Category Archives: Lifestyle

Chick-Fil-AYE

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Kelsea Kregel

As a college student, eating in the school cafe can get old quickly. On days where the only food available is mysterious meat and unseasoned vegetables, I treat myself to a meal off campus. More often than not, I find myself at Chick-Fil-A (unless I’m having a typical late night study session and the only chain open is Taco Bell). Not only does Chick-Fil-A satisfy my desire for tasty food, but it is also relatively inexpensive, saving me a text from an angry mother complaining I’m spending too much money.

As college students, most are on a tight budget and try to find a quick fix to aid their hunger. Between juggling classes, work, athletics, and studying, it is difficult to find the time to cook a meal. Not to mention the limited resources if you live on campus. What’s the next best thing to do when you aren’t able to cook yourself a meal? You go buy one. As a college student on a budget, it can be difficult to find quality food for a low price. Chick-Fil-A makes a point to appeal to their customers. Not only is food reasonably priced, but they also have excellent customer service. They go out of their way to ensure the customer has an enjoyable experience and based on personal experience, the employees have always ensured I have everything I need refills, extra sauce, the whole 9 yards. They also make the experience more enjoyable with their friendly, well-known phrase “my pleasure”. There are several options to choose from on the menu (all chicken, of course) and an average meal costs $7. For the quality of food you are paying for, $7 is a steal. A meal includes a chicken entrée, a classic side, and a medium drink.

The company also prides itself in the quality of its products. This appeals to customers because no one wants to pay for low quality food. The chicken itself is 100% breast meat with no fillers or additives and is cooked with 100% refined peanut oil which is a healthier choice to use for their chicken. The chicken is hand breaded in their kitchens and salads are fresh and hand chopped. Lemonade is freshly squeezed and tea is freshly brewed. The company also draws in customers by annually participating in Cow Appreciation Day. Every July, Chick-Fil-A franchises across the nation gives customers a free meal if they come dressed as a cow. This is a costly event and the company loses thousands of dollars on this day alone.

It is no secret the company operates under strong political beliefs. The franchise is closed on Sundays to offer employees a day of worship. This is a tradition that has been around since the franchise was founded in 1967. Chick-Fil-A is one of a few American businesses that is closed on Sundays due to religious beliefs. The CEO of Chick-Fil-A has also vocalized his religious beliefs. Dan Cathy, son of the original founder, made comments that turned the company’s several franchises into a temporary battleground between those supporting the comments made by Cathy and those opposing the comments. Several LGBTQ supporters held “kiss-ins” in front of Chick-Fil-A restaurants across the country to protest the fast food chain. Others supported Cathy by supporting former governor of Arkansas Mike Huckabee’s declaration of August 1st as Chick-Fil-A appreciation day in light of the recent turmoil.

However, Chick-Fil-A has recently supported a LGBTQ film festival recently. This wasn’t a corporate sponsorship, but a franchisee sponsorship, and the film festival “Level Ground” is a faith-based film festival whose mission statement reads “Our mission is to create safe space for dialogue. We create the best and brightest minds to help us think through what’s happening in the world of faith, gender, and sexuality, and more importantly, how to talk about it.” Chick-Fil-A’s Christian values sets them apart from other fast food chains.

Chick-Fil-A is a successful fast food chain and is admirable due to its strong business model. According to the Journal of Law and Politics, the average individual Chick-Fil-A franchisee annually brings in roughly 2.7 million a year while it’s closest competitors McDonald’s and Panera annually brings in 2.4 and 2.2 million. Remember, Chick-Fil-A is closed on Sundays. This is a religious practice, but the reason this proves Chick-Fil-A has an excellent business model is because the company loses 1/7 of all potential sales by closing once a week. Yet, they still manage to bring in millions of dollars and keep up with top competitors.

Chick-Fil-A is one of the most successful fast food chains in the United States and there is no doubt they are a top competitor for many businesses. Their strong business model and their emphasis on customer satisfaction makes them an admirable and successful company. Chick-Fil-A offers customers more than just a meal, they offer customers an enjoyable experience leaving college students very satisfied.

All Work and No Play

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Leslie Arietta

Being a 22 year-old college student with one year left to graduate means that I have to spend my time wisely. Many college students in their 20s can relate to the exact lifestyle I live. Some college students have all the free time in the world and others have to plan accordingly to fit things in their schedule. My life is literally all work and no play.

There are many events to attend on campus of Texas A&M University-Texarkana that are happening now and the near future. These events include super lectures, talking events with special guests, activity events, intramural sports, and collegiate sporting events. There is an event occurring on campus at least once a week. If you have time it would be a great opportunity to attend an event because it could be beneficial for your day.

Unfortunately in my situation I do not have a lot of free time to be able to attend campus events and get involved. My focus in life right now is school and work. I am currently taking 18 hours of class and on top of that I work at least 35 hours a week at my job. For some college students, the college life is all fun and games, but for my college experience it is about getting my degree and being able to pay for my education.

Coming from California to Texas I have learned to be independent and take care of myself. I currently pay for my own tuition through scholarship, loans, and out-of-pocket costs. In order for me to pursue my degree I must have a job to support myself by paying my bills and providing necessities.

In the beginning of the semester I was beyond stressed because I had no time for anything unless it was school related or work related. I did not have a fun life while people around me had plenty of leisure time. Now in the middle of the semester I have learned to appreciate the way my time is spent. Sometimes you have to work hard now in life in order to have a successful future and that is my life motto to get me through this semester. It is no longer about my life now, but it is about my life in the future.

If you are a current college student who is going through the same experience my advice to you is to take a deep breath. The college life is about building a lifestyle for yourself that can help you be successful in the future. It is okay to have a lifestyle of all work and no play, but remember to give yourself a little break when possible so you do not have stress. The key to stay motivated is to get organized and have a plan and all this hard work will pay off in the end. Appreciate your success that you are building now.

Lifting Yourself

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Derrick Flowers

Most people take interest in something during the early stages of their lives. Church, music, sports, and food are just a few examples of things people might take interest in. That was not the case for me though! Growing up I was always considered a fat kid although I was athletic. I just was not happy with the way I was put together and I knew that was not how I wanted to look for the rest of my life. When I was in the ninth grade I was introduced to weightlifting and conditioning as it was a mandatory part of the football program at my high school. It was at that very moment I knew I had struck gold with something.

Working out and conditioning can be somewhat therapeutic for some people. Of course there will always have those individuals that dread the thought of working out, but for those who do not dread it can be extremely beneficial. Working out can be broken into two separate, but equally important parts. There is the physical part which requires exercise and conditioning of some sort, but there is also have the nutritional part of it. In my opinion getting in shape is actually seventy percent nutrition and thirty percent exercise. Think about it like this, if your car runs at maximum performance when you use supreme gas you cannot expect to put regular gas in it and it run the same as before.

It is understandable that some people have various reasons as to why they do not workout. Whether it be low self-esteem, health ailments, or lack of motivation. I cannot make anyone work out, but I can tell you that if you have the desire to workout you should definitely give it a try. As stated earlier, working out can be somewhat therapeutic for some people. Not only that but working out also puts you at a greater chance for a longer life. I am not professing to have found the fountain of youth, but that is a proven fact. Getting active supports almost every function in the human body.

Another common reason why some people are intimated by working out is the fact that there are so many different machines and equipment to use. I experienced this issue first hand when I first started working out. There are all of these big, sweaty, and intimidating people around you pumping serious iron. That would frighten most people who are new to a gym, but I am here to tell you that anyone can do it. First things first, it is mostly about confidence. Even if you are not the strongest person in the gym going in there with a clear and concise mindset will allow you to benefit just as much as more seasoned gym rats will. Secondly, have a plan. In today’s world almost everyone has a smart phone, so you can go to the app store and download a workout app. Lastly, stay to yourself in the workout room. Several people use the gym as a place to congregate…that’s how you get off track. Take your headphones or ear buds and tune out all distractions.

Everyone loves vegetables and fruits right? What about the thought of cutting processed foods from your diet entirely? I know the thought of that will frighten people for sure! As stated earlier in the essay, in my opinion nutrition is seventy percent of maintaining a healthy body. Processed foods, anything from the shelf, need to be cut drastically from your diet. As hard as it may seem, I promise you will benefit from it tremendously. Not only will you realize you have more energy by eating healthier foods, but you will also see your body start to change. Three key things you must know from the nutritional aspect: Drink water, replace desserts with fruit, and eat lean protein.

In conclusion, weightlifting and conditioning are two great ways to ensure a healthier lifestyle. Along with eating the proper foods it is almost guaranteed that you will not only look better, but you will feel better as well. It is never too late to start preparing yourself for a healthier lifestyle!

Livin’ The Island Style

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Andy Verke, Jr.

The island style is a laid back, slow-paced lifestyle. It is commonly found in the islands of Hawaii. The people of Hawaii are known to be the most friendliest people in the world. We have a vast amount of ethnic background which makes it one of the more unique places in the world as well. The majority of the ethnic backgrounds are from Asia.

There are eight total islands but visitors and locals can only visit six of the eight. One of the islands, Ni`ihau, require special qualifications in order to visit the island because they live solely off the land and have no technological advancements. The other island, Kaho`olawe, is used for military target practice. Majority of the people who come to visit the islands of Hawaii stay on the island of O`ahu. There are plenty of activities to participate in, such as: Hiking, scuba diving, going to the beach, etc.

Since Hawaii is made up of a vast amount of different ethnic cultures, the culture of Hawaii takes different aspects of other cultures and adapts it as their own. For example, before entering someone’s house you remove your footwear as a sign of respect; this comes from the Japanese. Whenever there is a family party or a party in general, everyone is required to bring or make something so they do not come empty-handed. On a side note, you will never leave a party in Hawaii hungry. More often than not, there will be enough food leftover for everyone to take home with them. The idea of everyone bringing or making a lot of food comes from the Filipinos because their culture is centered around family. The one tradition that has stuck in Hawaii from the start is the idea of “Spreading da aloha”. Aloha basically means to treat others the way you want to me treated. Family…Family is what the Culture of Hawaii is all about. They are the one’s who have been with you from the start and they will always stick with you through everything that you go through. Your family will always be there for you to fall back on when you need help to get back on your feet.

The island style is a laid back, slow-paced lifestyle. The average speed limit on the freeways around the island is 50 miles per hour, as where in the continental United States, the average is approximately 65 miles per hour. Besides from the workplace or school, whether or not you are on time is socially acceptable. There is a saying “I not late, I stay on Hawaiian time!” and Hawaiian time is slow and at your own pace. Also to the island lifestyle is going to the beach every weekend and enjoying time off from reality and being with family and friends. Majority of the people in Hawaii does not speak the native Hawaiian language but a broken english called pidgin. Pidgin is a mix of German, Filipino, and Japanese which was created in the sugar cane fields; It was recently recognized as an official language.

Because Hawaii is a culturally diverse place, we have a lot of different types of foods ranging from everywhere around the world. The most common type of imported foods that we have are from Asia. We still have the places that sell your typical Hawaiian food such as Poke (po-kay) raw fish, Lomi Salmon (Salmon and tomatoes), Kalua Pig (steamed pork butt), Lau Lau (Chicken/pork and fish wrapped in a luau leaf). There are many more foods that could be described but I have listed the most common foods you will typically find. Some of the best Asian foods are found in Hawaii simply because we do have Asian immigrants who come to Hawaii and bring their culture with them.

Hawaii has also produced multiple world-class athlete’s as well. Some of them include Brian Clay (Track and Field), Shane Victorino (Baseball), Marcus Mariota (Football), and Olin Kruetz (Football). From generation to generation, Hawaii produced some of the greatest athletes in the world but also a few Hollywood stars such as: Bruno Mars (Singer), Dwayne The Rock Johnson (Actor), and Yvonne Elliman (Singer).

In conclusion, Hawaii is one of the world’s wonders and it is definitely a place that everyone needs to visit before they pass on. Hawaii has the friendliest people you will ever meet in your life. We are also known for having some of the best food in the world. It is a very unique place, in the fact that, no matter what everyone is treated with respect. The only thing that the locals of Hawaii ask is that you clean up after yourself and that you respect the culture. The culture includes: all sacred grounds, the lava fields, the ocean, the beaches, and its people.

A Stitch in Time

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Allison Hall

Commonly, sewing is said to be boring, and too much work, but, in reality, it’s beneficial and easy. The machine tends to be the scary part, but in actuality a switch is flipped to turn on the machine and light, a pedal is pushed, and hands are kept away from the needle. It only takes slight guidance for fabric to stay on track under the needle. Things such as the  patterns for your project and the speed of the needle and/or machine work on a level scale meaning that if something seems too difficult there are typically alternatives to that process.

The sequence can be lengthy, but fun if you make it your own. It usually starts with cutting a pattern, which can be store bought or self-made, cutting the patterns from the fabric, and then lining the fabric edges up so as to know what to sew together. When it comes to the act, the only major technical things in relation to the machine are the needle position, stitch width, stitch length and seam length (seam meaning the stitch combining your fabric). All of these are located on the machine and are spelled out fairly simply. For needle position, stitch width, and stitch length it’s only a matter of choosing what suits you or what is listed on the pattern’s “how to” chart. You would then move the dial to the corresponding number, letter, or symbol, depending on the machine’s details. When it comes to seam length, the machine is marked with measurements to indicate how much fabric should be from the edge to the seam and most of the time that would be entirely up to you. One of the greatest things about sewing is that a lot of it remains up to you.

Aside from the machine, there is also hand sewing, which, admittedly, I don’t know all too much about, but I do know from experience that it is just as much fun and easy. Typically with hand sewing it will take much longer and there are a lot of things you cannot do with it that you could do with a machine like fixing certain holes or sewing anything bigger, such as a purse or a shirt. However, both are fine ways of art and relaxation.

If the incredible ease of sewing is not convincing enough, consider the benefits. Creating garments for oneself tends to be cheaper than purchasing them in the end, and everyone likes to save money. That’s part of the reason that it’s for everyone rather than specific groups. Another reason remains that there’s nothing particularly feminine about clothing or the making thereof. Everyone wears them and sewing would not be here if it were not for men. In fact the first patent for a sewing machine was made by a man, Thomas Saint, in 1790. Relative to gender roles and self-expression, it is also valuable that so many things can be made by means of sewing. Creation ranges from underwear to full outfits as well as everyday items like pillows, wallets, or teddy bears. Patterns for all sorts of things are rather easy to find. There are tons of free pattern designs all over the internet. Pinterest is a very good website for finding unique patterns. It shows a wide variety of sites where patterns are available. There are certain patterns that you will not be able to find free online, but the different options ensure that there are always possibilities of finding an alternative.

The possibilities of individuality and self-accomplishment are endless. You have the ability to design anything and eventually, once acquainted enough with the skill, you may even be able to create your own patterns to follow. Along with that, or maybe even before, you could use specialized machines that allow for even bigger accomplishments. There are some that do astounding things just short of sewing for you and are highly technical, calling for great detail meant for the expert seamstress, seamster, or tailor; however, there are also machines or even handheld equipment that make it fun, like buttonhole accessories, which is exactly what it sounds like.

Some machines even act as easy to use embroidery machines (embroidery meaning that it has the capabilities of stitching designs onto the project). In most cases these machines are only technical as far as having touchscreen capabilities, therefore, you would just put in what you wanted the machine to design onto your fabric and watch the magic happen. There are patches, buttons, trinkets, and so much more that can be added to whatever you want, therefore making it a successful product made by you to be proud of, which is truly the benefit of sewing.

It is something simply done that can produce vast amounts of self-gratification as well as prove to be useful in future endeavors. If your destiny does not call for needlecraft then it is at least one more thing you can say you have under your belt, or maybe even use as a lovely conversational piece. Who does not like to have a fun fact or at least a comment on something seemingly arbitrary?

Hoverboards are Exploding

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TiAna Marshall

We all saw it coming: The day when walking would be a thing of the past, adding to the already lazy reputation of United States citizens. We agreed that it would be fun and even convenient to glide from place to place rather than put in effort to walk. While some thought it might lead to an increase in the obesity problem in America, others thought it would just be a cool thing to have. As we thought over the possible problems that would come from hovering instead of walking, someone invented it. What we failed to see, was the possibility of technology telling us to stop being so lazy.

Hoverboards have been sought after for ages. They have been an item associated with the future for a while now, and they are finally here. These futuristic modes of transportation can be bought online and range anywhere from $30.00 to $400.00, but they may be hardly worth it.

According to several reports, hoverboards have been spontaneously bursting into flames. Thursday afternoon, NowThis, an online newsboard covered a story of a man’s hoverboard that burst into flames only seconds before he mounted it.

Why is this occurring? Well, the material which hoverboards are made out of is very cheap, and when they are charged they are more likely to overheat. The overheating of the device causes the explosions. The case is only one out of the several boards that have reportedly burst into flames for the same reasons.

Consumers are warned to carefully watch their boards as they are charging or to just not buy them at all.

Some ideas may just be better off left in the future.

Patti Labelle Served Humble Pie

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TiAna Marshall

With the holiday season come many traditions, most of which center around the kitchen. My own family begins the celebration with a night full of cooking and laughter. Everything is made from scratch from the dressing, down to the perfectly baked sweet potato pie. The recipe has been in my family for years passed down from generation to generation, and is the best loved. This tradition is one that we share along with other families, however, it may have a new spin in some homes thanks to Ms. Patti Labelle.

Patti Labelle is known for many things including her amazing voice, and her equally amazing kitchen skills. The singer has published multiple cookbooks, sharing her love for food with the masses; however, her sweet potato pie has taken over the world, thanks to a video gone viral. Patti Labelle sweet potato pies began to disappear from Walmart shelves rapidly. The distributor reports selling one pie every few seconds. Bet reports the pies sold a whopping $2.3 million dollars in just a week.

So who is really to thank for this overnight success?

James Wright, a YouTube sensation, created a comedic video reviewing Patti Labelle’s sweet potato pie. Wright literally sang praises about the pie and the video spread quickly reaching over 3,000,000 views and counting. But the video caused more than just escalating sales, it also created a great pie debate.

Patti Labelle claimed all the fame associated with her pie, and though it was reported that she gave Wright a phone call, she denied him helping with their success. The sweet potato pies have been on shelves for years; however, sales had never been that high until after Wright posted the video. The Twitterverse was not having it though and quickly rallied to Wright’s side, creating memes tearing down Patti’s pies. Morning radio shows also showcased their support of Wright, calling Patti out for denying his help for the pies.

Patti Labelle quickly admitted to Wright being the primary reason why her pies sold and continue to sell so well. Just as all fads come and go, there is no denying one thing: the world has a sweet tooth, and Patti’s sweet potato pies are there to satisfy it.

Student by Day, Worker by Night

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Alyssa Bertrand

What is free time? What does time to relax actually feel like? For many, this is time to have fun or be able to just sit around the house and not really worry about anything. To an average college student, one may be able to experience this thing called free time. They can go out when they do not have class or have to worry about how they will study for a class. Being a full-time student and a full-time worker, is a different story.

Full time student means someone is taking 15-24 hours in one semester. A full-time worker is working 35 plus hours a week. With these times joined, time is very limited. Priorities is the key word. People have to make a list and know what MUST come first. To the people who are struggling, do not stress too hard.

Many students are also full-time workers and it is hard. It puts everything to the test. Your strengths and your weakness. What is more important to yourself as well as the other people around you. Free time is a rare gift that one gets to experience. This gift is something that is cherished dearly. Between work and school, the free time one gets is actually spent with a date with their bed. It is very exhausted when you go from work to school or from school to work.

Do not think that working and going to school is a bad thing or even the worst thing that could happen but it is actually a privilege. Even though the stress level increases daily, or not having much time to have fun and relax, but it shows the drive in someone. The most important part is to be motivated. The motivation that gives you the extra push is what one needs to look at all the time. Whether it is your past, the current struggle, or family that pushes you to succeed.

Take the no time as a good insight of what the future holds. If you are working and going to school, it means you are trying to make oneself better. The future is bright. Take it a roll with it. It will all pay off when the goal is reached.

ArkLaTeXmas!

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Laney Davis

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! It is time to enjoy your friends and family amongst the beautiful Christmas spirit atmosphere. There are many opportunities in and around the Ark-La-Tex to enjoy the Christmas season.

December 7 on Main Street in Downtown Texarkana starting at 4 there will be music, food, and shopping. There will also be an opportunity to see and pet camels and the Express Clydesdales. Starting at 7, the 31st Annual Christmas parade “A Magical Christmas” will kick off. Before the parade, there will also be the “Festival of Trees Competition” on Front Street, and the winner will be announced before the parade begins. As well as Christmas lights filling the streets of downtown there will also be horse drawn carriage rides throughout December.

Starting November 25 through December 31st, Tuesday through Sundays, Marshall, Texas, will host the “Wonderland of Lights”. They will offer beautiful lights, outdoor ice-skating, a carousel, Santa’s Workshop and Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen, carriage rides, and train rides. On December 5, there will be a Jingle Bell run. The “Wonderland of Lights” will not be open on Mondays or Christmas Eve.

For more opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Christmas lights you can visit Hot Springs, Arkansas. Hot Springs will hold a Christmas parade on December 7 starting at 6:30. You can also stopover at Garvan Woodland Gardens for the Holiday Lights exhibit. Enjoy over 4 million bulbs across the 17 acre garden.

The Shreveport-Bossier area will offer a firework show with included activities on December 5. There will be a beautiful 40 foot tall Christmas tree at the Boardwalk offered all of December. If you still would like to appreciate some Christmas lights view the “Holiday Trail of Lights” November 14 through December 24.

Lastly, Ashdown, Arkansas, will be offering their Christmas Parade, “A Christmas Story,” December 5 starting at 6. The Kansas City Southern Holiday Express is making its way to Ashdown on December 4 and will arrive at 4.

These are a few ideas of what is going on in the Ark-La-Tex this holiday season. I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas!

For more information on the events provided:

http://www.mainstreettexarkana.org/2015-christmas-parade-a-magical-christmas/

http://www.marshalltexas.net/public/warrants/wonderland-of-lights

http://www.hotsprings.org/events/event/1612/

http://965kvki.com/check-out-all-the-holiday-events-in-shreveport-bossier-this-christmas/

http://kkyr.com/the-kcs-holiday-express-is-coming-to-town-with-santa-claus/

Black Friday = The Purge?

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Alyssa Bertrand

Every year, the country undergoes this big event called black Friday. Black Friday is the day everyone gets out at the crack of dawn to score the best deal. People will be in line waiting for the doors to open. Some people will take part in together as a family and some will go alone. The ones that go alone have one goal in site and they plan on reaching that goal.

If you have never experienced this big event, you might not fully understand the process. I have not gone black Friday shopping, but I have worked in retail for it for the past three years. Each year new things amaze me. Sometimes I wonder what these people are actually after. I watch the people around town and think about what is so necessary for them to fight over. Then I see people come into the store I worked in and see that some people will do anything for that five dollars they will be saving.

Fighting is another problem. All over the country there are many fight that break out on the big Friday of the year. One can look online and see fight after fight. Some of the videos that are put on the Internet have little kids involved. When I see those videos, I get sick in my stomach. How could some act that way and have a good conscience after one will throw someone on the ground to gain the upper hand on a toaster or crock pot. The fighting is beginning to get out of control.

The fighting every year, the very dangerous night, and the injuries that occur lead to the thought that Black Friday could actually be considered as The Purge. The Purge is the event in a recent thriller that is 24 hours each year during which murder is legal. Nothing would be against the law for only those 24 hours. Much like Black Friday, it is a full day event, people get hurt, and one can find that people will steal even when the prices are extremely low. Which leads to the question, is it really Black Friday or could we consider it a mini Purge?