For the first time in my life, I heard that sleep was a waste of time. I was sitting in a class and as we were answering questions, several people said sleep was pointless. I was mind boggled; I had always thought sleeping was a necessity. Sleep is something that is required for living and functioning normally. I was shocked when I heard that people would rather stay up to watch a T.V. show instead of sleeping. To me, sleep has always been important and T.V. has been a waste of time. T.V. is a way for selling and advertising products and is only entertaining in order to keep its audience watching long enough to see more advertising and selling. Now I don’t think everything on T.V. is a waste of time, but in general most of it defiantly is.

As you look at our society, T.V. has become so popular that, according to the A.C. Nielsen Co., 99% of Americans own at least one T.V., and in an average U.S. home there are 2.73 TV’s for only 2.55 people. The average T.V. is on for 6 hours and 47 minutes a day. Not only that but around 6 million movies are rented across the U.S. daily, while only 3 million things are checked out from libraries. Stats like these make me feel that our country is becoming less literate: we are turning towards movies and television instead of reading.

T.V. has become so dominant that it is affecting the way people live. Children are spending close to 500 times the minutes on T.V. than in meaningful conversation with their parents. A child just finishing elementary school has already seen close to 8,000 murders on T.V. As American youth grow up they spend on average 1,500 hours a year in front of a T.V., while only 900 hours are spent at school.

By the time you’re 18 you will have seen about 200,000 acts of violence, and at age 65 you will have wasted 1 million minutes watching 30-second T.V. commercials.

To me, T.V. has always been a waste of time. There are so many other things that one can spend their time doing. You can pick up a book, letting your imagination run wild. You can go snow shoeing or make snow angels, get caught up on your sleep, go rolling down hills, or just spend some time with your friends and family. You only have 24 hours a day, so don’t waste it watching T.V.

With Valentine’s Day swiftly approaching, guys and girls of all ages are posed with the impossible question of what to get for that “special someone.” We have all seen the classic gifts that are given to women on Valentines Day–roses, chocolates, diamond jewelry–but what are girls supposed to give to guys?

To solve this question, I researched the internet for gift ideas and polled students around the school.

Liz Kelley, a relationship expert and author of SMART Man Hunting, noted that gifts with sentimental value will outlast ones that are purchased. In a survey conducted by Kelley, the following suggestions were given to abide by when shopping for that perfect gift.

-If you want a commitment, make the gift about him!

-Don’t give a guy what you want him to give you.

-Buy him what he wants–think like a guy.

-Send the right message by giving a gift that incorporates his passions.

-Let the gift say you’re into him–the way you are.

Gifts of sentimental value may include a night out on the town, or a home-cooked dinner or treat.

A majority of the twenty guys I spoke with at Logan High listed food as their favorite gift, specifically chocolate! Yes, the popular gift for women seems to go both ways.

One of the most pleasant effects of chocolate, is the “feel good” sensation many get from eating it. Over 300 chemicals exist inside it. Chemical reactions between some of these chemicals have contributed to hypotheses that chocolate really does have a “feel good” effect on people. Something that can actually make you feel good, and tastes good, what a great gift!

Many guys did not fail to mention that they would also enjoy a kiss. Dalton Birky, a freshman, said that he would enjoy “a big ol’ smooch” on Valentine’s. Other popular responses included C.D.’s, D.V.D.’s, apparel, cologne and gift certificates.

Whatever your final decision on a gift may be, just remember to keep the other person in mind and that the thought and effort are what really count for this holiday of love!