Cupcakes

People cannot help but smile when they look at a cupcake. In fact, I bet you smiled as soon as you saw the picture before you even read the blog post. I'm not sure whether it is the array of icings or assortment of colorful sprinkles that has a charming effect on people. On the other hand, maybe it is the prospect of being able to eat a delicious sweet treat. I came across an interesting quote about cupcakes which adds to the dessert's cheery and friendly qualities: "Friends are like cupcakes in my pantry of memories."
Feel free to comment and let me know what you think!    

The Holidays are in Full Swing

The Thanksgiving left overs are finished and the holiday has past in a blur. The malls are decorated with bright and sparkling Christmas decorations. Shoppers are arriving at stores in droves and shop with mixed emotions of cheer and stress as Christmas music plays over the loudspeakers in every store. People run through their wish lists and wonder what to get for Aunt Sue? How about Uncle Joe? Are my cookies good enough or do the neighbors expect a gift? The Christmas countdown as already began with a mere 22 days left. With 9 days left in the semester, students are worried about exams but eagerly ready to take the feat and finish the semester. Trees are up everywhere and brighten up peoples home's and store front windows. Christmas cakes, cookies, candies and every sweet imaginable are being popped out of ovens in kitchens everywhere. The Christmas season is in full swing and it really is "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!"


If you want to see the an example of the true Christmas Spirit watch these two videos of home Chirstmas lights synchronized to some of our favorite Christmas songs:
"The Most Wonderful TIme of the Year"

"Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree"

Robots Instead of Doctors?...hmm

As you can see from my favorite blog list, I am interested in working in the medical field, especially in the orthopedic field. Today in Communications class we discussed the pros and cons of robotic surgery opposed to regular surgery with human doctors. I thought this was a very interesting topic so I decided to share my thoughts and some of our discussion points:
Preparation for surgery does not consist only of surgeons "scubbing in" and nurses preparing clean tools and materials. Before surgery there are always consultation visits and opportunities to get to know your doctor. With a doctor you can build trust and form relationship before going into an operation. Yes there is a doctor behind the robot, but there is always the possibility of a technical errors and difficulties. A big issue, especially during to today's economic times would be that the robots are taking jobs away from hard-working, well educated doctors and nurses because in robotic surgery far less people are needed to execute the procedure.
There are always pros along with the cons and a huge bonus to robotic surgery would be the hygiene aspect. In the news we have all heard about tools, gauze and other material being left behind in a person's body and discovered later. With the robots, there are not any scissors or scalpels and all the work is done inside a small incision so germs in the air are less likely to get into the patient's body.
In my opinion, people will always prefer doctors and feel more comfortable relying on a person than a machine. Especially because many people young and old have a fear of technology and its many features.

"You've Got Mail!"

 It is a good feeling to pull an envelope out of the mailbox with your handwritten name on it. It doesn't matter if it is an invitation, announcement, birthday card or just a note from a friend or family member. Everyone loves to receive mail. 

Falcons Soar to Victory Over the Ravens

Last night, the Falcons played an amazing game against the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens are known for their tough defensive line and for heavy hitter Ray Lewis, but running backs Turner and Snelling continued to pound through the line to gain first downs. On the radio this morning, head coach Mike Smith described last nights game as one of the best games he has ever coached in his career. In the second quarter, Brian Finneran stripped the ball from the Raven's punt returner and allowed the Falcons to gain the ball back. Matt Ryan had an incredible game throwing for 316 yards and two touchdowns, but his skills were put to the test with a little over a minute left in the game. The Ravens were up for the first time all night 21-20 and the Falcons knew it was crunch time. They remained calm and collected as the confidently pushed for an 80 yard drive to get the game winning touchdown: a 33 yard pass to wide receiver Roddy White. Ryan credited the win the no-huddle offense against the Ravens. The win last night put the Falcons at  a 7-2 record and now the team with the best record in the NFL. 
Read more about: 
Matt Ryan's assessment of the game

Roddy White and the game winning touchdown on Sports Center Highlight of the Night

Camping? Hmm...sounds like fun.

This week, I watched Oprah on her show go camping with her friend Gale (yes, who would have thought Oprah would go camping?) and I realized a new lifetime goal. One day I would love to go camping in Yosemite  National Park. Oprah said that she saw "God's expressions" in nature while she was there. The park had beautiful waterfalls and massive Sequoia trees (as seen in the picture). It was breathtaking, even on the television. It would be a true adventure and a fun trip to take with friends.