DeNuccio's Blog

I realize that I am up very early, but I couldn't really sleep to well last night. I was studying late and just never really was tired enough to go to bed. I know I talked about Halo 2 in the past, but today I would like to talk about an old game that I am just recently starting to enjoy to play. This game is Mario Golf for the Nintendo 64. I love this game. I usually go over to my buddies to play it, and we usually play eachother pretty close. It has just hard enough challenges so that it makes you want more. You want to be able to overcome and defeat it. My friend and I will literall y spend hours playing this game just to see who has bragging rights for the next few days. I know on some minds this seems very sad, but to me it is almost a way of life.

I have always enjoyed playing videogames, and it gives me a chance to get away from the other stresses of life. It takes your mind off of the last exam or quiz you took, and forces you to have fun. It is a great stress reliever but can also be very addicting. So just be careful

Posted by Alex DeNuccio at 7:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

This is probably one of the best shows I have had the honor to watch in long time. Not only is it funny, but it makes you think. It is comes across as a type of political satire, and I am proud to say the most republicans do not realize that most of the comedic punch lines are directed towards them. It is halirous to see how Stephen Colbert portrayes a republican on the show. He comes across as one by playing to their sterotypes, and does a good job with it. One interview on his series "Better Know a District" he interviewed a congressman who wanted to post the gen comandments on the wall of the Senate and the House. The congressman wanted everyone to read them as they sat and did their work. He also thought of them as guidelines to follow while making decisions. Well, a little later in the interview the congressman was asked to name the ten comandments and was unable to give an answer. It honestly took five minutes to laugh it off, then I came to the realization that he actually couldn't repeat them. I was stunned, and applauded Mr. Colbert on calling him out.

Posted by Alex DeNuccio at 11:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The first point I would like to make is that this is a much needed break. I need to be done with finals and put the stresses of school on hold for about a month. I need to see my family and friends, and catch up on old times. I need to sit down and play halo 2 with my buddies and have some good laughs. I need some of my aunties apple pie, and my moms famous oatmeal cookies. I need to visit my high school, which for the most part provided a foundation for who I am today. I need to visit old teachers, and underclassman. I need to go sledding and afterwards chill out in a hot tub.

But most of all, I need snow. Like Minnesota, much of Wisconsin is without snow. I have always known Christmas to have snow. It would be such a change. It would eliminate some of the spirit and happiness. What is the point of cold without snow. I need winter break and I need it bad. But first, I need to get through finals, and finish out the semester strong.

Posted by Alex DeNuccio at 10:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I am not going to lie to you finals honestly suck. I do not know a single person who enjoys them. They always seem to creep up on you, and when the time comes I seriously want to go hide in a freakin corner. There is just no need for them. If someone is a hard worker and do their homework, then they have earned a good grade. They only real positive aspect of finals is that they are curved and most times teachers will be gernerous. I have absolutly no modivation to study and cannot wait until they are over.

I know deep down inside that I will study. If i do not study then I personally don't feel like i did everything I could have and my winter break will suck. I am dreading it right now just thinking about them. I get very nervous. I can easily study a subject, but once the final comes I get very nervous and tense up. This enables me to remember some of the material that i previously studied. The bottom line is that I know i will be stuying this semester, but it freakin sucks.

Posted by Alex DeNuccio at 8:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I would have to say that I enjoyed this portion of the movie the most. When they are older they were able to go back and reflect on what they have said when they were seven and when they were forteen. I was surprised to see where some of them wound up. Many of these children had their lives planned out for them and had a pretty stable idea of what they wanted to do and where they wanted to go. With their lives pretty set at such young age, it was interesting to see how much they have changed mentally. A few of them wound up actually doing what they set out to do at age seven, and some didn't. The ones that didn't surprised me because after all the talking they had done, they didn't carry live up to it near the end.

Now, I am not saying that you have to live they life that you set aside for yourself at the age of seven, hell I can't even remember what I wanted to do at age seven. All I know is that i want to live a happy life, one that I enjoy and love to wake up to every morning. Doing what you love to do should be your ultimate goal, and sometimes it takes a while to figure it out, or get to where you want to be.

Posted by Alex DeNuccio at 6:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I just found out recently a new show called "The Office." This might not be a new show, but I haven't seen a TV show in a while because I dont have cable in my room. I must say though that this show is halirous. I like comedy a lot and another favorite show of mine is Seinfeld. "The Office" is not the same kind of funny as Seinfeld, but it still makes you laugh. It takes place in an office setting. There are accountants, salespeople and the boss. Steve Carrol plays the boss so you can only imagine how much funnier the show is.

The people in the office get along well, and it is a very laid back envrironment to say the least. For all the women out there, there is a romance between two office workers in the works. This is a great show and i recommend it to anyone who wants a good laugh. This show makes me wonder way the residence halls do not have cable. Most other institutions provide cable, while we dont. It is very surprising considering that we are one of the largest universities.

Posted by Alex DeNuccio at 1:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

In my opinion, especially at a research university like Minnesota, there are many teachers who dislike the idea of educating students. They are here to explore and find out new information through their research. They have no real basis for teaching. They just want to get you in and out and on your way. How are students supposed to get excited, and upbeat about learning when their professors cant even get excited about it. It is there responsibilty to teach to students and to educate them. They need to do their jobs.

I personally dont have any teachers that are like this, i guess i am lucky. The teachers i have actually enjoy teaching the young minds of tomorrow with their knowledge. There should be no question, especially in college, that the professors teaching these courses should have some enjoyment each day they step into the classroom. They should inspire kids, and some dont do that , and if they dont they should check out other job opportunity.

Posted by Alex DeNuccio at 7:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

This weeks reading on the essays of James Baldwin was different from most of the readings we have read thus far. It reminded me of racial inequalities, and what we as a nation are doing to give back to African Americans. We gave them reporations, which was a money back program in the form of a check. In my opinion this does not make up for everything that we did. Yes, it is nice to recieve money at any point and time in your life, but handing someone a check doesn't make up for 100 plus years of ridicule and discrimination. It is like we are almost trying to pay for the wrongs we have done.

Honestly, I do not know what I would do do compinsate for the way we treated them. It is a hard decision to make. But handing someone a check saying we are sorry is definetly not the way to go about apologizing.

Posted by Alex DeNuccio at 9:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Whenever I come across a break in the school year, for example Thanksgiving or Christmas break, I get very excited and cannot wait to go home and see everyone. However, i also realize that at some point I must come home, and i dread when that moment comes. I know that I have to get back into the routine of school and begin my workout schedule at the rec center again. When I get back I tend to feel a little homesick, and sometimes whish I was still back in high school. I mean lets face it, I did little homework and played sports, I was basically living my dream life and I want that back.

I know now that Christmas break will now be even worse. It lasts about a month, and I am afraid that I will be in so much of my old routine, that it will be hard for me to trasition back to "college" mode. However, I will take each step in stride and am looking forward to Christmas break as is most everyone else.

Posted by Alex DeNuccio at 11:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Earlier this week something was brought to my attention that truly made me think, i mean really think deeply. Many people say one thing and dont really live up to it, are they being true to themselves? I applied this to myself, and found out, according to the previous statement, that i was not living up to what I said. Two of the phrases I try to lead my life by are, "No Fear," and "Only the strong survive." These two phrases came from my high school sports experiences. Besides my parents, sports have been the second largest influence in my life. Having "No Fear" means that you take risks. At one major point in my life I made a decision to come to the University of Minnesota instead of pursuing a college football career. I thought at the time that i was making a wise decision to come to Minnesota for academic purposes, and it finally came to my attetion that i missed out on playing football and Uinversity of Wisconsin LaCrosse, or other D3 schools. I didn't live up to my saying, and know I am wondering if I should pursue football next year. So next time you think of what to put on your tombstone (not the pizza), be sure you can back it up.

Posted by Alex DeNuccio at 9:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I am already looking past Thanksgiving break. I know that most people are excited to go home for Thanksgiving break, but to me it is only four days. This is barley enough time to unpack your bags, and have stuffing. Don't get me wrong, I love to go home and see the family and be around them, but four days seems like nothing. It leaves me no free time to see old friends. Christmas break on the otherhand gives me plenty of time to do the things I want. It allows me to spend a substancial amount of time with friends and family, while being able to relax and vegitate on my own time.

Also, there is a nice layering of snow every year where I come from during Christmas break. It makes Christmas that much better, and enables you to enjoy it that much more. Winter is probably the best time of the year. Except for the cold. In conclusion, I cannot wait for Thanksgiving break, but am looking forward to Christmas break even more.

Posted by Alex DeNuccio at 10:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

We all know that soon after Thanksgiving break many of us will be preparing for out finals. These will be the first finals of our college career. I know, at least for me, back in high school, i would usually only study the night before and still be able to do pretty well on the exams. However, in college i have found out, with mid-terms, that you must study in advance. I am not looking forward to these at all. The only good thing i can take out of this is after we are finished with the exams, we will be able to head home for a long time over Christmas break. That will be the only thing that gets me through the next month.

It is hard right now to motivate yourself to study. Most kids want to sleep in on a Saturday and Sunday, because they are tired from the night before. So that leaves you with Saturday afternoon (if there isn't a football game) and Sunday afternoon and night, which is when most kids study. I guess I will just have to deal with it, and keep telling myself that if I study hard, I will feel much better about myself over Christmas break. Motivation is the key, the hard thing to do is to get yourself motivated.

Posted by Alex DeNuccio at 10:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I must say that I have enjoyed the video so far. Very entertaining, and it is interesting to see how the children have developed over the seven year span. It goes to show how people can change, form their own ideas and opinions. It makes me wonder if I did some of those same things when i was younger. I also noticed how much more independent the children became. However, it seemed like their parents still had a very large impact on how they thought and what they did. But, I think at age 14 I still listened to my parents. But you had kids in the video in boarding schools, and trade schools.

They also seemed to have a more sifisticated speech. I know for a fact that i did not talk like that at age 14, and i dont think i will ever talk like that. I am excitied to see how much more they have changed at age 21. It is real interesting to see how many of them actually ended up doing what they said they would. Many did, but some changed their mind.

Posted by Alex DeNuccio at 9:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Even though I believe that work does not define a person, in this day and age it seemingly does. Now, dont get me wrong, i am not saying you specifically judge someone buy their profession, but society in general does. We look at doctors and lawyers, and think that they are the shit. The make the most money and lead the best lives. People need to look at who the person really is.

However, people tend to lose sight, and automatially assume that some that works in a steele mill leads a grundgy life, with no puspose. In fact I will go as far as to say that they are looked down upon. These are the same people that half a century ago were the backbone of our country, and really defined what America was all about. So all I am saying is that the next time you come along someone in the middle of their job, dont be quick to judge them. Doing what you enjoy should make you happy, but shouldn't define the person that you are.

Posted by Alex DeNuccio at 9:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

To tell you the truth i actually enjoyed the late night movie. We got to bring snacks, and drinks and have a good old time. The movie was quiet a amusing too. I enjoyed the way the portrayed the cirgarette salesman. Laid back and could turn anything into a "you lose, i win" agrument. He could make everyone in the room believe that he was right. He could grab their attention and minuplate even the highest courts. He made everything seem like no big deal. I envy that. The abilty to have so much confidence in yourself that nothing can stop you.

The educational aspect though, is the most important. This movie taught you how to form and agrument. It taught how to present it, and prove that you are right. The sad thing is, is that i cannot even remember the name of the movie.....I think it was "Thank You For Smoking." But, none the less, it was very good. I would encourage any reader to watch the movie, really watch the movie, and take something from it.

Posted by Alex DeNuccio at 10:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I am truly, truly dissapointed in myself this past week. I am a gigantic football fan, and yet I left this past Saturday's game against Michigan early. The second I was outside the stadium i knew i had made a mistake. I mean lets face it, you paid money for the tickets, this was a game where Minnesota played a top ten team, and it was a Big Ten opponent. Granted we did lose, but man what a finish. We scored a touchdown in the fourth quarter, and then recovered the onside kick. It must have been the definition of excitment during the fourth quarter in the metrodome.

I will make one thing clear. Come this Saturday, I will stay in my seat until the last second on the clock ticks away. Personally, I believe that this will be a good game. I cannot wait for the pandimonium in the metrodome. Fans going wild, pre and post game celebrations, this is bond to be another good weekend. I hope everyone in the class will be in attendence at the game on Saturday to support your gophers.

Posted by Alex DeNuccio at 11:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I am sure everyone is aware of the current situation at hand in class. The one distraction that is on everyones mind. The wasp. Its the same every morning. About ten minutes into class a flying object will swoop down from the ceiling and draw the attention of every single student sitting in the class. I mean its not that i am trying to be rud by not listening to what the teacher has to say, but i have a real phobia about bees in general. I hate them. They are so small yet they can inflict so much pain.

However, I consider myself one of the lucky ones. I am thankful that I am not alergic to bees. I feel bad for anyone in the class who is. I would imagine that he or she would be in constant fear or being stung. I wonder if that is the same wasp each time, and if it is, is there a nest or place he goes each night to rest until the next contemporary public issues class? I dont know, but I am sure he will be back Friday.

Posted by Alex DeNuccio at 10:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Once again I enjoyed the reading this week. It was the total opposite, if you mind me saying, of boring, old , Aristotle. It dived into sex and social classes. I liked the way he made sex not just a "fun thing between the sheets" anymore. People aren't just making it more of an education. It has to be "safe, responsible, and socially constructive." He also made the point that pleasure no longer makes the same rebellious statement that it had in the past.

He remarks at the fact that the Bobos don't just "go" on a vacation. They have to make the vacation about being the best, and conquering. For example you just can't go the Rockie Mountains and enjoy the view. You have to climb to the top, and not only that but climb your way back down. They must achieve self-fullfilment and get the most out of a vacation. This was a truly halirous reading.

Posted by Alex DeNuccio at 10:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I know what you are thinking, who cares about Aristotle. He is soooo boring. Why even waste my time. Well, I will tell you why. Even though he dicusses the characteristic of "good" in a very detailed, repetitive way, he makes very valid points. I don't think that anyone of us could even begin to describe the true meaning of good. He makes points on rational thinking and how good ties in with politics. He brings common sense thinking to the readers attention and somehow, out of nowhere, creates mind knumbing, uncomprehendable statements.

Even though Aristotle is very boring, I seemed to actually understand what it was he was talking about. I was very suprised and at the same time impressed with myself. I do hope that the readings become more interesting as the year progresses, but it is always good to mix in a little higher thinking every once in a while. So, till next time, this is Alex DeNuccio reminding you to always support your gopher athletic teams.

Posted by Alex DeNuccio at 7:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

As you all might know, no no, excuse me you should know, this Saturday, September 16 is the first home game for the Minnesota football team. I better see all of my fellow classmates in the student section cheering for what is quite possibly the best sport on the face of the earth. Even though we do play Temple, this is the home opener, this game will set the tone for future home games as we know it. I love everything about Saturdays. I love the pregame festivities, like grilling, and hanging with friends. I love watching the game and most of all i love socializing after the game. These games should be a time when everyone in the student body comes together to support one cause.

These games have an even bigger impact for me. My best friends from high school was lucky enough to be able to play for this university. My friend and I played together in high school and have known eachother since we could walk. Even if you do not have a valid reason for coming to the game, just come to support the team and be with friends. I promise you will have a good time.

Posted by Alex DeNuccio at 3:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Wow, i enjoyed reading America. I must say that I love Jon Stewart. Don't get the wrong idea, i am not madly in love in with him, just in love. He actually made reading out of a textbook somewhat worthwhile. It is hard at times to understand the jokes, but when you do they are hilarious. I dont know about anyone else, but when he compared the different steps of growing up (infacy, childhood, etc.) to democracy, i literally laughed out loud.

The one characteristic that sets him apart from everyone else is that the tesxtbook America is not written like all the other textbooks. His is written so that you will laugh while still being able to grasp the true meaning of the point he is trying to get across. He makes his points and engrains them in peoples minds by making them laugh. I would advise anyone who reads this blog to pick up a copy of America and take the time to read a chapter or two. He really puts a unique view on history. If only every reading could be so good (Aristotle) :)

Posted by Alex DeNuccio at 8:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

This week I will be discussing the harsh transition from high school to college. This is a time in everyones life where they experience a rollercoaster of emotions. Lets face the facts though, you aren't the only ones that feel these emotions. Your family and friends fell them as well.
It all starts at the beginning of your senior year. You are all excited to apply to colleges and can't wait to find the furthest one from home possible. You tell all your friends and underclassmates where u applied and you feel like you are on top of the world. You are so on top of the world that you decide, "you know what i am a senior, this is my last year, i dont feel like doing this assignment toinght, i would rather watch TV with a double cheeseburger from the dollar menu at McDonalds." This starts the long lasting habit of being lazy. It is a wake up call when you get to college and teachers expect you to not only finish the assignment on time but to read ahead. Thats right, you heard me, "get ahead!" So know you have to actually study on a saturday or sunday. This makes the transition harder.
Now you are happy because that college you wanted to go to as sent you back a letter saying they have accepted you into their institution. Now the excitment begins. You get to school the next day telling everyone that you got in. You start sending in all the necessary information and set up orientation dates. You (your mom) starts buying everything you will need for your dorm room while your dad cant believe that the interest rate has gone up even more on tuition. This is the time when the rollercoaster begins to go up.
Oh man, its summer, now i get to chill with my firends 24/7. On the contrary, now you must get a job and start saving for college. You save up all your money and feel good inside because you have done the responsible thing, and again the rollercoaster keeps heading up.
However, now summer is rolling to a close. You realize that the college you wanted to attend miles and miles away isn't looking so good anymore, and the things your mom got you for your dorm will not fit into your van. Then you wake up the next morning and realize that those friends you wanted to hang out with, well half of them are gone because private schools started before labor day. After, you remember that you wont be going back to high school where you were a senior, you are heading to a school with thousands of people, all from different backrounds.
As the last day of freedom in your home town rolls to an end the rollercoaster goes on a steady decline. You begin to miss your family and you haven't even left them yet, and that dog that you had to walk every morning won't be there to greet you in during the week. You realize how much closer you want that college to be to home, and how much harder these feelings make the transition to college. Finally, when you get out of the car and say goodbye to mom for the last time, the emotions hit. You are her last child heading off to college, the last bird to leave the nest, and as mother cries, dad slaps you on hte back and says behave and that he will miss you. None of that lovey dovy crap like mom does.
At this point you realize you are on your own. You meet your roomate and you get along well with him or her. You begin to feel better, and the rollercoaster is heading up again. You go out to eat with friends and get familiar with the city and everything is getting better, you are starting to fall into the routine that we call "college life."

Posted by Alex DeNuccio at 9:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)