reflection 4

I have been going through i personal dilemma ever since my college decision had been made. Which major should i go into? The question is this, what am i willing to do for the money? My dilemma is whether i pursue a sweet major and try to get a sweet job, but it could potentially have less pay and harder to find employment. Or the other hand is to pursue a boring hard major, and more easily find a job and get higher pay. I've heard it is hard to succeed in something you dont like to do, but i also heard that eventually you will get a job, will not like your job, and you need the money. So my decision is split. To add to difficulty, the school im in now, which to change i would need to change majors, is giving me a scholarship to attend. This school is the business school. I want to do astronomy. Maybe engineering. But who knows, i could apply for scholarships for the science school, but its difficult and what if i dont get a scholarship. SO as you can see, i am confused. Oh well, i will hope to find out soon. I think i will work to feel out where im at to decide what course to study.

current event 4

Office 2010 has lots of nifty new features to recommend

By Edward C. Baig, USA TODAY

On Tuesday the latest version of microsoft office came out, microsoft office 10. This has been much anticipated and it today is the leading software by use. The basic edition holds all but outlook and publisher and access, two voids which the business and professional editions fill. The biggest new thing about this new software is the ability to transfer items to and from your computer via cyberspace. This allows peer to peer exchange and pull ups from all over the world. Multiple people can edit the documents, too. There is also a protection key to prevent others from editing and viewing your documents. There are also the basic upgrades such as style fonts and word art, too. This is expected to top the charts, and i hope my new computer for college has one of these bad boys.

reflection 3

Recently i saw the documentary movie Religulous by Bill Maher. In the movie, Maher goes all around the world and explains his side on religion. He states he is not a believer, but also not a disbeliever. He says he is simply a doubter. He doesnt see why there would be such a concept which has costs millions of lives in war and conflict. He doesnt understand why there would be symmetry in divine occurances over times of thousands of years unless people were making it up. He doubts the missing ideas in religion on the miracles too.
i thought this movie was very interesting. I am not very religous myself, although i want to say i believe in a higher presence. I also speculate the idea or fundamentalists in religion. I always wondered why a god would care about certain things that did no harm whatsoever to anyone, but rather embraced his creatures. I dont understand why god would have such humanly emotions such as jealousy. I have gone to church about fifty times in my life. This is usually on major holidays and due to the fact that my uncle is a preacher. My dad believes in certain higher presence, but he has his own thing going. I also think that Maher has a good point about religion causing conflict. Why would we want authority which makes someone want to kill hundreds of people for their god. It just never made sense to me, and i guess that is why i am lacking the religous side.

current event 3

Your Brain on Computers

Hooked on Gadgets, and Paying a Mental Price

By MATT RICHTEL

Published: June 6, 2010

Well here it is, the first published worrying of the old generation. In this article, the author makes a point that with all the influx of technology in todays modern age, humans are becoming less acute with certain tasks. Scientists have shown that people today have a harder time trying to focus on things. With all this new techonology and information, we take as much in as we can and multitask. And although people think multitasking is beneful, scientists found that too much can weaken the effectiveness, not only while doing it, but also when not doing it as people have trouble focusing on one thing. When multitasking also, scientists found that people have trouble shutting out irrelevant information, which make them less efficient. Studies found that today people take in three times as much information as people did in 1960. Studies also found that every hour, people at work change browser windows or check email on an average of 37 times an hour. Scientiists also agree that with all this information and technology available, people crave it, similar to drugs or food or sex, and without it, they feel stressed or bored. People have complained about their family having less time together and people forgetting events because they are busy with technology.

Reflection 2

This post i will like to talk about my plans for summer. So the school year is coming to an end, and i cannot wait. In the majority of my classes, teacher find useless activities to do in order to waste time until the year is over. This is mainly due to the fact that the AP exams are over. I wish we could just take the finals now instead of dragging it all out. In class i usually sit there as we watch movies or due time wasting paperwork. Either way, once school is out, i spend now since lacrosse is over, a majority of my time playing basketball outside with friends. Now that is one of the most fun recreational activities you can easily do. THe best is when it is competitive. and it gets better. After being so hot and sweaty from basketball. we simply make our way to our friend kevins house to go in his pool. We possibly just then play more pool basketball or pool volleyball. Even better we get the chicks to come there too. Then i make my way home and eat and then play video games. Life is hard for me, as you can see. Now that i have no homework, i dont have much to do. At home i simply hangout and maybe hit the punching bag for more workout. then go to sleep. and repeat.

Current event 2

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/25/nyregion/25newark.html?hp

Man Is Convicted in Newark Schoolyard Murders

By RICHARD PÉREZ-PEÑA

Published: May 24, 2010

In Neward, Delware, there was a tragic event. Gang members, headed by Rodolfo Godinez, took a machete and a Trooper colt revolver to a schoolyard and killed 4 college aged teenagers. Godinez was 26 years old and a native Nicaraguan. Luckily, one of the girls survived, and has to testify in horror about how she had to hear and watch her friends and sibiling get killed in front of her. Godinez was a member of the MS-13 gang, which is prevolent here in northern virginia too. He was sent to trial and accused of murder, attempted murder, battery, sexual assault, and robbery. Each of these charges holds 30 years prison. The warden said, "this guy will never see the light of day". The girl that survived was shot in the head but lived, although sexually assaulted and mugged. She had to go through several reconstruction surgeries and is semi-paralyzed in her face.
I chose this article because it has relevance to our location, with the ms-13 gang around there. This gang is no good, and the guy whose daughter survived in the article said "this shows what happens to kids joining gangs". I think it was well written, and gave a good explaination to what was going on. As far as enjoying, it was unfortunate and sad to read. i believe it is good to explain the dangers of the modern age. The guy was also an illegal immigrant, so this will bring a better help to stop illegal immigration.

reflection 1

So it looks like all of my plans for college are set.
i will be going to virginia tech. i will be going with a couple friends, but i decided to room with a random, because i didnt want to get sick of one of my friends, id rather it be a random person.
I am somwhat excited for my plans. i am very happy to be on my own, but the idea of going to a farm ville town doesnt appeal to me. unfortunately virginia doesnt have the kind of colleges i was looking for, and since scholarships are difficult for out of state, especially for good schools, i chose tech. on the up side, my sister will be there with me for however long she wants to stay studying.
I will be studying business management at first, although i was thinking about engineering. the truth is i do not know what i want to do, and i dont see how any 18 year old would know, unless you are a creepy kid who always had a passion for one thing, which i think is sort of a waste for the endless horizon youth. we will see though. i also received a scholarship. it isnt the most money, but it does help.
nevertheless, i know i will have fun at vt. i just dont want to lose my passion for big cities because of living in blacksburg. i think college will be as good as i make it, though. i doubt i will complain anyways when im there.
plus they have awesome football and great sports. and great intramural sports.

current event 1

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/17/us/17spill.html?hp

BP Reports Some Success in Capturing Leaking Oil

By SHAILA DEWAN

Published: May 16, 2010

The issue about the oil leak is a tragic one. I am a supporting of wildlife and nature and i hate to see things like this happen, especially when there is little i, as well as officials, can do. The article states that the newest method for stopping the oil spill was using a mile long pipe to suck up some of the oil and bring it up to surface ships. This is only a temporary solution though, and they believe that the next step will be to completely seal it. The two ideas for that is to use mud and cement to overcome the rising pressure and seal it, or to use the "junk shot" method and shoot golf balls and other trash items into the hole, sealing it also.
Officials are stating that the problem was greater than first perceived. The hole, they say, is bigger than they thought. They also say that despite the magnitude of this calamity, the beaches and wetlands are not that damaged due to favorable tides and winds. The next goal is to also stop it from having too much environmental damage.
With 200,000 gallons a day, the problem is not a light one. THe problem is trying to suck up all the oil without getting mud and seawater.

I chose this article because it is a sensitive subject for me. i like animals and wildlife and nature, and to see it being ruined without a solution is devastating. I like staying updated on this subject.
I think it was well written, and relatively easy to understand. i think it got right to the point and gave the facts in a straight, interesting way.
I enjoyed this article a lot, and hope many more, especially with solutions.

Editorial 5

Race and Mythology in Drug Laws

Published: March 19, 2010
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/20/opinion/20sat3.html

This is an editorial displaying the unjust laws set forth by congress about two decades ago concerning the punishment for possession of crack cocaine compared to powdered cocaine. It was thought theses laws were made as a result of racism, or meant to trigger the blacks. While blacks make up 30% of all crack cocaine users, the make up 80% of the ones convicted for possession of it. Crack cocaine has been cooked with baking powder as compared to the powered kind. The argument was said that crack cocaine was more addictive, but studies show that isnt true. The punishment was 100 times stronger against crack cocaine users. The punishment for having 500 ounces of powdered cocaine was the same as having 5 ounces of crack cocaine. This week a compromise reform law was put in place in the senate bring the ration back down to 18-1.

I think this is a very interesting article. I would have never expected the US to still have such unfair laws, for i thought we got through all of those. There is definitely a hint of racism still lingering though. We need to get the house to get its act together and fix this simple law. Studies have shown there is no difference in the two drugs, so they should make it even.

editorial 4

National School Standards, at Last

Published: March 13, 2010

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/14/opinion/14sun1.html?ref=opinion


This is a very good article talking about how the national level of education varies from place to place, even district to district. This has caused the united states to be brought down on the list of most highly educated people. The problem was brought up in 1983 by the 'No child left behind' policy. This is a mere reflection of what some say is mediocrity. They explain that if we accept average in our early child life, we will grow up to be average adults. The federal agencies have conducted tests that show that even though students in some areas score high on test they are given at their school, they score very badly on the test given federally. With a poor area, education becomes poorer, kids grow up with less education and get low level jobs, thus hurting our economy and country. A board of superintendents are forming a national organization which would unify education standards across the US.
I liked this article and i agree with it one hundred percent. Average should not be condoned in society. There is no point in living a miracle of life and choosing to waste it. We can improve people, our society, and many other aspects of our life just by expanding our education. It is a great idea and im down for it, besides, it wouldnt effect us, because we are the smartest in the nation.

editorial 3?

Justice for Judges

Published: March 5, 2010

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/06/opinion/06sat2.html

The editorial talks about how low the salaries are for judges around the nation. The author says the worst is definitely New York in terms of lowest salary. Compared to the New Jersey judges, they make about 30,000 dollars less a year. The problem is that we cannot simply raise the salary because it would be linked to the politicians salary, which is a big no no in the justice system. Also, doing this would be in contradictory to the checks and balances of powers in the constitution. They author suggested that they make a commission that slowly raises the pay over the next two years. This would be helpful, considering it hasnt increased since 1999, despite higher costs of living.
I thought this article was interesting. It really makes you ponder over all the difficulties of politics in our nation. It is not an easy job, and no answer is ever clear and positive. I think the judges should definitely get a pay raise, for they are the most important part of our federalist system. Over time would be a good idea too, but either way it needs to get done.

editorial 2

After the Summit

Published: February 25, 2010
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/26/opinion/26fri1.html

This editorial has to do with the shut down health care reform bill, that cannot seem to make its way out of the senate. There seems to be no way to bring republicans and democrats together. Obama offered a plan to cover 30 million people in a sweeping reform, but republicans say we cannot afford it and we dont need it. The problem is people finding or even affording proper coverage. Some ideas such as buying not as good insurance for cheaper in other states are on the table. Democrats wanted to expand medicaid or subsidies, but republicans say no way, and they want to start over from scratch. The republicans are also begging Obama to not use a budget reconciliation, which is a maneuver that side steps a filibuster and passes legislation through simple majority, but obama refused to say he wouldnt use it, since it had been used in the past.

I think this is a great article, it sums up the health care reform bill soundly. I think the senate should be pushed by Nancy to get a version through so it can be more worked upon, even if the republicans dont like it. The republicans seem to be keeping this problem going, which is really not necessary. This is a huge issue and should not be taken lightly though. By all means, we should discuss and come up with the best, but by no means should we have republicans ruin what could be a great bill.

Editorial blog 1

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/21/opinion/21sun3.html?ref=opinion

Congress parties with the big money
by
NYTImes
feb 20, 2010

This article states that congress should not be labeled as slackers and not doing anything, they use their time having golf outings among other things. He says that congress is cutting ethical corners in the name of charities to get money. He also says no other group does this more than the congressional black caucus. He states that in 2008 the black caucus only used under 400,000 dollars for charitable organizations and scholarships and about 3.9 million dollars for dinner festivals and other entertainment. Overall the writer states that the politicials need to focus on lawmaking.
I believe this article is a little radical. For instance, the dinners or other "Galas" may be meant to support law making decisions, meet with lobbyists, or talk about legislation. i dont want to believe that our lawmakers completely suck, but i do believe everything can be improved upon. I think there is some fact in this article and we should take it into some consideration.

Personal Blog

I would like to blog about the new amazing show i just saw on discovery channel, called Planet Earth. I knew about this show earlier, but never took the time to watch all of it. I recently watched the "Extremes" episode, and boy was it sweet. There are underground caves that go for hundreds of thousands of feet and that home thousands of the craziest species. It also shows that birds can fly above the height of mt everest. It shows caves that have been cut off from the earth's surface for over 2000 years, which hold the purest water on earth. The best part about this show though is the picture and video and clarity, especially in HD. the show shows you a whole other part of the earth you never see. It was mind blowing and recommend it to everyone.

Cartoon for jan 15

http://politicalcartoons.com/cartoon/fb6e870e-fc1d-4b81-b604-299a95fb8a92.html

The cartoon i picked is called PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN, COLOR and it is drawn by Randy Bish as part of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. The post was made at 1/18/2010. This is a political cartoon dealing with the earthquake in Haiti. It shows a the "new pirates of 2010" smiling while thanking americans for the money for "haiti". They are above a chest of gold labled phony charities. They are saying that people, and a lot of them, and stealing money from americans using these fake charities. The money is originally meant for people in need and i agree this is terrible and should be brought to attention. It is a horrible things to do and people are selfish.

new year administration

I think things are looking brighter for the Obama administration. First off, lets get things straight. He was left with a job with a lot of food on his plate. There was a daunting task at hand considering the war and economic downturn. But so far, i would have to say things are looking better. Or at the very least, we seem to be working on it in a positive manner. One major concern for me is the very new decision which was put in place pertaining to the war in Iraq. The decision was recently made to increase the number of troops over there by thirty thousand. This is something i am not happy about. I really cannot see the need for such a thing, war isnt something you just do in the meantime. Plus, although i understand peoples concerns about an exit strategy, i dont think proposing one would be the best plan, especially since we are fighting a sneaky bunch. They will simply wait until about three or however many years and then once we leave they will continue the fight. I think it is a small step forward though, at the very least. We are working for a greater good. Things are looking better for the administration. hope he doesnt mess up.

Political cartoon

http://politicalcartoons.com/cartoon/4f0dcfcd-e8e0-4ec2-82b8-b2260db23998.html

The State of American Security COLOR
By Wolverton. From Cagle Cartoons. Posted 1/10/2010 12:00:00 AM.

This cartoon deals with the state of american securty and how easy it is for terrorists to pass our security. The author is implying that we make is easy for them, we dont pay attention, we are careless, and stupid. The message of the cartoon is to say that we need to pay more attention to what is going on so we wont have another terrorist attack. I agree with this message, we were all serious after 9/11 but now we have sort of put it on the back burner. we cannot have this because once another attack happens everyone will point fingers but it wont matter. the issue needs to be addressed.