"We do big things" President Obama

President Barack Obama spoke to America last night as he gave his annual State of the Union address. Obama talked about the economic changes we have overcome the past few years as well as making his case for future government actions.

The economy is on course for economic disaster if there is no serious action to gain control of the budget deficit. Many Americans have felt the financial burden for many years now due to the shaky economy. In response to President Obama's State of the Union address, House Budget Committee Chairman, Paul Ryan said spending cuts need to start immediately to increase the governments ability to borrow to pay its bills this upcoming spring.

President Obama addressed the necessary issues the country was waiting to hear such as emphasis on education and innovation to declaring the "era of big government" to be over. He also talked about security, and grounding the budget deficit through less spending.

Also, Republicans and Democrats were ordered in a different seating chart, where they sat together. The idea of the seating chart addresses the need for Democrats and Republicans to work together on the economy's problems.

According to online campaign tracking statistics, Obama has kept 124 of his campaign promises and has broken 38.

Obama closed the State of the Union address by stating "We do big things. The idea of America endures. Our destiny remains our choice. It is because of the people our future is hopeful, our journey goes forward, and the state of our union is strong."

Round 2 of The Bachelor

Last night brought a wave of relief when Brad eliminated the two drama queens of the house. Best decision by far! The season would not be as enjoyable to watch with catty girls Melissa and Raichel constantly bickering at each other. And for the record, I would say after carefully watching the arguments of who-said-what, 32-year-old Melissa is the instigator. End of story.

But wait, a third person was also eliminated. Keltie the Radio City Rockette from Hollywood, Calif. was sent home and her on-the-spot interview was quite shocking and sad to hear. She said that she is the worst dater ever. That in fact, she should receive an Oscar for worst dater. Oh honey, don't ever put yourself down like that on national television. Keltie went on explaining that she is very awkward during dates and has not had any success with regular dating, set-ups or on-line dating. Not even dating within the work place has worked out for her. Well, duh for that last one. When does it ever work out when you're dating a co-worker?

That was all news to me because she seemed like a strong, confident woman. When she stepped out of the limousine the first night and kicked up her better-looking-than-Tina Turner leg, I was taken back. And as a plus, she's a Radio City Rockette. I would have never taken her for an insecure person as she sounded after elimination, while looking so glamorous in her evening attire. I would have liked her to have gone further in the show.

Photos and story by Olivia N. Castaneda

A Critique about abc's The Bachelor

Smack! Ouch! I'm in love. It seems that's how it's happened for this season's The Bachelor Brad Womack. The first show aired Monday night on the abc network, in case you missed it.

Chantal O., executive assistant from Seattle, Wash., is the infamous woman who slapped Brad across the face in their first meeting. After the low blow- on the cheek- Brad said that 1) he deserved it and 2) he thinks he likes her already. Really?

First of, how dare the women on this show bad mouth Brad for what he did in season 11. I understand he broke two women's hearts, but hey, give the guy some credit for having been honest with his feelings about not being ready back then. Or would you rather have had him go through with the engagement, get married and then speak-up about his issues? Divorce is a lot messier and expensive, and I think he did the right thing about not proposing to anyone.

The women in this season's show should not be so hard on him. If he's back after three years of the therapy, I'm sure everything will work out. Open-up your ears ladies and listen to what the man is telling you. The past is history; no need to bring it up and cause drama. So what if he's broken a few hearts? Who hasn't been hurt or unintentionally hurt others?

This show is competitive so prepare for battle and know that love is a risk, in any relationship or situation. So grow up you girls and start acting like real women.

Photos and story by Olivia N. Castaneda

Knowing What Your Dreams Mean

Have you ever woke up from a dream, and thought why did I have a dream like that? Chances are, you're among the millions of Americans who have had the same dream. But the real question is what do they mean?

I often write down what my dreams were about, and try to decide for myself what they mean. But at times I can't contemplate their meanings. Dreams have been a mystery since the beginning of time. One can learn a lot from their dreams, if they let themselves do so.

Dreams are basically a way for the subconscious mind to warn or help you work through events in your life. So sometimes suppressed feelings that someone may have may come up in their dreams as a way to let them know that they need to express themselves or face a problem from their past or present.

One way to understand what your dreams mean is by remembering all of the dreams that you have. To do so, it's important to write them all down. According to a website called sleep.com dreams go through several stages such as a movie, and in the end you get to see the final product. Make sure you are relaxed before you go to sleep, and pay close attention to an issue that is bothering you, but don't worry yourself too much because you will most likely not be able to fall asleep. Also, tell yourself that you will remember your dreams, and mean it.

After you wake up begin to see if you remembered your dream, and focus on certain themes that are occurring throughout your dream or dreams. A typical dream that occurs frequently in people's dreams are that of them flying. This dream in most cases is a result of something going right in someone's life whether it be an accomplishment or through a relationship. If you're feeling joyful or confident in the dream, then you're feeling as if things are going quite well for you in your life. Now if you're feeling fearful, then that means you are most likely afraid of challenges.

Remember the key to understanding your dreams is to recall the themes associated with your dreams, and to stay in the habit of writing your dreams down.