9% Tuition Increase for CSU Schools

If only my grades increased with the tuition rates.

Yesterday, the California State University trustees announced that the California State University's tuition will be raised by 9 percent.  As for my grades?  I think they'll be fine, but that doesn't mean myself and students alike aren't foaming at the mouth.

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, "the trustees raised tuition for the second time this year, voting 9-6 for the increase."  Additionally, "this year, lawmakers reduced the university's budget by $650 million, leaving CSU with just above $2 billion for 2011-12. If state revenues fall short as expected, an additional cut of up to $100 million would be triggered."

So this is just the tip of the iceberg?

Good thing I'm on pace to graduate in two years.  That is, if I can afford it.

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, "we have an institution to run here, and we have an obligation to run it well," said Trustee Roberta Achtenberg, who voted for the increase.

I don't see how a continued tuition increase equates to running an institution well - at least not fairly.  I know for me I was limited to CSUF because UC schools and private universities weren't affordable.  Now, the "cheapest "4-year colleges available want more money from students who are already struggling to afford the bare minimum.

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, "the price of a year at CSU has risen steadily for years. Next fall, basic tuition will be $5,970.  That's more than triple what it cost in 2002-03."

That's nearly $500 a unit and nearly $1,500 for a standard 3-unit class.  By the way, that doesn't include the cost of books, housing, transportation and other necessities.

According to Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, "in today’s economy, the timing of the proposed 9 percent tuition increase could not come at a more difficult time,” said Newsom, who called cuts to higher education a "catastrophic trend."

“Families are struggling to make ends meet and many who had hoped to afford higher education are rethinking whether college is a realistic option,” Newsom said.

I always thought that education was paramount.  I envisioned education as my gateway to success, giving me an opportunity to achieve my wildest dreams.

Now, receiving a college education has become a nightmare.  A nightmare that doesn't have me worried about my grades, but whether or not I'll be enrolled to receive any.

Joe Paterno

Paterno was fired Wednesday night, Nov. 9, 2011

At first, I was like the majority of the Penn State student body: outraged, saddened, disappointed, and shocked.  Now, still having those feelings but gathering more information, I can't help but side with the Penn State board of trustees.  However, I don't think that you can just throw away ALL that Paterno has meant to the Penn State community.  Nor do I think that Paterno is necessarily fully at fault, I just think that amidst the mess of it all, there was no choice but to let him go.  And as much as it pains me to say that Paterno had to go, he deserved a better goodbye than this.  After 43 years as the head football coach and 62 years of total service to the program, you would think there would be a better alternative to a phone call informing him of his firing.

Paterno was the heart and soul of the entire university and I would think that despite this scandal a face-to-face meeting and an opportunity to resign or leave on his terms would be more appropriate.  This was such an abrupt end to a storied career and I just wish it would have ended in a better way.

Paterno was a living legend and now his legacy will be left to question.  However, I commend his leadership in this matter.  After being the pride of Penn State University, he has handled this firing with dignity and class.  In the wake of so much turmoil, he has stood strong and has taken responsibility.

After thinking more about it, why isn't the athletic director fired?  Why isn't McQueary at the same amount of fault as Paterno is?  After all, he was the one who witnessed Sandusky in the shower and reported it to the higher authority - head football coach Joe Paterno.  Sounds familiar doesn't it?  That's exactly what Paterno did, he reported the matter to higher authorities.  I just wish he would have seen it all the way through and took further action for the sake of the children.

I think that if Paterno and the president of the school were fired there is no doubt in my mind that as of right now the athletic director and McQueary should be removed as well.  As further investigations take place I hope things get straightened out, because to me, it doesn't seem fair.

"I am absolutely devastated by the developments in this case. I grieve for the children and their families, and I pray for their comfort and relief.  I have come to work every day for the last 61 years with one clear goal in mind: To serve the best interests of this university and the young men who have been entrusted to my care. I have the same goal today," Paterno said.

"This is a tragedy. It is one of the great sorrows of my life. With the benefit of hindsight, I wish I had done more. My goals now are to keep my commitments to my players and staff and finish the season with dignity and determination. And then I will spend the rest of my life doing everything I can to help this university," Paterno said.

I wish Paterno and his family nothing but the best moving forward.  It deeply saddens me to see this happen, especially to a man like Joe Pa.

It is a devastating time for college athletics, but the victims in this case should not be forgotten.  I want to make it clear that I am not disregarding the severity of this case.  I completely sympathize with the victims and their families.  I am merely pondering the way Paterno was dismissed and the legacy he has left and will leave.  My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families.

All I or anyone can ask for now is that justice be served and everything is done in a civilized and fair manner.  It's a shame, a damn shame.

MNF Showdown: Jay Cutler vs Michael Vick

It's about time that Monday Night Football airs a game worth watching.  This week's game features the Chicago Bears and the Philadelphia Eagles, but more importantly, Jay Cutler and Michael Vick,  two of my favorite players in the league and definitely my favorite quarterbacks.  Here's why:

Jay Cutler is misunderstood.  After being drafted 11th overall in the 2006 NFL draft by the Denver Broncos, he was expected to turn around a struggling franchise.  After the 2008 season, Mike Shanahan was fired and replaced by Josh McDaniels, previously the offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots.  Once McDaniels took over as head coach, there were thoughts of Matt Cassel taking over in Denver and re-joining with his former coach.  Cutler sensed McDaniels' motive and immediately wanted out of Denver.  The Broncos gave Cutler his wish and ultimately traded him to the Chicago Bears for QB Kyle Orton.

Currently in his third year as the Bears quarterback, Chicago fans still think Cutler is a coward.  He is still having to answer critics who saw him sit out in last year's NFC Championship game against the rival Packers after suffering a sprained MCL on the first possession of the game.  After the game, Cutler received harsh criticism for not returning despite specific orders by doctors and head coach Lovie Smith to sit out.  The Bears ended up losing 21-14 and the Packers defeated the Steelers next week in the Super Bowl.  After the Bears loss, the media made Cutler out to be a selfish coward, thinking that he should have played through the injury due to the magnitude of the game.  Screw 'em.

To me, Jay Cutler is an under-appreciated and talented quarterback who often takes more blame than he deserves.  People need to understand injuries are a part of the game.  In addition, football is the ultimate team sport.  So, Troy Aikman, next time you mouth off about Cutler, consider the fact that he doesn't have Emmitt Smith in the backfield or Michael Irvin on the perimeter.  The only decent player on offense for the Bears is RB Matt Forte.  Other than that, it's a patchwork offensive attack.  His offensive line allows 2.8 sacks per game and none of his receivers or tight-ends are making a fantasy roster, let alone are even recognized by fans when seen in downtown Chicago.

The bottom line is this: Cutler has talent, he just doesn't have any around him.  Pile on negative criticism and that's a tough situation for anybody.  I think it's time to lay off the guy, he has enough to worry about with 300-pound defensive lineman constantly hitting him in the mouth.

Now, to the ever-so-talented Michael Vick.  Say what you want.  I love dogs as much as Sarah McLaughlin, but in regards to football, Michael Vick is something else.  I've expressed my opinions on Vick in my blog before, so it's simple; the guy is an athlete.  I'll let the film speak for itself.  And for those of you that argue Vick isn't a championship quarterback, I argue that winning a championship in the NFL is more difficult than winning a championship in any other sport.  Just ask Hall of Fame quarterbacks Dan Marino (0), Warren Moon (0), Dan Fouts (0), Y.A. Little (0), Fran Tarkenton (0), and Jim Kelly (0).

Movember

Every November men across the world unite in Movember or No-Shave November.  It is a serious tradition that I heard through my brother just a week ago.  Men across the world grow mustaches or facial hair to bring awareness to men's health issues, particularly prostate cancer.  At first, I thought it was a joke, but no sir; Movember is for real.  In honor of men across the world I am sporting a mustache this month and for every November to come.

So, to all the men reading this, November is our month.  Let it grow boys.


Check out the official MOVEMBER website where you can understand more fully the purpose of Movember as well as make donations in support of men's health.

LSU - Alabama

Two illustrious coaches, two tenacious defenses, No. 1 versus No. 2, one victor, one loser.


No. 1 LSU will be challenged playing on the road in front of a hostile crowd at Bryant-Denny Stadium.  However, LSU has risen to the occasion all year long.  Their strength of schedule proves their worth as the No. 1 team in the land, not to mention, they're defense is loaded with speed and strength.

For No. 2 Alabama, their defense is statistically ranked No. 1 in the country.  They are fast, disciplined, and smart.  On offense, they have RB Trent Richardson, a short but powerful back with great acceleration and quickness. QB A.J. McCarron will look to manage the game using play-action passes, but I think LSU's defense will stifle Alabama's aerial attack, forcing them to be a run-only team.

She's going to be a defensive battle, you can count on that.  It's going to be hard-hitting, up-tempo, good ol' SEC football.  LSU has a certain swagger about them this season and playing on the road will only ignite that even more.  The defenses are going to slug it out, but late in the game look for Les Miles to make a gutsy call that changes the course of the game.  It's going to be tough, but I think LSU takes a late lead and leaves Tuscaloosa with a W.

#1 LSU 20 - #2  Alabama 17