep their doors locked.
It seems, at this point, our only options are to change our ways and learn to live worry-free or tune into the Discovery Channel’s next special report on killer squid and live the rest of our lives in fear.
LoSt In TrAnSiT
Healthy choices now decrease heart risks
Whitney Hoyt
September 14, 2005
In recent news, a 58-year-old man suffered a severe heart attack on Sept. 4. The Vietnam veteran and father of five was rushed to the emergency room after complaining of chest pains.
“It felt like someone was standing on my chest,” he said. The doctors, after diagnosing the problem, quickly transferred him by ambulance to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, one of the best heart-specialization hospitals in the state of Michigan.
After the immediate angioplasty, he was kept for days in the coronary care unit for observation. He spent what seemed to be endless hours hooked to wires, tubes, intravenous devices and oxygen masks. The periodic beeping and other constant hospital noises kept him on edge through the duration of his stay.
The sad part is, he’s a lucky one. Not everyone gets a second chance.
Had he not made it through the heart attack, the complicated procedure or the uncomfortable days that followed, he would have been greatly missed. He would have left holes in the hearts of all the people who loved him.
I know this because that man is my dad.
It may seem like any other news story, but situations like that always seem unreal until they happen to you. I never really thought much about heart attacks until the day I walked into my dad’s hospital room. The noises, smells and tension that filled the hallways of the unit made me realize how real the heart attack was.
Life is short, and on Sunday, my dad’s brush with death made that very clear to me.
I write to you today not as a lecturer, a teacher or an anti-drug commercial. I write to you today as a student with a broken heart, a girl who almost lost her dad.
My father’s heart attack was brought on by his unhealthy lifestyle. He’s been an alcoholic and a smoker for most of my life. He doesn’t watch what he eats, and aside from his manual-labor job, he rarely exercises. And, face it, when it comes to beer, smoke and junk food, college campuses seem to be the root of heart-related health problems.
I’m not going to tell you not to party, because part of being in college is being social. However, if you’re going to drink, do so in moderation. According to the American Heart Association, it is unhealthy for men to have more than two drinks per day, and for women to have more than one drink per day.
Binge drinking can increase the amount of fats (triglycerides) in the blood, causing blockage of the veins leading to the heart. Alcohol can also lead to high blood pressure and heart failure.
A common misconception is that drinking now won’t hurt you in the future, and cigarettes won’t hurt you if you quit. However, heart attacks are not sudden; they build up over time. Now, my dad has to face the consequences, and one side of his heart is working at only 30 percent.
I’m not trying to scare you. I’m not asking for your sympathy, and I don’t expect all of you to take this to heart. I just want to open the eyes of every student before bad choices overtake your lives. It might not be today, it might not be tomorrow, and it might not be the day after. It might be, however, when you’re 58 years old with a family, a job, great friends and a good life.
To keep from sounding too much like a public service announcement, I leave you with this — a bit of advice. Don’t pick up habits you don’t intend to keep: I’ve witnessed my dad struggle with his drinking and smoking habits, and it’s much harder to quit once it’s become part of your lifestyle.
Exercise regularly: we’ve all heard it before, but a few extra steps a day could result in better overall wellness. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Pass up a ride on the shuttle to get in an extra walk.
And lastly, be nice to your body — you might not end up as one of the lucky ones.
LoSt In TrAnSiT
Owning dogs proves to have numerous health benefits
Whitney Hoyt
August 31, 2005
Amidst the storage units, bedroom décor, furniture, dishes and other miscellaneous supplies I packed before heading back to Muncie, the most precious thing I brought with me to school was my one-year-old dog, Kya.
From her big blue eyes to her warm, loving heart, the 80-pound canine has taught me many valuable life lessons. Having spent the last year raising her from a puppy, I’ve come to appreciate her welcoming gestures when I return from class, the endless supply of kisses and the big heart that makes her the best companion I’ve ever called my own.
Humans are often bitter and deceitful, whereas dogs do not know hatred or resentment. They are trusting, accepting and forgiving. They are understanding, loyal and unconditionally loving. They don’t hold grudges or spread rumors. They don’t lie, cheat or steal. They aren’t envious, and still, they answer to us. It seems a little backwards, but perhaps we, as people, should take this to heart and learn a little something from our canine friends.
Aside from the life lessons that dogs provide, studies show that they also contribute to healthy human lives.
Dogs assist their owners in leading more active lifestyles. By insisting to be outside, dogs are pulling people away from encompassing televisions, computers and video games that would otherwise consume their lives. Being out in the sun, taking long, leisurely walks and even throwing around a Frisbee in a park can improve the all-around wellness of pet owners.
“I take Bosley on walks, and it is great exercise for me,” sophomore and dog-owner Valerie Gerow said. “It makes him happy to walk, and I wouldn’t take as many walks if I didn’t have him.”
However, the services dogs provide go far beyond playing fetch outside; they have been known to do great things for humans.
Years of research have proven that dogs have positive effects on human health, especially in stressful situations. Risk of such health concerns as high cholesterol, high blood pressure and increased stress levels can be decreased by simply owning a pet, according to Warwick P. Anderson’s 1992 article “Pet ownership and Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease.”
Pet therapy has helped millions of people in nursing homes, hospitals and especially in children’s centers.
Dogs or cats have even been adopted to live in assisted-living facilities to help the residents and raise their spirits each day. Dogs have also been used to help people who suffer from autism become more sociable. It’s amazing what dogs can do, yet they remain so humble.
Service dogs lead the blind, assist the deaf and even alert owners with epilepsy that a seizure is underway. They’ve saved many lives by warning of oncoming seizures so that the owners can sit down in safe places to avoid any serious injury during the seizure.
Dogs can turn lights on and off or retrieve objects for their owners, and they have even been known to pull wheelchairs for the handicapped. They have the capability to learn to do so many useful things, and all they ask for in return is to be loved.
So, while “fetch” and “shake” may seem unimpressive, just know that the greatest tricks dogs can do are not ones often rewarded with treats. Rather, they result in a much more fulfilling outcome: longer, happier lives.
P.S. Isn't it sad about my font? Apparently there's something incompatible with MAC's and copying text onto the page.
It's too bad I love my little MAC. :)
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| Wow, it has been forever since my last update!
I’ve published two columns since then, both of which can be found below.
School is over now, I am pleased with my grades, and I am enjoying my summer.
I’ve spent most of my time off just relaxing and switching gears into “summer mode.” I’ve been job hunting, hanging out with friends and I’ve even watched a few Pistons games. ;)
My house has been sold, so as of June 1, I’m officially homeless. My dad and I are looking for a place where we can have just enough space for the two of us. Keep us among your thoughts, the next few weeks are going to be crazy!
Today my job search ended, and I was hired at Vanity clothing store. I couldn’t be happier. I get so bored during the days, and a job is just what I need to keep me busy.
Although I’m happy to have found my job, it’s not the happiest thing I’ve found this summer. So far, things are terrific, and it makes me anticipate what’s to come.
GO PISTONS! J
LoSt In TrAnSiT: Do not sacrifice friends, relationships by being judgemental
April 29, 2005
Isn't it funny how your entire view of someone can change so quickly? It struck me the other day while listening to the lyrics of an Amanda Marshall song called "Everybody's got a story." It's about how people pass judgment too quickly without seeing the whole picture.
Lets be honest, we've all done it. I've done it. We're all guilty of looking at people and seeing nothing but appearances.
The song really spoke to me that day, because the words are so true, especially when she makes reference to the cab driver with a Ph.D. One part that is really sad is when she sings about a girl who gets made fun of for being so quiet and sad at school. The kids make fun of her, but they don't know that she's mourning the loss of her mother. People make fun of each other for whatever reasons they can find, even if it means overlooking the reasons.
A few weeks ago, a girl in one of my classes said something that really offended me. I know it wasn't a personal attack nor did she intend to hurt my feelings. However, I labeled her as the mean girl that hurt my feelings, and that's all she was to me.
From then on, I would see her and just think about her rude comments and how close-minded I thought she was. I was recently informed she is having a really hard time in her life right now. Her parents are divorcing, and she's recovering from a recent split with a long time boyfriend.
Why is it that we label people so hastily? We're so quick to judge and so quick to hate, but we disregard any underlying circumstances. We don't think, and we don't give anyone the benefit of the doubt.
Maybe what she said offended me, but I didn't take into consideration that she was stressed or angry at the world for all the things that aren't going her way. We've all had bad days, we've all lashed out at each other, and we've all said things we didn't mean. None of that mattered to me, I just heard her mean words and placed her into a category. I didn't give her a chance before I judged her. Our opinions were drastically different, and rather than try to see things from her point of view, I saw her as an outsider, an enemy. She was just one more friend I would never have.
Stereotypes are all too common, and they only generate hate. People are classified for the clothes they wear, the music they listen to, the way they wear their hair and the things they say.
It's sad, really, that people are so willing to sacrifice friendships and relationships because of what's only on the outside. I was so angry at myself for being so judgmental because there's really no excuse for it.
Today I saw that girl, and she smiled at me. I don't know why, really, because there's always been quite a bit of unspoken tension between the two of us. I smiled back, because I think we both knew that we were quick to judge one another. She probably won't ever be someone I can tell my deep secrets to or someone I could call at 3 in the morning. She probably won't even be the kind of friend I hang out with on weekends. But just knowing that she and I have an understanding is enough for me.
In order to learn acceptance, we have to teach ourselves how to appreciate our differences. And, that song that has come to mean so much to me, said it best I think, "Everybody's got a story that could break your heart."
LoSt In TrAnSiT: Respect required to preserve campus
April 22, 2005
The trees are blooming; the birds are chirping; and the sun beams down on the backs of students making their ways toward classes they'd rather skip. As the semester continues to wind down, students spend more of their time outdoors not knowing they take for granted the beauty of our campus.
From the brick buildings to the fountains, this campus is easy on the eyes.
I hear complaints daily about how the construction is destroying our campus, and I've even said some things myself. However, it is much more disgusting to leave cigarette butts all over the ground and gum on the sidewalks than to have big machines or dirt piles at campus construction sites.
While enjoying lunch outside of the Art and Journalism building, along with a countless number of other students lounging around on any structures they could find, I was disgusted at the overflowing garbage receptacles. More so, I was disgusted with the students refusing to walk to the trash cans that had room for their garbage instead of piling it on top just to watch it blow off.
Students take advantage of how beautiful Ball State's campus really is. It is apparent how enjoyable it is to be outside because they bring their lunches, sports and even homework out into the sun, but when more students are outside, there tends to be more litter and more destruction. Ball State students need to appreciate this campus and clean up after themselves.
I never really thought much of the trash around campus. I mostly just ignored it, like everyone else. Last weekend changed my mind, though, as I witnessed firsthand the problems that litter causes.
Being a frequent visitor to the duck pond, I was disheartened last weekend while looking at the water to see miscellaneous litter and trash. Why don't students care enough to keep campus clean? I was standing on the edge throwing bits of bread onto the water's surface. I saw a duck on the edge of the pond, desperately wanting the bread. He leaned in as far as he could from the edge, but he couldn't reach it. I wondered why he wouldn't just jump in; I mean, come on, he's a duck. But I can't say I blame him. I love the duck pond; it might be my favorite part of campus, but it's so dirty. People are inconsiderate -- even the ducks think so.
Of all the annual holidays, Earth Day is among the most forgotten. This not-so-popular holiday promotes the improvement of the environment. From riding in a car pool for reduced pollution to picking up trash, Earth Day is the perfect opportunity to take small steps toward a big effort.
The idea of Earth Day, a holiday that took over seven years to put onto the calendar, began in 1962.
However, we shouldn't need a reason to keep our earth clean; we should be eager to work toward environmental wellness.
This Earth Day, make a difference. Even if it means picking up just one piece of garbage or taking the few extra steps to throw your lunch remains away instead of piling them on top of the receptacles. I hate to say it, but every little bit helps.
Happy Earth Day.
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| What a fabulous weekend!
Alright, sorry it’s been so long since I’ve updated…but I’m off to bed!
Leave me love, xanga friends!!
See you soon, Tiger ;)
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| Once again, folks, I’m…
…LoSt In TrAnSiT
When I was a kid, toys were simple. My toy box consisted of a few old board games, a collection of stuffed animals and a few puzzles with missing pieces.
It’s been a while since I’ve played with toys, or even peeked into that old toy box. But it still brings a smile to my face, even at twenty years old, to browse through the toy aisle. I’m still a kid at heart, I suppose.
It was like any ordinary trip to Wal-Mart, I was picking up a few necessary items before making way toward the toy section. I was heading toward the check out lines when something caught my eye.
A Care Bear with a headset stood on the shelf, smiling at me and I walked closer to it. The expression on its face was almost as welcoming as the “squeeze me” sticker on its hand. Nothing could have braced me for what was about to come out of that little bear’s speaker.
“Let’s get physical, physical…”
Was that ever disturbing! I mean, come on! It’s a Care Bear!
Apparently the creators of the new work-out Care Bear thought that the new toy will help kids to be active and stay fit. I didn’t press the hand again with the fear that the next song would be, “Kanye’s Workout Plan,” or something to that effect.
How can children be so censored when it comes to television, video games and literature, but they can walk around chanting the perverse lyrics of the awesomely bad 80’s jam “Let’s Get Physical”?
Maybe I’m old fashioned, but that’s not something that would have flown well in my house.
The intention is good because there really should be more toys for children that promote physical wellness. However, there are much better ways to go about it than taking an old toy and filling it with a speaker that spews out such filth. It might as well be singing, “Sex me up.” Who wouldn’t want to be the parent whose kid is belting out those lyrics in the grocery store?
Kids might not realize what it is that they’re singing, but that doesn’t make it ok. Creators of children’s toys should know better. They’re developing a whole new line of toys that shouldn’t ever make it onto the shelves.
Other new toys in the line include “Pregnant at Prom” Barbie and “Pimp My Ride” Hot Wheels set. Or, the latest must-have, “Tickle-Me Michael Jackson.” The Cabbage Patch Crack Babies are expected to have a great turnout; some retailers are even anticipating fist-fights for the undersized dolls during the holidays.
Now instead of “Girl Talk: Dateline” young preteens can enjoy “Call for a good time.”
Bottom line: it’s wrong! Kids don’t need to be singing words like “Let me hear your body talk.” It’s appalling. Toy distributors leapt at the chance to make money, regardless of which lines they crossed.
If stores are willing to sell Care Bears ready to “get physical,” what’s keeping them from marketing “Let’s talk about sex” Teddy Ruxpin.
Marketing to kids may seem effective, but what is it proving? If kids need to get into shape, they should be kids and go play outside. Put away the Care Bear with its head in the gutter, and encourage kids to go to the park!
The things in my toy box may have torn or broken, but they never sang profanity to me. Maybe that’s because toys like the singing Care Bears don’t belong in children’s toy boxes.
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