5 tips for getting better sleep naturally

Can't sleep huh? Well, here are five habits that are inhibiting your sleep.

Of course, sleep is important. We all need it to function. Some need more than others, others offer the rebuttal of less sleep is better because we are wasting our lives away. Maybe, but facts are facts. We all need sleep. If you are only getting six hours of sleep a night, chances are you will be tired during the day. Eight hours is your healthy bet. Of course, you know that already, but for some reason you cannot seem achieve that restful endeavor. Let's discuss some things that can inhibit a person's sleep.

1. Sleeping at different times each night. A fluctuation in a person's sleeping schedule may cause an imbalance of sleep. If you're having problems going to sleep, try setting a specific time each night to remedy your balance. Help yourself prepare for it, by reading a book or doing something relaxing before the time arrives. Stretching is also a good way to loosen yourself up for sleep. Your body is relaxed and ready for bed.
2. Not sleeping in complete darkness. Silly right? Of course we all sleep in the dark. Not really...keep your phone and laptop light away from your bed. Keep the curtains closed tightly, the slightest bit of illumination could be why you are struggling to stay asleep. Nightlights and any other form of lights must be off.
3. Drinking and eating before bed. Now you know why you are continually getting up during the middle of the night to use the toilet! Well, that is one reason but here are two more far important ones. Drinking before bed can delay your sleep cycle. Eating causes the same result, plus it can affect your weight control and overall health. If you must eat before bed, try a banana or some low fat yogurt. If you must drink something, try some warm milk, followed by at least 20 minutes of relaxation, before turning the lights off.
4. Browsing the web or channel surfing. Try to sleep after having some digital or cable fun. Go ahead, try. Harder then it looks right!?! Take about 30 minutes after you finish your computer or television activity. Read a book instead, or write a journal, chat with someone in person (a boring conversation can help you hit that pillow faster), or do some form of craft, anyone still knit? 
5. Doing strenuous activities close to bedtime. This should be common sense right? Wrong! College students are normally sleep deprived from all of their academic and extracurricular activities. It is important to make some time for sleep. Get into a zone, take a half-hour to play some soft and soothing music to relax yourself. Give yourself a head massage. Do not think about the day's events or tomorrows either. Only think about sleep.

Follow these steps and you should enjoy the type of uninterrupted sleep that so many individuals cherish!

Eight hours straight of zzzz. Soon, your mortal enemy will be your alarm clock!

-Gregory Hernandez

"Say good-bye to New York State" By Greg Hernandez

I read an article by Ivan Pereira in the am new york last week, about "NYS being No. 1 in fleeing residents."According to a report from "Empire Center," the non-profit think tank based in Albany, a whopping 328, 538 people have fled the Empire State since 2010. Why? The poor job market and the rise in cost of living. The state cannot employ all of its residents and many who are employed can no longer afford to reside in the city anymore. The gentrification of Brooklyn, Harlem, and The Bronx is rapidly exposing a vision for many people. That vision is one of a financial migration or exodus, depending on which side of the payroll you are on. Where are all of these people going? It varies. "Between July 2012 and July 2013, the state saw a net domestic migration of 104,470 residents while several states like Florida, North Carolina, and Texas saw hundreds of thousands of newcomers during the same period." Now, North Dakota encountered the largest population growth, (Percentage wise), because of their job market. People are leaving New York for Florida and its not because of the weather!

The KingsBridge neighborhood of The Bronx has gained momentum because of the City Council's quest to revitalize it. "The world's largest ice-skating rink is coming to The Bronx." This is a good thing for the community. That is whats most important. Improvements must be made for those who have live in it and have for decades. Improvements need not be made for the sake of financial gain. The improvement of infrastructure should be done for those in the communities, not for those who seek to push out others just because they have more money. Change should be for all, but mostly for those who love their community.

"You can't afford to live in Park Slope on two teacher's salaries anymore."

That sums it up right there.

Don't believe me, look at what I've read and watched recently...

http://fusion.net/culture/news/story/gentrification-east-harlem-ongoing-10440

http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20131210/kingsbridge/city-council-approves-kingsbridge-ice-skating-rink

"Gap between Seahawks and Broncos immense" By Greg Hernandez

"Dominance" and "Embarrassing" were among the many adjectives used to describe yesterday's Super Bowl. 

By many accounts, this year's Super Bowl was far from compelling. If you believe that, then you know nothing of football. Yesterday's contest between the two best teams from the AFC and NFC was not a contest at all. However, if you are one to only look at the score for evidence, then you are not paying attention to the why. Watch closely. This was a game to be appreciated. Not for the sake of a close game, but for a showcase of a complete football performance. Seattle delivered the coveted 60 minute performance that teams aspire to accomplish. In order to win the Lombardi trophy, you must be the better team for 60 minutes, there was never a minute when anyone doubted Seattle.

Let's start from the beginning. If the first snap of the game was any indication of Denver's poise, the game would in fact not be compelling. Open your eyes. Besides that miscue, Denver's performance-or lack thereof was all Seattle's doing. The interceptions, the fumbles, the pressure, the frustration-all was created by the tenacious Seattle defense. That was just defense. The special teams were indeed special yesterday. Percy Harvin was the fastest man on the field, but we already knew that! Denver appeared to be more than a few steps slow, which again, was all Harvin's doing. Just having played in only three games this year, 33 snaps before the Super Bowl, his body was extremely fresh. He felt great and he played spectacularly. Russell Wilson did not manage the game, he took his shots and allowed his receivers to make some incredible plays. The few times his receivers were covered, Wilson was able to get first downs with his legs. His performance was a modicum of this entire season and his career so far.  He remained poised in the pocket, delivered precise darts to his receiving corp. More than that, he was unfazed by any bad results. Seattle led 8-0 after a safety and two Field-Goals, with plenty of time left in the first quarter for Manning to respond. Instead, the boom responded. Two first half interceptions ensued, both were pressured throws. We could all ask ourselves why didn't coach John Fox, elect to kick the Field-goal on their final possession of the first half. We could also, drink some coffee and realize the truth, it was touchdown or bust from that point on.

Seattle was indeed dominant in this Super Bowl. The Broncos were NOT embarrassing to watch. They played hard. The embarrassing part was that it never mattered.The gap between these two Super Bowl teams was immense. The speed, hard-hitting tackling, and ferocious attitude displayed by the Seahawks throughout the entire game was quite a sight to behold. Forget about the score, the Broncos struggled to get first downs. We need to open our eyes and give Manning credit for his performance. He tried, but like all of the other Quarter Backs that Seattle has faced this season, Manning committed turn overs and crumbled under pressure. This is a team sport. Seattle was by far the best overall team this year. Their 53 man roster was miles ahead of every other. We all wanted a close game, instead we witnessed the epitome of a dominant performance. If Seattle can keep this team together and if they do achieve home-field advantage again next year, who's to say they cannot repeat?

Do yourselves a favor. When you have some time, re-watch the game. I know I will, because with the outcome already decided, this game was fantastic.

 

"Cold-Bubble Bursting" By Greg Hernandez

Briskly walking several blocks in Manhattan. It's so cold. I'm wearing my long johns, oh how the thermal underwear helps! The scarves, hats, gloves, pairs of socks, turtlenecks, and even my fleece face mask are simply not enough. This cold has a bite to it. It penetrates my layers of warmth. It invades the very fabric of my being. I cannot think. Where's a store? I use the five minute store technique. I find a store at random, enter it for five minutes to warm my body and leave. I do this every ten blocks or so. Don't ask why I'm waking so much, just keep reading! I pass by homeless people every few blocks. Their teeth chatter. Their breathing is cool and faint. Their bodies shake. Those signs they carry vibrate. I'm sad of course, but also filled with relief.

It is so cold, I cannot think. I'm almost done with my last errand. When its all done, I feel frozen. As I begin the process of heading back home, one word echoes in my mind: "Home!" It is my sanctuary of comfort and warmth. I am relieved my long journey is over. I am ready to climb aboard the train back home. As my body warms, the thoughts begin to permeate. The bubble of comfort bursts. I am consumed by dread. I have it so good, I think. I am lucky. How lucky exactly? Well, I am going home. I have a home to go to! Yes! A nice warm place which has a bed, blankets, food, water, liquor, televisions, laptops, books, magazines, newspapers, clothing, family, and a door to keep it all safe.

I am not homeless, I am not on food stamps, or worse, I am not someone whose food stamps have been cut off by the government with no empathy. I love to burst your bubble. If you're complaining about how cold it is, don't.

It's January, it should be cold, and quite honestly, that should be the least of your worries...

"Television is more ubiquitous than ever" By Greg Hernandez

Breaking Bad is finished, I know, but the damage is done. In this golden age of television, movies are on the back burner. Sure, the majority of people still go out to see them, but the purest ever-lasting joy of spectator-ship comes from the small screen. Why? Convenience is one reason. Control is the main reason. Viewers have control of the venue, the price, and the audience. Ever been to a movie theater in Manhattan? Its quite expensive! If you are paying for cable, you can watch your favorite show at your place, alone. Or you can host/attend a private gathering to watch a show. Sure, going to the movies and owning an entire row with friends is nice, but there are other people at the movie theater. Long ago, going to the movies was  considered our national past time. When it was hot during the summer, you could cool off and catch a flick. A go-to date move would be dinner and a movie. Now, that has all changed. Couples cook dinner at home and watch their favorite television shows together, with or without enthusiasm. 

Let's face it, awesome television shows own our souls. The average American family owns at least three televisions. People are easily intrigued by all of the characters fictional or not, on dramas and reality television competitions. One factor is the elimination process, characters tend to die on shows, this result has a profound impact on viewers. Contestants are inevitably eliminated from the talent competitions, until only one stands alone as the winner. Viewers care, because this is real drama, nothing is manufactured. Plus, even if it is manufactured in drama shows, the stakes are normally high enough to suspend that level of thinking, for example actor Norman Reedus' character, Daryl Dixon of "The Walking Dead." Fans have created a following of, "If Daryl dies, we riot." Can you believe that? Americans finally get serious about a movement and its all for a fictional character! We care that much. Brian on Family guy dies, everyone is shocked, he comes back, everyone is astonished and relieved...

 

Another important issue is money. The main reason why "the nerds" have taken over Hollywood in the past decade and a half is because of all the green. Companies are allowing these directors and writers to have a substantial role in with their creative power. Obviously this has not lasted, but it does not matter.  Comic book movies are hot right now. The geeks continue to make movies for just about every character imaginable, the greedy investors push for sequels, and get exactly what they want: reboots, a trilogy here, and a spinoff there. It doesn't matter it all sells. The pendulum is swinging in the favor of the nerds right now. However, it is not sustainable, soon the geeks will once again be ostracized from Hollywood. Why? Because it is only a pattern. 

One new pattern now, is television, it, unlike the geeks are here to stay. Television is a sustainable market. The sustainability proves to be more lucrative in the long run. If a particular show is successful, than odds are the show still has a good story to tell, only then will it ultimately be renewed for a new season. This keeps everyone involved in the project employed unless, you're an actor and you're character is killed off or you're a show runner who gets fired for creative differences, take Frank Darabont for example.

IGN News: Darabont Fired.

Now, what I am going to discuss is the double standard aspect of television and how it predominately supports our domestic view on complacency. Picture this: a man enters the movie theater to watch a mid-night premiere of a movie he has long anticipated to see. Another man who let's say has finished his first semester of graduate school is kicking back on a rain entrenched day, in his bedroom, with his DVR ready to view an entire season of  his favorite television show. Which do you think will wind up being more satisfied when all is said and done? 

A slew of episodes from a great show can easily beat out a great movie. Why? The answer is quite simple: longer emotional impact. Extended entertainment can prove to be quite effective if the particular show is well crafted and comprises of suspense, which can be quite engaging, riveting, and most of all addicting. While movies can rely on large doses of adrenaline to satisfy people. There is one large set-back. A great movie must absolutely stand on its own. It has two hours and change to captivate its audience. On the other side, television shows, can hit you with the slow burn approach of a dozen or so episodes jammed with exquisite character development, in shows such as "Boardwalk Empire" and "The Walking Dead." A great episode can stand on its own. There is a multitude of jaw dropping moments that viewers can savor and agonize over per episode. Plus season finales are predicated on the predictable mayhem and important character deaths, which often end up being quite satisfying/devastating to the viewers in more ways than one.

 

Note this, the 2014 television schedule is sequential. Once the NFL season ends, arguably the most popular television show, “The Walking Dead" makes its return on Feb 9^th one week after the Super Bowl. It concludes its 4^th season on March 30^th. One week later on April 6^th, season four of Game of Thrones premieres. 

Mad men returns one week later on April 13^th. You understand where I'm going here. Television is an all-year-must-watch-phenomenon. What is worse is the impact it has on everyone. Remember those NFL commercials that famously stated "Is it Monday yet?" Apparently Monday and Sunday were not enough, football is on Thursday and on Saturday during the postseason. Let's not forget about college ball. It never ends. Its madness, yeah like, "March Madness." 

People build their schedules around television. Poor people who cannot stand their jobs and barely make ends meet with them get a passing brief reprieve with television. No matter what time of the night or day their show airs, you can count on a person to watch it or record it for later. We are dependent on it. Even those who believe they are not, like the student catching up on his favorite show. It is axiomatic that after a long semester of grad school, he should be allowed to reward himself by watching a marathon of television. 

The golden age of television can keep us on the couch in a state of seasonal euphoria. We become complacent. When one show ends, another one is waiting in the wings to grab our attention and hold on for several weeks. Everyone cannot be on the tube, so basically it evens out. Television's equilibrium is firm and will remain this way for a very long time. Piracy only fuels the fire. Game of Thrones, the most pirated television show in history, yet it remains strong, but with a price; our time. We have to watch the shows if we don't read the books. It all takes time. Sure, its only one hour, but add it up and you will discover that you're spending more time sitting and watching then actually doing. What happened to Carpe diem? 

I watch all of the shows mentioned above. I guess we just need to find balance. A television show cannot seriously control our lives right? People bemoan the ending of a television show. The season went by too fast! They could have continued the story! Why did it end after only 7 seasons? Ask the people who cannot wait for their favorite show to air again. They wait impatiently in anticipation for that night's premiere. Get the popcorn ready people, 2014 is going to be a fantastic television year!

 -Greg Hernandez

"Words have a profound meaning By Greg Hernandez

Snow storms can be a nuisance to everyone, especially to those who need to travel by air. A fifteen hour plane delay is a severe nuisance, but an understandable one. Like a good English major I utilized my full repertoire of vulgar language to denounce this farce of two-three hour update delay intervals.  I found ways to occupy myself during the interminable confinement by perusing magazine after magazine, until I came across one article that gave me pause. This article, written by an author that I admittedly instantly forgot, sent a profound message. It was so truthful. I sat down after reading it.

Words are fascinating because they are loaded with a variety of significant meanings. Words express who you are, i.e. if you possess a strong vocabulary, are ignorant, dumb, well-mannered, or discourteous. The words that come out of our collective mouths directly indicate who we are as a person. Yes, words are the gateway to information.Words are how we are judged in society. Either you are well-spoken or you are not. Lingo and slang are of course, idiosyncratic of one's own creativity and verbal style. Now, this article highlighted the usage of three phrases which ultimately culminates in a basic understanding: Language is always evolving, often times for the better, and well, some times for the worse.

According to the article I read in the airport, from the years 2011 to 2013, the most popular phrases and words were, "Literally, Obsessed, and Don't worry." Each word possessed a unique intrinsic value upon how a person wanted to convey themselves. In other words, it was the latest fashion in talking. In 2011, literally was the hot word to use. Using literally in a sentence heightened whatever conversation was going on. It flat out meant that whatever came out of that particular person's mouth was undeniably true. By chance, it also had to be a bold statement, such as, "I literally stuck my head out of a taxi as the driver did a u-turn and hocked a loogie in this dude's face." Saying the word literally gives your statement that extra oomph that is necessary to persuade your friends or audience of your story's validity. More so, the usage of the word literally has a far more acute meaning behind it. Most likely not much is going on in one's life if they must use the word literally to prove that they did so in fact commit such actions. You have to create some form of action. So, with the loogie incident. Saying literally, gives off an air of, tot much went on this year. "Yes, I really did that! Literally- no lie, no joke man. Literally." It really does sound desperate when you listen closely enough.

Now, the following year, 2012 was highlighted by one word, "Obsessed." This one is more for women. "I'm obsessed with that shirt, skirt, outfit, coat, jacket, top, shoes, bracelet, hair, etc." I've heard it all, and I'm sure you have too. Normally it means I like something a lot and want to buy it, or wish I had bought it before you. The ironic and scary part is when the word obsessed is casually used in a one word fashion. Picture this, an attractive woman uploads a photo of herself in which she is wearing her latest outfit. She looks hot and ideal- naturally one of her friends leaves a comment, "OBSESSED!" It leaves me scratching my head, thinking how did we get to this point?

2013 you just left us approximately four weeks ago. Wow, how time flies by! 2013 was considered more a care-free year if you can believe that, but the article surmised that much by including the phrase, "Don't worry." Yes, according to the author, "2013 was a cool year." I agree. Don't worry, we can agree to disagree. See what I just did there? If you walked into a bar last year and could not figure out what drink you wanted to order, chances were your bartender, softly uttered, "don't worry." Now, the author did take one paranoid stance against it, with a "should I be worried," approach.

So there, I read about, "Literally, Obsessed, and Don't worry." After finishing that article, I realized something: it was true! I had many friends who in the past communicated in the above ways toward me. I was never conscious of any those words before, but looking back now, those verbal trends were weird, or are weird if they are still going on today. Only one out of three is apart of my vocabulary.

Don't worry, it's definitely not the first two.

-Gregory Hernandez