He's unbiased, observant, well-learned, and makes great travel guides. It's Rick Steves. He came to our school today to discuss his new book about traveling, politics, and global consciousness.
It's too bad he comes across as a left-wing extremist who preaches to us about the unfortunate discrepancies between the rich and poor, yet he himself is a CEO and is talking to a group of private-school students. Hello hypocrisy.
He claims that the United States is an empire! Terrorism is overrated! So a few hundred or thousand people die here and there; it's unfortunate but who cares! We all need to move on with our lives, help out the economy, don't let those terrorists get us down! Well, I'm sorry to say Mr. Steves, but that's just not how the world works. Terrorism is overrated, probably too much propaganda...Until you're the one being held hostage, or worse - you're already dead. He claims we are an all-too-militaristic community! Yes, but that's because many people/countries in the world would love to bomb us.
He says we dehumanize our enemies! Yes, but don't all people do that? Dehumanize makes me think of aliens...for some strange reason. Anyways, the bottom line is that yes, we may sometimes dehumanize those we don't know, which leads to stereotypes (e.g. all Pakistani/Iranians/etc. are terrorists!). We know that these stereotypes are superficial and most likely incorrect, but we are all human. It is in our nature to immediately group similar people together and judge them; I'm not saying it's right, but it's how things are. He gets angry when the United States goes in and massacres a group of people, including women and children, because we mistook the groom to be Osama Bin Laden. He says we should feel sorry for that family, but we don't, because we're too busy sympathizing with a young child who's family was all killed and she is the only one left. Well, how do you know, Mr. Steves, that we don't feel bad for that innocent family who was murdered? How can someone who says that we shouldn't over-generalize people, over-generalize us?
He also went on to talk about how his own daughter has braces, and many of her classmates (a majority of them, in fact) have braces, too. He says that two sets of braces (approximately $5000) could dig a well in Africa. We should cut our own expenses to help others. However, is it so wrong to put to use the money our parents/we have worked hard for? Once Mr. Steves takes the braces off his own daughter and stops not-so-subtly incorporating sales pitches for his tour guides in his speeches, I will consider persuading the masses to give up things like braces. But until then, I'm stuck with having metal in my teeth.
My rant is over now. Have a wonderful weekend! =]
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
What To Do in an Emergency
From the beginning of our adolescence to our last year of high school, we are always reminded what to do in case of an emergency (whether it be medical or criminal, etc.). We call 9-1-1. When our parents are having a heart attack, when we find a dead body, when we get into a car accident, we call 9-1-1. So how is it possible that twenty, not one, but twenty people did not call 9-1-1 as they heard/saw a 15-year-old girl being gang raped outside Richmond High School?
Perhaps these witnesses were scared that they, themselves, would be the next victim of they ratted out these criminals. Maybe they did this to protect their families. Regardless of the reason, I think that the the California law that requires a witness of a crime of a child to contact the police should stand for all people, not just children 14 and under. It is common sense to help a person in need; shouldn't we all be Good Samaritans? Or are we all just too cowardly, or have too much to do to get involved in such a complicated matter.
How can you be a human being and not help a young 15-year-old girl when she is being sexually assaulted right before your eyes? Even if you hear something and it seems wrong, how can you not dial 9-1-1 (even anonymously)? If these witnesses are teens,(which most of them might be) then I'm ashamed to call myself a teenager. Really, now, where is our sense of duty to our neighbors and fellow community members - our morals?
So, what do we do in an emergency? We call. 9-1-1.
Perhaps these witnesses were scared that they, themselves, would be the next victim of they ratted out these criminals. Maybe they did this to protect their families. Regardless of the reason, I think that the the California law that requires a witness of a crime of a child to contact the police should stand for all people, not just children 14 and under. It is common sense to help a person in need; shouldn't we all be Good Samaritans? Or are we all just too cowardly, or have too much to do to get involved in such a complicated matter.
How can you be a human being and not help a young 15-year-old girl when she is being sexually assaulted right before your eyes? Even if you hear something and it seems wrong, how can you not dial 9-1-1 (even anonymously)? If these witnesses are teens,(which most of them might be) then I'm ashamed to call myself a teenager. Really, now, where is our sense of duty to our neighbors and fellow community members - our morals?
So, what do we do in an emergency? We call. 9-1-1.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Let's Party Like It's 1999!
Like Prince's infamous song, 1999, says, let's all party like it's 1999!
1999. Barack Obama was only 38-years-old, serving in the Illinois Senate. The year Spongebob Squarepants' first episode debuted on Nickelodean. The year that the Dow Jones closed above 11,000 points for the first time! Yeah! Party!
Yes, well, I'm sorry to break it to you all. But it's 2009, not 1999. Nobody knows who the Backstreet Boys are, nobody uses Napster, and we now use MacBooks not iBook G3s. How times have changed.
So, President Obama, why are you still focused on so much fund-raising and campaigning for your fellow Democrats in Congress? Yes, elections will be coming up for the Senate. But, really, instead of throwing parties and large fundraisers in efforts to raise money for your Party, why don't we focus on more important things...like global climate change, world hunger, our health care, nuclear threats, terrorism, and oh, I don't know, maybe...our national debt? It's time to put your priorities of your political party behind and think for the entire nation as a whole, Republicans and Democrats alike. Those parties being thrown must cost a lot of money to plan and organize...don't you think?
1999. Barack Obama was only 38-years-old, serving in the Illinois Senate. The year Spongebob Squarepants' first episode debuted on Nickelodean. The year that the Dow Jones closed above 11,000 points for the first time! Yeah! Party!
Yes, well, I'm sorry to break it to you all. But it's 2009, not 1999. Nobody knows who the Backstreet Boys are, nobody uses Napster, and we now use MacBooks not iBook G3s. How times have changed.
So, President Obama, why are you still focused on so much fund-raising and campaigning for your fellow Democrats in Congress? Yes, elections will be coming up for the Senate. But, really, instead of throwing parties and large fundraisers in efforts to raise money for your Party, why don't we focus on more important things...like global climate change, world hunger, our health care, nuclear threats, terrorism, and oh, I don't know, maybe...our national debt? It's time to put your priorities of your political party behind and think for the entire nation as a whole, Republicans and Democrats alike. Those parties being thrown must cost a lot of money to plan and organize...don't you think?
Friday, October 23, 2009
A Word of Advice
7-year-old Somer Thompson's body was finally discovered in orange Park, Florida garbage dump. 9-year-old Elizabeth Olten's body was found in the forest.
My heart truly goes out to these families for the devastating losses of their daughters.
However, what's more important is that all families in the United States realize that allowing a young 10-year-old daughter to walk around alone with her younger siblings after school, coming home, is not a possibility anymore. The perverts and sex-offenders will take every chance they get to steal away young girls, and older girls, alike. So, please, don't let your kids go anywhere or do anything alone, even if it's just walking home from school. Even if you're 16-years-old or 21-years-old, you're still a possible target from these creepy men (maybe even female). As Halloween rolls around, I hope you are ALL very careful!
My heart truly goes out to these families for the devastating losses of their daughters.
However, what's more important is that all families in the United States realize that allowing a young 10-year-old daughter to walk around alone with her younger siblings after school, coming home, is not a possibility anymore. The perverts and sex-offenders will take every chance they get to steal away young girls, and older girls, alike. So, please, don't let your kids go anywhere or do anything alone, even if it's just walking home from school. Even if you're 16-years-old or 21-years-old, you're still a possible target from these creepy men (maybe even female). As Halloween rolls around, I hope you are ALL very careful!
Democrat or Despot
In my A.P. U.S. History, we debated whether or not former President Andrew Jackson was a Democrat or despot. We eventually concluded that he was indeed a Democrat. It was noted that although he had his own personal ideals that were not well-liked by the public, he ultimately tried to ensure equality for all and carefully monitored the power that the government held. Apparently, President Barack Obama does not feel the same about the checks and balances system. The first amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America clearly states that all American citizens have freedom of speech. I do believe that Fox News maintains the right to free speech, too.
So, why does President Obama and his administration see fit to prevent Fox News Channel from entering the "pool" at the press conference of pay-czar Kenneth Feinberg? I understand that President Obama recieves much criticism from Fox News, but former President Bush also recieved much criticism from the media. Yet, we did not see former President Bush ever block a media source from reporting what they want. How can someone who won the NOBEL PEACE PRIZE act like this? Even news stations such as ABC, CBS, CNN and NBC refused the interview with Feinberg, standing up for the freedom of speech guaranteed for for Fox News, and all other media sources of the world. If Obama is targeting FNC, who's next? Look at poor Sarah Palin who is STILL attacked, though she has already stepped down from her position of governor of Alaska. I don't see her refusing all interviews and ignoring the world; she has to deal with the problems presented in a professional and peaceful manner.
Mr. President, you are in fact what your title is - the president of the United States. As the president, you must stand for all the people, not just the people who agree with you. Can you please stop acting like a sophomoric fourth-grader and focus on the more important issues? For example, oh I don't know, our enormous debt? Like Bill O'Reilly says, "Mr. President, you have better things to do than continue this petty feud."
To further Republican annoyance, Florida congressman Alan Grayson seems to also be walking down the trail of radicalism and extreme rudeness. As a politician, one does not use rude rhetoric such as to say that "Fox news and the Republican collaborators are the enemy of America." Also, how can you criticize the (now former) vice president Dick Chenney and ask "When he was done speaking, did he just turn into a bat and fly away?" Really. We don't talk like spiteful little kids. Can we all just act like professionals here?
So, why does President Obama and his administration see fit to prevent Fox News Channel from entering the "pool" at the press conference of pay-czar Kenneth Feinberg? I understand that President Obama recieves much criticism from Fox News, but former President Bush also recieved much criticism from the media. Yet, we did not see former President Bush ever block a media source from reporting what they want. How can someone who won the NOBEL PEACE PRIZE act like this? Even news stations such as ABC, CBS, CNN and NBC refused the interview with Feinberg, standing up for the freedom of speech guaranteed for for Fox News, and all other media sources of the world. If Obama is targeting FNC, who's next? Look at poor Sarah Palin who is STILL attacked, though she has already stepped down from her position of governor of Alaska. I don't see her refusing all interviews and ignoring the world; she has to deal with the problems presented in a professional and peaceful manner.
Mr. President, you are in fact what your title is - the president of the United States. As the president, you must stand for all the people, not just the people who agree with you. Can you please stop acting like a sophomoric fourth-grader and focus on the more important issues? For example, oh I don't know, our enormous debt? Like Bill O'Reilly says, "Mr. President, you have better things to do than continue this petty feud."
To further Republican annoyance, Florida congressman Alan Grayson seems to also be walking down the trail of radicalism and extreme rudeness. As a politician, one does not use rude rhetoric such as to say that "Fox news and the Republican collaborators are the enemy of America." Also, how can you criticize the (now former) vice president Dick Chenney and ask "When he was done speaking, did he just turn into a bat and fly away?" Really. We don't talk like spiteful little kids. Can we all just act like professionals here?
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Flying Saucers and Little Boys
It's a bird, it's a plane, no..it's a UFO!
Actually, it was a helium balloon? The Heenes family were struck with fear as they saw the little saucer-baloon-object fly into the sky...they thought their 6-year-old son was trapped inside. Trapped inside a helium balloon. In the sky. For two hours?
Highly unlikely, in my opinion. It turns out the boy was in a box in the attic the whole time. What's even more amusing is that the entire situation was a prank, a joke, a plan to book a reality TV show like Jon & Kate Plus 8. That's sad. I feel no pity for the parents, but I do feel sympathy for poor 6-year-old Falcon Heene. It wasn't his fault that his parents are money-seeking, selfish people, wasting money and time of emergency units. It also is not his fault that he is an innocent, honest little boy who spoke the truth on national television (Larry King Live) when he revealed that he was hiding in the attic "for the show."
Charges are going to put against the parents? Good. They need to find something better to do with their time.
Actually, it was a helium balloon? The Heenes family were struck with fear as they saw the little saucer-baloon-object fly into the sky...they thought their 6-year-old son was trapped inside. Trapped inside a helium balloon. In the sky. For two hours?
Highly unlikely, in my opinion. It turns out the boy was in a box in the attic the whole time. What's even more amusing is that the entire situation was a prank, a joke, a plan to book a reality TV show like Jon & Kate Plus 8. That's sad. I feel no pity for the parents, but I do feel sympathy for poor 6-year-old Falcon Heene. It wasn't his fault that his parents are money-seeking, selfish people, wasting money and time of emergency units. It also is not his fault that he is an innocent, honest little boy who spoke the truth on national television (Larry King Live) when he revealed that he was hiding in the attic "for the show."
Charges are going to put against the parents? Good. They need to find something better to do with their time.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
The Neverending Debate
How do you differentiate between truth and fallacy? Easy. Truth has evidence and it's realistic. Fallacy? Well that's everything that truth isn't. Fallacies are things that can not be substantiated with concrete reasoning and proof.
If the fundamentals of true and false are so simple, why is it actually very difficult to extrapolate the truth in matters such as...oh I don't know...the theory of evolution?
Science and religion seem to always be at odds. The Theory of Evolution is constantly debated, as is the Big Bang Theory. How was the earth created? How did mankind become what it is today? Do we share a common ancestor, eventually diverging into different groups of species and bacteria? Or is there a Greater Being (i.e. God) that reigns from above?
Coming from a religious family, I see it from both sides. I believe myself to be a full-Christian (however you might define/perceive that as). Yet, growing up in the 21st century, I do have a significant amount of trust in science. As I looked through a forum, I came upon this video. Though the topic is discussing the validity of Bill O'Reilly's techniques of debate on his Fox News show, The O'Reilly Factor, the debates themselves are amusing and intriguing.
After being brought to my attention, the subject of whether or not the Theory of Evolution should be taught in schools has really stuck in my mind. On one hand, I do believe that all students should be given the opportunity to learn and become aware of the fact that such a theory exists. It's important to be knowledgeable when we live in such a diverse and technology-oriented science today. Yet, students (especially those who might be religious) should also be given the chance to understand that there are some things that science cannot always explain. The school system in the United States is very influential, especially with the younger children. If one option is offered as an explanation, other reasons should be offered simultaneously.
This matter is very complicated, and the debating shall probably continue throughout the centuries. However, til then, perhaps we need to reevaluate the situation. It is the minds of the future inhabitants of the world that we're talking about.
If the fundamentals of true and false are so simple, why is it actually very difficult to extrapolate the truth in matters such as...oh I don't know...the theory of evolution?
Science and religion seem to always be at odds. The Theory of Evolution is constantly debated, as is the Big Bang Theory. How was the earth created? How did mankind become what it is today? Do we share a common ancestor, eventually diverging into different groups of species and bacteria? Or is there a Greater Being (i.e. God) that reigns from above?
Coming from a religious family, I see it from both sides. I believe myself to be a full-Christian (however you might define/perceive that as). Yet, growing up in the 21st century, I do have a significant amount of trust in science. As I looked through a forum, I came upon this video. Though the topic is discussing the validity of Bill O'Reilly's techniques of debate on his Fox News show, The O'Reilly Factor, the debates themselves are amusing and intriguing.
After being brought to my attention, the subject of whether or not the Theory of Evolution should be taught in schools has really stuck in my mind. On one hand, I do believe that all students should be given the opportunity to learn and become aware of the fact that such a theory exists. It's important to be knowledgeable when we live in such a diverse and technology-oriented science today. Yet, students (especially those who might be religious) should also be given the chance to understand that there are some things that science cannot always explain. The school system in the United States is very influential, especially with the younger children. If one option is offered as an explanation, other reasons should be offered simultaneously.
This matter is very complicated, and the debating shall probably continue throughout the centuries. However, til then, perhaps we need to reevaluate the situation. It is the minds of the future inhabitants of the world that we're talking about.
Friday, October 9, 2009
And the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize Goes To...
President Baraq Obama.
The world is still in shock...as am I.
How is it possible that after being in office for barely a year, President Obama is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize? I wasn't aware of the fact that peace had been achieved by President Obama in the Middle East. I see no logic in the Nobel committee's selection of President Obama. They claim that he was selected for his noble efforts to rid the world of nuclear weapons (emphasis on the word efforts) and re-instilled a sense of hope in the global community. I, being part of this global community, don't really feel any safer about the nuclear weapons issue in North Korea or Iran, but maybe that's just me.
However, perhaps this Nobel Peace Prize will propel President Obama to try harder to achieve his goals of "peace" and drive him to achieve even greater things in the future. Who knows?
The world is still in shock...as am I.
How is it possible that after being in office for barely a year, President Obama is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize? I wasn't aware of the fact that peace had been achieved by President Obama in the Middle East. I see no logic in the Nobel committee's selection of President Obama. They claim that he was selected for his noble efforts to rid the world of nuclear weapons (emphasis on the word efforts) and re-instilled a sense of hope in the global community. I, being part of this global community, don't really feel any safer about the nuclear weapons issue in North Korea or Iran, but maybe that's just me.
However, perhaps this Nobel Peace Prize will propel President Obama to try harder to achieve his goals of "peace" and drive him to achieve even greater things in the future. Who knows?
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Cross Crisis
75 years ago, a cross was resurrected in the Mojave Desert to honor the noble soldiers who gave their lives in World War I.
Emphasis on the word - honor. There is no religious significance behind this cross - it's to stand as a symbol of recognition to remember those who gave their lives. So, then, why is the validity of the presence of the cross being questioned in the Supreme Court? People these days seem to want to make a big deal out of the smallest issues. Religion being one of them. Though there really is no religious/Christian implication with this particular cross, people want to take it down. Does the cross imply that only Christian soldiers are being honored? Not to my knowledge. The United States, itself, was founded on Christian principles. Even the dollar bill says "In God We Trust." It was absurd enough to think that people were making a big deal about the part of the Pledge of Allegiance that says "one nation under GOD". Now, they want to take down a 75-year-old memorial that was made in tribute to courageous self-sacrificing veterans. Why can't people just leave it alone?
Emphasis on the word - honor. There is no religious significance behind this cross - it's to stand as a symbol of recognition to remember those who gave their lives. So, then, why is the validity of the presence of the cross being questioned in the Supreme Court? People these days seem to want to make a big deal out of the smallest issues. Religion being one of them. Though there really is no religious/Christian implication with this particular cross, people want to take it down. Does the cross imply that only Christian soldiers are being honored? Not to my knowledge. The United States, itself, was founded on Christian principles. Even the dollar bill says "In God We Trust." It was absurd enough to think that people were making a big deal about the part of the Pledge of Allegiance that says "one nation under GOD". Now, they want to take down a 75-year-old memorial that was made in tribute to courageous self-sacrificing veterans. Why can't people just leave it alone?
Sunday, October 4, 2009
THE APOCALYPSE.
How many movies/television shows have you seen, or heard of, lately that has to do with the finals day of Earth - THE END OF EVERYTHING AS WE KNOW IT.
I really can't stand these movies; I don't find anything interesting in these productions at all. What movies have there been? The Day After Tomorrow or the latest movie to be released, 2012. When I think about the Apocalypse, I think of the Mayans. The ancient civilization that mysteriously vanished without a trace, who believed that there was a definitive day when the world would just end. This day is rapidly coming up - December 21, 2012. Wow, I'll be a sophomore in college by then!
Is it interesting to see that the Mayans had this particular day marked on their calendars? Yes; it reveals a lot about their culture and beliefs. Does this mean that people should start preparing for the end of the world? I don't know. Personally, I don't believe in this theory of "Doomsday", but I suppose it's a personal belief.
But, in all honesty, Hollywood really needs to stop making these kinds of plots. Sudden people disappearing, mass of people becoming ill...what else is there? This new movie, 2012, coming up? My suggestion - don't waste your money seeing it.
I really can't stand these movies; I don't find anything interesting in these productions at all. What movies have there been? The Day After Tomorrow or the latest movie to be released, 2012. When I think about the Apocalypse, I think of the Mayans. The ancient civilization that mysteriously vanished without a trace, who believed that there was a definitive day when the world would just end. This day is rapidly coming up - December 21, 2012. Wow, I'll be a sophomore in college by then!
Is it interesting to see that the Mayans had this particular day marked on their calendars? Yes; it reveals a lot about their culture and beliefs. Does this mean that people should start preparing for the end of the world? I don't know. Personally, I don't believe in this theory of "Doomsday", but I suppose it's a personal belief.
But, in all honesty, Hollywood really needs to stop making these kinds of plots. Sudden people disappearing, mass of people becoming ill...what else is there? This new movie, 2012, coming up? My suggestion - don't waste your money seeing it.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Rejection. It's Hard to Accept.
As many of you may well know, President Obama was a strong advocate of making Chicago, Illinois, the next place for the summer Olympics in 2016.
It sounded like a good idea - the United States being the home of the next summer Olympics. That is, until Chicago was ruled out immediately after Round 1 of the selection process. Even after the persuasive attempts by the First Lady, Michelle Obama, herself, the committee remained adamant to keep Chicago out of the running. Where is all that egotism now?
Instead, the honor has gone to Rio de Janeiro, the second largest city of Brazil. I congratulate them on this honor - even beating out Madrid in the final round of selection! However, I am still disappointed that Chicago did not receive this very same honor; yet, I am amused. Let's all remind ourselves of the current state of our country's economy and morale. Though this could have been an ideal opportunity to reestablish foreign relations and our global status as a nation, it's okay my fellow Americans. We still have other things to worry about.
It sounded like a good idea - the United States being the home of the next summer Olympics. That is, until Chicago was ruled out immediately after Round 1 of the selection process. Even after the persuasive attempts by the First Lady, Michelle Obama, herself, the committee remained adamant to keep Chicago out of the running. Where is all that egotism now?
Instead, the honor has gone to Rio de Janeiro, the second largest city of Brazil. I congratulate them on this honor - even beating out Madrid in the final round of selection! However, I am still disappointed that Chicago did not receive this very same honor; yet, I am amused. Let's all remind ourselves of the current state of our country's economy and morale. Though this could have been an ideal opportunity to reestablish foreign relations and our global status as a nation, it's okay my fellow Americans. We still have other things to worry about.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Welcome to the 21st Century...
This is the 21st century, right? So why is there still elitism and unequal treatment in society? What do I mean? I mean, why is it that celebrities and other important people (such as politicians and filmmakers) are let off the hook every so often?
Take for example, Oscar award-winning filmmaker Roman Polanski. In 1977, Polanski raped a young, innocent 13 year-old girl. After not attending his own sentence at court, he fled in 1978 to France to avoid being sentenced to prison. Now, 32 years later, he has finally been arrested when he was recognized in Zurich, Switzerland (no longer under the protection of the French).
How is it possible that nobody has continued to make it a big deal after a man sexually abused a young girl? Does being a filmmaker excuse him from being under jurisdiction of the laws of the country? No, it doesn’t. He is a citizen of the United States, just like the rest of us. He is not a deity; he is not above the law. How can nobody continuously attempt to serve justice and reprimand him for his disgusting crime? Is there still such elitism and unfair treatment today
Take for example, Oscar award-winning filmmaker Roman Polanski. In 1977, Polanski raped a young, innocent 13 year-old girl. After not attending his own sentence at court, he fled in 1978 to France to avoid being sentenced to prison. Now, 32 years later, he has finally been arrested when he was recognized in Zurich, Switzerland (no longer under the protection of the French).
How is it possible that nobody has continued to make it a big deal after a man sexually abused a young girl? Does being a filmmaker excuse him from being under jurisdiction of the laws of the country? No, it doesn’t. He is a citizen of the United States, just like the rest of us. He is not a deity; he is not above the law. How can nobody continuously attempt to serve justice and reprimand him for his disgusting crime? Is there still such elitism and unfair treatment today
