Track 15: How The MLB Digs Itself Out Of Its Current Predicament

So Mark McGwire came out about his steroid use yesterday. Finally. It really wasn't a big surprise. Sure, we were all astounded by his "skill" and "strength" when he broke Roger Maris' single season home run record. Yet, nowadays, I just have to anticipate most of the modern day greats to come clean about their steroid use. To say the least, it's disheartening and troubling.

But, I have the solution for the MLB. 

The MLB needs to offer a one year amnesty period once and for all. Basically, this amnesty period would allow for all the current and past players to clear their records of steroid use. If they tell the MLB they use or have used steroids, the MLB forgives them. No questions asked. No fines. No suspensions. Then after this amnesty period, serious suspensions would be given to players who test positive for steroids. I'm talking about giving a guilty player a one year suspension for the first violation and lifetime suspension for a second violation.

Now, some might say that this is a very severe punishment, but this is exactly what the MLB needs to clean up its image. Instead of having a star player come out every year about his steroid use, the MLB will have one horrible year full of players admitting their usage. The benefit to a one year amnesty lies in the fact that the MLB can truly start damage control rather than being under fire for six months after every allegation. If the MLB continues its current course, it will get stuck in a never-ending cycle of bad publicity and questions about the legitimacy of the sport.

Yeah, I'm sure that this amnesty period would be a very difficult time for those involved in the baseball world, but the lingering effects of the steroid era are crippling the game. This is America's game. If little kids can't pretend to be their favorite slugger without envisioning the use of steroids, then the game is truly ruined.

The MLB needs to get a grasp of the situation. Now.

Track 10: Ten Dorm Room Tips

So, in celebration of me being back at my dorm in Georgia Tech, here's a list of dorm room essentials/nonessentials.


Essentials


1. Two sets of bedding. This is just for convenience mainly. You don't want to not have any bedding on your filthy perfectly clean mattress. Just bring two sets and rotate with your laundry.


2. A refrigerator. Yeah, you think that you'll get all your food and meals from the "delicious and nutritious" dining hall, right? Wrong. You need a refrigerator (preferably one with a freezer part) or else your body might just attack you to protect its own health.


3. Noise-cancelling headphones. If you don't have these, then you're probably going to hate your roommate more than you already will. Let's face it. There are going to be times when you just don't want to listen to anything having to do with your roommate.


4. A poster or two. I know it's pretty cliché with the college kid hanging all sorts of posters on the wall and going overboard, but you want to put a little pep in your room. (I have a poster from The Hangover and a poster of Muhammad Ali in mine.)


5. A desk lamp. You'll be studying late. I really don't think this one needs that much explanation.


Nonessentials


1. Cardboard boxes. These things just take up tons of space like you wouldn't even believe. If your family loves you, you'll get more boxes anyway. Just take the boxes out and recycle them.


2. A TV. I'm guilty of this one myself, but a TV is really unneeded. It just distracts you and wastes time. Most TV shows are easily viewable online now anyway.


3. Weed.  I mean, c'mon dude. You're in college now. If you're going to smoke it, don't be retarded and smoke it in your room. If you're half as smart as you say you are, you'll be able to find a good spot.


4. Too many clothes. I know you want to be fashionable and trendy, but chances are that you won't have nearly enough room for all of your clothes. Just pick out what you like and make sure to rotate your wardrobe.


5. Books for personal enjoyment. You're not going to have time to read all those books unless you sacrifice time from other commitments, and those books are just going to take up extra space. You should get a kindle for books if you want to have your library with you. (That's what I do.)

Track 5: The First Semester Findings

So it's about time for me to start turning my mind back to school and preparing for my second semester at Georgia Tech. Here's a little list of things that I've learned from my first semester.

1. Get out of your room and do stuff. I can't stress how important this is. If you don't make friends in the beginning or get involved with something, you are most definitely going to get left behind.

2. Finals are as hard as you make them. If you don't go to class all semester, don't do your homework, and don't even pay attention, there's no way that you're going to do well on the final. You can study for four days straight, but actually doing work throughout the semester is key to making good grades and performing well.

3. All-nighters are not good for your health or academics. You may think that you're really getting a leg up on that test and that you're going to show that teacher who's boss. But your body needs sleep to function. Not to mention that one of the main reasons that humans require sleep is to consolidate information into your memory. In other words, unless you sleep on it, you're just going to forget all that you just stayed up to learn.

4. Have Fun. Yeah, academics are important, but college is so much more than that. I've bet you've heard this before, but it's really true. I know I'm not going to remember what tests I got A's on, but I can tell you that I'll remember some of the parties for a long time.

5. Don't be afraid to confront people. You're an adult now. You need to learn how to solve your own problems. If you have an issue with someone, just talk to that person about it face-to-face. You'll be amazed how much that solves.

6. Be open to new things and new people. You're probably on your own for the first time in a strange, new environment. Just try to be accepting. I've made some weird, goofy friends during my first semester, and I would've never associated with them if I had come in all with my mind already closed off. Also, try to be respectful towards the culture of others.

7. Yes, the unlimited dining hall is very nice and convenient. Yet, please don't gorge yourself. The "Freshman 15" is true and does happens. Also, make sure to eat somewhere other than the dining hall once in a while. It'll make you feel better. I promise.

8. Enjoy your sports teams. This is probably one of the only opportunities in your life that you'll be this close to a high-caliber sports team. I don't care what your school is good at. Football, basketball, water polo, cross country. Go watch some games and support your teams.

9. Don't get bogged down by the school. Some schools (especially Tech) can just make you feel like crap at times. However, it's easy to avoid this if you always look on the bright side of life.

Well, that's all I have. Read this list. Know this list. Be this list.