I watched a video of Ethiopian-Israelis protesting in the streets for a third day
This interested me in the Times this week because it was like everything I’ve been seeing lately anger, hate, hurt, pain, and suffering.
Nothing is more heartbreaking than seeing innocent people being hit with tear gas, being chased, and screaming in fear for their lives.
All they want is justice for a black teenager who was fatally shot by an off-duty police officer.everything else is just assault or an excuse to me not to give them what they want just because they are in a large group of people protesting it.
To me nothing is more important than sticking together when you lose someone because that is the time when you need to surround yourself with friends and family that you love and that love you.
I can understand why they would be mad if they are mad or why they would be sad if they are sad truth is I don’t know what they are feeling I can’t really speak for them and I don’t want to everyone was born with a voice for a reason so I’ll give them the option to use it if they choose to.
What I’m going to say now is wherever you are whatever time it is whenever you want talk to and enjoy the company of the people you love because you never know when they will be gone so take the chances they give you to hang out with them and tell them you love them.
To the people out there who have lost anyone important to them in their life I humbly give u my condolences and may god bless you.
I watched a video of Ethiopian-Israelis protesting in the streets for a third day.
This interested me in the Times this week because it was like everything I’ve been seeing lately anger, hate, hurt, pain, and suffering.
Nothing is more heartbreaking than seeing innocent people being hit with tear gas, being chased, and screaming in fear for their lives.
All they want is justice for a black teenager who was fatally shot by an off-duty police officer.everything else is just assault or an excuse to me not to give them what they want just because they are in a large group of people protesting it.
To me nothing is more important than sticking together when you lose someone because that is the time when you need to surround yourself with friends and family that you love and that love you.
I can understand why they would be mad if they are mad or why they would be sad if they are sad truth is I don’t know what they are feeling I can’t really speak for them and I don’t want to everyone was born with a voice for a reason so I’ll give them the option to use it if they choose to.
What I’m going to say now is wherever you are whatever time it is whenever you want talk to and enjoy the company of the people you love because you never know when they will be gone so take the chances they give you to hang out with them and tell them you love them.
To the people out there who have lost anyone important to them in their life I humbly give u my condolences and may god bless you.
"Is the Immediate Playback of Events Changing Children's Memories?"
In today's day and age, everything can either be stored or found online. Through certain social media services, such as Snapchat, people are able to record current events and save them to a place called "Memories" which make them accessible at any time. Yet, according to researchers, this instant playback is "overlaying and altering the actual memory of the experience. In the article "Is the Immediate Playback of Events Changing Children's Memories" by Julia Cho, Cho recalls the night of her daughter's elementary school talent show. In the mentioned article, the author chose to withhold the video of the performance from her daughter because she "wanted to keep it her experience." I often find myself watching videos of my experiences the day after. When doing so, I critique myself over things such as how I sounded or how I looked, rather than remembering how enjoyable the experience was. Personally speaking, I believe that in today's society, we place our main focus on the things which don't matter, such as our phones and social media, and rather than doing that, the world (particularly adolescents) should put their devices down and live in the moment.
This week the most intriguing article I read was, "Ever been Jealous of a Friendship. This article was very relatable and interested me because I could relate to the authors personal experiences.
She had seen peoples relationships with their best friends and she wanted to have that too. There were many times where I have been Jealous of a friendship or had a friend who was closer with another friend. This article led me to remember this time when I had a very close friend. We were best friends and considered us twins. She went to another school so she had some other friends and I had some friends of my own but she was still my bestfriend and I thought we had an amazing relationship. After a while she started becoming really close with a friend from a her school. They became very close and I felt like she had forgotten about me and I thought I had lost my best friend. After a few months had passed we still continued to be friends but I still felt like she was cutting me off. After a while we became close again but it was never how it used to be. That is a time where I became very jealous of a friendship and that is why this article really caught my eye because I know exactly how the author feels. Having a good friendship is such an amazing thing to have but hard to find.
Fisrt of all i want to state that a lot of industries have a gender pay gap, however only when the male earns more, it is considered a problem. In industries like modeling women earn more than men and this can be explained by simply looking at the amount of women compared to men in the industry. If there are way more women then men in an industry then there is a higher chance of a women taking a higher paying job. However when it comes to other industries like computer science, the fact that there are more men in the industry seems to be ignored, and istead the gap is blamed on "male bias". Also the article tries to bring in race by stating, "that the tech industry's dominantly white and male work forces are building biases into the technology underlying those systems". This in my opinion is writen to a attract attention and make this seem like an actual issue. A lot of facts now days are considered a problem because they dont help a certain group of people, this does not make sense for me because this strugle for equality ends up with a certain group of people having more privileges then others.
The gender pay gap will always exist in different industries and our job is not to eliminate it but to ensure that all individuals have the same opportunities in this industry.
In other countries like Saudi Arabia this issue should be resolved because not all individuals have the same rights.
The most intriguing article I have read this week was about the profound political and social division in state policies, particularly, their reductions on greenhouse gases and plastic materials. Recently, the only states to have passed climate bills in favor of clean energy hold Democratic majorities, while the states to have not passed eco-friendly bills hold Republican majorities. I find it very intriguing how politics have influenced the actions of many states to pass these bills that expand their need for cleaner energy and prevent the production of carbon dioxide in their borders. However, I still see a bright side to this political split between Republican and Democratic state, which is the rise of concern for climate change and the pressure these state governments are applying to make a quick transition to cleaner, renewable energy. For example, I was tremendously happy with the New York bill that was passed this year, which revolves around the prospect of obtaining zero greenhouse emissions by 2050. I believe it was a great achievement in the fight against climate change and I feel these type of bills should be passed more often to continue America’s progress in creating a more beautiful environment. Furthermore, I disagree with how Republican states are hesitant to generate new bills that will benefit the environment and hopefully, every state will realize how crucial it is to help the environment and climate as much as possible.
This week I read "At Historic Hearing, House Panel Explores Reparations" by Sheryl Stolberg. The topic of the article was reparations for African American descendants of slaves in the United States. Stolberg emphasizes the weight of even discussing the idea of reparations, as well as the strongly held opinions on both sides of the argument. Stolberg's article showed little evidence of bias and reflected a well researched and organized piece. I also thought it was a clever idea to include the "40 acres and a mule" phrase that is commonly used to refer to the promise made by William T. Sherman, to compensate former slaves.
I read the article "Trump Criticizes Megan Rapinoe Over Refusal to Visit White House" and it was very interesting to me and I now comprehend that a lot of people are perturbed with President Trump and the things that he is doing. Megan Rapinoe is a co-captain of the American Woman's Soccer Team and she is also part of the L-G-B-T-Q community. I was very interested to learn more things about this story and continue reading the article.
President Trump made comments such as “ (Rapinoe) should never disrespect our country, the White House or our flag," and criticizing Rapinoe that she should, "be proud of the flag that you wear.” I could understand why these things would upset Rapinoe and why she would be upset at President Trump. In 2016 Rapinoe caused turmoil when she refused to stand for The National Anthem. When U.S. Soccer changed the rules so that you must stand for The National Anthem, she didn't show any protest and she has stood ever since without making a big deal out of it. Ali Krieger and Alex Morgan also stated that if the team was invited to The White House, they would not attend. Rapinoe's teammates stood by her decision and supported her because she was upset about the situation that was happening.
This article inclined me to stand up for what I believe in and if your not happy with something don't give in. You must continue to fight for what you believe in, but do it respectfully. There is no need to become disrespectful.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/14/opinion/sunday/how-to-end-a-friendship.html?module=inline
"How to End a Friendship"
What I found most interesting in this article was the publishers personal experience with "ending a friendship" and their interpretation of how to end a friendship. I also attempted to understand what the publishers point by naming their article "How to End a Friendship" was but I ended up concluding that its purely circumstantial. Everyone ends a friendship in a way that gives them the most closure or possibly the biggest benefit for them. The publisher in the beginning didn't seem like they had any closure with the way that their friendship was ended so obviously that leaves possibly a mix of emotions which is really unfortunate. As many people go through the hardships of losing a friend or not, because like I said it is circumstantial they could either go through an arrange of emotions or not because they got themselves out of what they could consider a non-beneficial or toxic friendship. Ending a friendship isn't always bad. It is not always hard. Ending a friendship and how to feel is completely up to an individual and their connection to the friendship, so it is pretty biased to name an article "How to End a Friendship". How to truly end a friendship is completely up to the individual and their interpretation of how to end friendship, whether it be progressive or not.
Ever Been Jealous of a Friendship?
By Jessica Francis Kane
There were many times when I felt jealous of a friendship. “Philia”, they called it in the streets of classical Athens. That was it, philia. It was my desire; more than any other, the one type of love I longed for was friendship. I never cared for crushes and romance or roses for Valentines Day. All I wanted, for as long as I can remember, was a good friend. Though good friends don’t come easy, when they do, they take a crucial part of you and replace it with an equally essential part of them. No other serenity, I believe, will trump the presence of a good friend.
When I read this article written by Jessica Francis Kane, I couldn’t help but understand, so begrudgingly well, what it felt like to be jealous of a friendship. I couldn’t help but sympathize as she wrote about the vicarious happiness you feel when you see a true bond of philia unfold before your eyes. Indeed, there really is something magically magnetic about friendship.
That the wise old masters Epicurus, Aristotle, Cicero, and Montaigne stressed the importance of friendship is reason enough for me to believe that there is something special behind two kindred companions and the attachment they share. It’s “necessary”, Epicurus states, to participate in a bond of friendship. It’s philia, Aristotle says, that is a key ingredient to a good life. It’s “inspiring”, Kane writes, to witness true friendship.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/19/opinion/vaccines-public-health.html?action=click&module=RelatedLinks&pgtype=Article
"How To Inoculate Against Anti-Vaxxers"
I thought this article was interesting because reading all of these stories about unvaccinated children truly upsets me. As a member of Generation Z, I was vaccinated soon after I was born to protect my weak immune system from incredibly dangerous diseases. Luckily, the vaccinations worked, and I managed to avoid contracting any of these illnesses. However, this is not the case for many young children these days because parents are refusing the vaccinations due to misleading information about the side effects. For one, I am upset that the people who are supposed to take care of these children, the parents, are doing just the opposite by not using vaccines. The parents fail to inform themselves and make a hasty decision that will put their child at risk. I feel sympathy for these children because they have absolutely no control in the situation due to their age and can only rely on their parents to make the best decision. This lack of good judgement has recently escalated into multiple outbreaks of these viruses, especially the measles, putting many other unvaccinated people at risk. My mother actually got chicken pox as a child and has scars as proof. Based on what I’ve heard, all measures should be taken to protect children from the dangers of these diseases.
"The Youngest Child Separated From His Family at the Border Was 4 Months Old"
Just reading the title almost brought me to tears. The thought of a family being separated because the parents wanted a better life for their children is devastating. Vasile and Florentina Mutu brought their two youngest children to America hoping for a better future. The family flew out from Romania to Mexico where they tried to cross the border. However, their four month old baby, Constantin was taken and went to Michigan where and placed in a border children Foster home. He was raised there for four months before he was allowed to go back to Romania with his birth family. The struggle that this poor family went through was heartbreaking. Florentina had to see her baby grow up in the house of another family through videos because his foster mom did not want Florentia to miss out on Constantins life. Vasile was lied to constantly about his son. He was stuck in a cell where he did not speak either of the langues. When he was finally released, they told him that he was going to take his son back home. He went home alone.The article shows that the immigration “solution” definitely is not working. Families should not have to separated like this. Reading this article, it was clear that Florentina and Vasile only wanted what was best for their children. What was really accomplished by taking their baby away? I hope that change will come so families won't be separated when they try to have a better life.
"How to deal with a jerk without being a jerk" by Adam Grant.
Adam explains how to deal with jerks and the types of jerks there are. He starts with examples and how he learned the information. Grant explains, there are temporary jerks who are justed angered by something someone said or did and are usually fine after that. You can deal with these people by just talking to them about what they did and they will apologize. Certified jerks, on the other hand, are much harder to deal with, you have to converse with them about there attitude about life in general, and if that doesn't work you just have to avoid them.
I found this article very interesting and I appreciated Grant's casual writing style making it feel like we were just having a conversation. This way of dealing with jerks was more helpful and constructive than the usual of just ignoring them or getting defensive. I do have a question for Adam Grant. How do you deal with a temporary jerk that does not respond well to this type of constructive talking?
“Small Plane Crashes Off Florida Coast After Losing Communication” By and published on May 24, 2019.
This article focuses on a plane crash off the coast of Florida. This aircraft was a Cessna plane that became disconnected with the air traffic controllers. Some fighter jets were sent to investigate the loss of communication. The pilot was the only person on the plane. When the plane left St. Louis Regional Airport, the air traffic controllers were not able to reach the airplane. After the air traffic controllers could not reach the airport, they commissioned fighter jets. When the fighter jets reached the Cessna plane it “rapidly descend[ed] and subsequently crashed”. Major Lazane said that the interception of the fighter jets was to only restore the connection loss between the plane and the airport.
This plane crash intrigued me because I want to be an Aeronautical Engineer. The purpose of an Aeronautical Engineer is to improve airplanes and rockets. That being stated, the article discusses a plane crash while an Aeronautical Engineer can help to decrease the number of airplane accidents. In the near future, I would take pleasure in developing certain essential tools to progress the present technology. For example, I would like to upgrade the current status of an aircraft, rockets, and other elements in that kind of zone.
Why Harvard was Wrong to Make Me Step Down
The author of this article, Robert Sullivan, is a law professor at Harvard. He represented Harvey Weinstein in his recent sexual assault case and was then asked not to return to teach at Harvard the next year. Some students felt "unsafe" with a teacher who would defend an alleged sexual assailant. Sullivan shows throughout the article that he has both defended sexual assault victims and prosecuted in sexual assault cases and has been on the staff at Harvard for 10 years and has never had a complaint until this event. He argues that if the driving force behind staff changes at Harvard (and other universities) is just feelings, that there is a considerable problem. I agree with him because although colleges are known for being epicenters of revolution and liberal ideas, students must also realize that not everyone has the same morals as them. They learn to cope with contradictory values in more dynamic way. The students could have used this as an opportunity to learn more about the different sides to a sexual assault case or to sit down and understand where their professor was coming from, but instead, they complained of feeling "unsafe", therefore losing a learning opportunity. Not only does this show that the students were unwilling to discuss, but also that Harvard was not "interested in facilitating conversations" (Sullivan). If colleges are not encouraging students to question their beliefs, they are not equipping correctly.
The article that really grabbed my attention this week was, " The Short Rise and Long Tail of Lil Nas X" by Jon Caraminca. To start off, the article has a very witty and well thought out title, as word play is used when the author used the word "tail" instead of "Tale" to make a reference to the tail of a horse, as horses played a huge part in the song "Old Town Road" which kicked off Lil Nas X's career. Once you start reading this intriguing article, you get to learn about the unlikely success story of this break out star. Many artist and internet stars today blow up on social media and become extremely popular thanks to me mes and jokes, but even tho Lil Nas X fit under that category, he didn't want to be just a joke on social media, he wanted more. It was really cool to see how through the use of apps such as Instagram and Tik Tok, Lil Nas X was able to gain massive success, even allowing for a huge star like Billy Ray Cyrus to notice the catchy song, "Old Town Road" enough to the point where he even hopped on the track to remix the tune with the up and coming artist, furthering the popularity and success of Lil Nas X. To this day, Lil Nas X's hit song sits at the top of the Billboard Hot 100's chart for the 12th straight week, and he continues to drop new music such as his new hit singles "Panini" and "Rodeo ft Cardi B" not only prove he has what it takes to be a star, but also showing that Lil Nas X has made it big in the music industry and he is here to stay.
“How (and When) to Limit Kids’ Tech Use”
https://nyti.ms/2YgQfAv
I spend a minimum of ten hours on my personal devices every day. Staying at home, doing “work”, reading the New York Times, all help me to foster my bad habits. I have extremely unhealthy tech habits. I sit in my black leather chair from dawn to dusk doing who-knows-what on a functional laptop. How do I start to change my habits? As a teen, I feel better off than a 30-year-old who is facing their bad habits, but it still feels like an extreme challenge.
My parents greatly encouraged me to cultivate healthy habits. They limited my time on my phone by taking it away and restricted my video game time by making me create a schedule of everything I had to get done before nine o’clock PM. I follow it, procrastinating by reading interesting articles as I trudge throughout my day.
As someone who is used to running away from their problems, I avoid topics of nail-biting, relationships, and developing good habits. This article dug up questions I had been avoiding, "What else could my parents have done to promote better habits? What approach can I take now, in order to change myself?"
I hope that this article helps a lot of parents as their children grow up. As society is becoming more dependent on technology, it is important that children learn good habits relating to devices at an early age. Although I am still struggling to find a healthy balance in my life, I am more motivated to suffer for it now.
Ever been jealous of a friendship?
By: Jessica Francis Kane
As children walk through streets clutched to their phones, many adults shake their heads and sigh. In this digital age, true friendships seem to be diminished under the pretenses of likes on various social media. The countless “friends” on social media and fake hearts never seem to measure up stories and legends of true friendships of the past. This is the truth of what is being thought of in the 21st century.
But the reality is different.
The commonly used term for a best friend for life is bff. But these friendships do change and separate as time passes. This doesn’t mean that the relationship was never there, but left, leaving behind feelings and memories. The reality is this, people change and friends break apart. But, we aren’t so fake and obsessed with what others think of us. The likes on a social media page isn’t the definition of how we are being thought as. I promise that the generation today knows the meaning of true friendship. A true friendship is when we can go hours and hours of taking to each other without even realizing the time passing. It’s undying loyalty, love, and trust between people. It is invisible but unbreakable; and once it is found, never let it go. But true friendships are also something that is grown with time and events. And I believe I have such true friendships.
Mental health is something that’s not always visible. This holds especially true for those who broadcast themselves online. When only part of someone is being shown to an audience, it could be easy to hide issues from them. A heartbreaking example of this is Etika. Etika was a well known streamer and online personality. Above all else he was a source of laughter, and a good role model for millions. The loss of him to suicide was devasting to his community, and to the internet as a whole. I was both extremely shocked and saddened by this news, as were the bulk of my friends. We all kept chorusing, “this can’t be real,” “why him?,” and finally “I can’t believe he’s gone.” For many people in the online community Etika was a revolutionary and a constant in their lives. He would always be streaming whenever someone needed a presence to comfort them. His streaming was unlike any other. With the force of personality that he carried with him, he changed the internet landscape for the better. With his passing there is a hole left. A hole in the hearts of his fans and the community alike. Many will try, but no one will be able to fill this hole. Absolutely no one could ever replace him, or stand exactly where he stood. Etika was one of a kind, and with his passing, the world has lost one more hero. If you or someone you know are ver struggling and you think you or they can’t handle it. Call the number listed and just talk to someone please. You are loved. US: 1-800-273-8255
"What It's Like To Be a Teenager in Putin's Russia"
As a teenager, this headline immediately caught my eye. My life is filled with youth who are educated and stand up to governmental policies and politics. While my friends and I often feel restricted by the men who dominate our country, we fight to make a change. We protest and celebrate on the streets. But Russia? What first comes to mind: old men, pot-belly and Borscht, and yes- celebrating Putin. I often forget that the country is populated with young, progressive people like me.
The interviews illuminated me with lots of new knowledge, like how many blame their parent’s easily-happy generation for causing the problems, and Kirill’s experience as part of Putin’s youth group helped me learn about the lengths he took in his cruel policies. But each teenager’s response fell into one common theme: fear. Fear of Putin, fear of speaking up, and most surprisingly? fear of change. Kirill said the youth group limited his freedom of speech. Kate told of her fear of homophobia that stemmed from the nationalism. It was clear that the majority of Russia’s youth doesn’t like Russia’s current political state, and doesn’t think it can ever change, but yet feels too patriotic towards Russia to ever leave. Natasha, Gleb and Kate said that their Russian culture would make it hard to leave Russia. This piece left me pondering how we can build an international consensus based on courage when there is still so much fear of authority.
I feel that the reading, “Etika, a YouTube Personality, Is Mourned by Fans” not only brings awareness to the mental illness problems caused by social media, but it also paid homage to a “legend”. Desmond Amofah know and Etika was a YouTube streamer who reviewed new and upcoming games for the Nintendo, and the Nintendo Switch as well as interacted with his fans and having an upbeat attitude. This however, seemed to only be a mask Desmond was wearing because he was struggling inside. Social Media gave him an image and he could not let that image fall and show himself because then he wouldn’t be ‘himself’. Etika posted a video titled “I’m Sorry” on his YouTube channel that wasn’t later taken down by YouTube as it went against guidelines and terms of service. Many fans however re-uploaded the video and made tributes to Desmond. On June 19th, 2019, Etika was found dead when police found his body in the water, the cause of death being suicide. Etika hoped to have changed many things and hoped that his story would’ve inspired many, please know that if you are struggling you are not alone people are willing to reach out to you and care for you. “If you or someone you care about is struggling, please know you are not alone,” “The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available at 1-800-273-8255 in the U.S. or find support worldwide at https://www.befrienders.org/.”
Visit the article here: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/26/style/etika-dead.html?searchResultPosition=1
"America's Child Care Crisis Is an Economic Crisis"
Immediate action on the child care crisis is imperative if the economy is to thrive. I have always thought of the lack of child care as a social problem. I think in terms of emotions and relationships. To me, a family without external child care has to find it internally, which means guilt manifests. 'Is it the mother's duty to stay at home?'
In a nuclear household, where gender roles lean traditional, paid employment for both the mother and father is subversive. Parents who work take on the heavy burden of tens of thousands of dollars a year to pay for child care.
My own childhood has been impacted by these arguments. My single, work-at-home mother never had to worry about the financial cost of child care. She had the flexibility to construct her own schedule. She played both roles with relative ease. Somehow, she was present in both my childhood and her work. She was happy with her decision to work from home to care for my brother and I, albeit difficult at times.
This article attracted me for its hard truths. I've always been proud of my mother's drive and passion for her work. Growing up, I always wanted that for myself and my brother. But this article shows in clear terms that if we don't move forward and take progressive strides towards universal childcare, working parents will suffer. Reading this article was comforting for me--the future can be better for women in the economy.
With emotions running high following the election of 2016, I attended a school-hosted event to discuss politics with my fellow classmates. Placed into a group with many conservatives, I expected to disagree with my peers and for them to echo the same talking points I’d heard on the news from Republicans in Washington, but what I heard surprised me.
“I don’t like Obamacare, but we do need more people with healthcare.”
“Climate change is definitely real.”
“We have to stop all these shootings!”
One-by-one, my peers weighed in. They accepted gay marriage. They celebrated immigration and diversity. While they were conservative, their views did not reflect the politicians I knew and loathed, and I was proud at how we were able to reach across the aisle in a way that put our leaders to shame.
Finding this piece in the Times reminded me of this day and gives me hope that my generation can solve the current issues facing this nation. I’ve come to see that young people, despite our political differences, see eye-to-eye more than we may expect. Our agreements and enthusiasm convince me that if we were the ones occupying the seats in Congress, we'd get a hell of a lot more accomplished. As future adults, we stand either the most to gain, or the most to lose. As the inheritors of this imperfect world, we have every right to fight for the future, our future, and we will do it together.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/23/us/gop-liberal-america-millennials.html?module=inline
“So, what are your plans over the summer?” asked Mr. Whelan, my history teacher. “SAT prep courses,” “AP summer assignments,” “Research internship,” came the terse replies from across the room. Mr. Whelan’s expression is disappointed but unsurprised; it mirrors my own. Even outside of high school, I find that it’s more unusual to find someone investing time to relax and recharge; queue the workaholic parents typing away on their days off, perhaps afraid of the mammoth workload that awaits them after the break.
Although it’s taxing to avoid periods of rest, this sort of behavior is often lauded as “hard work” while taking a break is often paired with slothfulness. This romanticization of hard work is what pressures students to say ‘no’ to pool parties while studying at home, sweltering under the summer heat. Bonnie Tsui, in the article “You are Doing Something Important When You Aren’t Doing Anything” bemoans this state of society and the expectation of “24/7 hamster wheel work.” She argues that “fallow” resting periods are essential to creating balance in our busy lives, and we should build up a resistance to the societal values that tell us otherwise. I chose this article because the title itself gave me comfort; comfort that not only does someone else feel the same way I do, but that the idea of rest has inherent value. Over the summer, I wish to take this advice to heart and take a break— even if that means going against the tide.
Most people focus on historical instigators when looking at traumatic events in world history. Hitler was the man who decreed that all Jews were to die, but he and the Nazi Party single-handedly could not transport the captives alone. To fix this, he used the Dutch railroad Nederlandse Spoorwegen. Now while they themselves were not anti-semitic, I find it interesting how NS recently made the decision to pay compensation to the relatives of the Jewish victims of the Holocaust. It is not because they had a moral change of heart, though, but only because they would suffer financially if they don't. This makes me wonder if we have enough sympathy for the people who suffered anymore. Even though NS was not responsible for the Holocaust as a whole, they were still one of the central railways to the death camps. And yet it still took them more than seventy years to muster up any sort of apology. Should we take this "sincerity" seriously? Or is it better to cease threatening them? And moreover, do we need to increase education on this subject? It seems that even in the U.S. we are failing to learn from the past with the new inclusion of Border Camps. Maybe if more people understand the degree of horrifying atrocities committed during this time, then we won't have to repeat the past, and more people will be sincerely sorry for what occurred.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/27/world/europe/ns-dutch-railway-holocaust.html
“Ballet’s Swirling Force of Nature”
At four years of age, a beginner ballerina, I was more courageous than I am today at seventeen. During my first performance, I brazenly danced in center stage, whirling wildly to my own rhythm. Unaware of the watchful room of self-conscious adults, I innocently relished in my own interpretation of dance.
Although my dance style pleased the crowd, deeming my performance “hilarious,” dance did not resonate with me; I stopped ballet shortly after my first performance. Today, however, I wish I had never left the stage.
Recognizing how ballet trains the dancer both for a routine and the dysfunctional pattern of life, I wish I was a ballerina. Ballet dancers have tremendous physical and mental discipline. Through their self-control, a quality I covet, they have power over themselves.
As I regularly fall short of my physical and emotional goals, I once more wish to be as bold as an innocent four year-old, fearless in the face of embarrassment. Today I am humiliated to dance for anyone, but I believe my desire to confront fear of the unknown and fear of my place in society will one day drive me to re-enter a ballet studio. Through learning to dance, vulnerably displaying myself to a judgmental audience, I will be my strongest version of self. I will be stronger than a daring four year-old because dance allows me to conquer fear of self-degradation and blossom bravely into adulthood.
“San Francisco Bans Sale of Juul and Other E-Cigarettes”
An interesting article that I came across this week was about San Francisco becoming the first city in the country to ban the sale of e-cigarettes. The article goes on to disclose how it was done to combat the vaping epidemic among teenagers. As a high school boarding student, I see first hand everyday how ubiquitous vaping has become. E-cigarette use among my male classmates is pandemic and the situation is so forlorn that nicotine-addicted students make a beeline to the restrooms after an 80 minutes class like some junkie who needs a fix. Even though I witness these things, the ban in San Francisco perplexes me. First, conventional cigarettes, which are more detrimental than vaping, are still sold in the city of San Francisco and recently marijuana has also been authorized for sale. Those two toxic products being permitted and vaping products being prohibited is an absolute absurdity. Furthermore, e-cigarettes are still utilized by adults as an alternative to conventional cigarettes so confiscating a safer substitute for adults is hurting some of the wrong people. The article itself states that e-cigarettes seems to be contributing to the overall abatement in the use of cigarettes. Thus, while I am all for protecting young people and finding creative ways to curb vaping among teenagers, San Francisco’s ban seems like a not well thought out half-hearted effort to portray themselves like a shining city on a hill.
1
My first reaction to “Why Can’t Everyone Get A’s?” was one of annoyance. The battle for all A’s has developed in me a strong work ethic and has allowed me to find the subjects that I love and am best at. Who was Mr. Kohn to invalidate the hours of hard work that I put into getting straight A’s? Who was he to deny me the recognition that I thought I deserved?
Despite my initial reaction, it eventually became clear to me that Mr. Kohn’s most interesting assumption is his most important: that Americans believe excellence and success are the same concept.
They are not. Success is not contingent on excellence. We seem to have forgotten this—the happy western farmer’s life, though not outstanding or excellent, was once considered a success. We could hold a person’s life to standards of integrity, happiness, genuine compassion, and hard work today. Instead, we choose to associate a life’s worth with its excellence, or its comparative superiority.
This association is what contributes to toxic competition for excellence in schools today—after all, nobody wants to be “worthless.” Until students and parents themselves realize their mentality and learn to let go, letting everyone get all A’s would be counterproductive in American schools. Not only would students eventually turn to other, more expensive means to prove their excellence, but it would also eradicate a primary agent of achievement, motivation, and opportunity for students to hone valuable life skills.
"The Terror of Getting Lettuce Wrong" by Jennine Capo Crucet
From the long, frigid winters and short growing seasons of Minnesota, moving to Georgia brought mild winters and a long growing season. During my first spring in Atlanta, my dad and I made a small vegetable bed, poured soil in, and planted seeds. I was ecstatic at the sight of the first tiny radish leaves. However, the produce was sparse. Year after year, my garden remained the same: a few radishes, banana peppers, and carrots. I needed a different method; for inspiration, I looked to the master gardeners in the community garden near my house. Homemade soil mix paired with rich compost and lots of patience is now the diet my plants feast on, and I have had the best growing season yet. As the author of the article said, “I know my garden is teaching me this, and that I need to learn it, but still, I want it done and perfect.” Like the author, I have conquered my fear of mistakes, and this year, my garden is glorious with beans, blueberry bushes, peas, honey dew melon, and eggplant mixed with basil, oregano, and kale. This article reflects my feelings: the initial uncertainty, followed by exhilaration when my plants grow and the deep satisfaction of bringing my produce to my mom. Each spring, as I pick out a new pair of gloves and new seeds, I feel excited for a new season of dirt, greens, and satisfaction. To those who garden, I would say, “Keep Calm and Keep Gardening”.
Trump, in Abrupt Pivot, Says Funding for Special Olympics Will Continue
I have a friend who is a very passionate athlete: a golfer. But unlike what many people expect of passionate golfers, his swings are clumsy, his golf balls often do not go the right way, and he sometimes even misses his ball when he swings. He is not an ordinary golfer; he is a golfer with physical disabilities. I remember him telling me that someday, he wants to participate in the Special Olympics and achieve his dreams.
Recently, I found out that the president of the United States had decided to cut the funding for the Special Olympics a few months ago. Hearing this, I was concerned because to some disabled people, like my friend, participating in the Special Olympics might be the goal of their life, but if the government stops financially supporting the Special Olympics, it could negatively influence its progress. I decided to find out more about the Special Olympics funding and found out that the president had decided to reverse his decision and continue funding for the Special Olympics. This relieved me but in some ways, this shocked me even more. I thought that some politicians supporting the funding of the Special Olympics might be doing so only to gain popularity for the next vote. I think it is important for those politicians to realize that what is important is not popularity, but rather, the pure will of helping the disabled athletes.
In all honesty, I got an A- in United States history this year, and it was probably closer to a B+ than it was to an A. My academic record does not place me in any position to speak with authority about the Constitution, but perhaps my theatre-going experience does. Admittedly, Heidi Schreck’s play “What the Constitution Means to Me” taught me the majority of what I know about the document, while simultaneously directing my understanding of the document as a young woman.
In his op-ed titled after Justice Kagan’s claim that ‘Most of the Government is Unconstitutional’, Nicholas Bagley summarizes Gundy v United States, which “concerned the constitutionality of a law requiring the registration of sex offenders.” The Supreme Court ruled that Congress holds the ability to delegate authority to federal agencies.
Schreck cites Castle Rock v Gonzales, a 2005 Supreme Court case that ruled police officers could not be sued for failing to enforce a restraining order – a failure that led to the murder of Gonzales’ three daughters by her ex-husband. Brett Kavanaugh was recused from the case, but Clarence Thomas agreed with the need to “curb Congress’s powers to delegate to federal agencies.” An alleged sexual predator ruling in favor of limited government intervention presents a paradox of sorts: does the constitutionality of a sex offender registration really matter when the Constitution is used to protect the same men that should be on that list?
"The Terror of Getting Lettuce Wrong" by Jennine Capo Crucet
From the long, frigid winters and short growing seasons of Minnesota, moving to Georgia brought mild winters and a long growing season. During my first spring in Atlanta, my dad and I made a small vegetable bed, poured soil in, and planted seeds. I was ecstatic at the sight of the first tiny radish leaves. However, the produce was sparse. Year after year, my garden remained the same: a few radishes, banana peppers, and carrots. I needed a different method; for inspiration, I looked to the master gardeners in the community garden near my house. Homemade soil mix paired with rich compost and lots of patience is now the diet my plants feast on, and I have had the best growing season yet. As the author of the article said, “I know my garden is teaching me this, and that I need to learn it, but still, I want it done and perfect.” Like the author, I have conquered my fear of mistakes, and this year, my garden is glorious with beans, blueberry bushes, peas, honey dew melon, and eggplant mixed with basil, oregano, and kale. This article reflects my feelings: the initial uncertainty, followed by exhilaration when my plants grow and the deep satisfaction of bringing my produce to my mom. Each spring, as I pick out a new pair of gloves and new seeds, I feel excited for a new season of dirt, greens, and satisfaction. To those who garden, I would say, “Keep Calm and Keep Gardening”.
“Online Classrooms Look to Improve Higher Education Across Africa, but Face Skepticism”
They are really doing something great for the world, though still struggling to strive.
Who are they? They are social changers striving for promoting African region’s college education.
Nicos Nicolaou, the founder of the online college classroom, is the person I should look up to all the time. He is the true social worker, solving an issue for his mother community assisted with his prior education and resource. As known from the big data, African college education has been in a freezing period for a long time. The enrollment rate keeps dropping; the number of graduates plunges. Though the tumor is big, Mr.Nicolaou is not turned down by it. Instead, he fights for all Africans. What he has done by now, in my mind, has furthering a huge step for the 4th SDG(United nations’ sustainable development). He is doing good. He tries to ease the education inequality. This is what I want to do all the time: help my community to reach for better education sources. However, I am much worse than Mr.Nicolaou. By now, I have not done anything concrete. Neither do I provide any new insights to them, nor do I creating any course platform for them to learn. Mr.Nicolaou’s doing re-stir my huge desires to change something. I want to start doing something right now! It does not need to be as big as Mr.Nicolaou’s work. It can be a sharing session, or.....
I first clicked on Bennhold’s article, “Nazis Killed Her Father. Then She Fell in Love With One,” already imagining the betrayal and internalized conflicts it would bring up. The daughter of a Jew with a Nazi -- the idea alone seemed unfathomable, something only possible through either extreme oblivion, tolerance, or maybe even deceit.
But as I continued reading, I quickly realized the true central idea of the story that the title diverted from:
Abridged Version V4
After sitting for several hours, and attempting to post, I realized the comment was too long… by about 4 times the limit imposed by the website. Anyways, I will leave a link to the unabridged version here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bzIkB_SaaVxg5Un8zTeN5p8DOZBCfzeZVFbuJ1EXKRA/edit?usp=sharing
Anyways, I guess the only redeeming quality of this is that the topic I am writing has so many faces a serial hypocrite would jeer at it. The most interesting article I read this week has been one by Tiffany Hsu, and was named “These Influencers Aren’t Flesh and Blood, Yet Millions Follow Them”, it talks about how artificial influencers have advanced by strides in looks, to the point they have begun to replace humans in modelling for advertisements The ad mentioned juxtapositioned how LGBTQ+ people were oppressed in the past, and how everything is today. But also, it was a foreshadow of how AI will one day physically walk amidst us, to the point they will look very human. Me talking about AI based on this might seem far-fetched, but remember the article speaks about human simulation. And what are humans top notch at? Being nature’s smartypants… most of the time. Therefore, it ties back to intelligence made by intelligence, and it shows how we fight back at any hint of anybody threatening our current state as global Apex Predators, and how our process to become more “human” still needs a big way to go… time which we don’t have as we approach the singularity.
"This Creature Eats Stone. Sand Comes Out the Other End"
This article interested me the most, mainly for its absurdity. I chose this article to switch it up. Most articles these days are about racial injustice, shootings, border separations, and other negative events occurring on our planet. Between plastic waste and democratic debates, our media platforms are flooded. I thought instead of being sucked into the abyss, I'll read an upbeat article about a mollusk that poops sand. This strange animal, the shipworm, is known for eating wood, but has since turned its fascination with wood to stones. Scientists are still researching the abnormal creature and hopefully will find an answer on to why and how this managed to happen. Back to why I chose this article, I found quite hilarious the author tried to be as formal as possible by rephrasing "Weird Fish Poops Sand After Eating Rocks," to "Creature Eats Stone, Sand Comes Out the Other End." It made me giggle while going through some negative and devastating article titles. It's kind of nice to have some humorous and upbeat news in the media. It's nice for a change.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/18/science/shipworm-rocks-sand.html?module=inline
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/27/fashion/kim-kardashian-west-kimono-cultural-appropriation.html
Kim Kardashian West has once again created a massive fashion controversy, dragging the Japanese along. In an attempt to keep her new "solutionwear" shapewear collection consistent with her other two brandings, she has named it Kimono, referencing the "beauty and detail" that goes into each one. This decision expresses either her extreme love for Japanese culture, or like most celebrities, her lack of common sense.
She aims to create a brand that is inclusive of different skin tones and body types, yet she fails to select a name that reveals her intent. A kimono is as different from undergarments as can be. By putting these together, Kim Kardashian has disrespected Japanese culture and offended many, not only Asians. As an adult, West should be well aware that world history is longer than a mere thirty-eight years.
If her initial goal was to create publicity, then it worked. However, going as far as trying to register a trademark for "kimono" would be as absurd as trademarking T-shirts.
In her current position as an influencer and socialite, an apology would be difficult and even embarrassing. But, after the mess she has created, Kim Kardashian should reconsider the type of public image she wants to create. Many teens and young adults look up to her, so instead of covering up mistakes, she should apologize and at the very least, make an attempt to resolve the issue.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/15/opinion/sunday/schools-testing-ranking.html
In Alfie Kohn’s “Why Can’t Everyone Get A’s?”, competition is deemed as something that “tends to hold us back from doing our best,” a sentiment that has been pervading today’s society in many ways. In youth sports, teams are no longer keeping score so that there is no winner or loser. First place trophies for those who win have been replaced by participation prizes for everyone. However, society’s desire to foster equality, which is a noble and just cause, should not mean that everyone and everyone’s work are the same.
In my experience, competition only fuels students to perform better. Grades are incentives for students to work harder, and the only way for grades to mean something is if good grades are difficult to achieve. Success in life is not easy to attain. Handing out A’s like candy only deter students from rising above mediocrity.
In a perfect world, every student would earn an A. But our world is decidedly imperfect, and there are countless students who deserve A’s and countless students who do not. We “raise the bar” to find those who can exceed those higher standards and who have the drive to accomplish great things. Yes, everyone has the potential to earn A’s, but that does not mean good grades should be given; instead, as with all things in life, they should be earned.
“Photo of Drowned Migrants Captures Pathos of Those Who Risk it All”
Last year my mother and I immigrated to the U.S. at a chance for a better future. And for the American dream that so many people including late Óscar Alberto Martínez Ramirez and his late 23-month-old daughter Valerie think of right before going to sleep.
Despite our similar dreams, the sorrowful photo of the drowned family automatically shone the difference in how Mr. Martínez and his daughter went through the most painstaking journey by foot. The most painstaking journey for me, ensured a plane ride. And it was finding out that my mother’s passport had expired on the day we were supposed to leave Korea. At the time I bawled at my mother saying, “I’d rather go to the U.S. alone, if it means I can get their three days quicker!”
Shocked, scared, sad. These still are the main words that I feel as I see this disturbing picture inside me for the 50th time. I now so desperately want to take back every fight with my mother. Since I know she would do the same as Mr. Martinez for Valerie. She would share her shirt, put a diaper on me, carry me through the water and sacrifice her own life if it means giving me my chance at a future. This image as the authors say are “tragic consequences that often go unseen in the loud and caustic debate over border policy.” And because of this I now want to spend an eternity of quarreling instead of being somewhere 3 days early if it means that I can spend it all with my mom.
The thing that interested me the most in the New York Times this week was the article “Canada Signals a Willingness to Challenge Trump on His Clean-Car Rollback.” The reason why this interested me the most is because if Canada, which is considered the United States’ longtime friend, is willing to fight back against our president’s actions then maybe others will follow. California has longtime been considered to do its own thing and not listen so to speak and now Canada may be following along. It shows a new glimmer of hope for the people that are striving to end pollution and put a stop to climate change. The fact that Canada publicly aligned with California is something so amazing to see because it shows a start of something that could lead to us saving this beautiful planet. In the article it states, ““Working with California is a way to move forward and share best practices and align our standards,” said Catherine McKenna, the Canadian environment minister, on a telephone call with reporters. “California has been an inspiration when it comes to clean fuel standards. That is where the world is going.”” To hear a statement like this gives me an insane amount of hope and motivation to keep putting effort into the fixation of the planet’s problems. The big thing that Canada did was sign a clean car deal with California. Once again, this is just paving the way to something greater. A decision like this could greatly increase the market for cleaner and battery powered cars
"Those Puppy Dog Eyes You Can’t Resist? Thank Evolution"
By: James Gorman
This peaked my interest to begin with because I relate to the article closely. This is due to the fact that I have a Labrador Retriever. He gives me the well known puppy dog eyes or the "AU101: inner eyebrow raise" to beg for something he wants or to just show me emotional support. This movement of the eyebrows that our animal best friends do is very stereotypical of the canine and has been witnessed by humans for generations. What really fascinated me about this is that wolves do not have a special muscle to raise their brows to give the look. The muscle that wolves do not have, but the dogs of today have is called the "levator anguli oculi medialis".
Dogs have evolved to have and use this special muscle over centuries of being in contact of humans. They evolved like this through the same means as how pretty much every canine specie has come about, and that is selective breeding. This is due to how humans communicate non-verbally, which is with our face and most importantly our eyebrows. Humans have favored eyebrow raising dogs unconsciously during breeding because it closely mimics the way we communicate and we feel that we can understand the dog better this way. An interesting study found that dogs who indulge in their eyebrow raise are more likely to get adopted.
I believe we need to research these types of things more so we can understand and become closer to our companions.
Gamlin_GHS_2019
"How Jon Stewart Became a Fierce Advocate for 9/11 Responders"
"Why is it so damn hard and take so damn long?" he exclaims, his impassioned clicks of an unfortunate pen resonating throughout the dead silent room. Stunned congressmen and 9/11 first responders are left speechless.
After hosting "The Daily Show" for sixteen years, Jon Stewart could have easily spent the rest of his life on a yacht in Malibu, distanced from the head-scratching issues enveloping the nation. But he opted to continue the fight for 9/11 responders in desperate need of healthcare funding, delivering this intense speech so disparate from his usual cool composure and compelling Congress to take action the very next day by passing a bill unanimously. His presence as an outspoken voice for this group of heroes speaks volumes of his devotion to doing what's right for the country.
Mr. Stewart's passionate and heartfelt testimony left me with mixed emotions. On one hand, it is saddening that our comedians need to come out of retirement to reprimand our congressmen and support the heroes that healed the wounds of a grieving nation, simply because no one else on that stage had the courage to.
However, it warms my heart that change can be made by the actions that built the United States in the first place - unending devotion and fight for a cause you truly believe in. Courage isn't about sending your thoughts and prayers; it's about taking a stand and refusing to rest until the job gets done.
@Brian Ham I read your comment and I am sorry to point out a glaring mistake that you made. You wrote in the 2nd paragraph that, "... compelling Congress to take action the very next day by passing a bill unanimously." Congress did no such thing. The article clearly states that , "the full House Judiciary Committee unanimously voted to send the bill to the House floor for consideration." That means that the U.S. House of Representatives will "consider" the bill. that does mean passing the bill. Other than that, i enjoyed comment.
@Steve Kane
Thank you for your comment. Unfortunately, I had a lot to say about the topic but so few characters in the comment box, and I understand the distinction of my abbreviation. We still have much work to do, especially in the Senate, before the bill passes.
I sincerely hope that in the coming months, I will be able to say with confidence that Congress did in fact unanimously pass the bill and honor the heroes that helped repair a grieving nation.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/26/world/asia/india-disease-lychee.html
I have a cough, a runny nose, and an earache. We go to the doctor, and my pediatrician doesn’t even ponder on my diagnosis. She prescribes me cough medicine, advises rest and drinking lots of fluids. Within a minute, her four years of medical school and residency had taught her I had a common cold. Shouldn’t it just be as easy as going to the doctor with questions and coming home with answers? One town in India doesn’t have that privilege. In his article, Rod Nordland, focused on Muzaffarpur, an Indian town where every year hundreds of kids die with no known cause. For a long time, scientists believed the consumption of lychees on an empty stomach caused previously healthy kids to die within a day. As a person who wants to go into the medical field one day, this article spoke to me. Medicine has always been used to help people but Muzaffarpur thinks medicine has let them down. Though there are several scientists working to find the cause of the innocent deaths, some argue that because it’s an impoverished town, it’s not getting proper attention of the government. The idea that innocent children are dying because of their low social class, horrifies me. Doctors take an oath to treat patients with no regard to social class and politicians take an oath to serve their civilians. It’s time we put those oaths to use and save the future; those kids who will grow up to become the next doctors and politicians.
“When Pollution is Matter of Life and Death”
By Sharon Lerner
Have you ever thought of actually contributing to pollution problems when you watch news about it? I think the answer might be a no. We simply think the problems as other people’s matter-- not ours.
When I was in elementary school, I had a project of drawing a future Seoul. When I drew everyone wearing masks and strolling around streets due to the air pollution, my friends thought, “This is just an imagination that would never happen.” But now, in front of me walking down the streets, everyone is wearing masks, covering their faces as the gloomy sky was coated by micro dust.
People do not acknowledge the seriousness until they actually experience it. As how I joked with my friends, which became true, it is not a time to think “This will not happen to me.” The air pollution rate on our planet is getting worse every year, reaching a situation of “An alarming 7 million people die each year from air pollution,” according to the World Health Organization. Not only in South Korea but also in China, the Chinese economy loses “an estimated 268 billion Yuan every year due to lost food production and early deaths” according to the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
The weight of the problem is real. People are dying of cancer caused by air pollution. The arrow will be soon aiming at us, and it would be already late when we realize the gravity of the issue. Now is not a time to think but to act.
Many of us see planets and moons as plain worlds made up rocks or gas with not much to offer. So when the article “This World Is a Simmering Hellscape. They’ve been watching Its Explosions” talked about scientists discovering volcanos on Jupiter’s moon it was fascinating to me. They have collected data about the active volcanos on Io for 5 years so far and believe that the cause of the eruptions are “fueled by tidal heating.” If Io has this kind of energy who’s to say that other planets or moons don’t have it. This activity is mainly seen only in the trailing hemisphere of the moon. This comes to show the amazing technology advances that help us discover more about what’s out there. Each day we learn more and more about outer space- things we never would of thought to be out there. I have always liked science so discoveries like this do amaze me and keeps me thinking on how far science can take us in discovering mysteries. This article also intrigued me because we don’t really know much about the moons of other planets, only that they’re rocks, but the fact that it has active volcanos and that they were recently discovered tells me how much we still don’t know about our solar system. If we are still discovering cool things in our own solar system imagine what we can discover in the galaxy. Not only that, but also the technology. As time advances so does that. It really does get me wondering What new technologies will we invent in the future that will help us explore space?
Those Puppy Dog Eyes You Can’t Resist? Thank Evolution
By: Alexander
6/27/19
I chose to talk about this article because I have two dogs, and I just like dogs in General. The thumbnail and title were also eye-grabbing so I clicked on it, and the article started with a food begging type scenario and it nicely transitions into the main topic of why humans are so attracted to dogs when they make that face.
I think it is interesting that humans are hardwired to respond to the puppy face, and also that we basically bred dogs to have that muscle. So I think that we pushed ourselves into a corner of falling for our dogs more because of our own actions.
I just like dogs and other animals in general so I won't skip a dog article if I see one.
This week I read the article "Those Puppy Dog Eyes You Cant Resist? Thank Evolution" by James Gorman. I've always thought about how dogs can just sucker you in to anything, such as one more treat or just for you to play with them. We all know the classic "puppy dog eyes", but what is interesting is that dogs use a certain muscle to move their eyebrows to make this look. Though scientists don't know where the modern dog species got this from, wolves have never had this certain muscle. Scientists are trying to figure out where this trait has come from, some think it could be a modern species today but others think it could be an extinct species related to wolves. As wolves are the main species dogs evolved from, scientists have their heads spinning trying to come up with more theories as of why dogs have this trait. I believe that it evolved in dogs over time, a dogs feelings could provoke facial expressions to signal others how its feeling. The way dogs communicate to each other can be very complicated, but how they communicate to humans is simple they show expressions. When their sad, they put their tail down, when they are happy they wag their tail, and when they want something, they will give you those puppy dog eyes. So when dogs figure out ways to communicate with others they will use it, so they used this expression which evolved in dogs over time. Wile that's just a theory, we can enjoy these dogs cute puppy dog eyes.
What interested me this week in the New York Times was the article “What a 13-0 U.S. Win Over Thailand Looked Like at the Women’s World Cup” which was about the USA Women’s soccer team in the 2019 World Cup. The article was about how The US team defeated the Thailand team 13-0. This game has been an extremely controversial game because some accuse the US team of “bullying” the Thailand team when they were just playing the game they know how to play.
During a tournament like the World Cup the more points you receive the better off you are. So yes, the women on the US team could have gone a little easier but, if they did, the extra goals that they did score wouldn’t have helped them in the long run. They also weren’t going to let up on the pressure and risk a goal going in against them. They also could not sub out the starters because they only have three subs per game unless there are injuries. The women in the World Cup were not bullying the Women from Thailand only treating them equal to the opponents that they will play in the future.
These elite women were not trying to be mean to the women from Thailand. They could not do very much to score less, not that they would want to. All of the things that a coach of a high school team would do are not options. So, the women must play the way they train.
K-Pop Star Faces Charge in Nightclub Prostitution Case
By Tiffany May and Su-Hyun Lee
In South Korea these days, countless rumors have been formed about celebrities. Drugs, sexual abuse, and gambling are all examples of the scandals celebrities have been exposed to. This article about Seungri made me think about many other celebrities who got exposed to the world. I found one point that all of these exposed celebrities have in common: they were extremely successful at least once during their careers.
Becoming famous and successful at a young age is detrimental and indirectly causes them to make careless decisions. People judge everything about celebrities, make hateful comments and insult everything they do. Everyday, celebrities are capable of being attacked any second both mentally and physically. Their life is surrounded by people’s eyes on them. In addition, celebrities are constantly worrying about their fame withering away, even when they are successful during that time.
In a way, celebrities get both happiness and stress from their fans. These disadvantages would eventually cause them to look for things that can help their stress go away. With all these new young celebrities debuting at age 12, I can already see many of them turning into a disaster. There is nothing people can do to stop these celebrities from making negligent decisions. Celebrities debuting in the future should not set these negatively influential celebrities as their role models.
Racist Comments Cost Conservative Parkland Student a Place at Harvard
Over the years, I’ve watched countless highly qualified students in my school apply to college, hoping that their applications will get them into their dream schools. But some of the results bewildered me.
One senior I knew spent the year disparaging the way I look, the culture I come from, the activities that I do. I would laugh it off as teenager banter, but inside, I had never felt so beaten down.
But he was an accomplished STEM award winner. So he was admitted into the Ivy League.
The truth is that a 650-word essay and a 30-minute interview aren’t enough to see an applicant’s personality. At best, they give a superficial glance at the face that applicants choose to show the outside world. When I found out about Harvard’s decision to rescind Kyle Kashuv, I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. Maybe he deserves to be rescinded. But he just happens to be the one who was caught.
Harvard’s desire to eliminate these mentalities from its student body is applaudable. But its inability to see this in Kashuv before they chose to accept him reveals a gaping hole in our college system. Many support Harvard’s decision, insisting that they don’t want their children to study alongside individuals with racist or sexist beliefs. But chances are that they will. We may not be able to eliminate this problem, but if we take the time to reexamine how we evaluate students, there is a chance that we can alleviate it.
This week what interested me most was the article “ The Youngest Child Separated at the Border from his Family was Four Months Old.” This to me is unspeakable. I understand the point of the wall, to prevent illegal immigrants from coming in. But separating a child from their parents is NOT okay. I couldn’t even imagine a life without my parents. How could you? At four months, when the child is that young, the parents MUST be in the picture. It’s essential. As I read further though, I come to find out that someone in Michigan, my home state, took the child in and took care of him well. It’s heartwarming to know that there are some people that care. While the child is with someone else the father is being held in a prison in Texas. I hope the end to family separation at the border is coming soon, because this situation can not go on any longer period. This situation seems to be slipping over the heads of our government. It’s time to wake up, open up your eyes, and pay attention!
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/17/opinion/harvard-admission-kyle-kashuv.html?module=inline
In today’s day and age, college pressure begins the minute we enter our teenage years. We are molded not to be successful young adults, but to conform to the expectations of respected universities. This is precisely why I found the opinion on Harvard’s decision to rescind its offer of admission to Kyle Kashuv so engrossing. While Harvard's may have been justified, I believe the university is still in the wrong.
As highlighted within the opinion, Harvard’s decision has paved a new reality for young adults: perfection is equivalent to success. By setting unreasonable expectations for applicants, the university has made it impossible for the average, hardworking teenager to earn a place among society’s “elite.” Instead, highly respected universities like Harvard have opted to admit those with a practically flawless youth. However, this mindset poses major obstacles to the future of our society.
As teenagers, our path to maturity is often rough. We are forced to make major decisions with the limited knowledge we possess at such an age. However, our mistakes guide us into adulthood. In this particular incident, I do believe the student is in the wrong. However, I believe Harvard, along with various other universities, often abuse their power. We are human beings, and children at that. Using our inevitable mistakes against us only hinders our development.
“It’s gigantic’:A new Way to Gauge the Chances for Unresponsive Patients” by Benedict Carey
This article caught my attention because the title hinted at the possibility of doctors being able to detect brain activity in patients who are stuporous. Up until this very moment, I never dreamed this would be possible. Usually when a patient is unconscious, doctors will make sure their airway was not affected by the incident that resulted in them being insentient and help maintain respiration as well as circulation within their body. As mentioned in this article, there comes a point, however, when a debate occurs over whether or not a patient’s condition is determined to be beyond help. As I read this article, I became ecstatic because that debate may not be necessary anymore! The use of routine EEG recordings allows doctors to see brain activity! This allows neurologists to gain “useful insight”on immobile as well as mute patients. This observance has proven that patients who were detected to have brain activity are “more likely to achieve partial independence over the next year with rehabilitation, compared to patients with no activity.” This may have not been discovered had it not been for the EEG readings. The EEG approach could help determine possible treatments after days or weeks after an incident, which will be beneficiary to many.
So for the second week of the summer reading contest I decided to read "NASA Announces New Dragonfly Drone Mission to Explore Titan" by David W. Brown. This interested me because i'm interested in space and more specifically space travel like in video games. Another reason that i was interested was that the drone they are going to use looks wicked sick. So in the article it talks about how a mission is being set up by NASA to send a drone to Titan, Saturn's largest moon. In the article it says that Titan is the only world other than earth with standing liquid on its surface, being methane. I find this very interesting because I didn't think that any other celestial bodies in our solar system had liquids like earth and i also thought the only other livable place was mars. The article also says that the drone will be sent to Titan in 2026 but will only arrive by 2034. I think that this is crazy and just shows us the scope and size of our solar system and entire galaxy and universe really are. Another very interesting subject is that Titan has a methane cycle just like our water cycle! One last thing is in the article it compares the dragonfly drone to the mars rover in its size, and while they are about the same size but the new dragonfly drone is much more mobile and its nuclear power source is much more advanced. This just goes to show how fast technology is moving forward and gives hope to where we could be in the future in terms of us going to space.
"Kamala Harris on Seeking to ‘Prosecute the Case’ Against Trump"
Kamala Harris, a prominent presidential candidate, has been focusing her campaign on making sure that people are sure of what she wants to do in America's future is she is elected President of the United States. Recently, however, she has reset her campaign to allocate her attention to focusing fire on the current President, Donald Trump. Harris has increased the number of her attacks on the President, letting everyone know when she intends to do if she is elected. I, for one, am very impressed with Harris' gall to be able to call out the President in a time where everyone seems to be in his pocket or too afraid to speak their minds. Kamala Harris has openly called Trump bigoted and a hater, while others have preferred to watch from the sidelines. I admire the courage and the confidence that she must have in order to speak her mind against the President who she feels so strongly against. I admire the fact that she isn't afraid to adjust her stance on her political campaign, even when it might cost her the vote. I, personally, support the stance she is taking and I approve of the methods she is using.
“Photo of Drowned Migrants Captures Pathos of Those Who Risk it All”
Last year my mother and I immigrated to the U.S. at a chance for a better future. And for the American dream that many people including late Mr. Ramirez and his late daughter Valerie think of right before sleep.
Despite our similar dreams, the sorrowful photo of the drowned family automatically shone the difference in how Mr. Martínez and his daughter went through the most painstaking journey by foot. The painstaking journey for me ensured a plane ride. And it was finding out that my mother’s passport had expired on the day we were supposed to leave for America. At that time I had bawled at my mother screaming, “I’d rather go to the U.S. alone if it means I can get their quicker!”
Appalled. Scared. Heartbroken. These still are the main words that I feel as I see this disturbing picture instilled in me for the 50th time. I now so desperately want to take back every fight with my mother. Since I know she would do the same as Mr. Ramirez for Valerie. She would share her shirt, put a diaper on me, carry me through the water and sacrifice her own life if it means giving me my chance at a future. This image as the authors say are “tragic consequences that often go unseen in the loud and caustic debate over border policy.” And because of this, I'm aware of the image's power and I want to spend an eternity of hard journeys instead of getting somewhere quicker if it means that I can spend it all with my mom.
This week I focused on reading about outer space I read an article called " Want to buy a ticket to the space station? NASA says soon you can" This article got my attention because I always wondered if people besides astronauts will get to experience going to outer space.It will cost $35,000 for each person to travel to outer space. I think that the price is really expensive but those people with money will get the chance to go, I think that is awesome. Letting people go to space also benefits NASA because they will get a lot of money from each person, this can help them pay for any future projects they have. Some people may not like that it is this expensive because they will not be able to pay it off. They may think that this is for people that have money. You can see this in two ways, one way is that NASA is trying to get money to be able to pay off any projects they have which is a really good thing because without NASA we would not know anything about what is happening out in space. We will not know our weather or know if we are in danger. Another way you can look at this is that some people may want to be able to experience this like me but they are offering this to private companies and only to certain people not everyone that wants to do this. In the article it stated that “Ordinary people - at least rich ones with tens of millions of dollars to blow on a big vacation- will be able to buy a rocket ride into orbit” this means that only people with money get to do it.
This week i read the article, “Racist Comments Cost Conservative Parkland Student a Place at Harvard.” I learned alot from this article and i know many can learn from this article by simply seeing how we have to face the consequences of our actions. The student in the article, ofcourse regretted the racist comments he was making about two years before his admission, but I completely agree with why Harvard did not want that for their school. It’s completely understandable but i can also see how a person can change, especially after going through a drastic time like the mass shooting that happened to this particular student. I can see that in this time many people say things they don’t mean or make rude comments all the time online and we should really be careful with what we say.
As a society with many conflicting ideas and false judgements, truth holds power which can be used, as well as manipulated by communities to gain power, conformity, and even reliability. This is a very prevalent idea that has caught my attention through Yuval Noah Harari’s article, “Why Fiction Trumps Truth”, where he covers the benefits of using fictional ideas to a group’s advantage, giving three main takeaways to buttress this thesis. With two sides of the debate raging whether truth is the strongest way of gaining power or by using fiction in a way to unite, Harari takes an in depth look at how fiction can be used to its full potential. The world has been connected and patched with fictional stories and ideas, uniting us as a species whether it’s through religious beliefs or authors’ writing, we are immersed in this pool of endless thoughts and out of this are placed under similar credences. Uniting scales of people under a similar concept brings cooperation where truth often cannot. Using realistic bases based on facts can expose disturbing realities many citizens can’t bear witness to see. Fiction in small doses can get the job done but on the end, neither truth nor fiction is the real answer in any given circumstance.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/11/books/agatha-christie-vanished-11-days-1926.html?searchResultPosition=1
The reason behind Agatha Christie’s famous ten-day disappearance is still unknown, with journalist Tina Jordan stating that “[o]ver 90 years later, biographers and historians are still debating what happened during those days in 1926. Was it revenge, depression or amnesia?” The catalyst, of course, was the discovery of her husband’s affair. Long specifically mentions Christie used the name of his mistress to check in to the spa where she stayed.
So was she simply stirring up drama to punish her husband for his infidelity? Examining Long’s article with a Sherlockian lens, it becomes clear that this stunt was more than an outlet for rage. If Christie solely wanted to hurt her husband, her lashing out would have been spontaneous. However, we know her disappearance was intentional and carefully planned from the fact that she left letters for her secretary, brother-in-law, and husband before departing. Also, instead of just initiating divorce proceedings immediately, she created an elaborate drama that captivated the entire country. In fact, we learn that Christie did not sue for divorce until over a year had passed. All this implies that Christie was setting herself up to win in the court of public opinion once her separation became public knowledge and perhaps also to give herself leverage when the legal battle over property began.
https://nyti.ms/2XZD8nd “Congratulations on Fixing the Border, Mr. President!”
I am reminded of reaccuring situation between my siblings and I as I read this article. The simple extortion of you do something for me and I won’t hurt you. The fact is, our President is acting the same way a 12 and 8-year-old would. Maybe the constant bullying of foreign countries hasn’t ended in the utter destruction of our ties with them, but it is only a matter of time.
Donald Trump hardly deserves praise for his callous methods, much less a Nobel Peace Prize. The recent deal with Mexico was merely him threatening to wage a tariff that would hurt not only Mexico’s economy, but ours as well. His talent for “deal theater” offers Fox News plenty of stuffing for the already over-stuffed ego of our president. “Self-generated crisis and over-the-top demands” hide the lack of accomplishment achieved by our government. Yet we continue to entertain his notion that he is doing something because we are worried that without the flattery, he will throw a fit and break something. Isn’t it lovely to see out President take the role of a 12-year-old bully and act with the power of our country? Ideally, him noticing his own actions would be great, but with Trump it’s a big gamble. Fortunately, we only have a year before a chance at redemption. Until then, heed Michelle Goldberg’s warning and let him run this freak show he calls governing so we don’t have to manage the tantrum if we close the curtain.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/13/smarter-living/how-to-be-less-indecisive.html?module=inline
I chose this article because I am quite indecisive myself and struggle deciding between many things whether it is the classes I'm signing up for or what color I am going to order shoes in. I often tend to overthink things and attempt to make decisions with the best outcome possible. I will hope to integrate some of these tips throughout my daily life and hope to be less indecisive. I do not want to constantly over think and analyze decisions throughout life and it is the reason I picked this article because I think if we all integrate some of these tips and tricks into our daily life when it comes to making decisions we can make more responsible and well thought of decisions.
Trump, at Rally in Florida, Kicks Off His 2020 Re-election Bid By Maggie Haberman, Annie Karni and Michael D. Shear
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/18/us/politics/donald-trump-rally-orlando.html?module=inline
During Donald Trump‘s previous campaign he made several promises about creating a border and other objectives that he said he’d complete during his presidency. It’s nearly Time for the 2020 elections and none of his promises have been fulfilled completely. If he runs for the 2020 elections it is more than likely he will also failed to do whatever he promises. On top of that he keeps dwelling on the things that he claims interfered with the voting of the previous elections and he even claims that they will again interfere during these elections. He refuses to cooperate with the press and the rest of the cabinet which is evident through his demeaning remarks about the press and also enabling the longest government shutdown in history. Throughout his presidency it is evident he often does more harm then good concerning the fulfillment of his promises and to supposedly ‘make America great again’. He also doesn’t respect people who are against him and people he does not approve of which is evident through a Twitter and TV appearances which show Trump belittling women, racial groups,and political opponents. This has led to an increase in racism and protests which leads to chaos. Clearly Trump uses his power and his influence does not benefit America.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/16/us/baby-constantine-romania-migrants.html?module=inline
I found this article interesting because immigration has been a big issue for many years now. It’s very sad because this hasn't just happened to this family but to many others and it has only continued to get worse. There are so many ways to handle a situation like this and separating families, harming people, arresting them, and etc is not the way to handle the situation. These people are human just like everyone else and shouldn’t be treated this way just because they are trying to live a better lifestyle for themselves and be like any other American family. We people are living the American dream and immigrants should be given that opportunity as well. Children shouldn’t be ripped away from their parents just because their parents are trying to do what’s best for their kids just like any American family is. As Americans, we have it easier why shouldn’t others too. It's sad to see so many families being separated for this reason when it can so easily be resolved especially with so many other things going on in the world today but yet so much chaos is going on because of this situation. Why are we keeping people from coming into America we should be sharing the experience with them and welcome them instead of ruining their family and their life. What is the point of ripping families apart? What are we trying to accomplish out of it? How does that perceive our country?
NASA Announces New Dragonfly Drone Mission to Explore Titan
By David W. Brown
June 27, 2019
NASA announced Thursday of June 27, 2019 that it is sending a drone-style quadcopter to Titan, Saturn’s largest moon. Dragonfly, the name of the mission, will take scientific measurement, study the atmosphere, and search for any hint for life. The spacecraft is scheduled to launch in 2026 and arrive at Titan in 2034. I believe this will help us learn more about Titan and it containing life.
https://nyti.ms/2N6RelK
'Don't Tell Me When I'm Going To Die"
Nobody wants to know when they die and how will they die. Death is inevitable, Everyone must die, so every soul has a chance to be in this world. But the pain of losing families, is something dreadful. Knowing your prognosis is like looking at death itself. To me knowing your death is just a waste of time.
The thing is not all doctors can guess your prognosis. The prediction is not exactly accurate either. From the stories I have heard and movies I have watched, I think I got an idea what a miracle is. The doctors tells the protagonist that they can only live to a certain age or amount of month and the protagonist ends up beating that score. The protagonist ends up spending most of his life with the people he loves, happy. That’s why I don’t care about when I am going to die, I would rather spend the rest of my life not knowing, and live with my friends and family without thinking how much pain will I cost them if I die.
One thing is for sure nobody should be afraid of death. I think people should embrace death, it’s life. Death is inevitable.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/25/arts/music/day-michael-jackson-died-anniversary.html
No matter where you are from, what year you were born or even your taste in music, there is no doubt you have heard of Micheal Jackson. The King of Pop who rose to fame as a very young boy brought us dozens of hits that we often hear today. Recently, Jackson's following has seen a slight decrease since HBO's documentary was released in March which brought several allegations of sexual abuse to the light. Most fans have ignored the allegations, separating the music from the personality behind it, others have stopped listening to his songs as a protest. He knows how it feels to be so young, so afraid and hurt, yet he didn't break that cycle of abuse brought on him by his father. However, the question remains, where do we as a society draw the line? How can we criminalize Chris Brown after his abuse towards Rihanna and then years later continue to pay his bills? How can we be so quick to jump on allegations in the White House in 2016, but not in the mid-1990s? We allow Matt Damon to critisize Donald Trump even though he was aware of the monster Harvey Weinstein is for years. I find it interesting what we decide is and isn't worth speaking out against, that there are a plethora of examples left unspoken for. The bottom line is that Micheal Jackson took advantage of young fans who idolized him and continues to be praised for his musical work, so I ask you the reader, where do you draw the line?
"Scabies Means Misery. This Pill Can End It."
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/26/health/scabies-treatment-ivermectin.html
A year ago, my family and I visited South Korea for summer vacation. My dad's relatives live in the countryside, so as usual, we travel down to greet our family. While staying there, my uncle suggested to go see my grandfather's tomb and greet him. As I was preparing, my uncle told me to fully cover up because of human-killing mites. I was shocked! How can such creatures kill humans? I thought to myself, he must have been playing. After an hour drive, we arrived at this mysterious-looking mountain. The pathway up to my grandfather's tomb was full of peculiar plants and weeds as if entering the Amazon. About a good 30 minutes hike, we arrived to the tomb and suddenly I felt an itch on my peach bone. Oh no! I thought to myself, it must have been those mites! My uncle is an expert when it comes to these events, and skillfully took out a tiny mite. As I was panicking, my uncle joked that I will have few hours to live. But I knew that I will be fine because I already did a prior research about those burrowing skin mites. As recollecting such a thrilling memory, I am so pleased to hear that there is a pill that can cure scabies. With those pills, I will be able to go and greet my grandfather anytime without hesitation. Perhaps, I will set out for my own little adventure at the mountain, conquering the no man's land, eventually claiming it as Gwanghoon's land.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/27/science/nasa-titan-dragonfly-caesar.html
This article was written about a new space mission from NASA: the Dragonfly. Dragonfly sounds like something straight out of a science fiction novel. Imagine if something like it were attempting to land on Earth! It is a robotic, alien, quadcopter spacecraft, roughly the size of a motorcycle, that can fly around its surroundings without assistance from the ground. How awesome is that? Its destination is nothing to scoff at, either; it is going to Titan-- Saturn's biggest moon, and the only moon in the Solar System with an atmosphere, as well as one of two objects in the Solar System that has oceans, the other being Earth. Even though its scheduled launch date is in 2026, and will be travelling well over 100,000 kilometers per hour on the way there, it will take until 2034 to reach the moon. The scale and effort of the missions that NASA executes never ceases to amaze me. The idea that humans, a species of monkey that is able to talk to one another smartly about shapes and counting, are able to catapult a flying machine to other planets is an uplifting one. Considering we have only landed probes as far out as Mars (with the exception of only the short-lived Huygens probe, which also landed on Titan in 2004), sending a mobile lander out to the Saturnian system is a breath of fresh air from the recent focus on Mars and the International Space Station.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/17/science/dogs-eyebrows-evolution.html?module=inline
"Those Puppy Dog Eyes You Can’t Resist? Thank Evolution"
By James Gorman
We all know that feeling. Your dog looks up at you with those eyes that make you want to forget anything else so you can give them what they want. Gorman explains the science behind how we owe this pitiful adoration to a muscle present in dogs called the levator anguli oculi medialis. As the owner of a mixed golden retriever who seems to have exercised this muscle remarkably, it is interesting to learn why this facial expression from a canine is an effective form of communication for two beings who typically have no idea what the other is saying. We think it's their eyes; somehow they seem to get deeper and more penetrating when they make their magic face. In reality, it's just an "inner eyebrow raise." This simple action somehow tells us humans, exactly what our furry friend is trying to say, and all they do is raise their eyebrows. It makes us seem ridiculous and frankly, a little stupid, but we owe it to them. They manage to successfully become our greatest weakness just by sitting still and looking pretty. Dogs are truly extraordinary and fascinating pets who deserve every treat, belly rub, and "good dog" that they can get.
When I stumbled upon the article "Buy Low-Tops, Sell High-Tops: StockX Sneaker Exchange Is Worth $1 Billion" I knew I would instantly be captivated by its contents. I used StockX to purchase sneakers last summer and have browsed shoes, clothes, and various accessories countless times. This platform allows people to safely sell and buy high-end shoes and accessories from the comfort of their home. The products have a bidding system which allows sellers to choose their minimum price depending on how popular the item is or how much supply there is. Buyers are then allowed to bid for the shoes at whatever price they would like. The seller sees their offer and can decline or accept. After a buyer wins the shoes the seller sends them to one of the company's headquarters for inspection. During the inspection, they determine if the product is legitimate and that it is dead stock. Then it's sent to the buyer. This article intrigued me so much because I discovered that it is so popular that people can live off the money they make from reselling products. Sellers buy items for the retail price when first released and they can proceed to sell them for several times that price. Nik Wilkins has already made over $1 million from selling sneakers. This proves how much potential there is in the sneaker industry. However, the most interesting point brought up in this article was the company's vision which was to get rid of retail prices and to make prices fluctuate with a stock market system.
The post that caught my attention this week was "These Influencers Aren't Flesh and Blood, Yet Millions Follow Them" by Tiffany Hsu. I was interested in this article because of the prominence of social media influencers in today's society. It is a strange concept to imagine a robot, a manufactured "human," having so much influence over today's youth and society. I remember first hearing about influencers like Lil Miquela a few years ago, and i genuinely did not believe they would last long, let alone have millions of followers by 2019. The fact that a robot has so much power today is an odd concept, and the fact that they are now ambassadors for businesses is even odder. These objects are taking the place of people, and have the ability to look and act exactly like people. When Lil Miquela first started gaining followers, everyone wondered if she was real or not. Finding out she was manufactured was eye opening to me, as it shows that advanced technology can trick us into believing something. Companies can use them without anything being questioned. The influencer will have no say or opinion on what he or she is promoting, simply because they will say and do whatever is programed into them. We will be shown the good parts of the product or brand being promoted, but we won't be shown any part that could be concerning to the consumer.
The idea of nonhuman influencers today is something that we could have expected, but to me they do not have the same effect as humans.
“The Terror of Getting Lettuce Wrong” by Jennine Capo Crucet
From the long, frigid winters and short growing seasons of Minnesota, moving to Georgia brought mild winters and a long growing season. During my first spring in Atlanta, my dad and I made a small vegetable bed, poured soil in, and planted seeds. I was ecstatic at the sight of the first tiny radish leaves. However, the produce was sparse. Year after year, my garden remained the same: a few radishes, banana peppers, and carrots. I needed a different method; for inspiration, I looked to the master gardeners in the community garden near my house and, of course, YouTube. My homemade soil mix coupled with rich compost and lots of patience is now the diet my plants feast on, and I have had the best growing season yet. As the author of the article said, “I know my garden is teaching me this, and that I need to learn it, but still, I want it done and perfect.” Like the author, I have conquered my fear of mistakes, and this year, my garden is glorious with beans, blueberry bushes, peas, honey dew melon, and eggplant mixed with basil, oregano, and kale. This article reflects my feelings: the initial uncertainty, followed by exhilaration when my plants grow and the deep satisfaction of bringing my produce to my mom. Each spring, as I pick out a new pair of gloves and new seeds, I feel excited for a new season of dirt, greens, and satisfaction. To those who garden, I would say, “Keep Calm and Keep Gardening”.
“Why Can’t Everyone Get A’s?"
Schools have shifted from being a place that encouraged learning and personal growth to a place where students are cultivated to think that they need to out-do their peers in order to be successful. And even then, it’s not considered “success” unless they are one of few who are able to achieve it. Whether it’s an award, or grade-point-averages, or medals, it doesn’t mean anything unless the average student isn’t able to get it. Schools, in my opinion, have become environments for academic elitists. While grades are obviously important to any student, they have become the sole reason why students will push themselves to extremes. It’s not because they are scared of failure, it’s because they are scared to do won’t be ranked above peers.
That doesn't mean grades and achievement don't matter. Students should try their best when it comes to school, but it shouldn't be for anyone else's sake but their's. Doing well in school shouldn't be about a parent's pride, or how many certificates a student can rack up, or how many hours of sleep are lost in the process. I liked the conclusion of the article, when the author wrote how it's a "false belief that excellence is a zero-sum game." To me, the quality of education should not be measured by how few are able to achieve something, but rather, the opposite.
"Urged to Launch an Attack, Trump Listened to the Skeptics Who Said It Would Be a Costly Mistake"
In this article the authors, paint a picture of chaos and confusion in the government surrounding President Trump’s cancellation of airstrikes on Iran that cause the American public alarm.
In South Korea, my country of residence, war is a memory that is, in a way, almost an impending threat. Most of the elderly in this country have lived during the Korean War, and some of them, like my grandmother, have experienced the Japanese occupation. Technically, the Korean War isn't over due to the fact that no peace treaty was signed, but this fact is unapparent in the daily lives of most South Koreans. There are no airstrikes pounding cities, and despite the occasional threat from North Korea, there seems to be little threat of foreign invasion. However, there is some indication that Koreans, in their comfortable lives, are worried about war, one example being the draft, a program in which every male Korean citizen is required to attend military training for a maximum of two years. Most of Korea's male population is, as a result, war-ready. However, considering that Korea’s leaders have this much to fear in terms of the safety of the country, I, like the Americans that are alarmed about the indecision of the American presidency in the face of conflict, am also worried about what may be in store for my country.
"Urged to Launch an Attack, Trump Listened to the Skeptics Who Said It Would Be a Costly Mistake"
In this article the authors, paint a picture of chaos and confusion in the government surrounding President Trump’s cancellation of airstrikes on Iran that cause the American public alarm.
In South Korea, my country of residence, war is a memory that is, in a way, almost an impending threat. Most of the elderly in this country have lived during the Korean War, and some of them, like my grandmother, have experienced the Japanese occupation. Technically, the Korean War isn't over due to the fact that no peace treaty was signed, but this fact is unapparent in the daily lives of most South Koreans. There are no airstrikes pounding cities, and despite the occasional threat from North Korea, there seems to be little threat of foreign invasion. However, there is some indication that Koreans, in their comfortable lives, are worried about war, one example being the draft, a program in which every male Korean citizen is required to attend military training for a maximum of two years. Most of Korea's male population is, as a result, war-ready. However, considering that Korea’s leaders have this much to fear in terms of the safety of the country, I, like the Americans that are alarmed about the indecision of the American presidency in the face of conflict, am also worried about what may be in store for my country.
Jony Ive, Designer Who Made Apple Look Like Apple, Is Leaving to Start a Firm
Jony Ive was a founding figure in apple now as he redusses his presence in the company he shares his humble view on his affect on the future of the company. he stated that he had only a small role in the design process while the news of his reduced presence caused a one percent dip in Apple's share value. this calls into light the contrasting and interlinked nature of the stock market and reality.
The article I chose for the second week was, "How to End a Friendship" by: Lauren Mechling. This passage caught my eye because in society today it is really easy to make friends, but some aren't your true friends. There are a lot of fake/toxic people that only become friends with you,for example, to use you. It can be hard to see when someone is like this, so if this does happen to me I'll know what to do. What I interpreted from this was ending a friendship isn't in your control that much. It's a sort of thing that just happens, which eventually ends up in two people drifting and then becoming no longer friends. A friendship is a relationship between two people and in a friendship it only takes one person to end it. They talk about how you have special groups of friends like, college friends and partying friends. Those kinds of friend groups are friendships that never end, they just drift because people move onto new groups of friends. With social media friendships become even easier to carry on with because you can always be connected to each other. So, from this article I believe that sometimes friendships end because of berserk mistakes, like cheating on each others significant others, but they mostly end because of growing up and moving on. You can't really just go up to a friend and say something along the lines of, "We're not friends anymore ok?". That's just straight up rude and most of the time ending a friendship isn't a decision it just happens when people drift.
For my second entry of this reading challenge, I chose the article, "What Makes a Leader?". This article discussed gender and leadership, and overall the complex and confusing process that women in power have to go through. Some feel like to have control in the work place they must have "act like men". But at the same time when these women do practice the stereotypes associated with male leadership they are seen as bossy, pushy, and overly aggressive.
I chose this article in search of some advice. I am involved in many school activities, some where I try my best to lead and make the right decisions. But not only that, I have seen women that I look up to completely defying the expectations that the public has for women in leadership positions. As the article mentioned, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) being a prime example. She breaks the rules and constructs formed against her, and many of her fellow female Congress women do the same. The current speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi is a mother of five and grandmother to nine kids. Also, a record breaking amount of women are running for the Democratic Presidential ticket. There are more styles of leadership like this being put on display everyday and I am all for it.
While reading the title “When An Abortion Doctor Becomes a Mother”, the reader is already hooked. Dr. Henneberg uses rhetorical strategy to help the reader understand the passion presented in the subject. The use of pathos has such a strong presence, it entices the reader to continue reading this interesting scenario. There are feelings of disgust and anguish but also sentiment and revelation. It takes a great writer to make a reader feel so much in such little text. Logos is used throughout the piece to explain to the reader how procedures like these work. There is short sentence syntax as well as long sentence syntax places carefully in the article. This helps the author to add more to the piece. It caught the reader's eye and adds emphasizes when needed. Although this piece was very insightful, it made me sick to my stomach. I have always thought that pregnancy is a miraculous thing. Abortion should only be used if the mother or baby is in danger, or the circumstances were different. I can understand how Dr.Henneberg felt as she wanted to have a baby and felt this love for her unborn child . However, this article also touches base with the heartache and pain. Dr.Henneberg has a difficult job that can be emotionally draining. This is such a moving piece. I think it was beautifully written. I can not understand this doctors thought process. The rhetorical strategies used in this piece are powerful. I could not stop reading this piece even though it made me mad and upset.
"A Rout Too Far? After 13-0 Win, U.S. Is Criticized and Defended"
I remember the first goal I scored on my club soccer team. When that ball hit the back of the net, I threw my hands up and ran around like a crazy person. I jumped up and down and celebrated just as anyone does when they score a goal. But imagine scoring a World Cup goal. The thought of this is insane, which is why after reading this NYT article I just had to share my opinion.
After the US women’s national soccer team had their first match of the World Cup against Chile, they faced much criticism. As this article explains, the US won 13-0. This was the biggest score gap in World Cup history. This certainly seems like a reason to celebrate, but the US players received a lot of hate for their celebrations, especially the later ones. While this is a reasonable criticism, it is important to realize that this was the first game of the entire tournament for the US. For many of these players that scored, it was their first World Cup goal. This is a BIG deal! While I understand that these goal celebrations might seem excessive, think about how these players were feeling. The sheer joy and excitement they felt should never be called “disgraceful” or “unnecessary.” They were playing to win- just as they should have.
All I can say is that as I get ready to watch the big game against France tomorrow, I hope that we will be seeing plenty of the US team’s goal celebrations!
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/23/upshot/euphoria-hbo-teens-sex-drugs.html
One might think that I thought the article, "The ‘Euphoria’ Teenagers Are Wild. But Most Real Teenagers Are Tame" was interesting because I watch the show, however before I had read about it, I'd never heard of "Euphoria." Part of what interested me was just the fact that apparently we teens are considered tame, as stated in the title. I would think that teens today would be worse than past generations because it seems like everything is more accessible, with technology it’s that much easier to bully people, get drugs, or sext without any evidence. It’s weird to think that some people consider teens nowadays to be safer than other generations, but just because we’re aren’t having as much sex and doing lots of drugs doesn’t necessarily mean we are ‘tame’. In comparison, to ‘Euphoria,’ we are definitely not that bad, but I don’t think that everything that teens do nowadays were taken into account when researchers decided to call us a ‘cautious generation’.
Even after I read past the title, the thing that really popped out to me was the fact that while teens are ‘tame’, it’s still seems okay that we portray such behaviors on television, especially on a show that’s directed toward teens. Because we are less likely to do things like smoke and use, does that make it okay to show exaggerated versions of this in tv shows and movies?
“Giant Squid Reappears on Video, This Time in U.S. Waters”
Upon accessing this article, my eyes were drawn to a video of what I presumed was the night sky. Twinkling stars danced back and forth in the deep void of space. However, a tentacle-like object appeared in the sky and soon, an entire creature was waving back and forth. By now, my thalassophobia radar, characterized by an uneasy tingle in my gut, had alerted me to the fact that this was actually a shot of a giant squid underwater.
Despite my growing sense of apprehension due to my thalassophobia anxiety kicking in, I couldn’t help but notice how eerily beautiful the squid was. Its tentacles fluttered like ribbons in the wind and the way its tentacles closed up like a flower blooming in reverse as the squid launched itself away was oddly graceful. Despite my fears of the deep, I still appreciate the fact that the ocean carries beautiful life that should be investigated and protected.
In addition, while reading the article, I learned something that was very peculiar. The video was filmed in U.S. waters, and not in some mystical ocean in the middle of Atlantis. Furthermore, it was filmed about 100 miles away from a major city. What I gained from this article was that what I had thought of as an almost mythical creature, like Nessie, is actually not that far from civilization. After watching that squid video about 20 times from which I will undoubtedly have nightmares, I also learned not to challenge my thalassophobia.
The article “The Hunger Games Prequel is in the Works” written by Alexandra Alter, was what interested me the most in the New York Times this week. I clicked on this article because I have read and loved The Hunger Games movies and books. The news of an upcoming prequel really excited me. I first read this book at the start of 7th grade. I remember not being able to put it down. The beautifully written story goes on to tell about a corrupt government that film 24 teenagers (2 from each of the 12 districts under the government’s rule) fighting to the death like a reality television show. The books were published nearly 10 years ago. So the fact that a prologue of the series is in the works is big and thrilling news to me. It can open up new possibilities expanding on new ideas about the Hunger Games. Which can mean more opportunities for new movies and books. It is like it never ended. Or will end. I’m curious to see where the author Suzanne Collins goes with it. The new novel is said to come out next year, May 2020. I wonder if I can even wait that long.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/27/science/climate-change-children-education.html?searchResultPosition=1
When I was in elementary school, we would celebrate Arbor Day every year. It was a whole afternoon spent outside, solely dedicated to singing about the great and mighty earth. Younger students would plant seeds with unwavering confidence that they would later sprout up and grow into beautiful plants. There would always be a special guest speaker to teach all the students about the importance of keeping our planet in good shape. In theory, everything was in perfect harmony. However, looking around, anyone would notice this was far from the case.
As each class took turns standing in front of the rest of the school to perform a song, many students did not even know the lyrics. As students sat on the sidewalks in front of the guest speaker, more than half, including myself, could be spotted dozing off, cruelly ripping out freshly cut grass wherever our tiny hands went.
After reading this article, I found it very interesting that compared to just 10 years ago, children’s attitudes towards the earth have completely changed because of the worsening condition of our beloved planet. Though not too long ago children were ignorant, the critical condition of our planet has caused children to become anxious and worried about the earth. This article highlights the need to work together and take care of our planet not only for earth’s sake, but for the children’s sake as well.
This week I read an article that caught my attention which was “Immigration agency says it plans deportation operation aimed at undocumented families” by Zolan. The government is planning on taking out people that have deportation orders or for other reasons. I thought to myself and said, well now we’ll have more space here in the United States but then I realized, immigrants are everywhere. Even if they take out the undocumented people, there will still be immigrants remaining in this country because some already received their residency or became citizens. Almost everyone was once undocumented but now they’re legal here. On the other hand, if these immigrants were to be deported, families would be torn. I get it, this is supposed to be an American country but it wouldn’t hurt to have some diversity. If everyone were to be from the same race then we’d all pretty much be the same. It’s ok to have Hispanics, Asians, Black or African Americans, or Indians in the United States. It makes us unique from the all the other countries because everyone has different advantages that may benefit the United States. If you are reading my comment just picture yourself being one of these immigrants and being separated from your family. I personally wouldn’t like the idea of being away from my family. Obviously the government should have a limit of how many immigrants can be here in the United States since overpopulation wouldn’t be good but they should be considerate of the families.
"Migrant Children Are Spending Months ‘Crammed’ in a Temporary Florida Shelter"
In countries with low living standards or violence, people leave to go to places with better opportunities such as the U.S. Some may come illegally and have kids which is an important step in making a family. While those kids are citizens, the parents are not and may get deported. Some do get deported and leave their children behind. These children are then sent to a temporary facility to keep them until they are transferred to a long-term facility. For example, a temporary facility called the Homestead in Florida takes in migrant children and is supposed to send them to long term facilities. They do not do this but instead, they keep the children there. This can have long term psychological effects on kids who stay there because they are not getting the mental and physical stimulation that a kid their age needs on a daily basis. The kids are only supposed to be there for 20 days but are instead put in there for more than 60 days. This interests me I am a minority whose parents immigrated to the U.S. for s better life. This makes me think "what if my parents were illegal immigrants and got deported". I would be stuck in this prison not getting the care that I would need. A point which can be brought up about the topic can be if this facility is even held up to health and safety guidelines. This makes me wonder "how can something like this happen in the U.S.?". This is why I found this interesting.
"Why Can’t Everyone Get A’s?"
In fact, everyone can get A's as long as they stay in a small room, sit in front of their desks, and focus steadfastly on studying all day long. However, this is definitely not the key point we are discussing today.
As our society progresses daily, people have begun paying greater attention on education. Tests, perhaps the easiest ranking metric, have become the bull’s-eye of this so-called “education.” Adopting a different stance from that of Mr. Kohn, author of “Why Can’t Everyone Get A’s?”, I see little problem with grade inflation, nor with the seemingly morbid state of ranking. Instead, I believe directly competing with one another as one of the fastest ways towards improving our society, even though it may also create some degree of psychological tension within certain individuals. However, tests CANNOT be the only medium, and excellence certainly CANNOT be defined as a zero-sum game. What I, an international student from China, love about the US’ college admissions process, is the fact that it does evaluate students from multiple different perspectives. While standardized tests and GPAs are important proxies for intelligence, there exists so much more to know within each and every unique individual. I therefore wholeheartedly think we should not only care about these fixed statistics, but also qualitative aspects of personality, values, character traits, and other intrinsic qualities that truly matter across our lifetimes.
“Taiwan’s iPhone Tycoon Walks a Fraught U.S.-China Line in His Presidential Run”
As a teenager growing up in a well-educated area, political discussion is common. I've been surrounded by talk of elections, debates, and laws concerning the United States. This article interested me this week because it motivated me to learn about the governmental system and the upcoming election in Taiwan. I think what fascinated me most what that Taiwan's current president is female. Not only is President Tsai Ing-wen the first female president of Taiwan, but she has stood her ground when China has pressured Taiwan because the people wanted to keep their independence. Unlike one of her opponents Terry Gou, Taiwan's iPhone Tycoon, Ms.Tsai can focus on the well-being and rights of her citizens without having to consider a personal business vendetta. Mr. Gou has been 45 years building his tech empire and will always think like a businessman, not a president. After reading about these two candidates, I’m eager to follow their journey through their approaching election.
“The First New York Pride Was an Act of ‘Desperate Courage’”
The month of June is coming to a close but all across the world members of the LGBTQ community are gathering to celebrate Pride month. I am gearing up for my first Pride celebration since come out as gay. Balancing my preparation with perusing I came across Andrew Solomon's piece on the first New York Pride March. The timing couldn’t have been better, so I clicked on the link. Solomon wrote of an era where Pride wasn’t referred to as Pride but as Liberation. Gatherings of LGBTQ people were not for celebration but in defiance of mainstream culture. Reading through the article I compared my coming out to the experiences to fifty years ago and suddenly the anxiety surrounding my coming out seemed trivial. I can’t fathom the amount of courage it would have taken to be in the liberation marches. As I began to beat myself up for my seemingly unnecessary worry I stopped to recognize the strides the LGBTQ community had taken because of those who marched. The protesters were successful in their goal to establish a safe space in society for the LGBTQ community to thrive, a safe space that I currently occupy. It’s within this safe space that the importance of Solomon’s writing lies. As we celebrate pride this June we have to honor the courage of homosexuals fifty years ago, who rebelled against society’s clouded idea of what be gay was so that LGBTQ community members today wouldn’t have to fight so hard just to be themselves.
The article I choose this week was ‘The Hunger Games’ Prequel Is in the Works. By Alexandra Alter. I choose this topic because ‘The Hunger Games’ series by Suzanne Collins has another book on its way. Four years ago, Suzanne Collins wrote ‘The Hunger Games’ would conclude. She announced that may of 2020 the fourth book will be released. Although the name of the book is not released, she said that the book will take place in Panem 64 years before the events of the hunger games. ‘The Hunger Games’ was released in 2008 it was very successful. The three books were translated into 54 languages and over 100 million copies were printed. In 2012 ‘The Hunger Games’ was turned into a movie starring Jennifer Laurence as Katniss Evergreen. Although it is unclear if the new book will have the same loved characters in the other three books, we hope we will see them. Collins said she got her inspiration for this series was flipping through tv news about wars in other places. “With this book, I wanted to explore the state of nature, who we are, and what we perceive is required for our survival,” Collins said. I hope with this new book we can see how the characters lives were affected after see and being in the hunger games. ‘The Hunger Games’ was an amazing novel that changed the type of literature of young adults. I hope this book will be an amazing prequel and an amazing book people and students will enjoy to read.
This week, an article that interested me the most was “People Are Taking Emotional Support Animals Everywhere. States Are Cracking Down” written by Farah Stockman. With Today’s society many people have mental health problems that can be reduced by having an animal by their side. I understand that some people fake a mental health problem to have their pet with them 24/7 in which is uncalled for. If someone with a mental health disease like anxiety needs an animal to help reduce the pressure then I think that they are great for that person. Another thing that the owner of the support animal should have is a doctors note. If the animal is contained then I feel that the animal is allowed anywhere besides places containing food for health purposes. When taking the support animal into a public place the owner of the pace has every right to make sure that it is a support animal and not just someone trying to get away with it. I feel that emotional support animals especially dogs are great for someone who is suffering with a disease. If the animals are reducing the number of suicide deaths due to a mental disease then all power towards that animal for helping and being there for that person.
While scrolling through the Times this week, I found this article “People Are Taking Emotional Support Animals Everywhere. States Are Cracking Down”. I thought to myself why would states be against these animals that make people lives better? Turns out people try to keep pets in places they shouldn’t like restaurants, by claiming them as an “E.S.A or emotional support animal”. But this simply isn’t true for the rest of the lot like Vayne Myers who has seen tremendous improvement in his mental health since he bought his support duck, Primadonna. Unfortunately, his landlord believes the duck is simply a pet even after Mr.Myers provided a letter from a therapist and a note from his counselor. Similar situations are happening around the country as more and more people become dependent on their support animal. Should everyone be punished for the actions of a few?
I believe people should have a card for their E.S.A, which would be approved from a National Assembly so it can be used in certain places without question around the nation. Also, public places should have a separate room or space for these animals as most of them are just dogs to help maintain stability. The problem is in 2011, the National Service Animal Registry, had 2,400 emotional support animals but now the number is reaching 200,000. This is a growing problem in our society as more people reject E.S.A ’s in their community by classifying them as regular pets which in my perspective would be discrimation.
Smile, Your City Is Watching You
I decided to read this article this week because of my interest in new and upcoming technology. More and more new tools and items keep being made. The more things that are made, the worse America gets. Today in America, people are judged and watched for their every move. People always find ways to make fun or look at someone differently. This article was about new places for wifi, making phone calls, and even charging your phones. The bad thing about these new places is that they have cameras and sensors to record people. It takes your location within 150 feet of it. This is scary. People should not be recorded or watched for doing a common thing. Most people have cell phones that need charged or get bad service. I know that I would not like to be using an everyday thing, while being watched. This article interested me because of the new technology coming and how it affects me.
“E-Cigarette Exploded in a Teenager’s Mouth, Damaging His Jaw”
Sheila Kaplan
As a 14-year-old going onto my first year of high school this summer, I have a multitude of worries about what I am about to face this year. Teens in my age group are in a dangerous time when they can learn and experience unsafe habits that can last throughout their whole life. At my school, some juniors and seniors purchase vaping kits for younger students in exchange for money.
Before reading this article, I believed that drinking alcohol was the most illicit act a misbehaving teenager could do. However, after reading this article and seeing the x-rays of Austin’s cracked chin, I learned that vaping is much more dangerous.
Before anything, vapes and e-cigarettes need much more attention. Unlike alcohol, e-cigarettes are pieces of technology. Technology has no limits, and humans cannot predict what can go wrong. This is why companies and the government should be more cautious and attentive of the accidents caused by vapes. Teens who vape usually think that a small intake of the fumes will not have a detrimental effect on their health, and will only be harmful when taken in large amounts. Most are unaware of the possibility that these thin, fume-spitting sticks can heat up and explode.
I now know the risks of vaping in case I come face to face with an actual vape. Not only should vape companies and the government take responsibility for the accidents, but they should quickly find a solution.
“Why Harvard Was Wrong to Make Me Step Down” by Ronald. S Sullivan Jr.
What would you feel immediately after hearing the word ‘Harvard’? Harvard is the paramount college in the whole world. Therefore, if a huge status college makes you step down, what would your reaction be? In this case, Ronald. S Sullivan Jr, a law professor at Harvard had stepped down from the college because he had represented Harvey Weinstein.
Just because of a group of feelings, one’s life should not change. I highly agree with Ronald because feelings are not everything that matters. According to Denise C, an employee at a company had written an article about his disappointment of how he was fired by his boss for no reason. With this example, it illustrates how the boss fires their employees right away if they feel awful and still fires them even though the employees are doing their work properly. Just because of the rapid emotional change, it’s not right to change the policy that rapid too which might have been nothing to someone but the other hand, hard work for someone.
Like I state my own opinion, I highly agree with Ronald claiming that a feeling should not be a factor to change a policy, especially in a bigger standard or place such as Ronald’s situation here in Harvard. Many other people should recognize this problem and help out to fix this problem rather than being a bystander. This issue should be released as fast as it can and reach out for support.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/15/style/children-pick-their-own-names.html
Growing up in an ethnically homogenous suburb, I saw my Indian name as an anomalous part of my identity. I always offered my substitute teachers a preemptive "present" when they would start to squint at my name on the attendance, wondering how to pronounce it. When classmates asked me what my name meant, I quickly shot back that I had no idea; it was something my parents had chosen, I didn't care about it. I secretly wished I could choose a "normal name" like the ones my friends had and I begged my mom incessantly to let me change it.
But I had every reason to be proud of my name. However "un-American" it seemed, it was a testament to my family's immigrant story, the most American part of who I am.
Within my identity of 'Indian-American,' I needed to first understand both parts of the hyphenated term. If I had changed my name as a child, I would have become an adoptee of my cultural environment before appreciating my own cultural background first. I therefore disagree that parents should fear "that their child’s future will be shaped by this initial identity of a name." Rather, they should embrace it.
A name is a opportunity for parents to pass on a reflection of their tradition and heritage to their child—remnants of the past that a child can learn to love as their own. If names are seen as gifts rather than anathema, then parents have nothing to fear.
"It's a Girl! It's a Boy! And for the Gender-Reveal Cake, It May Be the End"
Many people love sweets and also love the excitement of figuring out the gender of their babies. The combining of these two things was a great invention. However, some people that are transgender, gay, lesbian, etc. do not agree that it is appropriate for them to state whether the baby is a girl or a boy because it is entitling them to only that certain gender. I found it interesting that people could even argue about this considering we are speaking of a baby or babies. It is simply ridiculous to argue about these things because although the people who believe that the baby should not be said to be just a boy or a girl have a point, they need to recognize that the baby is just a baby and does not know any of this until he or she is older and can decide for himself/herself what their gender is. The parents of the baby want to be surprised with this gender-reveal cake and cannot enjoy it without criticism from other people which is genuinely disgusting. Babies are a miracle and amazing but when they are born they cannot speak and tell anyone whether they are a girl or a boy or if they identify as something else. These things must be considered when making an argument or wanting to have a discussion about something such as this. Everyone has their own opinion and that is perfectly fine but when we are talking about a baby, they may decide for themselves when they are more wiser and have had experience.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/15/world/africa/sudan-leader-hemeti.html?module=inline
I clicked at the sight of ‘Sudan.’ The start of my summer kicked off with blue profile picture. As I flipped through the stories of those I was following on Instagram, I soon founded the reason of the blue. It was awareness for Sudan; it was for Sudan’s concern. I found that there was a dictator ruling over the citizens of Sudan. The word ‘dictator’ has a negative connotation, but negativity isn’t always the case. However, it was in this instance. I was appalled by the harsh treatment this dictator would call to action, and I wasn’t the only one. Day after day, story after story, I see a repost of what’s happening in Sudan. I was so excited to see an article about Sudan because my fellow classmates have already made me aware of this atrocity. This article just proves that teenagers aren’t as lazy and uneducated as some find them to be because they were spreading awareness. I’m thrilled to see the citizens of Sudan working together, to see that the people around us can make a difference, and to see that even if we don’t know each other, a common goal can link us together.
Indianapolis Catholic School Fires Gay Teacher at Archbishop’s Request
By: Liam Stack
In the month of June, it has been a month of celebration for the L.G.B.T. community. They have been celebrating their rights, and celebrating how they can freely identify as they feel. In Indianapolis, the archdiocese's Archbishop Charles C. Thompson announced all gay teachers are to be released from their Catholic schools, and they can no longer be employed in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. This message is coming from the archdiocese following through with the church's teaching of being anti same-sex marriage. The Archbishop said having gay teachers would be against the foundation of the Catholic teachings the teachers of the community are supposed to instill in the young children attending their schools. While Brebeuf high school, founded by the Jesuits, didn't follow through with this order, Cathedral High School was forced to. Since Cathedral High is based on funding from the archdiocese, they wouldn't be able to stay open if they disobeyed the order, due to a lack of money. On the other hand, Brebeuf High was able to leave the diocese since they are funded by the Jesuits. Many from Cathedral High are worried that this is portraying the wrong message for their students. They don't want their gay or transgender students to feel unwelcome into their community.Thus, this is all being reviewed by the Catholic Church, and even fellow Catholic teachers are disgusted with the decision.
The article that I decided to read this week was " Cleansing Plastic From Oceans: Big Ask for a Country That Loves Wrap" by Motoko Rich. This article really caught my attention because it was dealing with humans trying to find a way reduce the amount of plastic that's floating in our oceans. Seeing all the big number in the article was really shocking to me because I would have never thought that there was around twenty to sixty thousand ton of plastic in our oceans like that's just a ridiculous amount of plastic! While reading this article I learned that Japan was the world's second largest generator of plastic packaging waste which was also pretty shocking because I remember reading an article where Japanese World Cup fans stayed after a game and cleaned up all their trash but who would have every guessed that they are one of the huge contributors to plastic waste in our oceans. This article really made me realize that I should stop using so much plastic because even if I throw it away it will eventually end up in the oceans which has negative consequence to marine animals and to our environment. The article also makes me wonder if we could every get rid of all this plastic floating around in our oceans and whether or not we would every find a solution to reduce the amount of plastic in our oceans? After reading the article, I'm just hoping that we, humans can do our parts to keep our oceans clean and marine animals alive by reducing the amount of plastic that we use.
When a teenager not of Chinese descent wore a qipao to prom in 2018, the internet erupted. As the debate probed the boundary between cultural appreciation and appropriation, the argument “My culture is not your prom dress” was labeled as an over-extension of political correctness. Although Chinese-American myself, I had no objections to the prom dress itself; however, I did begin questioning the justification in Maggie Strauss’ “’Cultural Appropriation’ is Critical to Human Progress” that attempts to defend the “syncretism” of cultures.
Strauss argues that if the charge of cultural appropriation were to be applied to America, then America’s foundational tenet of Democracy – taken from Greece – would make America the paramount perpetrator: obviously, a logical fallacy. However, a crucial element that can’t be overlooked is that as America adopts this element of Greek culture, America also exalts Pythagorean’s mathematical theorems, Aristotle’s rhetoric, Homer’s epics: staples in American education.
It was never about only the prom dress, but the pattern of behavior it symbolizes. From Dolce and Gabbana’s chopstick ad to Kim Kardashian’s new kimono line, these incidents are castigated because of their absurd caricatures of another country’s robust tradition; history that the offender made no attempt to learn about beyond their own egocentric use. No, cultural appropriation cannot stimulate progress – not until we take initiative to also appreciate the full narrative.
The article that I read that interested me this week, “This New Treatment Could Save the Lives of Babies. But It Costs $2.1 Million.” by Katie Thomas went on to talk about how it is a treatment that,”...alters the underlying genetic cause of spinal muscular atrophy and may permanently stop the disease” (Thomas, 3). Although a huge achievement in stopping a deadly genetic disease, it has the problem of its whopping cost: 2.1 million dollars for a one-time treatment of Zolgensma(the 2.1million dollars drug). The Anderson family, mentioned in the article, have a son with spinal muscular atrophy, mentioned above, a disease where the motor nerve cells of critical functions such as walking, talking, swallowing and breathing slowly is robbed from them. Many babies born with this condition die before they are 2 years old. The Anderson’s were informed of this disease when their son, Malachi, was four months old. They were told that he didn’t have long to live for, yet after researching online, they signed up for a clinical trial of Zolgensma. After successfully completing the procedure, Malachi has now grown up to be four years old(at the time of the article) yet his parents and others are,”anxious about how it will be paid for”(Thomas, 26). This article interested me because of the whopping price tag of a life saving treatment, which can’t be afforded by many Americans, yet it is effective and is worth the price for a long life of enjoyment and normalcy.
This week, I was interested in the article, "Racist Comments Cost Conservative Parkland Student a Place in Harvard." In the article, it says that the student, Kyle Kashuv, had written some derogatory and racist comments and speeches when he was 16 years old, months before the school shooting that made his school one of the most famous in the country. Harvard had accepted him but later revoked the admission because of Kashuv's comments. Kashuv apologized after his comments became public last month. Since it is too late to accept admission offers into the other schools who had accepted him, he must re-apply to colleges. Unlike some of his other peers who fought against gun violence, Kashuv promoted gun rights. Screenshots showed Kashuv using racial slur for African Americans more than a dozen times. This article was very interesting to me. School shootings have been happening a lot lately. They have affected many people in different ways. Kashuv made these comments before the school shooting at his school, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. People learn from harsh and impactful experiences, and a school shooting can be pretty impactful. Maybe, he had a different mindset before the shooting, and he no longer promotes gun rights after his school was gunned down. Harvard should have taken that into consideration. Additionally, he apologized. I think he should no longer be held accountable for his comments. But, this teaches people to think before you speak.
On “Joy Harjo Is Named U.S. Poet Laureate”
When I first started writing poetry, I wouldn’t let anyone know about it. Poetry was to me, and still is to many, an obscure, elitist art, accessible only to old, rich, men who had nothing better to do with their time and privileged adolescent girls who wanted to feel “deEp”. I mean, who actually has the time to care about line breaks? Stanzas? Syntax? I didn’t want to be that overly-sentimental, posh, and self-important label that many stamp onto “poet”.
In secret, however, I turned to the pen when nothing else would listen. I found myself at home between line breaks, stanzas, and syntax. In a medium devoid of restriction, I could ask myself questions about the world; I could build my own world. What did it mean to be an Asian or a girl, identities I didn’t ponder much before? Why religion? Why pain? Poetry is a medium in which we can recreate and discover the world and ourselves.
This is why it is so important that Joy Harjo received the title of U.S. Poet Laureate. By having a Native American woman designated one of the most prestigious artistic titles in the nation, the poetry community also honors and elevates Native American voices, global and ecological harmony, and of course, itself. This event highlights not only how versatile poetry is, but how it has the power to transform our world. It isn’t frivolous or pretentious. It is a powerful spearhead for positive social and political change. I have no reason to be ashamed.
All around Instagram, posts about the horrible events that have been occurring in Sudan have been spread. The profile pictures of almost all my friends have turned to plain, blue backgrounds symbolizing their support for the revolution that's taking place.
I was thrilled to find the article, "Sudan Ousted a Brutal Dictator. His Successor Was His Enforcer" in The New York Times feed as I'm curious as to what has led this turn of events to take place in Sudan. According to the author of the article, Declan Walsh, acts of violence have been taking place ever since the protests of the Sudanese in April. Beginning June 3rd, the troops started burning tents, killing people on the streets and dumping their bodies into the Nile river and even raping young women as a reaction to the protesters in the streets. I think that not enough action has been made towards this issue and spreading awareness is not enough if there is no action taking place. Moreover, I think that countries should start helping Sudan in their crisis instead of turning their backs on the situation like nothing is happening. I believe that the most help that have been given to those brave protesters is the Instagram accounts that have been claiming to be helping but won't actually put their phone down and take action.
"Why Can't Everyone Get A's"
This article delves into the toxicity of ranking and the horrors of the standardized systems, later asserting that everyone “can succeed”.
For starters, ranking objects when dealing with some sort of a quantitative system is now innate. Ranking serves for context and not -even if inadvertently doing so- for shaming losers. In fact, the latter claim borders the victim mentality, which does little good one's intrinsic motivation.
I, an A-student, am biased. Nevertheless, I have been in some environments, which would have sunk that A-average if only reflected on my transcript. Having been both the brain and the pinhead, I would like to support the idea of relative intelligence: people do not maintain their intellectual niche under different circumstances.
It is wonderful if everyone succeeds, but there are several questions about the differences and extents of such progress. This is where raising the bar comes in place: to elevate the standards, so that the required bare minimum achieved by everyone would not hinder some from more. Yes, that is tricky. Yes, standardized systems should be adjusted for the sake of equity. Yes, those do potentially cultivate a toxic mentality. However! Unless pushed out of their comfort zones, very few would test their limits.
Not everyone can get A’s, because conditions vary. Sure, if F’s were curved to be A’s, everyone would “succeed”. But explain to me the point of that.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/13/world/asia/china-kazakh-activist-camps-xinjiang-muslims.html?searchResultPosition=2
I read "Critic Who Exposed China’s Muslim Camps Is Detained, Even Across the Border" By Austin Ramzy. I decided to read this article because I did a project on this topic in school. To me it is crazy how this ethnic group is being targeted. The Uyghur Muslims are being held in Xinjiang China where they have no other choice than to work in the horrible conditions. These camps are referred to as many things. They're referred to as re-education, concentration, forced labor, indoctrination, and more. People do not have straight answers when it comes to these camps. Much is unknown and not much is being done. This man was arrested because he was trying to help the families of those who had been taken. This man said that he was physically alright, but his main concern was to keep his organization going. He wanted to make sure his people were still helping others. This man received threats, but did not think anything of it. He kept going. I find this subject so interesting because it is similar to the holocaust in a sense. These people are being held and the rest of the world is left with unanswered questions. We have little real evidence of what is actually occurring, but yet to the public's eye the United States is doing little to intervene and help. This innocent ethnic group is being targeted and people need to get involved to help.
"Racist Comments Cost Conservative Parkland Student a place at Harvard" By Patricia Mazzei
I always believe a person can be transformed—perhaps at a specific moment by an external factor, perhaps over a long time through internal contemplation. That’s why I believe a criminal can be reborn into a new self if receiving effective rehabilitation. That’s also why I totally believe witnessing a massacre can be life changing, transforming Kyle Kashuv into a different man from a cynical boy 2 years ago.
Back at that time, Kashuv’s racist comment might just have been a teen joke, or the result of a second of irrational anger. Speculations for why he said it are countless, but the cause is not that important because what had happened two years ago cannot be changed anymore. Similarly, though many people are focusing on Harvard’s decision, arguing whether it is unfair or not, what had been decided cannot be changed either.
But what can be different is Kashuv himself. If he once had the courage to transform himself from a careless child into a socially-aware citizen after the mass shooting—as he explained in his apology to Harvard—at this critical moment he should also have the determination to turn Harvard’s decision into future motivation in becoming a better person that can enlighten this dark world with his own fire.
Harvard cultivates great people. But if Kashuv can turn the fear and anger into inspiring transformation again after all this, he can also be a great person.
The article that interested me in the New York Times this week was, “How and When to Limit Kids' Tech Use” by Melanie Pinola. This article caught my interest because I profoundly agree that we need to teach young children to use technology in a healthy way. In the world we live in, it is extremely easy to get caught up in technology and allow the world around you to pass by. These days, our whole world revolves around technology, whether we like it or not. Now, I completely agree that technology is amazing and I understand how much it significantly helps us with our everyday tasks. However, I do believe that we must learn and become better at putting our phones down every once in a while, and learn to enjoy the simple things. I know from personal experience just how enticing it is to just scroll through instagram or listen to music rather than enjoying the simple things, and believe me I know we all have a fear of missing out. But sometimes, we must recognize all the parts of life we are missing out on. Last year, during the school year, I completely deleted all of my social media accounts. It wasn’t until then that I started to notice things that I never noticed before, I became more independent, I became more focused on school, and it was the best possible thing I could have done for myself. Believe me, I know this probably sounds so cliché and you’re probably saying “yeah, whatever,” but it is genuinely so true and I really do believe that you, the reader, should try it!
Why So Many Horses Have Died at Santa Anita
By Joe Drape and Corina Knoll
Horse racing has been an American pastime dating all the way back to 1665. Branded the "Sport of Kings" horse racing entertains millions. Some simply enjoy placing bets and feeling the thrill of watching their chosen stead win. Others, including myself, enjoy watching the majestic animals fly through the air with unbridled spirit and power. The trainers and owners of more than thirty horses who have died at the tracks of Santa Anita showed their lack of faith in these powerful animals through their use of performance-enhancing drugs. The result of these unnatural drugs was dozens of horses being euthanized on the tracks during races. Fueled by greed, the supervisors of Santa Anita would force unfit horses to race out of fear of losing money. Not only have past supervisors of this California track forced horses to race, but they also have rigged the safety check-up for the track itself. A horse owner of three lazy but sweet horses myself, I am strongly against any harm that comes to these beautiful animals. However, I disagree with the desire to shut down horse racing completely. Proper care for these special athletes can and should be enforced across America. Horse racing is a grand stage for these unique and powerful creatures to show off their inspiring spirit and this historical pastime should be preserved with care.
Politics is a dividing force in the US, the world, and my own home. While my mother and I are very liberal, my father is on the more conservative side. Every dinner, every family get-together, my family breaks out into a fight over which side is lying. Constantly, I hear that republicans are crooks and democrats are liars. Keeping up with politics is important to even know what’s going on whenever my family talks. With the upcoming presidential election, knowing the facts and the truth about each candidate’s policy is a must. That’s why the article, “Fact-Checking Night 2 of the 2020 Democratic Debates” was so interesting to me this week. While watching the debates is interesting, the aftermath of those debates is infinitely more useful. While candidates can say what they want on the stage, I won’t know for sure if everything is true. Reading articles like this one helps me decipher what exactly the candidates are saying - and what they’re not. Especially interesting was finding out which candidates told the truth the most. While reading this article, Senator Bernie Sanders backed up his facts and told the truth, while Joe Biden manipulated his claims many times. The contrasts between these two men revered in liberal politics was especially striking in the way they told their facts. After reading this article, and many others, I’ll be more knowledgeable of the presidential candidates, and more likely to stand a chance at family dinners.
What interested me the most in this week was an article called “Meet the Creator of the Egg That Broke Instagram” I already knew a few things about the most liked post in Instagram, but I never had the excitement to ramble about the topic until this week. I was wondering the first time when I saw the post “why would anyone share or give a like to this type of post if it is really simple and it does not contributes nothing”, but after reading the article I got a pretty good idea of why; teenagers following trends, a few advertisers from memes pages that I have seen myself, and the essential thing that the creator of Eugene the egg states “An egg has no gender, race or religion. An egg is an egg, it’s universal” (par.3). One of the things that I wondered when I was reading the article was if I could do something like what the creator of the egg did because I think I am able to do something as simple as taking a picture of an egg and uploading it to the internet. Another thing that I also though when I was reading the article was why do a few things go viral and some other stuff do not. As a teenager I have seen thousands of viral videos who are funny that get thousands of likes and comments, and also I have seen not so viral videos who are as creative and funny as the viral ones but they do not get all the support like other videos and that always makes me think about what really makes something viral. Thanks to the article I was able to get interested in how things go viral.
An article that drew my attention this week was "A Message From the Billionaire’s Club: Tax Us" by Patricia Cohen. In the article, Cohen goes over how some of the wealthiest people in America believe that they should be taxed more than they are currently, in order to balance the great wealth divide that currently exists. The article also explained the current status of the issue.
I was interested in this article because I am interested in this issue of taxation, and what people think is the right solution is to the issue. I had been under the impression that the wealthiest people believed that they should not be taxed higher, and that the right approach is to use their surplus money to support charities/ causes that they think are beneficial to others. However, the article vocalized that some of the wealthy believe that greater taxes on them would be a better solution to this economic divide. I did like the way the author used exact numbers to support the points made, but giving some context and background on opposing viewpoints would have been helpful too.
The article that I read this week was "A Year in Paris that Transformed Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis". This article was interesting because i've always loved Jacqueline Kennedy's style and the standard she holds herself to. She always seems to have the arora of class, poise, and intellect. This article intrigued me for two reasons, one being that I have always been curious about places like France and their culture, but also how France made Jacqueline into the woman we all know. Jacqueline spent a year in Paris with he University's study abroad program from 1949-1950. She was motivated to go by her French background through her Father's side. She was able to go to school in France with Smith University, which was the oldest study abroad program in the country. Students in the program had to agree with the rules set such as speaking French the entire time, attending all classes, and being present for seminar discussions about French life and culture. Kennedy had stayed with a host family and became very close with them. On the weekends she went to the countryside and rode horses through beautiful gardens and had picnics. When she was in Paris and not attending classes she was known for "putting on a fur coat and going to the middle of town and being swanky, at the Ritz". Jacqueline was said that she felt like a whole new person once returning home from France. Before she felt that she had to hide her intellect and her need for learning but once at home she capitalized on it.
"Those Puppy Dog Eyes You Can’t Resist? Thank Evolution"
As dogs are so affectionately referred to as "a man's best friend," I've always wondered what exactly earned canines the title. Apart from the friendliness that arose via selective breeding and domestication tactics, I had never considered an actual evolutionary alteration of facial muscle that increased the cuteness factor that so improved the chances of survival and reproduction of pooches. The inclusion of evidence of working breeds such as huskies not having this trait further encourages the acceptance of this hypothesis. The assertion that huskies didn't need this mutation to be useful, and therefore kept alive as companions by humans, allows me to understand that other dogs that were not necessary for work had to alternatively assert their companionship via a friendly and lovable face.
As a cat lover myself, I was shocked to find out that my beloved feline had not been bestowed this important trait that required centuries of selective breeding, unconsciously or not, for dogs to develop. Perhaps another trait that has been evolutionarily conserved, such as the adorable "meow" sound, has provided cats with an adorable advantage that encouraged the care and favor of humans. Whatever the reason, I'm glad to have read this article for it has broadened my understanding of the evolutionary history of pets and has encouraged me to think more on the topic.
"Crocodiles Went Through a Vegetarian Phase, Too"
I found this article the most interesting because it talks about how scientist discovered that prehistoric crocodyliform species use to be herbivores. It's interesting how this was discovered by studying the teeth of the fossil remains. By examining the teeth they discovered whether each specimen was an herbivore, carnivore, or omnivores. This just shows how studying a fossil can give you a lot of information on the organism. Mr. Melstrom a researcher on this study became captivated in 2011 when he saw a presentation about an extinct type of crocodile that had canine teeth in the front of its mouth and molars in the back. For a new study he put his co-author Randall Irmis and studied 146 teeth. In this study they scanned the teeth and scored them in order to see how complex they were. This was helpful for when they studied prehistoric crocs. They gathered the scores and compared them with current species. This research is very interesting since it also should function on other organisms to help better understand the timeline from when the dinosaurs were still alive and our current time.
“What makes a leader”
Today I look up to courageous and bold women that have not only changed our society but also advanced the way for womankind. Brave women like Malala Youesaki, Katherine Johnson and Mother Teresa all stood up for what they believed in. Growing up I was never that talkative type. I believed that my voice didn't matter even when I didn't agree with others. But these women have shown me that my voice does matter and it does make a difference.
In school whenever my teacher asked someone to raise their hand to answer a question I would try to conceal myself from the rest of the class. The few times my teacher would call on me, my face would turn hot red, my voice would crack and my stomach would churn. But slowly I realized that I did have a voice but I was afraid to use it. I grew confidence and I had a growth mindset. I slowly wasn't afraid of raising my hand or helping my peers. I felt passionate about helping others and I motivated myself to strive to grow that confidence that I once lacked. My biggest weakness was confidence and I overcame this fear and that's what makes me a leader.
The article showed me that even if I am a woman I am capable as much and even more than men. Today women are exceeding in each field of work and society. Till the last century, most women around the world were not even allowed to vote, whereas today we have a record number of women in Congress, helping to build and lead the country.
"For Megan Rapinoe, Boldness in the Spotlight Is Nothing New"
By Jeré Longman
Megan Rapinoe is the star of the women’s U.S. soccer team. She has gotten much attention recently as she as stated she would not visit the White House if her team won the World Cup, because she disagrees with President Trump’s views. She believes President Trump does not fight for equality and inclusivity and believes he does not support gay rights. I understand her point of view, but disagree with how she shows it. She certainly has the right to refuse a White House visit, but can’t she disagree with the President and still show respect for the office by accepting the invitation? Accepting the invitation does not mean she agrees with him. It only means that her country is proud of her team’s accomplishments and wants to celebrate with her. In my life, I of course have disagreed with people in authority – coaches, referees, teachers, etc. I have this right, but also the responsibility to respect others while voicing my opinions. America is based on life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness – it is these rights that allow me to voice my opinion, go to a school of my choice, and play the sports I love. I think refusing a White House invitation is not a way to bring about real change. It gets short-term attention, but no long-term results. Why not accept the invitation and have a conversation?
As a swimmer, I know that swimming requires moving your entire body and holding your breath, making it a sport that strengthens both the muscles and lungs; however, I didn’t know that swimming also makes your heart healthier until I read the article “The Heart of a Swimmer vs. the Heart of a Runner.” This article is what interested me the most in The NY Times this week because it explains how the left ventricle of the heart works, shows the positive impact that swimming has on the left ventricle, and provides scientific information about my favorite sport that I wasn’t aware of. The article talks about a study done in order to compare the left ventricle, which is the part of the heart that receives blood filled with oxygen from the lungs and sends it to the rest of the body, of swimmers and runners. The study suggests that although the left ventricle in both types of athletes gets filled with more blood at a greater speed and pumps blood faster than the left ventricle of regular people, these qualities are slightly amplified in runners. According to the article, the reason for this is because runners exercise in a vertical position, so their hearts need to make a stronger effort to fight the force of gravity and get blood back up unlike swimmers, who exercise in a horizontal position and their hearts don’t need to fight gravity. I feel like the article’s emphasis on the cardiac benefits of exercise can motivate more people to do sports and make their lives healthier.
How Will Movies (As We Know of them) Survive the Next 10 Years?
By Kyle Buchanan
Through movies, directors express how they perceive certain events. For the audience, it is their experience of watching and going to the movies that are special. But why have people started to prefer streaming those movies more than going to the theaters?
When I go to the theaters, I always enjoy watching the environment and the movie I will watch. Most of all, it’s a place where we can do something together with friends. From simply going there and looking around all those movie posters to visiting the area itself is what makes the theater special. It builds up the feeling of excitement and comfort we receive about the movie that we will watch.
At one point, I have been to the US theater before to watch the Avengers Endgame. Although the movie was long, I liked the inclined seats they had. Simple reasons like this can make our experience pleasant. Every theater is distinct in its own way, and finding them is what makes going to movies meaningful.
In the future, I hope actors and directors continue expanding their audience through their avant-garde styles of filming. Some may continue to stay home and stream movies, but I hope they also get a chance to experience going to one someday. The audience numbers of films are only getting lower, but new filmmakers can revivify theaters to how we once knew them as.
"My Father Has a Second Family in His Bedroom"
As I anticipate and dread the idea of attending college, I sometimes feel lost. In South Korea, a nation afflicted with one of the world's most outcome-oriented education systems, it's sometimes difficult to imagine life without a clear objective directly ahead. But the one to reinvigorate me during times of disillusionment is my 52-year-old dad—my benchmark for success yet the most human individual I know.
In Sasha von Oldershausen's essay, she describes growing up with her father's eccentricities, namely his peculiar interest in mannequins. Over time, she's discovered that his many qualities—personality, interests, and aspirations—are inheritable. She too collects. She too works in an industry that lends itself to creative thought. She too embraces "absurdity."
Learning about Sasha's father, I was strangely reminded of mine. Listening to the Carpenters and Eagle en route to my favorite pho restaurant has defined my current music taste. My fondness for card games roots from the hours my dad and I would spend on the living room floor of our house in the US. When I sometimes feel lost, I reminisce about these childhood experiences, and I acknowledge the considerable impact my dad has had on my identity.
Simultaneously, this article reminds me that his footsteps are not mine to always follow. Sasha collects not mannequins but piñatas, which hold special meaning for her and her alone. I look forward to discovering my own piñata.
“What makes a leader”
Today I look up to courageous and bold women that have not only changed our society but also advanced the way for womankind. Brave women like Malala Youesaki, Katherine Johnson and Mother Teresa all stood up for what they believed in. Growing up I was never that talkative type. I believed that my voice didn't matter even when I didn't agree with others. But these women have shown me that my voice does matter and it does make a difference.
In school whenever my teacher asked someone to raise their hand to answer a question I would try to conceal myself from the rest of the class. The few times my teacher would call on me, my face would turn hot red, my voice would crack and my stomach would churn. But slowly I realized that I did have a voice but I was afraid to use it. I grew confidence and I had a growth mindset. I slowly wasn't afraid of raising my hand or helping my peers. I felt passionate about helping others and I motivated myself to strive to grow that confidence that I once lacked. My biggest weakness was confidence and I overcame this fear and that's what makes me a leader.
The article showed me that even if I am a woman I am capable as much and even more than men. Today women are exceeding in each field of work and society. Till the last century, most women around the world were not even allowed to vote, whereas today we have a record number of women in Congress, helping to build and lead the country.
"What Happened to America's Political Center of Gravity?"
In my town everybody knows everyone. We were rated one of the best family towns in the state by a regional magazine. My neighbors support each other through the good times and the bad. It appears as though we are one singular community.
However, as election day nears, both blue and red signs litter the yards in my town. People who are friends yell and bicker. Political signs get vandalized; one large banner on my neighbor’s yard was ripped down by people who opposed his views. Everyone thinks their opinion is the right one. They are not willing to listen to other people’s viewpoints. My hometown becomes divided because of party identification.
After looking through the article, "What Happened to America's Political Center of Gravity?," I realized that political polarization is a major national issue. To me, partisan gridlock has always seemed inevitable in Washington D.C. I thought that it was simply how the capitol worked. Now, though, I realize that this has been amplified in recent years. The two dominant parties have veered away from the center and each other. I was too little to remember the election of 2008 when Democrats and Republicans ran under close platforms and actually compromised.
When I read the closing sentence “Democracy doesn’t work with that kind of polarization,” I thought of my hometown, an average American suburb. The town that could be anywhere. The town that politics tears apart.
After reading Megan Craig's opinion article "A Philosopher on Brain Rest", I began to reflect on the use of our brains to create our individuality. Throughout her article Craig references the Descartesian principle of "I think; therefore I am". She begins to correlate the use of brain power to the diverse identities that we as humans establish as our own personal individualism. As humans we take for granted the power of our brains as a complex muscle and instead ignore its ability to represent who we are without thinking about our consciousness. We are able to soak life in and enjoy it without having to think about life's precious moments. However, as Craig explores in her article, when you take away the power of the brain the identity that we have established begins to fade away and we feel as if we are a stranger inhabiting our own body. This becomes a very powerful concept as being a high schooler in the competitive atmosphere of our world where I am told to read, analyze, and apply the words and ideas of our world into an identity that is specifically me. Craig's article allowed myself to begin thinking about how to savor the precious moments life has to offer and not just letting them wander off into a sub consciousness that I rarely tap into. It showed me to grasp onto the important concepts and people in my life and to not lose myself in the sub conscious depths of my brain.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/31/us/national-spelling-bee-champions.html?module=inline
The Spelling Bee reminds me of a similar version of it back home: the Chinese Characters Dictation Competition. I used to be (sadly, it stopped after 2015) a huge fan of it when I was younger, sitting in front of the TV at 8pm every Friday with my pen and paper ready, and occasionally showing off to my parents when I could write the words correctly faster than the contestants.
In such competitions it seems hard to decide the winner even if we use up all the words in a dictionary. No wonder why the Bee was "at a loss for words"! But it occurred to me that some of the words we use so frequently right now might be tested in later competitions — in our grandchildren's generation maybe. This way, the Bee provides us with a lens through which we see into the evolution of languages, particularly through the words that are forgotten or created with the passage of time. These words are a reflection of cultural and societal changes at large.
Singlish (colloquial Singaporean English) provides a great example for that. Singlish evolves through adopting elements from other languages, recognising immigrant cultures as part of the Singaporean culture. For example, Singapore's familiar "kopitiam (coffee shops)" got its name from two parents, "kopi (coffee)" from Malay and "tiam (shop)" from Hokkien.
I guess the Spelling Bee will never be at a loss for words — just think about how languages evolve.
As a student looking forward to attending college soon, the article titled "Forget Tanning Beds. College Students Today Want Uber Parking." by Lisa Prevost grabbed my attention. As children of Generation Z begin their college experiences, university officials from around the country have noticed a shift in the type of dormitory amenities that today's college students are taking interest in. While students of the millennial generation were interested in luxurious living quarters, equipt with rooftop pools or tanning beds, recent feedback from students living on campus has revealed that current college students would much rather have access to high-quality public spaces for studying and collaborating. To me, this shift in the mindset of students is logical because of the rising prices of college tuition. Students looking to get the most out of their education would be impressed by spaces that create a productive learning environment. Since technology plays such a huge role in education today, common rooms with high-speed WiFi and a place to charge devices are attractive. Incoming students value efficiency, meaning that a simple Uber or food delivery pick up spot excites currents students more than the eccentric rec rooms that dazzled Millenials. Like the large population of students that this article refers to, I would be interested in having access to functional spaces around a college campus, and I am excited to hear more about future renovations.
“It’s a Girl! It’s a Boy! And for the Gender-Reveal Cake, It May Be the End”
Though gender reveal cakes don’t seem like something worth talking about, in recent years its become something that some people have debated about. The tradition of a gender reveal cake started in 2009 where people started to cut open cakes that were dyed either pink or blue. However, in the ten years since gender reveal cakes came into light, the gender reveals have moved into things other than cakes. Expecting parents have use anything from tinted lasagna to shooting a target that reveals pink or blue confetti. The cake industry has cover all types of events, from weddings to gender reveal parties and everything in between. With times changing in recent years, these cakes have gone through some controversy. The baker who refused to make a wedding cake for a gay couple came into the public view last June, and people now see that gender reveal cakes often use outdated gender roles. I agree that these cakes can often be over-the-top and they usually confirm gender roles. However, at its core, gender reveal cakes just let parents have a little fun with figuring out what gender their child will be.
“The Land Where the Internet Ends”
Could you go 10 days without your phone, your laptop, or any connection to the rest of the world except the people around you? I’m 13 and I do it multiple times a year. So does the rest of my school. During these times, we adventure around the country on our bikes, traveling to beautiful places and pedaling about 25 miles each day. We use maps to navigate. The trips have taught me how to be independent and responsible for myself. Would it have been the same if I had been on Instagram or Snapchat the whole time?
Even though National Quiet Zones—areas where there is restricted or no internet access—will probably be almost entirely a thing of the past in a few years, people can still unplug. I believe that everyone should, for at least a few days a year, go out into nature and just live, without the temptation to check Snapchat, play Fortnite, or watch YouTube. Not only does this make you appreciate what you have, it teaches you that life has more to offer than sitting on the couch staring into a screen for hours, like biking and being with friends.
Each year on my school’s trips, every single one of us creates our own Personal Quiet Zone, without phones. While the author of this article found more solitude when she unplugged, my friends and I actually have become better connected. Instead of hiding behind our screens, texting each other, we talk with each other. If teenagers with phones can unplug, so can you. It’s worth it.
"What Makes a Leader?"
In most work environments there is a noticeable difference between the role men have, and the role women have. Research says that women who show the "normal" character traits of men in the work place, they're considered bossy and pushy. Though when women act like how they're expected; shy, and nice, they're considered a push over. A strange world we live in, one where women have a hard time in winning.
Research done by Harvard professor Amy Cuddy says that women who are able to combine the characteristics of warm and decisive are able to offset that bias- but is that truly what makes a real leader? I believe men and women have no business being unequal, and not only is it noticeable in adults, but also in schools or sports. In most cases the girls aren't the leaders, or have more responsibilities that involve sitting still and looking pretty.
Since there are so few women in important job positions compared to men, every failure a women makes is representing all women. But if more women were to be put in these positions instead of men, could it possibly become a norm for women to make mistakes in these important job titles, much like men do everyday?
Gianna_GHS_19
Although it seems as if there are only two sides to the debate on abortion; pro-life and pro-abortion, I find myself at a different point of view - pro-choice. I understand the ethical dilemma behind abortion, however, I feel as though the lives of the mothers impacted have been overlooked. Girls as young as eight years old may get pregnant, yet they are still only children who cannot care for themselves, let alone a baby. The option of abortion does not force it upon anyone in any way, but it merely provides the opportunity. Many argue that the child who is aborted could cure cancer, however, they have not considered that the women/girls that are being forced to bear these children could also cure cancer, but they must throw away these opportunities. The Heart Beat Bill protects children as fetuses, yet, once they are born, America forgets about them as they are left in foster care. The American Foster Care System is already over-crowded with children, therefore, if women are forced to bring unwanted children into the world, many will end up in foster care. Furthermore, many women feel as though they are not ready for children, thus, some may turn to more hazardous options if it is not legal in hospitals, endangering their lives. Society has taken immense strides in promoting feminism, however, the ban on abortion is a drastic step back. By keeping abortion legal, women would be able to decide what their futures look like, whether it is becoming a mother, or not.
In an increasingly Orwellian world in which the power of technology is harnessed in questionable ways, Michael Kwet’s NY Times article, “In Stores, Secret Surveillance Tracks Your Every Move”, paints a worrisome picture of the invasive surveillance technology that is seeping into our daily lives—whether we know it or not.
If a place as innocuous as a grocery store can have Bluetooth beacons lurking at every corner, one can only imagine the insecurity and fear a totalitarian surveillance system can bring to society—that is, if there isn’t already one in place.
Not only are we oblivious to the devices that pry on us wherever we go, we also have no way of knowing what about our personal lives is actually being tracked. The claim that users need to install an app in order to be tracked by companies may very well turn out to be a lie, and surveillance for the purpose of ‘location marketing’ can easily be extended to bank accounts and personal documents. The chilling combination between the unrestrained development of technology and big data, then, begs fundamental questions of the basic right to privacy: what is defined as having privacy in the modern world? To what extent are we being watched? And, more importantly, does privacy even exist anymore?
"I'm a Republican Fighting for Healthcare, Here's Why."
This video, or rather some people it featured, frustrated me. These lower income conservatives, in my opinion, seem to be voting against their own self interest. One woman said that healthcare is not a partisan issue, a statement that would be true in an ideal world. However, the Republican Party has repeatedly positioned itself in opposition to the expansion of healthcare, voting against the Affordable Care Act, which extended Medicaid eligibility to cover millions more people. The states that refuse to allow Medicaid expansion happen to be led by Republicans. The fact that the Republican Party is against greater access to healthcare aligns with the conservative belief that people should be able to "pull themselves up by their bootstraps" instead of relying on the government for help. This sentiment is expressed by Republican state Senator Phil Berger when he says expanding healthcare coverage will disincentivize people from working. Clearly, the people in the video do not lack this motivation, yet they still are not able to reap the rewards of their hard work. This is one example of the toxic partisanship present in America. People will stick to their party even if it does not support the issues that directly affect their lives.
The ignored message from Kenneth L. Davis and Mary Jeanne Kreek in "Marijuana Damages Young Brains," should be an essential key point in conversations between a doctor and their clients. Innumerable amount of our community has contributed to the legalization of Marijuana around the states. As a start, a multitude of CBD shops have been established as a "safe replacement" to the Marijuana. I see too many of my peers and friends smoking for the calming aftermath or the take away of emotional pain. And the automatic response is "this can't kill me." Too many of our teenagers and young adult know this to be true, yet no one is explaining how important the interchange between neurons is. Our neurons transfer the messages from our body to our brain or to where they need to be transferred. Adding to the Doctors research, many of the dealers which grow marijuana contribute their own chemicals to "enhance the experience." This increases the risk of an even greater unknown side effect to the possible addict. Simply put, with the development of our society alone our expectations and protocol for situations has to evolve. But it seems we are too star struck to change the guidelines for a privilege we technically haven't yet acquired to see the dangers which may come.
What really interested me this week was the article “How to End a Friendship.” This article didn’t give you a list of instructions saying what you should and shouldn’t do when ending a friendship, instead it was a personal story. The article talked about the author’s relationship with an old friend and how they did everything together talking on the phone, going out places, you know typical best friend things,before their friendship ended. The author said something that really caught my eye we have a type of friend for every occasion work friend, school friend, party friend, etc. For me personally this hit home because I don’t have a friend that I can bring to every occasion. After talking abut the types of friends, she began to talk about how her friendship ended. She was ghosted, in today’s terms, they were talking of the phone her friend told her she would call back and never did. Weeks went by and then months went by before her friend contacted her again, but things were never the same. Then she began to say out of respect for their relationship when she saw her old friend walking down the street ,years later, she didn’t stop to do a life update or make empty promises to met up soon when they saw each other they said hello and kept walking. This won’t be very helpful for someone ending a friendship, but the advice I got from this article is that once a friendship or any relationship for that matter once it has ending ,no matter how it ended,leave the past in the past.
I believe wonder to be the most enthralling and intricate emotion. Wonder has the capacity to enchant even the most dispassionate and humble even the greatest egoists. It’s something that most thought had been lost after their childhood, when nothing seemed new anymore. Wonder kindles the fire of curiosity that will inevitably grow into an unquenchable fire-storm that burns through your mind until it completely consumes you. This is how I felt when I read “Darkness Visible, Finally: Astronomers Capture First Ever Image of a Black Hole”
I have always been fascinated by space, the universe, and how it works, but when I saw the image of the black hole, my sense of wonder about the universe was reinvigorated. I spent countless hours researching black holes and astrophysics. The more I knew the more I wanted to know. When I got home from school, all I wanted to do was learn. All this learning and my difficulties with it made me realize something about scales and the limits of human understanding.
Many people throw around numbers like ‘billions’ and ‘trillions’, and almost never truly understand their actual size. It’s impossible for any human to comprehend the absolute majesty and size of the universe we live in. No human could even begin to think on the scale in which our universe exists or possibly imagine the magnitude of the distances between the commonest of things in our universe. No human can fathom how empty, yet how full our wonderful universe is.
“High School Doesn’t Have to be Boring”
The article I chose for this week was about high school. The way most teenagers regard high school is boring. A sociologist and a former English teacher shadowed countless classes. The shadowed, core classes and extracurricular activities -such as debate and theater- in both rich and poor neighborhoods. Students complained they did not know why they were conducting such work in core classes but thought they might use it for college. In after school activities, students were engaged, having fun, and learning at the same time. If core classes were like that, students wouldn’t be as bored. In a class, you should be challenged not tied down by curriculum on such a tight schedule the teacher cannot finish a thought without having to move on. The Times argued it is a combination of short classes, curriculum, and students not being inspired to learn. Times also states this is not the teachers fault. A teacher cannot do activities or experiments because it takes to much time. Our nation is more concerned over standardized-testing than understanding the information. Colleges should care more about class grades and outside activities than multiple choice testing. This is no way to learn. By making class times longer, decreasing curriculum so teachers have room to conduct activities and decreasing the stress on standardized testing this will increase students ability to learn and the future of our society will be enlightened.
“Drug Companies Are Focusing on the Poor After Decades of Ignoring Them”
In 2000, the cost of AIDS medicine in South Africa was about $10,000 per person. Today, however, it is a completely different story: the world’s biggest pharmaceutical companies are donating medicine and cutting prices, enabling the poor to access their drugs. What turned these profit-driven, self-serving drug companies on their heads?
According to the article, an index that ranks pharmaceutical companies based on their charity has proven fruitful in inciting public good. The ranking system marks a different approach from contemporary politicians and activists, who have been actively criticizing drug companies for their uncharitable behavior. Instead of scolding corporations for immorality, the ranking index offers pharmaceutical companies a virtuous goal to strive for. Overall, the positivity of this ranking index has been significantly more powerful and fruitful in encouraging virtuous actions.
When confronting corrupt mega-conglomerates, we may have to encourage virtues with more positivity and less hostility. The curious case of these pharmaceutical companies suggest that perhaps the best way moving forward is not to take up arms against social ills but to offer rewards and compliments that encourage charity.
This week I read "What Makes a Leader?" by Jessica Bennett and found it to be thought-provoking and inspiring. She proved that a blend of traditionally considered masculine and feminine qualities will allow a leader to reach the most amount of people, and it will improve the efficiency of a group by a substantial margin. Bennett also advocated for a greater number of women in leadership roles as it would decrease the impact of a singular women's achievements or failings on the reputation of women in the workplace.
This article has encouraged me to not shy away from shooting for leadership positions. As a reserved person by nature, I struggle with maintaining my confidence in presenting my ideas to a group of people. Bennett's stance in "What Makes a Leader?" helped me to realize that I need to approach situations with a certain level of assertiveness, and I need to trust my preparation for my work when speaking with others. The twenty-first century provides young women with more opportunities than ever to advance their positions in the workplace because of the supportive and accepting atmosphere that people like Bennett want to create. I strive to rise to a leadership position of my own at my school and at my future workplace, so I can continue to take the role of women in society past their former limits.
“Tennis Travails, Not Triumphs, Gain a Spotlight in an Instagram Series”
Players face a wide range of tribulations which may include loss of self-esteem, financial hardships and physical injuries. In Noah Rubin’s Instagram series, he posts the stories of people overcoming these challenges and gives a voice to the players who conceal their troubles from the public.
As a young tennis player, I have only begun to experience the hardships that prevail throughout the game. Athletes are taking a step deeper in expressing the topic. There may be more travails than triumphs, but the wounds that linger from the loses evolve into valuable lessons. I have learned to cope with my problems and use my loses as motivation to become a better player.
Noah Rubin, an American tennis player and the creator of the Instagram series “Behind the Racket”, says he hopes to add depth to the perception of players pursuing professional tennis careers beside him. This series reveals the vulnerabilities of his peers. The purpose of sharing these stories is to help fans and other players understand the human toll tennis takes.
This article appeals to me because I can relate to the sport and the many challenges it presents. Reading about others who have overcome struggles throughout their tennis career has helped me to realize that I am not alone. Tennis has taught me how to face many of my own doubts and fears. Despite the many challenges that go along with playing this sport, I have grown to love it.
Extradition Protesters in Hong Kong Face Tear Gas and Rubber Bullets
As a Chinese citizen, I’m torn in my sympathies when regarding the breadth and scale of the protests currently paralyzing Hong Kong. On the one hand, I commend their steadfast commitment to their ideals and their protection of Hong Kong’s autonomy. Activists such as Daniel Yeung represent the future; Beijing would be wise to listen. Yet seeing as Hong Kong is destined to return fully to China’s fold in 2047, a fact surely not lost on the millions of protesters, I can’t help but suspect if there are deeper existential questions in play beyond this single law.
Hong Kong holds a special place in the Chinese mindset. When the mainland was impoverished, we looked to Hong Kong as our shining city on the hill. In recent years, this has eroded with the rapid development taking place across China, so much so that Hong Kong fears losing its special status, as a cultural behemoth for China, and as a global business hub due to competition from Singapore and Shenzhen. At the heart of it all, Hong Kong’s greatest fear seems to be becoming just another Chinese city.
Hong Kong is a rich, textured territory, with lots more to offer. Rather than playing King Cnut and fighting historical inevitability, it would be wonderful to see Hong Kong’s youth channel their energy towards the prolific cultural and economic output they’re famed for, and avoid their true fear of becoming inconsequential.
As someone who suffers from chronic indecisiveness, I’ve always viewed choices as burdens. Therefore, Susan Shain’s claim that the “abundance of choice is a result of incredible privilege” came to me as a pleasantly surprising revelation. As Shain points out, not everyone is given so many options—indeed, the possibility to pick and choose itself is a privilege to be appreciated.
However, privileges come with responsibility. Shain’s recommendations on how to agonize less over decisions—such as going not for the best but for good enough, and outsourcing decisions—may be ways to make decisions faster, but not necessarily better. They do not do the privilege justice.
Decisions lead to tangible consequences. Taking AP Art History instead of an AP science course may put me at a disadvantage if I choose to pursue STEM in college, as my foundation in science may not be as strong as that of other students. Yet simultaneously, I'll have a better idea of whether I want to continue studying art history in college.
Decision making is a grueling process because it compels us to think about our future. But it is through this agony that we mature and become responsible. As quoted at the end of Shain’s piece, “Decision making is the steering wheel of your life. And you want to get good at driving.” But simply being good at driving does not suffice—steering the wheel well won’t necessarily lead you to your desired destination. A good traveler also needs a sense of direction and purpose.
With shootings becoming more prominent, many schools have begun enacting new security systems. But according to Jim Shultz, the Western New York Lockport City School District is taking it too far with their new surveying system, Aegis. Shultz immediately assigns himself the role of a concerned parent, saying he’s worried about his daughter "like every parent in the United States today" (Shultz). This affects the readers' ethos, as his target audience is parents. By appointing himself as a collective voice for parents at the beginning of his article, he justifies his argument before he even makes it. Shultz continues by describing Aegis as a "Wasteful and dangerous experiment" (Shultz). By using negative diction, he places Aegis in a bad light. Shultz proceeds to litter his article with unforgiving language, saying the technology's potential is "chilling" and it should be viewed as a "cautionary tale", as well as referencing the popular novel 1984 to accentuate the creepiness of the situation.
Although I do agree with Shultz's argument that Aegis is relatively useless -- since it cannot identify hidden weapons -- I don't see it as unconstitutionally invasive as he describes. Being surveyed in a place of work doesn't violate anyone's privacy, as long as there are no cameras placed in locker rooms or bathrooms. As a 16-year-old student myself, I don't find the security in place at my school oppressive, and I wouldn’t mind if they enacted new ways to protect students.
"How to, Maybe, Be Less Indecisive (or Not)" by Susan Shain
As someone who suffers from chronic indecisiveness, I’ve always viewed choices as burdens. Therefore, Susan Shain’s claim that having choices is an “incredible privilege” struck me as a pleasantly surprising revelation. Indeed, not everyone is given so many options—the possibility to pick and choose itself is a privilege to be appreciated.
However, privileges come with responsibility. Shain’s recommendations on how to agonize less over decisions—such as going not for the best but for good enough and outsourcing decisions—may be ways to make decisions faster, but not necessarily better. They don't do the privilege justice.
Decisions lead to consequences. Taking AP Art History instead of an AP science course may put me at a disadvantage if I choose to pursue STEM in college, as my foundation in science may be weaker than that of other students. Yet simultaneously, I'll have a better idea of whether I want to continue studying art history in college.
Decision making is a grueling process because it compels us to think about our future. But it's through this agony that we mature and become responsible. As quoted at the end of Shain’s piece, “Decision making is the steering wheel of your life. And you want to get good at driving.” But simply being good at driving doesn't suffice—steering the wheel well won’t necessarily lead you to your desired destination. A good traveler also needs a sense of direction and purpose.
"Will Cool Clothes Make Young People Love Golf?"
With the constant discoveries of new up-and-coming spots in fashion, I believe that a trendy clothing line with a refreshing scene and set goals of introducing a younger audience to a hobby is fairly possible. By Malbon Golf throwing a party with captivating activities that interest a wider cluster of people, while also promoting a streetwear-based collection of clothing that can be worn in most situations, the company is most certainly setting themselves up to be a pioneer in bringing the sport of golf into the mainstream view of the world. Golfing attire can be largely known for it’s flamboyant and vibrant colours, which is somewhat favoured by a younger class of people in outfits worn today. Golfers who have been seen wearing colourful attires today are Rickie Fowler, Ian Poulter and Rory Mcilroy; who have all immortalized their names by becoming legends in the sport and are widely known throughout the sporting world as being captains of their industry. Over the years, there have been countless migrations of the names of sports into the headlining cultures, such as the current growing popularity of basketball sneakers in casual wear - this proves that with enough push and interest in the outfits that are worn by your favourite celebrities, we could all soon be meeting each other at the greens for a quick nine rounds.
This week, the "'The Hunger Games' Prequel Is in the Works" article, by Alexandra Alter, sparked my interest when I was scrolling down the free articles section. I used to be obsessed with The Hunger Games Trilogy and wanted to be just like Katniss Everdeen, willing to drop everything I had to protect my family. The trilogy by Suzanne Collins is what opened my searching eyes to the genre of science fiction and the desire to read more books like them, such as The Testing Trilogy, by Joelle Charbonneau, the so far two books of the Cards the Mark series, by Veronica Roth, and the Divergent Trilogy, also by Veronica Roth. The author Suzanne Collins did an amazing job of grabbing my attention at the start and holding it to the very end of each book. I am so excited to read more about the history of Panem. The fandom for The Hunger Games made the trilogy remain on the New York Times best-seller list for more than five consecutive years. There are more than 100 million copies in print and the trilogy has also been translated into 54 languages. The demand and craze for the trilogy is/was clearly visible and even if you joined other fandoms, if you truly loved the trilogy, you would read the prequel. I will for sure be counting down the days of when it is set to come out, which is May 2020. I can't wait to go back into the extraordinary world that author Suzanne Collins has created for her readers.
While scrolling through the Times this week, I found this article “People Are Taking Emotional Support Animals Everywhere. States Are Cracking Down”. I thought to myself why would states be against these animals that make people lives better? Turns out people try to keep pets in places they shouldn’t like restaurants, by claiming them as an “E.S.A or emotional support animal”. But this simply isn’t true for the rest of the lot like Vayne Myers who has seen tremendous improvement in his mental health since he bought his support duck, Primadonna. Unfortunately, his landlord believes the duck is simply a pet even after Mr.Myers provided a letter from a therapist and a note from his counselor. Similar situations are occurring around the country as more and more people become dependent on a support animal. Should everyone be punished for the actions of a few?
I believe people should have a card for their E.S.A, which would be approved from a National Assembly so it can be used in certain places without question around the nation. Also, public places should have a separate room or space for these animals as most of them are just dogs to help maintain stability. The problem is, in 2011 the National Service Animal Registry had 2,400 emotional support animals but now the number is reaching 200,000. This is a growing problem in our society as more people reject E.S.A ’s in their community by classifying them as regular pets which in my perspective would be a form of discrimination.
This week I looked over many articles on the New York Times website, but this one interested me deeply. The article, ‘A Dad By Any Other Name’ by William Dameron caught my eye for many different reasons. This article is about a dad who came out as being gay, and his children started treating him wrongly. One reason I chose this article is because lately, lgbtq and transgender has come up a lot in the news lately. Between seeing rainbow flags, and watching pride parades, it is hard to miss the change and commitment of many people. When I came across this article, I thought it was a good lesson and something that could leave a lasting impact on some people. Another reason I chose this article is because the way this dad felt shouldn’t be felt by anyone, gay or straight, black or white. When I read the section where one of his daughters said, “You’re not my father!”, I immediately thought, how could a person possibly say something this degrading to someone else, yet alone family. In the article, Bill (the father), talks about how his daughters said such horrid things to him, and how he tried to do everything good for them.. After a while. Bill met anther gay father named Paul. When they started dating they talked about Bill's situation. Paul told Bill to be the rock. The constant. To stand strong. Taking Paul's advice, Bill started to change. He started reprimanding his daughters and changing his look. In the end, thanks to Paul, Bill was no longer Bill. He is dad.
This week I choose to write about “How to Fast” by Malia Wollan. Since the beginning of June, I had been wondering what would be a good way to lose weight fast, and fasting came to mind. After reading this article, my view of fasting changed. I always thought of fasting as just a quick way to lose weight, and that was the only purpose of fasting. This article explained to me how fasting can help change people and all the positive outcomes of fasting. Fasting can help with reducing the risks of getting illnesses and helps with losing weight. This article is about how Enes Kanter was able to fast while being able to participate in the N.B.A. He provides information about how he does this and he tells what he learns from fasting. Enes has helped many organizations who help provide for communities who don’t have enough to support themselves. This was because of him noticing how hungry he was when fasting, and he realized that there were people who were forced to feel this hunger every day. He taught himself how this through fasting. After I had processed everything I had read, I didn’t just think of fasting as a way to lose weight. I realized there were many people who are forced to ‘fast’ since they don’t have enough to feed themselves and their families. From wanting to just lose weight, I learned how much fasting can teach and change people.
I was seven or so. I picked up a rock on the side of the road. I named it Lilly and it was one of the prettiest rocks I had ever seen. And there I put a name to something I discovered. Recently, nomenclature for astronomical objects has proved to be a unifying force among the scientific community and even beyond.
In the article “So Long, Exoplanet HD 17156b. Hello ... Sauron?”, reading about countries putting names on exoplanets scientists discovered had reminded me of my childhood and the many objects I named. It was a fun pastime with my friends and a reason for us to unite. And I learned that the same extends to the scientific community which is extraordinary. At a time of war and conflict, it is comforting to see ways in which humans have come together.
Each country works to find names preferably pertaining to their culture and traditions. The worlds we don’t know of and the numerous stars that are beyond our reach have become a source of excitement and newfound curiosity among many individuals. I am further awed by the effect the field of astronomy has on non-scientists and how it acts as a propeller for future possibilities. The opportunity to name these planets opened in honor of I.A.U’s 100th anniversary has become an entertaining pastime, just like what I had experienced when I was a child.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/27/opinion/abortion-doctor.html
From a young age, I realized how lucky I was to have a mother with a teaching job. Being a teacher, she had the opportunity to come home at the same time as me on weekdays, spend time with me on the weekends, and relax with me in the summer. However, for her, dealing with children at school and then at home tended to get messy. Distinction between work and home can be difficult, especially if the two are closely related.
The article, “When an Abortion Doctor Becomes a Mother”, piqued my interest when the writer, Dr. Christine Henneberg, talked about the necessity to make a clear distinction between her work life and her home life. Watching my mother come home and be upset with me for something one of her students did makes me question if such a distinction is possible. How can the feelings and emotions experienced in one setting not impact the other when the two are linked?
I find that separating the two areas of life is similar to untying a knot. They are intertwined and hard to undo, but not impossible. If I were to be in the same situation as Dr. Henneberg, I would not be able to continue working. Hearing the cry of my own child and then taking away the potential cry of another would break my heart. However, I know that while I cannot untie that knot, people like Dr. Henneberg can. She has the ability to make that important distinction and take on the mindset that “somebody has to do the work.”
"‘Hot Dogs! Cold Beer!’ M.L.B. Will Bring the Familiar to London Stadium"
This article caught my attention very quickly for a few reasons. One being I am a sports lover, two I play baseball and love the game with a passion and three I love to travel the world. This article had a combination of all three of those things. The article talked about how they are building a super big stadium in London because they want to share the greatest sport in America with a country that's only bat and ball sport is Cricket. This stadium is going to be able to 60,000 people. The Boston Red Socks and the New York Yankees are going to play head to head against each other in the London stadium. Tickets for the game were sold out in 45 minutes and were bought from different places across the world which is pretty crazy if you ask me. Another cool thing about this stadium that's not only because its in London is they have to fit a diamond into an oval because its getting built into a soccer field that once was a track for the 2012 summer Olympics. People are working really hard to get this done and build all kinds of custom things for this stadium. Im super excited about this and I Hope to Catch the games on television.
"Dems, Please Don’t Drive Me Away"
I’m from a suburb of San Francisco, a bastion of American progressivism and liberalism. So when I saw the Democratic debates this week feature more than twenty candidates and sport unprecedented diversity across age, gender, and race, sure, I was impressed — but as more candidates weighed in on issues, I couldn’t help but wonder: what is this election really about?
A million-dollar question, you might say. But as a teenager who’ll be voting for the first time in the 2020 election, I know that Americans, especially young people like me, need to understand the moral weight of this question. Is it about Trumpism? Unity? Progressivism? At times, it seems only God knows.
However, one thing is clear: as Brooks points out, America is at a crossroads in this election. Donald Trump is an unabashed populist, but will candidates seize this opportunity to unify a deeply polarized nation? Rather than quibble about ideological litmus tests and political hardball tactics, will candidates inspire Americans to join together as one people, as one nation?
These are the questions that should define the upcoming election. We may be reminded at this moment of our nation’s motto, “E pluribus unum” — out of many, one. That, despite our differences, we are not “red states” and “blue states,” we are one. Americans deserve the best from those running for our highest office — but the highest office also deserves the best of America, the best of who we really are.
This week, the article that I encountered was,“Drug Companies Are Focusing On The Poor After Decades Of Ignoring Them,” by Donald G. McNeil Jr. After ignoring the poor in developing countries for many years, the drug companies have changed their stance, and according to the article have decided to supply drugs in those regions by three means, “cut prices on drugs, donate drugs, or sub-license patents to generic companies.” The article also tells us that in 1998, 250,000 of South Africa’s citizens died of AIDS. At this time, drug companies did not provide any help, and charged high prices for treatment. About 3 years later, the Indian company Cipla started offering treatment for $350 per patient per year. This shows how drug companies were making huge profit margins earlier. After looking at all this, I am glad that the drug companies have changed their stance, and are offering treatment at low costs for developing countries. The drug companies are looking at these markets as future profit regions, but nevertheless they are also showing social responsibility. I support what the drug companies have done so far, however, I realize that there are still two billion people who don’t have access to medicine. Drug companies should come up with new initiatives to make sure that the drugs reach more poor people in the developing countries, so that they create a social impact.
This week in the New York Times, I read an article called “Could Donor #2065 Be My Father”. I chose this article to read this week because it was out of my comfort zone. This article talked about how a woman named Emily Cochrane found out she was conceived through a sperm bank. Emily talked about her life growing up without knowing who her father was. She described the common questions she would ask her mother about him. Like, “how tall is my father”? As she continued to grow up, she wanted more answers. Emily contacted the sperm bank that her mother attended in 1995, and got the opportunity to have the bank send out letters to the donor that could possibly be her father. The donor accepted the first letter, but declined the other two. Emily says that her mother withheld the information to avoid getting hurt. However, she explained how she has learned fatherhood through her uncles and grandfather.
This article was very inspiring. I have seen this scenario played in a movie, and I can honestly say that this role to take on is challenging. I feel if I was put in Emily’s position, I would ask more questions and try to find out my father as well. It was sad she grew up not even knowing her father’s name. I feel that this is an amazing opportunity for women, but its outcome can be difficult for the mother and child. I would recommend this article to teens my age because it gives them an insight on how births, like Emily’s, occur.
This week, I was interested by the article “This Creature Eats Stone. Sand Comes Out the Other End. '' Shipworms are known for their propensity for eating wood, which can cause damage to submerged wooden structures such as piers and ships. As a result, they are a nuisance to mariners. However, their behavior is also a curiosity to scientists, as the enzymes produced by bacteria living symbiotically in their gills have the potential to be used in antibiotics. Recently, scientists have documented a new type of shipworm in the Philippines, Lithoredo abatanica, which eats stone and excretes sand. Now, scientists are investigating how the creature makes use of the rocks it ingests. The two possible proposed explanations are that the creature uses the rocks to aid in the digestion of plankton, or that it directly utilizes nutrients from the rocks. The natural world is full of many wonders and curiosities still waiting to be discovered by humans. The newly discovered shipworm is an example of that. In addition, when today's headlines are often filled with polarizing and controversial issues, it is refreshing to read about something amusing like this once in a while.
"A Dad by Any Other Name"
When William Dameron came out, his relationship soured with his daughter. Marisa no longer called him "Dad", but instead, Bill. To her, it felt as though her father had died. Although my dad did not come out as gay, this story hit close to home. To me, this story is not only about the author coming out, but also story about losing a figure of comfort and security.
Two years ago, my dad became severely ill. Like Marisa, I was 14 years old. Before I knew it, he was too frail to work. I watched through a thin opening in his bedroom door as he slept all day in his dimly lit room. I watched as he struggled to walk two blocks on his thin wobbly legs. I watched as he withered beyond his age. I felt like he was someone else; he wasn’t the dad I used to know. Like Marisa, I felt troubled, lost, and fearful. Where was dad? He's not the same.
As youngsters, we are wholly hinged on our parents. Our parents are virtually godlike, being an ultimate provider. When that godlike image is broken by a parent’s failure to provide, a trail of suffering and loss follows. This article stood out to me because of uncanny universality of the story. One can be Marisa, losing an important piece of constancy and love and subsequently rebelling. Or, one may be like her father, finding their own happiness while avoiding the harm of loved ones. I am also reminded of mankind’s restless tendency to search for constancy and comfort, something that is seldom found.
“One Year of Mandatory National Service For Every American?” by Lauren Katzenberg
Like Mayor Buttigieg and General McChrystal, I support a national service requirement. However, while Buttigieg and McChrystal view mandatory service as a way of strengthening “social cohesion” and forging “a renewed sense of citizenship,” I believe the rationale for compulsory national service rests more strongly on other grounds.
It is far from clear that mandatory service, particularly in the military, would create a new united American identity. Consider “Jarhead,” a film often lauded by veterans for being accurate in its depiction of modern military life. The invasion of Iraq is shown from the perspective of a frontline Marine: dull, irreverent, bureaucratic, and punctuated by moments of sheer terror. The strengthening of national identity that Buttigieg and McChrystal allege is hardly present among the soldiers.
Rather, to me, universal national service represents a natural extension of universal suffrage: it allows every citizen to back political resolutions and carry them through, especially when it comes to military service. For example, in the 1957 Little Rock Crisis, the Arkansas National Guard was federalized and ordered to forcibly integrate a school when local officials defied the Supreme Court. It was ultimately the armed forces that upheld and enforced political resolutions. This makes universal military service is the best possible guarantor of a popular democracy.
"Should I Call My Father?"
Nana Asfour
Much like Ms. Asfour’s father, my grandfather suffered from severe Alzheimer’s. But before his diagnosis, my grandfather had always, whatever the occasion, been ready to support and console me on the other end of my phone.
Except everything changed after his diagnosis with Alzheimer’s. Now, weekly calls I had usually eagerly waited for radically transformed into emotional trials I desperately wished to shield myself from.
Instead of the hilariously digressive phone calls that racked up my phone bills to terrifying figures, there were no calls at all. My grandpa could no longer recognize the phones. Instead of the cherished stories my grandpa told of his youth, there was only silence and heavy sighs. Most of his memories had been stripped away by Alzheimer’s. Instead of intimate jokes and laughs, there were only clouds of confusion that weighed over his head.
It wasn’t long before I dreaded calling my grandpa. Perhaps it was due to the fear that the precious memories I had loving built with my grandpa had been erased by his disease. Or perhaps it was due to the worry that Asfour mentioned in which I could potentially be hurting my grandpa with constant reminders on the loss of his lucidity. But regarding of the reason, I couldn’t stop wondering about the difference I could have made if I had had the courage to call my grandpa just once more. Because who knows the difference one more phone call could have made for the both of us.
This video, or rather some people it featured, frustrated me. These lower income conservatives, in my opinion, seem to be voting against their own self interest. One woman said that healthcare is not a partisan issue, a statement that would be true in an ideal world. However, the Republican Party has repeatedly positioned itself in opposition to the expansion of healthcare, voting against the Affordable Care Act, which extended Medicaid eligibility to cover millions more people. The states that refuse to allow Medicaid expansion happen to be led by Republicans. The fact that the Republican Party is against greater access to healthcare aligns with the conservative belief that people should be able to "pull themselves up by their bootstraps" instead of relying on the government for help. This sentiment is expressed by Republican state Senator Phil Berger when he says expanding healthcare coverage will disincentivize people from working. Clearly, the people in the video do not lack this motivation, yet they still are not able to reap the rewards of their hard work. This is one example of the toxic partisanship present in America. People will stick to their party even if it does not support the issues that directly affect their lives.
With a tap on your phone or a trip to the store, uncountable food options are available, not to mention ones for clothing, furniture, and other possessions. In our world today, we have more freedom to choose different activities, but at the same time, more options restrict us. When you are faced with more variety, it becomes harder to choose, and overwhelming for some. I am a pretty indecisive person, and the little everyday choices of choosing what movie to watch or what to eat for lunch can take a long time. So the article, “How to, Maybe, Be Less Indecisive (or Not)” in The Times this week is what caught my attention. (I even had a hard time choosing this article to comment about.)
It included five ways to become better at making decisions: drop perfectionism, limit the number of times you have to choose, decide if you don’t want to attend an event more than 90%, say no, imagine the impact your choice would make and determine how you would react, and maybe most importantly, realize the minor judgements you make everyday are just that- pretty insignificant in the grand scheme of things. They’re only another small step, and so it’s better to make them quickly and not look back. Because, there are as many options for sushi alone as miles on your car, and it’s impossible to find the best one, so settle for one that makes you happy and is suitable to your needs. As Tim Urban remarked,“Decision making is the steering wheel of your life. And you want to get good at driving.”
“College Essays Should Be Personal. For School-Shooting Survivors, the Question Is How Personal.”
Crouching in a corner, rolling my eyes, and flippantly playing rock-paper-scissors with a classmate--that was the reality of my elementary school’s monthly shooter drills.
Last year, the phrase “Watch out for Friday the 13th” was scribbled on the wall of a boy’s bathroom stall, next to a sharpie-drawing of a gun. On that Friday, I sat in half-empty classrooms, waiting anxiously for the final bell to ring; luckily, the threat was a hoax.
As Mr. Bogel-Burroughs and Ms. Mazzei assert, school shootings are ingrained in the very fabric of the United States. School shootings have impacted hundreds of families directly, and all students indirectly. Despite the tragedy that students explain in “College Essays Should Be Personal. For School-Shooting Survivors, the Question Is How Personal,” the article has stuck with me primarily because of the issue of college admissions. I cannot help but wonder how many admission officers have read an essay detailing a student’s fear on the fateful day. How many admission officers have read essays about a student’s journey from indifference to activism? How many admission officers were utterly moved by the story? How many admission officers have rejected a survivor?
How soon will admission officers be numb to those students’ pain? And, despite the fear I still have at the announcement of every shooting drill, will I soon be numb too?
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/24/world/middleeast/saudi-driving-ban-anniversary.html?searchResultPosition=2
As Megan Specia's article, "Saudi Arabia Granted Women the Right to Drive. A Year on, It’s Still Complicated.," shows, the recent political breakthrough, where the Saudi Arabian government granted women the right to drive, extended the feminist pathways wrapping around the globe. Women worldwide rejoiced at this salute to women’s rights, and women were once again a step closer to gender equality. Upon reading this, I felt a twinge of surprise; my schools have always referred to gender discrimination as a solved issue, despite the current gaps in wages, and always-appearing suppression of women in the workplace. Even a history class I took, dedicated to telling the stories of American feminists fighting during women’s suffrage, referenced birth control and abortion as if the issues were long resolved. Promoting this belief in classrooms, when history curriculums fail to teach modern history, only makes us students less likely to promote change in the world. History is in the past, the future, and most importantly to current teenage students who will soon enter the world, history is in the present.
In recent times, we have come to highlight issues dealing with pregnant women and their decisions upon their fetus. The matters of Pro Choice and Pro Life continuously clash due to society's opinion as to whether women can make a choice for their bodies carrying an unborn child, or whether they have no say but to carry an unborn child until it is conceived. Still, what about the circumstance in the article, "Alabama Woman Charged in Fetal Death, Her Shooter Goes Free" by The Associated Press, where a woman carrying a child of five weeks in her womb is shot, and faces charges for the death of her baby, despite the fact that the person who held and shot the gun free to go. What can be done then when it is no longer the choice of the mother to of lost her child? There was no evidence to say that the mother would know the shooter had a gun, or that she asked the shooter to shoot, injuring both her and the life of the fetus. While officials may claim the charges are rightful because it was her duty to protect her child and she started the fight, they cannot pretend she is not human and can always predict the future. This article interested me the most because in the end, I felt a need to research more and find that there are similar cases like this all over. This sparked an interest inside of me and led me to a belief that changes must be made in the way we deal with fetal issues because it is sad to know that sometimes a woman not only loses her child, but also her freedom.
In recent times, we have come to highlight issues dealing with pregnant women and their decisions upon their fetus. The matters of Pro Choice and Pro Life continuously clash due to society's opinion as to whether women can make a choice for their bodies carrying an unborn child, or whether they have no say but to carry an unborn child until it is conceived. Still, what about the circumstance in the article, "Alabama Woman Charged in Fetal Death, Her Shooter Goes Free" by The Associated Press, where a woman carrying a child of five weeks in her womb is shot, and faces charges for the death of her baby, despite the fact that the person who held and shot the gun free to go. What can be done then when it is no longer the choice of the mother to of lost her child? There was no evidence to say that the mother would know the shooter had a gun, or that she asked the shooter to shoot, injuring both her and the life of the fetus. While officials may claim the charges are rightful because it was her duty to protect her child and she started the fight, they cannot pretend she is not human and can always predict the future. This article interested me the most because in the end, I felt a need to research more and find that there are similar cases like this all over. This sparked an interest inside of me and led me to a belief that changes must be made in the way we deal with fetal issues because it is sad to know that sometimes a woman not only loses her child, but also her freedom.
What interested me the most in the times this week was the article titled, “Could a Gut Bacteria Supplement Make Us Run Faster.” I chose to read and comment on this article that interests me because I am a runner myself. I like to find articles that give me advice on running and things I can do to help myself while running. Anything I find that has information on something that can make me run faster, I’ll gladly read it.
The first sentence of the article said, “Running a marathon ramps up levels of a gut bacteria that made mice run faster, but it’s unclear whether it would work in people,” and that easily captured my attention. Finding something that will help athletes run faster and help inactive people have an easier time exercising would be great, but my question about this is, is it safe? Could the Veillonella bacteria infusions be harmful to our health or have long term effects? This experiment worked on mice, but we aren’t mice so there’s not saying that it will work exactly the same on us. Overall, this article interested me the most in the times this week, and I enjoyed reading it.
"Will Cool Clothes Make Young People Love Golf?"
Each day we are influenced by the people around us, whether it be through social media, on TV, or in person. Hopping onto the bandwagon, society would do anything to be like someone else they admire. After reading this article, I discovered that celebrities like SchoolboyQ play golf quite often, almost every single day. Famous figures don’t realize how powerful and influential they actually are, more people look up to them than they think. I found it interesting because I have noticed that golf has died down and it’s not normally the topic of discussion, but why do people care all of a sudden to take a stand now? Yes, they’re just clothes and accessories, but strip away the stylish clothes and expensive shoes, what will be left standing? One’s true love for the sport is more powerful than any item of clothing or trend. I personally don’t think that these products should be advertised for the sole purpose of attracting people to golf, if you love something you should pursue it because of your passion for it. While all of these trends will help raise interest in golf, it may take away the meaning of the sport and the game that people do already love and appreciate. Some may be offended by the actions and advertising soon to take place, but it’s safe to say that everyone should be able to enjoy golf, whether you’re a pro, or just playing in your Jordans for fun.
This week I read the article,” With a Poof, Mars Methane Is Gone” by Dennis Overbye. Mars is the 4th planet away from the sun, can be anywhere from 33.9-250 million miles from earth, and is otherwise known as the red planet. There have been many studies conducted in reference to there being life on Mars. however, there is no proof of life on Mars in the past. It always catches my attention when there is news about there being a possible life on Mars. recently they conducted research on the gases of mars, and there was a shocking amount of methane in the air. This was especially compelling me because Methane is an indicator of life, usually produced by microbes or “guts of a cow”. According to the rover’s Sample Analysis,” the methane level had spiked to 21 parts per billion.” This had suggested that there was some type of life on Mars. However, A few days later methane levels were checked again and they were nearly nonexistent. It still remains a mystery as to why the levels of methane had gone from 21 parts per billion to less than one part per billion. As scientist Paul Mahaffy states, “A plume came and a plume went.” There is yet no explanation of this phenomenon. some days there is a vast emission of methane, and other days, it goes back to Mars’ usual levels. Mars’ gases are still unpredictable and remain a mystery, however, maybe in the near future, they will discover live organisms deep within this red planet.
@Briana Cardenas
Methane can also be produced through abiotic reactions such as magmatic processes, ergo, what was measured could potentially have been a plume of this escaping from this aforementioned, and carried by wind.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/16/us/baby-constantine-romania-migrants.html?module=inline
This article tells a story about a caseworker in Michigan whose job is to find foster homes for children traveling from the border. The social worker then meets a 4-month-old boy in need of a foster home. The caseworker comments on how kids separated from their parents at the border constantly ask for their parents, unable to be comforted. They learn that the young boy is from Romania and his name is Constantin Mutu. Constantin’s father is in federal custody in Pearsall, Tex. I found this article interesting because it shines a light on the flaws of America's immigration system. I find it disgusting how children as young as 4 months old can be taken from their parents while traveling to a new country. The child is then subjected to a life in the foster care system, growing up without their birth parents. No parent should ever be forced to separate from their child.
An article I chose for this week is “keeping up with the Kardashians." As we all know the Kardashians, there has been a lot of drama going on in their lives. A recent conflict that has happened to them is Khloé Kardashian’s boyfriend, the N.B.A. player Tristan Thompson, had cheated on her again with her half sister’s best friend, Jordyn woods. Everybody has been hating on Jordyn woods about the cheating scandal. Everyone wonders why she did that to her best friend Kylie. In my opinion, I think it is Tristan's fault because Tristan has always been an ungrateful man to Khloe, he was with a woman when Khloe was 9 months pregnant and he still has no respect for his family.
https://lens.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/10/18/side-by-side-battling-cancer-and-sending-off-the-bride/
This week I was scrolling through the NYT to find an article to write about. I wasn’t looking for anything in particular, but as I kept scrolling, I saw this photograph. It was a black and white photo, but somehow I could still see every sparkling color bursting right through it. I then began to scroll through the slideshow at the top of the article. Instantly tears were rolling down my face. Every photo had an unexplainable level of raw emotion and intimacy, beyond anything anyone would ever be able to describe. How was it that I could feel all of these powerful and heightened emotions for a couple I had never met, and their story I had never heard before? Then I read the article, and oh man were the water works flowing, the top of my Hollister shirt had suddenly turned a wet, darker color. Even with their shared diagnosis of cancer, and sensitive family history along with it, the couple still remained happy and supported each other through difficult times, when many others would split up. Howie and Laurel pushed through it. So you guys are asking me, why this story that interests me? And honestly, why would it not interest anyone? This couple, they’re inspiring. Brave. Courageous. Strong. This couple, and these photos, they not only made me see something. They made me feel something, something truly amazing and indescribable. They are warriors.
The article titled "How Do You Talk to Children About Climate Change?" grabbed my attention this week because it not only dug deep into the discussion of climate change with more delicate audiences, but also traversed through the things to look out for when talking about sensitive topics. The article uses climate change as an example of a topic that may scare the younger generation, and how to properly explore these issues with them without making it dreadful. The article promotes beginning the discussion with more positive messages and activities to keep kids intrigued, like taking them outside to admire nature or having them participate in community activities like gardens or recycling programs. Providing children with these experiences and messages will help them grow up with an urgency to help improve their future society. What really makes this article special, however, is that the ideas presented in the article also apply to any other topic that concerns today's youth. With the introduction of social media into younger people's lives, kids today are presented with way more issues than previous generations. This may lead to larger levels of anxiety in children. The article provides solutions to the problem of discussing sensitive issues with kids, which is becoming more of a concern as the years go by. The talk of how to handle discussing climate change with youth effortlessly connecting to the discussion of other topics made it the most interesting article this week.
This week I read "People Are Taking Emotional Support Animals Everywhere. States Are Cracking Down." by Farah Stockman. The line between service animals and impersonations of such aids is a tough one to navigate. While I have the utmost respect and gratitude for all veterans (and anyone who needs a service animal) and believe that we should support them in anyway possible, I think that there could be more regulations in place to help officials separate true cases from phonies. For one, I see where conflicts could arise, say in airports for example, with those bringing exotic 'service' animals like squirrels or ducks. The possible outcomes of bringing such animals on planes could be minor annoyance and inconvenience for fellow passengers or it could be major and end with an animal attacking someone else and causing physical harm. With this in mind, I would propose limiting the service animal title to more tame and household-friendly pets like dogs. As for the housing situation, if someone brings an unauthorized animal into their living quarters, the tenant may no longer have the same market for their space once the current resident leaves. Once there is a cat or dog living in a house, its impossible to restore the space to what it was before, and thus people with allergies obviously cannot reside there. However, each situation is different and deserves to be examined so that no situation occurs where someone in need of aid is denied.
This is my first time participating in the Summer Reading Contest, so I searched for an article that involved the part of the world that is my second home but is halfway across the world from where I live. My father was born in America, but my mother was born on a small island off New Zealand. Even though I was born in the United States, I have visited New Zealand many times, and I love that their culture is part of mine. Recently, something tragic happened there- two shootings that killed 51 and injured 49.
The article that caught my interest was "New Zealand Seeks Global Support for Tougher Measures on Online Violence" by Charlotte Graham-McLay and Adam Satariano on May 12, 2019. I learned something new in this article- that the accused gunman of the shootings had used social media, something that was created to connect people in amazing ways, to live stream his horrible rampage. Although people realize something needs to be done to make this kind of thing less likely, no one can come to an agreement because of all the factors and the possibility of hindering free expression. In the end, it's up to each country and company to decide how and to what extent they regulate. I'm happy New Zealand has taken such measures not only in their own country but all across the world. They handled the tragedy well by taking immediate action.
I'm grateful for the article. Although I knew of the tragedy, I didn't know as much as I thought, and now I see the importance of news like this.
While I was looking through the New York Times this week, I found an article titled, "The Youngest Child Separated From His Family at the Border Was 4 Months Old." The government has been trying to reduce the number of asylum seekers. They believe in deporting anyone who passes the border without documentation. They also believe in restricting asylum applicants to use only designated places of entry. The administration has been separating immigrant children from their parents. This article is about the youngest immigrant child taken away from his parents. He was only 4 months old at the time, and this article is also about how he traveled through foster care and eventually back to his parents. The article drew me in because I was born in India and as an immigrant, reading this article hit home for me. Immigration is a topic that is constantly debated. Whenever discussions about immigration policies arise, I am intrigued since they can always connect or relate to me. This article tugged at my heartstrings and left me thinking about what the future holds for Constantin and his family. The Mutus had a hard life and this situation made it worse. They wanted to have a better life for themselves. I am really grateful that my family was able to avoid these problems and provide me with a better life. In the end, all parents want for their children is for them to have a better life.
The article titled "How Do You Talk to Children About Climate Change?" grabbed my attention this week because it not only dug deep into the discussion of climate change with more delicate audiences, but also traversed through the things to look out for when talking about sensitive topics. The article uses climate change as an example of a topic that may scare the younger generation, and how to properly explore these issues with them without making it dreadful. The article promotes beginning the discussion with more positive messages and activities to keep kids intrigued, like taking them outside to admire nature or having them participate in community activities like gardens or recycling programs. Providing children with these experiences and messages will help them grow up with an urgency to help improve their future society. What really makes this article special, however, is that the ideas presented in the article also apply to any other topic that concerns today's youth. With the introduction of social media into younger people's lives, kids today are presented with way more issues than previous generations. This may lead to larger levels of anxiety in children. The article provides solutions to the problem of discussing sensitive issues with kids, which is becoming more of a concern as the years go by. The talk of how to handle discussing climate change with youth effortlessly connecting to the discussion of other topics made it the most interesting article this week.
While reading, "Spying on Children Won’t Keep Them Safe" this week, I noticed some interesting points being made. It talks about the new facial recognition software that is starting to be put into schools that is, frankly, way too invasive of general privacy. It breaches the comfort of students and families alike. It was also mentioned that the meeting to "console students and families" was held in the middle of the week, in the middle of the day, when most parents are working and students aren't able to attend. That was considered enough to say that parents and students were informed. It is dreadfully obvious that this was just the district's way of bypassing the need to inform the public of this overwhelming technology. Not to mention it is extremely expensive. $1.4 million for about 4,000 students for something that can't even really identify women and people of color correctly. There has been an outcry of pupils saying that they don't want to feel constantly watched; it's understandable. To what extent are they going to go in order to have some false security?
It has been said that ignorance is bliss—yet, what happens when that “bliss” is superficially created by forced ignorance? Such is the case in China as told by Ian Johnson in his article Thirty Years After Tiananmen: Someone Always Remembers. June 4. 2019 represents the 30th anniversary of what is known as the “Tiananmen Square Massacre” in which students and other civilians staged a multi-day protest against Chinese policies. The government, in an effort to quell the protests, declared martial law and sent in armed troops. Between the civilians’ outrage and the aggressive deployment of soldiers, violence erupted, resulting in deaths. The number of deaths is not known as the government hid and continues to hide the exact events of that fateful day. But as Mr. Johnson frames his writing, no matter how much the Chinese government is trying to suppress the Tiananmen Square Massacre from its history books, news coverage, and even search engines, there are those who refuse to forget and who continue to publicize what happened. That day serves as a reminder, not only to Chinese citizens, but also people around the world, that the natural state of humankind is freedom and that no government who oppresses freedom should stand unopposed. Why is it so important to remember June 4th? Because a single ember of remembrance can one day spark a nation’s fire to strive for freedom, independence, and human rights.
Out of all the articles that I read, How to, Maybe, Be Less Indecisive (or Not) was the one that I found most appealing. Me being an indecisive person myself, I find choosing a usual daily task to be complicated. For example, picking a breakfast drink such as, iced coffee or a smoothie should be an easy task right? For most people, yes, but for an indecisive person this could be quite difficult and can cause a brain epidemic to come your way. This article taught me that choosing what they call “ good enough” should standardize your opinion and make it much easier to chose what you want. When picking what’s good enough you don’t overthink the the benefits of one or the other thing. Life is to short to waist overthinking so, stop thinking to much and choose what’s good enough.
This week in the New York Times, the article that interested me the most was titled, “‘Hot Dogs! Cold Beer!’ M.L.B. Will Bring the Familiar to London Stadium” by David Waldstein. I found this article to be interesting because of the cross-cultural interactions that were being made between an American sport in a British setting. When the Yankees and the Red Sox play in London Stadium, they’ll be representing a greater movement to build awareness around the globe about America’s pastime marking a monumental moment in Britain: a nation dominated by fervor for cricket. This article was noteworthy in its description of how the London Stadium would be making numerous changes to accommodate the game. This included changing snacks and having roving hawkers, to creating dugouts and a baseball diamond, to changing the turf. This information was really insightful as it demonstrated to me the complexity behind this operation. Moreover, the news of the speed at which the tickets were purchased was also quite shocking as one would not have expected a British audience to buy out all tickets within a mere 45 minutes. Therefore, this article was truly a marvelous behind the scenes look into a truly unusual cross-cultural sporting match. I really am endeared to the ideal that sport can bring people together. This one game resembles a smaller step on the path towards eliminating much of the divisiveness that pervades our global society and uniting the world’s people together in harmony.
This week I enjoyed looking and reading about, “In Turkey, Keeping a Language of Whistles Alive”. I found this interesting, because people in Turkey communicate by whistling. They use this to communicate over a long distance in the Pontic Mountains. I found it fascinating, because they found a unique way of communicating. They chose whistling, because it can be heard from a longer distance than yelling. This was interesting to me, because I didn’t know that whistling is louder than shouting. Also, I enjoyed learning that this whistling language had become the Turkish’s form of communication; I had not known that this style of communicating had even existed. Although this has been a Turkish tradition, the invention of cell phones have caused the language to begin decreasing. Currently, it is at the risk of being lost forever. The Turkish people should stick to their roots, because they wouldn’t be so reliant on technology and it would be important to keep their tradition alive.They have done this for so long, that they shouldn’t let technology change that. For today’s society, technology has been taking over our lives. So it is nice that they have a different way of communicating to others, rather than texting or calling someone. Lastly, I think that people in other countries should also try and find other ways of communicating, as well. We shouldn’t always have to be reliant on technology to help us get through our daily lives.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/07/style/modern-love-heart-attack.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fwell&action=click&contentCollection=well®ion=stream&module=stream_unit&version=search&contentPlacement=2&pgtype=sectionfront
The reason this article stood out to me was because of its sheer power to make me take a closer look at my inner demons. As a 16 year old girl, with an intense phobia of growing old, and the unknown of the after life, this article forced me to face the fact that my fears are something I can't escape. The fact that the woman in this article has the capability to live in the moment and put her own fears aside to make sure her family is okay when she leaves this earth, is truly inspiring. Her article taught me that I need to slow down, and place my focus in the moment. The strength she emits is empowering. This article is truly one worth reading.
I decided to read the article “How to Get Glowing Skin With Minimal Makeup” by Kari Molvar in The New York Times. This article is exactly about what the title is. However, before I started to read this, I thought the techniques you could use were ones that did not cost lots of money. Well when I was reading it, I noticed that, in order to get the items for glowing skin with minimal makeup, were a tad bit expensive. When I read that the lotion they suggested was $195, I was a little shocked. The article continues to give tips for glowing skin, but only with products that cost more than $40. In my opinion, I feel that spending that much on products that might give me a reaction is not worth spending the money. It is ridiculous to believe that, someone who has an average paying job would spend about $707 on the products that are listed. I feel that this article would have been much better for those who have lots of money, but not for the more average person. Honestly, I would prefer to read an article about a way for glowing skin with minimal makeup using more healthy and cheaper techniques.
In The New York Times, I chose to read the article “What Makes a Leader” by Jessica Bennett. I chose this article to read because I've always wanted to be in a leadership program ever since middle school. Being in a leadership program can help you gain strength and confidence. If you are a shy person like me, joining a leadership program can get you out of your comfort zone. However, In a leadership program, you can make many friends and gain better communication skills. Being involved in school is really important because it helps you stay focus on your school work and homework. I am currently in a leadership program where I am helping freshmen with their grades, homework, stress and other particular stuff. I hope I can make a little difference. My friends helped me join this amazing program and I'm grateful I joined it, it also taught me many skills. If you want to be involved in a leadership program, go join because in the end you will regret not joining.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/27/opinion/elizabeth-warren-democratic-debate.html
I can’t vote in the upcoming presidential election. But I see the democratic party responding to questions regarding their policy by loading their response full of rhetoric and emotional appeal that gets an overwhelmingly positive response. Not because they actually give us their plans, but because they state the liberal views that are not being reflected in the White House. I understand there is a time contraight when it comes to answering these questions, but as a young person, whose future depends on the choices our next president will make, I don't just want to agree with what the president has to say, I want to see change.
I watched the first democratic presidential debate with my dad, and I experienced first hand the frustration that many young people feel when they see an adult say something like “That was a good response” or “I like what he had to say” to a vague excuse of an answer. Senator Warren was the best of the candidates at presenting her plans. The fact of the matter is that most of these candidates are empathizing with us on the problem and not focusing on a solution.
I encourage everyone to not just nod their head and agree, but to keep in mind the question that was asked. Identifying the problem is easy, but having a candidate address the problem and go on to say “And here is how we fix it… ” is what we need.
Game of Thrones’ Fans Gripe About the Finale’s Pointy End (and a Water Bottle)
I loved Game of Thrones but agree with the article’s negative views on its final season. I first started watching GoT about a year ago when I heard my mom talking with her friend and could tell from the excitement in her voice that this show was worth a try. My mom and I were already watching several series together and I thought this would be a great addition. However, as I asked her details about GoT, she told me to stick to the other series we watched like Gotham and Supernatural. Although I couldn’t watch the tv show, I still looked up videos about the series and my continued interest in the show and my promise to read the books first helped convince my mom to let me watch. I was immediately hooked. My mom watched all the seasons again with me and our expectations were sky high for the final season. However, every episode left us with more questions and a bit of anger. We kept telling ourselves that it would get better but, after watching the final episode, we were so disappointed. This series meant something bigger to me than just a great show, as it was the first time my mom acknowledged me being mature enough to watch something so gruesome and explicit. We spent hours talking theories, surprise deaths and how we would have done the episodes differently. Although the ending was not what my mom and I wanted, the time we spent preparing for, watching and discussing GoT is what really counted.
Many of my family members play soccer, so I've been tuning in to the recent Women's World Cup. Members of the US women's national soccer team have spoken out about issues in the past, but the article, "Megan Rapinoe Digs In After Trump Criticism: ‘I Stand by the Remarks'," discusses how one particular member is taking a stand against the White House. Megan Rapinoe first made headlines in 2016 when she became the first female athlete, along with one of the general first white athletes to kneel during the national anthem. Now she is using her position as captain of the US Women's Soccer Team to speak out about other social disputes. Rapinoe told an interviewer earlier this year that she would prefer to not attend the White House after the World Cup, due to her many political opinions conflicting those of the US government. I think that it is important that she is standing up for her beliefs, and using her platform to express her opinions instead of just ignoring the issues. Refusal to visit the nation's capital is a bold move, and now even the president himself is paying closer attention to Rapinoe. The soccer player is consistently fighting for change, whether it be equal pay or LGBTQ rights. Other members of the team have spoken out as well, commenting that they will always stand behind Rapinoe and her beliefs. If nothing else, Rapinoe and her team have certainly brought more attention to a range of important matters affecting our country.
Ford to Cut 12,000 Jobs in Europe
By: Amie Tsang
The Ford motor company will be letting go of about 1/5 of it's European workforce. There are many factors leading to the closings of all these factories, with the main one being that there have been many changes in the industry over the past few years. It seems that, with the introduction of the electric cars by companies such as Tesla, other vehicle companies are now struggling to keep up. Nobody could have guessed how popular the electric car would end up being.
The article goes on to say that Ford and Volkswagen are forming an alliance to develop electric and self driving vehicles. I think this is a good idea, as it will help these companies compete in today's industry. This alliance is also good because it will allow for these companies to pool resources and help each other out in the long term.
I read the article "The Youngest Child Separated From His Family at the Border Was 4 Months Old", because I knew that a story about a young innocent child being taken from their family would be appalling but enlightening. And it was indeed appalling. A Romanian family was separated from their 4 month old baby and they weren't even given a reason. The father reached the border carrying his sick baby Constantin, and had Constantin taken from him without being given a reason. The little boy was raised by a family in America, and when he went home to Romania he was not adjusted to life there. I thought it was sad that the baby was living with another family in another country long enough to not recognize his own home and his own mother. The child will now have to take time to adjust to his real home, and they will never get back the time they lost. Constantin's story is tragic, but it is not the only one. He is the youngest yet, but multiple families have been separated at the border, which is horrible. I can't imagine being the person that takes a child from their family. Thinking about the amount of pain that would cause both the child and the parents would be too hard. I think it was important to read about what Constantin and his parents went through, because I think people should know what is going on in our country.
Recently, competition in schools has reached an all-time peak. Students are always striving to do better than their surrounding peers. What is the root cause of this competition? The answer is grades. Alfie Kohn emphasizes in “Why Can’t Everyone Get A’s?” that grades have been used as a ranking system in the past, but setting these high standards of getting A’s can cloud a student’s view on education. Grades have caused school to turn into an academic arena where many students believe that it is not as important to learn, but to place on a higher level than their peers. Not only do these high academic standards set by society change the mindset of students, but it also targets broader institutes of education.
Schools and districts are compared to each other to see which school might be more academically successful than another. Overall, higher standards are always placed on students or educational institutes to target anything below the median as “failure." Any educational environment should focus on helping students succeed rather than setting standards where some individuals will always be considered in the “failing” category. Grades will cause students to believe that excellence is a zero-sum game where one student’s gain is only possible if another student faces loss. Therefore, society should not set standards that drive students to be more competitive, but show students that everyone can achieve excellence with hard work.
This week, a particular article, "Migrant Children Are Spending Months ‘Crammed’ in a Temporary Florida Shelter" caught my attention. Immigrant children between the ages 13 and 18 being detained at a "temporary" facility called "Homestead" are living in overcrowded, squalid and noisy conditions. These migrant children were only supposed to be detained at this shelter temporarily. However, over half the children have been there for over 20 days, while a few others have been there for over 100 days, most not knowing when they will be released. Children are prohibited from doing certain activities such as listening to music and writing in journals, and some children say that they use up their bathroom requests to get away from the intense noise and crowding of the tents. Some shelters take the children on outings for change of environment, but at Homestead, it was reported that the "children are never taken out of this place unless they have a medical appointment."
As an American living in this "first-world country", I find it horrifying that our government is allowing these immigrants and children to live in these conditions. For being such a rich and prosperous nation, I would expect that our government does more about keeping this detainment process safe and sanitary. Attention needs to be brought to this matter before more migrants, whether they are children or not, have to go through this terrible process, and it leaves a scar on the United States forever.
Why Can't Everyone Get A's? By Alfie Kohn June 15, 2019
This article states that schools are trying to rise their expectations for students making some students pass and some students fail. A lot of people think that this isn't the way that you are supposed to teach kids. This system is, in a way, against them than for them.
What interested me is that this is completely unfair for students. The challenges set for them should be rigorous, but challenging enough to suit all students. Why it interested me is because grades are important, kids are the future, and can also affect how students really are able to learn overall. They only care about ranking people, and they need to focus on the more important and democratic grading system.
This week as I was looking for an article, I fell into the sports category. The first article was titled “‘Hot Dogs! Cold Beer!’ M.L.B. Will Bring the Familiar to London Stadium.” I am a diehard Yankees fan, so I wanted to see what someone else’s take on the Boston, Yankees series in London was. I was impressed to see how much work the London Stadium staff took to ensure that everyone in the stadium had an authentic American baseball game experience. Most baseball games have small “games” in between innings, usually mascots races. So, naturally there was a twitter vote held to see what four mascots people wanted to see race. The finalists were, Freddie Mercury, Winston Churchill, King Henry VIII, and the Loch Ness Monster. The main thing I was impressed about was how they prepared the concessionaires. American concessionaires came to give a crash course about everything they needed to know. The British weren’t used to buying food and passing money by strangers while sitting down watching their game. Most of the spectators for the London Series are from Britain. 70% of the tickets were bought in Britain, while 20% were sold in America leaving 10% for other countries. The reason for the series being held in London became very visible, it was the only venue big enough for over three acres of artificial turf and 60,000 seats. I was very impressed with this article and learned new things. Although, I would have liked to see more statistics about the teams and the rivalry.
The article I chose for this week is “Fish Cannons, Koi Herpes and Other Tools to Combat Invasive Carp” by JoAnna Klein. In the 1880s the federal government brought Cyprinus Carpio, the common carp, to America by request of the British. They were sent to breeding facilities and then sent to local and national ponds and lakes. This was soon recognized to be a large problem due to the carp’s ability to tolerate poorly conditioned waters. The carp began to grow in population and soon became an invasive species problem. One method of solving the problem was to help the bluegills, a natural predator of carp eggs, in the waters survive through the winters
This article grabbed my attention because of the odd ways that are being used to solve the problem of invasive carp.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/24/us/border-migrant-children-detention-soap.html
Throughout history, the malnutrition and abuse of children has been a persistent issue around the world. As show in the article "Hundreds of Migrant Children Are Moved Out of an Overcrowded Border Station" by Caitlin Dickerson, children have been abused on a daily basis in the United States as a result of Immigration. Recently, I visited Rwanda for two weeks along with a few classmates and teachers. As we explored the country and stayed with our host families, we were immersed into the Rwandan lifestyle. While Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, is not as developed as most areas in the United States, the societal messages and goals achieved are outstanding. While America often puts its own needs of modernization and rapid economic growth before humanitarian and environmental care, Rwanda focuses on peace. After the major impact of the genocide, in which one million people were slaughtered in 90 days, Rwanda has strived to maintain a balance of peace and order. Along with banning the use of plastic grocery bags, a common accessory for people in the United States, Rwanda has focused on bringing their society together and working to save the environment. Despite the overall power and influence the United States holds economically, the lack of proper care towards people of all kinds has persisted. Through the use of Rwandan values, the United States can help prevent the perpetuation of abuse.
This week, an article titled, "Why So Many Horses Have Died at Santa Antia" caught my eye. This is because I am an avid horse lover and recently have been looking into the different sports associated with riding such as barrel races, jumping, and of course racing. After reading this article, I was shocked to hear that 30 horses had passed away at the track in a years time. I didn't know horse racing was such a deadly sport. I know how deadly even a small fracture can be for a horse since they can't be immobilized to let the injury heal, which causes vets to have to euthanize the animals. Apparently, fractures are rising at an alarming rate at this track. After reading further into the article they talked about the fact that this particular track is very money driven, trying to make as much profit as possible, especially after Dennis Moore left the track. He was an expert on the ground used for racing and when it is or isn't safe for a race. He truly was concerned about horses safety, and after he left they ran an extremely higher number of races during the rainy season, which is more unsafe for horses to race on. They also talked about the lowering interest in racing altogether in the US and how running a high number of races each day brings in more bettors to the track. It was also said that the board of this track was putting extra pressure on trainers to run their horses more than is healthy for the animal. This was an eye-opening article to the world of horse racing.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/16/sports/lakers-lebron-james-anthony-davis.html?module=inline
This article caught my attention for multiple different reasons. I love basketball, I have been playing for the last 6 years. Lebron James is one of my favorite players in the NBA, and I am very interested to see how the Lakers are going to change for next season in an attempt to make the playoffs. This article explains the trades the Lakers may do, and the reasoning behind it. It explains how they have traded Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart and three first-round picks, in order to get Anthony Davis. When healthy Lebron James was averaging 27.4 points, 8.5 rebounds and 8.3 assists in 55 games. With the Pelicans, Anthony Davis averaged 25.9 points, 12 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in 56 games. I am very excited to see the James and David duo. The article also explains the possibility of free agents joining the lakers, like Kyrie Irving or Kemba Walker. In my opinion, this would be huge for the Lakers. Good Luck Lakers!!
This week, I was interested by the article “This Creature Eats Stone. Sand Comes Out the Other End”. Shipworms are known for their propensity for eating wood, which can cause damage to submerged wooden structures such as piers and ships. As a result, they are a nuisance to mariners. However, their behavior is also a curiosity to scientists, as the enzymes produced by bacteria living symbiotically in their gills have the potential to be used in antibiotics.
Recently, scientists have documented a new type of shipworm in the Philippines, Lithoredo abatanica, which eats stone and excretes sand. Now, scientists are investigating how the creature makes use of the rocks it ingests. The two possible proposed explanations are that the creature uses the rocks to aid in the digestion of plankton, or that it directly utilizes nutrients from the rocks.
The natural world is full of many wonders and curiosities still waiting to be discovered by humans. The newly discovered shipworm is an example of that. In addition, when today's headlines are often filled with polarizing and controversial issues, it is refreshing to read about something amusing like this once in a while.
This week I have decided to read the article 'The Hunger Games' Prequel is in the works. I decided to do this article because I am a big fan of the Hunger Games series. This also caught my attention because as the article said this is a big fandom and has many people who are fans. I am a very big reader and am very excited to read more about the history of Panem. This also caught my attention because I am excited to go back into the amazing world that Suzanne Collins has created for readers. Reading is very important for me and I think this might encourage young people to read more.
"Those Puppy Dog eyes You Can't Resist? Thank Evolution" By James Gorman. Published on June 17, 2019.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/17/science/dogs-eyebrows-evolution.html?module=inline
I chose this article because I love dogs and learning more about them. It made me think of my own dog that makes puppy dog eyes to get what she wants, which i cannot resist, so I give it to her. After reading, it helped prove the point on how dogs are closely related to people. They can be sad, happy, nervous, scared etc. The only thing that separates us from them , in my opinion, is the extra hair and the body structure. Dogs deserve the respect as any other human should. Whether its letting your dog go on a walk, giving belly rubs, being fed and well rested. In conclusion, I hope that whomever reads this article helps feel more love and understanding to dogs and realizes that they have emotions too.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/16/us/baby-constantine-romania-migrants.html?module=inline
In this article the case of Constantin Mutu is described in sympathetic detail. Since the beginning of immigration reforms there has been countless cases of children separated from their parents and neither are told each others whereabouts. For the case of Constantin’s father, Vasile, he was kept in prison with no way to explain himself since he didn't know how to speak english. He was lied to about seeing his son again, and never told where Constantin was. His mother, brother, and father were eventually deported back to Romania. Now Constantin is with a foster family who is taking great care of him in the states, yet he still has not spoken and cries constantly. Although his foster family is extremely caring and sympathetic, it should never have come to this. Constantins first moments should be with his family in a safe and happy house in the U.S.. When a family seeks asylum it is because they aren't safe, and they should be put through the process, not immediately deported home. They should be told what is happening to them along the way, not put in prison with no way to communicate. Although Constantin's plight is uncommon for his age of 4 months old, it is the same as what’s happening to countless other children at our border. Without more sympathetic, humane laws it will continue to happen, and even more children will be irreversibly affected mentally.
This week in The New York Times, I came across an article that brought back memories from when I was bit younger. What interested me this week in The New York Times was an article titled 'The Hunger Games' Prequel Is in the Works. According to the article, renowned author Suzanne Collins is planning on releasing a new book in May of 2020. This book will take place 64 years before the original books. I am so incredibly excited about this! I first read 'The Hunger Games' when I was about 10 or 11 years old. Now that I am 15 and have read all three books in the trilogy, I am interested to see what Suzanne will bring to the table with this prequel! To me, 'The Hunger Games' is very nostalgic. I remember saving up 15 dollars every month or so in order to purchase the next book in the trilogy. Once the movies came out, me and my Father made a tradition to see the movies in the movie theater the week they opened. Memories such as these have shaped me as a whole, and have helped me to further express myself and my love of books. I am utterly ecstatic to read this prequel! May the odds be ever in my favor!
This video shows how Trump’s travel ban has affected couples. I personally think that Pres. Trump could deal with this issue other than a ban because it has torn apart many families. This video was a chance for long distance couples to express their side of the ban. Whether they were married, dating, or even engaged, they were still together and even though some haven’t seen each other in years they still hope that one day they will be with their loved one again. Also some of the couples were able to meet each other halfway in a country they could both safely travel to.
What interested me most in this video is how committed these spouses were to each other and how even though they don’t see each other every day like most spouses do, they do what they can to safely stay in touch. This all interested me because we all think that we have such a rough life. We really don’t. We wake up everyday in a warm bed, in a warm house, and we get to see our family and loved ones everyday. We should be grateful for this but most of the time it’s the last thing we think about. Also this video interested me because you not only heard the spouses in America, you also heard from the spouse living in the country on the travel ban. This was a very interesting video and I think it is awesome the way these couples stay in contact and how much they love each other when they are thousands of miles apart.
‘The Hunger Games’ Prequel Is in the Works
This article about the upcoming prequel of 'The Hunger Games' interested me the most this week because I have been waiting a long time to hear if there would be a continuation of this great series. I have read all three books of 'The Hunger Games' and absolutely loved them. The author, Suzanne Collins did a fantastic job of catching my attention and holding it until the very end of each book. I am excited to see what Collins has in mind for the prequel of the series and I hope is is just as good as the previous books. I am interested to read about the events previous to the original series and find if it changes my attitude or understanding towards the original series after reading the prequel. Reading this article has sparked the urge to read each book again and revisit the emotions I felt towards the characters and their victories along with their struggles.
LeBron James and the Lakers Are All in For a Wide-Open 2019-20
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/16/sports/lakers-lebron-james-anthony-davis.html?module=inline
This article was right up my ally. When my favorite NBA player, LeBron James, acquired a new all star teammate the media went crazy over next seasons potential. Since the Warriors dynasty seemed to crumble in the last few post season games, this new LeBron-Davis duo seemed to capture the attention and interest of all fans to see what titles could be brought home to LA this year. This article was interesting to read because it went over the trade agreements and other possible offers the Lakers may try and make. Hopefully LA can make the new team addition well worth it this season. Good luck King James and the Lakers!
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/15/opinion/sunday/schools-testing-ranking.html?module=inline
What do you think of when you hear the word, "success"? When you think of school-related success you think of good grades. After reading the article "Why Can't Everyone Get A's?", I learned that some people don't count it as a success if everyone succeeds.
If everyone was to get A's on a test the politicians, businesspeople, the media wouldn't think that the kids had good teachers, they would think the test was too easy, so they raise the bar and make the test harder. This all meaning that, “high standards” really means “standards that all students will never be able to meet." Then comes the competitive side of success, ranking the schools, the students, which creates a misleading impression of forever failing for some.
I was interested in this article because it makes me wonder if school is getting harder. Are people getting smarter and doing better on testing? Are tests really too easy if we all get A’s on them? I think that raising the bar is good so people have to work hard in school, but raising the bar just so people can fail is not right. I briefly discussed the topic of this article with my mom. I told her that they make tests harder if everyone gets A’s on them. My mom thought this makes sense because it's challenging people, which I agree is good. The point of making the tests harder is so that not everyone can succeed. So is it only success if only a few people succeed?
“‘These people aren’t coming from Norway’: Refugees in a Minnesota city face backlash”is an illuminating piece about how a local community reacted to an influx of foreigners. Originally, I was going to write about xenophobia but being a recent immigrant allows me to see both perspectives in the situation. While everyone deserves to be accepted, immigrants need to find ways to keep their individuality while still integrating into society. After all, if a community is suddenly full of ‘strange’ people who don’t try to integrate or include others, locals are bound to feel threatened in their own homes. America’s diversity should be a unifying strength but there’s still work to be done. In some aspects, we are still a segregated society, separated by our differences. I was born in India and after moving, I found it hard to adapt to my new life but the nationalities of those around me did not determine my friendship with them. I encountered people who didn’t accept me, but I also found the ones who did. On the other hand, I’ve met immigrants who don’t interact with or include locals, frightened by how foreign their environment is. This is not a black and white topic. It’s complex and as much as I want a culture of acceptance in the world, it needs to go both ways. I chose this article because I know immigration is often portrayed as a cut and dry topic, but that’s not the reality. We cannot expect people to be saints, what we can expect is for them to be human, warts and all.
For the second week of the summer reading contest, I decided to read “Look Out, a Ballet Hurricane Has Made Landfall” by Gia Kourlas. In this articles, it describes a ballerina’s track to success. The dancer, Catherine Hurline, otherwise known as Hurricane, started pursuing dance at the young age of 3. Afterwards, she flourished in ballet, jazz, and lyrical, where she attended numerous performances. However, her decision to be a ballerina ensued because of the guidance of her mother, where she became a successful soloist after years of dedication and hard work.
One of the main reasons I decided to read the article was because of my background of dance. Reading about her determination to have a successful career inspired me to do the same. Hurlin focused on the technique over fame, which would eventually lead her to a more productive future. As the ballerina explained, "...Actually, interesting story. Back in the school, I was offered to go into the Studio Company and I said no...‘No, I’m not ready to do this.’ ” This helped me realize what it truly means to effectively discover ultimate satisfaction. Additionally, it was breathtaking to read about how once people put their minds into their goals, almost anything could be accomplished. Subsequent to her decision to have a career in ballet, she won numerous awards, one of them including the Erik Bruhn Prize, which led me to believe that the only way one can succeed is through dilligence.
"The ‘Euphoria’ Teenagers Are Wild. But Most Real Teenagers Are Tame.”
I came across an interesting article about how the wild teenage debauchery portrayed in the HBO drama ‘Euphoria’ doesn't reflect the reality of today. The forbidden fruits of drugs, alcohol and sex are almost always talked about among students, but seldom explored in real life. The reason for this cautious behavior can vary, but I believe that the main reason is due to fear. Not fear of overdose or other negative effects of such prohibited objects, but the fear of paying the consequences of indulging in these forbidden fruits. To elucidate, if you are arrested for using an illegal drug, that stain on your record will not go away, and will negatively affect your future opportunities. Growing up, we have always been told that getting a college education and then a job are mandatory. So as the importance of success has risen, perfunctory behavior that could jeopardize this success has decreased. Although prioritizing success can be seen as favorable for students, in retrospect it can also be the catalyst for the rising rate of suicide among teenagers. As pressure to not only succeed, but to succeed over your peers grows, it is no surprise that students are questioning their existence. Lastly, I know that it is only a fictional TV show, but I firmly detest HBO's gross misrepresentation of my Generation Z as we are known to be more prudent, independent, and healthier than any previous generation.
This week, the article "Online Classrooms Look to Further Improve Higher Education Across Africa, but Face Skepticism" by Jason J. Mulikita caught my attention. The article focused on the idea of improving educational systems in Africa, which really opened my eyes to how lucky I am to live in an area that typically has a tremendous amount of academic success. One prominent factor of educational improvements in Africa mentioned by Mulikita was that the rate of high school graduates in Africa is growing rapidly. This information impressed me because I know that many families in Africa can't afford to send their children to school. The economy is improving which allows more African citizens to have an education than ever before, but the demand for a highly skilled work force increases along with it. On the other hand, Mulikita expounded upon the idea that the public universities in Africa are having trouble expanding their capacity and keeping up their quality. It upsets me to see the struggle to find balance between quantity and quality. Along with these restrictions, many Africans don't have the option to study abroad. This article introduced me to many struggles that the higher educational systems face in Africa. The online schooling system struggles with power outages and illegitimacy accusations while students struggle with limited resources. There is still hope for improvements, and these struggles can be overcome. Mulikita reminded me to be appreciative of what I have.
In The New York Times, I chose to read the article “What Makes a Leader” by Jessica Bennett. I chose this article to read because, for a long time now, I have wanted to be part of the leadership program in my school’s marching band. In this article, I was hoping to learn some tips on how I could become a better leader, but I did not get as much as an opportunity while reading this article as I had hoped. This article was mostly about how women tend to be put into leadership positions only when truly needed and just all about women involved in leadership. I was okay with this, but I soon began to get irritated with it. I feel that I did not gain any knowledge of leadership from this article. In my opinion, I think most of this article would have been fine if it had a different title. I think when the article says, “The way to break that cycle, researchers say, is to have more women in power — so that one woman’s experience does not represent that of all women… And having more women employees, particularly in leadership roles, can reduce the incidence of sexual harassment, too” is a little bit of nonsense. Yes having more women in leadership roles can decrease sexual harassment, it can increase sexual harassment as well. Whether or not the sexual harassment increases or decreases depends on the situation. An example of when it can increase is when a man might think that a woman isn’t capable of being in a leadership role and wants her to make sure she still knows that.
“Tired of Hearing Leader Criticized, Pakistani Lawmaker Starts Banning Words”
The Deputy Speaker of the Pakistani Parliament recently made headlines by banning the phrase “selected prime minister’ from being uttered in parliament. That phrase is being used to malign Prime Minister Imran Khan, whose electoral victory last year is rumored to have been arranged by Pakistan’s military. No one is even sure if the ban is binding, but the mere insistence has enraged opposition politicians and activists. Let’s take a step back and contemplate the implications here. If lawmakers in a democratically elected government had the power to ban words, this would set a dangerous precedent against free speech and could be seized upon by politicians anywhere to stamp out criticism. “Not in my backyard” some might say but all we have to do is go back to 2017 in the U.S. and recall the CDC’s reported ban of abortion-related words in budget documents. Not 100% alike, but banning words still the same. Imagine if this ban spread, words like "collusion" and "tax returns" would no doubt be banned by the Republican-controlled Senate to protect the U.S. president. The banning of words is a disgrace and free speech must be protected as it is a fundamental human right. The way to bring about positive change in society is through our ability to express our opinions and speak freely. Thus, we must never acquiesce to the banning of words and keep free speech as a quintessential part of democratic societies.
The article that interested me most in The New York Times this week was, "How to, Maybe, Be Less Indecisive (or Not)," by Susan Shain. I became immediately interested when I skimmed over the title because I am terribly indecisive in my own life. Due to my hope that there would be tips or techniques I could use to make more clear decisions, I clicked on the article and began reading. The five strategies listed and explained include choosing things that are good-enough rather than searching for the absolute best option, outsourcing decisions to others, using the 90% rule, imagining the outcomes in your mind through experiments, and remembering that the decision is only a dot, or a small part of your life as a whole. Each of these strategies are interesting to me and I believe that if I employ them into my own life I will be able to have an easier time making decisions. The one that I especially want to add into my own routine is choosing the “good enough” option rather than the absolute best. This is because I know that I spend too much time dwelling on which decisions would suit me the most when a “good enough” option would be just as beneficial and much quicker to decide upon in the long run.
The climate change we hear about on television is real. Our earth is facing a crisis and yet we are still ignoring it. Pretending that it's not happening does not prevent it. In the article, "Maybe We're Not Doomed After All" by Jon Gertner, he highlights not only the solutions that we can put forth to help our environment, but the reality that politicians are denying us the opportunity to learn more about these changes. They claim they want to contribute to a better environment with our best interests at heart, but continue to reject propositions that could do exactly this.
Now, it appears to me that its become a "trend" to help the environment. People are continuously posting suggestions on social media of switching to a vegan diet or cutting down on plastic containers as a way to help. Not to say these messages aren't important, but now it's popularized as celebrities begin to call attention to it in an Instagram caption.
I'm interested in this article because Gertner emphasizes what change could bring us. I'm interested in knowing how technology can bring us the chance to save ourselves. Our digital age is coming to its peak and we have to take advantage of it at a time of need like this. Global warming isn't a joke. Saying "don't worry about it" doesn't bring us any luck and definitely doesn't take away the problem itself. After all, it's our own fault if we choose to not take action and instead watch our world crumble. I just hope we make the right decision.
This week in the New York Times I read the article "How to, Maybe, Be Less Indecisive (or Not)". The article grabbed my attention because I myself can have a hard time making decisions about anything from what classes to take to what I eat for breakfast. Though over the years I have grown more decisive by realizing that most decisions aren't life altering, I will still grasp any advice I can attain on how to tackle my indecisiveness. Furthermore, I found each piece of advice the author of the article, Susan Shain, gave to be quite helpful. I often become caught up in my perfectionist nature when making a decision, important or not. The first tip, "go for good enough" applies especially to trivial decisions that waste my time. Shain advises that any choice suffices. Shain's next tip, "outsource your decisions" is something I have attempted to do while making a decision. This is a great piece of advice because by envisioning the course of each choice, I can realize the best decision for myself. However, I do not fully agree with the 90 percent rule. I have no desire to go to most social events/functions, especially if I won't know anyone there. Even if only 30% of me wants to go, it is important for me to make an appearance. This will especially be true as I enter into the workforce once I graduate college. Overall, this article gives great advice to those who fall victim to indecisiveness.
The article that interested me the most this week is,"The Youngest Child Separated From His Family at the Border Was 4 Months Old," by Caitlin Dickerson. Dickerson tells the story of how the 4 month old baby, Constantin Mutu, was separated from his family at the US border. Constantin Mutu's father, Vasile, was in custody in Pearsall, Texas, meanwhile Constantin was in Michigan. This story appealed to me the most because it is such a devastating topic that is occurring in the world. It is tragic how families are separated and taken to different states. Parents are worried sick about where there kids are and how they are doing. Kids are crying because they are now alone in a different country. They don't know how long it will take for them to be able to see their family again or if they will ever see them again. It is a situation that no one, especially not a child, should go through. It is surprising and devastating how this inhumane event is happening. In the article, it states that Constantin got used to living with his foster family in Michigan because he lived with them for most of his life. When he finally went back with his family in Romania, he wanted to go back with his foster mom instead of being with his real mom. He has not gotten used to the new lifestyle. This article also proves that it is not only Central Americans taken under custody. This article has further shown me the sad truth of what happens at the border with the incoming immigrants.
This week in the New York Times, I read the article, "The Youngest Child Separated From His Family at the Border Was 4 Months Old". The article told the story of Constantin Mutu and his family. Seeking asylum and fleeing from ethnic persecution, the Mutu family was just one of many victims of a policy of family separation at the border to deter the immigration of families into the US. When his father, Vasile, showed up at the border and told the border officer that he wanted political asylum. With the help of an interpreter, he explained that while fleeing persecution in Romania, he lost his wife and son. He was dragged out of the room, separated from his baby, and held Mr. Mutu in detention. The reason Constantin was separated from his father was never specified. After many many months of turmoil, the Mutu family is back in Romania. Constantin, having lived in foster care for most of his life during the process, cannot speak at 18 months old. This incredibly sad story interested me because of the amount of people this story can relate to. How many families were separated and often held in inhumane conditions because of this policy? This story is not unique, it just showcases the kind of injustices that are happening under the current administration. I think it is imperative that we as a society do something about the cruelties and injustices that are happening right under our noses. We have to be the voice. We have to invoke change. If not us, who will stand up for them?
"You Are Doing Something Important When You Aren’t Doing Anything"
My parents have always told me to do something productive and to stop being lazy, whenever I’m on my phone or lying in bed. Only they see this after they've come home from work, in which during that time, I have either practiced my music and art, cleaned my room, or done some academic research. Not only that, but they do the same thing as soon as they reach the front door, scrolling through FaceBook for the latest posts or catching up on Filipino dramas.
This article introduces the concept of fallow time and how significant it really is to the modern-day cycle of work in our everyday lives. While it may seem to provide an excuse for our laziness, it really only emphasizes how humans are not machines. We need time to rest and “recharge our batteries” in order for us to work again. Yet, with the way the world is presented today, hard work has never felt more important than it has before.
My mom and dad take on any job opportunity they can so that they could keep up with our expenses and so that they could provide for my brother and I. I took after this when I decided to get my first job, always trying to take the shifts I could whenever my manager wanted me to come in.
Reading this article has shown me that you need to be the grasshopper in Aesop’s fable every once in a while so that being the ant comes with ease. In Tsui’s words, even though you aren’t visibly producing, that doesn’t mean you aren’t worthy.
This week I read a review article titled ‘Five Feet Apart’: Ailing Teenagers Live Dangerously for Love’ by Ben Keingsberg
The movie Five Feet Apart was released on March 15, 2019. Like the article states the movie is about a teenage girl named Stella who has cystic fibrosis and a teenage boy who also has the disease named Will. He is a new patient at the hospital, there undergoing a drug trial test for an antibiotic-resistant infection. The two start off as a rocky relationship but throughout the months they are with each other they begin to start loving each other.
I recently had just watched the movie for the first time, and I am a big fan of it. When the movie first started, I was skeptical about if I would like it or not. The deeper into the movie I got the more I was interested. I found the movie funny and extremely sad. The actors Cole Sprouse (Will) and Hayley Lu Richardson (Stella) did an amazing job especially in the more intense and emotional scenes and lets just say there was a large amount of those. All throughout the movie I was crying. I not only liked the movie because of the storyline but I am a sucker for love stories especially when they are forbidden love stories. Now after watching the movie I know, and I am sure multiple people know how serious cystic fibrosis is. I am sure it will soon become one of my new favorite movies that I will watch forever. Overall, that is why I choose to read and write about this article.
This week in the Times, “A Rout Too Far? After 13-0 Win, U.S. is Criticized and Defended” sparked my interest the most due to my personal connection with soccer after having played it for so long. No matter the level of competition, but even more so in the World Cup, goal differential matters. Therefore, the U.S. Women’s National Team needed as many goals as they could possibly score in case a tiebreaker was needed. When they beat Thailand 13-0, I was not angry at them, but rather proud. Instead of giving up and possessing the ball when they were up by a number of goals, the U.S. kept pressing and scoring, showing respect to the Thai team by consistently giving the game their all. If they had simply stopped scoring on purpose, it would have given Thailand the feeling that they were not good enough to merely compete against the U.S. In the past while playing soccer, teams that have been up against mine by multiple goals have slowed their game down and kept possession, which only made myself and my teammates feel defeated and unworthy. For this reason, I feel that attempting to score more goals gave the Thai team a better impression than if they were given up on.
This week in the New York Times, I chose to write about the article, "Trump Criticizes Megan Rapinoe Over Refusal to Visit White House". The article is about the soccer athlete, Megan Rapinoe, who declined the idea of visiting the White House if the U.S. Women's soccer team were to win the World Cup. In response to Meghan Rapinoe's decision, Mr. Trump angrily tweeted back, mentioning her controversial decision to kneel during the National Anthem. He viewed this as a disrespectful act to both the White House and the flag. However, Meghan Rapinoe had an explanation to why she did not stand during the National Anthem. She explained, "Being a gay American, I know what it means to look at the flag and not have it protect all of your liberties". I found this article interesting because I appreciate Meghan Rapinoe for standing up for what she believes in, even if she gets criticized for it from the president. Sometimes, it it hard to stand your ground to those of higher authority as they may appear intimidating and condescending. Therefore, I believe Meghan Rapinoe is an influential role model for younger athletes as she fights for what she believes in even though some may not agree with her opinion. She is also a very talented and hardworking athlete. This article caught my eye because I have been watching the World Cup recently and I wanted to read more about Meghan Rapinoe as her unique talent on the field captivated my attention.
This week in The New York Times, I chose to write about the article, "How and When to Limit Kids' Tech Use" by Melanie Pinola. I chose to write about this because like in other family, there are electronic devices that are being used in our every day life in my household, from my younger brother watching cartoons, myself watching YouTube or my parents watching whatever's on the TV. Trying to come up with a plan in which we are all happy for when it is appropriate to use the phone or watch the TV is always inconvenient for somebody. After reading this article and discussing it with my family, we've come to a consensus on when we are to put them all away and enjoy the presence of each other while we are having dinner or after coming home from work or even from school so we are all able to freely communicate how our day turned out. After reading this article, I realized how much technology has gotten in the way of my family and now we know how we are able to reconnect once again.
This week in the New York Times I chose to read the article "What Makes a Leader" by Jessica Bennett. This article stood out to me because, it talks about the role women play in the leadership category. As a young women in society today I have noticed that sometimes the power and leadership women have is very underestimated. I truly believe women are capable of making great leaders all around the world.
Stolberg describes the historical context of the reparations debate currently being held at Capitol Hill in "At Historic Hearing, House Panel Explores Reparations." Considering that Juneteenth was about 150 years ago, it would be quite the understatement to say that reparations have been an ongoing issue in American government as we know it.
Despite the historical pervasiveness of black oppression in America, the reparations debate on the federal level has been minimal (at best). William A. Darity Jr. of Duke University rightfully said, "We have not had a conversation about reparations on this scale... since the Reconstruction Era." When people think of reparations, they think of many things: land (back in the Reconstruction era), money, social change, etc.
The bill that some are advocating for -- H.R. 40 -- is the most tangible and digestible solution that I've heard in awhile. Money is a short-term solution. The issues that plague the African-American community are long-standing and systemic: they impact every part of our (yes, our) socioeconomic lives. Therefore, it's only right that the solution is as far-reaching as the problem in order to bring justice.
Slavery, Jim Crow, and what Michelle Alexander dubbed "The New Jim Crow" not only needed to be abolished, but need to be acknowledged by the government in the now. The American government needs to make retrospective measures to account for the injustices that they created. The first step to justice is remembrance.
In reviewing the New York Times this week, I found several interesting articles but the one that stood out to me the most was U.S. Open: Long-Driving Gary Woodland Putts His Way to Victory, by Karen Crouse. This was interesting to me because Gary Woodland used to play basketball and baseball, but gave them up for golf, the same thing that I did. Going into the tournament no one, and I mean no one, including myself, expected Woodland to win or even make the cut. He was a major underdog considering the fact that Brooks Koepka, back-to-back U.S. Open winner, and big names such as Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson,, who are all previous winners, were in the field. Reading this article as a fellow golfer helped me realize that I need to focus on putting and short game more than going for distance with long-irons and my driver. Woodland is a good example for me because he isn’t the biggest or flashiest guy, but he got the job done. The moment I found fascinating in when he chipped off the green and put it to a couple feet for a tap-in par. Coming down 18 he played it very conservative and as soon as he stepped on the green we all knew that it was his time. He made a 30 footer for birdie on 18 and to win the whole tournament. His performance inspired me to focus on golf and especially my short game. Going to college on a golf scholarship is my dream and I’m trying to fulfill that dream everyday. Gary Woodland’s performance at the 2019 U.S. Open was amazing and inspired me.
The article “The Anti-Abortion Crusade’s Cruel History” by John Irving revealed surprising facts about the history of abortion in America. I learned that during colonial times, abortion was “allowed until the fetus was ‘quick’—when the woman could feel the fetus move.” As most abortions occur during the first trimester of pregnancy, I found it amazing that our founding fathers could have realized such a thing in days of little medical knowledge. Furthermore, the men who founded America also understood that the choice to have an abortion or a child belonged to the woman. Despite the founding fathers’ ideas, abortion began to be outlawed in the 1840s until the Roe v. Wade decision in 1973.
Reading about the debate on abortion through the centuries was fascinating. From being allowed to being outlawed to being allowed again, I understand that abortion has never and will never be an open-and-closed case. The author claims that the difference between pro-life and pro-choice is the choice, which is the center of the battle. Irving ends with the forewarning that men and women “have to keep making the case for women’s reproductive rights” since Roe v. Wade is not safe. After all, nothing lasts forever. People who fought for Roe v. Wade in the 1970s can't ensure that the decision will never be overturned. Whatever I do, I can't ensure that it will never be overturned. Generations and generations of people will have to continue the fight forever, which is the tragedy of it all.
When Einstein proposed that time is relative, he was speaking of the physical world. Yet, as I read Kate Neuman’s “When My Mother Forgot Me,” I was reminded of how 5 minutes can feel long and yet cause a lifetime of regret.
As Ms. Neuman recounted the moment in which her mother had forgotten her because of Alzheimer’s disease, I thought about my grandmother. I can still remember my last phone conversation with my grandmother. She had called just to see how I was doing, but I was in a rush that day. I hurried the conversation along, thinking that we would have time later. What I did not know was that 30 minutes after that 3 minute conversation, she would pass away from a heart attack.
I have often been angry at myself. Why didn’t I talk longer? For all that she has done for me in my 17 years, why did I wasted those precious minutes with her on the phone?
While I still have regret and a profound sadness over my grandmother’s passing, Neuman’s words gave me some solace. Like Ms. Neuman’s mother, my grandmother was indeed a mirror. Every time I looked into my grandmother’s eyes, filled with love, she was a mirror that showed me my strengths, highlighted my deficiencies, and inspired me to be a better person.
What I have discovered is that when it comes to those whom we love, there is never enough time. So let us not waste any minute, any second we have with them. Let us live in the moment, and in doing so, make seconds last a lifetime by not having any regrets.
Bullying has been a recurring issue on an app I spend so much of my time on--Instagram. The article, “Instagram Is Trying to Curb Bullying. First, It Needs to Define Bullying.” asks a vital question: what draws the line between what is bullying and what is not?
The question box feature you are now able to add on stories allows viewers to respond to a question posed by an account, and recipient of the answers has the ability to post the responses on their story without revealing their identity to the public. But while most people use it to have their followers ask questions about themselves and let their followers learn more about who they are, I see that friends and even famous influencers want their followers to assume something about them or full-on roast them.
As for YouTubers, gathering assumptions can generate interesting content, but out of some of the videos I’ve watched titled “Addressing Assumptions About Me!” or something of the sort, I have witnessed them crying and receiving hate from their followers. Some of the responses assume that the recipient does drugs or is spoiled and bratty. I remember, one girl asked her followers to roast her and some of the responses she shared with the public were very hurtful--I would never want to hear any of the things her followers said.
This article was a true eye-opener for me. The lines between sarcasm and truth are getting blurrier, and I hope that more actions are taking place to prevent this harmful behavior.
REFLECTION ON
What Happens After Amazon’s Domination Is Complete? Its Bookstore Offers Clues
By David Streitfeld
June 23, 2019
The article expresses concerns about Amazon becoming a giant in publishing and book-selling business. According to the article, the Amazon bookstore and third-party sellers can be selling poor-quality counterfeits; Amazon doesn’t do proper quality & authenticity checks; Same with E-commerce - Books are an example of what happens with everything sold on Amazon; Amazon says it is only a few odd cases and it does check before it allows anyone to sell; Amazon has sellers that do money-laundering and has fake review problems. The article also mentions that Amazon does take complaints seriously and deals with the perpetrators.
Amazon’s business model is to let people sell on its platform. Many people benefitted and continue to benefit from it, even though it did wipe out many retail businesses. I feel it is part of development, just as computers wiped out typewriters and telephones / internet wiped out Telegrams. The government and the people should adapt to the technological and other changes affecting lives. New guidelines, laws and regulations should be developed to cover previously unknown scenarios. Plagiarism is not a new problem. Books have been plagiarized long before Amazon. Amazon should work on tightening its business practices, but it is more of a law enforcement issue wherein, the law needs to catchup with the new business models.
This week I chose to write about the article "The Euphoria Teenagers Are Wild. But Most Real Teenagers Are Tame"
By Margot Sanger-katz and Aaron E Carroll
The Article was pretty good and I agree with some of the things that the Author spoke of. I do agree that suicide has gotten out of control which I think is pretty crazy. It rises 10 percent a year and a total of 2,500 teens have died, which makes me very sad. I don’t agree that the use of alcohol is dropping because many teens still sneak alcohol and also give it to other kids. In my own school there was an incident where several students were caught with alcohol on school grounds and were expelled. I also feel that the use of drugs is dropping because I’ve never witnessed any of my peers doing drugs. It is very to learn that teens are becoming safer and more responsible over time. It makes the future seem much brighter for my generation and other generations to come.
In the article “‘Keeping Up With the Kardashians’ Returns With Its New Star … Kanye West?” By Miller Mobley/E! Entertainment, the author first introduced the reader to the Kardashians family and how they manage their business and where creativity comes from. Then the author starts talking about a member that does not really show themselves in the show or make an impression in the new season which is Kim Kardashian’s husband, Kanye West. Kanye, for the first time be doing direct-to-camera and he helped design the looks for the whole gang. I did not know that about him at all that, I thought he only designed for his wife, which is Kim Kardashian. Another thing that I learned is that he was the one who ‘redid the slightly 1970s aesthetic and clad the sisters in nude and silver.’ That's why some of their packages are simple colors like nude or light pink like how Kim’s makeup packaging was or Kylie’s makeup packaging too. The president of E, who is Adam Stotsky, described Kanye as a creative force and had good thoughts on marketing. Another thing, his fashion sense has gained much attention around the world, and Michael Jackson phoned him once to ask about a jacket he had worn while filming the music video for ‘Stronger.’ Kim and Kanye have a ‘mood board’ in which he and Kim put ideas for her business and or changes and it helps them combine ideas and make it become a reality. In the end, Kanye also helps Kim decide which companies are good to be sponsored by.
After reading the article “N.C.A.A. Basketball Trial: Guilty Verdicts on Bribery Conspiracy,” it changed my perspective on many aspects regarding college basketball and how the players and coaches do what they do. It was very interesting to learn that bribery is a big factor of college basketball and sports agencies. Many sports agencies say they “support” or just “want to help” this young players but it is way more than just that. They agencies do this so that when they make it to the NBA, the players will be more likely to sign with these companies due to their prior affiliation with them. Two men by the names of Christian Dawkins and Merl Code Jr. were sent to trial to face a combined 10 counts of fraud. They escaped seven of them but are still being sentenced to many years in prison. Probably the most interesting part of the article that I read was that the court put little to no focus on the college coaches and players but instead focused entirely on Dawkins and Code. They considered the coaches victims so they had no penalty in court. More than 20 college coaches have been involved with this misjustices but only one has been convicted. This leaves many questions to be answered regarding the ethical questions as well as the legal standpoint with this case.
“Avowed Neo-Nazi Admits to Murder of German Politician” brings to light the assassination of Walter Lübcke. The criminal Stephen E., who I personally believe should not get the recognition for his crimes, but rather only the punishment. He is an openly admitted Neo-Nazi and confessed to this murder. I chose this article to educate myself on the happenings around the world. Being American does not mean only focusing on American issues, it means using our liberties and rights to care for the world. While many currently may not have the power to physically change the world, education is a power often overlooked and underestimated.
An investigation is ongoing about Stephen’s motivation-whether in connection to terrorism or political ideals. Whatever category the motivation may coincide with, he is a terrorist. He committed an act of violence with a motivation of, most likely, political opinion. His past actions and online presence establish a racist and zenophobic attitude - a complete disconnection from mental health. Thus, his actions seem to have a motivation more than affects from mental health issues.
My personal interest in international affairs influenced me to pick this article, but upon further inspection, this article has deeper meaning. Acceptance and peace need to be promoted. Equality is not an opinion, it is a human right. Lübcke, like millions of others, was unjustly murdered due to political and ideological polarization. The only way to peace is to coexist.
"Jeremy Lin, ‘Reppin’ Asians With Everything I Have,’ Is Bigger Than an N.B.A. Title" https://nyti.ms/2Lnv4t0
“Why are your eyes shaped like that?” “Can you even breathe with that flat nose?” As an Asian-American, I had to face racist comments and slurs throughout my life and it made it extremely difficult to proudly embrace my heritage. I grew up without a powerful Asian figure to look up to due to the lack of Asian representation in the media. However, while reading this article, I found myself bursting with pride. It was extremely inspiring to see Jeremy Lin proudly paving the way for the younger generations. Even with the constant racism he had to face, he eventually came through and proved his worth. This article also made me recognize the way Asian representation was slowly but steadily growing to the public. Recently, more and more Asian figures are stepping out and making a mark in the media as in films, music, and more. This is a reminder for me that everything can be achieved no matter how hard it is. I just very recently learned to grow comfortable with my Asian heritage, and reading this article gave me hope and reminded me to always be proud of my background. I hope that in the future, more people can continue to step up and be role models for young people like Jeremy Lin and that perhaps, I could be that role model for someone else, too.
“You can have everything you want in life if you just help enough people get what they want in life.” A significant variation could happen through the help given by close relatives or individuals. It is necessary to assist others in order for others to encourage and support you. In the article “‘Keeping Up With the Kardashians’ Returns With Its New Star … Kanye West?” by Miller Mobley/E! Entertainment the author introduces Kanye West that is Kim Kardashian’s husband providing help to the new season of Keeping Up With the Kardashians. Kanye helped the whole gang with their looks for their TV show. He is a creative man that has creative ideas to how the gang should look. He does not just have thoughts on how the gang should look with outfits he also has thoughts on the title of sequence and many other thoughts relating to the show. Overall, Kanye provided his wife's gang a significant change with designs that they were waiting for. Over time, the gang got along with him and he got along with the gang. His designs that were given for the show helped the gang look better in looks and other things that he provided for them. It is necessary to get advice from a family member such as Kanye's advice to the gang. Kanye did not provide the gang any problems and he always took their opinions as an important step to his working skills. He worked with the idea that working with a gang he should be responsible, ideas should be taken seriously and opinions should be respected.
This week, I chose to write about the article "For Hong Kong’s Youth, Protests Are ‘a Matter of Life and Death’" which talks about the recent protests in Hong Kong where millions of Hong Kong people, especially young teenagers, rise up against the controversial extradition bill. The bill essentially allows criminals to be extradited to China for different crimes that China accuse them of. This is a big danger to the autonomy of Hong Kong as it is a big risk of letting China influence the autonomy of Hong Kong. For me as a Hong Konger. I think that we have done very well in protecting Hong Kong as we tried to use peaceful methods to express our views. The result was that the government stopped all work regarding the bill and apologised to the Hong Kong citizens. However, I believe that this fight is far from over as China will most likely come back with different strategies to try to weaken the autonomy of Hong Kong and make it truly a city under China. Even though we are under pressure from China. I am still very optimistic about Hong Kong as the extradition bill demonstrated the unity and strong will of Hong Kong people when there is trouble or threat. As a teenager, I love Hong Kong and sincerely hope that the international community can take notice of this serious incident and realise that China is slowly damaging Hong Kong's reputation. Last but not least, I wish more Hong Kong people can stand up and realise the future of Hong Kong is in dire situation.
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Why Can’t Everyone Get A’s?
By Alfie Kohn
With middle school being over just weeks ago and high school starting in late August. I am expecting more pressure with harder classes where grades really starting to count. One class without an A could keep me from going to high-ranked university. Reading this article, it seems like getting all A's may be harder than I expected.
With many people in the mindset of only very few people deserve A's, the difficulty of classes in high school may vary lots from class to class, all depending on the students of previous years. If previous students all failed the class, the class may be easier, while if many students aced the class, the people in my class may face some problems. This could put me in a disadvantage compared to students of other years.
Another aspect of needing to fail students is the competition and the comparison between students. Everyone wants to be better than their peers since it gives them bragging rights, and grades are one way to put a person in a higher rank. No matter how hard a class is, competition is inevitable and will always be there. Even if awards are not given, the class will know who is the smartest and who is just dumb. However, this may be a good thing, with students working harder for social hierarchy.
Schools across the country should rethink about what raising the bar actually does. Failing more kids could lead to more dropouts, which means fewer people qualified for jobs that require a high skill-set.
"Harvard’s False Path to Wisdom"
Kyle Kashuv, Parkland shooting survivor and pro-gun advocate, was stripped of his Harvard acceptance due to racist comments he made as a sixteen-year-old. David Brooks criticizes Harvard with rhetorical questions and juxtaposition between moral improvement and math. Brooks explains “Moral formation is not like learning math. It’s not cumulative..” suggesting that Harvard’s analytical approach to Kashuv’s situation did not consider evidence that Kashuv demonstrated moral growth. Brooks also ridicules Harvard with questions like “wouldn’t Harvard want a kid who is … morally humble?” Brooks argues that Kashuv is a more appealing applicant because he learned from his mistakes.
I disagree with Brooks. Harvard was right to revoke the admission of a questionably moral student, creating a positive environment for the people Kashuv mocked in his remarks. Brooks argues that Kashuv is not accountable as he was an immature sixteen-year-old. Kashuv recognizes he lost the right to make that claim when he went public with his pro-gun platform, explaining “When you’re pushing policy, the protections as a kid are gone.” As a sixteen-year-old, I understand the gravity of online comments, and I think it’s degrading for Brooks to defend Kashuv with his young age. Kashuv isn’t apologizing because he recognizes the error in his actions or because he changed the bigoted mindset he used to rationalize offensive online remarks. He’s apologizing because he was caught.
“Is Trump a Rapist?”
As a sixteen year old female, I’ve always been warned by my parents to watch out for myself. Don’t walk home alone. Always be sure you can get out of a situation if you need to. I hear the stories of young women who have been sexually assaulted. I know the cases of children who were raped. Sexual assault is a recognized horror by many. Personally, I know the fear.
Many women, and males as well, have come out to talk about sexual assault. It’s not a simple task, it takes more courage and dignity than most people can imagine. The fact that there have been allegations against our president that have somehow been overlooked absolutely disgusts me. I understand that the president has his supporters and his haters, and how false accusations might be seen as a direct target to him. However, sexual assault is not taken as a joke to those who have suffered it. Speaking about it conjures up the memory, and with it brings pain, embarrassment, and fear.
I wonder if it might be his money or his fame that allows people to brush it off, but as someone who has daughters of his own, it baffles me as how Trump can act completely normal, as if he hadn’t done anything wrong. The way he denies the accusations gives me no reason to believe these women aren’t telling the truth. “She’s not my type -” is how Trump denied one allegation. A president is supposed to be a peacekeeper, and someone we can look up to. How are we expected to respect a man who has no respect for us?
In the article “‘Keeping Up With the Kardashians’ Returns With Its New Star … Kanye West?” by Miller Mobley/E! Entertainment talks about the Kardashians upcoming star, Kanye. Kanye is mostly behind the scenes of Kim’s line. Kanye has also been helping the producers with the show, “Keeping Up With The Kardashians.” In the article, they mentioned him being helpful with outfits and clothing for photo shoots, etc. The point of this article is to portray how Kanye has been helpful with their businesses. Also, the article mentioned how Kim does not only ‘label’ or put her name on her products, but she manages and designs products and packaging. Kanye and Kim have a ‘mood board’ in which they write their creative ideas for Kim’s products. People have come in and as they have come in, left the Kardashians’ and Jenners’ lives. The Kardashians’, specifically Kim, does not talk about what and who Kanye is uncomfortable with. A new thing that I learned about Kanye is that he likes to have an aesthetic. Also, he does not only help his wife, Kim, but also the Kardashian Jenner sisters with their businesses. Kanye is a big motivator about Kim and what she posts and ideas. Kim mentioned once that not everything she posts Kanye is happy with, but she said if it makes her happy, Kanye has no problem. To close this all off, Kanye is a big help around in the Kardashian and Jenner family, he can not only manage but can rap and has a famous line of his own called Yeezys.
This week, The New York Times highlighted the emerging politics of athletics. As the United States Women’s National Soccer team approaches being labeled champions of the World Cup, Andrew Keh tackles the conflict between Women’s Co-Captain Megan Rapinoe and President Donald Trump. The tradition of the champion team visiting the White House dates back to at least august 30, 1865, when the Brooklyn Atlantics and the Washington Nationals became the first teams to visit the house during the presidency of Andrew Johnson. During Trumps presidency, no N.B.A. team has participated in such a visit, the last being the Cavaliers in 2016. Rapinoe and many other teammates have voiced their opinion in opposition to the president, describing him as “sexist,” “misogynistic,” “small-minded,” etc. This issue is an adamant one that will have great influence on the future of women and girls in sports. Rapinoe successfully voiced her opinion on the issue and for that has become a leader to aspiring female athletes.
This week, an article headlined "Those Puppy Dog Eyes You Can't Resist? Thank Evolution" drew my attention. I like to think all otherwise inexplicable human behaviors and physical traits can be explained through evolution and our primal roots. In other words, everything must have a reason for me. One example of a finding on my quest to know the “why”, was discovering the reason our species has developed large gluteus muscles (butts). Apparently, these muscles contribute to our species’ relatively high endurance because in our more primitive forms we focused on out-lasting rather than out-running prey. This article not only introduced a new human-evolution concept to me, but it also explained this intriguing idea of why we think puppy dog eyes are so irresistible.
Although I do not have a dog myself, I am familiar with the adorable expressions of puppies. Only after coming across this article did I realize these expressions could be linked to evolutionary causes. I was fascinated to find out that we humans may have been the cause for this unique genetic trait among almost all dogs. Through selective breeding, we may have chosen to breed the dogs who were able to perform the iconic eyebrow tilt. The expression appealed to us as it seemed to show that our dog’s were paying attention. While I was expecting to read about an evolutionary trait that developed in humans, I was nonetheless satisfied and further interested in the world of evolutionary psychology.
This week in The New York Times, I chose to write about the article, "Photo of Drowned Migrants Captures Pathos of Those Who Risk It All". It is about the problems that occur with the immigrants who travel across the river between Mexico and the United States. Over the last few months there have been several people found trying to get across the river as well as dead bodies of those who didn't make it. This article was focused on a father and his very young child found dead in the Rio Grande. As well as these two, hundreds of people struggle to get across the river because of the strong currents. Authorities find people in life vest, pool floaties, and pool noodles trying and using everything they can to get across the river alive. Imagine the desperation of these people to feel they have to risk their lives to get to the US. On top of all of this, If they get caught they either get taken, sent back to Mexico, or even sent to prison because of the strict enforcement of the laws by Trumps administration. This article caught my eye because I think that this whole situation is unfair and everyone should get a chance to live. I wish Trumps Administration would rethink their approach and consider how much these people suffer. We should all work together and try to help these poor people. This article has inspired me to be more open minded and be more thankful for everything I have.
"A Machine May Not Take Your Job, but One Could Become Your Boss"
As many of us know, technology is becoming more and more advanced every day. Machines are taking over tasks in our everyday lives. But I would've never thought that computers may becomes our boss anytime soon. This week I read "A Machine May Not Take Over Your Job, but One Could Become Your Boss." What lead me to reading this particular article, was the question of in what businesses was a machine taking over the job of the boss. What I soon found out was that companies, including Metlife and Humana, are using computer based technology, Cogito, is to "make workers more effective by giving them real-time feedback." For example, Metlife uses a system that notifies employees on the phone with customers to adjust their personality with the customer to ensure a friendlier phone call. They say that customer satisfaction rates have increased by 13%. Some companies even have computers firing employees without a human's opinion. Other companies use in-store sensors to rate their employees' participation. A New York based company, Pymetrics, uses online games to test for skills instead of humans reading resumes in order to have unbiased outcomes. Some workers like these but some do not. These systems do have a 96% accuracy rate. Personally, I would not mind the in-store sensors or the reminds to be friendlier, but I would not be too fond of the idea of having a machine fire me without a human's consent.
When I read “What Makes a Leader?” by Jessica Bennett I thought about how my idea of a good leader changed from when I was younger to it is now. When I was younger I thought being a good leader took someone who was strict and cold, but over the years I have discovered that it takes someone who is kind and also assertive to be a good leader. This idea that leaders are cold and have generally more male qualities is especially in the minds of young girls because they’re taught to act more like boys if they want to be taken seriously but when women are like this in the workplace they are seen as too bossy and when women show more “feminine” qualities like empathy and warmth they are seen as pushovers. What seems to be the ideal good leader is the ability to combine both masculine and feminine qualities as observed by Harvard professor, Amy Cuddy and colleagues. Many female leaders like Senator Ocasio-Cortez, and President Zirinsky of CBS have mastered this art. One of the best examples of the use of this art is New Zealand’s prime minister Jacinda Ardern who is the world’s youngest female leader and a brilliant one too, after the mass mosque shootings in New Zealand she wore a black headscarf and grieved along with the families of the victims and she also banned the use of automatic guns within days of the shooting. Ms Ardern has been praised for her ability to mix compassion and concrete action and she has proven her own words, “ It takes strength to be an empathetic leader”.
Before reading the article “Let’s Hear it for the Average Child”, written by Margret Renkl, I thought she was going to explain how people cannot let children win all the time. I figured she was going to begin with “children are being praised for doing nothing”. Perhaps she would mention how it hurts them rather than help them; they don’t learn to lose or fail. However, she caught me by surprise when her title was exactly her claim. Renkl begins with awarding school children, “To the student who does all the homework...who studies diligently for tests and shows up at every before-school help session, who have never once read an online summary instead of the actual book and who nevertheless manages to earn no grade higher than a C...”. She points out this type of student may work hard, do his or her best, and yet still may never pass. Although these children may never excel in classes, Renkl explains they are hard workers who do not give up. Another shocking idea is when she awards the kids on the sidelines, “To the bench warmers and the waterboys and the equipment managers who follow every play”. Thinking about it, I realize they work hard too, they attend practices and games, give players water, and cheer on the team. Margret Renkl does a phenomenal job of allowing the reader to ponder her thoughts. I would have never imagined this article would praise an average child... Renkl made me realize that my failures can help highlight my strengths, and it is not bad.
This week I have watched the video named, "Venezuela Crisis: Hope and Aid Blocked at Border," by Neil Collier, Orlando De Guzman, and Ben Laffin. The video had gone over the conflict occurring in modern-day Venezuela between the citizens and the government. The citizens want to fight for aid provided by the United States of America, but they cannot do that because the President of Venezuela (Nicolás Maduro) does not want to make a strong relationship with the U.S. The outcome of the President's decision has resulted in a group of rebels attacking Venezuelan forces at the Venezuelan- Colombian border.
The story is particularly interesting because it replicates stories of other countries. For example, the country of North Korea has one supreme ruler who makes the decisions for everybody inhabiting that country, and in this style of ruling, the inhabitants do not always get their way. The most probable result is a broken country with rebellious citizens. Also, another reason this video was attention-grabbing was because of the rebellions reaction to the conflict. A day before the chaos in Venezuela, the citizens had a concert to boost everyone's spirits. Many celebrities came to perform songs and dances to that concert, and the billionaire Richard Branson had been the sponsor. In my opinion, the idea to have a concert in the first place was a great idea. I say this because, at a depressing time, it does not hurt to try to put a smile on someone's face.
I chose to read “Could Donor #2065 Be My Father?” this week. I found it very interesting that the girl did not know anything about her father and her mother was withholding information from her. I was glad to see that the hospital that she was at gave her information to contact her real father even though he never responded. The hospital had a rule that she was only allowed to send him three letters because he may have wanted to stay anonymous. Her mother was only trying to protect her daughter and the girl did not realize and ended up getting hurt as her mother had predicted. I was able to relate to this part of the story even though I do not have the same story. My mother is always trying to do the best for me and I do not often acknowledge it, but afterwards I appreciate her. Along with this perspective it is inspiring to see that the girl's mother had hope because she was able to have a child because of the donor. I am sure they are both appreciative of the male who gave the girl life. Their story was interesting to show that even though her real dad was not in the picture, she still had men who mentored her as their daughter. After she was unable to reach her biological father she realized that the other men in her life were more important to her.
The video I watched this week was “Contaminated Memorise” by Debra Tolchinsky.
When I first saw this video, just the title and description of it, it immediately caught my eye. It is about a woman named Penny Beerntsen who was assaulted and misidentified her assailant. Usually in movies or TV shows, when these sort of situations come up, they usually end with the assailant being arrested and then there’s a happy ending with a sense of relief. This video showed that in reality, not all assault stories end with that same “happy” ending.
This video told the story of a woman who was unfortunately assaulted and believed for many years that the person who she identified as her assailant was the right person. Later she found out she was wrong and she felt and still feels extremely guilty about it. She feels that her misidentification lead to many other assaults in other women which it unfortunately did. She also feels guilty that she took 18 years from an innocent man and it hurts her that she cannot make it up for him. This story shedded light on some of the realities in assaults and misconducts.
This story has also led to police to start doing other procedures to avoid this from happening again. Eyewitnesses are not very dependable because has humans, we’re not going to exactly remember the exact face we saw unless we have a photographic memory. What police are trying to do will definitely benefit from other assaults happening and to put the correct people into justice.
"Build a Better Savory Pie" to fulfil your satisfaction. "I love all pies equally" and I love all people equally just as much as the author of this delicious article. It heats you up like a fresh pie and fills you with some good knowledge mixed with few laughs. In Latvia, my home country, pies are not a "thing". Yes, we are aware of their existence and yes they are very delicious but the effort that is put in to make the dish is simply funny I find. The crust, the filling, the egg wash and the time spent - sounds either like a name of a cookbook or complaint of an average Latvian. But the admiration is there, I opened the article even knowing that the knowledge gained might help me only if I marry I guy from the pie loving island - the Great Britain. The article was delightful, charming and simply simple.
"Madonna at Sixty" - Vanessa Grigoriadis
This article is about when Madonna went to the Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas. At her rehearsal for that nights show Madonna watched other people do her performance. After that Madonna did her performance herself. The article states that her performance seemed timid as opposed to the other performances. I think this article os opinionated. The author sounds like a fan and idolizes Madonna. Unfortunately that is not true for everyone. This article basically summarizes Madonnas life and her rise to fame. The title is quite misleading because this is a biography and nothing really about her being sixty.
The article that interested me this week was "People Are Taking Emotional Support Animals Everywhere. States Are Cracking Down." I often wonder if many animals I see in local businesses are truly service dogs, knowing how easy it is to obtain a fake service dog vest.
The article explains the challenges that are arising due to the amount of people that are disguising their pets as service animals. Service animals are identified by their vests and certificates, however conflicts with counterfeit vests that allow any pet owner to claim their animal is a service animal and take their pet wherever they go.
The line between service animals and emotional support animals has been blurred. While both service animals and emotional support animals can be a necessary accommodation for people, many argue that any pet can be claimed as an emotional support animal. Tammy Townley, a state representative in Oklahoma, argues that service animals are highly trained dogs that assist the disabled, while emotional support animals are just pets with purchased vests.
As it becomes more and more challenging to distinguish a true service dog from a pet with fake certification, many states are taking action. It is now considered a misdemeanor to lie about a pet having service animal certification. In Oklahoma, law now states that businesses have the right to keep service animals out of their facilities. These laws have angered many, but the actions are understandable given the circumstances.
Whilst browsing the recommended articles, one which caught my attention nearly immediately was one called "How to, Maybe, Be Less Indecisive (or Not)," written by Susan Shain. I was interested because, quite recently, I was required to make an important financial decision and have required great self-control to not second-guess my decision and change my mind, which I feel sure I would eventually regret. The article suggests several ways to aid difficulty in making decisions. The methods provided all seem to stem back to similar themes, which could be used to identify the cause of indecision.
The central idea which can be related to all methods presented by this article is simple fear. While seemingly an obvious conclusion to make, it is important to recognize fear and its potential relation to one's mental state when present. The fear that one has wasted an opportunity for something better after making a decision can be traced to anxiety and the paranoia it can inflict when fed. Making a difficult decision and never justifying it to oneself can lead to further problems in the future, primarily depression. While it is unlikely that indecision would ever spiral far enough to reach depression, the possibility should still be acknowledged.
In conclusion, indecision is generally caused by the fear that any given decision will be harmful. When this fear is ignored, it can devolve into worse conditions. These include anxiety and depression.
This week I read "Pelicans agree to trade Anthony Davis to the Lakers". This article was written by Marc Stein and Scott Cacciola on June 15,2019. This article interests me the most because I am really into sports. This trade could have the biggest impact on the Lakers because they now have two all star big men, Lebron James and Anthony Davis. In order for the trade to happen, the Lakers had to give New Orleans Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, Brandon Ingram and three of their first round draft picks. The Lakers are also looking towards getting Kemba Walker as their point guard on the team. This article can interest lots of people who are into the NBA draft.
The article in the Newyork Times that interested me the most this week was, " People Are Taking Emotional Support Animals Everywhere. States Are Cracking Down" by Farah Stockman. I was interested in this article because i have seen people take their dogs in restaurants wearing emotional support vests and wondering if the dog is an actual emotional support dog. After reading this article i think it is pretty wild that insects and reptiles can become emotional support animals. Unless i see a reptile or insect physically do something that helps their owner emotionally, this whole thing is out of hand.
"A Boy Who Had Spinal Surgery in the Womb Stands on His Own Two Feet" was very interesting to me. Charley Royer, a 17 month old infant, had surgery to fix a condition, know as Spina Bifida, while he was still in the womb. His mother, Lexi Royer, was just 6 months pregnant when the operation took place. This was baffling to me and I was very interested in learning more about this family's story.
The Royer family was told by doctors that Charley was expected to be paralyzed from the waist down. They even thought that he would need breathing and feeding tubes, leg braces, cruthces, a wheelchair, and other lifelong treatments. Fortunately, the experimental surgery was a success, and Charley is now crawling, learning to walk and dance, and using his own strength in his every day life. Charley was born full term, and according to his mother, "He's on track with everything - speech, fine motor, cognitive - except for gross motor, which we expected." It's so exciting to hear that this young boy was given a second chance, and that new advancements in medicine allowed him to be able to live a healthy, normal life.
Hearing about new advancements in medicine and technology is very inspiring. Doctors are able to perform operations that were unimaginable even just a couple years ago. We can now fix, treat, and cure more conditions than ever before. It's definitely so encouraging and gives people hope for what the future holds.
This week in the Times I read “L.P.G.A. Has an Abundance of Stars but Scarcely a Stage.” This article talks about how Women’s Golf doesn’t get as much TV time or no TV time. This means that less and less people get to experience Golf but in a woman’s perspective.
I read the article “What is a Black Hole? Here’s our Guide for Earthlings.” This article was interesting because it provides insight for people who are uneducated of Black Holes. The passage tells all the strange and unfamiliar facts about black holes.
One of the facts that the article presents is the fact that a Black Hole is a “hungry beast.” Its gravitational force will pull anything that cannot defy the force. It can consume, planets, and stars. Each thing that the black hole consumes will enlarge its size.
A very shocking fact to learn was that all of our information about the universe is based on black holes. So in other words, “everything we know about the universe could change if we could know for certain what happens to information inside a black hole.” I find that very surprising just to think of how little information scientist have. They have been working for so many years, and yet we still barely know anything about the galaxy.
To add to the remarkable facts surprisingly a black hole cannot live forever. A black hole after a very very long time will eventually waste away. No one has watched one disappear close up because it happens over a long period of time. A black hole may start to disappear way before it actually dies off.
I found this interesting because it tells everything someone would want to know about a black hole. It also explains the information in a way that an uneducated person would understand.
I chose to read the article titled “How to End a Friendship” because I have a bad habit of doing that and wanted to see if I was ending these friendships “correctly.” Okay, I’m only kidding about the second part of my previous sentence. The author shares anecdotes of her best friend and how that suddenly came to an end. Her best friend had stopped contacting her for months and later reached out to tell her that she needed space. This seems like a pathetic excuse, but I completely understand this. After some time of spending so much time with someone and exerting so much energy over them, and this sounds horrible, one can become exhausted of them. Some people need a break and need to spend time with other people to just experience life in a fresh, new way. I’ve done this before. Not only does hanging out with new people gives me a new perspective, but sometimes it also reminds me of my old friendships and how much respect I have for them.
There are moments where I regret ending certain friendships, but then I remember that I am who I am today because of the decisions I’ve made, and I don’t want to regret who I have become. I am not obligated to stay in these friendships forever. If I feel that a friendship is coming to an end, I will speed up the process by ending it myself. I’m not going to wait around and wait for it to wither out. No matter what though, I am grateful for every friendship I have and used to have.
“San Francisco Bans Sale of Juul and Other E-Cigarettes” by Thomas Fuller
America’s nicotine addiction is a discernible problem that affects the vast majority of U.S. citizens. From concerned parents endeavoring to educate their children about the addictive chemical’s irreparable effects, to loved ones of a family member who passed due to their enslavement to nicotine, the general population is aware of this problematic substance. The generations before mine are desperately seeking a way to end the nicotine epidemic and “save the world”, one discarded cigarette at a time.
The Juul is a device that was invented to aid smokers terminate their nicotine addiction. In actuality, it had the opposite effect. This fun new way of smoking ended up in the hands of people who were not smoking in the first place. Children were drawn to juuling because of the juul’s tasty flavors. The device that was created to help people quit smoking, ended up causing people to start.
As a student who attends a public high school, it is almost impossible to go to the bathroom without being accompanied by one or many students juuling. I believe that the actions taken by San Francisco that are highlighted in this article are the start to ending the nicotine addiction in my generation and preventing it in the generations to come. While this ban is only a small step, I believe that it leads to a path of larger actions that will end the nicotine epidemic in America for good.
This week I read an opinion titled "Spying on Children Won't Keep Them Safe".
A school in Western New York had facial recognition software installed in the wake of Sandy Hook and other school shootings. The tech cost $1.4 million out of the school's $100 million dollar budget. This may not seem like that significant of an amount, but the money invested in spy cameras could have gone to other projects such as new computers or textbooks. I found this article particularly interesting because, like many other schools, mine has been cracking down on security. I find it somewhat worrying that a school had such cameras installed as they could violate students' privacy in school. If a school were to install these kinds of security measures, it should be discussed thoroughly with parents and teachers to ensure everyone is okay with the cameras and all the privacy risks involved.
“How to, Maybe, Be Less Indecisive (or Not)” by Susan Shain
Of all the articles on the New York Times website, I connected with “How to, Maybe, Be Less Indecisive (or Not)” the most. As someone who struggles with indecision, I was automatically interested in a topic that I could relate to. The author describes indecision as “...the simplest decisions [making] your pulse race,” which is exactly how I feel when choosing between eggs or cereal for breakfast. On one hand, I’m seriously craving a bowl of Fruity Pebbles. On the other, I don’t want the work someone spent preparing those eggs to go to waste. While I could easily flip a coin, I instead weigh every aspect of each option until I skip breakfast altogether.
Indecision may sound like a simple problem with a simple solution, but it is a tough situation to be in. Even the easiest decision, like what outfit you’ll wear to school, feels like it could leave a lasting impression. The fear of better options causes many with indecision to spend loads of energy and time analyzing every probable result. Unfortunately for me, I am no exception. My perfectionism and need to get everything right on the first try provokes me to waste resources into making decisions that didn’t require much thought. However, life is too short for me to spend time debating which bow looks better. Instead of striving for perfection, I should strive for good enough, and not worry too much about how a small decision could affect the rest of my life.
The article, "People Are Taking Emotional Support Animals Everywhere. States Are Cracking Down", by Farah Stockman, stood out to me this week. As a pet owner, I understand the desire to have your pet with you at all times. However, the article explained how some people are taking advantage of the ability to own a certified emotional support animal so that one may fulfill this desire. As stated in the article, the number of emotional support animals has increased to 200,000, which widely contrasts with the mere 2,400 emotional support animals in 2011. I understand that many people live with mental illness, and some may even require an emotional support animal. However, the increase in these animals over the past 8 years cannot be denied. As a result, some states, including Florida, have attempted to pass a bill that would require a person to gain documentation from a medical professional. I believe this is a fair solution, as it would eradicate any fraudulent emotional support animals, while allowing these animals to be given to the people who truly need it. In the future, I believe that more bills like this need to be enacted. It is my firm belief that people who require a service animal should be allowed to own one. Fraudulent animals are just creating more problems for the people who actually need them. All emotional support animals are being brought into question because the government cannot distinguish between the animals that are necessary and the ones that are not.
She’s 103 and Just Ran the 100-Meter Dash. Her Life Advice? ‘Look for Magic Moments’
I have long understood the importance of staying healthy and keeping yourself active because, in the long run, it can only benefit you. But Julia Hawkins perspective on living a happy and healthy is different from any other advice I have even been given. In her opinion, staying in shape means staying active in any way possible and in order to stay happy one must look for what she calls the “magic moments” in life. These moments are the little things in life that bring someone joy. Hawkins says that by keeping your eyes open for these moments will lead to a happy and healthy life.
Although she is a leader in the 100-meter dash for her age group, Hawkins doesn't have the training regime one would think. She says “I only have so many 100-yard dashes left, and I don’t want to waste them in practice.” Instead, Hawkins keeps herself in shape by doing something she loves, tending to her acre of land. I was also shocked that Hawkins had not taken up running until she was 100 and that is just proof that it is never too late to find a new passion. She does what she loves and in an unconventional way had become successful both on and off the track. This truly is an inspiring story that changed how I view living a healthy life. It isn’t about the workout plans and the planned meals, its about having passions, finding ‘magic’ in life and sharing it with those you love.
On Michelle Goldberg’s “Stop Sneering at Bill de Blasio”
No mayor of New York City should eat pizza with a fork and knife.
The ‘za faux pas proved to be just one of many in Bill de Blasio’s terms as mayor. Michelle Goldberg, however, defends many of de Blasio’s blunders in her “Stop Sneering at Bill de Blasio.” I will give Mr. de Blasio credit where it is due: his free lunch programs at public schools and his implementation of the public pre-kindergarten program were successful. But two valuable initiatives don’t make a great city--or a great mayor.
De Blasio failed to execute many of his campaign promises, most notably his resolution to alleviate the homeless crisis in New York City. Though de Blasio vowed to eradicate cluster sites (dilapidated apartment buildings where homeless people are often housed) and to improve general living conditions for the homeless population, under his terms as mayor, the number of homeless New Yorkers has grown significantly (as has the number of cluster sites).
As for his increasing the minimum wage to $15: a raise in minimum wage has actually been shown to eliminate jobs. And though crime is down in New York City, such a feat can hardly be attributed to one mayor: many factors contribute to a downward spike in crime, including prison sentences; the population of police officers; and drug markets.
Though Ms. Goldberg argues differently, de Blasio’s initiatives are merely expensive failures for New York City.
In Japan, It’s a Riveting TV Plot: Can a Worker Go Home On Time
Working overtime is something the Japanese are known for and it is even a tradition for the Japanese to work overtime. But even so, this tradition is not healthy and the Japanese should really tone down their work hours a little. The work hours the Japanese have are so long that they are considered some of the longest in the world. This is especially bad since this work ethics of theirs claims 190 lives every year in the form of heart attacks, over exhaustion, and suicide, so they really should stop working such long hours. The reason for these long hours are most likely from two simple reasons. One, they want to impress their boss. When I say impress their boss I mean they either want promotions or they don’t want to be fired, just like everyone else. The reason working longer hours seems to be more important than actual productivity. The second reason is that it’s part of their tradition to work extremely long hours. But there are some actions being taken about these long hours. There is actually a new law limiting the working hours of the Japanese to no more than 45 hours a week and 360 hours a year. There is even another law that states that all workers should be released on time on the last Friday of every month. And this is a great start for the Japanese.
The article I read was “Inside the Elementary School Where Drug Addiction Sets the Curriculum” by Dan Levin, which described a school in which the parents of many students were drug users and how that affected the education that happened in those schools. I found this interesting and important to me because it reminded me of the issues my high school in New Jersey is dealing with. One part of the article describes behavioral issues that many of the kids at the school have, such as ‘behavioral and psychological problems that make it difficult to focus’. This is reminiscent of many of my classmates, who are dealing with nicotine addictions. Many of my classmates are struggling with nicotine and opioid addictions, and are often unable to focus in class or even come to school as a result. Some have even had to drop out of school or take classes from home in order to deal with their addiction problems in a place where they can’t relapse or get teased for their problems. As if this wasn’t bad enough, many other kids in my school have alcoholism problems, and are often posting their (very illegal) usage of alcohol on social media. The article really reminded me of problems that my school was currently struggling to deal with. My school administrators have ambitiously tried to solve these problems with little success. While I don’t think that America should stop attempting to address drug problems in teens, I suppose there’s no way to stop teens from self-destructive behaviors.
The video that I chose this week was "After the Storm, a fight for survival in Mozambique."
I currently live in the U.S, and I have lived here for most of my life. Although the memory is quite distant, I remember a time when I lived in India. I recollect wandering through the streets and encountering children laying on the bare ground, begging for money for survival.
Watching homeless children was the only time when I've witnessed poverty, as I've lived a regular life or what I would consider normal; you see we all have different perceptions of what is "normal" or "luxury." One might find that a person who has $10,000 on hand is "rich," whereas another person might consider that person "middle-class." You might wonder how this relates to the condition in Mozambique, but after viewing the video, I understood that people out there are going through far worse than I could ever imagine and I should be appreciative of that. In Mozambique, it is "normal" for people to take strenuous walks to reach minimum resources and there is a sense of dependency on other nations; none of what most in the U.S are going through. I'm not saying that there aren't problems in the U.S, but what I am saying is that the video opened my eyes as to what people have to do after disaster strikes. I wish to never be in that situation, but I'm assuming that people in Mozambique would do anything to be in the position of someone in the U.S, and what we consider "normal," is probably "luxury," for them.
"Those Puppy Dog Eyes You Can't Resist? Thank Evolution" by James Gorman
This article interested me the most out of all the different kinds because I love dogs and have one myself. While the term, "puppy dog eyes", is widely used in common English, it's interesting to see how facial expressions have evolved in comparison to wolves or breeds of dogs most resembling wolves. It's curious to read about how one expression that a dog can create is similar to one that humans do often, but wolves do not have the muscles required to create the look. While the facts for the studies remain vague, the basic facts needed to inform the audience of the "domestic animal facial expressions and musculature" are present in the article. I believe that this is an interesting article because many worldwide love dogs and are curious to learn more about them.
This week, the article that interested me was, “How Will the Movies (As We Now Them) Survive the Next 10 Years?” This article describes how the movie and entertainment industry is drastically changing every day, as box office earnings decrease and subscriptions to streaming services rise. Included in the article are interviews by numerous well-known people who work in the movie industry. This article grabbed my attention because I’ve always liked movies and seeing the different perspectives of these celebrities was interesting to me, because while the industry is clearly changing, not everyone is in favor of this change and the accounts of these people exhibit this.
Personally, I like the experience of seeing a movie in theaters. It’s always a fun and immersive experience compared to watching a movie at home. While watching a movie at home can be more convenient at times, nothing compares to seeing a movie in theaters. I do believe, however, that movies released exclusively to streaming services should be considered for awards like the Oscars, because the work that goes into making one of these films is no easier than that of making a movie released to theaters. Additionally, streaming services provide more opportunities to independent movies that would not gain much traction had they had a wider release. Ultimately, I think the changes that are coming to the film industry are beneficial, but we shouldn’t abandon the idea of a movie theater entirely.
The article that interested me the most this week was “What Makes a Leader” by Jessica Bennett. This article was about traits found in female leadership.
This article really captured my interest because I am a female leader. In my school, I am in student government, so I understand the different types of leadership styles and which work well. I found it interesting to learn that when women exhibit male leadership traits such as assertion and authority, they are viewed as being too aggressive. But, when women use feminine leadership traits such as kindness or compassion, they are seen as not strong enough to be a respected leader. Where do women draw the line? Is it better to be too nice or too bossy?
Women have started to combine male leadership with feminine leadership. This is explained as “gender judo” by Ms. Williams – “combining stereotypically ‘feminine’ behaviors, like friendliness, humor and empathy, with those behaviors still associated with men, like aggression or ambition "(Bennett, 2019). I find it interesting that women have begun to utilize qualities such as firmness and decisiveness from male leadership and patience and compassion from feminine leadership to become good leaders. Seems like women have to find a balance in leadership styles in order to be respected as leaders.
The article “When Pokémon Go 3-D” by Bruce Fretts talks about the designing and modeling of the Pokemon in the new Detective Pikachu. The new Detective Pikachu used 3-D modeling to bring the fictional characters into the real world. The first pokemon modeled was pikachu and it was interesting how they were able to create the 3-D rendition. To create a proportional model of the furry animal, the workers based their model off of wombats. Another Pokemon named Psyduck was another challenging figure to create. Since the characters do not exist in real life and usually do not show emotion, it was a challenge to make Psyduck a character with anxiety. I was intrigued to learn about the different obstacles to create these 3-D figures and how to make them look presentable on the big screen.
The last three characters mentioned were Charizard, Bulbasaur, and Snubull. The author talks about all the challenges with making these three Pokemon including arm length, eyeball size, chest width, etc. Besides just design, the creators were worried whether the creatures would look to creepy or scary. All of these combined factors created fear within the productive team, but in the end the movie looked amazing. I never thought that it would be this difficult in order to create 3-D models, but in the end, I learned a lot about the process.
I read the article “We Put the 2020 Democrats on the Spot. Here’s What We Learned.” One of the most surprising things I read was, “One popular proposal on the left, to expand the size of the Supreme Court and fill several new seats with liberals…” I think this would be a good idea because if we had more liberal supreme Court judges they would be more open to new ideas and progressive evidence. That is compared to having conservative judges then we would not progress and simply conserve outdated ideas. Though, a problem for some candidates is not just a question of liberal or conservative judges and instead the number of judges on the supreme court. ‘ “It’s not just about the number of justices,” said Pete Buttigieg, the mayor of South Bend, Ind. “I did not think that this would be such a split issue in the democratic party.” ’ I think this could affect with the election.
The article spoke about economic powers. “Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont denounced the country’s “grotesque levels of income and wealth inequality...” “But other Democrats called the pursuit of immense wealth a vital American trait... Senator Klobuchar of Minnesota said Americans deserve to “work hard and make money, and they can make a billion dollars.” Some candidates say the wealth in the country should be used to help the less fortunate, while others say that if you work hard you have earned your wealth. I believe that you should be able to earn money proportionate to the amount of work you put in.
This New York Times Post had caught my eye because I am growing up in a generation with advanced technology all around us, and I agree with the parents. Schools shouldn’t waste their money on purchasing spy cameras but should purchase more useful materials such as iPads, computers, or televisions. Spying on children won’t keep them safe from harm; it will just be invading their privacy. We should always be alert of technologies because we live in a very advanced technology generation.
“How Artificial Intelligence Can Save Your Life” by David Brooks
In the classroom, at home, and around us: technology is always present. This article presents another way technology is directly intertwined with our lives, specifically our health. According to this article, artificial intelligence researchers can make better predictions than doctors about whether someone has depression. Based on the way a person texts, talks, or interacts on social media, A.I. can measure their mental health and even diagnose the person with depression.
Mental health problems are said to be a major cause of school shootings and a majority of people who have conducted a school shooting have displayed signs of mental illness. As school shootings have become increasingly prominent in the United States, schools have been searching for ways to reduce these devastating occurrences.
Similar to the way that school’s conduct vision and hearing tests every year, schools should conduct an A.I. test which could help to detect whether the student has depression or another mental illness. Using the results of this test, the school could suggest treatment and offer therapy to help students cope with their mental illness. This test would be especially effective in helping students who are unaware that they are suffering from a mental illness. Although having a robot attempt to understand human emotions may seem peculiar, taking advantage of new technology is vital to a more positive future.
"'We're in a Dark Place': Children Returned to Troubled Texas Border Facility" by Arturo Rubio and Caitlin Dickerson
This week, I read an article about the hardships immigrant children are facing in border stations. Sadly, these children often struggle with hunger and filth at the facilities because there aren't enough resources to provide for the growing amounts of immigrants flooding into the U.S. The facilities are becoming severely overcrowded as more and more people come into the country. The part of this article that I found particularly interesting was the fact that many blame President Trump's administration policies for the issues these immigrants are facing. However, this is difficult to believe when these facilities were, in fact, built under President Obama's administration. The only reason that the conditions appear to have "worsened" under President Trump's administration is that there is an exponentially larger amount of immigrants flooding into the nation at a single time along the same border. Obviously, there will be fewer resources for these people depending on the budget given to support them. Some may argue that President Trump's standoff with the Democrats in Congress over policy changes has led to this chaos at the border. However, there is only so much the President can "give in" to before he has to put his foot down and keep the best interests of America as a whole in mind; Americans can't be expected to support all those who don't even live here.
These Animal Migrations Are Huge — and Invisible
The article that had interested me the most in this weeks times was an article called, “These Animal Migrations Are Huge — and Invisible”. I was very intrigued by this article because I like animals and nature a lot. The article states that the National Weather Service were looking over radar images in California on the night of June 4 when they spotted what looked like a wide swath of rain. But there were no clouds. When I read this I thought to myself, how is that possible and i was pulled into this article even more because I wanted to know what happens next. After this, the article says that the the swath of rain on the radars were actually migrating ladybugs spread across 80 miles, with a dense core ten miles wide floating 5,000 feet to 9,000 feet in the air and I was amazed by this. I was even more amazed after I found out that when it got dark at night this giant swarm was lost track of and disappeared even though it was so big
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/07/opinion/lockport-facial-recognition-schools.html?module=inline
The New York Times says, “‘It’s creepy that these cameras can watch you and can figure out who you are,’ my daughter said. ‘We don’t even know who is watching us.’” Many parents have been complaining about their children’s privacy not being protected because of the spy cameras placed all around the school. This article caught my eye because I am growing up in a generation with advanced technology all around us, and I agree with the parents. Instead of wasting their money on purchasing spy cameras, schools should purchase more useful materials such as iPads, computers, or televisions. Spying on children won’t keep them safe from harm; it will just be invading their privacy. Since we live in a generation around advanced technology, we should always be alert of technologies.
"Pride Month is Upon US!"
As the end of June approaches, the celebration of Pride month will cause glitter explosions and rainbows to break out across the country. Soon, people nationwide will put on their highest heals, smudge neon eyeshadow on their eyelids, and head out to the parade nearest them, with the intention of having fun and being truly authentic to themselves. With a Pride Parade in every major city, Pride 2019 will definitely paint June the most colorful month across all our states.
Though there are rather accepting states with cities such as Portland, SF, and NYC, there are cities equally as hateful, like Arlington. Unfortunately, there is still a multitude of homophobic cities in the Southern parts of the US. People who live there still haven't grown deaf to the persistent hate speech and ugly slurs coming from the homophobes. It is truly unfortunate that those that lack attention and love, often turn to hate instead. But, nobody deserves to be judged and shamed, the way that millions of LBGBTQ+ are put down daily. Pride Parade is a chance to get away from everything that screams out discouragements, and replace it with acceptance towards all.
Pride is all about community. It is about coming out together as a whole, reminiscing about shared history, celebrating the present, and living for the sunnier days ahead. Those that see it differently, see it wrong.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/20/travel/pride-nyc.html?register=email&auth=register-email
"Canceling Student Loan Debt Doesn’t Make Problems Disappear" by Kevin Carey
The topic of colleges and universities is common among high schoolers. Whether it is about what you decide to major in – or minor in – the cost of tuition will inevitably come up, and you need to pay the mountainous fee in order to attend the college or university, even with financial aid.
I myself am interested in applying to a university, but my biggest worry is leaving college with an insane amount of debt that will take me ages to pay off. This is why I chose this article as the most interesting this week.
The idea of having your student loans completely paid off would make anyone ecstatic, but unfortunately, it would not make the problem disappear forever. As mentioned in the article, ". . . the plan would create a generation of student loan lottery winners, with losers on either side. People who had already paid back their loans would get nothing. People with future loans would get nothing."
However in Bernie Sanders's and Elizabeth Warren's plan, they aim to "control the cost of public undergraduate education by setting tuition to zero and keeping it there," but higher education such as graduate programs would still cost money, maybe even more since scholars might no longer have to pay back their loans.
— Prevett_GHS_2019
"Could Donor #2065 Be My Father?" - Emily Cochrane
I was hooked by the headline alone when this article's notification lit up my phone. Pretty much nothing is unknown about my own family history (my DNA test results would probably be pretty boring). So, I've always found stories about people discovering their ancestries interesting. This article was written in first person, so it was like reading a chapter of an autobiography (one of my favorite types of literature). The article begins with the author finding an envelope, which contains 100 times more information about her father than she had received over her lifetime, in her mailbox from her mother. Only later does the author provide context and background information. I like how it was written like this because it immediately grabs the reader's attention and leaves them hungry for more. The topic of this article wasn't directly relatable to me, but I think everyone can understand trying to discover who they are.
This week I read the article titled "SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy Deploys Dozens of Satellites to Orbit." The Falcon Heavy was used to carry 24 satellites and was considered the most difficult launch ever. SpaceX makes sure to reuse rockets as they can be harmful to the environment and are resource heavy. However, when trying to recover a booster is space to reuse, the mission had failed, causing an explosion in the sea. One of the satellites utilizes a technique called solar sailing, which is increasing altitude by using the sun's energy. If the technology works, it can lead to new innovations and affect the future of deep space exploration. Solar sailing can be used as an alternative propulsion method with nearly infinite fuel, allowing us to travel future more efficiently. Another NASA payload utilizes hydroxyl ammonium nitrate fuel/oxidizer blend, called AF-M315E, which is more environmentally friendly than hydrazine, a propellant used by the majority of spacecraft. This fuel is not only a greener propellant, but it is also more efficient. A third satellite functions as a deep space atomic clock, as it allows astronauts to triangulate distances traveled over periods of time, functioning as a form of outer space GPS. I personally believe that more of these missions should take place to further advance our knowledge of outer space and increase our ability for outer space mobility through technological advantages.
"Nazis Killed Her Father. Then She Fell in Love With One."
By Katrin Bennhold
The article I chose to read was about a half Jewish girl in Germany who lived a life being terrified of being deported. Right off the back from reading the articles title, the article sounded intriguing because if you think about past experiences wtih Nazi’s and Jew’s, they obviously didn’t have a good relationship. I thought it was interesting how two different people at the time could develop feelings for each other. Especially since her father was killed by Nazi’s it woudnt be an easy topic to get over. The article states that the company that Mr. Reimann the husband of Ms. Landecker inherit the “JAB Holding Company”, in their company there were many abuses that took place in the company. “The female forced laborers who had to stand at attention outside their barracks naked. A prisoner of war who was kicked out of a bomb shelter and died.” While reading this it made me consider why Ms. Landecker stayed with Mr. Reimann. Wolfgang Reimann one of the three kids that they adopted wondered why despite everything Ms. Landecker still loved their father. Wolfgang even states “He was not very lovable from my perspective.” Which really shows something if a parent isn't very loving to their own child. It was interesting to read about how a company can have so many hidden secrets within its walls that many people may not know of.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/17/science/dogs-eyebrows-evolution.html?module=inline
The article that interested me the most this week was “Those Puppy Dog Eyes You Can’t Resist? Thank Evolution”. This article interested me because I always liked dogs and I would like to know more about them. It tells that the reason dogs give a certain look with their eyebrows is because of humans choosing dogs. When they adopt dogs people like to take dogs who make that look. This caused dogs who make more of those looks to have more offspring and make it more common. It also made a whole muscle for just moving the area above the eyes for dogs. A theory for why people like the look dogs give is because it relates it to them. I find this amazing how dogs have adapted to make themselves likeable.
“Germs in Your Gut Are Talking to Your Brain. Scientists Want to Know What They’re Saying.”
Research. An ocean of discoveries that trickles through time. As with the universe, research is never-ending, but connected in a series of incomprehensible ciphers. In my burgeoning curiosity about the realm of science, I chanced upon this article. Immediately, I was entranced; it uncovered one of those so-called ciphers, one that I’d never thought possible. For years, I harbored a fascination with the oxymoron of an invisible yet omnipresent world. The microbial sphere is diverse, with gut microbes that maintain many bodily functions. However, reading that this minute life shaped the brain came as a surprise. It was astounding to see that mere cells could alter such an intricate organ. Furthermore, the purposes of the gut and the brain were vastly different, so why should they be closely intertwined?
Aside from the unlikely combination, what drew me fully into this article was its implications for medicine’s future. Once covered in a blanket of skepticism, studies have shown clearer results of gut flora’s impact on the brain’s ailments. In the writing, one study related antibiotics to the expression of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is prolific today; millions suffer in the United States. This feature offers hope for a possible solution to the condition’s devastation. A definite link between gut bacteria and the brain may one day stop the progression of neurological disease.
“The Gender Gap in Computer Science Research Won’t Close for 100 Years”
Fisrt of all i want to state that a lot of industries have a gender pay gap, however only when the male earns more, it is considered a problem. In industries like modeling women earn more than men and this can be explained by simply looking at the amount of women compared to men in the industry. If there are way more women then men in an industry then there is a higher chance of a women taking a higher paying job. However when it comes to other industries like computer science, the fact that there are more men in the industry seems to be ignored, and istead the gap is blamed on "male bias". The gender pay gap will always exist in different industries and our job is not to eliminate it but to ensure that all individuals have the same opportunities in this industry.
[email protected]
"It’s a Girl! It’s a Boy! And for the Gender-Reveal Cake, It May Be the End" by Kim Severson
I clicked on this article out of curiosity of what it would hold, and I found it really interesting. I'm sure it's no surprise to anyone that gender-reveal cakes and parties for babies are extremely popular, but the fact that they've gone so far and are now just basically chaos (Chaotic Neutral alignment, I'd say) is news to me. The quality of gender-reveal cakes has gone down, and the gender roles they enforce more extreme. It's fascinating to read about this and learn what's happening with it in a society that has become more open-minded with gender, and a society that knows that genitals aren't what determine a person's gender. Personally, I believe our society puts too much emphasis on certain things, such as gender roles and love. Everything is about romance. We have a holiday for it, it's really hard to find books that aren't centered around a love story/love interest, and people are too concerned about other people's sexualities. If you ask me, we should just maybe calm down a little. Gender-reveal cakes and parties are fun and all, but they just serve to enforce gender roles, and the cake isn't even that good, since people are more focused on the gender it's revealing than the cake quality, which sucks. Cake should be good, made for enjoyment and consumption, not purely to reveal a child's genitals and assign them a gender they might not identify as/conform to later in life!!
Most people claim that only the youth – the most recent generation – can change the world. Whether it be for a change in school policy protested by students or a political rift, the statement is still true. Thus, when I found out about the protests in Hong Kong led by about two million youths, all to save their identity as Hong Kongers, as shown by the article, “For Hong Kong’s Youth, Protests Are ‘a Matter of Life and Death,” I was instantly inspired. The protesters are a generation of people who do not remember their time of British rule, nor their trust in the Communist Party of China. In effect, they fight against a new law that allows China to have jurisdiction over Hong Kong; a law that would ultimately endanger their lives.
This article interested me because it showcased how powerful the new generation can be. By uniting under the idea of Hong Kong’s judicial independence, the teenagers were able to have Carrie Lam, the leader of the territory, to suspend the bill and apologize for causing the outrage. Thus, I feel like I can do the same: join a political youth movement in order to change political policies, fight for my identity, and protest for my safety. In conclusion, without the power and progressiveness of the youth, the world would not be as accepting as it is today, nor would we have the power to change our standards of living as a whole.
Lenois_GHS_2019
For this week, I read and chose "Sudan Ousted a Brutal Dictator. His Successor Was His Enforcer" which is about the new Sudanese leader and how he is a dictator. This interests me because to still think Democracy is still struggling around the world is insane to me. President Omar Hassan al-Bashir, a dictator that led Sudan for 30 years was ousted by the people and was backed by Hamdan, who claimed that he supported the revolution, but later was just as bad as Omar Hassan. This time, when the people revolted, he brought up the military and shot directly at the people. This is unacceptable. When the people wanted a government for the people, he turned on them and killed 118 and injured many more. However, he thinks that he can change the country. How could such a dictator change the country back? He killed his own people! He told the New York Times reporter that if he didn't come to his position, the country would be lost. I don't believe this is true. I believe that he is just trying to make himself better than he actually is so the other countries in the United Nations would still allow him to negotiate and trade with the other countries. There have been many humanitarian crisises around the world. Including Sudan. It will be interesting to see how the world responds. So far, I've been seeing a lot of fake Instagram accounts saying they will help but are just hungry for followers and likes.
“The Gender Gap in Computer Science Research Won’t Close for 100 Years” by Cade Metz
When I read this article, I wasn’t surprised to read that there is a huge difference in the number of men and women in the computer science field. They don’t have many people to look up to because the majority of computer scientists are males, and the men can biased and only want to work with other males. It can be intimidating as a female to work with predominantly males which is another reason there aren’t as many females in computer science. As someone who has taken a computer science class before, I would hope that more women would want to learn about it and maybe enter the field later on. I think it is important for there to be the same number of males and females working in this field because it will inspire and encourage more young women to follow in their footsteps.
The article I read this week was titled "Abdicating, Again, on Climate." The argument made by the article was trump removing Obama's regulations is more detrimental than helpful. But with trump trying to repeal these, more bad will come from it than good. One of the rhetorical strategies used by the author was logos, the appeal to logic. This is seen when the author describes how the Obama plan shuts down companies and reduces emissions. The effect this rhetorical strategy would have is the reader reading the effects of each president's plan. In my opinion, I completely agree with what the author is saying. Trump trying to get rid of Obama's regulations which were only good on the environment, will only have detrimental effects to the environment and the world we live in. This is because as the article says Obama's regulations implemented strict regulations on reducing carbon emissions which I agree with. On the other hand, Trump is trying to revitalize the industry by removing these regulations, therefore keeping them in business and producing emissions which is awful. He claims that this is to create jobs which I agree with the article in saying this is not effective because the industry is on "life support." I believe the most apparent connection that could be made is a text to world connection. What I read about in the article is happening in the real world and that is why this situation is so scary. The decision trump is making will have permanent effects to the earth.
“How to, Maybe, Be Less Indecisive (or Not)”
This article regarding indecision interested me the most this week due to how relatable this topic is for me. I’m a very indecisive person, whether it comes to picking what classes to take or even trying to choose an article from here to write about. In most cases, I only come to decisions once I’ve fully weighed every factor to determine every outcome or I become too stressed and exhausted to the point where I just decide. Reading this advice helped me to identify some of the roots of my indecisiveness. I realized that much of my inability to decide on things relates back to my need for perfection and need to have all of the information in order to maintain such perfection. However, I learned that settling for what’s good enough and what will satisfy my needs isn’t the worst option. I shouldn’t be stressing out over minor decisions, instead, picking my battles and only going through with things that I really want should be more important factors in decision-making. But most importantly, I need to accept that I can never have all of the information. The sooner I come to terms with this fact, the easier it should be to make decisions.
“How Artificial Intelligence Can Save Your Life”
By David Brooks
Media presents artificial intelligence – AI – as the eventual end of life as we know it. The robots will turn against their human overlords, and just like that, we’ll all be snuffed out. Perhaps that’s why I find it so interesting when an article shows their softer side.
Who would have thought that a computer could interpret human emotion, and detect depression and suicidal thoughts, better than a human? Some might view it as a scary thought, to have the “machine” understand us better than we understand ourselves. But is it such a bad thing?
Brooks presents the upsides of this technology, like the ability to save lives and see mental illness before it does harm, but also the potential dangers. To have our emotional states analyzed by an AI could be quite an invasion of privacy. Is it worth the risk of losing one’s privacy to be safer?
That’s a big question, and I think anyone asked will have a different answer, with differing values on each of those things. But I don’t think AI is the main factor – computers are tools, designed to do as humans tell them to. I think the heart of the question is how we will use artificial intelligence.
Will we use it to help, as Brooks’ article shows it can? Or will we use it to pry into personal lives, as we fear it may – and, to an extent, already does? I think the answer is both. AI, like all things, is a double-edged sword. And we are its wielders.
— OBryan_GHS_2019
ICE Is Expected to Begin Operation on Sunday Targeting 2,000 Immigrant Family Members: As much as I would like to read and write about something light-hearted, I can't. I can't do that knowing families are being ripped apart and broken while my family and I are living fine in a sanctuary city but coming from an immigrant family, I understand how these ICE raids are terrifying. Mark Morgan says these operations aren't to enlist fear but to keep the integrity of the system yet this is the same system that would put a colored male in prison for a number of years while a white male who did the same crime on probation. It is absolutely absurd how instead of changing this corrupt system to benefit all in every way they simply want to defend it for what it is. Also, Ronald D. Vitiello said, “they know we are coming”. This phrase is something we would hear in a horror film. Then the article talks of these detention camps which have been compared to the concentration camps from the Holocaust by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and I agree with her. The pictures of these “detention camps” show it all. Although I can't lie, it was refreshing to read that ICE is likely to rent hotel rooms for the children who are citizens and whose parents have been detained and kept there until a relative comes to take them but why did it ever have to get this bad? Families fleeing to seek sanctuary from a corrupt home but are forced into poverty when living in the US. When will it truly get better?
"Jeremy Lin, ‘Reppin’ Asians With Everything I Have,’ Is Bigger Than an N.B.A. Title"
Growing up, basketball has always been my passion. I remember in elementary school during the 2012 NBA season when Jeremy Lin was on a historic run with the New York Knicks everyone in my school was going crazy. My school has a large Asian population and seeing the success Jeremy Lin had, one of the only Asian players in the history of the NBA, inspired them along with me. Today, most of my teammates on my school's JV team are Asian. Many of them, along with me rejoiced when Lin won the championship with the Toronto Raptors this past season. On Instagram Lin states, “First Asian-American ever to be an NBA champ!! Promise Ill never stop reppin Asians with everything I have!" Unlike Lin, I will most likely not make the NBA, but if I do I will be sure to rep my Jewish pride similarly to the way Lin is proud of his Asian descent. No Jewish player has ever won an NBA championship (besides for Omri Casspi who was cut by the Warriors in the middle of the 2017-2018 season but still received a championship ring), and I hope that when the first Jewish player does win, they represent their religion with pride similarly to Lin.
Casey Levy
https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2019/06/18/us/ap-us-harvard-parkland-survivor.html
“Harvard Case Offers Reminder of Perils of Online Misbehavior” is an interesting article. I understand that Harvard wants people to take responsibility for their actions no matter when they happened. As teenagers, we need to know that the things we put online are there forever. They never get erased even if we regret what we said. We need to think before we speak.
Kyle Kashuv said very racists things when he was 16. He said he was trying to be shocking. I don’t agree with anything he said and think that anyone who says things just to be shocking is not someone I want to be friends with. But he apologized and should be able to grow and learn from his mistakes. I believe that people can change, and so should Harvard. I would like to think that if I did something idiotic or said something that offended other people, adults would want to help me learn from my mistakes and become a better person. I also think that we should value freedom of speech even if we disagree with what the person is saying. Harvard should change its decision.
bengal12IndiaG
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/18/us/emotional-support-animal.html
As a person living with anxiety, I’ve always wanted a therapy animal to ease my stress. I’ve never been able to get one because I live in an apartment that doesn’t allow pets. But people have been using fake letters and certificates to try and have a pet disguised as an emotional support or therapy animal. Usually, they are also trying to bring said animals, which vary from dogs to alligators, into public places where pets aren’t allowed. This would be fine if it were an approved and properly trained service animal, but more often it’s an untrained animal. This makes it more difficult for people with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other disorders from having a therapy animal because they may be accused of faking it. According to the article, some states are cracking down on fake emotional support animals, but may accidentally target people with a legitimate need for one. People like Vayne Myers, who had proof that a therapist and a counselor said his duck Primadonna would help with his anxiety, have been threatened with eviction from their landlords despite having evidence that their animals help them. It can be hard to tell if they actually need the animal or if they’re using fake certificates to get away with bringing their pets into places where they’re not allowed. Either way, it’s a shame that the people who are abusing this are making it more difficult for the people who actually need it.
Many people, including me, have the dream of one day being able to play a sport at a collegiate or even professional level. Though challenging and sometimes unlikely, even with all the odds against them, some people are able to persevere and reach that goal. Being able to play at an elite level at the professional stage is even harder to accomplish than becoming a pro, but the U.S. Women's Soccer Team made it look easy in the opening game, against Thailand in the Women’s World Cup. The U.S. Women’s team was able to blow them out with a final score of 13-0! Once I read the article, “US Rout of Thailand Highlights Inequity in World Cup Field” and saw the final score I knew this was what I had to write about. Not only was this an extremely high scoring game, but the highest scoring game in a World Cup and largest final score difference. The score alone was enough to catch the reader's attention, but the main reason I wanted to choose this article is to support the Women’s U.S. Soccer team as they are trying to receive equal pay as the men’s team. Men and women should be paid equally and the U.S. Women’s Team’s performance proved that they deserve to be.
The article that interested me this week: LeBron James and the Lakers Are All In for a Wide-Open 2019-20. I like this article because I have always liked LeBron James he has a powerful presence on the court and knows what he is doing. The Lakers didn't go as far as I thought they were going to go, but I think now that they have another experienced and powerful presence in the form of Anthony Davis they can go to the western conference finals next year. Anthony Davis is a great basketball player and one of the few that have ever gotten a quadruple double. The only thing wrong with the trade is that seeing Zion Williamson and Anthony Davis play together would have been amazing. But both LeBron and Anthony will be getting assists with each other because of their teammate chemistry. I love basketball and I love when a team is playing together. When you trust the other four guys on the court with you the ball will find itself in the bottom of the net. I am looking forward to when the Lakers stop Curry and the warriors to even thinking about going to the NBA Finals.
This week I chose to read the article, “Why can’t everyone get A’s.” Students go to school to learn new things and expect an A in every class but some don’t go home satisfied. Getting an A makes students feel like they are on a role and they know what they're doing, but when they receive a grade lower than an A, they are unsatisfied. As a student, I think every student should get A’s. If every student in every school would get only A’s people would question it. No one would believe the students are so smart or the teachers are just good teachers, instead, they would say that the test aren’t hard enough. Many people think that it’s impossible for everyone to meet the high-standards and if the standards were reachable they would just higher it so students can fail.
I feel everyone should be able to earn A’s. I think this because many teachers don’t know how to teach and or grade. That’s one of the reasons many students don't have straight A’s in school. Schools should acknowledge that students work hard to the point where they are stressed out but still end up with a grade lower than an A. The article states that schools goal isn't to teach students but to rig the game so there will always be losers. This is unfair because if that's their main goal, we shouldn’t even be attending school, to begin with. School districts make school a competitive thing to get students to work harder to outdo the rest instead of getting the students to improve.
“The Car Industry is Under Seige”
In 2018 global automotive sales have declined for the second time since 2009. Although it might not sound like a problem, with more than 8 million people working directly for auto manufacturers and countless more making tires, modules, screens, and sensors an innumerable amount of jobs are threatened. Part of the decline is due to ride share apps and hourly rental services such as Zipcar. Car companies will be spending more than $400 billion developing new electric car technology over the next couple of years.
American car manufacturers should consider thinking in the long term of their business instead of making gas guzzling pick-ups that will only be beneficial to them for a short while. This strategy is similar to what some European and Japanese companies are doing. Companies like Rivian and Telsa will be putting pressure on automakers to change sooner. We need to also make sure all of our energy is coming from renewable resources and make sure we are not creating electricity by burning fossil fuels. Even though people may be against the idea of abandoning the combustion engine it needs to happen sooner or later due to transportation accounting for a fifth of the global carbon dioxide emissions and it may be time we get rid of this outdated 180-year-old technology. Instead of rolling back emission regulations we need to take action and start thinking about how all of this will affect our world in the future.
“Driverless Cars May Be Coming, but Let’s Not Get Carried Away”
Driverless cars, which are something many people have been dreaming about throughout their whole lives, could become a reality in the distant future. But others are concerned about the safety risks, which is why these cars will take a few more years to perfect. The article mentioned that “Roughly 1.3 million people die in global auto accidents every year, according to the World Health Organization. Human error is blamed in 94 percent of those deaths.” If the self driving automobiles are completely perfected, it could prevent many fatal car accidents caused by the drivers. Even affordable cars today are developing cars that have sensors and cameras that automatically stop, brake, accelerate, and change lanes. I noticed when reading this article that it just seems like all of the big car companies such as Toyota, Ford, and Volkswagen are all in a race against Tesla to be the first company that sells driverless cars. Although driverless cars would be very convenient for our everyday lives, these types of cars will probably end up malfunctioning as the car gets older and that can cause many people to get hurt or killed. Due to safety purposes, I think car companies should be working to perfect these cars completely before they start selling them.
"'The Hunger Games' Prequel is in the Works"
This week in the New York Times, this article interested me the most because I strongly affiliate with this series. As a kid, I was never really one for reading. I enjoyed the plot of books and feeling like I could escape to a different world, but there were very few books that could actually really do that for me. If I didn't feel something from a book, or I was bored with it, I wasn't finishing it. However, that all changed when I started reading the "The Hunger Games". I read all three books in less than two months on top of two sports and homework. I never put them down. I even went to see Mockingjay parts one and two the day that they came out. I believe that I was not the only person who fell in love with these books. As a girl in a world full of scary things, Katniss Everdeen was someone who I looked up to a lot. She fulfilled in me a sense of bravery and to stand up for what I believe in regardless of what others to say, think, or do. I know that I am not the only person who feels that way. I predict that this book will be a huge hit. The "fandom" hasn't died, and I don't think that it ever will. I look forward to this book being released, and maybe tie up some loose ends and questions that I have always thought about Panem, and all of these books.
I was interested in reading the article “Ariana Grande Was Updating Pop. Then Billie Eilish Came Along” because I am a big fan of both artists and their music. I am also aware of the differences in their performance styles and how that reflects the genre of pop music and how quickly it is changing.
The two performances show different ways the artists are responding to the expectations of the pop music audience. They are both “stars” of pop music, but they are taking very different approaches to their music.
I feel that Ariana’s performance was a real spectacle. The article points out that the music itself was not as important as the show. She dressed sharply, danced like a professional, and boomed out her songs with her big voice.
Billie’s performance to me was definitely more sedate. She dressed in baggy clothes, the music was offbeat, the dances were not choreographed, and her voice was almost a whisper.
In my opinion, everything about the performance was much simpler than Ariana’s but still had the same amount of “hype” surrounding it.
It will be interesting to see how this all plays out. Ariana is already an established “star” and Billie is on her way up in the music industry using a very different style to her music and her performances.
“Its a Girl! Its a Boy! And for the gender-reveal cake, may be the end”
I read this article because watching these kinds of videos about surprising family and friends about the gender of the new baby,are amusing and nice to watch. These types of videos are posted everywhere like said in the article,but I have not heard about the end of them.Reading this article made me understand why something like this could come to an end due to the becoming of changing genders. What also interested me about this article was if something like this comes to an end the amount of sales a bakery has will go down due to these kinds of cakes being so popular in this day in age, but bakeries still continue to make them.Apparently, there was also a problem like this with a bakery not wanting to make a wedding cake for a gay couple because the baker was christian. In the article it says that the same baker was sued because he refused to make a gender-transition cake for her. Overall these cakes are changing the attitude of people about the fact people are changing their gender or like the same gender or even being happy about the birth of a boy/girl.
The article that interested me the most this week was "For Taylor Swift, Is Ego Stronger Than Pride?". Taylor Swift's video for her most recent song "You Need To Calm Down" has received some backlash due to the fact that she recruited many members of the LGBTQ+ community for her video. Many believe she hasn't voiced her opinion much on this topic until recently. I think it is great that she is showing her support for this widespread group of people. Especially now that it is being more and more accepted. I think it is the effort that counts. The fact that so many people agreed to be in her video proves that they all supported the efforts of this song and the video. I also think it is good for all of Taylor Swift's supporters who may be part of the LGBTQ+ community. If they see all of these other members enjoying themselves in this video, it may help them. Whether they are having a hard time accepting themselves or don't know how to come out, this could help them. It might seem just like a simple music video, but for someone out there it could be more than that. I think it was a great idea for Taylor Swift to make this video.
As a young woman, the article, "What Makes a Leader?", by Jessica Bennet was particularly eye-catching. The inspiring article shared the success stories of women in power, while also addressing the difficulties they faced on their path to success. I have learned from a young age that the business world often treats women unfairly. In addition to the wage gap, women - particularly those in power - often face a double standard in the way they act or behave in a business environment. Nevertheless, Bennet's article demonstrates that the world is changing. Women are creating a new definition for leadership that eliminates the double standard. Although there is still much growth to be made, the business world is taking its first steps toward a better tomorrow.
The ‘Euphoria’ Teenagers Are Wild. But Most Real Teenagers Are Tame.
Euphoria, the new HBO series featuring Zendaya, depicts high school life being full of sex, drugs, parties, and crazy out of control behavior. In reality, this isn’t necessarily true, and it’s quite the opposite of what teens are like today.
“I think it is fair to call this the cautious generation,” Bill Albert, the chief innovation officer at Power to Decide, states. The data shows that we drink less than the past generations, we smoke less, we’re less likely to get pregnant, and we commit fewer crimes. So why is our generation being depicted this way?
Our likeliness of using drugs and alcohol may be uncommon now, but the suicide rates have been climbing. The show is possibly trying to connect severe drug abuse and sex with the stress and problems our generation faces today. We “use” sex and drugs to give us that false happiness. But now, we don’t have time to waste. We are constantly worried about the future, about money. We’re smarter to not get ourselves in these bad predicaments because the importance of our future is constantly being emphasized to us. When watching the premiere of the show with my mom and my sisters, she asked us my 15 year old sister and I in shock, “Is this really what high school is like?”
Fortunately, this is just a show that dramatically depicts teenage life, but it could be true for those battling mental disorders and suicide.
"Canadian Doctor Dispensed Drugs to Athletes, Assistant Tells Investigators"
Recently doctors have been caught providing performance-enhancing drugs to pro athletes. This is not good for the athletes because it is important that they keep their bodies natural. Doping itself can cause major damage to the body. Performance-enhancing can cause blood clotting problems, high blood pressure, liver problems, mood swings, and sperm reduction.
Athletes may consider doping because they might cope with one another or to get the same body image as someone else. This is not the only reason why athletes shouldn’t be offered drugs just to recover faster from an injury. Although it helps immediately, in the long run it can cause harm to athletes because it can be an unnatural chemical. This can affect how long you live.
According to the authorities they met with assistant, Mary Ann Catalano who then said that assistant Galea was the one to provide performance-enhancing drugs to the athletes. Several people also approved.
When athletes usually get injured “agency normally cooperates with law- enforcement groups and medical-licensing bodies when investigating doctors who may be involved in doping.”
To keep athletes safe and healthy it is very important that doctors etc should not give them any drugs. It is important that their bodies stay natural so that their can progress and be prepared for another injury.
This week I read the article titled, “helping students with test anxiety”. I thoroughly enjoyed this article because I love to learn about this topic. I have test anxiety and I wanted to go more in depth with it and learn more. I found this article interesting because it taught me more about what est anxiety is. I thought that it was just when you took the test, but in reality there are three stages: before the test, the test, and what happens after the test. This mostly occours in the middle grades, which I find fascinating. I learned that the mst anxiety branches before and after the test. Kids want to do well to stay out of trouble with parents. Also, they want to do well to succeed, so they end up working themselves up over the test itself. This is why so many children do not do well on tests. THey are worried about the end result before they even are the test. Most of the anxiety comes from the outcome. Many schools and teachers are trying to come up with ways to reduce or get rid of test anxiety, because having this interfears with other forms of learning. The children are constantly distracted by the maitnence of their grades. I loved this article and found it very informational.
This week, I read “In the Hudson Valley, a Drive Back in Time”, a piece detailing travels through one of New York’s most historically recognizable regions. Originally, the Hudson Valley region was home to a Dutch colony, New Netherland, sporting its capital, New Amerstdam, on today’s Manhattan Island. The article itself goes into detail on the travels of the writer around the valley, elaborating on its many historical influences and inspirations. The piece reads as a look back in time, peering in on a colonial era which ended centuries ago. Many landmarks and cultural pieces in the Hudson Valley show the region’s historical significance, from bridges and buildings to timeless art pieces preserved in Albany museums.
I personally found this article to be interesting as it mirrored my in-class study of the colonial period. Its examination of historical buildings and objects of historical value gave the piece and air of authenticity and interest. I personally found this piece to be reminiscent of my many trips to historical sites, as the locations would feel untouched and preserved. The natural locations, buildings, art pieces, etc, all combine to make this particular piece an interesting, slightly nostalgic read. Overall, this article makes me reminisce of my time in history class earlier in the school year.
U.S. Might Be the World Cup’s Best Team. It Is Definitely the Best Draw.
As a huge soccer fan, I look up to the USA team as role models and superstars. I went to the Women’s World Cup in Canada in 2015 and I have experienced first hand the massive crowds that show up to cheer on the USA national team. They attract people from all over the world. The reason this article interests me is because I am a soccer player and a huge fan of the US team. I am not the only teenage girl who has dreamed of playing on this team. They have touched every single soccer players’ hearts and dreams. This article interests me because I fit into that category: millions of fans flock to the one place that the US will play. I have never seen so many people dress in red, white, and blue, screaming and cheering for their team. People spend so much money to have a once in a lifetime experience, including my family, buying so much merchandise in order to remember the moment. This article does not just interest me, but the entire US. So many fans can relate to this article because it is about them. They feel special and important. I feel special because I will be traveling to France in a few days and will be apart of the massive crowds wearing red, white, and blue.
“The Youngest Child Separated From his Family at the Border was 4 Months Old”
The world is experiencing the highest levels of refugees on record, numbering more than 65 million people worldwide. Many seek refuge in the United States. In the past few years, this issue has become a hot political topic and the current administration has made it a key focus in their political agenda. Unfortunately, this means that the situation has become a controversial political issue rather than a humanitarian one. The facts establish that the majority of immigrants come to the border seeking asylum and are not a threat to our nation. Under current policy, if a family with children seeks asylum at the border and are detained, they are often separated, leaving the child in detention without adult care. An example is Constantin Mutu, who came to the US from Romania and experienced the separation of his family at only 4 months old. His parents, who left to escape ethnic persecution, were held at the border in Texas while he was sent to Michigan. We cannot ignore the humanitarian crisis that many refugees are facing. This article prompts me to want to take action to de-politicize these humanitarian issues and find real-world solutions that consider both protecting our borders and addressing the refugee crisis. Educating the public about these issues is important for our society to make the correct decision for our generation and ensure a conflict-free future for generations to come.
Those Puppy Dog Eyes You Can’t Resist? Thank Evolution
By: James Gorman
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/17/science/dogs-eyebrows-evolution.html?module=inline
I think one of the main reasons why people say dogs are man’s best friend is because of the feeling when we look at them. That feeling of relief and satisfaction enters us. When Mr. Gorman talked about how the eyebrows are slanted when you see your dog, I immediately understood why we feel so much when we see them.
The main point in the article focuses on comparing the muscles in the face of the dog with other animals. Like wolves, cats, and horses. It talks about how the muscles in the face contribute the look called “AU101: Inner eyebrow raise.” Other animals don’t have that specific muscle called the levator anguli oculi medialis that dogs have to show that look as intensely as dogs do.
A group of scientists also looked at horses and cats to see their facial expressions and musculature. Horses have similar facial expressions as dogs but cats do not. They don’t even move their faces that much. They couldn’t figure out how cats show states of mind such as skepticism, disdain, deep self-satisfaction and world-weary ennui.
My personal opinion on dogs is honestly that dogs are the best animals on Earth. They are smart, friendly, cute, and all the other positive adjectives in the English language. I will definitely feel sad if dogs suddenly become endangered. Even if I’m alive or not.
‘She’s Not My Type’: Accused Again of Sexual Assault, Trump Resorts to Old Insult
Trump denied an accusation of sexual assault. Reading this article I really wonder how this nation elected him as president. But then again I think about the countless people who have been dismissed or "Asked to leave" my high school. In the two years, I have attended, at least 6 boys were accused of sexual assault and five of them have been expelled. They are the reason Trump is our president. They didn't understand the words "NO" or "STOP" and I honestly don't know if they have raped or sexually abused another person after that. In the article it said:
"More than a dozen women have accused Mr. Trump of sexual misconduct that they said took place before he was elected president.
'It’s the same,' Ms. Carroll said. 'He denies it. He turns it around. He attacks and then he threatens. I am sick of it. Think how many women have come forward. Nothing happens.'"
Trump could have denied the sexual assault and it would have been a little better. Yet, he said, "She's not my type." That makes me mad. Why would that be his initial response? You don't have a type in sexual assault. The victim didn't choose you to rape them. You're not their type either Trump.
My most interesting read this week was called “Forget Tanning Beds. College Students Today Want Uber Parking.” As a rising junior, I am starting to explore all the possibilities for the future, such as colleges, jobs, career opportunities, etc... As my generation, Generation Z, begins our search for our path to success, we demand a safe, learning environment where we can freely express and share our ideas. And colleges are listening!!
Colleges have refocused their campus-life improvements to dormitories. Generation Z prefers more social spaces to fully immerse themselves to build a community and learn about the culture around them. We also prefer easily accessible fitness facilities and 24/7 connection through high-speed WiFi for digital convenience. As an incoming college hopeful, I would absolutely want dorms like these. Besides the technology, there has been a recent push toward engaging and preparing for your future, and I can for sure relate to this. Our generation is focused on a students’ personal definition of success. I think this mindset is one of the reasons for the recent change in learning style and communication. Ultimately, this has influenced and shifted colleges energies toward making these improvements for students. Updating the dormitories would provide a nurturing place for everyone to learn and grow. I believe it is important to make adjustments based on everyone’s personal learning styles. It is great to hear colleges are doing just that.
One play can have the biggest impact
on a game
In the New York Times Article , it is hard to see how one little problem plays a big part into a National Football Game. Two star teams going up against each other as the Los Angeles Rams face of against New Orlean Saints in the NFL conference championship. I big played was enrolled from the L.A. Rams playing defense in a play where a pass interference could’ve been a possibility. Having that people still debate whether this play should have been penalized or not.
It could be a big possibility how this one play could’ve cause something bigger. If anything, if that play was called the New Orlean Saints could’ve went to the SuperBowl playing against the New England Patriots. This erupted a big problem on social media today. After the game it blew up on social media that this play should have been called as a penalty on the defensive side. From seeing a different point of view on this play the play should have been called pass interference.
This caught my interest because some of the smallest things could have a big impact on life. From hearing this it would be obvious that the Saints team weren’t so happy about it as it was also replayed for referee’s to have a better look on the play, and which the play had no flags. Yet later on the Los Angeles Ram go to the Super Bowl losing against the NEw England Patriots.
This week, the article “SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy Deploys Dozens of Satellites to Orbit“ caught my eye.
The article is about recent private space flight adventures. This is holding my attention, because I’m interested in the future of our people. Elon Musk with SpaceX is making so many efficient changes from reusable rockets to less hazardous fuel. Science is my favorite subject in school, I even grew up (or at least watched reruns) with science shows on T.V.! I was really excited to see a quote from Bill Nye and how he is weighing in on all of this. It’s spectacular how our world is changing. Space flight is continuing to get easier. Being able to send a person to Mars and back seems like it’s going to be a lot sooner than I originally thought. First, we have to work on our satellites, however. I’m glad that I was able to read this article and am more informed on current space engineering adventures.
The Greek Freak
“Giannis Antetokounmpo Is Named M.V.P. at N.B.A. Awards”
In the NBA, there are a lot of talented players you will see perform on the court. Some players get 40 minutes a game and some players don’t even get to play in a game. The NBA is a very competitive league and is extremely tough to make it, but the players that are there now worked very hard and were dedicated to the game of basketball. On June 24, 2019 the NBA had an awards ceremony for all the top players in the NBA. The main award of that night was the M.V.P award which means Most Valuable Player. Shaquille O’Neal was the host of the 2019 NBA awards and presented the M.V.P award. The M.V.P of the 2018-2019 basketball season was Giannis Antetokounmpo. Giannis Antetokounmpo played on the Milwaukee Bucks and was coached by Mike Budenholzer. Giannis averaged 27.7 points and 12.5 rebounds a game, while leading his team to have the best record in the regular season. Growing up in Greece, Giannis didn’t think he would be were he is today if it wasn’t for his mother and his little brothers. At the end of the night Giannis gave a powerful speech on the award he received and thanking God for putting him in the position he is in now.
Trump Allows High-Tech U.S. Bomb Parts to Be Built in Saudi Arabia
Just by reading the title, anger flooded my insides. I find it crazy how they’re creating the most violent and deadly weapons in the places that need the most saving and protecting. There is so much violence going on in that part of the world and so little is doing about it. The saddest part is that they’re using it against each other, all of that accumulates to rape, murder, slavery, torturing, and more, there is so much mourning and creating more bombs is no type of help, protection, and security. The fact that our so-called “president,” and I put it in quotation marks because he’s not the definition of president in my eyes, provides these types of weapons is ridiculous. Instead of providing what is causing so much destruction, he should provide the opposite and a stop to all this pain. I know the world will never be perfect but sending one of the main sources to destruction isn't helping and knowing that this is and they're letting it be is mind-screwing. I hope that one day we grow as one and help, not through providing but not providing the exact same thing that creates the yearning for saving. Instead, we should give what they think they need the least and start making change little by little without violence. Instead, we should offer human connection, human understanding, human sacrifice through service. Instead, we should help bring peace, outer peace and inner peace.
Hundreds of Migrant Children Are Moved Out of an Overcrowed Border Station.
In an estimated 60 years or so, the generations ahead of us will flip through their American History textbooks. In these textbooks, they will read and learn about the horrors of what was the Border Crisis. They will read about how these innocent children were treated like animals and weren't allowed to run free and just be children. This article has sparked such an impact on me because it shows the disgusting failure of basic human decency for these children.
Children were detained without soap, clean clothes, or suitable food for weeks which resulted in mass overcrowding in a station in Texas. The children were finally moved into a less populated station but this does not excuse the terrible conditions being faced right now. Children will continue to experience the physiological trauma from something so traumatic later in their lives. It is truly heartbreaking to see kids who don't have any fault in this going to sleep hungry and having to take care of infants at such a young age.
This is definitely a crime against humanity. Imagine being a child and not knowing in what way your life is going to go and what's next for. Imagine how terrified you would be being separated from your parents in dirty clothes. It is so shameful how we are at the front edge and it seems like nothing is being fixed. Will it ever be?
“Read This. Then Put Away Your Phone”
Technology has greatly impacted the lives of millions around the world. But for many, it’s not in a good way. The article “Read This. Then Put Away Your Phone” by Talya Minsberg interested me the most this week because many children and young adults are addicted to their phones. In the article, the former Google executive Tristan Harris, compares phones to slot machines that command attention and endlessly distract.
Many big companies such as Google and Apple have introduced tools to help addicted people understand their technology usage. However, many app developers put money first. For example, a person gets hooked on a game, uses in-app purchases to play more, which gets the developers more app usage and more money.
Mr. Harris’ goal is to prevent poor mental heath for developing children that use technology without limit.
Doesn't it amaze you that a 17 year old teen is more successful than more than half of the population? This article was about Billie Eilish’s debut album hitting No.1 for the third time. Billie Eilish is an American singer, songwriter, and model. She has a brother named Finneas O’Connell and he’s a singer, songwriter, musician, record producer, and actor. He also leads the band The Slightlys, which has won many awards. Their mother is Maggie Baird who is an actress.
The reason why I chose this topic is because it shocks me that Billie is doing better than most teenagers. A 17 year old making music, going on tour, performing in concerts, being on magazines, etc. It is pretty astonishing. On top of all of that Billie has 7 gold and 2 platinum singles. She's been doing this since 2016, at 14 years of age she released her first song “Ocean Eyes” which sold over a million copies. I think Billie Eilish is the perfect idol to teenagers because she shows a lot of love to not only her family but also her fans and other celebrities.
Reading through the New York Times this article really caught my eye. The title was “After fan is hit by Cody Bellinger fou"l, the Dodgers say they are studying extra netting.”he title pulled me in to it because as a baseball player I know how dangerous it can be with foul balls. Cody Bellinger is probably the best player in the MLB right now. So I had to choose this article to see what happened.
The girl was hit in the head with a liner by Cody Bellinger on Sunday. The girl was only sitting four rows up along the first base side. There is no report on how the girl is doing. Just in 2017 a lady of the name, Linda GoldBorn was struck by a foul ball at the Dodgers stadium also and she passed away from it. So how many times should it happen before they add the netting? It would be a great idea for the Dodgers to add extra netting for this doesn’t continue to happen to fans just trying to enjoy a baseball game.
36 Hours of New York City Pride
I think that pride month is such a cool thing. It helps people that have felt left out feel more welcomed. Cities that take the time and really branch out to make June (Pride Month), something enjoyable for everyone and in showing people that they are not alone and that there are people that support them for who they are. It is really cool that places like New York City have dedicated the time and effort to make this month full of activities so that people can really enjoy it.
In New York City we see how they have a whole weekend dedicated to this celebration. We see how they really take their time to make everything enjoyable for everyone. I would really like to experience this weekend because it seems like lots of fun and it's always nice to try something new. During this weekend they offer lots of fun activities like a dance party, food, activities for all ages. This is a really good thing because they are not forgetting that there are all types of people and ages that participate in these activities.
Hundreds of Migrant Children Are Moved Out of an Overcrowded Border Station
In this article, I find it really disturbing that these little kids are forced to live in these crowded places without their parents or anyone they know. These places are often filthy and do not have clean clothes and good food. In the article it also says that these children, at the age of 8, take care of infants and toddlers. Some say that they wake up at night because they are hungry. I find this very wrong because you shouldn’t be separating a family because they need each other and little kids are not responsible for taking care of babies. While reading this article I felt so bad because these kids had a home and a life before but by taking them it just makes it hell for them because they have no parents, no soap, no clean clothes, and no executable food. These kids are being treated like animals and it is just wrong how the government takes care of them.
Racist Comments Cost Conservative Parkland Student a Place at Harvard
"Be careful about what you post online because it can come back to haunt you."
It's a wise piece of advice young people have heard before. To most, however, severe repercussions from your online activity seemed improbable. That's why learning about Kyle Kashuv's situation intrigued me—it was a very real example of someone who was actually haunted by the words they said online. Moreover, these words weren't even public. They were on a private Google Doc.
At first, I was conflicted on whether Harvard made the right choice. After all, 16-year-olds are highly impressionable and haven't matured enough to truly understand the consequences of their actions. Kashuv could have been thoughtless during that moment, writing a stream of slurs simply because his friends were urging him to. At the same time, though, Harvard is a private institution and is legally allowed to admit—or rescind—anyone. And at a place as highly selective as Harvard, where students with perfect grades, SAT scores, and extracurriculars can end up in the rejected pile, a student that exhibits racism is certainly not up to their standards.
Even if one thinks Harvard's decision is reprehensible, it serves no benefit to endlessly critique what they did. Instead, let it be a reminder to young people everywhere to think before they act, because a small action can have serious repercussions later on.
"How Artificial Intelligence Can Save Your Life"
This article goes explains how researchers are using A.I to save lives. For example, researchers in San Francisco have figured out how to make someone speak using their thoughts, Their goal is to help those who lost the ability to speak to use their thoughts to speak again. The most important thing A.I has done is mental illness, using various text messages the Crisis Text Line receives A.I is able to figure out who is depressed and at risk of suicide. This article is very interesting because it is very hard to properly diagnose someone who has depression, they are no physical tests that can be done. However, with the use of A.I people can be diagnosed and be treated before they commit harm onto themselves. If further research is done this can change how people think of mental illness and save lives.
“The Car Industry is Under Seige”
In 2018 global automotive sales have declined for the second time since 2009. Although it might not sound like a problem, with more than 8 million people working directly for auto manufacturers and countless more making tires, modules, screens, and sensors an innumerable amount of jobs are threatened. Part of the decline is due to ride share apps and hourly rental services such as Zipcar. Many car companies will spend more than $400 billion developing new electric car technology over the next couple of years.
American car manufacturers should consider thinking in the long term of their business instead of making gas guzzling pick-ups that will only be beneficial to them for a short while. The best strategy to prepare for that change to electric car technology is to make reliable electric vehicles so they will become loyal to your brand. This strategy is similar to what some European and Japanese companies are doing. American automakers will not be safe because new tech startup Rivian will be coming out with an intriguing pickup and SUV with promising claims. I think it is necessary for there to be a larger effort to have renewable energy toward electric vehicles in the future. Even though people may be against the idea of abandoning the combustion engine it needs to happen sooner or later due to transportation accounting for a fifth of the global carbon dioxide emissions and it may be time we get rid of a 180-year-old technology.
As a nonbinary individual, I have learned that on June 28, 1969, the LGBT Civil Rights movement truly began. The LGBT community then began to fight for their rights as a community which gained the community more freedom then they previously had. However the vast amount of work to be made in the area of queer rights will only get done by more fighting from the LGBT community, right?
According Kwame Anthony Appiaph, the LGBT community’s progress isn’t the doing of queer people, but by straight individuals help in the community. He believes that as humans we want to see ourselves fighting for and getting our rights due to our own work, and therefore tell history that way. But, I find a few faults in his logic.
If humans need help from those in power, wouldn’t we need help from England during the Revolutionary War in order to gain freedom from them then ? But that’s not how it worked. Americans fought against England and won their freedom through hard work. The same applies to the LGBT community’s rights; although some straight individuals helped queer people, straight participation is not the sole reason for an increase in LGBT rights.
Hundreds of LGBT individuals fought and fight for their rights, and to ignore their hard work and say that the real reason progress was made was due to their straight counterparts is offensive to the community. Queer people have spent years winning their rights back, and that credit shouldn’t be given to people who had little overall impact.
I was interested by "Wherever You Are, There's a State Park Nearby". Humans are becoming more and more disconnected from nature due to urbanization and development. The topic of the article interested me since I enjoy venturing into more natural landscapes to regain the connection with nature. I have visited many state or federally preserved regions and am grateful that we can still enjoy many of the natural wonders of the country due to the abundance of state parks. State parks help preserve natural areas, allowing the public to enjoy nature. This not only improves the public's well being, but also preserves the habitat of plants and animals along with the landscape. Without them, every corner of land would likely be used for development and people's own interests.
This week, I was interested in an article regarding different state’s climate strategies and how the politics are affecting them in the article “Blue States Roll Out Aggressive Climate Strategies. Red States Keep to the Sidelines”. In this article I learned about the different climate strategies of each state, and how the different ideologies on carbon emissions and the limitations of fossil fuels within liberal and conservatives clashed with each other. This clashing between these states was over how the liberals want to push for renewable energy sources, while the conservatives states pushed for increased funding top bolster their coal and oil industries. I was intrigued by this article because I wanted to learn about our countries plan on how they are going to combat global warming and carbon emissions and what are the federal government's and our own state governments plans for the up and coming years. This article showed how many liberal states are pushing for bills regarding moire renewable energy sources and trying to pass a law that would fine any companies that exceed a limit of carbon emissions and ban any gas guzzling cars such as SUVs. Even some red states were even showing signs of moving toward and investing millions of dollars into renewable energy sources. This was fascinating because I know how a large part of the population is worried about climate change and global warming, and I am glad to see that most of our states have plans instituted to prevent it.
This week I chose the article entitled "How to, Maybe, be Less Indecisive (or Not)" by Susan Shain.
After spending so much time selecting the perfect article to reflect on this week, this unique article on indecisiveness caught my eye. As a grade A over-thinker and perfectionist, I hold myself to such high standards that I get anxiety that I will make a bad decision that will be a detriment my future. Even deciding on what to eat for breakfast stresses me out. So, reading this article was like a breath of fresh, decisive air. Basically Shain noted how not every decision is life-altering and that it's okay to make mistakes. "Good is good enough," in her words. Further on, she instructs her readers with challenges to evaluating choices, outsourcing our decisions, and remembering that one decision is just one "dot" on the course of our lives. As teenagers, we are constantly being bombarded from our parents, teachers, coaches, and college counselors with the reminder that the choices we make today will continue to shape the rest of our lives. However, we have to understand that we are only human, and our mistakes are what defines us. In the end, we are where we are supposed to be because everything happens for a reason. Choosing to read this article was definitely one of my better choices.
I was interested in the article “How to, Maybe, Be Less Indecisive (or Not)” by Susan Shain. As I was scrolling through the articles this week, this one particularly caught my attention. For one, the title itself was clever and played right along with the topic. But as someone who is frequently called indecisive by friends and family, I was hoping for a few useful tips. I wasn’t expecting this article to solve all of my problems, but it was beneficial in helping me identify the problem.
I enjoyed reading this because it took tips from multiple different books and authors and combined them into one article in order to have the greatest effect. I feel that through this article I have gained more knowledge on how to improve my indecisiveness overtime, but there is no immediate fix. It is a part of our personalities, so it will take work to change it. Overall, these tips changed the way I look at a choice. I look forward to my next decision so I can put some of these tips to use and experience some relief.
Say the name Kardashian, and “work ethic” is probably not what comes to mind. The Kardashians have taken over television and social media. I personally love the Kardashians; I watch their shows, follow their Instagrams, and respect their style. Currently, my mom also loves them; however, this was not always true. My mom believed that Keeping Up With the Kardashians was strictly a “guilty pleasure” show that nobody should willingly admit to watching. However, the article “Keeping Up With the Kardashian Cash Flow” helps prove that the Kardashians are successful, respectful, and worth watching.
Since I am a user of Instagram, I am constantly viewing the Kardashians’ success through their social media updates. Although I realized that they were one of the most successful television families, I did not register their extreme amount of wealth until Kylie Jenner was named the “youngest ‘self-made billionaire ever’” (Chozick). This article opened my eyes up to the unbelievable amount of money every sister earns for seemingly simple tasks; Amy Chozick explains that Kendall Jenner “made $26.5 million for just 53 sponsored Instagram posts.” The exceptional way the Kardashians and Jenners have made money from capitalizing on their brand is truly captivating. Although I have still not persuaded my dad to watch Keeping Up With the Kardashians, this article conceptualizes the idea that the Kardashians’ vulnerability and success makes them worth watching.
This week I read How to, Maybe,Be Less Indecisive (or Not). It interested me because I can be indecisive and find it hard to make decisions. Susan discusses many ways to help make decisions. One example was “Go for Good Enough”, it encourages not having to have to absolute best but rather having just what is needed so focusing on the original purpose will make choosing easier. “Outsource your decisions” recommends relying on a routine or another person to help make choices so the decision is already made. The “90 Percent Rule” allows someone to choose something by the percentage of interest, so if it is not ninety percent interesting, than is not a choice. “Create thought experiments” says to envision the choices and their outcomes, making the decision clearer and easier. Finally, “Remember it’s just a dot” explains no one will ever have all the information, so just make a choice and continue because there will be more decisions in the future. This interested me because they are all techniques that make choosing easier, though of course not all will work for everyone. So while reading each one, I applied myself to the given situations and tried to determine which worked for me. Out of all the different ways, only two seemed helpful which was fascinating and left me wondering about what ones helped others. In conclusion, I chose this article because I was curious about what helps indecisive people like myself make decisions and I now fully plan on using them in the future.
"A Protest Song in Hong Kong"
I won't say my family isn't fortunate. We CAN afford a nice house, we CAN pay the bills, we CAN send my older brother and I to college. We've even been fortunate enough to move to America, but even my extended family back in Hong Kong is fortunate. Fortunate enough to live in a place so rich with history. Fortunate enough to have a culture built from the ruins of its past.
That culture, a lovechild caught in the midst of a battle of custody between two neglectful parents, finally standing up, establishing its voice, fighting to be heard.
You see, every night over dinner my family and I watch the Chinese news. The world sees the pandemonium breaking loose in the streets. They see the chaos evoked by the protesters. But what don't they see? The suppression of voice. The suppression of beliefs. Just a few basic rights in which we, as Americans, have established our whole nation around!
The power of Hong Kong has remained dorment for too long: used for its ports, thrown around by larger nations, territorial lines tested by China. This major city is a major force and we see this now.
My family in Hong Kong unfortunately has to endure these hardships and fight for rights I've been born into. But, they are fortunate to live in a place not only rich with history, but one which is making it.
In the midst of the battlefield this unrecognized nation stands. This song as a battle cry, the war has begun. The war on peace, the war on justice.
Vacations are meant to be safe, enjoyable escapes from the daily monotony of life, but what do you do when your vacation becomes a dangerous, fearful nightmare?
The current predicament in the Dominican Republic is raising this question by spreading panic among American tourists with plans to journey there. At least nine Americans have died in the Dominican Republic so far this year. With no obvious cause of the deaths, there is nothing for tourists to avoid, and they are left in paranoia. I am writing about "9 American Tourists Have Died in the Dominican Republic" because I am visiting the Dominican Republic this summer, and I am concerned about my safety in the country. Tourists should not have to fear the locations in which they are vacationing, and they should not be forced to worry constantly about their well-being. The present unknown threat in the Dominican Republic does both those things.
As such, a multitude of prospective visitors are being forced to make the difficult decision to cancel their vacations. Sharon Jackson, a Houston travel agent, expresses her opinion and advice: “If someone asked about Punta Cana, I would not recommend going there right now." Unfortunately, this grim assessment seems correct. Although, not all agree with Jackson, I believe the current mystery of the deaths in the Dominican Republic will keep me, and millions of other tourists, from visiting the country this year.
“Toys can come to life?” This question is asked by millions of children around the world that experience great youthfulness imagination while watching the Toy Story. As a kid, Toy Story was my favorite movie hands down. I loved all the characters and the idea that toys live and talk to each other. It made me curious at the time to see if my toys did the same thing. As I grew up I realized the truth, but with that I became interested in who was talking behind the screen. That is what allowed me to become so interested in this interview with Tom Hanks, the voice of Woody. I have watched all four Toy Stories, and I love every single one of them. My favorite character has to be Woody. He was always concerned and the one solving the problem. However, he had to act slightly different in each movie. I have always been interested in how actors can develop a character over time behind a screen. They cannot show their face to express emotion. The only tool that they have are the words they have and the way they say them. Toy Story 4 is different because Woody ends up separating from the group. This is not like him compared to all of the other movies. He has always been the leader. Tom Hanks shares that it was different seeing his character and not himself in public and says that Woody will always be a part of him.Tom Hanks did a fantastic job, and I found it very interesting to hear his experiences and opinions on being behind the screen as the star in Toy Story.
bengal11JosetteC
Article: She’s 83 and a Famous Nun. Australia’s Catholic Leaders Want Her to Stay Away.
By: Damien Cave
Controversy. This article is jam-packed with such controversy that it drew my attention. The topic of the Catholic church and what they stand for has always been a hot button issue. There are numerous scandals that go against what they preach. To me these issues with the Catholic church are important. Bringing light and truth to issues such as these are the only way that they can be rectified. The current Catholic church's beliefs are outdated and exclude and persecuted the whole group of people. It saddens me to see incredible people who believe in their religion, try and rectify their mistakes to keep their beliefs alive, only to be wrongfully shut down.
This article brings light to these issues and helps us as a society to improve.
An article that caught my attention this week was "Why Can't Everyone Get A's?" Its topic has long been a matter of internal conflict for me. I disagree with the article's general message - that education should focus less on the competitive grading system - but I cannot help but feel that in doing so, I lose the moral high ground. Besides, who am I to talk, given that I have never had trouble getting good grades?
In short, the fact that I disagree with the article bothers me. Most people like the feel-good idea that "in theory all of us could [succeed]," as author Alfie Kohn puts it. If I say that it is unrealistic, even hypothetically, for all students to have exactly the same level of ability or intelligence, I sound like an elitist and a pessimist. My position sounds even worse when compared to Kohn's point that "students of color, students from low-income families and students whose first language isn’t English" receive disproportionately low grades. However, the solution to these problems is not to create a system where more people receive A's. The reason that underprivileged students tend to get lower grades is not that the system is somehow arbitrarily rigged against them - rather, they lack some of the opportunities and resources necessary to learn at their full potential. Making changes to education such that this discrepancy between groups is no longer apparent is a step in the wrong direction. Problems like this must be recognized before they can be addressed.
Article: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/16/us/sat-score.html
While waiting for my three SAT Subject test scores to come out on July 10 and my four AP test scores to come out around the same time, the article "SAT’s New ‘Adversity Score’ Will Take Students’ Hardships Into Account" caught my eye and reminded me of how lucky I am to be able to take all of those standardized tests to strengthen my college applications in the fall. The article talks about College Board's new "adversity score," which will be assigned to students taking the SAT on the basis of social and economic factors in their community. I found it interesting that despite being created to even the playing field for disadvantaged students, it lacks the ability to represent individual people.
The area I've grown up in my entire life is known for being wealthy and privileged. Many students here can afford to take the SAT and ACT multiple times, putting them at an advantage when compared to others who may depend on one chance to get the best score they can. Despite having different economic situations at home, these students' scores would be judged according to the same adversity score, which would show wealth and prosperity.
It is important to view scores like these with more context than just the region they come from, especially when so much depends on them in the admissions process. This is a step in the right direction, but more can be done to individualize this process for students of all backgrounds.
Article: "The World Is a Mess. We Need Fully Automated Luxury Communism."
The ideal political system has always been an interesting subject. Aaron Bastani describes a new form of politics called automated luxury communism that would benefit all. This political system, as explained by Bastani, is "utopian in horizon and everyday in application". Perhaps it is just the nihilism and pessimism of my generation, but the ideas that Bastani has seem too good to be true. He begins with an example of what the future could be like: food and drink grown in a lab without the need for all the resources that we use now (Bastani). This argument for lab-grown food is a little detached from his main point. One weak argument isn't bad, but he goes on to say that the real problem we as a society have to face is our lack of imagination. By saying that "humanity has been afflicted by a psychological complex"(Bastani), he attacks the reader. Telling humanity that it lacks imagination does not effectively argue his point. It only causes his ability to affect ethos to go down.
Aaron Bastani made many interesting points in his opinion based article on automated luxury communism. He paints a picture of an ideal society that sounds appealing, but which I do not believe will work. His theory has difficulty convincing me that it will work, so I am skeptical that other people will agree with him. The points Bastani made do not seem attainable and his argument is lacking in effectiveness.
Title of Article: “The Gender Gap in Computer Science Research Won’t Close for 100 Years”
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/21/technology/gender-gap-tech-computer-science.html
Written by: Cade Metz
June 21, 2019
Ever since I was a little girl I’ve always wanted to work in the field of technology. I’ve always wanted to know how things work. Looking at a computer and how it works has always sparked my curiosity, and it still does today. That’s why I was so intrigued by this article: “The Gender Gap in Computer Science Research Won’t Close for 100 Years”. I’ve always known women were in the minority when it comes to the field of technology, and while women are gradually becoming more prevalent in this field, this article really showed me how much work still needs to be done before parity can be reached. For instance, here’s one statistic given in the article: “In 2018, the number of male authors in the collection of computer science papers was about 475,000 compared with 175,000 women.” Not only does this article discuss the imbalance in terms of numbers, but it also brings up the likely bias towards white males in the field. Unfortunately, due to this bias and the way the current numbers, the best-case scenario is “gender parity in 2137”, but it could also never come.
Despite this discouraging news, I’m more interested in this field than ever before. I still plan on joining this field and encouraging other interested women to do the same.
When most people think back to kindergarten, they remember sticky crayons and rubber mats. Instead, I breathe in the aseptic smell of freshly-cleaned floors and rigid white sheets. In the hospital, even air is silent and still, as if it too is infected with a sickly omen. Back then, the familiar aroma of soap comforted me. But I’m not sure I would have felt the same, had I known what I know now: that the time I spent in the hospital was nearly my last.
The decision my mom made when she declined to inform me of my prognosis is one I struggle with. I wonder how it would have felt to have understood the severity of my situation. If I knew I was going to die, would the realization have permanently traumatized me? I don’t know if it is better to be kept in ignorance or to face death. But I’ll never have to, because I survived. Others aren’t so lucky.
That’s why the article “Don’t Tell Me When I’m Going to Die” resonates with me. Ms. Kreissman is someone who chose to remain in the dark about her illness. She describes not wanting to “...tick off each day against some dark timeline.” Perhaps this is what my mom was thinking when she chose to buy me a copy of Toy Story 2 instead of a farewell card.
Being alive to understand the perspective in this article helps me gain peace with my mom’s decision. But were I not, I know I would have died on her terms, not mine. And the thought of such a death should convince anyone that receiving a prognosis must always be the patient’s choice.
"Let's Hear It for the Average Child"
Living in an age where admission into an Ivy League college warrants unlawful bribery and exorbitant sums of cash, it’s fair to say that university-bound teens experience an immense amount of pressure. We’re encouraged to engage in activities that will speak to our character, to achieve greatness in whichever route we’ve chosen. Opinion writer Margaret Renkl highlights the troubling nature of this elusive expectation as she rejects the idea that teens must “place top ten” in order to be considered worthy.
I craft college essays in my sleep, agonizing over whether or not my humble list of extracurriculars will paint me worthy of acceptance in the eyes of bored admission officers. And to intensify this soul-crushing and doubt-inducing process, normality is demonized to death— to be “average” is to be inadequate. There’s no time for aimless passion when there’s a clear demand for distinguished excellence.
This message infiltrates school systems across the country, denaturing the wholesome quality that once characterized afterschool sports and lunchtime club meetings. The joy once derived from piano recitals and track meets is completely obliterated in the midst of our battle for recognition. As we pursue these titles in an effort to quantify our success, we leave them to serve as the sole indicators of our worth. This results in the loss of our identity as the lines that once separated “work” from “play” blur into a forgotten haze.
On “Harvard’s False Path to Wisdom”
Kyle Kashuv, 18, has recently been kicked out of Harvard for posting racist comments on social media two years ago. Many people, including the article, are defending him by saying he was too young to know any better. However, I believe that Harvard made the right decision in rescinding Kashuv’s admission, and that his age will not excuse him from his racist comments.
I am 16 years old, and I know how cruel racism is. Clearly, Kyle Kashuv did not know, nor did he seem to care. If he was capable of using the N-word more than ten times and spilling anti-Semitic remarks, there is a high probability that he could do it again.
In addition, he wrote the comments when he was a high school student. Therefore, there should be no further debate on whether it was the right choice to withdraw his admission for his appalling behavior, because colleges judge students based on what they did during their high school years. Education institutions like Harvard would not want students lacking maturity and morals in their community. This kind of behavior should not be tolerated, and Harvard did a great job in exemplifying their aversion in such behavior.
Racism is, unfortunately, an ongoing problem and being a 16-year-old is an unacceptable explanation for using racial slurs. We 16-year-olds know better than this. Words do have consequences.
Link to Article: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/13/sports/warriors-raptors.html?module=inline
Response #1
Almost everybody around the world has heard of the Toronto Raptors winning their first championship ring beating the Golden State Warriors in six games. The New York Times did an amazing job in stating all of the information about the games and about the players. We wanted to see all the facts and factors causing the Toronto Raptors to win the title in 2019.
In “How the Raptors Won Their First N.B.A. Championship,” Marc Stein analyzed how the Raptors beat the Warriors in six games. In July 2018, the Raptors traded for superstar Kawhi Leonard and very good player Danny Green and traded away Demar Derozan and Jakob Poeltl and a first round pick. Leonard played a huge part all year and in the playoffs, putting up unbelievable statlines all season. Also, Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet came in clutch in the NBA Finals for the Raptors. The Warriors, on the other hand, were dealing with injuries and just not clicking in the NBA Finals. Superstar Kevin Durant went down with an injury in the Conference Semifinals and only played a quarter and a half for one game. The team announced that Durant had a torn achilles. Also, Steph Curry had an excellent but that was not enough for the Warriors. This article interested me because I enjoy watching the NBA season every year and it’s interesting how one good series by any team could cause their opponent to lose.
The article I have chosen to write about this week for the New York Times is under the subject of opinion. The article is called 'There's just no doubt that it will change the world' and it is written by Prashanth Ramakrishna. In the article Ramakrishna speaks of Douglas Hofstadter, a philosopher that has written a book that tells us about the problems of technological future we are approaching fast consisting of artificial intelligence and virtual reality. This article interest me because it is amazing how advanced the digital world is becoming and how fast it is moving. New technology that is advanced compared to a couple years ago is self driving vehicles and 'robots' such as Sophia that appeared on the Ellen show. On the show Sophia was completely capable to communicate with the host 'Ellen' without assistance. There are also other types of robots, they do not have the same communication properties as Sophia, but they do have a different human aspect of balance. These 'robots' can keep balance and when they do fall they know how to pick themselves back up. If this is what we can do in the current day and age then the future can become twice as great if we can create and properly use new technology. Ready to see what The New York Times comes up with next week.
"Ever Been Jealous of a Friendship?" by Jessica Francis Kane
There were many times when I felt jealous of a friendship. “Philia”, they called it back in the streets of classical Athens. That was it, philia. It was my desire; more than any other, the one type of love I longed for was friendship. I never cared about crushes and romance or roses for Valentines Day. All I wanted, for as long as I can remember, was a good friend. Though good friends don’t come easy, when they do, they take a crucial part of you and replace it with an equally essential part of them. No other serenity, I believe, will trump the presence of a good friend. When I read this article written by Jessica Francis Kane, I couldn’t help but understand, so begrudgingly well, what it felt like to be jealous of a friendship. I couldn’t help but lament over the hours I spent jealous of a truly formidable kinship. I couldn’t help but sympathize as she wrote about the vicarious happiness you feel when you see a true bond of philia unfold before your eyes. I couldn’t help but appreciate, once again, the power of friendship.
Article: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/16/opinion/columnists/facial-recognition-ban-privacy.html?searchResultPosition=29
The idea that in a few short years my life will be invaded by thousands of street cameras and security cameras that can scan my face and instantly identify me is quite terrifying. Facial recognition software is now being used in many cities in the US and I think it may be time to alert some people about the fact. It is senseless for us to hand the government an unprecedented power to invade the privacy of its citizens and to track people going about their daily lives.
Data shows that already 1 in 4 police departments use some form of facial recognition software whether we know or not. This is ridiculous considering there are 0 boundaries or laws in place regarding facial recognition. Which essentially means that almost a quarter of the police departments in the United States are legally watching us without our consent. Our nation needs to take a step back and maybe think about how this tech really could affect us before we ship it out to every city. And if surveillance states really are the future of police work than we really need to make sure I can still use a port-a-potty without Big Brother watching me.
I chose the article "The Long, Cruel History of the Anti-Abortion Crusade". This article particularly interested me because a lot of interesting ideas were brought up that I never thought about before.
I am usually a very open-minded person, but I have a strong opinion on the new abortion laws: I believe women should have the free choice to have an abortion. The reason I believe this is because America was built on the foundation of freedom of choice. While I believe the pro-life and pro-abortion groups should definitely express their opinions, they should not by any means be able to force their opinions on a group of people. That violates the fourteenth amendment and violates freedom.
The first interesting concept that caught my eye was: "How can “life” be sacred (and begin at six weeks, or at conception), if a child’s life isn’t sacred after it’s born?" This is an interesting concept because it is a hidden ugly truth of society. It seems that most anti-abortion supporters only deeply care about the fetus. After the birth of the fetus, the child is put into a very disorganized and harsh orphanage or foster care system, in which barely anyone has a desire to improve. Why does the value of the child drop? Why give birth to a child when you know that it will live a hard and depressing life?
Another interesting concept in the article is that no one is actually pro-abortion. They are just pro-choice. The abortion laws on women are forcing women to have no freedom of choice.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/24/health/spina-bifida-surgery.html
Often times, one ought to remember the basic luxuries of life that we have been granted. In certain scenarios, that may be the acknowledgment of bright opportunities available, while for another, that may be the acknowledgment of good health. Nevertheless, this week, I have been deeply interested in the aforementioned article regarding a young boy’s spinal surgery in the womb. As I have always had a love for the medical feel, I immediately clicked on the article in an attempt to learn more about the combination of medicine and healthcare- to learn more about medical mysteries such as spina bifida and how such young patients can survive. As I devoured the article one paragraph at a time, I could not help but notice the vast field of medicine and how Charley’s case has helped to develop such practices. Often times, we overlook normalities in our lives (such as a normal pregnancy). Yet, we ought to realize the dangers and possible threats associated with these “normal” occurrences. This article has truly opened my eyes in relation to the conjunction between the medical field and humanities.
After thoroughly reading this article, I feel that I have grown as a person in many aspects. By reading this article, I feel that I have developed an interest in the humanities aspect of biomedicine and how it may affect day to day life. Thus, this article has interested me the most this week.
Sakshi Pandit
NASA Rover on Mars Detect Puff of Gas That Hints at Possibility of Life
Date: June 21, 2019
Author: Kenneth Chang
This article “Nasa Rover on Mars Detect Puff of Gas That Hints at Possibility if Life” is interesting to read because Space is the most common and known topic in Science. Learning about space is very interesting and makes you curious of what’s going on around our world and if something bad occurs on Earth we would need to be prepared which is why this article is important because it is a clue for human survival when Earth is dying. This article is about how a NASA Rover discovered something new on Mars that gave a clue that there was once life on Mars and might still be. It is also a new reading to learn about in the subject of Science. In conclusion, I chose this article because space is a very significant subject that should be focused on more.
Article: “How to Deal With a Jerk Without Being a Jerk.” https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/05/smarter-living/how-to-deal-with-a-jerk-without-being-a-jerk.html?module=inline
This week, the article “How to Deal With a Jerk Without Being a Jerk” was brought to my attention. This article got my attention because I’ve always wanted to improve the way I handle criticism or hateful comments. Throughout the article, author and psychologist Adam Grant discusses situations that he has had to face in the past, and how he’s learned to handle them. One of the tips that Grant gives is to avoid getting defensive, which always comes difficult because that’s usually our first response. Avoiding aggression and instead talking about the situation is the best choice. While doing this, listening to others opinion is also very important. This brings different perspectives to the situation, which can always help you learn something new. Overall, I learned that being the bigger person and handling the situation calmly always helps grow as a person and avoids problems.
Article: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/21/business/what-are-you-doing-for-lunch.html?action=click&module=Features&pgtype=Homepage
I love the feeling of nostalgia. It makes me feel happy, and it makes me feel loved. When I am reminded of events that have happened to me, I am fortunate enough to say that almost all of them were positive memories. But what is important to remember, is not only to focus on how you felt, but on who you were with and what you were doing. In "What Are You Doing for Lunch?", you can see people of all races, genders, occupations, etc. who are joined together by one simple thing: lunch. This may seem insignificant because it's such an ordinary event that happens to us every day. But life is defined by these small events. In the article, you can see multiple pictures of people of all backgrounds eating together. We don't know what they are talking about and we don't have to. There is a picture of two men eating hot dogs together, a picture of a two people eating together in Central Park, businessmen eating, tourists eating, working people who are on their lunch break, and a woman serving lunch to people at a diner. These moments were photographed. Imagine the hundreds of times we ate with friends, family, co-workers, or even with strangers at a Starbucks. The point is, you do not know how important or significant a moment can be until later, sometimes years later. As we get older we realize that it's the little moments that mattered most.
On "It’s 2059, and the Rich Kids Are Still Winning"
I’ve never worried about money; I’ve always worried about whether I’d be good enough to get into college. I resented my parents for summers of constant tutoring and sports, wondering why I was different from normal kids who’d spend their days playing outside instead of memorizing SAT vocabulary.
They pushed me to excel beyond my peers, and never to believe that I had “tried my best”. Trying, to them, was a consistent effort that yielded results, and if it didn’t, that just meant I hadn’t tried hard enough.
My parents had a mantra: “because you’re Asian” 一 as if that explained anything. They reasoned that acceptance into good colleges was becoming impossible with just good grades, and I needed to differentiate myself from the other “genius Asian kids”. My parents feared that without connections to colleges I would fall short in this era of dying meritocracy if I didn’t win exclusive sports competitions while maintaining straight A’s.
Now, I’m thankful that my parents always pressured me to do better. Only the entitled believe that the world is fair 一 and the rest struggle to even their odds. I’m thankful that I was born now and not forty or so years in the future, for if this trend continues, the gap between the rich and the poor will widen and the importance of intelligence and diligence will cease, handicapping those without influential backgrounds because of college admissions offices’ unreasonable expectations.
The article that interested me the most is "For Taylor Swift, Is Ego Stronger Than Pride?" I think this article interested me the most because of Taylor Swift's music video she has a lot of people from the L.G.B.T.Q.+ community and her having that many people in her video it shows that there are many people that are part of the community and there are fewer people that voice their opinion and it brings other people down and I don't think they realize how much it affects people. With Taylor Swift, she doesn't let anyone or anything stop her from what she wants to do or what she wants to be. As I stated before she does have a lot of people in her video. I think they agreed to be in the video because they weren't afraid to show themselves everyone and be happy about who they are. I think her new video shows and states that you should be happy about yourself and not let anyone come in the way of you being you. I don't think that she thinks that her ego is stronger than her pride. I think that she cares about pride very much that she's willing to do anything for everything and everyone. Most people may not see her video as a good thing but that doesn't matter on one person's opinion it only matters on yours and that's what matters at the end of the day.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/20/world/middleeast/iran-us-drone.html?module=inline
This week in the New York Times what interested me most was very controversial, it was the Iran Strikes on the U.S. drone. The president had a tough choice to make, he could decide to do nothing and tell the Iranian government to not let it happen again, or he could use some sort of force telling the Iranian government not to shoot down something else. If the president made the wrong choice we could go to war or we could have another one of our military defenses destroyed. Some of United State's oil tankers were sailing through the waters near Iran, and they were somehow damaged with no cause. The U.S. thought it was Iran but they said it wasn't them, which leads to conflict. Later on in the month a U.S. drone was hit with an Iranian missile. Since the drone was in international waters and no one country owned that area the Iranian missile should not have been fired.
I found this article interesting because I like to watch the news and see what is going on in our country. I watched the news and saw this on there and I wanted to know more about this situation.
Article: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/16/sports/lakers-lebron-james-anthony-davis.html?module=inline
For this week I found an article called “LeBron James and the Lakers Are All In for a Wide-Open 2019-20.” In the article, it talked about how it was a good new addition to the Lakers but it would also have a negative impact on them as well. This is because in the trade the Lakers gave away some of their most promising young players - Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, and Brandon Ingram. In addition, they also gave the New Orleans Pelicans three first-round picks which did include the Lakers fourth pick in the 2019 NBA draft. Although as the author of the article stated: “It was a deal the Lakers needed to make” and indeed it was a trade the Lakers needed to make. In the 2018/19 season, the Lakers placed 10th in the west. LeBron was injured for half of the season or more and there was nobody to step up and help the team win games and that is why the Lakers needed to make that trade to get another superstar to help when LeBron is injured. The Lakers still need help with shooting and are also in need for a point guard, so we will see what other big moves the Lakers might make before the trade deadline.
This article was very interesting because I like to watch and play basketball. I chose to read this article because I knew about this trade before but I wanted to know more about it.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/13/smarter-living/how-to-be-less-indecisive.html?module=inline
The article that interested me the most this week was "How to, Maybe, Be Less Indecisive (or Not)" by Susan Shain. I chose this article because I can be very indecisive about decisions I have to make and about which choice is better. I sometimes don't really know which one to choose. I wanted to read what this article suggested and what advice it gave to becoming more decisive. In this article, Barry Schwartz gives us five ways on how to become less indecisive. The first way is to choose the "good enough" choice in the situation. The second way is to take time with your choice and to be "choosy". The third way is to use a rule called the "90 Percent Rule". To use this rule, you rate your choices on a 1 to 100 scale. If the outcome is below 90, do not choose that choice. The fourth way is to use "thought experiments" to help guide your choosing. Lastly, the fifth way is to accept that you may not have all the information you want when making a decision. You need to make your decision and go on with your life because you will have future decisions you will have to make.
To conclude, this article gave some great ways to prevent indecisiveness for the future and how to make decision-making easier. I will definitely use these helpful ways when a difficult choice comes my way.
The most interesting thing I have read in the New York Times this week is the 2026 Winter Olympics are being held in Northern Italy. Northern Italy plans to share the hosting with the capital of Milan and the Cortina d’Ampezzo ski resort. Italy won against the other opponent Stockholm in Sweden. Stockholm never seem fully committed to host the 2026 Winter Olympics. In fact, Stockholm dropped out of the bidding for the 2022 Winter Olympics due to financial issues. This was one of the reasons the International Olympic Committee voted for Italy for the Winter Olympics in 2026. Italy was expected to win because of all the public support in the country and they had more willingness from government officials to guarantee financial support. The International Olympic Committee was proud to announce Italy's hosting of the Winter Olympics and the sharing of hosting of many different cities in Italy. Unfortunately, there is becoming fewer interest from countries to host the Winter Olympics due to the money having to be spent. The I.O.C. is hoping that the public support in Italy will help bring back the interest and the spirit in global happening in the Winter Olympics. Let us hope that Italy will give us a Winter Olympics to remember.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/16/sports/lakers-lebron-james-anthony-davis.html?module=inline
This week I found an article called, “LeBron James and the Lakers Are All In for a Wide-Open 2019-20.” The article showed that AD and LeBron would be a high risk, high reward combo. It was a high risk because they gave away three players of their young core; Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, and Josh Hart. Along with this they gave away three first round picks in the draft. However, it is high reward since AD is one of the best big men in the league at the moment. As the author states, “It was a deal the Lakers needed to make.” It indeed was a trade they need to make because the Lakers were only the 10th seed in the west. Yes, LeBron may have been injured but while he was gone, there was nobody to save the Lakers. Moreover, the Lakers are trying to make a dynasty and it is unclear whether they have enough money to give a contract to a star shooter/point guard. For example, Kemba Walker, Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, Jimmy Butler, and D’angelo Russel. To summarize, the Lakers have gave a lot for one person however, will it take them to the playoffs or will injures end their season?
This article was very intriguing because I enjoy watching and playing basketball. As well as this the NBA is fast growing and huge place for debate which I enjoy. A huge aspect to clicking on this article was also because it was a massive trade that people were expecting but didn’t really happen until now.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/11/sports/uswnt-thailand-score.html?module=inline
Since you don’t know me that well, let me tell you something about myself. I absolutely love soccer. Soccer has been my favorite sport ever since I was about four years old. When I saw the U.S. soccer article, I knew I wanted to read it. This article summarizes the U.S. Women’s soccer team’s first game in the 2019 World Cup. The U.S. team won 13-0 against Thailand. What I found interesting in the article is that the author described each goal. Andrew Keh, the author, wrote about how each goal was scored and who scored it. But what made me more interested in the article, was the Keh described the goals in reverse order. He started with how the last goal was scored and worked his way to how the first goal was scored. I also liked that Keh put the time that each goal was scored so if I didn’t watch the game and wanted to see the goals, I could go and look at that time in the game, and see the goal. The article makes mention about how the U.S. soccer team was criticized for racking up so many goals in the 13-0 game. Alex Morgan defends the team by saying, “‘in the moment, every time we score a goal in the World Cup — I’ve dreamed of it since I was a little girl,’ Morgan said. ‘When it comes to celebrations, I think this was a really good team performance tonight, and I think it was important for us to celebrate with each other.’”
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/17/business/women-power-leadership.html?module=inline
New women in leadership roles are changing what it means to be a leader, leaders stereotypically have male characteristics, inaccessible, decisive, and authoritative. Women that act this way are seen as bossy, and women that act traditionally female are seen as pushovers and as if they could never control a company, so it’s hard to get people in the right mindset to accept a female boss. Women in power have a combination of decisiveness and empathy, creating a new type of leader, changing the rules of what it means to be one.
I choose this article because I never really questioned what a leader was and I wanted to learn about what a leader could be like.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/18/science/shipworm-rocks-sand.html?module=inline
The article that interested me the most was “This creature Eats Stone. Sand Comes Out the Other End”. This article explained how an organism, known as the shipworm, has been able to evolve from its original species and can possibly help the search for antibiotics. The author started the article by explaining how the original species was known for being able to digest wood from boats, docks, and piers. After information regarding a new species of shipworm was brought forth, it did not take long for researchers to discover it. This new species had developed the ability to eat stone, rather than wood and was found inside sandstone. Because their environment had changed from wood to stone, their eating habits changed as well. The researchers then speculated that part of the reason that the shipworms had been able to adapt to eat stone was due to the expansion of their gills and the lack of an organ that helped break up wood.
The main reason that I picked this article was because the author had mentioned that this organism could help direct scientists to a new antibiotic. This is due to the large amount of enzymes produced by the shipworm’s gills. These gills contain a lot of symbiotic bacteria, which is able to break down materials such as stone very easily. Scientists, therefore, believe that, with more research on these organisms, many new medicines can be created and help people in the future.
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https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/17/science/dogs-eyebrows-evolution.html
This week in the New York Times, I found the article “Those Puppy Eyes You Can’t Resist? Thank Evolution” by James Gorman very interesting because of my interest in evolution and my love of dogs. While I am always the first one to give in to those puppy eyes, I never really knew why their faces could be so convincingly adorable, especially considering that other animals like cats could not replicate them. Because of this, I couldn’t help but read the article and found it very informative into the anatomy of dogs’ faces. The “puppy eyes” and “AU101: inner eyebrow raise” face that give a more approachable face are made unique to dogs through a muscle that raises the eyebrow. While I was not surprised that cats do not have this unique trait, giving them their own unique trait of their barely moving faces, I was surprised that horses have similar facial movements to dogs.
This can all be traced to evolution when dogs’ ancestors, wolves, were shown to have not raised their eyebrows as much, especially in breeds that were less closely related to wolves. While this interested me in an example of evolution that is not taught in schools, it also made me wonder what other traits in dogs and other domesticated animals have changed from their original ancestor. As well, this made me wonder if dogs knew how cute the raising of the eyebrow makes them and if they use it on purpose just for a little love.
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This week, I found the crisis over tourist deaths in the Dominican Republic to be interesting. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/23/us/dominican-republic-tourist-deaths.html?action=click&module=News&pgtype=Homepage
I feel so because, myself having been a tourist there, and planning to return, it concerns me that numerous people have died in various resorts over this year. The article brought to my attention how critical the tourism industry is for a third world country like the DR, and how these unfortunate events are harming the business and economy there. The article went into detail about the inadequate medical attention that the resorts provide, but also mentioned how the resorts are working to improve their facilities to prevent more tragedies. I would hope that in the future there will be better and safer practices done by the resorts, making travels there safe and sound, and inviting to tourists from all around the world.
Immigration has become a forefront in our politics and our daily lives. You hear about it mostly in states like Texas, California and other southern states; not Minnesota. That is why I read “‘These People Aren’t Coming From Norway’: Refugees in a Minnesota City Face a Backlash” by Astead W. Herndon. I wanted to read this article to remind me that no matter how conservative and ignorant people in my state can be, it is worse out there. The article interested me because Minnesota is rarely in the news, and with a title like that it brought me in. Reading about what these people say and hearing about their white conspiracy theories is enough to make anyone second guess all they knew. St.Cloud, Minnesota has had a large settlement of Somali refugees and people there are not happy. Honestly this article made me upset. The man they were interviewing, John Palmer, said “The very word “Islamophobia” is a false narrative. A phobia is an irrational fear… There are many reasons we are not being irrational.” The article shows how ignorant people can be when they are not exposed to the truths of the world, the title says so before you even read it. The article mentions an attack on a mall in the city, by a Somali-American refugee, which many people see as their reason for the concern. Paul Brandmire, said they are not leaving and that “This is the Hatfields and McCoys.” The article interested me simply due to the ignorance displayed in the title and a want to know more.
The ‘Euphoria’ Teenagers Are Wild. But Most Real Teenagers Are Tame.
The article that most interested me this week in the Times was “The ‘Euphoria’ Teenagers Are Wild. But Most Real Teenagers Are Tame”. The article touches on the difference between how teenagers are portrayed in the media versus the reality of teenagers. Many think that teenagers these days are drinking, smoking, partying and getting into a lot of trouble. However, this article shows that teenagers these days drink and smoke less than their parents. They are also less likely to have sex, become pregnant, drop out of highschool, and commit crimes. The article calls this generation of teenagers the “cautious generation”. This is probably because statistics show that most teenagers are not having sex and drug use is declining. However, something that is growing rather than declining is teenage suicide rates. The article explains that suicide rates in adolescents is at its highest rate in 20 years. Plus, mental health illnesses such as depression and anxiety are becoming far more common in teenagers. Not only does the article explain the differences between teens on the big screen versus teens in modern day society, but it takes not of serious problems that are occurring among teens today. It is important for people to be more aware of the issues that are rising and how they could be prevented in the future.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/13/smarter-living/how-to-be-less-indecisive.html?module=inline
This week in NY Times, I was interested in reading “How to, Maybe, Be Less Indecisive (or Not)” by Susan Shain. As an individual that is usually conflicted between options in any situation, I wanted to learn what research and experts suggested to become more decisive. I don’t have much confidence in anything I do typically, and I fear the mistake of making a wrong choice that could impact others in a way I would not want it to. I am also afraid of the fact that I may have regrets in the future. In this article, Tim Urban advised using experiments as guidance to imagine how one would hypothetically feel about the outcome of a certain choice, which I feel would certainly help me become less hesitant.
One of the suggestions that caught my attention was to go for good enough, not perfection because I would say that I am a perfectionist, and almost everything I do is never really good enough for me. Dr. Schwartz in this article stated that “...seeking the best is a recipe for misery,” which I agree and relate to. I am aware that trying to achieve the best stresses me out sometimes, especially when it comes to meeting people’s expectations. However, at the end of the day, after overthinking an end product or important decision, whether it be a school essay or conflict with friends, I realize to stop thinking about it and move forward.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/13/smarter-living/how-to-be-less-indecisive.html?module=inline
This week in NY Times, I was interested in reading “How to, Maybe, Be Less Indecisive (or Not)” by Susan Shain. As an individual that is usually conflicted between options in any situation, I wanted to learn what research and experts suggested to become more decisive. I don’t have much confidence in anything I do typically, and I fear the mistake of making a wrong choice that could impact others in a way I would not want it to. I am also afraid of the fact that I may have regrets in the future because of my actions. In this article, Tim Urban advised using experiments as guidance to imagine how one would hypothetically feel about the outcome of a certain choice, which I feel would certainly help me become less hesitant.
One of the suggestions that caught my attention was to go for good enough, not perfection because I would say that I am a perfectionist, and almost everything I do is never really good enough for me. Dr. Schwartz in this article stated that “...seeking the best is a recipe for misery,” which I agree and relate to. I am aware that trying to achieve the best stresses me out sometimes, especially when it comes to meeting people’s expectations. However, at the end of the day, after overthinking an end product or important decision, whether it be a school essay or conflict with friends, I realize to stop thinking about it and move forward.
The article that interested me the most this week was "Animated Movies Give Women More Leadership Roles, Study Finds" by Cara Buckley. This article in the Times interested me the most because it discusses women leadership and empowerment in animated movies. Being a 16-year old, I grew up watching and loving Disney movies. Some of my favorites were Finding Dory, High School Musical 1-3, Frozen, and all the princess movies! What some of these movies have in common is a female lead. But sadly, according to the article, “Less than a fifth — 17 percent — of the 120 top animated movies from 2007 to 2018 had female leads.” As well as female leads in movies like “Frozen”, “Moana” “Cinderella”, “Snow White”, etc, women are starting to produce and direct animated movies more. The article shows that “...of the top 120 animated films over the last dozen years, nearly four in 10 had female producers, which is more than double the number of women who produced live-action films in that time.” This provides inspiration to so many women and young girls to strive to do their best and strive to do the unthinkable.
This June, the LGBT community celebrates the fiftieth anniversary of the Stonewall riots, often credited as the start of the LGBT rights movement. However, it may surprise the uninformed reader that the struggle for LGBT equality began far before Stonewall.
When I read about Leo Abse, I was surprised by the lack of notoriety given to the true allies of LGBT equality before Stonewall. In fact, before reading this piece, I had never heard about Abse, the heterosexual lawmaker who introduced the 1967 bill that would decriminalize homosexuality in the UK.
It’s a shame that greedy corporations and celebrities draw immense profits from Pride-branded products and allow themselves to claim allyship while the true allies of the LGBT community are lost to history. We’ve all heard about YouTube, the company that splashes its own channel’s logo with rainbow colors despite notoriously demonetizing videos with LGBT content and replacing them with anti-LGBT advertisements. But have we heard of the Eighth Earl of Arran, who sponsored a version of Abse’s bill when his elder brother took his own life because he was gay? Or perhaps Margaret Marshall, the chief justice of Massachusetts who wrote the 2003 decision declaring that same-sex unions are entitled to legal recognition?
We will forever remember Stonewall and its lasting impact. However, as we celebrate its fiftieth anniversary, we should also remember the true allies: those who gave back knowing they will be forgotten.
nyti.ms/2N7X1aC
This week, I found an article that explains the truth to why not everyone can succeed in school. The article is very interesting for me to read because it tells how many students can't get the same grades in the course and explains a truth that shows how that is happening based on the state standards. In schools, raising the standards to a level where all students are not able to meet at the same time leads to having the students get a variety of scores in the course. If every student got the same score throughout the year or semester of the course, then the teachers would be making it too easy for them to learn the topics. This is why the state agreed to raise the standards to see how students can perform at a higher-end thinking as this is the reason why everyone can't get A's. The high standards rigged by the state creates a competition between students trying to earn the highest score possible in the class. I've had an experience with this in my Science class, where I wasn't able to get an A like everyone else on certain tests although they may not be as smart as me in getting an A in the course overall. This is where I knew not everyone would get the same letter grade, but some would not always pass in the assessments. For my stance, I would be supportive about this topic based on the reasoning it provides behind the main question of this article "Why Can't Everyone Get A's?".
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/15/opinion/sunday/schools-testing-ranking.html
Hello All,
I would describe myself as an enthusiastic, yet analytical movie critic. ' Toy Story 4' Review: Playtime's Over' caught my attention due to praise that this recent release is gaining. However, I am going to go against the tide and be one to state that this movie was not that enjoyable. Yes, the animation and humor was incredible! However, I would disagree with "extensive" plot that Manohla Dargis perceived. Simply, Toy Story 4 had an unoriginal storyline. Hmm... the main character get's into danger or is lost and then is miraculously saved! Yawn. Personally, I expected this movie to be more touching by having the original characters such as Andy, Buzz, and the Jesse be the main focus. Although, this movie decided to introduce a new "toy" called Forky. This choice took away the sentimental memories that I had of previous Toy Story movies and instead added a mix of chaos. I may be somewhat pessimistic, but feel as though I need to share my honest opinion. The movie did have a unique conclusion as Andy parted ways from the rest of his dear friends. I would state that this ending wrapped up a mediocre movie well. The unexpected occurred and a bittersweet moment drew the audience into feeling emotional.
China Frees Church Leader After 6 Months in Detention
By Ian Johnson
The Chinese government bureaucracy holds all too bullets power in hand, whether it is officers being able to detain citizens for up to 6 months without a trial or handing out executions left and right. They seem to want their people to fear them, carrying out arbitrary detention, torture, and other forms of mistreatment in various detention facilities against human rights defenders and others who speak out against the government, completely different from most western societies.
However, China is not just a normal western society. Yes, this type of Machiavellianism should be abolished, but you may start to understand China's methods of governing once you realize they are managing 1.3 billion people. However, China has been showing some changes. Looking back at the Tiananmen Square Protest in 1989, China established extreme control and startled the protestors by literally open firing on citizens and bringing in tanks, gas bombs, and grenades, killing hundreds of thousands of protestors just to set an example. But look at the Hong Kong Protest caused by the extradition bill. The government actually listened to the protestors, suspending the bill almost instantly.
Though China still has a long way to go, China has definitely been showing levels of maturity compared to prior years and I trust that China will continue their path of maturity, eventually becoming a part of the world.
The article “Racist Comments Cost Conservative Parkland Student a Place at Harvard, By Patricia Mazzei” interests me because racism is a world known problem, and many people can either get offended or hurt with this. If schools judge you before letting you in that will not only hurt the child but the child’s future. This topic is quite popular as it is seen on almost all social media platforms, so I thought lets see if this can grab my attention, which it did. The saddest part of this article is when I read that Some colleges and school are racist against their students, some schools don’t let the student in because of their skin color or religion. This scares me because as an Indian I do get mistaken for many other religions and that can either lead to having trouble getting into a good college that will help me pursue my goals. Even though I am a freshman and things can change until then, it can also not change. Even racist comments can really affect the way some people think, why can it not affect me? That truly scares me and hopefully racism does perish and everyone has an equal possibility to get into any college.
An interesting article that I read this week was, "Work is Like Water" by Karen Rinaldi. The article talks a fair bit about perspective. You can be in a bad situation and have it turn good because in the end, it's what you decide to make of it that really makes the difference. You could also decided that you are just going to be in that bad situation and that's that. I was further interested in the actual comparison of work and water. Previously I had never thought of how much of an effect the continuously advancing technology has on lives, in terms of working capabilities. Each year I seem to be noticing the students in my school on their phone more and more, but I had never stopped to think about the fact that technology was also increasing the workload of working adults. The work is now spreading out into offtime, such as family time and vacations. This can be extremely overwhelming and straining, and something I've learned from the article is that doing some activity that you truly love can actually calm you, and possibly even lead to enjoying your work time. An optimistic perspective and a well balanced life can make all the difference.
I have always been interested in the cello. It’s beautiful, rich sound that is similar to a human voice captures me and brings me to another world. Yo-Yo Ma is a legendary cello player, and I have listened to him on more than one occasion. My favorite video of his, is his take on The Swan by Camille Saint-Saëns. His sister, Yeou-Cheng Ma, is also in the music industry. She started out playing violin and then focused on piano for a majority, playing as an accompanist for her brother. This week I read “Yeou-Cheng Ma, Sister of Yo-Yo, Continues a Legacy.” Their father founded The Children’s Orchestra Society 50 years ago, and today, Dr. Ma (Yeou-Cheng Ma) has taken it over. Her fathers wishes was for one of them to take over the Orchestra, and Dr.Ma has done exactly that. This is really cool, and it interested me as I had never even known Yo-Yo Ma had a sister in the first place. To continue a business in the family is a wonderful thing, and it seems everyone in that family was musically talented. To know that Yo-Yo Ma had a sister and father that were in the music industry is fascinating to me, as a violinist of 8 years. Music is something that will always be dear to me, until I am no longer able to think. I am happy to know another musician, and I will look forward to her works in the future.
The article that I read this week was, "Giving Donatella Her Due" by Guy Trebay. As someone who is completely in love with the world of fashion I was interested in the twist Ms. Versace would put in the men's Spring 2020 show. In the men's fashion show, Donatella Versace brings back hippie, punk, and biker styles. This was particular interesting because with the patterns she was playing with she was challenging. This article was very interesting because it shows what will be coming into modern day fashion in men and shows the absolute brilliance of Donatella Versace's creativeness. I am excited to see what Ms. Versace introduces next, and how she will shape the world of fashion.
The article that interested me the most this week was " The Gender Gap in Computer Science Research Won’t Close for 100 Years" by Cade Metz. Computer Science has always been a fascination of mine due to being heavily influenced by technology as a child. This article opened my eyes to the reality of not only the challenges for women in not only the field of computer science but to the other life sciences fields. An intriguing fact that I discovered was that women make up a larger percentage in natural science fields than the women in the computer science field. Though the statics in the article emphasizes disappointing statics in the movement of women in STEM fields, this article allowed me to gain more respect for the women currently in the fields of computer and natural science. I believe that women currently in the fields of science due to their determination are carving a path for the future generation of women. The article also showcases women are less likely to enter computer science due to lack of female role models, mentors, and collaborators. Though the women currently in the computer science field is very meager, they can still allow for inspiration to spread to another generation of women.
This week for the summer reading contest, I was going through my options of articles to comment on and this certain one really peaked my interest. Starting at about sixth grade, I started enjoying The Hunger Games series. I’ve always loved reading, and when I’m especially interested in a certain book or series, I go through the book in a matter of days or even hours. This was the case for this series. That is why I’m quite excited for this new novel by Suzanne Collins. I feel like the series was a great depiction of war and revolution, and it not only entertained me, but also taught me about the harshness of a tyrannical government and the fight for freedom. In fact, this book was the one that first drew me into politics. Granted, it was not much, since I was a young and naive twelve-year-old. Nonetheless, this series really brought that part of my personality into full view for about a year or so. It has died down significantly in the past two years, but it is still prevalent. Even taking away the politics of the book, I think that the overall ideas and the writing style were amazing and I cannot wait to read the prequel that is coming out.
Diversity is slowly rising in almost all types of media with many communities and races involved. The only issue would be the lack of a proper portrayal. In Sesali Bowen’s article “The Black Characters I Wish I Saw More Of” she is disappointed with the lack of variety in black characters. In her article, she tries to prove her point by anticipating what the audience may say after reading the main claim in her article.
Brown first concedes with what she believes that some of her audience will say after reading her article, such as, “Look at this one show it has a variety of black roles”. She does this, by saying that not all shows were like she described, so she could later counter it. She counters the "audience's" claim by comparing the long history of variety with white roles to the larger lack thereof history with black roles. This shows the readers that she understands there are some shows with variety, but there is more we can do about this problem.
I, however, agree with Brown. As a person of color, it is difficult to find a character which shares a common personality. It then makes you wonder if you are acting as you should. If a show has a black person with a drug problem or other stereotypical things and other shows continue to use the same personality, the younger black generation will think that is the only option. Of course, I am not saying that a black character can never do drugs, but there should not be only one set personality for a whole race to follow.
This week, I read "Lebron James and the Lakers are All in for a Wide-Open 2019-20". This article was interesting to me because I am a fan of the NBA, and this was a huge trade that will have a great impact on the upcoming season. The Lakers traded Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, and three first-round picks to the New Orleans Pelicans for Anthony Davis. While we have known that Lebron wanted to play with Anthony Davis for a while now, I was still surprised that they actually managed to make it happen. In my opinion, this is a great trade for the Lakers. They pair Lebron James, one of the greatest players of all time, with Anthony Davis, one of the best big men in the NBA. Although they did not even make the playoffs last year, with this trade, and a few more pieces, the Lakers could now be in a position to win a championship. They still need a point guard, and of course they have to hope that Lebron will continue to put up MVP numbers (despite going into his 17th season), but I believe that the risk in this trade is worth the reward. The Lakers have an opportunity to win now, and I commend their front office for taking it.
“When Social Media Is Really Problematic for Adolescents”
As a member of Gen Z, I believe that social media is the double-edged sword of the new world. Although I recognize the inevitable use of social media, I also fear the impending destruction that it brings. As the article suggests, we shouldn’t underestimate the psychological implications that misusing social media brings to our mental health.
Overusing social media has been proven to create a disconnect from reality, which can cause serious mental health issues. While the limbic systems of young adults are still developing, teenagers especially are susceptible to behavioral changes after utilizing social media. To learn more about this, I stumbled upon the phenomenon “Facebook depression” - a real, maladaptive “disorder” developed from social media addiction. It’s characterized by one’s tendency to compare his/her own life to the “perfect life” projected in a social media post. This constant comparison that one engages in results in the toxic “keeping up with the Jones” effect, making it a prime outlet for the creation of mental health and self-esteem issues. This disconnect from reality creates psychological issues for those addicted.
It is thus important to acknowledge the negative impact that social media brings. It is truly the drug that has encapsulated the world's youth - its addictive and destructive nature proves to be an adverse feat for all.
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“How to, Maybe, Be Less Indecisive (or Not).”
As an incredibly indecisive person myself, I am very familiar with the constant struggle of picking between two equally legitimate choices.
The author lists five techniques to assist the reader in working to become less indecisive, including aiming for “good enough,” which translates into letting go of perfectionism, outsourcing your decisions, creating thought experiments, and remembering that one decision is “just a dot.” While I have faith in all of these methods to limit one’s indecisiveness, I am skeptical about the author’s final tip which involves employing the “90 Percent Rule.”
The rule involves rating an opportunity on a scale from 0 to 100 based on your interest. If your score is anywhere below 90 percent, you are advised to perceive it as a zero and reject it.
While I do think that this method could be used in certain situations, I also feel that it could prohibit people from stepping outside of their comfort zones and engaging in new activities that they otherwise would not have experienced if they used the 90 Percent Rule.
I feel that in using this rule, one can easily mix up interest with fear, and choose to pass up an opportunity because they are afraid, not because they have no interest. By choosing fear, we are letting go of an opportunity to grow and challenge ourselves, and instead are staying inside of our own small box of comfort.
As I began to research for this project, I read through many articles and nothing jumped off the page. So, I began to examine my life. The first thing that came to my mind was anxiety. Since just ending school, finals, and a driver’s test, I decided to search the topic. With this, I stumbled upon; “How Pain Tolerance and Anxiety Seem to Be Connected.” This article was written by Heather Murphy March 30th, 2019. Throughout the article, Murphy connects how patients that are found with high pain tolerances experience little to no anxiety. This article intrigued me because I myself have an extremely high pain tolerance and perform well under stressful environments experiencing only occasional spurs of anxiety. I had known this about myself but not until I read this article did I see the connection. Doctor T.H. Eric Bui found that the parts of the brain that process physical pain overlaps with those that process emotional pain. The connection found was less of a physical examination but more a mind game with oneself. The article explains that those with high anxiety often lose control of their minds and bodies letting their worry take over which increases the amount of pain they believe their feeling. Their worry makes them focus more on their pain and less on calming the circumstance. This is interesting because in the future we can be taught to deal with our anxiety resulting in a more pain free life. This research has given me and many others optimism for our futures.
I'm interested in the article about "Facebook Plans Global Financial System Based on Cryptocurrency"
It will surely change the entire world's money transportation and can cause many side effects, I think.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/17/business/women-power-leadership.html?module=inline
The article that interested me the most this week was " What Makes a Leader" by Jessica Bennett. This was the most interesting to me out of all of the other articles because I am a two year student council member and we always get asked "what traits do you think makes a good leader?" Truth is, I never really have an answer. That sounds bad, but how could I have an answer if everyone is different in their own ways and not every person is able to obtain the same trait as someone else? I personally believe that there is no such thing as a perfect leader, because no one person is perfect. All humans have flaws. As I read the article I chose, I realized that I am right about a few things. There is not a perfect leader in this world and not one thing makes a leader. The article stated that when women are practicing male character traits for leadership they are then seen as bossy and pushy, but when women practice female character traits for leadership they are seen as too soft or not tough enough for the job. The experiences for men and women are different and experiences are what shape people. With different experiences comes different character traits, and with different character traits you get different leaders. I've learned through this article to always challenge yourself because it could lead to an experience that shapes you into a leader. Your leader.
As a high schooler, when I saw the title, “High School Doesn’t Have to Be Boring”, I immediately clicked on it. If I were to describe my high school experience, I would definitely call it boring. I was curious to see how I could further enhance my learning and make it more interesting. It is the law to go to school but that does not mean it has to be miserable. Of course, some classes will be hard to take and some will be boring, however, the overall experience can be changed. Doing fun activities like extracurriculars and electives could help make students more inclined to actively participate in their school. For me personally, I participate in my school’s DECA club, Student Government, and Football and Competition cheer teams. However, I know that there is always more which I can be doing. I hoped this article would tell me what other options schools may have so that I could make the most out of my time there.
The article that interested me the most this week was When My Mother Forgot Me, an article by Kate Neuman. Neuman discusses what it was like to lose someone you care about to alzheimers. Her article really connected to me because my great grandmother who I love very much has dementia. When I go to visit her, it takes her a while to remember who I am and I just don’t see the same person I used to know. I believe that alzheimers and dementia are very tragic because it makes the family believe they lost the person they knew and loved. In Neuman’s situation her mother and her were not very close when she was a child but she still didn’t know the women she sat across. She didn't feel that motherly bond between a mother and her child. The way Neuman described how she felt was also touching and provided me with details that made me feel like I was in her situation.
The article that interested me the most this week was "The Land Where the Internet Ends" by Pagan Kennedy. As a teenager it is hard imagining a world without the internet and service, but I enjoyed the thought of disconnecting and in ways that are not just turning off your because that's easy, everyone can do it. Disconnecting by losing complete touch with the outside world to be left only with your thoughts and the environment around you. When I think of this it seems almost refreshing to have complete freedom from your phone and to not have the option to return to it because I know that if we did, we would be too distracted with what's going on Instagram or answering emails rather than just being present. In my opinion I feel like people in general, not just teenagers, are too absorbed in their phones, so the idea of these quiet places existing shows that it is possible that we don't always have to stay connected and that we could survive without the constant use of our devices. The residents that lived in these quiet places are more social as well because without phones they have no choice but to talk to people and connect with them on a daily basis. In the end not having links with the outside world or the constant thought that you are missing something is stress relieving.
The article, “Depressed and Anxious? These Video Games Want to Help” caught my attention due to how video games affected my life. While I have not played the games from this article, I have played games which helped me through similar problems. Video games relieved stress in my life and were a platform for making friends and helping others online. This temporary relief from reality was cathartic and gave me a feeling of control that I felt was missing in my life.
This past year was my lowest point. Every weekday, I felt depressed, with nobody around to help. No matter how bad I felt, I always came home and played video games. This relieved the sadness and stress from school, allowing me to press the restart button in my life, preparing me for the next day. While this did not cure my depression, it provided a haven to compose myself enough to face the next day. The friends that I met online were a substantial help and changed my life. They had gone through similar experiences to mine and were able to dig me out of the mental hole of depression in which I was stuck. Without video games and the friends I met online, I would be unable to cope with my problems.
I agree with the article. Video games that focus on treating people’s mental health through gameplay will help people like me to overcome their problems. Part of the appeal with these games is that people can seek help confidentially on their own terms. This eliminates the cost, time and stigma of seeing a psychologist.
While scrolling through Instagram on a daily basis, an average teen would encounter hundreds of posts warning of the dangers of climate change. Posts surrounding worry for our planet has seem to become the most trending topic among generation z. In stark contrast, Facebook, more commonly used by the older generations, is filled with updates on people's lives. Social media helps reveal the ugly truth that our dying planet is not much cause for concern for our older generations. And the article, “E.P.A. Finalizes Its Plan to Replace Obama-Era Climate Rules” written by Lisa Friedman supports this idea as well. Friedman’s article addresses the policy changes surrounding carbon emissions such as Obama’s former plan compared to the new Trump rule, which seems to take a step back in time. This article sparked my interest due to how relevant of an issue climate change is among people my age due to social media. Through social media teenagers are able to feel heard on current issues, such as climate change. However, it seems like our worry is not read by our current government. Older generations may never see the effects of global warming. They know this. And many do not care that future generations will have to suffer the consequences of their poor actions. This article raises the questions: what will it take for older generations to listen to the pleas of their successors? Will they ever make a change? And if they finally do, will it be too little and too late?
Hypersonic Missiles Are Unstoppable. And They’re Starting a New Global Arms Race.
A constant in war is the development of new technology that is sure to completely change the methods with which wars are fought. In this way, hypersonic missiles are no new challenge; in fact, their implications in the global balance of power is one global leaders have worked within the constraints of for all of time. As new technology that makes old strategies obsolete have been rapidly overturning each other for the past century, the requirement to be successful has shifted emphasis greatly towards wartime technology and, more importantly in the past 50 years, peacetime technology.
It is said that in war there are no winners, only widows; however a cold war, without direct fighting, is a great way to keep your rival in check without facing losses. The cold war that encapsulated the United States and Soviet Union for almost half of the 20th century was not fought on battlefields but in laboratories, where both countries decided that if they had equal or greater weapons of mass destruction than the other, mass destruction could be entirely avoided. The development of hypersonic missiles on all sides of the globe is yet another rebirth of this. While watching Russia and China forcing us to keep up with their innovations make war seem closer than anyone likes, it is actually a great method for keeping the global peace.
This week, I read the article "How Safe is Sunscreen?" by Aaron E. Carrol. In this article it talks about what can happen with sunscreen because it may not be all that you think.
This article interested me because when I saw the title it cought my eye, I have always thought that there was no question about sunscreen being safe, it protects your skin and helps prevent skin cancer. It turns out some sunscreen may have it's defects to. In the article it states "the recent news that sunscreen ingredients can soak into your bloodstream has caused concern". When I found this out it does concern me a bit.
The sunscreen soaking into the skin is not the only problem there is a report that some sunscreens are known to harm coral reefs. "vacation destinations like Hawaii, Palau and Key West have started to ban sunscreens with many organic ingredients because they may be damaging coral reefs." this does concern me organic sunscreens are damaging the coral reef!
The F.D.A is currently running test to find out the chemicals that are absorbed into the body from sunscreens. “A study was published in JAMA that randomly assigned 24 healthy people to one of four sunscreens. Two of them were sprays, the third was a lotion, and the fourth was a cream." they also say “This is not evidence that sunscreens are harmful. It’s entirely possible that the amounts absorbed are completely safe.”
I'm glad that I was able to read this article, so I'm now aware of this potentially dangerous situation.
The article that interested me the most this week was "Racist Comments Cost Conservative Parkland Student a Place at Harvard" by Patricia Mazzei. I had previously seen some about this topic on social media, so I was intrigued by the title and thought it would be good to learn more about the story. I was very surprised by the background of the story and thought it was interesting to know that students who have been in that situation have different views on gun rights. I was most intrigued by the facts of what colleges can potentially look at to see if you are accepted into the college. As an incoming senior, this can potentially become a factor that schools will start looking at. From the article, I saw that the decrease of potential privacy, since in current society there have been many controversies of people's dug up past on what they like, commented, or of what they did. It is true that people have to take into account what they say and do but to the extremity of what is happening now, where people's past is constantly being brought up, can be damaging to many.
The article that I was interested in was an article titled "How to, Maybe, Be Less Indecisive (or Not)", by Susan Shain. This article really interested me because I can personally relate to it. I can relate to everything the author is writing about. The big decisions, and the fear of better opportunities. The fear of making the wrong decision. In her article, Susan Shain states, "Research has shown that choices sap our willpower and lead to decision fatigue. which might be why Sheena Iyengar, the author of "The Art of Choosing," encourages indecisive people to pick their battles -- or, in her words, "to be choosy about choosing.""I thought that was an interesting point of view. Which is why I enjoyed the article so much. Different points of view help us to see things beyond our perspectives. Which I think is an amazing thing.
This week, I read the article "Facebook Plans Global Financial System Based on Cryptocurrency" by Mike Isaac and Nathaniel Popper, which talks about Facebook's plans for a new type of cryptocurrency, Libra.
This article interested me because many large companies like Facebook talk about having ideas for a new type of currency, however, I don't see a benefit to adding new ones when there are already existing ones in place, other than having it exclusive to a certain website or platform. Currently, Bitcoin is the largest and most popular type of cryptocurrency available, why would these companies make a new type when they could just settle for Bitcoin?
Usually newer things, such as programs, software or video games tend to have issues when they are initially released to the public, so there might be a chance that the Libra currency may have some issues as well.
Since I am in a vocational school, this topic interested me. It deals with new technologies and cryptocurrency. The future of cryptocurrency is a mystery; it has many different paths it can take, and the amount of paths is uncountable.
This week, I read the article, “Five NY1 Anchorwomen Sue Cable Channel for Age and Gender Discrimination.” This reading sparked my interest because I always assumed problems like gender and age discrimination were rare in today’s workplace. I believed policies such as The Equal Pay Act of 1963, Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, or affirmative action would have protected workers from this unfairness. This article made me realize that even with legislation passed and in place, inequality still exists within our workforce. In the article, five anchorwomen who worked at NY1 claimed to get less opportunities and promotions compared to men the same age and women younger than them. By filing the lawsuit against Charter Communications, these women are not only advocating for fairness in the workplace, but also redefining the idea that youth and beauty are the only requirements for the job. It’s brutal to hear that the anchormen were celebrated for their years of dedication to the company while the women were ignored and mistreated. This is a big problem for not only middle-aged women, but also young working women as well. One day the youth will grow old, and they will experience they same problems. I believe that women shouldn’t be subjugated by their physical traits, but rather prove their ability with their educational and vocational skills. If these women succeed in the lawsuit, they will not only help middle-aged women, but also the next generations of female workers.
This week in the Times, the article that most interested me was the article named "U.S. might be the world cup's best team". This interested me because I thought they were going to talk about the U.S.'s talent but they actually talked about how the US brings the most support with them and that the cities in France were delighted to have Americans stay in their cities. They even went on to say that the American fans sold out the stadiums right after the tickets went on sale. Now this is interesting to me because the US women's team still does not have equal pay. The men's team gets paid more to lose than the women's team gets when they win. I bring this up because every single news outlet or person says the reason why the women don't get paid the same is because of the amount of fans they bring out and how much revenue they make. They say that the women's team doesn't bring out a lot of support. But with this article telling us the the US has brought out more people than any other teams, these excuses for not having equal pay aren't valid anymore. So I hope that the US women's team gets the equality they deserve because this team right here is a world class team and they are considered one of the best in the world.
This week, I read “When Pollution Is a Matter of Life and Death” by Sharon Lerner. This Op-Ed, published on June 22, begins by telling the story of a small residential area in Louisiana called St. John the Baptist. As of 2015, the Environmental Protection Agency determined that this community suffered from the highest risk of cancer from air pollution in the country. The article also describes the lack of governmental action to protect this community and many others suffering similar plights. Lerner argues that the main factor preventing action to help people who live in affected communities is “an administration that has been defined by its science denial and regulatory rollbacks” (Lerner) and that the E.P.A. needs to take the initiative to regulate the factories and industrial processes responsible for releasing carcinogens into these communities.
I agree with Lerner that the E.P.A. needs to act in order to prevent more communities from suffering the effects of the airborne toxins produced by factories. Sadly, I also agree that the very fact that the problem has been allowed to go on for so long is a result of “a government captured by industry” (Lerner). I have long believed that the government’s lack of regulation over the oil and gas industry is a testament to how much sway these corporations hold in modern politics, and this situation is another, albeit small-scale, example of politicians refusing to regulate an industry because it behooves them to turn a blind eye.
High school is a place where teenagers are supposed to grow and learn. But, high school can also be stressful and competitive. At the high school I attend students have very high standards for themselves. Some are angry when they get one question wrong on a test because it isn't perfect. Others believe that getting below a 90% is a failure. This week I read an article titled, "Why Can't Everyone Get A's?". This article interested me right of the bat because I feel like this question is thought about almost constantly within my school. At my high school most students compare themselves to other students and always strive to be perfect. This may not necessarily be a bad thing, but students must learn that they can't always be perfect. From reading this article I have realized that there won't ever be a time that everyone can get an A. This is because grades are always compared, so some people will always still do better than others. Even though this may seem slightly unfair, it is the way that life works and students must accept that. I believe that competition helps students work harder, but the article states that it is harmful. People are less likely to work together and collaborate on projects and people are more worried about surpassing others rather than learning. In a perfect world, it would be amazing if everyone could get As, but, instead of letting grades divide students, students should join forces and enhance their learning experiences together.
“With More Storms and Rising Seas, Which U.S. Cities Should Be Saved First?” In this article, we learn that after witnessing the effects of a devastating storm season in 2019, the government faces the challenge of deciding which coastal cities are worthy of being saved from the damage of growing superstorms and rising sea levels. The article makes the point that not every coastal town/city can receive the funding to protect themselves from these natural disasters. Congress has to find a system that decides what places are worth saving,
I would have never believed climate change would be this impactful and so widespread. To be discussing which cities should survive global sea rise and superstorms is an enormous change for a person who did not even acknowledge the reality of climate change a couple years ago. Most of America has come to the same realization as I; climate change is a credible threat to our security. This article is stating that climate change denial is detrimental not just the safety of America but also it weakens its physical and financial infrastructure, and some of its most valuable cities. It appears that everyone is going to have to buy into the idea of protecting America from climate change if it is going to achieve such a demanding feat. Even with all of our politicians on board, building up America’s strength these dangerous environmental conditions is not an easy fix. Congress will be torn apart by which states get these funds.
This week, I read the article, "Politicians Draw Clear Lines on Abortion. Their Parties Are Not So Unified." This article is important when understanding the current issues in the United States in relation to abortion and where to "draw the line." I have had many debates about this topic and have come to a simple conclusion about the issue. You do not have to be pro-life for someone else's body, but can be for your own. A very wise and humble educator once told me, "I am pro-life for my body and I, but pro-choice for your body." This article reminded me of my teacher and moved me to understand that abortion needs to have clear lines drawn, but should absolutely be legal and actively debated.
Boundaries need to be established when it comes to when abortions can be carried out in the pregnancy. However, this is still a human rights issue because of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision that declared abortion as a human right for women.
“L.A. to Vegas and Back by Electric Car: 8 Hours Driving; 5 More Plugged In”
Many have not-so-patiently awaited the coming of new technological advancements such as electric cars. The idea of electric cars have been around for many years, yet we’ve never gotten closure on this idea. This article may be the reason for this. Electric cars to many people may seem like the new, fuel-efficient, easy way to travel. However, this article may prove that otherwise. “Most electric cars need to be plugged in after they’ve traveled 200 to 250 miles — a much shorter distance than similarly sized gasoline vehicles can run on a full tank — and charging them can take an hour or more.” Electric cars surely do not require gasoline, but in the end, when you need to charge your vehicle for hours after traveling a shorter distance than a gasoline vehicle could travel on one tank, is it really worth it? Imagine you ran out of fuel in your gasoline vehicle. What would you do to get it running again? You would get gas and fuel up your car, and would be able to use it again immediately after. But if your electric car ran out of fuel, your only option would be to wait for hours for it to charge up again, and hope that you don’t run out of battery within hours of any event whatsoever. This is the reason that electric cars have not made more of a showing in today’s culture, but not many people are aware of this. This article answers that question, and that is why this article interested me the most.
What could have possibly made China’s most eminent pastor, who is also a famed lawyer and essayist to be confined for 6 months? For one to fully express their moralities in the public. As I read the article, “China Frees Church Leader After 6 Months in Detention” by Ian Johnson, I did not understand why these actions could be so objectionable. I believe that no one’s moral beliefs should be restricted, and be controlled. This thought was able to create a small spark of admiration which made dig deeper into the depths of the situation.
As I read the article, I was able to attain a different perspective which I was not able to see before. As I myself, used to be part of the stereotypical and biased people commenting about China, I thought about the bright side. I was able to realize the maturing government in China, as they did not use any signs of violence to the citizens. Just like the situation in Hong Kong, the government was able to handle the massive demonstrations calmly. I was happy to see this improving government that once used violence and fear to control the whole community.
As the government’s purpose is to keep society in place, the government too, may have its own method of keeping citizens safe. This article was able to help me realize that there can be no right and wrong to what someone’s morals and beliefs are. We all have what we want to believe in, and everyone should have their own freedom to what they want to believe in.
I do. You do. We all do.
"Trump Nominates Mark Esper as Next Defense Secretary"
This article interested me because I have always been interested politics, especially under the current administration. The article describes how a replacement has been found for Jim Mattis, the last Secretary of Defense. What especially interested me about this article is how it describes the current state of the Pentagon and how it affects Esper as Secretary of Defense after an unmanned drone was shot down by Iran earlier this week. The article also mentioned that any aggressive action by the United States would be seen as an act of war. The fact that tensions with Iran are rising again and that Esper is the second Secretary of Defense replacement makes me wonder exactly how this situation will play out.
This week I was interested in the article "Distress and Defiance in Tehran" by Salar Abdoh. In this article, Salar explains what is happening and will happen to the people of Iran as the problem escalates.
As an Immigrant and a recent U.S citizen, I understand what the people of Iran are going through as my family has been in that kind of Limbo where you are just the casualty of two sides. My parents still blame America for the downfall of Iraq and I do not want that kinda hate to escalate into a WWIII nuclear warfare between Iran and the U.s. The U.S did rush the decisions and the send 1000 troops into Iran, If I was a citizen of Iran I would be alarmed if a foreign country sends its troops and I would see it as a form of control. The article also mentions that Iran would become economically unstable as the U.S can cut trades with Iran and Iran has the fourth largest oil reserves and having no oil to sell would also impact the people’s safety as the government would need to be wiser and cannot spend as much money on its people.
A better solution for was for the U.S to make threats and handle Iran building nuclear missiles like North Korea, and I am puzzled on why they decided to send in 1000 troops to stop Iran from building nuclear missiles but not North Korea, is the U.S using its power on a country with less military. We all know that the U.S was in the wrong in here, as in the way Trump handled the situation.
‘It’s Binding or Suicide’:Transgender and Non-Binary Readers Share Their Experiences With Chest Binders
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I am always looking to learn more about people’s experiences. When I saw this article about Trans and Non-binary people’s experiences with binding, I immediately wanted to read it. I am friends with many people who wear binders, so I wanted to learn more about what their experience may be like.
As I read about these people’s experiences with binding and body dysphoria, it hurt to know that these people suffer with these issues along with the fear and unacceptance of being a member of the LGBTQ+ community. If these people also struggle with unaccepting families or friends, then this experience could be even worse. One man named Raphael said that he struggled with extreme anxiety and depression before he began to bind. He explained that although binding can hurt or be uncomfortable, it still prevented him from committing suicide. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community this article interested me as I was able to learn more about the community.
As a lover of movies I often take trips to my small town movie theater just to experience the theater vibe. By theater vibe I mean the smell of popcorn, the people, and just the feeling of seeing that movie I've been waiting for unfold on the big screen. Since I'm drawn to that whole scene it worries me to see streaming services take away the movie theater's thunder. That's why Kyle Buchanan's article "How Will Movies (As We Know Them) Survive the Next 10 Years?" cought my eye. In this article Buchanan asks an array of Hollywood producers, actors, etc. what they thought the movie theater scene would look like in the years to come. I just found it kind of sad to see these a list actors admit that the streaming era is beating out the "theatricality" of seeing a big motion picture in a theater. It is upsetting to think that one day going to the movie theater will be extinct but I'm also glad that when these Hollywood producers were asked about the future they were still optimistic about this new era of viewing movies. This article was a bitter sweet look into the future of movies and a friendly reminder that no matter where a movie is released people will create their own theater experience and still find a way to enjoy the movies these film makers worked so hard on.
This week I was interested in the article "Distress and Defiance in Tehran" by Salar Abdoh. In this article, Salar explains what is happening and will happen to the people of Iran as the problem escalates.
As an Immigrant and a recent U.S citizen, I understand what the people of Iran are going through as my family has been in that kind of Limbo where you are just the casualty of two sides. My parents still blame America for the downfall of Iraq and I do not want that kinda hate to escalate into a WWIII nuclear warfare between Iran and the U.s. The U.S did rush the decisions and the send 1000 troops into Iran, If I was a citizen of Iran I would be alarmed if a foreign country sends its troops and I would see it as a form of control. The article also mentions that Iran would become economically unstable as the U.S can cut trades with Iran and Iran has the fourth largest oil reserves and having no oil to sell would also impact the people’s safety as the government would need to be wiser and cannot spend as much money on its people.
A better solution for was for the U.S to make threats and handle Iran building nuclear missiles like North Korea, and I am puzzled on why they decided to send in 1000 troops to stop Iran from building nuclear missiles but not North Korea, is the U.S using its power on a country with less military. We all know that the U.S was in the wrong in here, as in the way Trump handled the situation.
This week, an article concerning service animals caught my interest. "People Are Taking Emotional Support Animals Everywhere. States Are Cracking Down" by Farah Stockman is about a common debate among society of the United States. The use of service animals and emotional support animals have been a common resort to many people with anxiety or other mental challenges. This is a very popular method used by many people especially in the US. Although service and emotional support animals can be helpful to people who truly need emotional guidance, some people have been taking advantage of this. Service animals must be certified in order to be brought into certain public facilities such as restaurants, shops, grocery stores, and airplanes. However, these certifications have been forged by some people. This caught my interest because people have been using a mental health remedy to bring their pets to places where they would not have been able to. This is unethical and a complete act of selfishness. Some people may have a fear or allergy towards a certain animal which could be one that is posing as a service animal. Not only does this bring unnecessary problems, but it is also ruining the lives of people who actually need service animals. Due to people faking their pet's certification, laws have been past to make it harder for anyone to certify their animals. It is most certainly hard to draw a line between an emotional support animal and an ordinary pet.
I found the article, "Those Puppy Dog Eyes You Can't Resist? Thank Evolution" to be very interesting. As a dog owner myself, I have wondered whether there was a meaning behind the famous "puppy dog eyes" that my dog frequently makes. According to the article, the muscle found in most dogs, the levator anguli oculi medialis, allows dogs to make facial expressions, such as the inner eyebrow raise. The inner eyebrow raise is the well known facial expression of the "puppy dog eyes". Dogs who were found exhibiting the inner eyebrow raise were more likely to get adopted from shelters as well. Scientists have also conducted studies to pinpoint whether these expressions were similar to those of wolves, and found that wolves do not contain the levator muscle. This was very interesting to me, considering wolves and dogs have many similar characteristics and musculature. Scientists have also hypothesized that the raised eyebrow expression intends to show that dogs are paying attention to humans, due to the fact that dogs are bred to work closely with humans. Nothing was proven for sure though, which deepens my curiosity for finding out the true meaning behind "puppy dog eyes".
"Will You Stay With Me Until I Die?"
There is nothing more terrifying to me than a change of plans; especially when that involves a boisterous crowd of two, three, may I dare say, four people? It is not that I do not enjoy the company of others, or going on whimsical rides of adventure and explorations. I just like it when it is on my terms and conditions. Is that so hard to ask?
But sadly, life does not hand us nicely folded crisp shirts with the exact directions on how to wash, dry, and iron them. It gives us wrinkled ones, with ketchup stains and unpleasant odors. It gives us Loris and Julies.
The Julies of this world cannot take anything for granted. They must check off every outrageous bucket list item without hesitation. They do not have time to overthink their decisions or wonder what if they just had one more second in their day. The reality is that they are the adventure-seekers, the extroverts of society, the flamboyant bombshells of today.
Then there are the Loris. They are the innocent bystanders in this complex ecosystem. The introverts that will gladly watch on the sidelines while the world passes them by.
However, the Loris will always come to meet the Julies. They are in the same time loop moving through space. Time travelers. The Marty Mcfly to the Doc Brown. Both are needed. The extroverts alongside the introverts. Both pushing one another to do greater things.
The bittersweet nostalgia of the “celebration of life,” with a steak on the side.
The article that interested me the most this week was "Racist Comments Cost Conservative Parkland Student a Place at Harvard", by Patricia Mazzei. My attention was immediately caught by this title since I had seen some about this topic on social media and decided it would be interesting to read more about it. This definitely was the most interesting, since as an incoming senior, it was interesting to find out about what colleges can potentially look at to see if you are a good fit for their school. It was also interesting to see a different perspective of people who survived school shootings since most of the ones I had previously seen were advocating mainly for stricter gun control and are against the second amendment. I have conflicting thoughts on what happened to the student and am unsure if the resigned acceptance was fair or not. Other students also got their acceptance resigned because of things they had posted online, so it could potentially be fair in this way. However, since the person who posted the racist comments of Kyle Kashuv disagreed with his views, it could also be seen as his resigned acceptance was caused because of his political view. The main thing I took from the article was how the world has been growing to where everything on the internet could potentially cost you things in the futures, and how from now on you will have to be careful on what you post or share on your social media.
"500 Vultures Killed in Botswana by Poachers’ Poison, Government Says." Reports on poaching and the risk of extinction for numerous animal species has been public for quite some time now and no change is being made. I find it very interesting that saving the turtles is some trend now (even though straws are only .03% of plastic waste in oceans), yet people can't seem to realize that nothing is being done for other animals. Hundreds of elephants are poached every year and it doesn't only effect them. Not only is nothing being done to stop poaching, but for some reason, poaching bans are being lifted. I feel like this is a much bigger deal than people think it is and something really needs to be done about it.
“Why Can’t Everyone Get A’s?”
This topic excited me the most because as a student coming from a low-income family and English isn’t my first language, I didn’t get to adapt and learn much compared to my peers. Grades definitely played a big part in my school life, I pushed myself harder because I don’t want to use my background as an excuse to fall behind. But not everyone act so, it doesn’t encourage you much to be ranked and separated my your grades, worse is that my school held Renaissance every semester for student with good grades only, I personally think that it would make me feel like a “loser” if I don’t get in. Everyone worked hard but why does some get it and some doesn’t? The school system made it to seem like grades are the only thing that reflect on how hard you work and how smart you are. I hope that this will change and everyone can be rank as equal to encourage more to work harder, not to be discouraged.
"Yes, Taxing the Rich is Possible"
A just tax rate for wealthy American citizens has been a part of economic discourse throughout American history. Leonhardt discusses a classic American problem, justifying an increase in the federal tax rate with an economic analysis, and using the past to make predictions. Leonhardt uses phrases like, “There’s no point in trying to tax rich people, because they’ll just figure out a way to avoid paying taxes” and “taxing the rich is impossible”, to turn the audience against the wealthy (Leonhardt). Leonhardt’s extreme generalizations excite the audience, shifting their perspectives to his opinion on the topic. Leonhardt portrays the wealthy as cynical and, attacking their character, persuades an audience (primarily non-wealthy citizens) to disagree with the elite's wishes for a lower tax. Leonhardt explains that the economy will not suffer, should we tax the rich more, but would improve for all.
I agree with Leonhardt’s claims, particularly, that increasing racial inequality stems from our own financial decisions, not from the inevitable modernization of the business world. I believe that the choice to give breaks to those that don’t need them has caused a concentration of wealth in the hands of the few. As consolidation of wealth hinders the working man's advancement in society, the rich should contribute more towards economic growth. Higher federal taxes on the elite can reduce economic inequality, and provide more opportunities.
"Those Puppy Dog Eyes You Can't Resist? Thank Evolution" This article caught my eye because I love dogs. I thought it was very interesting to read about dogs and why they give the cute puppy dog eyes. I also enjoyed learning about the different species and how they don't all have this puppy dog facial expression. I am very glad that I read this article this week because it was very interesting and I really enjoyed it!
An article that stood out to me this week was “When Britney Spears Posts on Instagram, a Thousand Conspiracies Flower” because I think that coming up with conspiracy theories based on a single Instagram post by a celebrity is very common today.
It seems that celebrities can’t post something on Instagram without backlash for it. If they post a picture in a bikini that people deem “too skimpy” they get called out for setting a bad example. If they say a swear word on their Instagram story or do or say anything that might suggest that they aren’t the picture-perfect Barbie doll everyone wants them to be, they are suddenly a terrible role model. If they don’t post for a while, people come up with conspiracy theories and assumptions about why they haven’t posted on Instagram for a grand total of one or two weeks.
Assumptions and conspiracy theories about celebrities can be fun. They can be harmless. But we take them too far. People seem to be actively looking for things on social media to criticize. They seem to have to speculate as to what exactly Britney Spears wanted her Instagram followers to think when she posted a video in a pink dress. Why she put an apple emoji in her caption. We seem to think we should know everything about our favorite celebrities; that we do know everything about them to some extent because of their public figures. But we don’t. And the truth is, we don’t have to.
“What Might It Take to Get Harriet Tubman on the $20 Bill?”
From history books, I learn what it means to exist in a country like ours. Or rather, as an Asian-American female, I learn how quickly I may cease to exist when the pages in a history book are limited, when ethnicity and gender quite literally become currency, when only white men are worthy faces of dollar bills and erected monuments, when only white men are to epitomize “American”.
I think of how I once scoured through literature and film to greet characters resembling myself, characters who were Asian and American, who were complex, who were beautiful, but most importantly, who needed no male or white counterpart. I searched for something too revolutionary for my time.
In contemporary society, Harriet Tubman has come to represent freedom. But as the article explores, the legacy of Harriet Tubman refuses to remain stagnant. She must become more than a symbol of black freedom; she must come to also symbolize black excellence and empowerment.
And I imagine a little black girl taking out a twenty dollar bill and seeing a woman who embodies her and her aspirations. I imagine in this simple act she will know that she is tangible, that she is here to stay, that in a way, her people and her gender are a currency too, that even in America, she may be beloved by the people.
“China Frees Church Leader After 6 Months in Detention”
By: Ian Johnson
China has been criticized over the past decade for the brutal ways that the Chinese government rules their country. However, many fail to realize the Chinese government has no choice but to rule the citizens with a constantly driven fear. China has 1.386 billion people continuing to grow with the largest population in the world. If China is too lenient and free the government isn’t capable of controlling all of the population. The media including this article, “China Frees Church Leader After 6 Months in Detention”, is criticizing the Chinese government for detaining a group of members from the church. However, looking back at the past just 30 years ago at the Tiananmen Square protest, the Chinese government strolled in tanks with fully armored soldiers killing about 10,000 people. 30 years have passed and in the streets of Hong Kong millions of citizens have come out to protest against China. This time the Chinese government decides to back off being a less lenient instead. Although detaining the group of church members for going against the government's ideals is wrong, you can see the growth and maturity of the Chinese government throughout the years. Instead of criticizing China’s acts once again why don’t we acknowledge for once the maturing Chinese government and encourage them in a less violent path?
“China Frees Church Leader After 6 Months in Detention” By Ian Johnson
Can you imagine being dragged away from your family for speaking out against a taboo subject or not registering your worshipping place with the state? Other countries may only consider these as minor offenses, But China underwent a mass crackdown and incarceration in December 2018 involving the imprisonment of hundreds including Jiang Rong, her husband, Wang Yi.
Although laws in most countries state that suspects are innocent until proven guilty, Chinese authorities possess the power to detain people for 6 months without trial. This system may be viewed as problematic, but it is still an improvement compared to the previous Chinese government. To illustrate, in Hong Kong, 2 million citizens recently held a protest without government interference, but during the Tiananmen massacre in 1989, troops resorted to violence towards the protestors causing the death toll to skyrocket. Despite the Chinese government’s significant maturation, I still believe that they should not interfere with religion for it can be an emotional outlet for many, and by imprisoning devout leaders, they are desolating China’s citizens and wasting money on people who have the capability of being productive and benefiting the nation.
Whilst there is no ‘perfect government’, if China continues to make improvements in terms of human rights, I believe that citizens would be significantly happier with their nation’s judicial system.
서정호 06/19
Imagine living in a world where every movement you make is surveilled. Imagine living in a world where you have to gather millions of fellow citizens to make your statement. Imagine living in a world where there's always a limit in what you can do and cannot do. That is essentially the definition of the massive country of China.
To begin with, China is a very diverse place. China may be intervening on human rights through acts such as just throwing citizens in detention, However, if we glimpse into the one-child policy to now, we have to realize how far China has developed and widened their perspective of human rights.
Acts such as the ones happening in Hong Kong with the protesters finally making a statement in Hong Kong and the government listening to what they have to say proves that China is reflecting towards its citizens. I have to give credit to China for not enacting acts of violence and sticking with controlling their citizens in a very formal manner. China is a big place with a diversity of citizens, and as time goes on China seems to be maturing and developing at a rapid pace.
Finally, I believe the media and public effect on how China handles its citizens. This is because the media can leak essentially anything and introduce it to the public. So China leans towards a kind and caring country so the media doesn’t view them as a violent and oppressive country.
What I found interesting this week that happened 6 days ago was the Lakers and Pelicans trade. In the trade the Lakers get Anthony Davis and the Pelicans get Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, and 3 future 1st round picks. The reason I found this interesting was because the Lakers is my favorite team and getting a person like Anthony Davis is very exciting for me because it can finally make the team good because the Lakers haven’t been doing good for 6 years. Another reason is that the Pelican’s team is looking pretty good. They have a young team that looks promising and they got Zion Williamson in yesterday’s draft which makes the team look even better. The Pelicans have not been doing good either so now 2 teams will be rising in the next off season. After the trade I found it funny how Lonzo Ball’s dad was complaining that the decision was a terrible move from the Lakers and that they won’t win another championship. Something else that was interesting was that there could be another iconic Laker duo. After Jerry West and Wilt Chamberlain, Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaq and Kobe, it’s now going to be LeBron James and Anthony Davis which is going to be exciting to watch. In conclusion both teams were bad and now they are stacked in star and young players, all the Lakers need to do is sign another player like Kyrie Irving or Kemba Walker.
“How Will the Movies (As We Know Them) Survive The Next 10 Years?"
Every industry evolves and changes with the times as technology becomes more accessible and adaptable, some industries progress while others come crashing down and become a relic of the past; the film industry being tangled in this once again. Interestingly, what got my attention to this article was the amount of influential filmmakers that were interviewed and weighed in on their thoughts of the ever-changing industry. It’s an industry that I have been heavily affected by and enjoyed for so long that to see this sense of paranoia sway many into changing how they think about their audiences, especially in ways that audiences themselves don’t think about. Paul Fieg states, “In “Lawrence of Arabia,” one of the greatest shots of all time is when he comes over the vast landscape as this tiny little dot on a camel. There are moments when you want to do a cool shot like that, but you go, “When people end up watching this on their phone, they’re not going to see anything.” It’s a terrible way to have to think, but you’ve got to keep it in your brain.” The way that technology is portrayed within the article makes it feel more profound now that streaming services have taken more of our attention at home. This article was very compelling in showing how split filmmakers and audiences are and finding that middle ground for the medium makes it a very enjoyable article to read even if you’re not much of a movie-goer.
I usually like to say that I'm not a huge sports reader. I don't follow what happens in a basketball game, or have any clue about how baseball works. But when I saw the article "She’s 103 and Just Ran the 100-Meter Dash. Her Life Advice? ‘Look for Magic Moments'", I just had to check it out. I thought, 'how on Earth could someone be so old and be running the same races I was currently running at 16?' To me, it seemed improbable, that was until I read the full article.
First of all, I can't believe that Julia Hawkins only got into running at age 100. It just shows me that it's never too late to do anything in your life, even if you think that there will be limitations. If you have a lot of dreams and goals in your life, then you'll never be bored, as you're always trying to complete something.
This woman is so incredibly inspiring, and she carries on a message that anyone at any age should be listening to. Instead of looking at all of the minor inconveniences in your life, she tells you to look at all of the 'magic moments' instead. Whether it's a compliment from a classmate, your favorite song coming on the radio, or even a pretty flower out your window, Hawkins is telling us to take a moment and to appreciate what makes you feel happy.
The main thing I've decided to take out of this article is that I need to appreciate the surroundings around me more. Maybe when I step outside, I can look at the flowers and think, 'wow. This world really is beautiful.' Thanks, Julia.
The Article I Read: “You Are Doing Something Important When You Aren’t Doing Anything” by Bonnie Tsui
I was stunned by the argument being made in this article. Bonnie Tsui believes that it is crucial that people designate time to be inactive and not productive. She suggests that being constantly productive is a strain on your health.
She proposed the root of this problem was the work culture in America. When we are not working we think we are wasting our time. She describes this attitude as Americans stuck trying to always be busy bees. She continues and expresses that she doesn’t believe that we take enough time to rest and recover from all of the work that we commit ourselves to.
I agree with Bonnie Tsui that we should attempt to change the way that productivity is looked at. I believe everyone should take time in their everyday routine to take a moment and try to decompress. People are used to making quotas and deadlines and this only causes stress and hours of “productivity” where we glue ourselves to our screens to finish something being demanded of us. This is not healthy and we need to wake up to the reality that this lifestyle of being a “busy bee” is detrimental to our health. Bonnie Tsui begins and ends mentioning that there is a delicate balance between work and play and I agree with this statement. It is very hard for everyone to be productive while also setting recreational time aside for ourselves and not grinding ourselves to the bone.
Gender and biological sex have more or less stayed separated in my head for most of my life. Gender is a social way of presenting yourself to the world. Sex is determined by the physical traits someone has. What struck me as odd in the article, "Fighting the Gender Stereotypes That Warp Biomedical Research" was that biomedical scientists -- trained professionals of the body -- were letting these two terms blend into each other like two bright paints mixing and creating a muddied brown. Scientists -- rational, analytical scholars -- were letting GENDER STEREOTYPES get in the way of studying differences in biological sex. Animals such as rats and mice that are being used in experiments to replicate the human body are almost always male. This can cause a variety of problems in terms of applicability to the way a medication could affect females. One of the main reasons for this gender difference is that many scientists that studied female rats claimed that they were too emotional or erratic to handle and test on. To me, a female both biologically and in terms of gender, this sounded extremely familiar. I couldn't believe that scientists were giving up testing on females because they had different hormones and were thought to be less "stable" than males. Differences in biological sex are supposed to be studied, not avoided. "Scientists are not meant to give up on a problem just because it starts becoming complicated," quoted Dr. Pollack in the article, and I couldn't agree more.
“New York to Curtail Use of Solitary Confinement in Prisons” Written by The Associated Press
As a result of our prison systems, a division remains between those in favor of solitary confinement, and those who are in opposition to it. As someone who abides by the fundamentals of human rights, I personally agree with the decreased use of solitary confinement. After finding myself absorbed in this article, it is clear to me that solitary confinement acts as a barrier to any possible rehabilitation. Instead, it is an advocate for something in complete opposite to the growth and improvement of a disturbed human being. If a person is locked away in a cage, with an absence of basic human interaction, it is expected that the subject fails to improve it's behavior. You cannot treat a person like an animal and truly think that, that person will somehow acclimate to society someday.
This phenomenon of psychologically damaging one's mental state must come to an end. Not only does the effects of solitary confinement harm the prisoner, it harms the motto in which our prison system is based off of. If we are not rehabilitating, we simply cannot say we do. The act that is currently being fought for in New York, proves the essence of truly dissecting results, and improving a corrupted system, based on such answers. Without analyzing the harmful damage that our punishments are doing, we will never reach a point in our society of true justice.
This week I choose to read, “Racist Comments Cost Conservative Parkland Student a Place at Harvard.” I am an activist myself, so this article was one that I was definitely excited to read. Something I found extremely interesting when reading this article is that Harvard withdrew Kashuv’s admission after the deadline to commit to colleges. This means that at this point it is most likely too late to decide to go to another school. Although the comments made by Kashuv were wrong, immoral, and unethical, Harvard should have notified him earlier so he could coordinate other plans. Harvard is not the one to blame in this situation, but their decisions should have been finalized earlier. Another thing I found interesting when reading this article was that Harvard was still investigating Kashuv even though he was already admitted. I assumed once colleges admit a student they move on to the next and terminate the investigation process. This article was clearly an eye-opener to me and was in fact very interesting. At the end of the day, bad actions receive consequences so think before you act!
“4 Months Old, and Whisked Away” by Caitlin Dickerson
What does happen to a dream deferred?
As I read Dickerson’s article, I could not help but ponder over Hughes’ “Harlem” and its resounding relevance. That what could be adjourned decades ago, we could still delay today—dreams. I knew that, in another walk of life, my parents, too, might have lost a child and flown back to their motherland empty-handed, wrought of their dreams. Like the Mutus, my parents were immigrants who left their home in hopes of finding greater prosperity in America. Unfortunately, once arriving, they were also left with discomforts that the media failed to portray, as Dickerson notes.
This article taught me of how irreplaceable family is and of the extents to which parents would go to reclaim their children. Furthermore, this article provoked many questions that I had not thought of before. I wondered why America was viewed as a Promised Land. I wondered how people could tolerate loss but continue to yearn for this country. I wondered why children had to be separated from their parents. I wondered how those broken families would heal. I wondered what would happen to their “dream deferred.”
I do not think that the Mutus’ dream dried up or sugared over, for I know that, in entering the country once, they had already planted their hopes here. Will their dream blossom? Will it wither? I will not know, but I wish the Mutu family the best of luck in wherever they choose to place their lives next.
The article I chose is an opinion piece titled What’s Killing Pacific Whales written by Heidi Cullen, Andrew DeVogelaere, and John Ryan. It article talks about the mystery of why gray whales have been dying in huge numbers. The cause of the deaths of these whales have been a problem scientists wanted to solve. According to the article, a similar problem happened 20 years ago where more than 100 gray whales got washed up on beaches in West Coast. The scientists had never found the cause. To find the cause, scientist searched through data including the availability of food and more information that might’ve been the problem. Scientists research whales by using underwater microphones to listen to the whale. Scientists are trying to find out if there are any difference in the way that the whales communicate. Overall, this article lets me learn what kind of research that the scientists do to find out more about what may have caused the death of these whales. I chose this article because I found it interesting how over 167 whales had died since January. I really want to find out what the cause of this problem is, sadly there wasn’t one concluded answer in this article. Gray whales are massive animals, why would so many of these animals die in this short amount of time? Even though the scientist haven’t found the reason yet, they might be able to find the reason after a few months. After reading this article, I learned a lot more about how the scientists are researching whales.
"Bringing Up Robot Baby, a Teenage Rite of Passage"
This week I read the article about the robot babies in high schools. I picked this article because of how it highlights adults' views and hopes for these robot babies. One of its functions was to prevent teen pregnancy and the other was to help children appreciate how hard parents work. I think the idea of learning to appreciate your parents is a really good idea and something I'd never thought about. I also really appreciate how it highlighted how working and student parents must feel. It's the first point of preventing pregnancy by using these robot babies instead of sex education that bothers me. I completely agree with Rebecca Biagas that these babies are a scare tactic. Adults don't like comprehensive sex education. Sex ed is incredibly taboo in the United States, to the point where my school doesn't have any sex education classes at all, but it does have these robot babies I think it's incredibly ignorant that people believe these robots will scare us enough to actually prevent teenage pregnancy. The article even mentions that there are no statistics that back up this idea. I think this article is really important because it helps bring to light these unproven ideas and help change the meaning behind these robot babies. I think the idea of getting teens to understand the pressure of their parents and their peers that are parents is great but using these as a replacement for sex ed is dangerous.
“China Frees Church Leader After 6 Months in Detention” By Ian Johnson
In China, a woman was released from detention for what the government perceived as “illegal or foreign-influenced religious” activity while her husband Wang Yi and other church members are still in detention. Many people may perceive this action as mercy or a sign of forgiveness. However, I perceive this as a death omen in China.
What is the average cost to keep one person alive in prison? According to MarketPlace.org, to keep one inmate alive for 1 year, it takes $31,000. According to Wikipedia Incineration rate, there are 1,649,804 in China’s prison cells just for speaking out loud or disagreeing with the government. If this keeps on happening, China would rot from the inside since they cannot keep on affording these sums of money.
Also, when keep on imprisoning people who are innocent, family members or friends may protest against them. Since the government cannot massacre the people, the government would collect more taxes or just continue on sparking more anger among the people causing a civil war.
When I first read this news, I felt a surge of anger. No freedom of speech? However, I soon realized that it may be a benefit in some way since if this keeps on going on, China wouldn’t have any money to afford all those prisoners forcing China to not capturing people just for disagreeing or protesting out against the government.
In less than a year, I’ll have the ability to vote and with the current president coming to my city to hold is the first official rally, I have been able to understand that agendas mean nothing if you only care about your image. In Maggie Haberman and Annie Karin’s article, “What We Learned From Trump’s Orlando Rally,” I was able to acknowledge President Trump’s plan for the coming years, and how it will affect those around me. Being from Orlando, I was surprised Trump picked my town to hold his first rally. We have gone through a lot here: the Pulse Shooting, Hurricane Irma, and crime rates in the past ten weeks have only seemed to remain steady only decreasing by a minute amount. Surprisingly, Trump did not talk about one of these things in his rally, expect touching on how immigrants create crime. While data shifts on this topic from day to day, I found it rather disturbing Trump would target a city full of Latin descent immigrants, most of which have positively contributed to my town. Trump seem to mostly touch upon Hilary Clinton, a candidate who is not even running for the 2020 election. His self centered mockery and self pity filled speech does not build the blocks in a strong presidency. In fact, being in Orlando only proved further he is not the right match. News media, which often times brings controversy and bias, it is still a way for many millennials to connect to the issues going on in the capital.
"𝘚𝘰 𝘓𝘰𝘯𝘨, 𝘌𝘹𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘦𝘵 𝘏𝘋 17156𝘣. 𝘏𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘰 ... 𝘚𝘢𝘶𝘳𝘰𝘯?"
This article interested me because I am really into nerdy and random things like the topic of the article. I find it very interesting how scientist pretty much have all the power to name their findings whatever they want. It's especially cool when they name planets with pop culture references like described in the article I chose. The article also describes a new planet that was named Sauron and the author describes why they named it that.
The article that interested me this week was “For Taylor Swift, Is Ego Stronger Than Pride?” by Jon Caramanica, Wesley Morris, and Caryn Ganz and a multiauthor opinion article and its music video. I chose to read this article because when I watched the music video it left a bad impression on me and I love all of Taylor Swift’s music. In the article, it explains that before her album “Lover,” Taylor never acknowledged L.G.B.T.Q. before last October. The most fascinating point I read was that the entire video, in all of its color, and prideful absurdity, ultimately ended on Katy Perry and Taylor Swift, two straight women acting as gay icons, while actual LGBTQ+ people disappeared into the background. The music video does nothing for the change or pride the world really needs. It doesn’t address any real issues about LGBTQ+ and just saying “you need to calm down” isn’t going to change the real meaning of LGBTQ+. This article is a good way to make people’s true feelings come out and speak their mind, especially LGBTQ+, because this music video was about them. Taylor Swift’s past video of “ME!” also had lots of colors to it and pointing to LGBTQ’s. This article was very interesting to read and I also saw opinion’s from some of the writers and they spoke their true thoughts. I also thought it was ironic in the music video when Taylor used other people to act as Nicki Minaj, Beyonce, Adele, Ariana Grande, Cia, etc.
"Harvard's False Path to Wisdom."
By David Brooks
I chose to write about the controversial decision made by Harvard to reject admission to conservative activist Kyle Kashuv, as well as the article written about this topic by David Brooks. I believe that Brooks makes a very strong argument in favor of Kashuv. He states that although Kashuv had made an irresponsible and reprehensible decision as a 16 year old, that does not define the person that he has become today. I believe that Harvard's decision to reject Kashuv was hastily done, and mostly to enforce a zero tolerance policy towards racism. Although Kashuv did present himself as racist in the comments that he had made on the Google Doc shared with his friends, I do not believe Kashuv was racist now, or was racist back then. I believe that Kashuv was most likely making a weak attempt at shock value comedy. Shock value comedy is a type of comedy that makes use of unexpected comments or actions that is meant to "shock" a laugh out of the recipients rather than formulating a witty or otherwise intelligent joke. Although Kashuv was poorly attempting to make his peers laugh by usiing racial slurs, this does not make him racist, this simply makes him ignorant or insensitive, as many 16 year olds are.
"Chennai, an Indian City of Nearly 5 million, is running out of water"
Date: June 21, 2019
Author: Somini Sengupta
This article “Chennai, and Indian City of Nearly 5 million is running out of water” interested me because water is the source of life on earth and without water, it will be really hard for survival on earth with millions of people. Also, this article made me ask a question which is “How to preserve water for the future generation” and there are actually many solutions such as protect fresh drinking water resources, save money on household utilities, conserve energy needed to pump, heat and treat fresh water, etc. Chennai is also a muggy city on the Indian ocean coast which will make it harder since they are running out of water. This article interests me because it seems like a very important problem that we should focus on and can affect our future generation and our healthy Earth. These type of problems have always interested me because I would want to help and make a better living.
A Dad Defends Dad Jokes https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/12/arts/television/dad-jokes.html?module=inline
“Dad Jokes” have become an iconic part of family life in America. No day is complete until you have heard an amazingly horrible dad joke. They have the ability to unite the whole family. These jokes are not only available to dads. I may only be a teenage girl, but I guarantee to have made a “Dad Joke” at least twice a week if not more.
These jokes have become infamous in their unoriginality and absurdity. It has almost become taboo to utter one in public. This avoidance of this classic humor astounds me when, in my own family, it is embraced. I can remember on at least five separate occasions my entire family sitting around the dinner table, making as many egg yolks (jokes) as possible.
I am currently expecting to become an aunt later this year and I refuse to let my soon-to-be niece grow up without experiencing the joy “Dad Jokes” can bring. It helped deepen the bond I have with my father and I firmly believe it will deepen the bond my niece has with my brother. While these jokes may not remain in the limelight, they will continue to be an essential part of American culture and family life.
This week I chose to read about the controversy between Harvard and Kyle Kashuv. “Racist Comments Cost Conservative Parkland Student a Place at Harvard,” by Patricia Mazzei took my interest the most by showing me how our past selves can come back to haunt us. Kyle Kashuv had made racist remarks and used derogative terms when he was 16, and those have resurfaced recently online. This had backfired, and made Harvard revoke their offer they gave him.
The author did a decent job in portraying information on the event, but showed more information that supported Kashuv. She used pity and compared Kashuv’s case to the general population, which helped make the article more interesting. She addressed the situation with the question “To what degree should the pronouncements of young people who routinely document their thoughts online — in this case, in a private study document shared with a few classmates — follow them into adulthood?” (Mazzei) This applies the possibility of this happening to the reader, and makes the reader sympathize with Kashuv. This article helped make me see the reality of this happening, and taught me that my past actions can affect my future. Technology can be both good and bad, but it all depends on how you use it!
This week I chose the article called The N.B.A.’s Draft Show Goes On, With Style — Even if It Shouldn’t. This article was talking about the N.B.A draft which occurred the other day. The main reason for the draft is the players, they are what the draft is about. So teams can get young players with lots of talent that will hopefully develop over the years to become a superstar. Another part is the outfits that the players wear. There are many players and there is a lot of press there. So the players have to show their best. For example, the number one draft pick Zion Williamson from Duke college wore an all-white suit. That some people were not the biggest fans of. Also, another player who mage a statement was seven foot Bol Bol, he was picked 44th by the Denver Nuggets. He was wearing wore “an ensemble from the Young Thug fashion line called Spider.there was a splooge of white webbing right there on the whole left side of his black double-breasted number, which he wore over a blacker turtleneck.”Lastly, Ja Morrant also made a statement with his outfit, he was wearing an all-purple pinstripe outfit. He also was chosen number two in the draft by the Memphis Grizzlies. All in all, the NBA Draft is not only about the talent that is coming in the league, but it is also about the player's fashion sense and what the media will.
As the week started I sat there bored out of my mind struggling to find shows on Netflix until I stumbled upon a show called “ When They See Us” created and directed by Ava DuVernay. This show was about the “Central Park 5” who were wrongfully convicted for raping a women just because the color of their skin. After watching this incredible show I decided to look further into this story. The article that interested me the most in the New York Times was “The Central Park Five: ‘We Were Just Baby Boys’’ by Aisha Harris because it had further information on one of my favorite show’s stories, the actors, and actual 5 who were linked with it. These 5 men were Korey Wise, Kevin Richardson, Raymond Santana, Antron McCray, and Yusef Salaam. Marquis Rodriguez portrayed Raymond Santana, Jharrel Jerome portrayed Korey Wise, Ethan Herisse portrayed Yusef Salaam, Caleel Harris portrayed Antron McCray, and Asante Blackk portrayed Kevin Richardson. In 1989 the teenagers who are now adults, were wrongfully convicted in a rape case which showed the judgement of the police against Black and Brown colored people. These 5 were convicted on police imposed confessions. These 5 teenagers were just scared and wanted to get the out of there. Each spent 6 to 13 plus years in Juvenile Hall or Jail for charges of rape, and attempted murder. The men kept their innocence throughout their cases and were all released due to Matias Reyes, a convicted serial rapist confessed. The men were awarded $41 million.
“Trump Says He Was ‘Cocked and Loaded’ to Strike Iran, but Pulled Back” https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/21/us/politics/trump-iran-attack.html?action=click&module=Top%20Stories&pgtype=Homepage
I am not usually interested in politics. I usually find it to be stressful and hard to understand. I usually dislike facing the reality of the world and its issues (and I know how bad that sounds). But in an effort to break the usual and take a step towards being a more aware citizen, I read an article about the President’s recent called-off missile strike on Iran. What I found to be most interesting was reading the thought process of the President, which as the article pointed out is a rare occurrence amongst past leaders. As someone who tweets his plans before he enacts them, nothing I hear in the news really surprises me about President Trump. That being said, reading that he approved of the confused strife that his missile orders caused was unsettling. This article proved two things to me - I, and many others, may have underestimated the type of extreme plans that President Trump is able to both think of and follow through with, and that if anything, the man is transparent and the public is very aware of what type of person is at the head of the government.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/14/business/reimann-jab-nazi-keurig-krispy-kreme.html?module=inline
I have always been intrigued by the history of the Nazi era and the foul details of what the Jewish went through. The article "Nazis Killed Her Father. Then She Fell in love With One.", caught my interest because of how someone can fall in love with someone who was involved with her fathers murder. She ignored her secret lovers evil acts because of the love she had for him and the affects it would have on her family with him. Her secret lover was the owner of a company that used Jewish laborers and their workers sexually abused women and treated their free labor workers horribly while she was there and dismissed it all. It is crazy how someones emotions control how they see a person to a point where no matter what that person did they still are a good person in someones eyes. Their love later affects the business for the grand children's family when the new owner finds documents about what there grand father did to the Jewish and his following to Hitler. This caused people to boycott the company after learning the horrifying past of the business and the grand children have to change the companies name to there great grand fathers and made a foundation to give money towards holocaust survivors and their families. Overall, the article was interesting and shocked me a few times about what he did and how she could just ignore it all.
This week I chose to read about the controversy between Harvard and Kyle Kashuv. “Racist Comments Cost Conservative Parkland Student a Place at Harvard,” by Patricia Mazzei took my interest the most by showing me how our past selves can come back to haunt us. Kyle Kashuv had made racist remarks and used derogative terms when he was 16, and those have resurfaced recently online. This had backfired, and made Harvard revoke their offer they gave him.
The author did a decent job in portraying information on the event, but showed more information that supported Kashuv. She used pity and compared Kashuv’s case to the general population, which helped make the article more interesting. She addressed the situation with the question “To what degree should the pronouncements of young people who routinely document their thoughts online — in this case, in a private study document shared with a few classmates — follow them into adulthood?” (Mazzei) This applies the possibility of this happening to the reader, and makes the reader sympathize with Kashuv. This article helped make me see the reality of this happening, and taught me that my past actions can affect my future. Technology can be both good and bad, but it all depends on how you use it!
"83 Environmental Rules Being Rolled Back Under Trump"
It is interesting to me that a man as self concerned as our POTUS would be so committed to killing the planet that he lives on. Trump and his administration are systematically attempting to cripple their own home. Seems counterintuitive if you ask me.
The rollbacks illustrated in this article have a trend- allowing oil and coal companies further access to natural resources at the expense of the environment, and loosening regulations on how environmentally friendly the fossil fuel industry has to be. The only benefit in allowing these companies to destroy the Earth is that it is profitable to big political players.
So, Trump likes the cash flow, the big bucks, the cheese, the green. But apparently, he doesn't like the green enough to keep our planet that way. So, let's say Trump likes brown instead? Like the color of the air with the increased smog emissions that the rollbacks allow? But that can't be his favorite color either; that pigment in an immigrants skin is despicable to him, as he forces brown children to be separated from their families in cages at the border. Our president needs to get his colors straight.
This article struck a cord and showed me just how much money and power lead to corruption and pure self interest. Trump's lack of care for the environment is shocking. Our president needs to start focusing a little less on the green in his wallet, and a little more on the green on our Earth.
“China Frees Church Leader After 6 Months in Detention” By Ian Johnshon
The public is vigilant on the adverse effects and the apparent existence of brutal totalitarian regimes in modern day society. Despite the collapse of powerhouse totalitarian regimes such as the Soviet and the Nazis, sporadic events of Chinese misfortune clearly manifest its eternal continuity. However, the perpetual maintenance of the horrendous policy in China despite the wide condemnation could be a manifestation of the inevitability of China’s brutality.
Famous preacher Wang Yi has been imprisoned for a long time due to his passionate act of informing the violence involved in abortions. China has maintained its one child policy and to maintain “Order”, 336 million obortions were carried out. It is absolutely unrightful for China to oppress an innocent citizen advocating on the horrendous faults in the system.
The public needs to recognize a clear border between the U.S and the Chinese because these two countries have stark differences. While the U.S was established upon a political doctrine emphasizing freedom, the past history of China is mainly force driven. Despite the wide criticism directed to the government, China is excelling in its economy and the usage of unparalleled authority resulting in the sacrifice of few citizens might be inevitable for China’s success.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/15/opinion/sunday/schools-testing-ranking.html?module=inline
It is an interesting case that when a group of people succeed, people tend to be suspicious of how/why they did it. Such example, is the success of students in schools. The article made an important point that if all students suddenly succeeded all their test and requirements, we wouldn’t be rejoicing, but saying that the school system is too easy for everyone. It seems that the entire system is contradictory. It wants students to succeed, yet there SHOULD be ones who fail. As a former student myself, this is incredibly troubling. Most kids try to strive to get all A’s on their report cards, yet will getting A’s define their probability of success in the future? We seem to accentuate that there will always be ones rising to the top and the ones constantly struggling to the bottom. There never seems to be a middle ground where everyone succeeds because if everyone does, then wouldn’t the educational system be TOO easy? So, we keep raising the difficulty as more individuals meet their goals and let the ones less fortunate fail. America, being ranked #2 in education through the whole world is ridiculous. The school system is rigged, and it’s treated to be survival of the fittest. This isn’t the wilderness, nor the Stone Age. A generation who wants to have a better future. The system wants a community with the winners and the failures. This will always frustrate me. --Subeldia_GHS_2019
"Tehran Says It Is Close to Exceeding Its Limits for Enriched Uranium"
“I do not know with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones.” After hearing this quote from my English teacher while reading Lord of the Flies, I’ve wondered about future world wars, knock on wood they ever happen. As nuclear weapons have changed how war will be waged, this article interested me the most as I felt a premonition for what might bode for the future.
Under the 2015 nuclear deal, Iran would no longer enrich uranium to 20% and would keep only 660 pounds of uranium enriched to 3.7 percent. As enriched uranium is used to fuel reactors and make bombs, it is a significant aspect of future wars involving nuclear weapons. Last year, President Donald Trump pulled out of the deal, he has been imposing economic sanctions that have hurt Iran’s economy. Tehran, Iran’s capital, said that it would reach its cap for 660 pounds of enriched uranium within ten days and possibly break the agreement.
Since I love foreign affairs and understood the topic, I found the article both illuminating and comprehensible. This article, however, incited me to think more about the future of the United States and the world. Though most don’t like to think about it, I think it impossible for the fated “end of the world” so ravaged by the media to occur in anything other than a nuclear war. The future is inevitable, I think, and this article said it loud and clear.
This week I was interested in the article "How Will the Movies(as we know them) Survive the Next 10 years?", by Kyle Buchanan. This article stood out to me because it talked about how this year was "One of the biggest shift in the content business in the history of Hollywood." The article explained that if this year the business had such a big shift, how will the business be when it has all settled down. In other words, so many movies have been released this year and the people going to the movie theatre is highly increasing. So, this article is questioning how the the movie industry will look like after this settles down. In the article, there is questions being asked about the business increasing, and the audience answers some of these points and how they feel about it. One of the audience member states, "I think it is because there is this sense that only certain movies are worthy of watching at the movie theatre." I definitely agree with this audience member's point because if one really entertaining movie comes out, for example Avengers Endgame, everyone comes to watch it and the industry increases highly. I feel like this year was the big shift, mainly since many of the most entertaining movies came out and people rushed to go watch them. Also, the article is not just talking about movies in the movie theatre, they are also referring to Youtube and Netflix. Since Netflix is streaming movies from Disney and other studios, that could have an affect in the future.
I've always been interested in animals, especially sealife, so when I saw the article; "Giant Squid, Phantom of the Deep, Reappears on Video", I was definitely interested. I thought it was very interesting that they haven't seen one in 7 years, and now . It was also very interesting to read that they had also caught the first video of another species in the same exhibition. As someone who really like marine life, I loved how the author included how excited the scientists were to capture this moment. Marine life is so interesting, and when new discoveries are made it just provides more to learn, which I love.
Children being separated from their family at the border has been such a controversial topic recently. The article "The Youngest Child Separated From His Family Was 4 Months Old" really interested me this week because it really expands on just how it could be for someone going through that. Ever since immigration laws began to be more enforced at the border families have risked everything to still try and bring their children to a place where they can grow up safe. This article emphasizes how not only was this child the youngest ever separated from his family but his family was not told exactly why they were separated. I am intrigued with how the author talks about cases that she has has with children ans just how hard it is to have to see that so often. These people sell everything and escape or leave their home in search of some place safe, they come from all over the place not just central America. Not everyone comes to America to do something bad, they are just in search of help and refuge in a place the believe would help them.
"She's 103 and Just Ran the 100-Meter Dash. Her Life Advice? 'Look for Magic Moments.'" by Sarah Mervosh
I found this article particularly inspiring. I recognize as a teenager how important my youth and health is for the long run, and this woman, Julia "Hurricane" Hawkins, is right in saying that you should try to stay active all your life.
My own grandma who is 78 is quite active herself by hiking, walking, and doing races as much as she can. But one thing, that she tends to say is how even though she is active, she is "getting old." I think we all have to realize as human beings that the saying "age is just a number" is incredibly true. There are plenty of elderly men and women who are in their seventies and eighties who are active, but also many who are on the opposite end of the scale and are sedentary. It is not our age that determines our strength and capability, it is our own motivation to be strong and to be capable that pushes us forward.
Also, her comment about "life's magic moments" struck me because at 103, she has probably seen many things in her life, and she has probably had to stop and remind herself to appreciate the world around her for the time that she has. I'm sure that at 103, she is realizing that her time is limited and that she must savor every moment that she can. She is a lesson for all of us. Now, we don't have to be her age to savor "life's magic moments," we can take them in now.
This week, I read the heartbreaking stories of young children who were separated from their families at the border in the piece, “The Youngest Child Separated From His Family at the Border Was 4 Months Old.” As an American, it can be hard to read stories that seem so far away. You read these recollections of children crying for their parents and you think: “This can;t be happening; not in my America.” Yet we have lowered the standard. We have ignored inhumane treatment with the excuse of law and order. It is terrifying how quickly we can blind our eyes from families searching for a better life and how easily we are able to separate healthy children from loving families. We pride ourselves in parading an ideal American dream, but behind closed detention doors and in front of tear stained eyes, we create an American nightmare.
From the time a girl is born, she walks on thin ice. Voice too loud, skirt too short. Too smart, too opinionated. By the time most girls in America reach their teenage years, any sense of defying the norm has been almost completely extinguished. This why Jessica Bennett's "What Makes a Leader" resonated with me. As I wrapped up high school and entered college, the importance of not only being able to lead others-- but also to advocate for myself-- became all the more important.
Women are caught in a sort of Catch-22 in which they are criticized for exemplifying masculine traits like assertiveness and "nonaccessibility", but if they turn the other way and exhibit compassion and openness-- stereotypically feminine traits-- they are looked down upon.
Along with the fact that women are taught, from a young age, to be self-critical, this makes the workplace an extremely difficult place for a woman to be seen as a true "leader" even after formally acquiring the title.
Though I agreed with the message of the article, action needs to be taken beyond simply encouraging women to straddle the line between masculine and feminine traits--moreover, we shouldn't label assertiveness and accessibility as masculine or feminine- this is part of the problem in the first place. It's our responsibility to communicate that being approachable and kind goes hand in hand with making decisions for yourself- and to stop giving men and women messages that they are any different.
What I found most interesting in the Times this week was an article written about the a photo that was “caught at the right time”. The article peeked my interest because it showed a picture of a gunman as the cover. As I proceeded to read it, it came clear to me that the picture merely happened by accident. A photographer happened to be in the presence of what could’ve been a mass shooting. The gunman was seen with a military grade gun and was full geared up. He started shooting but no civilians ended up getting hurt and it abruptly ended with suicide by cop. The picture captures the emotionless gunman before he shoots. There was also another photo further on in the article where it showed a security guard running towards the scene. This photo did capture his emotion. Seeing the two pictures side by side it was interesting to see how two people are completely different. I loved seeing the raw emotion in the photos. Although most of us have never been in a similar situation, it almost made it feel real and gave a sense of emotion of the reader. The photographers response was interesting at well. He was unsure if he was “at the wrong place at the right time” or “at the right place at the right time” leading another question to occur. Are we too familiar with these situations?
Today I read “Those puppy dog eyes you can’t resist? Thank Evolution” by James Gorman. The article talked about the significance of the “inner eyebrow raise” look that dogs give to humans as a way of communicating. Scientists have discovered that the muscle that allows dogs to do this look is actually not found in wolves, which is really cool because it shows that the muscle has evolved in dogs overtime. It was interesting that the Siberian Husky also doesn’t have this muscle, and they are more closely related to wolves because it is evidence of the muscles’ evolution. I liked reading this science article because it is a piece of the puzzle of how humans and animals can communicate with each other, and sheds more light on unique aspects of evolution.
"Tehran Says It Is Close to Exceeding Its Limits for Enriched Uranium"
“I do not know with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones.” After hearing this quote from my English teacher while reading Lord of the Flies, I’ve wondered about future world wars, knock on wood they ever happen. As nuclear weapons have changed how war will be waged, this article interested me the most as I felt a premonition for what might bode for the future.
Under the 2015 nuclear deal, Iran would no longer enrich uranium to 20% and would keep only 660 pounds of uranium enriched to 3.7 percent. As enriched uranium is used to fuel reactors and make bombs, it is a significant aspect of future wars involving nuclear weapons. Last year, President Donald Trump pulled out of the deal, he has been imposing economic sanctions that have hurt Iran’s economy. Tehran, Iran’s capital, said that it would reach its cap for 660 pounds of enriched uranium within ten days and possibly break the agreement.
Since I love foreign affairs and understood the topic, I found the article both illuminating and comprehensible. This article, however, incited me to think more about the future of the United States and the world. Though most don’t like to think about it, I think it impossible for the fated “end of the world” so ravaged by the media to occur in anything other than a nuclear war. The future is inevitable, I think, and this article said it loud and clear.
"When War Turned My Country Into Chaos, Tennis Gave Me a Home"
In middle school, John and I, two queer kids, connected easily. But when he came back halfway through 10th Grade as Jamie, I was his only friend at the school, a situation that quickly made us best friends.
After John went back to being a guy, his old friends started to talk to him again, but John and I maintained a close friendship.
It was around this time that I promised John I would always be honest with him. He promised me the same. And even though he lied to me many times, I still kept my promise. This would be our downfall.
I told John that I couldn't support his use of drugs anymore because I couldn't pretend that he wasn't hurting himself and because I loved him. He said he didn't want to talk to me anymore.
John and I had had low points in the past, but this was the first time we stopped talking. I tried to move on and focus on summer, but I couldn't shake the feeling that something bad was going to happen.
As I laid in bed that night, I realized that patience kept our friendship alive during previous low points and that if I wanted our friendship to survive and move to the next level, I need to be patient.
In this sense, I relate to Lowe's feeling of how she had to distract herself with tennis to avoid thinking about the war as I now must distract myself with the idea of my relationship with John blossoming to avoid thinking about the cold winter that currently envelops our friendship.
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The article that interested me the most this week was, "Driverless Cars May Be Coming, but Let’s Not Get Carried Away" by Lawrence Ulrich. I chose this article because self-driving cars are a trending topic in the United States and all around the world. I know this because giant car manufacturers are all trying to create self-driving cars. I also lack knowledge when it comes to autonomous vehicles, and I would like to learn more about them. In the article, Ulrich talks about how Gill Pratt says, making a robocar perform in controlled demonstrations is easy, but making a robocar so foolproof that consumers can trust it with their lives is very difficult. I found his statements frank and think that the technology needed to create the robocar is fascinating. In the article, Ulrich is also saying that car manufacturing giant's like Toyota, Volkswagen, Ford, and General Motors seem far behind Tesla's self-driving technology. Ulrich even says that Pratt recalls tossing and turning on the in 2015 when he signed a contract to lead Toyota's 1 billion dollar research arm for artificial intelligence and robotics. I genuinely feel for Pratt because he has to guide the entire robotics committee for Toyota. Ulrich says that a super cruise system might have prevented fatal crashes on Tesla's behalf, which is crazy to think about. I think both of these systems still need a lot of work. I found this article interesting, and I feel it gave me a lot of great information about cars.
Families being separated at the border have become such a controversial topic in today's world. The article "The Youngest Child Separated From His Family At The Border Was 4 Months old" really intrigued me because the author expands on how hard it can really be. This child was taken from his family like many others without giving the family a reason as to why this child was taken. Like many families they came to America in search of refuge from crimes or just in search for a better place and safer community for their children. We see how difficult the transition was for the Mutu family only to be completely broken once they thought they were safe. Not everyone who comes to America is here for bad things, many simply come in search of a home and safe place to begin a new and better life.
The article I chose for this week was The Youngest Child Separated From His Family at the Border Was 4 Months Old. The article was about a boy named Constantin and how he got separated from his family at the border. I chose this article because I wanted to know what was going on the U.S border to make kids get separated from their parents. The story about this family made me upset and heartbroken.
The saddest part of the story was that Constantin's parents missed some of the most significant parts of Constantin's first year. This fact was very upsetting to me because I realize how valuable a child's growth is to a parent. The feeling of losing a child and not knowing where they are and if they are okay at a very young age must be horrific. Constantin was scared of his parents at first and took a long time to adjust being away from his foster parents.
My favorite part about this article was that Constantin's foster mother documented all of Constantin's six months with her, so his actual parents would not miss out on anything. This fact was very heartwarming to learn. Constantin's foster mom sent Constantin's parents all of the things she learned about him in his growth so his parents wouldn't have too much difficulty with him once he went back home.
Even though this article was disappointing and heartwarming at the same time, it was nice to learn about what goes around the world! I also understand how it must feel to have your family be split.
For the second week , I was interested about was the article "Getting to Know Our Patients"By Mikkael A.Sekeres, M.D. This article interested me because its important to make the patients feel comfortable with whoever is taking care of them in the hospital. Doctors want people to have a strong support system because that can get the patients to feel better and can possibly make them healthier. In the article they talk about how they would like to get better at giving bad new to patients. This shows that even doctors sometimes get really emotional when they don't even know the patients personal. Some people might think that doctors are heartless when in realty they care about their patients a lot. Doctors are always trying to help out no matter how bad the situation is.For example, people always give doctors hate because they think that they aren't doing a lot but in realty they're doing everything they can to save peoples lives." Our medical student quietly scribbled information about each patient in a small notepad." This shows that you can think that no one is watching,but in realty the doctors are paying so much attentions and know what your needs are."At the end of our time together, my medical student opened up to me about what led to his discomfort with giving bad news."Doctors hate giving bad news because they are always trying to help out the patients to get better, but sometimes its not possible because the procedures can lad to either death or many more completions.
The article that interested me the most out of the 2nd week of the Summer Reading contest is "Racist comments cost conservative Parkland student a place at Harvard." As seen from the title of this article, we can see that mistakes from a person's past will and can change how people perceive them or how their future plays out. Although this person has greatly apologized for his mistake he made, we can see that it came back to haunt him later in life. Though it is sad to see his dreams be crushed, I like to believe that he did in fact bring this upon himself. Hopefully before people write or say something hurtful, that they stop to think how it might affect them later.
The Times is an amazing place to find articles containing information on many topics some being political, scientific, or just general news on the public. But some may be as simple as a guide of where to go or what to do. My article was “What to do in New York this weekend.”
This article hit me because I have been to New York a ton in my lifetime making it my personal top 10 cities I’ve currently been too. I have always wondered what else there could possibly be to do in a city so immense as New York, so I was surprised to see that this article showed many more detailed locations and events that occur there.
Wow, this is interesting! How many of us have said that at least once as a child? I know I did. Its that one statement that expressed how excited we felt when we saw toys, Bill Nye the science guy or just something we truly enjoy.
In the article ¨ This Creature Eats Stone. Sand Comes Out the Other End.¨ Veronique Greenwood found the perfect way to excite me about this article because it brought back memories of me as a little girl that goes to elementary school sitting in science class. It made me feel like there could possibly be a new type of medication because as a little girl up until now I have always loved science because It's extremely intriguing to the eye and it can save many lives.
In fact, I learned about something new today called a Lithoredo abatanica shipworm. Shipworms are known for boring into wood and digesting it, but scientists found a new species with a very different diet. This creature has an unusual appetite. Lithoredo loves to eat stone and the extremely interesting thing about it is that when it is ready to excrete, sand comes out. This mysterious creature was found in the bottom of a river in the Philippines as scientists stated. In fact, researchers said that the worms may possibly be extracting nutrients from the stone in a way that is not yet understood but could possibly lead to new discoveries of antibiotics because of their symbiotic bacteria as Dr. Shipway stated.
This week I found myself interested in the article titled "Andy Ruiz Jr. Shocked The Boxing World. But Not His Hometown". Andy Ruiz Jr. is a professional boxer from Mexico who recently upset Anthony Joshua to claim the heavyweight title. The reason this came as such a surprise to everyone is because Anthony Joshua looks like the epitome of a world heavyweight while Andy Ruiz on the other hand, not so much. Andy Ruiz pre-fight snack is Snickers bars. Over the past year in a half I became interested in martial arts when I decided to join the schools wrestling team. I have since started training Jiu-Jitsu for at least two and a half hours a day. When I started wrestling I was the smallest on the team and quite possibly the smallest in the county. The lowest weight class in High School wrestling is one-hundred and six pounds. I was weighing in at around eighty-eight pounds. I was at a serious deficit going in to all of my matches, however I was still able to secure 5 wins with three of them being pins. While me and Andy Ruiz may have two completely different reasons for people to look at us as not worthy competition we still manage to upset fights in a similar way.
The most interesting article to me was “U.S Might Be The World Cups Best Team. It is Definitely The Best Draw.” I enjoyed this article because I play soccer and I am a huge fan. With the world cup in France, may people are filling up stadiums to support their favorite team. There could be packed bars and restaurants, sold-out hotels, streets stuffed with fans and the stadium’s press box overflowing with reporters from around the world. Families that end up going to France don't only stay to watch the games. According to Ms. Balagot “We’re doing touristy stuff in France, but planning everything around the games”. I found this article extremely interesting because I love to watch the women play and how dedicated they are to soccer.
"When China Massacred Its Own People"
The last time I went to China to visit my family, I was just turning ten years old, and my greatest concern was that I could no longer watch my favorite Youtubers online due to the restrictions imposed by the Chinese government. Back then, I had never heard the word “authoritarian.”
Now, I am astounded by how this apparent inanity speaks to a much greater problem. By using filters do decide what its citizens are allowed to see and absorb through the internet, the Communist Party can so easily manipulate public perception with propaganda and outright lies.
We, however, do not live in China, under the thumb of the Party.
In this article, columnist Nicholas Kristof challenges readers to look away from his harrowing account of the Tiananmen Square massacre. He juxtaposes the cruelties wrought by the Chinese Army with stunning acts of courage from ordinary civilians, thus arguing for his belief in the people and their ability to strive towards greater democracy despite oppression.
I am ashamed to admit that, for most of my life, I was ignorant about so much of my cultural heritage. This article showed me that I am privileged to live in a country where freedom of speech and freedom of the press are prized so highly. I am free to know the truth. None of us should blind ourselves to this and similar stories, no matter how unpleasant. Kristof is correct; the story of the brave protesters at Tiananmen Square deserves to be told.
This week, I chose to write on “Mandatory Viewing: Nancy Spero’s Bold Feminist Art.” I chose this article because of its bold take on feminism, and its immediate dive into the world of art. Feminism is a topic that, in the modern world is becoming rapidly growing topic of discussion, and this article showcases how the voices of women can be carried to the world stage in more ways than one. It shamelessly depicts how women have been mistreated and discriminated against across many decades, and while it is not suitable to most audiences. Spero’s art is a must-view for women around the world, and is a true testament to what in modern society needs to be remedied.
Another key element discussed in the article is the radicalism through shining light on historical injustices, and her opposition to war through war through art, which I found incredible, because the article focuses not only on Spero’s feminist art, but also on her “War Series”, which advocates not only for the welfare of women, but also for peace all over the world.
This article is not only incredibly relevant in a changing world, but zooms in on an artist who is revolutionizing the way women are depicted in the artistic world.
Article Link: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/17/world/americas/venezuela-economy.html
Venezuela’s heartbreaking crisis interested me the most this week because the situation is only worsening. The struggle Venezuelans have been facing since 2013 has peaked and may peak again. The article displayed Venezuelans who stayed and hope to improve their country’s situation. I also hope that their situation will recover and that stability will be brought to Venezuela.
Reading this article made me think about the families in Venezuela, how they’re coping and doing. The crisis Venezuela is facing is more real than ever, and I believe it starts with us. It is one thing to read about their devastating circumstances, and it is another to actually do something about it. Our words hold power; we can bring change, change in the form of a just governmental system for Venezuela. We can donate and provide support for Venezuelans. What is most important, though, is that the people of Venezuela are supported. Neighboring countries in South America have been taking in Venezuelans for months, and it is no surprise that Venezuela is the top asylum seeker in the United States. Millions of Venezuelans have fled the country, seeking refuge. Those who stay in the country are suffering as well. In the face of this humanitarian crisis, aid is necessary from other countries. In clearer terms, I’m asking you to encourage others to get involved and spread awareness in any way possible. Free Venezuela.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/08/style/helping-senior-citizens.html?searchResultPosition=1
Honestly the title, “Youths! Go Listen to Your Elders” by Spencer Morgan first attracted me to this article. I assumed this was about how elders offer a ton of advice. My Nana, my mom's dad, often has a lot of wisdom to share, so I thought this article could relate. Upon reading this article, this was not the topic at all. Soon after, I figured out that this article talked about the loneliness that comes from elders feeling alone. This article really spoke to me since my grandfather, my dad’s dad, is unable to communicate easily since he has parkinson's disease, so this article made me realize that I should take the time to engage and be patient with my grandfather so that he no longer feels like he is completely alone. I have learned that by having patience and being kind you can change another person’s whole point of view on life. Now I know that just having a conversation could go a long, long way.
I read an article called “About the Idea That You’re Growing Horns From Looking Down at Your Phone...”. This article included an X-Ray of a 28 year old man with bony bumps on his skull. The X-Ray was part of a study in 2018, done by two Australian researchers, claiming that bone spurs in the skull are linked to bending over your cellphone for too much time. I found this interesting because medical experts did not agree with these two researchers at all. The experts aren’t convinced of this study because it lacks a control group, so it wasn’t able to show cause and effect. It surprised me that the Australian researchers and medical professionals would feel so differently about this topic. At first glance, I assumed that the article would just be a rant about how much phone usage affects our lives, but that wasn’t it at all. Some people interviewed for this article actually felt that we can’t blame cell phone use yet for this issue. One person said that if risks are being talked about, people who look down with their neck bent are more likely to get a misalignment in their neck than a bone spur. This same person thinks that using the phrase “head horns” is ridiculous.
Tyler, the Creator Beats DJ Khaled to Hit No. 1 With ‘Igor’ https://nyti.ms/2YPYOSI
Tyler has been my favorite artist for years. It feels good to see a figure you support get the fame they deserve. To see the negative reactions from Dj Khaled made me realize the value of work ethic and morals. Igor was produced and created all by Tyler, while “Father of Asahd” was heavily featured and cost five million dollars. Tyler took the time to focus solely on his work, while Khaled wanted to be heard. Tyler even ventured to Italy to focus on his music. This led Igor to be on billboard, not only because of his growing fanbase, but from the progress made from the prior work, “Flowerboy”. His journey is continuing and he’s only getting closer to success. Igor was worth the listen and deserves to be acknowledged due to the emotional vulnerability and realness Tyler shared with listeners. You just can’t get that with “Father of Asahd”. Watching the person Tyler has turned into over the years is the most refreshing reward out of it all, as we see the character development of a young, angry juvenile evolve into an empathetic, vulnerable man. That will interest listeners more than a rap album with the same story. The music community wants something different, and that’s exactly what you can expect when you’re a fan of Tyler, the Creator. The way Dj Khaled is acting is beyond childish and proves only more why he doesn’t deserve to be number one in the first place.
The article I found most interesting was "For Taylor Swift, Is Ego Stronger Than Pride?," a multiauthor opinion piece about Swift's new song "You Need to Calm Down" and its music video. I chose to read this text because I watched Swift's video when it was released and was left with an indescribable negative feeling toward the whole project, though it feigned to be the very party of prideful positivity. The conversation between Caramanica, Morris and Ganz gave words to my animosity. The most compelling point I read was that the entire video, in all of its cameos, color, and prideful extravagance, ultimately ended on Katy Perry and Taylor Swift, two straight women performing as gay icons, while actual LGBTQ+ people faded into the background. This pride party with Taylor Swift as its unequivocal center does nothing for change or pride, nor does its explosion of rainbows without addressing real issues, just a call to have others “calm down,” stripping anything real from the LGBTQ+ experience. Homosexual Swift is not the pride icon we want or need, someone who has just happened upon gay rights during pride month when the luxury circumstantially fits her aesthetic. We need a survivor, actually LGBTQ+, with scabs on their knees and a picket sign in their hands. We do not need rainbow toothpaste, ephemeral support, or Swift and Perry. This article allowed me to formulate my opinion, supported by the words of others who felt a negativity towards a video that called for love.
What interested me the most for Week 2 of the summer reading assignment is the article “The youngest child separated from his family at the border was 4 months” by Caitlin Dickerson. I was interested in this article because it let me know how the world really is. It shows that if you are different you are not welcomed. In the article it states that there is children that is at the border asking where is their mom and dad. How could someone separate someone from their child ? Did they ever think about how the child would feel ? How the parents would feel ? The Department of Homeland Security refuses to even tell the parents why they separated the child from the parents. That’s messed up honestly , if my child was taken away from me I would want a reason. The Father and mother got sent away from crying and stressing about their 4 month baby. People in this world are so heartless , what if they were in this situation were their child was gettin taken away from them and they couldn’t do anything about it. They wouldn’t like it at all , so why do it to others . Why put other people through something you wouldn’t want to happen to you ? The saddest part is one year later the baby cannot walk on his own or will not talk to anyone. The question is.. What was this for ? Why would you take a 4 month baby away from their parents ? It just doesn’t make sense to me.
This week I've decided to look more into the trade between the Los Angeles Lakers and the New Orleans Pelicans. As this trade is a major deal that is goin to set up a major change in NBA basketball power. In todays NBA its all about creating a super team, as looked up and trying to recreate what the Golden State Warriors have done signing Kevin Durant and winning 2 Championships it 3 years. in my opinion I think that it helped both sides of each team, as the Lakers gained a Super star and the pelicans gained 3 young and talented players along with draft picks. don't be surprised to see the pelicans make some noise in the Eastern conference with them just drafting Zion Williamson their future is bright.
While scrolling through the numerous amounts of interesting articles, the article that caught my eye was, "F.T.C. Said to Be Investigating YouTube Over Child Privacy Claims." The reason for my interest was for the fact of how much time I myself spend on YouTube and this is not the only time I have heard of a problem like this on YouTube where the algorithm for YouTube is "under criticism for not doing enough to filter inappropriate or dangerous content". This is a huge problem because of children who watch the more filtered YouTube kids still bypass the filters to inappropriate content. "...Nursery-rhyme videos and that ever-popular toy-unboxing clips garner millions of views." This shows us that not only does the views of children on YouTube is huge but they also may get exposed to the darker side of YouTube if the algorithm does not filter enough. It is really nice that the New York Times is keeping up to technology and pop culture and to things like this article that interest me because then I can feel like I can read something that I understand and expand my knowledge on this subject or be taught new things I had not known. If you are interested to read this article and want more information and an in-depth more analytical and sophisticated perspective please click the link below to follow the article. (https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/19/technology/youtube-child-privacy.html)
Now that the Women's World Cup is currently catching the eye of the world, the article: "U.S. Might Be the World Cup's Best Team. It Is Definitely the Best Draw," interested me this week. The cup is being held in France, and as thousands of diverse fans fill the stadiums, hoping for victories, the United States team is having city mayor's picture packed bars, overbooked hotels, and street stuffed fans. I loved the optimism shared by the author towards the topic as well as the excitement shown in each paragraph. It's convincing to notice the photopraghy sharing the support from many, many fans. The article speaks of how interesting it is to spot large American families very into the games, following their successful National Team to every destination all over France. And of course, this has been a great opportunity for many families to tour the country. A family member mentions, "'We're doing touristy stuff in France, but planning everything around the games.'" We get to read about how everyone is tuned in to this cup; from journalists, fans, authorities, and the teams themselves. Especially U.S. fans.
What I found most interesting in the Times this week was the article “U.S Might Be The World Cups Best Team. It is Definitely The Best Draw.” This article was very interesting to me, because as a huge soccer fan it is something that I can relate too. Leading up to the 2019 World Cup in France along with during it, it has been clear to see that USWNT is a dominant force. The author has done a great job in showing that the USWNT can and does attract much more support than most all other countries and for a good reason. The USWNT is able to attract such big crowds due to their talent along with the size of their fan base. Another thing that the author mentioned in the article that I found very interesting was how beneficial the World Cup is too the host cities and country. With teams like the USWNT bringing in such a large amount of fans businesses thrive, which helps boost the economy of these places. Prior to reading this article I had no idea that countries got such benefits from simply hosting major events like the World Cup. I found this article extremely interesting as it opened my eyes to a more business side of soccer where I never have really looked before.
Decision making can be a tough process, yet the article "How to, Maybe, Be Less Indecisive (or Not)" made making a decision sound much less important than it should be. The article states methods for making decisions for both everyday choices and life-changing ones. Methods such as "go for good enough" and "the ninety percent rule" were mentioned to help with decision making. As an indecisive person myself, techniques such as these seem almost too simple because I let decision making take over my thoughts for too long of a time. These methods do seem useful, but I do not think they could always lead to successful choices. To me, going for good enough seems almost like giving up. Weighing options for decisions could lead to a choice that could greatly benefit all those involved, whereas "good enough" seems timid and faint-hearted. Decisions should not be given too much control over one's thoughts; that will only lead to self-doubt and questioning. Yet I do not think choices should be handled lightly or with little care since many choices can affect those involved greatly. If we are taught to strive for "good enough" or give up on decisions if we do not feel almost completely certain they will benefit us, how will we learn from our mistakes to become better versions of ourselves? Growth and development come from experience, both positive and negative, and decision making guides these experiences to lead us into new confidence within ourselves that is crucial to our well-being.
This week I was interested in the article “Caleel Harris, a young star of ‘When They See Us’ About the Central Park Five” because I had watched the Netflix mini-series and wanted to get more insight on what Caleel thought about did involving his role in the series. “When They See Us” is a fulfilling series about the plot of the Central Park Five, and Caleel Harris plays Antron McCray. I learned how the teenage actor was able to get into character for the project, he says he watched “The Central Park Five,” “over and over again” which helped him better understand who he was playing in the series. This helped me to understand not only how he feels about acting on screen but also off of it.
What I found most interesting in the Times this week was the article “U.S Might Be The World Cups Best Team. It is Definitely The Best Draw.” This article was very interesting to me, because as a huge soccer fan it is something that I can relate too. Leading up to the 2019 World Cup in France along with during it, it has been clear to see that USWNT is a dominant force. The author has done a great job in showing that the USWNT can and does attract much more support than most all other countries and for a good reason. The USWNT is able to attract such big crowds due to their talent along with the size of their fan base. Another thing that the author mentioned in the article that I found very interesting was how beneficial the World Cup is too the host cities and country. With teams like the USWNT bringing in such a large amount of fans businesses thrive, which helps boost the economy of these places. Prior to reading this article I had no idea that countries got such benefits from simply hosting major events like the World Cup. I found this article extremely interesting as it opened my eyes to a more business side of soccer where I never have really looked before.
"The Youngest Child Separated From His Family at the Border Was 4 Months Old"
In this article, I learned how the immigration services in the United States had deeply affected the Mutu family. Similar to thousands of other immigrants, this family was mistreated and misguided by US officials. For many months, the family had been divided and a four month old child was in the middle of it all.
What is shocking to me was that even after the Mutu family was mistreated by these American officials at the border of Mexico, they still dreamed of going back to the US. "The police wiped the floor with me," explained Mr. Mutu, as he cried because he didn't know the language and was being separated from his son. However, once again in Romania, he dreamed of going to Canada, and from there, heading to the United States, willing to pay the hefty price of documents, travel fees or any other inconvenience along the way. Their willingness to go back to a country that has turned their backs on them just for a seemingly better future just shows the dire situation in which this family, --along with many other immigrants-- are in. I hope that one day these powerful countries realize the courage and bravery that is presented by these immigrants, instead of the negative stereotypes seen in the media. The immigrants that travel to different countries without support or knowledge of the language are suffering and risking their lives to cross a border for a life better than the one they are escaping.
This week I was interested in the article, "In Turkey, Keeping a Language of Whistles Alive" by Malin Fezehai. This article, along with many pictures and videos, was very interesting. People in Turkey would use what they call "Bird Language" to communicate to people who are too far to hear regular words.
This article showed the background on how the Turkish people are trying to keep their tradition alive and how only so many people can speak and understand the "Bird Language".
For example the text states,"Muazzez Kocek, 46, is considered one of the best whistlers in Kuşköy, a village tucked away in the picturesque Pontic Mountains in Turkey’s northern Giresun province. Her whistle can be heard over the area’s vast tea fields and hazelnut orchards, several miles farther than a person’s voice." This woman taught her three daughters how to understand this bird language, but only one of them knows how to speak the Bird Language.
This article was very interesting because I had never heard of people using whistling as a language. I know of many people who whistle just for the fun of it, whistle to a song or whistle to call their pets and draw attention to somebody. The Turkish people are using their tradition and talent to show their uniqueness. This article shows how traditions like this could be very useful. I love seeing how diverse and interesting the world is today.
I was interested by the article “Those Puppy Dog Eyes You Can’t Resist? Thank Evolution” by James Gorman. I have grown up with dogs and I currently have three adorable puppies. All three of them can do the puppy dog eyes when they want a treat. I’ve always wondered whether they learned to do that look, or if it was passed down from generation to generation. The article I read stated that the ability to do the puppy dog eyes was not originally there. Tracing back to the first wolves, they did not have the bone that allowed them to raise they ‘eyebrows’. Somewhere along the line, some of the wolves evolved to have the bone. When humans started domesticating them, we subconsciously chose canines that could do the look. Eventually, the species that couldn’t do the look mostly died out. Nowadays, most pet dogs can do the puppy dog eyes, and if they can’t, likely it’s a husky or other breed that was chosen for its strength, not look. I liked it because it helped me learn more about my pets and where they came from.
This week, an article that interested me the most was "The Youngest Child Separated From His Family at the Border Was 4 Months Old" written by Caitlin Dickerson. At the age of 4 months the baby can't walk, crawl, talk, or even mumble, so why do people feel it is right to separate this baby from his parents. When I was 4 months I was still breast feeding and getting to know the looks of my parents. I understand that when a kid is that little the only way they would notice a difference is if they weren't being breast fed anymore by their mother which they are used to, but even when you separate a toddler from its parents that can talk it makes a big difference. No matter the age it is so wrong to separate a child from his or her parents. This story is extremely heartbreaking to hear about a 4 month old having to live in a foster home away from his parents. I understand that we as Americans are trying to protect the border and control immigration, but young children should never be separated from their parents. The thing that was interesting to me was how young they can take your child away from you. I have never heard of a child being taken away that young from their parents. I hope we can take into consideration that kids need their parents and should never be separated from them at that young of an age unless an extreme problem.
What I found most interesting in the Times this week was the article “U.S Might Be The World Cups Best Team. It is Definitely The Best Draw.” This article was very interesting to me, because as a huge soccer fan it is something that I can relate too. Leading up to the 2019 World Cup in France along with during it, it has been clear to see that USWNT is a dominant force. The author has done a great job in showing that the USWNT can and does attract much more support than most all other countries and for a good reason. The USWNT is able to attract such big crowds due to their talent along with the size of their fan base. Another thing that the author mentioned in the article that I found very interesting was how beneficial the World Cup is too the host cities and country. With teams like the USWNT bringing in such a large amount of fans businesses thrive, which helps boost the economy of these places. Prior to reading this article I had no idea that countries got such benefits from simply hosting major events like the World Cup. I found this article extremely interesting as it opened my eyes to a more business side of soccer where I never have really looked before.
The New York Times Meet the Candidates video on all 21 democratic 2020 presidential candidates was my favorite post this week. As a young person in today’s United States it is my job to educate myself on our current field and find the candidate that most fits my political views and desires. I can no longer just form an opinion based on what news outlets tell me, I need to get them directly from the source. That is why I enjoyed having the candidates speak directly about their own views in the videos rather than having them paraphrased by a reporter. It made the candidates seem more genuine, that we as viewers were getting true insight into what kind of a president they would be.
Some of the issues such as would handguns exist in their perfect world gave the candidates an opportunity to elaborate on an issue plaguing our political landscape today. Some pointed out that in a perfect world, no one would feel the need to protect themselves because there would be no violence. I think this question really highlighted how each candidate works through a problem and showed that they are willing to see a different side to an argument. Then, Questions such as “What is your comfort food on the campaign trail” gives the candidates humanity. This question is definitely not the most important in terms of deciding the next president but it is fun to see that these are just normal people who want to make a difference and make the world safer for the people of the United States.
My favorite topic shown this week in the New York Times was, 52 Places to Go: Aberdeen, Scotland. This video highlights the components of a foreign city in Scotland named Aberdeen. This video exemplifies the tasteful art regions of the city in Scotland, not only that but, it also shows the journey of riding a train and cultural entities of being in the United Kingdom. It is unlike anything else published this week.
This video was particularly tempting because I have never travelled to Aberdeen but now it seems very tempting to become more worldly. This video differentiates itself by showing the fun in vacationing around the world. I have never seen Aberdeen in such an artistic light, typically Aberdeen is shown with castles surrounded by moats of water like stereotypical Scotland. But that definitely wasn't in this video, as well as the castles with nearby water in the North Sea, this short video showed the captivating street art and the artists behind the making of it. Besides all of that, this video shows everything in a very humorous way that made this video very interesting and enjoyable.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/20/science/lost-wallet-what-to-do.html
This week I read an article entitled "Would You Return This Lost Wallet?" in which a study was conducted over the course of 3 years across many locations that tested if people would return a wallet with varying amounts of money in it. Surprisingly, they found that people were more likely to return a wallet if it had money in it, and the more money the more likely it was to be returned. This surprised me, but it also made sense with the explanation that the author of the article gave us. They said that because people want to consider themselves moral, they are more likely to return the wallet than steal the money. It brought an interesting aspect of human nature into the light that I think is often overlooked. That despite the fact that it doesn't benefit them, people want to feel good about themselves so they will do what is morally right. This article made me feel happy especially with all the horrible things I constantly read and see in the news, it was good to read an article that said something good about human kind. At the end of the article it said that this same result was found in other instances as well. Who knows, maybe in the future I won't continue to think of humans in such a pessimistic way. Anyways, I chose this article because it was not only interesting because it contradicted what I thought, but it had a "happy ending" per say, which I really enjoyed.
This week in the times, what intrigued me the most was the article, "DNA Microscope Sees 'Through the Eyes of the Cell' ", by Knvul Sheikh. The very concept of people seeing what truly dwells in the microscopic world is fascinating. I have personally always wanted to see how these cells look in vivid details from the inside, and this new breakthrough may be able to show me what I'm looking for. This method inexpensive and doesn't require that much work; anyone can conduct this experiment on their own time.
Week 2:
Why Can’t Everyone Get A’s? by Alfie Kohn
https://nyti.ms/2N4zFTn
This article caught my attention because of the absurd notion of "everyone getting A's". If everyone gets an A, we will all lack the motivation to work, as we are getting the grade either way. This would also cause a high school diploma, and even a college degree to be completely useless, as everyone will be given a passing grade no matter what, which will then cause problems in the workforce. When I read the article, however, i wondered whether everyone getting an A was really so bad, if schools purposefully 'rig' tests and the curriculum in order to fail certain groups. Their should be an in-between of only those students motivated and disciplined enough to do the work get an A, without having the school system purposefully rig the tests so that only the smartest have a chance. This system is what we are all promised when we go to school, but according to Alfie Kohn, this is not what we are given. As long as competition and/or bias exists, the grading system will only be another source of discrimination.
A leader is one who can command and truly bring a whole group together towards a better future. “What Makes a Leader” by Jessica Bennett wonderfully sums up the true meaning of being a successful leader. Nowadays, this article suggests that a true leader is one who can combine qualities such as empathy (thought of as “feminine”) with those of ambition and drive (thought of as “masculine”). With the sudden influx of more and more female leaders, this dynamic duo of both gender qualities allows for more successful leadership abilities and accomplishments. This opening up of leaders to add on traits like empathy to their decisive styles creates an environment of true growth.
Personally, this article hits very deep to home. Growing up, I was always expected to be a prominent figure who could have a large impact on this world. However, I have felt that my “style of leadership” has not been effective enough. Through reading this article, I have been opened to the idea that on top of using a style of aggressive masculinity, I should also add on a touch of “feminine care” in order to truly touch my targeted audience. As this article suggests, to truly become a successful leader, I should break the norms of what is generally accepted in society and instead lead in a way that can both motivate my audience and create lasting change. Thus, this article opens up a new road for me to travel on, hopefully onto greater heights.
This week I read an article “The Land Where the Internet Ends” by Pagan Kennedy, it has become one of my favorite articles. I was so drawn to this article when I saw its title because in this last month I have been very disconnected with my phone. I would continuously pick it up out of habit but then almost get disgusted because I really didn’t want to be on it. I have grown emotionally in just a month with not being on my phone and I’m more connected with my surroundings. I have been so much more relaxed and I have gotten so much more work done with my house. I’ve cleaned and organized so much and I have done a lot of yard work. Not being on a cellphone is truly eye opening and mind opening. It’s so much more peaceful. I have a new dream of going to a place just like Green Banks so I can disconnect from the Internet. If a way to preserve “Quiet Zones” or to even make more Quiet Zones comes along I will definitely do all that I can to support it and make it happen. Everyone needs at the very least a good break from the internet so they can focus on who they are and grow into who they are.
My last post was meant for week one, here is my comment for week two...
This week I was quite surprised by this type of news. For many of reasons, such as, this happened over a year ago, and yes it should be remembered to know what could happen at any random time. But at the same time, why are the charges just now being announced? Yes, they had to get evidence, but it just does not all make sense. To go on, officer Scot Peterson decided to go to a place for safety, instead of going in to help stop and save lives that were lost. I do question why he became a police officer if he was too scared and could not keep his oath and protect the teachers and students in need of help. But I disagree with the fact that parents are saying “Rot in hell” stated by Fred Guttenburg, who was one of the parents of a victim that had died during the shooting. It was wrong of him to not go try and save, but at the same time, who knows what could have happened in that type of situation, he could have saved a life, or lost his own, but we will never know. The department’s commissioner Rick Swearingen is apologizing to the victims family and on behalf of officer Scot. Taking all of this in, we need to think about one thing, is he the only one to blame for the loss of lives? Or is there more people involved and we are pointing the blame to one human being?