Past Editorials
These are old posts I made before blogs became popular. I called them editorials back when I first started a website.
Family and Good Times - June 27, 2003 9:54 PM
Wow, it's been a long time since I've updated this page. Didn't quite realize that it was this long in between editorials. Oh well! Two weekends ago, Father's Day weekend, Devon and I went back home to Norwalk to see our families. In particular we wanted to see our Dad's (big surprise, I know!!) and to see our Grandfathers as well. Devon's grandfather lives in Norwalk and my mom's father was going to be in town for Sunday so we would be able to see them all. In addition, all of my Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins would be at my parent's camper for Father's Day on Sunday. We got to stop and see Grandpa Frank (Devon's Granpa) and talk to him for a few hours and then spent Saturday with Devon's family. It was good to get to see all of them again and spend time with them. On Sunday we headed to my parent's camper in Berlin Heights to wait for all of the relatives to arrive. Everyone started arriving around noon and all were present by I think 1 o'clockish. It was good getting to see so many of my relatives who I hadn't seen since the Christmas holiday. We played some Nerf Jarts, Zach and I were an unbeatable team! Then had a cookout with hamburgers and hot dogs. I got to visit with my cousins and my little second-cousin Seth who is just so fun to watch and be around. He loved watching Molly wander around! It was especially good to get to see my grandpa (Papa). It wasn't until we were on our way back down to Dayton that I got to thinking just how special the day had been. Just the fact that everyone was able to be there was special, but also the fact that everyone wanted to be there and had a good time. I forgot to mention that my sister was able to come up from Athens and my cousin Shannon was able to come down with her dad. Times like that don't happen very often and they happen even less as everyone grows older and starts to have their own families and lives to keep track of. A lot of us were in school, had work, and had to travel. Yet we all felt it was important enough to find room to do this one seemingly little thing. With the events of the world these past 12 months and the times we live in, it was good to see this gathering of family and that it was still fun. No one sat around like, "Did I really need to be here?" it was more like "I'm glad I made it here." I hope that this is always the case as my cousins, my sister, and Devon and I grow older.
Pearl Jam! - June 27, 2003 9:46 PM
Awww yeah! I finally got to go see my favorite band of all time, Pearl Jam, live at the Germain Ampitheatre in Columbus, Ohio. I was so pumped for this concert. They toured two other times, but the first tour I was too young to go on my own and the second one I decided not to spend the money on. I bought the live recording of the concert I would have been at though and decided that if they toured again I would be there no matter what the circumstances. I can definitely say that it was one of the top concerts that I have ever been to. They played tons of classic songs and I found myself bouncing to all of the great tunes. It was unbelieveable to hear them play such hits as "Better Man," "Jeremy," "Yellow Leadbetter," "Given to Fly," "Wishlist," and "Evolution." They played three encores and made the live bootleg of the concert available online. So this time I will have the music from the concert I went to, rather than wished I had gone to. They sounded just like they do on their albums, it was amazing. Of course while I was there I had to pick up a couple of t-shirts as even further proof that I was indeed there. Devon isn't a die hard fan like me, but even she ended up knowing most of the songs from off the radio or from hearing me play them. So it was an all-around great concert. Definitely glad I went.
First News - February 19, 2003 3:18 PM
This is a new section of my website that I am going to try out. Instead of posting new happenings or updates on the main page they will go here. All topics will be covered. The first real thing I would like to post is that the Pittsburgh Penguins traded Alexei Kovalev, Janne Laukanen, Mike Wilson, and Dan LaCouture to the New York Rangers in exchange for Joel Bouchard, Rico Fata, Mikael Samuelson, Richard Lintner, and $3.99 Million. This signals what could be the beginning of the end for the Penguins. This trade was made purely based on financial reasons. The Pens wanted to unload some of their NHL-only cntracts that were in the minor leagues and they couldn't have afforded to resign Kovalev for next season. Unfortunately Craig Patrick made the situation worse by trying to say that he made the trade in order to make the Pens stronger for the playoff run. Nobody believed him and he has been cursed by just about every Pens fan alive. I sympathize with the Pens because of their financial problems, but don't try to say that this move made them a stronger, better team. It may have allowed the Pens to stay in Pittsburgh a little longer, but I think that it is only a matter of time before the team is either moved or just dissolved. Even if they got a new arena they would need players capable of drawing fans to fill the arena. Most games this season were no where near sellouts before Kovalev was dealt. I'd be very surprised if any of the remaining games sell out. I think that the Pens can still be competitive, but that is only going to happen if they adopt a more defensive approach to the game and let some of their younger players develop at the NHL level. The Pens minor league team is pretty deep with talent but they don't have very much NHL experience. So in general if you are a Pens fans, be ready. Rough times are ahead!
War and the World - October 18, 2002 1:35 PM
It's been a while since I've written an editorial, but things in the world aren't looking too good right now. With the "War on Terrorism" going on I think that we might be spreading things a little too thin if the United States starts a war with Iraq. Bush might have started more than he could handle when he went after Osama Bin Laden and terrorism in general. I think that something needed to be done after the events of 9-11 but I think that Bush jumped into a vague war, too quickly. The events with Saddam are accelerating too quickly as well. With the weapons of mass destruction that most major countries have, to start a major war will be a major undertaking. If things accelerate after a war were started, some major destruction would ensue and thinking about that would be scary. Thinking about the events of the last year is a little frightening. The events of 9-11 was the first time in my lifetime that U.S. soil had been attacked. Until that happened most people didn't think that something as major as that would happen. I guess the point of my ramblings is that I hope that Congress and the President continue to debate and think things through before they take any drastic actions.
Marriage and Life in General - May 25, 2002 10:50 PM
It's been a long time since I have written an editorial. Lots of things have been going on in my life. In September I got married to the girl of my dreams and am living happily. We just got a Red Eared Slider Turtle, named Obi. He is really cool. I am in my third year of school so that helps to take up a lot of my time. On top of that I am also working at Best Buy here in Beavercreek. I thought that having all of these responsibilities and committments might make things hard, but I have found it to do just the opposite. It has made me more focused and made me use my time better. When I have homework to do, I know that I can't waste that time because my time is very limited. Devon also helps to keep me focused on what I am doing, whether it be school or getting ready for work. This focus has resulted in some of my best quarters at school this year. Last quarter I had a 3.78 grade point average which is the best quarter I have ever had. The next best quarter was the first one this year right after we got married. I also recently was awarded $500 from the College of Engineering and Computer Science to use next year. Life has been going very well for me. It is great having someone to share everything with and someone that you know will always be there for you to support you in good times and bad. We have had some apartment troubles, but they have just recently been settled and are no longer a problem. I am convinced that things will continue to be good and look forward to good times ahead.
The Power of Music - August 23, 2001 7:23 PM
Wow, it's been a long time since I have written an editorial on here! I have been pretty busy since the new year began though. The wedding is only days away now and I only have four days left to work. For those of you who didn't know I am working for Wright State scrubbing dorm room floors and putting wax on them. It has been another interesting summer job to add to my list of life experiences. Well now on to the point of this editorial.
Music is a power thing. It can excite emotions, create fame, leave lasting impression, and even "tame the savage beast." Did you ever wonder how that saying came into being. I think that saying, "Music can tame even the savage beast" is very true. I enjoy listening to music and am constantly exploring CD stores and the Internet for new music. For me music can soothe me on a bad day, can make me cry, can make me feel energised, and make me feel somber. The other day I was sitting at my desk and was listening to a CD while I was paying my bills and just started to cry. I wasn't really sad, but the song reminded me of a situation that was similar to the lyrics and it just got to me. That song always has and probably will bring back that same memory. Other songs remind me of friends that have passed on or of people that I have lost touch with. There is nothing else that I can think of that excites the reactions that music can. And it isn't something that is fleeting or a fad. No matter how many songs are released or how the music styles change some songs will always be burned into my memory and the people and events associated with the songs will never fade either.
Music also plays an integral part in my everyday life. When I am in the car I have CDs that I listen to that help me start my day or that help to pass the time when I am travelling. I have over 200 CDs and that number is constantly growing. When I am in my apartment I listen to music from the Internet on my computer. I have over 500 songs available to listen to on my computer. If could constantly play my entire CD collection and the song collection from my computer I would have over a week without silence! It helps me to pass the time and can even spur my thought processes. I am listening to music even as I write this editorial! Well those are my thoughts on music and if you have another opinion feel free to email it to me. Until I write again enjoy the music!
Another New Year - January 2, 2001 4:05 PM
Another new year has begun. The official start of a new millennium and another quarter of school. Over my break I got to see old friends and spend time with the people that matter most to me. I am unemployed right now so I have a lot of free time now, so today I watched The World is Not Enough. It is a great Bond movie and it does the series justice. It has the classic Bond wit, girls, gadgets, explosions and more! Some of the lines are great and it marks the last appearance of Desmond Lewellyn as "Q." He had been in all 17 Bond films and on the home video they gave him a little tribute. He will be greatly missed and even harder to replace! For Christmas I got a ton of videos, glass chess set, a new computer mouse, and money (an all important thing for a college student).
Over my Christmas Break I also went back to Pittsburgh to see a Penguins game with my family, my fiancee, and my best friend Ryan. It just happened to be Mario Lemieux's first game back since his retirement and it was an awesome game to watch. The crowd and atmosphere of the game was an incredible experience, not to mention the fact that I am a die hard Pens fan so I was pumped up! I have pictures and video from the game. I will eventually get all of the pictures scanned and put up on my Pens's Page so look for that to be updated sometime soon. Look for updates all over the site, since I will have free time until I find a job.
X-Files and Other Things - November 7, 2000 3:17 PM
It's been a while since I've written here, but what can I say I'm a busy man! I am going to school full time and working 25 to 30 hours a week at Wal-Mart. So I keep pretty busy most of the time. I do take time out to do some fun things like watch the season premiere of the X-Files. It was well worth the four or five month wait to see how Scully would handle the loss of Moulder and what direction the show would take. The premiere definitely showed that Scully's baby has to be Moulder's and it showed how close the two had become during their partnership at the FBI. I know what I'll be doing from now on at 9 PM on Sunday nights! The wedding plans are coming along fine, actually Devon is doing most of the work I usually just give an opinion. The bestman is Ryan Nutter and the maid of honor is my sister Emily.
With school, work, and schoolwork I haven't been going home as much this year. I'm finding that it is sometimes hard to balance everything, while not hurting people. Trying to make sure that everyone knows that they are important to me is hard to do. My sister will be leaving for school next fall, I'll be getting married, and we will be going our separate ways. It is going to be a time of change for my whole family, including my parents who will be essentially living alone again for the first time in 20 years. At one point my sister was feeling that everything was going to change too much, too fast. All I could do was tell her that although somethings will be changing, nothing would change the fact that she was my sister and that I loved her. It feels weird not being there to see her all the time, especially now that she has found someone who cares a great deal about her and who she also cares about. If you don't know who I'm talking about ask her and she'll tell you if she wants you to know.
The Summer - September 13, 2000 3:44 PM
After a long and hectic spring/summer I am back in school and actually somewhat glad to be back. I only have three years left and I no longer work at my summer job. For twelve weeks this summer I worked third shift in the Glidden Paint factory in Huron, Ohio. I had never previously done factory work so this was an enlightening experience. While my job was not difficult it was routine and often boring and the hours were just a little different then what I had been used to. It paid well though and turned out to be a great experience. I got along well with the other members of the shift and got a better appreciation for the people that do those kinds of jobs everyday. It takes a certain kind of person to work jobs like that. I'm not talking about dumb people or hicks, like most people imagine when they think factory work. The guys on my shift all had families, were intelligent, and were a lot of fun to work with. I learned that I definitely wouldn't want to do that kind of work all my life and that is part of my motivation at school this year.
This summer was also good though in the relationship department. I spent part of everyday with Devon and we really got to know each other well. That made leaving for school a little harder, but that which doesn't kill us only makes us stronger! I got to know Devon well enough to know for sure that she was the one who I wanted to spend the rest of my life with, so I proposed to her on September 1 and she said yes. Now I am busy looking at halls, churches, and making other wedding arrangements. So I will definitely keep busy the next year between that and school. The tentative wedding date is September 1, 2001, purely coincidental.
Towards the end of the summer I also got to watch my sister start her senior year of tennis at Norwalk High School. She plays first doubles with Bethany Sweet and is doing quite well. I got to watch at least a dozen matches before I left including a tournament in which she placed second. This weekend I get to watch her in action at the league tournament where her record has earned her the number three seed. So there are a lot of things going on in my life right now to keep things moving at a good pace. I hope to keep updating this site and to expand it in the future.
Strength and Adversity - May 8, 2000 7:45 PM
Hey everyone! After some guest editorials and a packed school schedule I finally have found time to write another thought provoking editorial for your enjoyment. Most people have times in their life where it seems that everything is crashing down around them and one bad thing follows another. Whether those things be classes at school, events in your personal life, people you are friends with, work, work/projects for school, or even the death of someone close to you. Most often it seems that one thing comes along and slams down on you and numerous others follow, like the phrase "when it rains, it pours." For me personally often it is balancing my school work and the time I spend working on the various projects that come with college classes. Sometimes it seems like there is too much happening to deal with at one time or to think about. More often then not things come crashing down when you least expect it. Late last quarter and early this quarter it seemed that things were coming too fast to handle and I found myself thinking why is this happening? I finally decided that everything, whether it be good or bad, happens for a reason. Often the bad that happens is presented to us to strengthen us and to show ourselves ways to deal with these times. I know for me this is true. A person either has to rise above adversity and grow stronger or be overwhelmed by the events in their life.
Life, Love, and Everything Else - February 21, 2000 10:33 PM
Right now I am sitting here reading through my website, making changes, updating pages, and checking for errors in my typing, while listening to a CD. This past weekend I was home to visit with my family, to see Devon, and to celebrate my dad's 46th birthday. I'm sure he'll be glad that I included that fact! Anyway as I am listening to this CD I am thinking and starting to relax for the evening. This CD will always remind of one person. It also makes me think about life and the relationships and friends that we make throughout our lives. The very first relationship that we make is with our parents, since they are often the first people that we remember meeting in life. Whether this relationship is good or bad it continues throughout our life. My relationship with my parents is such that I can talk to them about anything that is on my mind and they will listen to what I have to say. It is also one where they feel comfortable telling me what they feel without thinking that it will hurt or upset me. I think that it is good that I can talk openly with my parents. For some of us the next relationship we make is with a brother or sister. If you have read this page before, you obviously know that my sister and I are very close. If there is something that I want to talk about, but not necessarily to my parents I can rely on her to listen to me and to give me her totally honest opinion. My sister isn't one to beat around the bush or skirt around an issue. She also knows that even now when I am in school she can call me with anything that is on her mind and I will gladly take the time to listen to, and sometimes, comfort her.
After all of these come the other relationships in life with family, friends, and eventually co-workers. Often these relationships will change and aren't very lasting, but they still are a part of your life. Relationships of the heart are the ones that will always be remembered no matter what happens or what time brings. I am fortunate enough to be in a relationship right now that falls into that last category. Shortly before I left to come to Wright State I got up the nerve to ask Devon Smith out on a date. I figured that I would be leaving for school shortly and that I had nothing to lose, as I wouldn't see her again until Christmas Break if she said no. As it turned out I got that first date and the next ones after that and I found myself wishing that I wasn't heading 150 miles and three hours away. After the first week of class I was heading home again and would be seeing Devon again. That weekend began a great time in my life that is still continuing. Not only did I start college and do well, but I also was starting a relationship that would help make that first year in school a little easier.
Devon and I are still a couple and I have gained some new friends Erica, Brandee, Dylan, and Derek that I would have otherwise not known or been friends with. My whole point in these ramblings of a teenage mind is that the love and relationships that we develop are what help us to make our way through life. We depend on our friends and family to help us make it through tough times in life and we also want them to be there to share in our good times too. No matter what happens in the relationships throughout our lifes they help us in some way or another and leave their mark. I think that every friendship or relationship, whether good or bad, helps to strengthen us in some way. I am glad that I can count on my mom, dad, sister, and friends to be there for me when I need them.
I'm Back! - January 6, 2000 7:19 PM
Hey after a couple of months I am back writing on my editorial page. Yes the technology of the world still works. The year 2000 has started and there were no computer shutdowns, no mass power outages, nothing major happened. I love it, I laughed at everyone throughout the year who was panicking about the Y2K bug and its effects. My holiday season in general was great. I got to spend a lot of time with everyone I love and I got to spend my first Christmas with Devon. It was great having someone to share that special time of year with. I also spent New Year's Eve with family and friends and had an enjoyable evening. Now I'm back at school and starting my second quarter of classes. Over the break I got my first college grade report and was a little shocked and a little relieved. I got a 3.125 average which for me was low, but it was still high enough that I retained my scholarship and honors status. I also went back to work at Wal-Mart over break which believe it or not was also enjoyable. I got to work with the same people that I had worked with during the summer. I also got to have money coming in for a little while as opposed to going out all the time. I thoroughly enjoyed my break and got to have many interesting conversations with my family at all hours of the day. I think that this break probably brought me closer to my family and in particular my sister. We talked openly together for the first time in a long time, I finally got her to tell me what had been bothering her. So all in all my time off from school was well spent and enjoyed.
The Advantages of College - November 5, 1999 2:04 PM
Ah yes. Now that I have been at school and on my own for a while I am starting to enjoy how free I really am. I can do whatever I want and leave whenever I want. I don't have to tell anyone where I am going or what I am doing. I am in charge of keeping track of when I eat, do homework, what I eat, and everything else. In addition to total freedom, college has other advantages including network connections, greater resources, and a relaxed atmosphere. In the dorm that I live in every one has a connection to the Internet and a network composed of the computers in the building. With this network comes greater resources. Now there are movies, games, and other misc. files at my fingertips. The relaxed atmosphere of the campus in general makes life flow easily and helps to alleviate some of the pressure that might be felt by a college course load. The number one reason that I went to college - to gain a greater knowledge of computers - is also happening. Both in and out of my classes I am learning new things about computers and related topics. In general college life is great and in general being on my own is great also. I have still been able to keep in touch with friends from high school and work, and in some cases gotten closer to them than I had been. College has presented many opportunities and will continue to present me with new opportunities that I hope to make the most of.
I have a special guest editorial written by my sister Emily.
My Brother's New Life - October 12, 1999 11:15 PM
As I packed my stuff for Dayton, I realized that tomorrow we moved my brother to college. I was kind of sad, but excited to meet his roommate. I had big plans for his roommate. Little did he know he would be my escort to my junior homecoming. As it turns out, it wouldn't happen.
I was beginning to get worried about my brother. Would he have fun? Would he eat right? I hoped that he wouldn't become a hermit. Then I began to wonder if my mom would be able to make it through the whole ordeal.
So early on Saturday, September 12th, we got up and packed Jason's car and our van. We drove to Mansfield where we stopped to have breakfast at Denny's. After that my mom and dad took off in the van and I was going to drive Jason's brand new 2000 Neon because he wanted to sleep. Needless to say I was more than a little nervous. It was the first time I had ever even driven his car. So, I cautiously stepped behind the wheel and started off. Actually, I did surprisingly well. I could get used to cruising around Columbus with the stereo on. Believe it or not, Jason actually slept. I only panicked once. I was following my dad and he cut over two lanes and got off at an exit. I screamed, punched Jason, and had him tell me when I could cut over. I barely made my exit. After that it was smooth sailing.
As we pulled into the Wright State University parking lot it was a mass of humanity. Every freshman had to move in today. We first walked into Boston, his dorm, to register. When we went to his floor advisor she told him his roommate, Chris, was already there. When Chris had gotten there, there was only one bed and Jason's desk fell apart. Luckily when we walked into the room there was two beds and a new desk.
Next we began unloading the car. They had golf carts to load your stuff on to. So about three trips later and me carrying laundry baskets we got all his belongings to the dorm. As my mom, dad, and brother began putting things away I began to snoop. His roommate had already had everything unpacked. It was all in an orderly fashion, with a guitar on his bed. Next, I checked out the bathroom. It is actually rather large for only four people to share it.
When we were finally done unpacking and just finishing putting his computer together the door opened........and there was Christopher. When I saw his face I remembered seeing him on registration day. What he said next killed my plans for homecoming. He introduced himself as Chris and then said, "And this is my girlfriend." Ironic. Although I never seriously thought we would go to homecoming. It was just for fun. He seemed like a nice enough guy. I just hoped he and my brother would get along okay.
Next we took Jason out to Olive Garden for one last meal together. It was nice although a little tense because we all knew after this we would have to leave Jason. On the way back to his dorm I rode with Jason. When we arrived in the parking lot I gave Jason a bag of "survival food" and a card. So many times I thought of what to write in the card, but couldn't seem to express myself. I never actually cried. When we arrived at the dorm we unloaded a few last minute items we had bought at Wal-Mart.
After we had checked out the dorm lounge we went to say our final good-byes. My mom and dad both gave my brother a hug and then it was my turn. As I looked at my brother, I looked at someone who for sixteen years had been my partner in crime, someone I could convince to do anything, and someone who was starting a new life. That was what saddened me. I wasn't ready for the nerf-wars or wrestling matches to stop, I wasn't ready for being an only child, and I wasn't ready to not have someone to confide in or to vent on. I knew I would miss laughing hysterically at what had happened in band that day. I knew it would be strange walking by electronics on the way to the break room and not stopping in to say hi. I think that when there are only two of you, you become close. You laugh, cry, learn, and share things together. I always knew when I was being totally irrational that he would be there to bring me back down to earth. In short, I was afraid that his new life wasn't going to include me, that I would be left behind. So, I gave him a hug and told him to take care, then walked away.
My mom, dad, and I trudged back to the van and began the trip home from Dayton. It was a rather silent ride. Then suddenly it hit me. I knew that Jason would be okay, I would be okay, and that, as usual life would go on. Both his new life and mine.
The Impact of Things - September 27, 1999 6:04 PM
Things that you do can always have an impact on somebody somewhere. No matter what it is that you are doing. Whether it be speaking, writing, or simply an action it could have an impact on someone else. I had never really thought about this until today when I received an e-mail from someone who read this page. She said that what I had written had really touched her. I never intended for these to be more than ramblings of the uncollected thoughts that raced through my mind but what I had said brought about some emotion for this reader. I am glad that she e-mailed me to tell me this. So something as simple as one person's thoughts can have an impact on others. Granted it isn't like reading this page drastically changed her life but it did touch on some emotion that she had. So I guess what I am trying to say is that whatever you do - whether it be big or small, simple or complex, do it well. What you do or say could affect someone else.
The Start of College - September 12, 1999 9:11 PM
I am now sitting in my dorm room at Wright State University as I type this editorial. Tomorrow will start my first day of class. So far things have gone smoothly and easily. Leaving home for the first time involved many new experiences, one of which was packing and thinking of all the things to take that are so common place when at home. Toiletries, sheets, towels, clothes, and jackets and so forth. Then the fun things like cds and games. You don't realize how easy it is to forget these things until you go to unpack all the items and you think of something that you should have brought but didn't get packed. Then you start a list to get the next time you are home. Other things you didn't forget, you are just forced to leave them behind. Some such things include old friends, jobs, acquaintances, and some furniture. Many new things will unfold before me and leave there mark, while other events of the past will become only memories. As I was preparing to go I had to deal with the fact that I was leaving something good in my life - my job, the people I worked with for two years, special friends from work - to go prepare for my future and whatever good or bad may come with it. While leaving is hard, it bears good aspects in that new experiences and new situations await me.
Graduation and the Passing of Time - June 5, 1999 9:09 PM
Today I went to work like I do every weekend. When I came home though I strayed from my normal routine. I had special events to attend being that I am/was a Senior in high school this year. I went to two graduation parties for friends with whom I have attended classes with for most of my life. After leaving these celebrations of achievement I was left by myself to think. I looked back onto the past thirteen years of my life - on the friendships that I have gained and lost, on the girls I met and dated, on the things that I have said and done, and also on things that may come in life. It seems hard to think that not too long ago I was in kindergarten learning to read and now I am preparing to end a chapter in the book of my life. Looking back on my years of schooling I remember many things. I remember friends that have come and gone, I remember first meeting friends that are still here now, I remember the accomplishments of my life and the failures. Throughout life many things have stayed the same but the majority of them have changed. I have often heard it said that the only constant thing in life is change. I find that to be true. Now as I look forward to tomorrow when I will open a new chapter in my life, simply by crossing a stage and receiving a piece of paper, I think about that phrase. It applies particularly to high school which is the freshest thing in my mind. I remember people that I was best friends with before, but later seldom talked with. Graduation never seemed like a big event to me before, but now that it is almost here I find that it's significance has grown immensely
School and the Recent Events in Colorado - April 28, 1999 7:50 PM
The tragic events that recently occurred at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado are very disturbing and depressing. It is sad to see that someone could let their hate for one group of people drive them to such acts of mass violence. I feel that this shows a lack of control and poor judgment. There are better ways to handle one's feelings than acting on them without giving thought as to the effect the will have in the long run. The aftershock of what, at least, two people did will be felt all across the country as high schools re-evaluate their safety practices and their rules regarding this issue. Many local school officials including our brilliant superintendent have said that something like that could never happen in Norwalk, Ohio. Well Littleton was much like Norwalk in the aspect that it wasn't very large and not much was heard about before last week. The naivete of school officials could have helped to perpetuate the problems at Columbine High School. While I feel that school officials need to realistically address the possibility of this happening I also feel that they need not go overboard. Simple measures can be taken to ensure the safety of the students. The fact that recently one student brought a gun to Norwalk Middle School proves that the events at Columbine could indeed happen anywhere.