Obama speaks highly of McCain’s sacrifices to America, while McCain encourages Americans to come together

By Jenny Taft

BOSTON- After what may be one of the most memorable presidential races of all time, democratic presidential nominee Barack Hussein Obama accepted his presidency with poise, giving a speech that reminded Americans how their voices made a difference in the election.

Speaking moments after McCain, Obama moved his crowd to tears as he spoke to thousands of his supporters in Chicago’s Grand Park about the change that Americans can believe in. Obama confidently opened his speech by addressing the nation “If there is anyone out there, who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonder if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer,” he said.

Obama spoke about the struggles that Americans have dealt with and overcome and about the strength of the American people. He mentioned a woman named Anne Nixon Cooper, a 106-year-old woman, who today, was able to vote for the president of the United States.

Obama also discussed the “extraordinarily gracious call from Senator McCain” congratulating him. Obama spoke highly of McCain, and all that he has achieved in the election and also through serving America. “He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us can not begin to imagine. We are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader,” Obama said.

In a powerful conclusion to the first speech that president elect Barack Obama gave to the American people, he spoke about taking advantage of the time and the chance Americans have to enact this change. “This is our moment, this is our time, to put our people back to work, open doors of opportunity for our kids, to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace, to reclaim the American dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth, that out that of many we are one, that while we breathe we hope, and where we are met with doubt and those who tell us that we can’t, we will respond with that timeless creed, that sums up the spirit of the people: Yes, we can,” Obama said.

Before Obama gave his victory speech, the American people heard from Republican John McCain, who did not hesitate to congratulate Obama for a race well run. He began his speech by pointing out that Obama was not shy in his efforts to persuade the young people of America to get out and let their voices be heard.

“He managed to do so by inspiring hopes of so many millions of Americans, who once wrongly believed that they had little at stake, or little influence in the election of the American President, is something I deeply admire and commend him for achieving,” said McCain, addressing a small crowd in Phoenix.

McCain discussed how far America has come over the years, but now more than ever, American people need to come together as one.

“I urge all Americans who supported me, to join me, in not just congratulating him, but offering our next president our goodwill and earnest effort to find ways to come together, to find the necessary compromises to bridge our differences, and help restore our prosperity, defend our security in a dangerous world, and leave our children and grandchildren a stronger better country then we inherited,” he said.
Obama speaks highly of McCain’s sacrifices to America, while McCain encourages Americans to come together

FASHION MUST OF THE WEEK

BOOTS!

Whether you like the horseback riding style or the more casual no heel boot, boots were everywhere this fall and are continuing to be popular this winter season.

I recommend up-grading from your UGG Boots and investing in a classy pair of leather boots.

Wear with: Skinny jeans, a dress, or skirt. Boots really do complement any look!

MY PICK: Tory Burch Winnie Jockey Boot (I love the two colors!)

FIND THEM AT:

Florida Federation of Republican Women launch boycott against Oprah Winfrey

By Jenny Taft

BOSTON- When Oprah Winfrey announced that she would not be interviewing the Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin until the election was over, Winfrey was immediately under attack. The Florida Federation of Republican Women launched a national boycott urging women to stop supporting Winfrey by boycotting The Oprah Show and by unsubscribing to The O magazine.

One unnamed woman from the federation said, “We were just upset that she wasn’t going to be interviewed on Oprah it is unfair treatment of a candidate, who has really excited, not just women in this country, but everyone. It seems unusual to me that she would be excluded from a talk show that focuses on women,” she said.

Even before the campaign started, when Winfrey decided to publicly support the Democratic presidential candidate, Barack Obama, she claimed that when it came to her show, she would not be playing favorites. The Oprah Show was not going to be used as a platform for any candidates.

She also said in a 2007 radio interview, “It would be really disingenuous of me to be sitting up interviewing people, as though pretending to be objective, or even creating the illusion of objectivity,” Winfrey said.

Since then, Barack Obama, has appeared twice on The Oprah Show.

A spokesperson from The O magazine claims that even after the boycott, sales are still doing well, and that The Oprah Show ratings are higher than ever.

The Federation for Republican Women has received hundreds of responses to the issue, some in support and some condemning it. Winfrey did publicly agree that Palin would be permitted to come on the show after the election.

Caitlin Nordahl finds B.U. is a good fit

By Jenny Taft

From her freckled complexion and sun-streaked hair it’s clear that Caitlin Nordahl loves spending her time outdoors.

Nordahl, the daughter of an Army lieutenant general, spent her childhood scattered across the U.S. and Asia, living with her family at different Army bases. At age 3, Nordahl discovered swimming from her two older brothers. From Arkansas to Hawaii, Kansas to Virginia, and even Japan, Nordahl was able to continue swimming. “Swimming was great when we were moving around because there was always a base team, so it was a great way to meet people,” she said.

When asked if she enjoyed living all around the world, Nordahl said, “I didn’t always like it, and once my dad retired in Virginia, I was eager to go to college because I was so used to moving,” she said.

Initially, Nordahl was not set on the idea of attending B.U., where her brother, Timmy, 20, is studying physical therapy at Sargent College. “It’s not that we don’t get along I just wasn’t sure I wanted to come to the same school,” Nordahl said.

The 19-year-old junior, now majoring in photojournalism, was initially set on advertising, but after taking a few introductory courses she really “didn’t take a liking to the subject.” Nordahl also gave public relations a try, but soon discovered that P.R. wasn’t a good fit.

Even though Nordahl dropped advertising, she still participates in the National Student Advertising Competition, where she and a team of 15 B.U. students develop an ad for a client and compete with other universities from around the country. Last year, the challenge was to create an advertisement for American Online (AOL). Nordahl’s team placed second, missing first place by only 0.8 points. “It was really hard to lose because we really thought our campaign was better,” Nordahl said.

Nordahl is still an active swimmer and works at the B.U. Fitness and Recreation Center 24 hours a week as a lifeguard and swim instructor.

Although Nordahl is undecided on what area of photography she is interested in, her ultimate goal is to work professionally as a sports photographer, a career that may take her around the world again.

Dog House: BU Men's Ice Hockey

BU student supports Hilary Clinton's immigration views

By Jenny Taft

BOSTON- Gina Lee will never forget the day her fourth-grade social science class discussed how to become the president of the United States. Lee, a bright young student, was eager to learn how she could become the first female president. Lee’s teacher told the class that the first requirement was to have been born in the United States. Lee was shocked.

“I went up to my teacher after class and told her I was born in Korea.” Lee’s teacher replied, “Well I’m sorry, but there’s no way you can be president.”

Lee, a junior at Boston University, still takes politics very seriously. It is hard to ignore all of the Democratic posters that are all over the backseat of Lee’s car. “Change we can believe in” was written on numerous signs that were visible from all angles.

In fact, Lee spent the last few weeks of her summer interning at the Democratic National Convention, which Lee says, “was the best experience of my life.”

“I wanted to be a part of it. I worked 12 hour days and I absolutely loved it,” Lee said.

When asked about her political involvement, Lee, a strong Hillary Clinton supporter, spoke passionately about her.

“I’ve supported Hillary since her first Senate campaign in 2000. She’s such a great example of a strong, intelligent woman,” Lee said.

You would never guess that Lee wasn’t born in the United States; she doesn’t even speak Korean. But as a South Korean immigrant, Lee recognizes “that Hillary Clinton is a pioneer for the working class, which is why many immigrants can relate to her, including me.”

Lee has few memories of her life in Korea, but she knew that coming to America was a big step for her family.

Things weren’t very easy for the Lee family when they first moved to New Jersey in 1990.

“I remember one year we couldn’t afford a Christmas tree, and that was very hard for me and my sister,” Lee said.

With the help of Lee’s uncle, the Lee family successfully started their own laundromat service. It didn’t take long for it to become a very successful business, and today Lee’s family owns over seven laundromats throughout New York City.

When asked about immigration laws today, Lee was not exactly sure about the specific rules and regulations to legally immigrate to the United States. But she doesn’t find it right that so many immigrants who are living in America are illegal.

“Obviously, I have an innate bond with immigrants, I understand why they are coming to America. But at the same time, my parents did everything right and legal. I don’t believe that people should be living here and not paying taxes, but I also don’t think that they should be exiled back,” Lee said.

According to the Government Center for Immigration Studies, more than half of post-2000 arrivals (5.6 million) are estimated to be illegal aliens.

Lee agrees with Hillary Clinton’s views on ending the immigration crisis, which includes “strengthening U.S. borders, greater cooperation with our neighbors, strict but fair enforcement of our laws, and a path to earned legal status for those who are here, working hard, paying taxes, respecting the law, and willing to meet a high bar, including learning English.”

“Hilary knows what she is talking about when it comes to immigration, and I think she understands what the U.S. needs to do to improve the immigration situation,” Lee said.

“The truth is, in fourth-grade I probably really thought that I was going to be the first female president. But at the same time, I really feel that if anyone else could do it well, Hillary Clinton would be my pick,” Lee said.

Students lack interest in B.U. Sports

By Jenny Taft

BOSTON- Many students seem to be unaware of what Boston University sports teams are up to. Ava Mauriello, a freshman living on B.U.’s west campus, said, “I have only been to one sporting event, and it was the first men’s soccer game.” Despite the hockey sweatshirt she was wearing, Mauriello was unaware that the Terriers had recently defeated the 5th ranked Midwest powerhouse North Dakota.

The men’s ice hockey team had an impressive start to the 2008-2009 season by winning the Ice Breaker Invitational last Saturday at Agganis Arena. On Friday, the Terriers dominated against North Dakota University, winning 5-1, and they beat Michigan State, 2-1, for the championship on Saturday. Unfortunately, few students were aware of their accomplishment because the stands were quite empty.

The B.U. Athletic Department did a great job advertising for the first men’s soccer game, by promoting the game to all incoming freshman at orientation. But after the first game, attendance at the home games drastically dropped.

Sammy Dolan, also a freshman at B.U., came to campus knowing that he would not be going to many sporting events. “B.U. just isn’t a great school for sports, and it’s especially hard without football.”

Brittney Vierra, who came to B.U. to play lacrosse, expected that students would be more interested in sports. “It sucks, we don’t have football, and it’s hard because B.U. just doesn’t advertise the games at all. People don’t get interested in anything other than hockey because no one knows about any other sports.”

Over the last four years that senior economics major Adam Klein has been at B.U., he has attended a good amount of hockey games, and considers himself a loyal terrier fan. “I go to the games once and a while, I’ll go if my friends are going.” Klein, like Mauriello, was unaware that the Terriers recently won the Ice Breaker Invitational.

“There’s just no school spirit here,” agreed Julie Goldberg, a freshman in Sargent College. “And it didn’t take me long to find out.”

FASHION MUST OF THE WEEK:

Purple!

From Nail polish color, to purple flats, PURPLE IS THE NEW FALL COLOR.  Don't be afraid to take risks and experiment with new berry colors.  This season is all about trying new things!

MY PICK:  Tory Burch, Reva Ballerina Flat, Deep Purple Suede

Find it at Nordstroms: www.nordstroms.com

INTRODUCTION

Hello!  My name is Jenny Taft and this is my first time creating and using a blog.  I plan to update my blog with different pieces I write throughout the year.  I hope you enjoy!