I went last Saturday to see the newest Avengers movie with my best friend (Taylor Keyes). We are completely obsessed with the Marvel Universe and could not wait to see the latest installment. It was such an AMAZING movie, but of course every Marvel movie is.
I recently read an article stating how the movie had an underlying message of how humans are slowly destroying themselves. In the movie, Bruce Banner(the Hulk) and Tony Stark(Iron Man) have been working on a robot that could potentially help them, and then everything goes incredibly wrong. The robot instead takes advantage of its new life and is determined to destroy the human race and ultimately the Avengers to gain peace and a new world of metal.
As I read the article, this message made more and more sense. We as a society have grown to just take the easy way out of everything, and blame things on everyone else. The robot is Ultron, hence the name of the film, and he kills to get his twisted version of "peace". We go out of our way to try to make things new and improved, but sometimes they can backfire on us. Sometimes we do more harm than good.
The Avengers spend the movie dealing with the mess Ultron has created, as well as battling personal demons. Ultron has two allies who are twins, who then turn against him. They team up with the Avengers to fight for the greater good and save the world. As a country we become so caught up in our own problems and what we want, that we do not let anyone else in. When the Avengers let the twins help them regardless of what happened before, they beat Ultron. If we let go of our past afflictions with countries and even people, we can succeed.
So not only is the new Avengers movie the bomb, it also has really great messages. So go see it!
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Baltimore Riots
Baltimore has been the face of riots in the street ever since Freddie Gray died in police custody. The riots were to due to Baltimore residents believe the police officers killed Freddie because of racism. This spiraled into an out of control police brutality battle.
I truly believe that racism is still a prominent problem in our country, and that being said, it is the most upsetting and childish problem in our country.
What is also upsetting is how people are so quick to blame everything on racism. I am not saying it is or isn't racism, but we as a country are so quick to throw blame on everyone but ourselves.
Where do we draw the line? When does it become too much?
If you are a police officer or just a man on the street, you have to ask yourself these questions. If you are in a position of authority, it is your job to protect and serve, now whether you do that is up to you, but doing what is right should be at the top of you job requirement. Now, none of us are perfect, but you do not have to be perfect to grow up and put your prejudices aside and do what is right. You have to decide where you draw the line. You have to decide if you are able to your job and stand up for the greater good rather than selfish beliefs.
So , I believe that if the police are guilty or not, if it was a racial crime or not, if there was police brutality or not, until you know the real story, do not place blame because of your prejudices. As for the riots, how does this bring any satisfaction? You are destroying your city to show that violence is wrong. Yes, that makes complete sense(what?). When do we all come together and instead of placing blame, fix the problem?
I truly believe that racism is still a prominent problem in our country, and that being said, it is the most upsetting and childish problem in our country.
What is also upsetting is how people are so quick to blame everything on racism. I am not saying it is or isn't racism, but we as a country are so quick to throw blame on everyone but ourselves.
Where do we draw the line? When does it become too much?
If you are a police officer or just a man on the street, you have to ask yourself these questions. If you are in a position of authority, it is your job to protect and serve, now whether you do that is up to you, but doing what is right should be at the top of you job requirement. Now, none of us are perfect, but you do not have to be perfect to grow up and put your prejudices aside and do what is right. You have to decide where you draw the line. You have to decide if you are able to your job and stand up for the greater good rather than selfish beliefs.
So , I believe that if the police are guilty or not, if it was a racial crime or not, if there was police brutality or not, until you know the real story, do not place blame because of your prejudices. As for the riots, how does this bring any satisfaction? You are destroying your city to show that violence is wrong. Yes, that makes complete sense(what?). When do we all come together and instead of placing blame, fix the problem?
Touring a College
I recently toured Edinboro University, which is near Erie, Pennsylvania. The open house lasted from 1-3 and was a time where you could get a tour and learn more about what your daily routine would consist of depending on your field of study. I want to major in journalism, so I got a tour of the building where I would have most of my classes directly relating to journalism. I ended up walking around with a freshman of the university and she gave me a tour of everything I wanted to see.
I was really nervous to enter Edinboro. I can be really shy around new people and new things, and I didn't want that to negatively affect what I wanted to get out my visit. So, I came up with some tips that I think should be thought about while entering a campus for a tour.
1.) You do NOT have to dress like you are going to the White House Correspondence Dinner
For a while, I had no idea what to wear. I did not know whether I should dress professionally, or as though I was going to a friend's birthday party(I actually was later that night). So, I decided to compensate. I wore shorts because it was supposed to reach the 70s, and I wore a dress shirt with a necklace. I dressed up, while also being comfortable and casual. I believe that comfort is best. You want to look presentable, but you also don't want to be miserable.
2.) Ask questions
I believe that high school has really helped me come out of my shell. I was able to walk around with a freshman of Edinboro and she really gave me a feel of what a day is like on campus. You can not be afraid to ask questions. An open house or a tour is only to benefit you. They already know what it's like! The best way to understand the college you may be applying to is to get to know the people and the area better. So, ask away!
3.) Have fun!
A college open house and your is not supposed to be a dreadful process. It is supposed to open you up to an area where you may be spending the next four years(or more) of your life after you graduate high school. It is important to take advantage of the opportunities and explore.
I was really nervous to enter Edinboro. I can be really shy around new people and new things, and I didn't want that to negatively affect what I wanted to get out my visit. So, I came up with some tips that I think should be thought about while entering a campus for a tour.
1.) You do NOT have to dress like you are going to the White House Correspondence Dinner
For a while, I had no idea what to wear. I did not know whether I should dress professionally, or as though I was going to a friend's birthday party(I actually was later that night). So, I decided to compensate. I wore shorts because it was supposed to reach the 70s, and I wore a dress shirt with a necklace. I dressed up, while also being comfortable and casual. I believe that comfort is best. You want to look presentable, but you also don't want to be miserable.
2.) Ask questions
I believe that high school has really helped me come out of my shell. I was able to walk around with a freshman of Edinboro and she really gave me a feel of what a day is like on campus. You can not be afraid to ask questions. An open house or a tour is only to benefit you. They already know what it's like! The best way to understand the college you may be applying to is to get to know the people and the area better. So, ask away!
3.) Have fun!
A college open house and your is not supposed to be a dreadful process. It is supposed to open you up to an area where you may be spending the next four years(or more) of your life after you graduate high school. It is important to take advantage of the opportunities and explore.
Thursday, April 9, 2015
A Quote to Live By
Martin Luther King Jr. said, "If you've got nothing worth dying for, you've got nothing worth living for."
This is one of my favorite quotes for many reasons. Martin Luther King Jr. was an African American civil rights activist. He challenged social views on segregation and the abundance of racism in our country, and paved the way for justice.
I believe that this quote not only speaks of who King was as a person, but also how he believes our lives should be lived.
Society has become fast paced, constantly looking for the latest and the greatest. We never stop to wonder why, we just do. Why? We have the belief that the media is right and that if that family with creepy, huge smiles likes that vacuum cleaner(bad example), then we will too. We have become a part of the social conformity, almost like one huge pile of peer pressure.
You may be wondering what any of this has to do with the quote that I began the blog with.
Well, in society we have come to the point where we have stopped thinking about WHY we want that vacuum cleaner(again, bad example), we just know we "HAVE" to have it.
It may be simple to answer the question, "What do you live for?" Some may think about it for a long time and have a deep answer, others may say shoes and socks. Whatever your answer is, you may take this question seriously or as just a playful conversation topic.
However, when asked, "What would you die for?", this question has a different meaning. It may be one thing to say you would live for it, but do you feel strongly enough for something that you would risk your life? Martin Luther King Jr. felt that way about civil rights. He risked and lost his life because of something he believed in. He felt that the only way to see change in the world was to make it, so he did. He was not even the only one. Rosa Parks, the African American woman who refused to moved to the back of the bus. And even recently, at the Columbine shooting. A young woman name Cassie Bernall was approached by one of the shooters in her high school. They asked if she believed in God, and she said yes, and they shot her. She died for believing in God. Now, if you asked her what she would die for, would she say a latest trend on TV? No, she would say that she would die for her belief in God. She never gave in and she stayed strong to what she believed in.
I believe this quote is a quote to live by.
When you are living for something, you believe that it is the reason you are here, maybe the reason you keep going.
When you would die for something, you know that you would risk your life for this, that you know your commitment and belief is that strong. It may not even be just a risk for yourself, but others as well.
So, if you have nothing you would die for, what are you living for?
This is one of my favorite quotes for many reasons. Martin Luther King Jr. was an African American civil rights activist. He challenged social views on segregation and the abundance of racism in our country, and paved the way for justice.
I believe that this quote not only speaks of who King was as a person, but also how he believes our lives should be lived.
Society has become fast paced, constantly looking for the latest and the greatest. We never stop to wonder why, we just do. Why? We have the belief that the media is right and that if that family with creepy, huge smiles likes that vacuum cleaner(bad example), then we will too. We have become a part of the social conformity, almost like one huge pile of peer pressure.
You may be wondering what any of this has to do with the quote that I began the blog with.
Well, in society we have come to the point where we have stopped thinking about WHY we want that vacuum cleaner(again, bad example), we just know we "HAVE" to have it.
It may be simple to answer the question, "What do you live for?" Some may think about it for a long time and have a deep answer, others may say shoes and socks. Whatever your answer is, you may take this question seriously or as just a playful conversation topic.
However, when asked, "What would you die for?", this question has a different meaning. It may be one thing to say you would live for it, but do you feel strongly enough for something that you would risk your life? Martin Luther King Jr. felt that way about civil rights. He risked and lost his life because of something he believed in. He felt that the only way to see change in the world was to make it, so he did. He was not even the only one. Rosa Parks, the African American woman who refused to moved to the back of the bus. And even recently, at the Columbine shooting. A young woman name Cassie Bernall was approached by one of the shooters in her high school. They asked if she believed in God, and she said yes, and they shot her. She died for believing in God. Now, if you asked her what she would die for, would she say a latest trend on TV? No, she would say that she would die for her belief in God. She never gave in and she stayed strong to what she believed in.
I believe this quote is a quote to live by.
When you are living for something, you believe that it is the reason you are here, maybe the reason you keep going.
When you would die for something, you know that you would risk your life for this, that you know your commitment and belief is that strong. It may not even be just a risk for yourself, but others as well.
So, if you have nothing you would die for, what are you living for?
Monday, March 23, 2015
Frank Underwood vs. Obama
A recent poll taken shows results that Frank Underwood of House of Cards played by Kevin Spacey, is more popular than Obama. The study showed that Americans prefer television presidents as opposed to their real life leaders. The poll resulted in 47% percent of Americans being favorable with Obama as their president. Obama addressed Frank Underwood and stated, "That guy is getting a lot done. I wish things were that ruthlessly efficient." Frank Underwood has let a passed out congressman die by leaving him in a garage inside a running car, and pushed a journalist into the path of a subway train. So why do American favor him over Obama, who is known by many as being calm, cool, and collected?
I do not watch House of Cards, however I am aware of the popularity of the show, which is a Netflix original series. I believe that when a political show is created, there is an instant buzz. We craze to see the behind the scenes, dig deep into the mysteries and the everyday drama. However, that is just it, it is all drama. Sure, we have a president, but for a TV show to remain on air it has to keep and gain a consistent audience, of which happens through interesting scripts and characters. Although some of the reason those do not favor Obama is simply because they do not like him, I feel that Americans favor Frank Underwood because he is like the adrenaline president. I feel like it may have something to do with the fact that we crave security. Obama is known as being a calm individual, so Americans may feel like they should have a president who will stop at nothing. Now, I feel like it is not very logical to compare a fictional president to an actual one. Of course the fiction will appeal to you more, that is the point. It would be highly more fitting to compare Obama with for example, Abraham Lincoln.
In conclusion, I feel although Americans may feel that fictional presidents possess more likable qualities, they are not going to control the country. The political dramas are made to provide conversation and stir emotion. They are used to show us everything that goes into being a world leader and everything they have to go through to protect the country they vowed to fight for.
I do not watch House of Cards, however I am aware of the popularity of the show, which is a Netflix original series. I believe that when a political show is created, there is an instant buzz. We craze to see the behind the scenes, dig deep into the mysteries and the everyday drama. However, that is just it, it is all drama. Sure, we have a president, but for a TV show to remain on air it has to keep and gain a consistent audience, of which happens through interesting scripts and characters. Although some of the reason those do not favor Obama is simply because they do not like him, I feel that Americans favor Frank Underwood because he is like the adrenaline president. I feel like it may have something to do with the fact that we crave security. Obama is known as being a calm individual, so Americans may feel like they should have a president who will stop at nothing. Now, I feel like it is not very logical to compare a fictional president to an actual one. Of course the fiction will appeal to you more, that is the point. It would be highly more fitting to compare Obama with for example, Abraham Lincoln.
In conclusion, I feel although Americans may feel that fictional presidents possess more likable qualities, they are not going to control the country. The political dramas are made to provide conversation and stir emotion. They are used to show us everything that goes into being a world leader and everything they have to go through to protect the country they vowed to fight for.
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Boston Bombing Trial
Dzhokhar Tsarnaev went on the stand on Wednesday for being accused of planting bombs which exploded during the Boston Marathon in 2013. Prosecuters stated Tsarnaev planted the bombs to " tear people apart and create a bloody spectacle." It is believed the motive of Tsarnaev was believing he is a soldier in the holy war against Americans, and that by winning this war, he would be on his way to the ultimate paradise. Three people were killed and more than 260 were injured, when two pressure-cooker bombs exploded in April of 2013.
The Boston Bombing was incredibly sad and heart breaking. All of those lives put in danger and some lost, for just simply deciding to run the marathon that day. I think that is one of the scariest parts about all of this. Sometimes, we never think that things can happen like this in certain places and we think of them as safe. For these runners, they almost lost their lives from doing something they love or strived to accomplish. Many people can suffer from post-traumatic stress after an event like this, which can cause many emotional and even physical problems in the future. Not to mention the families, who had to deal with loss and hurt of their loved ones being put in to danger. I truly hope that all of the runners will continue to pursue their dream. It definitely can be hard to move forward after something you have always viewed as safe, almost took your life. However, I believe that the best way to push forward and show the bombers that they can not be broken, would be to push on and show them that nothing can stop you. Some may want justice for what happened and feel anger, and the best justice would to not let it destroy you, and keep running the distance.
The Boston Bombing was incredibly sad and heart breaking. All of those lives put in danger and some lost, for just simply deciding to run the marathon that day. I think that is one of the scariest parts about all of this. Sometimes, we never think that things can happen like this in certain places and we think of them as safe. For these runners, they almost lost their lives from doing something they love or strived to accomplish. Many people can suffer from post-traumatic stress after an event like this, which can cause many emotional and even physical problems in the future. Not to mention the families, who had to deal with loss and hurt of their loved ones being put in to danger. I truly hope that all of the runners will continue to pursue their dream. It definitely can be hard to move forward after something you have always viewed as safe, almost took your life. However, I believe that the best way to push forward and show the bombers that they can not be broken, would be to push on and show them that nothing can stop you. Some may want justice for what happened and feel anger, and the best justice would to not let it destroy you, and keep running the distance.
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Prosthetic Leg Stolen from Paralympic Hopeful
Ranjit Steiner woke up on his birthday to find his running blade- a prosthetic leg, stolen from his car in San Francisco. Steiner runs for the City College in San Francisco and needs the leg to continue training. He is a hopeful for the 2016 Paralympics in Brazil. In a strange coincidence, police found a prosthetic leg leaning against a tree last week on the same day as Steiner's has gone missing. Ranjit Steiner told investigators that he did not even think that someone would think to take anything like that. He stated, "It's just so low. You never think anybody would take anything like that."
I think the saddest part about this is not how much the leg is worth, but how much it is worth to Ranjit. It is the chance he has been given to pursue what he has strived so hard to accomplish. This just shows you how some people think in our society. Money has become such a greedy need that some are willing to take away hope to gain wealth. Sure, there are larger scale problems occurring in our country besides a missing prosthetic leg, but it is still upsetting to think that a man who is working toward a future that would otherwise be impossible without the leg, is put on halt. Steiner is hoping the public will help in searching for the prosthetic. His next meet is scheduled for this weekend and it determines his acceptance into the Olympics. The cost of replacing the leg could be around $30,000, considering prosthetics are already expensive, but the parts are specific to Steiner's body. He states that he is just waiting for the leg in hopes to continue his season and hopes that the prosthetic leg will be found, thus allowing him to move forward and focus on his dream.
I think the saddest part about this is not how much the leg is worth, but how much it is worth to Ranjit. It is the chance he has been given to pursue what he has strived so hard to accomplish. This just shows you how some people think in our society. Money has become such a greedy need that some are willing to take away hope to gain wealth. Sure, there are larger scale problems occurring in our country besides a missing prosthetic leg, but it is still upsetting to think that a man who is working toward a future that would otherwise be impossible without the leg, is put on halt. Steiner is hoping the public will help in searching for the prosthetic. His next meet is scheduled for this weekend and it determines his acceptance into the Olympics. The cost of replacing the leg could be around $30,000, considering prosthetics are already expensive, but the parts are specific to Steiner's body. He states that he is just waiting for the leg in hopes to continue his season and hopes that the prosthetic leg will be found, thus allowing him to move forward and focus on his dream.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)