I loaded the page www.yahoo.com. Right at the top center of the page was a box that had links to the latest news all over the country. Scrolling through, I noticed links such as “Celebrity couple splits,” “TV’s newest hunk,” and “___’s fashion mistake.” Interspersed between these “riveting” news pieces were stories about a young boy who saved his brother’s life, an ancient relic that was recovered, and a two-legged dog inspiring injured soldiers. Let’s stop and think about that: which story would you click on? Which one are you more likely to hear about from a friend?
After noticing this trend on Yahoo’s homepage, it dawned on me that a lot of times I simply looked over the interesting, substantial articles, choosing instead to read about the latest celeb break-up or flip through the pictures of omg.yahoo.com’s “What Were They Thinking?!” album, a collection of the worst fashions spotted on celebs that week. After all, when I go to Yahoo’s website, it’s usually when I’m taking a break from studying or working — I want something light that takes little thought, hopefully even gives me a good laugh. But, ultimately, what does it gain me? ….. Pretty much nothing.
Now this isn’t to say that keeping up with Hollywood gossip is a horrible thing. It’s fun sometimes to read about what people are doing, or to laugh at Lady Gaga’s latest attempt at style. However, it becomes a bad thing when you start caring about only that. Who honestly will care in five years who Reese Witherspoon was dating in December of 2009? Probably no one — except Reese, of course, since that is (and should be) her private business. But I don’t think you’re likely to easily forget a story about a little boy who has the courage to save his younger brother or a dog who walks on only its hind-legs because it was born that way. That’s stuff that really counts, stuff that inspires. And, sadly, it seems to be stuff that a lot of people look over as they’re trying to stay updated with the latest Hollywood scandals and fashions.
My question to you is this: What matters the most?
-Andrea
Now that you’ve read the title, you probably have a million different ideas on what in the world this blog could possibly be about. Well wonder no longer, because I’m going to tell you: my hamster. His name is Hollywood, but he’s nicknamed Master Rascal, for more than one reason. After I tell you a bit about the evolution of his name, I’ll tell you a bit about him and then hamsters in general.
When I first got him (on my birthday), I had no idea what to name him. (I’d been begging my mom for another hamster after the first one, but I didn’t think she’d cave any time soon.) The first name that popped into my head was “Hollywood”, and since I thought that was cute, I decided to name him that. Shortly after getting Hollywood, my family and I watched the movie Bob the Butler. I won’t give you a whole summary of the movie, but the main character (Bob) had a hamster named Rascal, whom he called “Master Rascal” (you’ll have to watch the movie to understand). All kidding aside, Hollywood looks exactly like that hamster. It’s unnerving. So then everybody in my family started calling him that, and I just jumped on the bandwagon. Thus, his name is Hollywood…a.k.a. Master Rascal.
Master Rascal has proved to be rather smart (for a hamster). I was young when I had my first hamster, but I don’t remember him being anything like Hollywood is. While my other hamster seemed content to run in his wheel, eat his food, and sleep, Master Rascal (emphasis on Rascal) has figured out a plethora of escape routes from his cage. Actually prying his cage’s door open being one of the many ways, Hollywood has practically given me a heart attack on several occasions (did I mention we have a dog?). When I first bought his new cage, I thought it was so cute — but now the little pieces of packing tape everywhere kind of take away from the cute factor.
Hamsters are fuzzy little nocturnal rodents, and they’re probably the most domestic and popular pet rodent. Some people think of them as good for young kids, as kind of a “life experience”; but the truth is that it takes responsibility and maturity to take care of a hamster well. They’re a living creature, and they rely solely on you for their food, their water, and a clean environment in which to live. You should give them fresh food daily, and I recommend changing their water at least every few days. As far as cleaning their cages, it all depends on the cage and the hamster, but usually once a week is a good routine to establish. While they’re a lot of work, having a hamster also has a lot of benefits. I actually do think that they’re a good “life experience” (when you’re ready to handle a pet), and watching them can be quite entertaining. That’s the difference between stuffed animals and real ones: stuffed animals “do” exactly what you want them to do, whenever you want it; but real animals can choose whether to cooperate or not, and they can actually surprise you. Whether you’re tired, happy, angry, or upset, sometimes all you need is a fuzzy friend — who doesn’t talk or roll his eyes or judge you — to make you smile. 
-Andrea
Tags: animals, hamsters, Hollywood, Master Rascal, pets, rodents
About Me, Andrea, Family, Informative, Life in General | Andrea April 16, 2009 | 
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