My current event post this week will be about Marie Dedieu. The sixty-six year old woman was kidnapped from her beach front home in Kenya on October 1st. She was staying there with her boyfriend John Lepapa. She was handicapped and suffered from cancer as well as heart disease. Because of her condition, Dedieu was required to take medication for her ailments daily. When she was taken from her beach front home, she was deprived of the necessary medication she needed to live.
The French government was able to contact al-Shabab, the armed gang that abducted Marie Dedieu. The government tried to reason with the group and sent the medication that Dedieu needed to live. However, the government's contact with al-Shabab reported that she had died. The French feel that the only possible answer as to how she died was because she was not given her medication.
"'My girlfriend pleaded with them and told them to take whatever they wanted from the house, including the money and to spare her life," said Lepapa. "But they would not listen.'"
The French government has characterized the treatment of Dedieu under the care of her kidnappers as unqualified barbarism. This incident has caused Kenya's tourism industry to go down, as tourists feel insecure because of the kidnapping of Marie Dedieu.
Friday, October 21, 2011
[RE] Blocking the Past
"They say you should learn from your mistakes but for my younger brothers and sisters, they have to learn from their mistake and mine so they wont make the same ones I made."
This quote is from Zubair's post. I can really relate to how he doesn't want his younger siblings to make the same mistakes that he made. However, in my case, I don't want my younger brother to have to experience all the things that I have had to deal with these past three years. So it is a little bit different from how Zubair is feeling, but you'll have to bear with me.
My younger brother has seen me in so much pain because of all of the drama I've had to go through during high school. I know that just that alone had made him so scared of going into high school after he graduated from eighth grade, and I really felt bad about it. Granted, being picked on by a middle-aged woman for the past three years made me a stronger person and made me grow up fast, but I don't think that anyone should have to experience that kind of thing as a high schooler. My family was there for me through all of it, especially my brother. Thats why I think that it's great that he was able to settle down and begin to enjoy high school, but what I am really scared about is what he may or may not experience in his later years. Basically, I wish I could block the past, my past, from haunting him...
I know that I may not always be the best sister ever, but I still want to look out for my younger brother. You know that feeling that the older sibling gets when their younger brother/sister gets picked on by other people? It's like we feel like it should only be us allowed to mess with them. I don't actually know if that made sense or not but it did in my head. Anyways, I just really really hope that he isn't put through the same drama that I had to go through.
This quote is from Zubair's post. I can really relate to how he doesn't want his younger siblings to make the same mistakes that he made. However, in my case, I don't want my younger brother to have to experience all the things that I have had to deal with these past three years. So it is a little bit different from how Zubair is feeling, but you'll have to bear with me.
My younger brother has seen me in so much pain because of all of the drama I've had to go through during high school. I know that just that alone had made him so scared of going into high school after he graduated from eighth grade, and I really felt bad about it. Granted, being picked on by a middle-aged woman for the past three years made me a stronger person and made me grow up fast, but I don't think that anyone should have to experience that kind of thing as a high schooler. My family was there for me through all of it, especially my brother. Thats why I think that it's great that he was able to settle down and begin to enjoy high school, but what I am really scared about is what he may or may not experience in his later years. Basically, I wish I could block the past, my past, from haunting him...
I know that I may not always be the best sister ever, but I still want to look out for my younger brother. You know that feeling that the older sibling gets when their younger brother/sister gets picked on by other people? It's like we feel like it should only be us allowed to mess with them. I don't actually know if that made sense or not but it did in my head. Anyways, I just really really hope that he isn't put through the same drama that I had to go through.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
[FREE] The Other Side
Today, my mom made me go to a seminar about overcoming fears and boundaries. Surprisingly, it was alot more fun than I could have imagined. We went over topics that everyone encounters throughout life and we also did quite a few activities that demonstrated how we all have a choice. Anyways, my experience today made me realize that most of us are afraid about what other people think about us. But what we don't realize is that so many people are too concerned about how others see them to judge us. We also don't realize how quickly we judge others because we don't always know the other side of the story.
Picture this.
You are on your way to this party that you've been waiting all week for, and your friends call you and ask you to pick up as many cookies as possible because they ran out at the party. They're all waiting for you to get there with the cookies, so you race over to the store on your way to the party. When you get to the store, you're unfamiliar with the aisles and don't know where anything is. You see an employee and you ask her, "can you help me find some cookies? I need some for this party that I'm going to." and she responds with "Find your own cookies. I don't have time for this." Now you're thinking 'How rude! All I asked for was for some help finding cookies!'
BUT
What if this same scenario plays out once again, and this time you over hear a conversation between a couple other employees that goes like this:
"I can't believe she showed up for work today."
"I know. The doctors just diagnosed her daughter with cancer. How is she ever going to be able to pay for the treatment with this job?"
It makes you think again doesn't it?
This was only one of the activities that we did today during the seminar, and I feel like this one really hit home. Most of the time, when someone is rude or mean to us, we ask why they want to be like that to us. The world doesn't revolve around a single person, and we never know the full story. There may very well be a reason behind the actions of a person. We all have a choice about who we want to be and how we want to see life. This seminar helped me realize that there's always another side to the story. We may not know this other story, but it's always going to be there. The past is history, the future is a mystery, and today is a gift; that is why it's called the present. I think that the present is here for us to choose how we want to see life each and every day. I really feel like I learned alot about getting past the boundary of selfishness. There's alot more that I want to say about what else I got out of the seminar, but it's getting late and I'm exhausted. More on this later...
Picture this.
You are on your way to this party that you've been waiting all week for, and your friends call you and ask you to pick up as many cookies as possible because they ran out at the party. They're all waiting for you to get there with the cookies, so you race over to the store on your way to the party. When you get to the store, you're unfamiliar with the aisles and don't know where anything is. You see an employee and you ask her, "can you help me find some cookies? I need some for this party that I'm going to." and she responds with "Find your own cookies. I don't have time for this." Now you're thinking 'How rude! All I asked for was for some help finding cookies!'
BUT
What if this same scenario plays out once again, and this time you over hear a conversation between a couple other employees that goes like this:
"I can't believe she showed up for work today."
"I know. The doctors just diagnosed her daughter with cancer. How is she ever going to be able to pay for the treatment with this job?"
It makes you think again doesn't it?
This was only one of the activities that we did today during the seminar, and I feel like this one really hit home. Most of the time, when someone is rude or mean to us, we ask why they want to be like that to us. The world doesn't revolve around a single person, and we never know the full story. There may very well be a reason behind the actions of a person. We all have a choice about who we want to be and how we want to see life. This seminar helped me realize that there's always another side to the story. We may not know this other story, but it's always going to be there. The past is history, the future is a mystery, and today is a gift; that is why it's called the present. I think that the present is here for us to choose how we want to see life each and every day. I really feel like I learned alot about getting past the boundary of selfishness. There's alot more that I want to say about what else I got out of the seminar, but it's getting late and I'm exhausted. More on this later...
Friday, October 14, 2011
[ESSAY] The Look
Today, many fashion retail stores have begun hiring people on the basis of appearance rather than skill or experience. The fact that these stores prefer hiring attractive people with little or no job experience makes it difficult for those with working experience to get jobs. Although Marshal Cohen's comment about the retail market is essentially true, it is still morally wrong to deny someone of a job if they have an adequate skill set. Retailers should not rely on an attractive work force to gain the attention of consumers, because it causes customer service to be volatile. Since attractiveness is based on one's preference, hiring people because of their looks can cause discrimination problems against the company.
When a company hires employees, they usually look for someone with the right skills and prior work experience. Hiring by appearances can cause problems for the company if they do not know what they are doing. Even though they can train a new employee with no experience, it is still morally unjust to turn away a person with the right skill set and work experience for someone who simply looks better. Companies can "run into problems of race discrimination, national origin discrimination, gender discrimination, age discrimination, and even disability discrimination"(9) when they hire people for the sole purpose of their looks. In America, these types of discrimination are illegal, and can cause controversy between these companies and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The way that these types of companies hire workers are on the border of the anti-discrimination laws that have been set by the government. Therefore, it is essentially wrong for companies to hire only attractive people.
Many times, when people walk into a store, they already know what they want to buy or what they are looking for. Personally, when I walk into a store, I either know what I want or I like the merchandise that the stores sell.
Not to say that this is the same for all people, but it stands to reason that it is mainly true. Therefore, because many people feel this way about retail stores, it is not necessary for stores to have to hire only attractive people to work the sales floor.
Inexperienced workers can sometimes affect the quality of customer service. Based on personal experience, I understand that during a rush, inexperienced workers can feel apprehensive about what to do in a situation like that. Many times, worker's training does not prepare one for the actual situation. For my first job, I felt cornered during peak hours; the store got so busy that I just did not know what to do. However, at one point in everyone's life, they all go through the phase of the inexperienced worker. But for high-end retail stores, they should be looking for employees that can deliver great customer service and the skills they were hired for all while maintaining a proper work ethic.
Marshal Cohen's comment about keeping up with the look of fashion retail stores is accurate in that people want to buy clothing that gives them "the look". However, it does not justify the moral problems with hiring people based on attractiveness. Furthermore, the human perception of attractiveness varies with every person. Which is why hiring employees should be weighted equally between experience, skills, work ethic, and very lastly, appearance. That is not to say that companies have the right to hire on the basis of appearance, but if the company has two applicants for a single job, then, as an exception, it may stand to reason that appearance can be a deciding factor.
When a company hires employees, they usually look for someone with the right skills and prior work experience. Hiring by appearances can cause problems for the company if they do not know what they are doing. Even though they can train a new employee with no experience, it is still morally unjust to turn away a person with the right skill set and work experience for someone who simply looks better. Companies can "run into problems of race discrimination, national origin discrimination, gender discrimination, age discrimination, and even disability discrimination"(9) when they hire people for the sole purpose of their looks. In America, these types of discrimination are illegal, and can cause controversy between these companies and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The way that these types of companies hire workers are on the border of the anti-discrimination laws that have been set by the government. Therefore, it is essentially wrong for companies to hire only attractive people.
Many times, when people walk into a store, they already know what they want to buy or what they are looking for. Personally, when I walk into a store, I either know what I want or I like the merchandise that the stores sell.
Not to say that this is the same for all people, but it stands to reason that it is mainly true. Therefore, because many people feel this way about retail stores, it is not necessary for stores to have to hire only attractive people to work the sales floor.
Inexperienced workers can sometimes affect the quality of customer service. Based on personal experience, I understand that during a rush, inexperienced workers can feel apprehensive about what to do in a situation like that. Many times, worker's training does not prepare one for the actual situation. For my first job, I felt cornered during peak hours; the store got so busy that I just did not know what to do. However, at one point in everyone's life, they all go through the phase of the inexperienced worker. But for high-end retail stores, they should be looking for employees that can deliver great customer service and the skills they were hired for all while maintaining a proper work ethic.
Marshal Cohen's comment about keeping up with the look of fashion retail stores is accurate in that people want to buy clothing that gives them "the look". However, it does not justify the moral problems with hiring people based on attractiveness. Furthermore, the human perception of attractiveness varies with every person. Which is why hiring employees should be weighted equally between experience, skills, work ethic, and very lastly, appearance. That is not to say that companies have the right to hire on the basis of appearance, but if the company has two applicants for a single job, then, as an exception, it may stand to reason that appearance can be a deciding factor.
[FREE] Fictional short story part 2
A week after the anger subsided, I was back to normal...
Or so I thought.
The events that followed that fateful day caused the isolation to die down. But it couldn't fix the clear discrimination against me. Everyone could tell how much those three hated me. All of the people around me knew, but no one was brave enough to fight back. That is, except for me.
Then, just when I started to feel normal again, it happened again. This time, there was only one. This time, it had nothing to do with the scar on my arm. It is so obvious that all three of them hate me, but it feels like this one conveys the message all the time. In my heart, I know that this one is not behind it all...
But I know that I am not the only one who sees how much they all hate me. The other members of my group of friends can see what a scapegoat I am. It is clear as day.
"Even though you're one of the better ones that come out all the time, I think you should be ranked lower." the voice said.
"why?" I respond.
"Because I feel like it would benefit you. It's a good experience to be among the lower ranks." it answered.
"Fine. Whatever you want." I say, knowing fully well that I am able to compete with the higher ranks. I can't even begin to understand why the hell these people feel the need to screw with my emotions all the time. Just because I am seventeen years old does not give them the right to do this. I know it in my heart but there is still, absolutely nothing I can do about it...
To be continued....
Or so I thought.
The events that followed that fateful day caused the isolation to die down. But it couldn't fix the clear discrimination against me. Everyone could tell how much those three hated me. All of the people around me knew, but no one was brave enough to fight back. That is, except for me.
Then, just when I started to feel normal again, it happened again. This time, there was only one. This time, it had nothing to do with the scar on my arm. It is so obvious that all three of them hate me, but it feels like this one conveys the message all the time. In my heart, I know that this one is not behind it all...
But I know that I am not the only one who sees how much they all hate me. The other members of my group of friends can see what a scapegoat I am. It is clear as day.
"Even though you're one of the better ones that come out all the time, I think you should be ranked lower." the voice said.
"why?" I respond.
"Because I feel like it would benefit you. It's a good experience to be among the lower ranks." it answered.
"Fine. Whatever you want." I say, knowing fully well that I am able to compete with the higher ranks. I can't even begin to understand why the hell these people feel the need to screw with my emotions all the time. Just because I am seventeen years old does not give them the right to do this. I know it in my heart but there is still, absolutely nothing I can do about it...
To be continued....
[CE] OCCUPY ________ (fill in city)
So recently Mr.Sutherland has been talking about the Occupy Oakland movement going on near by us. Personally, I have not been able to go because I have tennis practice. I would like to go one day to see what it is all about. I mean, I know the basic stuff about it. Like how its mainly to protest discrimination and how the rich barely have any taxes to pay. Damn. Capitalism sucks. Anyways, I would just like to see what it is like there. But then again, sometimes I feel like Oakland can be intimidating when there are so many people around. What if I get lost? (haha)
Anyways, I really feel like capitalism is draining the whole economy. The rich have so much money and the poor have nothing. I feel really bad. The line between the two is so thin that middle class is leaning towards not existing! I think this is something that needs to be changed. In the movie clip we watched in english class today, it showed how the form of capitalism that we have grown to hate so much today was formed. The corporate executives had brought in a ringer to become president (Ronald Reagan) so that they could pass all the laws that would benefit them. These people had no consideration on how it would affect the economy. So now, people are forced to suffer because of the past. Honestly, this needs to be changed. As for how, that is still under question.
Corporate officials hold so much power that it is almost impossible to do anything against them. That is why it is so hard to get anything done. America is practically run by these corporate people. America is NOT a business. It is a country so it should not be run like a business. America has the largest difference in salaries when you compare the salary of a CEO to the salary of a worker. In Japan and Germany, the ratio between company official salaries and worker salaries is about 11 to 1. However, in this country that we call home, the ratio is completely skewed at 475 to 1. It is obvious that something needs to be done about this, but with the way that government is today, it is practically impossible. Money corrupts.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
[RE] Shark Fins
As a former APES student, I feel that Nathan's feelings towards the banning of shark fin soup in California are a bit ignorant. Governor Brown did the right thing by banning the possession and sale of shark fins in California. Shark finning is a big problem in Asia, and the last thing we need is for this practice to occur off the coast of our own shores. Granted, people in Asia are probably killing more sharks than in the United States, but the finning of sharks needs to be ended.
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/WZux3XRhWzA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
When sharks are finned, they have no means of living. The practice of finning sharks is extremely inhumane. When the sharks are caught by fishermen, the fins are cut off of the shark and it is pushed back into the ocean to die. Without being able to swim, these sharks are not able to get the oxygen they need to survive. Imagine if you were put in that position; your arms and legs are cut off and you can't move and are forced to drown...
I am an American born Chinese and have had shark fin soup before, but it isn't the best type of soup that can be made. Shark fin soup is tasteless and many people will agree. Yes, tradition is important, but I feel that ends do not justify the means. In other words, this simple chinese soup is not worth the decimation of the shark population. The total population of sharks around the world has declined by almost 90% because of shark finning. Furthermore, it is possible to find a substitute for shark fin with something else such as clear vermicelli noodles.
Banning the whole shark is the same as banning only the fins because other than the fins, humans have no use for sharks. The body of a shark consists mainly of cartilege; the fins that are used to make soup are a softer cartilege. This ban should not be considered racist because only the fins are banned. In reality, the whole shark is being banned, but specifically the fins due to the practice of finning sharks.
Shark fins are sought after because of supply and demand. California has two large Chinatown bases: San Francisco and Oakland. Both of these places have a high demand of shark fins for soup, and when shark fins become illegal in California, the demand will lessen. Thus, making a significant dent in the practice of shark finning. It is a small step in the right direction for man kind. If this practice is not ended soon, then sharks may become extinct because of humans which could change the fish population around the world. We, as humans, need to be more responsible about our fishing practices, and shark finning is one of them. If we don't change our ways, our children and our children's children may never know what a shark is.
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/WZux3XRhWzA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
When sharks are finned, they have no means of living. The practice of finning sharks is extremely inhumane. When the sharks are caught by fishermen, the fins are cut off of the shark and it is pushed back into the ocean to die. Without being able to swim, these sharks are not able to get the oxygen they need to survive. Imagine if you were put in that position; your arms and legs are cut off and you can't move and are forced to drown...
I am an American born Chinese and have had shark fin soup before, but it isn't the best type of soup that can be made. Shark fin soup is tasteless and many people will agree. Yes, tradition is important, but I feel that ends do not justify the means. In other words, this simple chinese soup is not worth the decimation of the shark population. The total population of sharks around the world has declined by almost 90% because of shark finning. Furthermore, it is possible to find a substitute for shark fin with something else such as clear vermicelli noodles.
Banning the whole shark is the same as banning only the fins because other than the fins, humans have no use for sharks. The body of a shark consists mainly of cartilege; the fins that are used to make soup are a softer cartilege. This ban should not be considered racist because only the fins are banned. In reality, the whole shark is being banned, but specifically the fins due to the practice of finning sharks.
Shark fins are sought after because of supply and demand. California has two large Chinatown bases: San Francisco and Oakland. Both of these places have a high demand of shark fins for soup, and when shark fins become illegal in California, the demand will lessen. Thus, making a significant dent in the practice of shark finning. It is a small step in the right direction for man kind. If this practice is not ended soon, then sharks may become extinct because of humans which could change the fish population around the world. We, as humans, need to be more responsible about our fishing practices, and shark finning is one of them. If we don't change our ways, our children and our children's children may never know what a shark is.
Friday, September 30, 2011
[FREE] Fictional Short Story part 1
It all started at 4 PM.
I blankly stood there.
Motionless.
I felt cornered by them, but there was absolutely nothing that I could do. I wanted everything to just go back to how they were about two hours ago. Two hours ago when I was happy and laughing. Two hours ago when I felt... normal.
Now I feel like an outcast marooned on a deserted island with only three intimidating emotions as company: anger, insecurity, and fear. Under the heat of the sun, I could feel my face beginning to burn with the anger, feel my heart drop with the insecurity, and feel my conscience shrink with fear. It feels so unfair to have to show no emotion to these people before me, but I manage what I can.
"I'm sorry. I didn't know about the note," I say, feeling more alone than ever.
"It doesn't matter anymore. Going forward, you may only consult with us," one of them responds.
"Ok." I reply. I can't even begin to describe how I feel at this exact moment, but I fight against my heart to show no emotions.
"You know your injury is not our fault," the second says, looking at my mangled arm. "If you knew what to do, you should have told us what you needed."
"It's fine," I say, fully knowing the extent of my problem is completely because of them.
"All we are trying to say is that we are acting for the well-being of everyone," says the third.
"I know"
"Alright. Also, your actions can influence other people. You should act more respectfully to be a better role model," the first said.
"Fine. May I be excused now?" I ask, still pushing away the feelings of anguish.
"Yes. I suppose that will be all for now..." they say.
And as I walk away, I allow my feelings to take over me and I can feel the heat of their glares.
To be continued...
I blankly stood there.
Motionless.
I felt cornered by them, but there was absolutely nothing that I could do. I wanted everything to just go back to how they were about two hours ago. Two hours ago when I was happy and laughing. Two hours ago when I felt... normal.
Now I feel like an outcast marooned on a deserted island with only three intimidating emotions as company: anger, insecurity, and fear. Under the heat of the sun, I could feel my face beginning to burn with the anger, feel my heart drop with the insecurity, and feel my conscience shrink with fear. It feels so unfair to have to show no emotion to these people before me, but I manage what I can.
"I'm sorry. I didn't know about the note," I say, feeling more alone than ever.
"It doesn't matter anymore. Going forward, you may only consult with us," one of them responds.
"Ok." I reply. I can't even begin to describe how I feel at this exact moment, but I fight against my heart to show no emotions.
"You know your injury is not our fault," the second says, looking at my mangled arm. "If you knew what to do, you should have told us what you needed."
"It's fine," I say, fully knowing the extent of my problem is completely because of them.
"All we are trying to say is that we are acting for the well-being of everyone," says the third.
"I know"
"Alright. Also, your actions can influence other people. You should act more respectfully to be a better role model," the first said.
"Fine. May I be excused now?" I ask, still pushing away the feelings of anguish.
"Yes. I suppose that will be all for now..." they say.
And as I walk away, I allow my feelings to take over me and I can feel the heat of their glares.
To be continued...
[CE] Mining for Life
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/8hxTbX8DJwM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Being a former environmental science student, the preceding video strikes me as a very large problem. In class last year, we did an activity that demonstrated the harmful effects of mining land. The activity involved us "mining" for chocolate chips in cookies with toothpicks. After mining, we had to "reclaim" land and hypothetically try to reculture the area that we had affected. In the real world, however, reclaiming land is not as easy as it seems.
Mining in Malaysia is becoming a very large environmental problem because it affects the whole layout of the land. By illegally mining, the miners are polluting local rivers and streams, causing a massive case of soil erosion, as well as damaging tree roots of the natural forests. Granted, many of these people have been mining for gold in the state of Johor for decades, but they do not realize the harm they are causing to the environment. The Malaysian forest officials have warned against mining, however, it does not seem as though they are actually enforcing any laws against mining for gold in forest areas.
The increased price of gold along with the falling economy of today causes many people to mine more frequently, and their actions are understandable seeing as they simply want to support their families. However, in the environmental persepective, what these people are doing to the land causes much more devastation than they could even imagine. I really hope that the Malaysian government will be able to find a way to stop illegal mining in Johor.
Being a former environmental science student, the preceding video strikes me as a very large problem. In class last year, we did an activity that demonstrated the harmful effects of mining land. The activity involved us "mining" for chocolate chips in cookies with toothpicks. After mining, we had to "reclaim" land and hypothetically try to reculture the area that we had affected. In the real world, however, reclaiming land is not as easy as it seems.
Mining in Malaysia is becoming a very large environmental problem because it affects the whole layout of the land. By illegally mining, the miners are polluting local rivers and streams, causing a massive case of soil erosion, as well as damaging tree roots of the natural forests. Granted, many of these people have been mining for gold in the state of Johor for decades, but they do not realize the harm they are causing to the environment. The Malaysian forest officials have warned against mining, however, it does not seem as though they are actually enforcing any laws against mining for gold in forest areas.
The increased price of gold along with the falling economy of today causes many people to mine more frequently, and their actions are understandable seeing as they simply want to support their families. However, in the environmental persepective, what these people are doing to the land causes much more devastation than they could even imagine. I really hope that the Malaysian government will be able to find a way to stop illegal mining in Johor.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
[BWC] Out of the Dark
She awoke with a sharp pain in what seemed to be a cool, dark tunnel. She couldn't see a thing except for a dim, but visible light far in the distance. So she called out to the light and tried to limp towards it, but fell in what felt like mud. Her chest was throbbing as she pushed herself up off the ground and continued to walk towards the light in the dark.
"Hello? Is anyone there?" she called out.
To which the response was the echo of her voice in the tunnel. She decided to continue on even though she now doubted that she could find her way through the darkness. As she stumbled through the darkness, she felt a skeptical happiness along with a fear of what was ahead. After what seemed to be hours, she began to hear eerie noises followed by the rush of wind. With a new-found rush of adrenaline and fear, she began to run towards the light which still seemed as far as it was before.
"Hello? Can anyone help me?" she yelled.
But to no avail. Again her only response was the sound of her voice echoing in the darkness. Her eyes scanned the darkness for the faint light, which had grown even more dim. She felt for the wall and fell against it. As she sat on the cool ground, she thought "how am I supposed to get out of here?"
Suddenly, she began to hear voices in the distance.
"Who's there?" she asked.
"I'll always be right here for you. I promised you forever and I meant it. Please come back to me..." the voice said.
She tore through the darkness faster than ever before, and the dim light began to grow brighter and brighter. Her chest ached with the need for more air and her body begged her to stopped, but still she still pushed on. The light began to glow an intimidatingly bright white. She squeezed her eyes shut as a loud, blaring noise pounded her ear drums.
When she opened her eyes again, she saw the silhouette of a man in the bright white light. She looked at it with a blank expression trying to make out the silhouette's face as her ears kept ringing. Before her eyes could focus on the face of the man, he leaned over her and kissed her forehead.
"You're finally awake. I'm so sorry for everything I put you through."
"Where am I?" she asked.
"Heaven." he replied.
"What happened?" she asked. But right when she asked, all the memories came flooding back to her; they had been in a tragic car accident, and neither had survived.
"So you remember now." he said as he saw the look of realization on her face. "I'm sorry."
"It's okay. As long as I get to spend forever with you here." she said.
"Hello? Is anyone there?" she called out.
To which the response was the echo of her voice in the tunnel. She decided to continue on even though she now doubted that she could find her way through the darkness. As she stumbled through the darkness, she felt a skeptical happiness along with a fear of what was ahead. After what seemed to be hours, she began to hear eerie noises followed by the rush of wind. With a new-found rush of adrenaline and fear, she began to run towards the light which still seemed as far as it was before.
"Hello? Can anyone help me?" she yelled.
But to no avail. Again her only response was the sound of her voice echoing in the darkness. Her eyes scanned the darkness for the faint light, which had grown even more dim. She felt for the wall and fell against it. As she sat on the cool ground, she thought "how am I supposed to get out of here?"
Suddenly, she began to hear voices in the distance.
"Who's there?" she asked.
"I'll always be right here for you. I promised you forever and I meant it. Please come back to me..." the voice said.
She tore through the darkness faster than ever before, and the dim light began to grow brighter and brighter. Her chest ached with the need for more air and her body begged her to stopped, but still she still pushed on. The light began to glow an intimidatingly bright white. She squeezed her eyes shut as a loud, blaring noise pounded her ear drums.
When she opened her eyes again, she saw the silhouette of a man in the bright white light. She looked at it with a blank expression trying to make out the silhouette's face as her ears kept ringing. Before her eyes could focus on the face of the man, he leaned over her and kissed her forehead.
"You're finally awake. I'm so sorry for everything I put you through."
"Where am I?" she asked.
"Heaven." he replied.
"What happened?" she asked. But right when she asked, all the memories came flooding back to her; they had been in a tragic car accident, and neither had survived.
"So you remember now." he said as he saw the look of realization on her face. "I'm sorry."
"It's okay. As long as I get to spend forever with you here." she said.
Friday, September 23, 2011
[CE] Bottle School
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This video is about a school in the Philippines made almost entirely of recycled plastic two liter bottles. It is a very logical and environmentally friendly approach to using plastic bottles. In AP Environmental Science last year, I learned that there is really no practical use for plastic bottles aside from the use that it is intended for. What they are doing in the Philippines is a very impressive way to use these otherwise useless bottles.
I know that after taking AP Environmental Science, I have been more environmentally conscious. Personally, I feel that the United States should do something with our municipal solid waste other than carelessly tossing it in the trash can. As a world super power, I feel that we should be setting an example of how to reuse items.
This video is about a school in the Philippines made almost entirely of recycled plastic two liter bottles. It is a very logical and environmentally friendly approach to using plastic bottles. In AP Environmental Science last year, I learned that there is really no practical use for plastic bottles aside from the use that it is intended for. What they are doing in the Philippines is a very impressive way to use these otherwise useless bottles.
I know that after taking AP Environmental Science, I have been more environmentally conscious. Personally, I feel that the United States should do something with our municipal solid waste other than carelessly tossing it in the trash can. As a world super power, I feel that we should be setting an example of how to reuse items.
[FREE] High School...
When I look back on the past few years of high school, I realize that I have grown up so much. I have learned many life long lessons that I will take with me after I graduate. I feel like high school is all about learning about people more than anything else. I mean, yeah, you learn academics, but what you REALLY learn in high school is all about different types people. I remember when we first got to high school as freshmen, there were so many different categories of people. And, as the years went on, we began to sort into those categories. There's goths, jocks, nerds, asians, the populars, the rich kids, and many more.
All of these different categories experience their own fair share of drama. But it's what you take from the drama that you experience that helps you grow as a person. Although all the drama sucks when you go through it, it makes you ALOT stronger in the end. Trust me, I know. The drama is hard to deal with, but it's all a part of growing up which in turn, is a large part of high school.
For me, even though my memories of high school are bittersweet, I will always know that each and every one of those bitter memories has made me a much stronger person. As for the sweet memories, well, I will look back on them and smile. My point is, is that it's always better to see the glass half full rather than half empty, which is why I choose to see my bad experiences in a different light.
All of these different categories experience their own fair share of drama. But it's what you take from the drama that you experience that helps you grow as a person. Although all the drama sucks when you go through it, it makes you ALOT stronger in the end. Trust me, I know. The drama is hard to deal with, but it's all a part of growing up which in turn, is a large part of high school.
For me, even though my memories of high school are bittersweet, I will always know that each and every one of those bitter memories has made me a much stronger person. As for the sweet memories, well, I will look back on them and smile. My point is, is that it's always better to see the glass half full rather than half empty, which is why I choose to see my bad experiences in a different light.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
[RE] French Ban
In response to Mr. Sutherland's post about the french oppression over the Muslim people, I feel that the ban on Muslim public prayer takes away their unalienable human rights. It also takes away from the culture of the people. Democracy and government nowadays is based on the principles of Life, Liberty, and Property from John Locke. Now, this ban only affects the Muslim people's liberty, but it is still taking away from their human rights. These people have a right to follow their culture, and it is supposed to be the government's duty to protect their rights. The French have given the Muslim people a place to pray at, but some of the people feel as though it is a slap in the face because they are not allowed to do as their religion intends for them to do. They do not like the fact that the practices of their religion are being altered.
On the other hand, I can see why the French government has placed a ban on public prayer. The french are simply trying to preserve their own traditional culture. However, since there are so many Muslims that have relocated from the middle east to the western European regions, it seems as though the Muslim people account for much of the population. I feel that the french government should not be held completely at fault because they just want to avoid a "take over" by the Muslim people.
Like Mr. Sutherland said, "But what happens when you have a large and growing number of Muslims, both immigrants and native-born, in your country? At what point does Islam stop being a "foreign take-over" and simply become French?" Well, this question is unanswerable at the moment because no one can tell how far the French government is going to go to preserve their traditional cultures. What if they oppress the Muslim people to the point where they rebel against the government? or What if the French government allows itself to become Islamic?
On the other hand, I can see why the French government has placed a ban on public prayer. The french are simply trying to preserve their own traditional culture. However, since there are so many Muslims that have relocated from the middle east to the western European regions, it seems as though the Muslim people account for much of the population. I feel that the french government should not be held completely at fault because they just want to avoid a "take over" by the Muslim people.
Like Mr. Sutherland said, "But what happens when you have a large and growing number of Muslims, both immigrants and native-born, in your country? At what point does Islam stop being a "foreign take-over" and simply become French?" Well, this question is unanswerable at the moment because no one can tell how far the French government is going to go to preserve their traditional cultures. What if they oppress the Muslim people to the point where they rebel against the government? or What if the French government allows itself to become Islamic?
Friday, September 16, 2011
[CE] No More Jade?
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This video is very interesting, and holds some personal value to my culture. Jade is a precious gem stone to the Chinese Culture. As a child, my grandparents would always give me jade necklaces because they believe it brings good luck and protection. I honestly do not believe in the same superstitions as my grandparents, but I do understand the value that they believe the gem stone has.
Jade is considered a sacred, but common gem stone. The fact that it has become prohibited to mine jade is saddening because many people make a living off of mining for this gem stone. The price of jade jewelry has shot up by alot within the past thirty years. Almost ten thousand times the cost that it was thirty years ago! I really feel that this is a loss for these people because they now must find a new way of living. Now, jade is inspected as if it is diamond because of the new laws that prevent it from being mined.
However, in the environmental aspect of the matter, jade should not be mined anymore because mining destroys the lay of the land. Also, the land that is torn apart through mining can never be repaired. Also, because the supply of jade in West China is running out, it would be best to stop mining for jade so that over time more can form.
This video is very interesting, and holds some personal value to my culture. Jade is a precious gem stone to the Chinese Culture. As a child, my grandparents would always give me jade necklaces because they believe it brings good luck and protection. I honestly do not believe in the same superstitions as my grandparents, but I do understand the value that they believe the gem stone has.
Jade is considered a sacred, but common gem stone. The fact that it has become prohibited to mine jade is saddening because many people make a living off of mining for this gem stone. The price of jade jewelry has shot up by alot within the past thirty years. Almost ten thousand times the cost that it was thirty years ago! I really feel that this is a loss for these people because they now must find a new way of living. Now, jade is inspected as if it is diamond because of the new laws that prevent it from being mined.
However, in the environmental aspect of the matter, jade should not be mined anymore because mining destroys the lay of the land. Also, the land that is torn apart through mining can never be repaired. Also, because the supply of jade in West China is running out, it would be best to stop mining for jade so that over time more can form.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
[BWC] Personal Statement Draft #1
As a child, I was always terrified of the idea of expressing myself through speaking to people. I would come across as shy and timid to everyone I met and did not make any effort to talk to others. When my first year of school began, I did not feel comfortable among so many new strangers. Unlike the rest of the children, I felt paralyzed when I had to speak to others in the class. Throughout the next few years, I would hide myself behind a shell of timidity so hopefully I could avoid talking to new individuals.
Reflecting on my years of elementary school, I wish that I could have been more comfortable about talking to people. But as time went on, I began to chip away at the shell of timidity that I had worked so hard to build up. I realized that the only way I could even begin to feel more relaxed about communicating with people was by facing my fears. By the time I reached middle school, I was able to talk to my friends and family without the nagging fear of conversing with others. Even though I was now able to speak to people freely, I found a new source of intimidation which I recognized as speaking in front of an audience. Until middle school, I was not obligated to give presentations in front of the class, and so audiences became my source of inhibition.
Last year I was able to overcome my fear of public speaking when I became a volunteer CPR Instructor for the American Red Cross. As a part of the instructor training, our group of instructors-in-training had to "teach back" the standardized material that we had just learned through the Red Cross. Even though I was horrible at speaking in front of everyone, I refused to give up. I knew that the only way to overcome my phobia of presenting to an audience was to face it head-on. By the end of instructor training course, I found myself more comfortable with assemblies of people.
Now that I am a full-fledged volunteer CPR Instructor, I have taught many classes and every time I teach, it becomes easier and easier for me to get past the usual uneasy feeling. I love being able to instruct people on how to save other's lives, and it made me realize that I was able to push through my social barrier with determination and perseverance. As time goes on, I still hope to be a part of this life changing program for both instructors and participants. My whole experience with the American Red Cross has taught me that anything is possible with commitment and hard work, and I will always be grateful for being able to be a part of it.
Reflecting on my years of elementary school, I wish that I could have been more comfortable about talking to people. But as time went on, I began to chip away at the shell of timidity that I had worked so hard to build up. I realized that the only way I could even begin to feel more relaxed about communicating with people was by facing my fears. By the time I reached middle school, I was able to talk to my friends and family without the nagging fear of conversing with others. Even though I was now able to speak to people freely, I found a new source of intimidation which I recognized as speaking in front of an audience. Until middle school, I was not obligated to give presentations in front of the class, and so audiences became my source of inhibition.
Last year I was able to overcome my fear of public speaking when I became a volunteer CPR Instructor for the American Red Cross. As a part of the instructor training, our group of instructors-in-training had to "teach back" the standardized material that we had just learned through the Red Cross. Even though I was horrible at speaking in front of everyone, I refused to give up. I knew that the only way to overcome my phobia of presenting to an audience was to face it head-on. By the end of instructor training course, I found myself more comfortable with assemblies of people.
Now that I am a full-fledged volunteer CPR Instructor, I have taught many classes and every time I teach, it becomes easier and easier for me to get past the usual uneasy feeling. I love being able to instruct people on how to save other's lives, and it made me realize that I was able to push through my social barrier with determination and perseverance. As time goes on, I still hope to be a part of this life changing program for both instructors and participants. My whole experience with the American Red Cross has taught me that anything is possible with commitment and hard work, and I will always be grateful for being able to be a part of it.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
[Free] Inspiration
So today I was watching the Women's US Open semi final tennis match between Serena Williams and Caroline Wozniacki. Now this post is not about either of the two players, even if Serena making a huge come back into the tennis world after her year off is very inspirational.
No. This post is about one of the girls that was a "ball kid" during that match. I can't remember her name, but her story is very compelling and inspirational. First of all, I should explain that a ball kid in a tennis match is one of six minors who make sure that there are no tennis balls on the court while the professionals are playing. Anyways, so this girl was a ball kid, and she had a mechanical right leg. The reason that I feel that her story is touching is because she was originally a softball player who broke her leg sliding into second base. Now, I assume that it was a very nasty break because she had to have 37 surgeries on that leg before the doctors decided that they had no choice but to amputate her leg. After she finally got used to using her new leg, she became a ball kid in the US Open.
I don't know how many of you know, but the US Open is one of four "Grand Slam" titles in tennis. As I was watching the match, I saw how skillfully she was able to run using a foreign leg and it just made me realize how great it is that she still hasn't given up on sports and life. Even after a tragedy like that, she was able to make the best out of her situation and that is truly amazing. We all have the ability to make the best out of the worst situations, and obviously this girl has done the same, which is why I find her story very inspirational. My point is, is that we all have the choice every morning when we wake up to decide whether we want to have a good day or a bad day and look on the positive sides of life just as this girl has done.
No. This post is about one of the girls that was a "ball kid" during that match. I can't remember her name, but her story is very compelling and inspirational. First of all, I should explain that a ball kid in a tennis match is one of six minors who make sure that there are no tennis balls on the court while the professionals are playing. Anyways, so this girl was a ball kid, and she had a mechanical right leg. The reason that I feel that her story is touching is because she was originally a softball player who broke her leg sliding into second base. Now, I assume that it was a very nasty break because she had to have 37 surgeries on that leg before the doctors decided that they had no choice but to amputate her leg. After she finally got used to using her new leg, she became a ball kid in the US Open.
I don't know how many of you know, but the US Open is one of four "Grand Slam" titles in tennis. As I was watching the match, I saw how skillfully she was able to run using a foreign leg and it just made me realize how great it is that she still hasn't given up on sports and life. Even after a tragedy like that, she was able to make the best out of her situation and that is truly amazing. We all have the ability to make the best out of the worst situations, and obviously this girl has done the same, which is why I find her story very inspirational. My point is, is that we all have the choice every morning when we wake up to decide whether we want to have a good day or a bad day and look on the positive sides of life just as this girl has done.
Friday, September 9, 2011
[RE] Things I want to accomplish before the end of the year.
This is a response to Kevin's free post about things he wants to do before he dies. Since I don't know how to do that thing where you can make the letters turn blue so you can click on it, you all get to suffer. (just kidding) Anyways, I think that it is great to set goals for yourself to achieve. So instead of responding with things i want to do before I die, I think I want to talk about things I want to do before the end of Senior Year.
Before the end of this year, I want to...
Know that I have learned many lifelong experiences throughout high school (check)
Feel very comfortable with this blogging thing
Look back at my entire high school career and think of only good memories (even if I really don't think that it is possible)
Feel like a significantly stronger, more mature person
Get into the college of my choice Be able to make the best out of bad situations
Have a more positive attitude towards everything in life
Forgive the people that made high school a nightmare
I know not all of this is going to be possible, but I would still like to try. I think that it is great to set goals to try to achieve. And so I have shared a few of my goals for the end of this year with the world, seeing as this blog is available for everyone to see... I still don't think I am quite comfortable with sharing all of my thoughts with people... yet.
Before the end of this year, I want to...
Know that I have learned many lifelong experiences throughout high school (check)
Feel very comfortable with this blogging thing
Look back at my entire high school career and think of only good memories (even if I really don't think that it is possible)
Feel like a significantly stronger, more mature person
Get into the college of my choice Be able to make the best out of bad situations
Have a more positive attitude towards everything in life
Forgive the people that made high school a nightmare
I know not all of this is going to be possible, but I would still like to try. I think that it is great to set goals to try to achieve. And so I have shared a few of my goals for the end of this year with the world, seeing as this blog is available for everyone to see... I still don't think I am quite comfortable with sharing all of my thoughts with people... yet.
[Free] Introduction?
So I am doing this blog for my english class, and it just hit me. I have absolutely nothing on my mind that I feel is interesting enough to write about. So I guess since I have no ideas, I can write a little bit about myself. Where do I begin? My name is Marissa Lee, and I was born on June 13th, 1994 in San Francisco. I have a younger brother named Brian, who is a freshman at Alameda High with all of us. Some of my hobbies include eating, reading, sleeping, playing tennis, and spending time with my friends. I am a senior this year and I have a good feeling that this year I will have even better memories of high school than all of the previous years put together. I have never had a blog before, so I feel like this is a great way for me to learn how to use things like this... *cough cough* Mr. Sutherland. Honestly, I am really stressed out about this year. I still have to get my act together and worry about the SATs and College applications. I think that it is great that we went over some college essays in class because they really helped alot. As this year goes on I really really hope that I end up with no ideas on what to write about... Maybe I'll try my hand at writing short stories. The thing about blogs that I like is that it's an informal way of expressing myself, when before, I was always limited to writing under restrictions whether it be time or word choice. Anyways, I suppose that that is enough about me for now...
[CE] The tenth anniversary is coming...
Even though there are already so many postings about the upcoming 9/11 tenth anniversary, I feel the need to give my own opinion about the matter. This video is about how actual pakistani students feel about the tragedy of 9/11. They are all deprived of any information of the event other than the news that our own country provides. All of these students feel that they are being directly discriminated against by the people of America. This is unfair to these people because they had nothing to do with the incident, and should not be subject to these accusations. Although the death of Osama Bin Laden is not enough to rectify the anguish that our people experienced, I feel that we should not be taking everything out on these people just because they are of the same race and religion as the terrorist group Al Qaeda. Al Qaeda is an extremist group, and these students and their families are just normal people like you and I. Obviously the whole 9/11 incident has changed the entire structure of the nation, economy, and security systems. Before this tragedy struck in 2001, national security was alot more relaxed than it is today. Now, you cant even bring your own bottle of water onto an airplane because of the airport security measures. Granted, there have been other attempts at terrorism in this country, however because this specific attack greatly affected the entire nation, it is held accountable for George W.Bush starting the war in Iraq. Furthermore, because of this event, the immigration system is tighter than ever before. Many of these immigrants have high hopes of coming to America to leave their old life behind and start a new and brighter life. I feel that many middle eastern people are discriminated because of the actions of Al Qaeda. History always seems to repeat itself... discrimination began with African Americans and moved on to Native Americans to the Chinese and to the Japanese. This cycle of animosity towards specific races is pointless and tiresome. It is evident that the American population was stunned when tragedy struck on that fateful morning, and it made us all realize that we Americans take many things for granted and it is wrong for us to continue doing so. Perhaps the event of 9/11 was the universe's way of telling us as a nation that it is time for us to change our ways. It taught us that we must appreciate what we have and should live life to the fullest. Over the past few years in high school, I have come to learn that all of the bad experiences you have can be looked at in a positive way, and these experiences allow you to grow up and become a stronger person. My point is, is that instead of looking at 9/11 with contempt and hatred towards Osama Bin Laden and Al Qaeda, we should learn from this experience and become stronger though it. I believe that the United States of America is strong enough to be able to push past this catastrophe and grow and benefit from it. I am not saying that this will be easy, but it is necessary if we are to remain as a strong, united country.
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