Blog Post #9

-All I know about this story so far is that apparently the boy, Trayvon, was walking home from school to watch the NBA on TV and all he had on him was skittles and an Arizona Iced tea. He was then shot down by the neighborhood watch man who claimed he "looked shady" or was "doing something shady". To top that off the man who shot Trayvon, admitted to it and was not charged with anything which is apparently why the whole country is outraged. I also heard that Obama said if he had a son it would look like Trayvon, so clearly the president has some sympathy for the situation.

-This whole situation really connects to the essential question from today in class about how we are products of our environment. It is clear that they live in a moderately "rough" neighborhood, (if they have to have a watchman) so it is clear that their is a lot of prejudicial views. It was clear the man thought Treyvon was shady because of the fact that he was black, and that's not because he was born hating black people, but the environment he was raised in taught him to fear young black men that could potentially have a gun or be selling drugs. The shooting of Trayvon is clearly a product of such an environment where people can't trust one another and their are such racial and prejudicial views throughout the diverse community. On the other hand, Trayvon and his shooter could have had a rough past that hasn't been revealed yet, so there was a grudge between them that was sadly brought down to a murder. This is how we are connected to our past, because the actions we make today can really affect our tomorrow.

Blog Post #8

A controversial topic in today's society is the cost of college and universities. It is evident that the soaring costs of tuition are putting thousands of graduates in debt. Besides the fact that they are in an insurmountable debt, it is nearly impossible for first year graduates to find a job whether they have their bachelors or even masters degree. According to the Wall Street Journal, there is a total of about $730 billion dollars currently owed in college debt across the nation. Wall Street Journal Article Personally, i think that is a disgrace. How can students who can't even get a job begin to pay for their college education, that hasn't even gotten them a job yet or made them money. In reality, it would make a lot more sense to not go to college because after 4 years of having an average job with just a GED, you would have no loans to pay off and currently be more well off then any college graduate paying loans.Financial benefits are not what you think. Another smart option that would save a lot of money is going to a community college for 2 years. You still get to graduate at the college of your dreams, and any jobs you apply to only see the one college on your resume, not the community college. I personally feel like a lot of high school students don't take into consideration this current financial situation, and are just looking to go far away from their parents. Financially speaking, closer to home is better no matter how annoying your parents may seem. No need to pay for flights, and can always come home on weekends. Staying Close to Home is Smart. Overall, the rising prices of tuition are knocking out the middle class and making college out of reach for some people, which I think is truly unfair.

Blog post #7

-Around the end of last year, a buddy of mine, Sean, showed me Skrillex and some techno music. I thought it was really weird and obnoxious, but as the summer went on I began to understand the depth and complexity of it. By the beginning of 11th grade I was in love with house music and it was the dominating genre on my iPod.The crazy beats that built up and built up until the big drop drove me wild and brought out my inner party animal. My friends and I spend endless hours playing loud techno music and flashing a strobe light to make the bass drop even more ecstatic. It has truly became a hobby of mine that i really enjoy and recommend it to anyone who likes to jump up and down and feel the bass pound there heart. The fact that this music is made completely by technology and is a compilation of sounds absolutely amazes me. Not to mention the concerts use lazers and an incredulous light show makes me want to go to a concert so bad.  Below are two examples of some sweet techno artists I enjoy.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehecn0bfOhI &  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Su1wK7iCQfQ 

- About 5 years ago my dad and uncle first showed me the television series The Office. Immediately I fell in love with the show and was instantly addicted. Nobody could distract me Thursday nights at 9. The Office had a very plain story line with extremely dry humor which I loved. It turned an average work place into a circus and every day I wished I could work for Michael Scott. Ultimately the Pam and Jim relationship was one of a kind that kept you wondering after every single season, but finally today they are happily married with 2 kids which is hat I have been waiting for since I first started following. When Steve Carrell left the show last year i was devastated and unsure how the office would progress. But this season has totally proven me wrong. Don't get me wrong i miss Michael Scott a lot, but without him in the lime light other characters have had much more opportunity to shine and demonstrate their talents. Also the story line twist that moves some workers to Tallahassee has been extremely funny so far and I can't wait for the new episode tonight at 9!! Finally, I'd like to post this video which is a compilation of Creed who is an employee at Dunder Mifflin. He is an undermining character but this video shows how funny the show can be and even the undermining characters can be hilarious. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIoiFrCJEX0

Blog Post #6

1.There are 3.5 months left of my Junior Year of high school (we hope). During this fleeting period of adolescence, before I leave for the summer, I plan to end on a good note. I made a big mistake that has cost be a lot such as not being able to play baseball this season. I plan to finish the year strong and face this obstacle head on by creating a new work ethic and maybe changing a few of my views on life as a whole. I plan to get in great shape by working out a lot and running, clearly I have to look good for summer since I'll be shirtless a lot due to my job at a pool! I also plan to be completely done with my SAT's and have a score I'm happy with. To build on that I plan to visit a few potential colleges that I would like to attend to get a feel for which I feel most at home at. I also plan to get my first car by the end of the year. Hopefully i can find a sweet ride for a good price that i will be able to cruise around in all summer. This will take a lot of research but I know it will be worth it. Finally since I can't play ball for school I am looking to make a legion team for the summer so i have to start practicing now.


2.The thing i would recommend to everyone would definitely be the iPhone. I've had my iPhone since September and I absolutely love it. There are so many benefits to having it. For one you can face time which is a fun way to connect with you friends face to face and it is right in the palm of your hand. Also you can browse the internet and send emails from wherever which is extremely beneficial if your not around a computer. The iPhone is also an excellent way to kill time, because their are so many apps to play such as Temple Run and Angry Birds which are extremely addicting games that you are always looking to beat your personal score and your friends scores. This phone is also an iPod, so you dont have to worry about carrying your phone and iPod around, since its all in one. You can also express yourself through your iPhone because their are infinite amounts of backgrounds you can have and cases that describe who you are what what you stand for without being criticized. Finally, the iPhone can play movies and TV shows which is great for me because I can find any movie or show and stream it right to my phone so I always have my favorites. Its truly a must have because its a handheld computer.


3.A famous person whom I can't stand is Justin Beiber. Seriously, I can go on and on about this, but I'll try to keep it to 10 lines. For one Justin Beiber and I share the same birthday, which is oddly enough TODAY! Happy Birthday self, Justin find a new day. Whenever I tell someone my birthday they always tell me that's Justin Beiber's birthday, like sweet I'm way cooler tho. Secondly he tries to come off as a loveable bad boy, yet his mom still grounds him. If your gonna be bad, be bad, otherwise be a mommy's boy Justin. Also, his songs are awful and are polluting the radio and iTunes. Nobody wants to hear a 17 year old talk about love and partying with his friends. His music videos depict him as having too many friends to count, but in reality he pays them. He also tries to start his own fashion trends, which actually are started by real celebrities and in the end he can't pull them off. Overall Justin Beiber gets sponsored by brands that i used to lie, the ruins it, he plays music that is embarrassing for a 17 year old to sing, and girls idolize him for reasons i will never understand.