Nalgene Water Bottles

    Have you ever heard of a Nalgene Water Bottle before? Well, if you haven't, don’t feel stupid. I didn’t discover the wonderful goodness that is Nalgene until I worked at a camp two summers ago.
    Nalgene water bottles are little indestructible miracles. When I say “indestructible”, I mean indestructible. Once, my friend actually ran over one in a full capacity 15 passenger van, and it still held liquids.
    What are Nalgenes actually used for? These bottles are used for anything. Just because you buy it a store like REI, doesn’t mean you have to use it for outdoor bound activities. I use mine for water whenever I am thirsty. The best part about Nalgenes is that they have a fluid ounce measuring strip and you only need two full Nalgenes of water a day. (64 fl. oz.).
    Why am I so thankful for these little bottles? On a personal level, I have never been able to keep a water bottle for more then a week with out completely destroying it. The first day I had my first Nalgene, I dropped it in some gravel while running. Well, it still holds water today.
    Nalgenes come in many different colors, and are often seen sporting a logo. I personally like the blue just because. They are inexpensive, and have many different accessories. You can buy Nalgenes at REI or online.

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   This year, as well as in past years, state-law makers are looking to measures to put in pace constitutional amendments.  But, it is up to the public to vote and pass them.
    In past years they have tried to ban gay marriage or pass Anti-Gay Rights measures, which have failed.
    In 2000, The Anti-Gay Rights, Measure 9 failed.  This measure, the so-called “student protection act”, would protect students from being taught anything relating to homosexuality or bisexuality in a manner that “encourages or promotes such behaviors.”  This measure would affect elementary and secondary schools as well as community colleges.  This would also cause a loss of state funding if the school did not follow this measure.  Luckily the ACLU of Oregon opposed this measure.
    Also in 2000, Measure 87, The Censorship Measure, was failed by the ACLU of Oregon.  This measure would have revised the Oregon Constitution’s Free expression protection, so state officials could ignore the state Bill of Rights when they write new law’s dealing with “sexually oriented business.”  Which basically means no matter what the law is as long as it pertains to gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered peoples they don't have to follow the Bill of Rights.
    Measure 36 is to ban gay marriage.  Banning same-sex marriage ceremonies is also against the right to freedom of religion.  By passing this measure it leads people to believe that homosexuality is wrong but it’s no more wrong than a heterosexual relationship.  People can’t help who they fall in love with.
    Measure  36 is giving a false view on marriage.  Marriage is more than just a piece of paper, it’s over 1,000 rights and privileges heterosexual couples receive without opposition everyday.

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   I went to a couple of Reedsport High football games, I found myself wondering where the spirit was?  There were many people in attendance, but there was no cheering, no encouragement for the players, no audience participation. 
    Would it not be beneficial to the team, and the town to have cheerleaders?  Where I come from the cheerleaders are crowd exciters.  They got everyone involved in the game, the team can hear and feel the excitement, the entire town becomes involved.  And what about half time.  Pretty boring?  Where was the show?  From the Super Bowl, to small town America,  Everyone has a band, a dance squad.   Where were the flag girls,  the cheerleaders, where was the show? 
    Reedsport Braves, you are definitely missing a major part of the “High school experience!”
                Go Braves!