Mmm .... sleep, beautiful sleep
by Brian Wainstein, Editor-In-Chief

   I need some sleep.
   Honestly, I slept only five hours last night; is that normal? For a college student, lack of sleep may be expected (I've gone almost 50 hours without sleep during finals), but is the human body designed to withstand such an abusive extended period of consciousness?
   I'd have to say no. Just judging from a personal perspective, I can barely function with such little sleep. I have no idea how New York, the city that never sleeps, survives without a psychotic breakdown.
   Sleep is so boring though, such a waste of time. Almost a third of a person's entire life is spent sleeping, unconscious and unaware of the world around him.
   And on top of that, people need to be awake to do the things they love, whether it be sports, games or just zoning out in front of the goggle-box.
   But, I live a lie. Even as I prattle on about the joys of consciousness, I fantasize about my bed: my nice, soft bed with my warm comforter. Mmm.
   I must be strong.
   I cannot submit. Sleep is an enemy that fights to the bitter end, never gives up, torments with its tantalizing delights.
   Everywhere we go, sleepiness will be there, watching, waiting for a moment of weakness to pounce. Some may think there is a compensation for sleeping: dreams.
   Ah, my friends, dreams are a mere pale facsimile of life.
   Nothing can compare to the real thing, knowing our actions affect others, who in turn affect others with their actions creating exponential links between us and every other person on the globe. Nothing is a substitute for reality.
   People try to find their paradises in beer bottles, pills, theaters, museums and computers.
   They need to give up their lie.
   The only paradise we will ever find is the one we create in the real world by our own actions, not by some artificial chemical imbalance or in someone else's fantasy.
   No, none of that for me. I will hold to what I have and fix what needs fixing. Most easy outs lead to problems down the road. Most things are worth working for.
   Besides, people pass out sometimes when they drink too much. Passing out is akin to sleep. And that is something I'd rather not think about right now, thanks.
   Too late.