Political satirist Stephen Colbert made an infamous appearance before the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, and Border Security, eager to reveal his "vast experience" from participating in the "Take Our Jobs" program for one day. Colbert was invited by Zoe Lofgren, Chairman of the House Ethics Committee, who also participated in "Take Our Jobs." She encouraged Colbert to stay, despite opposition from Republican John Conyers. Conyers later questioned Lofgren's decision and the appropriateness of Colbert's presence at a congressional hearing, citing it as a waste of taxpayer's money. Whether or not Colbert's five minute testimony was appropriate, it's hard to deny that he made his point, cracking jokes at the expense of Congress. His deadpan deliverance made it hard for some to not crack a smile, as evidence of the grinning faces seen behind him throughout this video.

Colbert made many laugh, myself included, but one has to wonder if this will hurt Lofgren's cause and credibility. Congress has already pushed "Don't ask, don't tell" and the "DREAM Act" to the back burner. Will the plight of migrant workers suffer the same fate?

Don't like it? Then go home.

On September 21, 2010, Senate denied a motion that would possibly lead to the repeal the military's "Don't ask, don't tell" policy. Senate's support behind their decision? They basically want to stall until they find a "scientific study" that justifies the military's implementation of principles rooted in homophobia. I'm not surprised. Homosexuality has been the topic of ethical debate since before the term was even coined. Sexual orientation that goes against 'the norm' is largely frowned upon and even punishable by death in one too many countries. And what's that saying? "Rome wasn't built in a day." ... Right? Right.

I'm sure many advocates for gay rights are feeling the blow right now along with me. After watching footage of Lady GaGa's speech at the DADT rally in Portland, Maine, it's hard to NOT feel pumped for the cause, even if you're already aware of the results. The meat-wearing entertainer might not have seemed like the most well-spoken person to front the cause (despite her enthusiasm), but her points were valid, emotional, personal, and strong. Though I have no gay friends who are enlisted - or the intention of serving myself - her words really struck a nerve with me.

 "I thought equality was non-negotiable. And, let's say, if the government can pick and choose who they are fighting for as exemplified in laws like "Don't ask, don't tell", shouldn't we as Americans be made aware of this imbalance? Shouldn't it be made clear to the citizens of this country before we go to war? Shouldn't I be made aware ahead of time that some of us are just not included in that fight? We're going to war for you, and you, and you, and you, and you, but not YOU because you're gay. You can risk your life for this war, for this country, but in the end, you're not fighting for yourself. You're fighting for us. You're fighting for straight people. You are not included when we say equal. You're not even fully included when we say freedom." -- Lady Gaga

Am I disappointed with the results? Yes. Do I think this is the end of this battle, though? I think Lady GaGa would agree when I say: how about a resounding hell no.

Watch Lady GaGa's speech in full here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/andy-ostroy/gaga-over-gaga_b_733629.html

Cutting down on the fiscal woes of college.

If you're not one of the lucky students with an all expenses paid trip to the college of your choice, then you and your wallet have probably done some heavy pouting at your account summary. College is never "cheap". It's bad enough that the cost of tuition tends to spike up every year or so, but factor in textbooks, living accommodations, gas, parking permits, general fees, supplies... It gets pretty pricey. Not that your hard-earned (or most likely your parents') pennies aren't worth it, but let's face it: college can bleed you dry. Depending on your major of choice, it's very likely that you'll also require extra - and sometimes expensive - software to get you through certain classes. Microsoft Office 2007 usually goes for $100, and this version is already three years old.

Some bigger universities actually offer their students some of the big names in computer software. Louisiana State University's "TigerWare" website allows current students to download Microsoft Office, Adobe imaging programs, Windows 7 operating system, and other popular and useful programs for free or at discounted prices. Unfortunately, not every university has the finances to give students such a luxury. However, there is a solution: freeware.

Freeware is exactly what it sounds like, and there is an abundance of it circulating around the internet. One of my favorites is the Microsoft Offce doppelganger, Open Office. Though Open Office looks more simplistic, its programs perform the same functions as its Microsoft counterpart. It can even open documents with a Microsoft ending extension, as well as save them with one. (If you'd like, you can download it here!)

It doesn't just stop at Open Office, though. Freeware covers a variety of categories: educational, graphics and design, security, language tools, and even games for your off time. Check them out for yourself!

Popular Freeware Sites:
http://www.freewarefiles.com/
http://www.freewarehome.com/
http://freeartsoftware.com/
http://www.techsupportalert.com/