You are a journalist for a national magazine. Your editor has asked you to write an article about the five most important cultural events of the last decade. List these events and write a short paragraph explaining its importance, for submission to your editor.
iPhone - The iPhone, amongst numerous other smartphones is a major player in the industry. Due to the commonness of this phone and the many apps that come along with it or can easily be downloaded communication is a lot faster and more efficient. Many applications allow for instant messaging individually and also in groups, which makes it a lot easier to plan and organize things with a larger amount of people, and spread information in general. Many of the apps also can help a lot in education, help you learn, study and practice.
Skype - This has created a major boost in communication. Now, since traveling is very common and people/families now tend to move out of their home country, they may be far away from relatives and friends. Skype allows you to not only talk, but also see people across the globe. This is a very important invention for communication, the spreading of ideas, relationships etc. It can be very hard to keep in contact with friends and family, but Skype makes this a lot easier and gives you the opportunity to stay in touch with anyone. There are families where parents may travel a lot and may even live in a different country. If they have children, for example, this makes it very easy for parents and kids to stay in contact.
Facebook - Facebook is another development in the communication factor. Almost everyone has facebook nowadays, it's really easy to connect with old friends, and stay in touch with people. Facebook also has many groups, for example, which you can follow for their information. You can share and view photos along with the many other options facebook allows.
Online Booking/Banking/Ticketing/Ordering - Being able to do almost anything online now. This creates maximum comfort, yes and relieves lot's of stress from transportation, organization and time.
Kindle - Especially for travelers, this is an ideal device. Even though it doesn't give you the same feel, smell and touch of a real paper book, it really is good for transportational purposes. This small and light device can be carried around everywhere and can hold thousands of books.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Buying a Shirt
What do you think of when you buy a shirt? What should people think of or not think of when buying a shirt? Why?
Mostly I look at think of whether or not it looks nice, and if/how it fits, what it feels like. I also think about the purpose, for example running attire. However, I also think a lot about the price. If the price is too much, I won't buy it and if it's too cheap I also consider why the price is so low. Is the quality bad? Do they just want to get rid of it? If so, why? Are the people making it in really bad environment/working conditions? I also consider the company I'm buying from because some companies are known for having very poor working conditions. There are companies where the workers get minimum pay, have child labor. When people pay for something most of the money goes to everyone but the workers. This is something people should consider, do you really want to support this? When one pays for something with a company like this, you are just encouraging this behavior. Even if it might benefit you, cheap cost, you should think about what the people go through that make a 50 cent difference for yourself.
Mostly I look at think of whether or not it looks nice, and if/how it fits, what it feels like. I also think about the purpose, for example running attire. However, I also think a lot about the price. If the price is too much, I won't buy it and if it's too cheap I also consider why the price is so low. Is the quality bad? Do they just want to get rid of it? If so, why? Are the people making it in really bad environment/working conditions? I also consider the company I'm buying from because some companies are known for having very poor working conditions. There are companies where the workers get minimum pay, have child labor. When people pay for something most of the money goes to everyone but the workers. This is something people should consider, do you really want to support this? When one pays for something with a company like this, you are just encouraging this behavior. Even if it might benefit you, cheap cost, you should think about what the people go through that make a 50 cent difference for yourself.
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Giving a Historical Person Technology
Pick a historical person.
What technology would you go back in time to give to them? Why?
I wouldn't give any historical person an invention we have today that was not "meant" for/to them. Firstly, it would change our entire history but also, you're taking away their life's work, what they are known for. I don't like the idea of changing history. Yes, there is a chance that it could broaden their production but it could also minimize their personal things. If you think about art as an example. If you had given a past artist a computer. Their may have started amazing pieces digitally but then they may have never produced the famous work we can see in museum today.
I wouldn't give any historical person an invention we have today that was not "meant" for/to them. Firstly, it would change our entire history but also, you're taking away their life's work, what they are known for. I don't like the idea of changing history. Yes, there is a chance that it could broaden their production but it could also minimize their personal things. If you think about art as an example. If you had given a past artist a computer. Their may have started amazing pieces digitally but then they may have never produced the famous work we can see in museum today.
Running Out of Steam
Heron of Greece invented steam power in 50 BC. But the leaders of the day thought that it would cause unemployment which may lead to unrest and the invention, well, ran out of steam. There were many such untimely inventions.
What inventions today cause unemployment? Should we get rid of technology?
What inventions today cause unemployment? Should we get rid of technology?
There are so many inventions that cause unemployment nowadays, so many that it's hard to come up with even 5.
However, there are some obvious inventions that might have 'practicalized' our daily lives but they have taken away jobs at the same time.
In some airports, they are now beginning to have self check-in counters. This is quite a problem. Yes, it might go faster, but if you think about it, this takes away a lot of jobs! Also, is there a small possibility that this is decreasing security? Now that the passengers are in charge of this.
Also, at supermarkets, they have super speed self managing cashiers. This takes away the jobs of the cashier people.
Another inventions would be surveillance cameras. This takes away many security positions.
Online websites that allow you to free-stream any movies, shows, music, news reports etc. This takes away the jobs of the people that sell these CD's/DVD's for a living. But also consequences the actors, singers etc. as they don't get paid for their work this way.
Lastly, e-mail. This invention has decreased the demand for (snail)mail services tremendously. E-mail is faster, and allows you to stay at home - you don't have to get up and bring your mail to a mailbox. But this takes away they jobs of the people collecting the mail, then preparing it before it get's shipped off, then the people that are in charge of the transportation and again the delivery people! All in one simple and seemingly amazing invention.
All these inventions have pros yes, but they also have more cons that just this problem of unemployment. If we start to reply on machines this much it could become a huge problem in cases of failure, power cuts for example. However, this does not at all mean we should get rid of technology. I do think that we should start to be able to control our money situation. WE should stop cheating and start paying what the things are actually worth and make sure the money get's to the people that deserve it.
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Everything is Amazing and Nobody is Happy
"We live in an amazing, amazing world, and it's wasted on the crappiest generations of spoiled idiots that don't care." - Louis C.K.
Do people complain about things they shouldn't? Do you? Louis C.K., a comedian, has a whole but about how often people complain about things like technology. He shares an anecdote about people complaining about the wireless internet not working on an airplane. He has a point, doesn't he? Our lives are pretty amazing compared to some other places and times. What are some things that people take for granted or complain about that are actually amazing? What do you think of his quote at the top? How is everything amazing yet nobody is happy?
I think definitely people complain about things they shouldn't. But I don't think it can be said that "everyone" does this. I definitely think I do this too. But I also think that I appreciate what I have due to how and where I have grown up. Humans have developed in many ways, and in many different ways. There are different social classes that are exposed to more to more luxury. This creates this problem of complaining about things that they shouldn't complain about. There are people in some parts of the world, that just barely have enough to survive day by day and then there are people that complain about having too many options of desert. People strive for the better and improved, but the moment they don't have the newest, complains start to arose and people forget to appreciate how much they really have. There are families that have multiple cars and a private jet, and there are people that have been wearing the same shoes for 20 years. Oh, and did I mention, these shoes were found in the garbage and are 3 sizes too big. Some people like right, literally RIGHT next to school and still have a driver drop them off 15 meters down the road, and then they complain about the traffic jam. I think people take for granted everything that exceeds necessity. I'm not saying everyone is spoiled and rude, but sometimes, one can forget how much one really has and how to appreciate it and be thankful.
Do people complain about things they shouldn't? Do you? Louis C.K., a comedian, has a whole but about how often people complain about things like technology. He shares an anecdote about people complaining about the wireless internet not working on an airplane. He has a point, doesn't he? Our lives are pretty amazing compared to some other places and times. What are some things that people take for granted or complain about that are actually amazing? What do you think of his quote at the top? How is everything amazing yet nobody is happy?
I think definitely people complain about things they shouldn't. But I don't think it can be said that "everyone" does this. I definitely think I do this too. But I also think that I appreciate what I have due to how and where I have grown up. Humans have developed in many ways, and in many different ways. There are different social classes that are exposed to more to more luxury. This creates this problem of complaining about things that they shouldn't complain about. There are people in some parts of the world, that just barely have enough to survive day by day and then there are people that complain about having too many options of desert. People strive for the better and improved, but the moment they don't have the newest, complains start to arose and people forget to appreciate how much they really have. There are families that have multiple cars and a private jet, and there are people that have been wearing the same shoes for 20 years. Oh, and did I mention, these shoes were found in the garbage and are 3 sizes too big. Some people like right, literally RIGHT next to school and still have a driver drop them off 15 meters down the road, and then they complain about the traffic jam. I think people take for granted everything that exceeds necessity. I'm not saying everyone is spoiled and rude, but sometimes, one can forget how much one really has and how to appreciate it and be thankful.
Inventions that Improve Quality of Life
For the last few years, Time Magazine has been doing features on the best inventions. Here are a few they have highlighted recently:
- a human organ printer
- an Iron Man suit
- a driverless car
- the AIDS vaccine
Out of these four inventions, which do you think will do the most to improve the quality of life for all humanity? Why?
I think both the human organ printer and the AIDS vaccine could be things that can really help quality of life in the health area. Many diseases that are "incurable" at this time can be "cured". The human organ printer could help majorly in areas such as cancer and major injuries like burns for example. And because a new organ can be printed, it will speed up the process of treatment tremendously but also protect the body from all the harmful drugs and chemicals used. This will then also make the body stronger, which will prevent other diseases from effecting the individual. And of course, an AIDS vaccine, is good for self-explanitory reasons. - It will stop the spreading of this wide spread disease. There are negative aspects to these, but hopefully we can find away to work around these and work on improving these so that these inventions can really be used to the maximum benefit.
- a human organ printer
- an Iron Man suit
- a driverless car
- the AIDS vaccine
Out of these four inventions, which do you think will do the most to improve the quality of life for all humanity? Why?
I think both the human organ printer and the AIDS vaccine could be things that can really help quality of life in the health area. Many diseases that are "incurable" at this time can be "cured". The human organ printer could help majorly in areas such as cancer and major injuries like burns for example. And because a new organ can be printed, it will speed up the process of treatment tremendously but also protect the body from all the harmful drugs and chemicals used. This will then also make the body stronger, which will prevent other diseases from effecting the individual. And of course, an AIDS vaccine, is good for self-explanitory reasons. - It will stop the spreading of this wide spread disease. There are negative aspects to these, but hopefully we can find away to work around these and work on improving these so that these inventions can really be used to the maximum benefit.
Craftsmanship vs. Factory Life
How great was the change from craftsmanship to factory life?
JOURNAL: Do you knit, sew, build, draw, paint or cook? Do you make anything by hand, or do you know anyone that is particularly skilled at making something? What? Describe the process (i.e. How did you learn? What materials do you use? etc.) Why do you do this? What do you get out of it?
I know many people that have these kinds of skills. My parents both cook. My mom knows how to knit and sow. I like to paint and draw. I used to also make a lot of jewelry for myself, handmade earrings, necklaces and bracelets. I just taught myself, or didn't really teach, I just did it and tried out different materials/ways of doing it and then found an easy and efficient way that still produced quality goods. I do it because I enjoy it a lot and you can make it exactly the way you want it to be. It's a hobby though, not something I do because it's necessary. I love just trying out new ways, and different designs, it does take quite a bit of patience and time though.
JOURNAL: Do you knit, sew, build, draw, paint or cook? Do you make anything by hand, or do you know anyone that is particularly skilled at making something? What? Describe the process (i.e. How did you learn? What materials do you use? etc.) Why do you do this? What do you get out of it?
I know many people that have these kinds of skills. My parents both cook. My mom knows how to knit and sow. I like to paint and draw. I used to also make a lot of jewelry for myself, handmade earrings, necklaces and bracelets. I just taught myself, or didn't really teach, I just did it and tried out different materials/ways of doing it and then found an easy and efficient way that still produced quality goods. I do it because I enjoy it a lot and you can make it exactly the way you want it to be. It's a hobby though, not something I do because it's necessary. I love just trying out new ways, and different designs, it does take quite a bit of patience and time though.
Explain the Light Bulb to Cavewomen and Cavemen
A light bulb is an object humans created to have constant sun. Even when it's dark, we can have light. Humans have created different words for these objects, but I will try to explain it to you in the easiest way. We have invented something that is like a shell, those ones that you can look through but it's closed, like a hollow shell. Then we have invented something which we call wires. Through these wires, electricity flows. Electricity is like sunday, but it's not hot. It works just like when you would burn a piece of grass, the fire goes from one end to the other, and then when it reaches the inside of the shell it is trapped inside and keeps burning. Electricity works like this, except it's not as hot, so it doesn't burn/melt the shell. We can even control when to turn it on and off, and it always works. There is a switch on the wall, a small button, like a lever and when you push it it goes on and when you push it again it goes off. It's as if you're lighting a match to start the fire that goes to the shell. And this electricity never goes out unless you push the button.
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Resolutions 2014
2013 was a good year, but then again, I think every year is a good year. There were goods and downs, but every year has that and it's important to accept the bad ones and improve on your mistakes and enjoy and treasure the good ones. I have many resolutions to improve this year though. My academics, athletics, family and friends - I have goals I have made myself to make this a good year, for myself and the people around me. And on top of that list, I have written to complete all my resolutions. I reeeeeaaaaalllllyyyy hope I manage to do this. So far, I have...but it's only the first week, so I wonder...
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Feeling Unprepared
How many times in my life have I felt unprepared?
Probably,
umm....
EVERY SINGLE DAY since I started school.
Well, fine, I don't remember exactly how it was in first or second grade - but it definitely feels like that. Especially recently. How annoying is that feeling of immense anxiety hijacking your body because you are in you unlucky streak of events? Those situations where you know you can't do anything in the world to get that last handful of vocabulary words crammed into the last empty space in your brain, to memorize those two formulas that are of vital importance but you don't know half the symbols it includes. Yes, I have been in a situation where I have felt unprepared. And, yes, I am still going to be in those situations; just thinking about them causes an uneasy feeling in my stomach.
I have been sick and missed school. Days, where all I did was sleep, wake up to eat, wake up because of guilt of not doing your school work, attempting to be productive, getting a headache and going back to sleep - and of coarse tons and tons of tissues and coughing in the mean time. And then, when you get back to school you have five hundred tests to make up for, late assignments due and missing homework. The overwhelming feeling that is latched onto feeling unprepared as a counter-reaction might actually be just as bad.
Or working on perfecting a several-paged-assignment late into the night, then that huge grin comes on your face when you slam your finger into that last full stop on your keyboard. Your drag your mouse and hover it over the 'save' button, you exhale from relief - but then..........your computer crashes!! And you lose ALL. YOUR. WORK. Yes, that I have been through as well.
And many other dreadful times like these, but it is something that comes with being a person that does something, whether it's going to school or work or anything.
I think the worst thing about this, though, is that waaaay too many teachers greet you with "I don't wanna hear it." Every excuse, in my opinion, should be listened to because the bugging feeling you get, when you KNOW that your excuse is valid and there was no way around it but you just keeping getting the 'shush' hand shoved in your face, is too irritating to ask of anyone.
Probably,
umm....
EVERY SINGLE DAY since I started school.
Well, fine, I don't remember exactly how it was in first or second grade - but it definitely feels like that. Especially recently. How annoying is that feeling of immense anxiety hijacking your body because you are in you unlucky streak of events? Those situations where you know you can't do anything in the world to get that last handful of vocabulary words crammed into the last empty space in your brain, to memorize those two formulas that are of vital importance but you don't know half the symbols it includes. Yes, I have been in a situation where I have felt unprepared. And, yes, I am still going to be in those situations; just thinking about them causes an uneasy feeling in my stomach.
I have been sick and missed school. Days, where all I did was sleep, wake up to eat, wake up because of guilt of not doing your school work, attempting to be productive, getting a headache and going back to sleep - and of coarse tons and tons of tissues and coughing in the mean time. And then, when you get back to school you have five hundred tests to make up for, late assignments due and missing homework. The overwhelming feeling that is latched onto feeling unprepared as a counter-reaction might actually be just as bad.
Or working on perfecting a several-paged-assignment late into the night, then that huge grin comes on your face when you slam your finger into that last full stop on your keyboard. Your drag your mouse and hover it over the 'save' button, you exhale from relief - but then..........your computer crashes!! And you lose ALL. YOUR. WORK. Yes, that I have been through as well.
And many other dreadful times like these, but it is something that comes with being a person that does something, whether it's going to school or work or anything.
I think the worst thing about this, though, is that waaaay too many teachers greet you with "I don't wanna hear it." Every excuse, in my opinion, should be listened to because the bugging feeling you get, when you KNOW that your excuse is valid and there was no way around it but you just keeping getting the 'shush' hand shoved in your face, is too irritating to ask of anyone.
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Bill McKibben
Describe your mental environment.What is the landscape like? What pollutes it? How polluted is it? What do you think of this analogy? What might practicing "mental environmentalism" look like?
I like this analogy, it's an interesting way/interpretation/representation of the human mind. I think that everyone is born with a "pure" mind, however, even as the first few minutes pass - it is already polluted. I think that everyone's mind is polluted. Sometimes when I work too long, non-stop, I feel as though a giant tornado is jumbling all my thoughts - the ones that I just managed to put together are torn apart, the wrong pieces are put together, everything is going crisscross. But, I usually get into these situations when I have a lot of work to do and this tornado comes. This means that I still have some work left. When this happens, I put my pencil down and just try to organize my thoughts. However, sometimes this just takes too long and my thoughts get polluted with "okay, concentrate, focus....no....stop" and never actually get to the working part. I also think that when talking about a "polluted mental environment" we have to be careful not to mix this with things such as procrastination.
Practicing environmentalism, in my opinion - for clear thoughts, has several different looks. I think you need to have a clean physical outside environment. One needs to take a moment, relax and try to focus. One needs time. When one needs to think, one needs to get rid or disturbances and distractions. - however, I think it is impossible. The mere concept of "opinion" is great pollution to everyone's mind.
Even though I believe that everyone's mind is polluted, I don't really like this word. "Pollution" has a negative connotation to it. But, I think that 'pollution' in one's mind is a natural thing that cannot be changed. Shouldn't it be seen as a positive thing that we are so advanced that we have too many thoughts in our mind? Isn't it fascinating? And having this overflow ideas has caused the world to be as advanced as it is today, it has lead to great things. The mind and the knowledge, ideas and thoughts it contains is the ultimate power.
I like this analogy, it's an interesting way/interpretation/representation of the human mind. I think that everyone is born with a "pure" mind, however, even as the first few minutes pass - it is already polluted. I think that everyone's mind is polluted. Sometimes when I work too long, non-stop, I feel as though a giant tornado is jumbling all my thoughts - the ones that I just managed to put together are torn apart, the wrong pieces are put together, everything is going crisscross. But, I usually get into these situations when I have a lot of work to do and this tornado comes. This means that I still have some work left. When this happens, I put my pencil down and just try to organize my thoughts. However, sometimes this just takes too long and my thoughts get polluted with "okay, concentrate, focus....no....stop" and never actually get to the working part. I also think that when talking about a "polluted mental environment" we have to be careful not to mix this with things such as procrastination.
Practicing environmentalism, in my opinion - for clear thoughts, has several different looks. I think you need to have a clean physical outside environment. One needs to take a moment, relax and try to focus. One needs time. When one needs to think, one needs to get rid or disturbances and distractions. - however, I think it is impossible. The mere concept of "opinion" is great pollution to everyone's mind.
Even though I believe that everyone's mind is polluted, I don't really like this word. "Pollution" has a negative connotation to it. But, I think that 'pollution' in one's mind is a natural thing that cannot be changed. Shouldn't it be seen as a positive thing that we are so advanced that we have too many thoughts in our mind? Isn't it fascinating? And having this overflow ideas has caused the world to be as advanced as it is today, it has lead to great things. The mind and the knowledge, ideas and thoughts it contains is the ultimate power.
Pretend you are your parent. Blog about your child.
My daughter, who's already sixteen years old, has had a life not many other people her age have. She has experienced things not many people can say they have. My daughter likes doing many things. Sometimes she does too many things at the same time though. She has a hard time managing her time. She takes more time than she has to do her work. If she would learn how to do her work so that she has time left, she would be able to do so many more things. She enjoys doing many things and she tries to put effort into everything she does. She makes friends easily and never has any trouble with them, but in my opinion she should spend more time with them. My daughter does not yet know what she wants to do when she's older but has big dreams and goals (for her future) - but sometimes she can forget that she needs to work to attain those. She often has a smile on her face.
Monday, October 28, 2013
Purchasing Stuff We Don't Need
Why do you think this happened?
Do you think it's important change?
What do you think will happen in the future?
The world has been developing rapidly within these 4 decades, many new ideas, concepts and inventions have advanced. There was an increase of 7% on purchases of nonessential goods. I was really surprised that this wasn't higher, because I know that there has been a very big boost in inventions that are unessential, and I also know that many people purchase them. I also thought this would have been higher because, seeing people around me, growing up in different places and traveling to different parts of the world I have been able to observe very low life conditions, but I have also seen extreme wealth - which I thought would have a bigger impact on these statistics.
Wealth in the world is increasing, it's unequal but it's increasing. Therefore, the funds for non-esencial good are as well. Wealth is increasing and sadly some greed along with it, people are always longing for the better, bigger and newer product. Companies are constantly producing products and the human mindset has shifted from "what do we actually need and what's the most effective way to do this" to "money". Companies may even create faults in products so that after only 2 years of use, it will be mandatory to purchase a new one.
It's a very important change because it's a representation of how ideas have developed and how we have invented so many new things. These things may not be essential but they show our development and they may have an influence on making daily life easier. Which to me, and many other people out there seems like a positive impact.
But, on the contrary, what does all this say about us? With all these products being released and numbers of unessential increasing are we loosing our sense of realism? Our sense? Is all this really necessary? If not, is this still for the better?
I definitely think that this is still to increase. And, I hope that this increase will be because wealth inequality is slowly even out and poorer countries will be able to contribute to this spending.
Do you think it's important change?
What do you think will happen in the future?
The world has been developing rapidly within these 4 decades, many new ideas, concepts and inventions have advanced. There was an increase of 7% on purchases of nonessential goods. I was really surprised that this wasn't higher, because I know that there has been a very big boost in inventions that are unessential, and I also know that many people purchase them. I also thought this would have been higher because, seeing people around me, growing up in different places and traveling to different parts of the world I have been able to observe very low life conditions, but I have also seen extreme wealth - which I thought would have a bigger impact on these statistics.
Wealth in the world is increasing, it's unequal but it's increasing. Therefore, the funds for non-esencial good are as well. Wealth is increasing and sadly some greed along with it, people are always longing for the better, bigger and newer product. Companies are constantly producing products and the human mindset has shifted from "what do we actually need and what's the most effective way to do this" to "money". Companies may even create faults in products so that after only 2 years of use, it will be mandatory to purchase a new one.
It's a very important change because it's a representation of how ideas have developed and how we have invented so many new things. These things may not be essential but they show our development and they may have an influence on making daily life easier. Which to me, and many other people out there seems like a positive impact.
But, on the contrary, what does all this say about us? With all these products being released and numbers of unessential increasing are we loosing our sense of realism? Our sense? Is all this really necessary? If not, is this still for the better?
I definitely think that this is still to increase. And, I hope that this increase will be because wealth inequality is slowly even out and poorer countries will be able to contribute to this spending.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
IB Learner Profile - John Locke
My name is John Locke. I feel as though I am a sophisticated thinker. I am fond and always appreciate an innovative discussion as I enjoy hearing others people's sentiments. I like taking lengthy walks where I am able to reflect on my understanding of certain concepts or brood on perspectives of others, and also my own. As a knowledgable individual, I am always amenable to questions. In my spare time I fancy going to a coffee house, sitting and conversing with others on contemporary issues. I believe it is of great importance to exchange opinions as this is one of the only ways to strengthen your own standpoint. I am a reflective thinker and hearing other peoples stances contributes to my own understanding and helps me create a stronger based opinion. I very much enjoy spending time with people who are communicators like myself and enjoy debates and are not reluctant to oppose a counter argument.
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Thomas Paine, Common Sense
“A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong, gives it a superficial appearance of being right, and raises at first a formidable outcry in defense of custom. But the tumult soon subsides. Time makes more converts than reason.”
When people have been doing something for a long time, they don't think that this could be/is wrong. At first people don't want to change, but if you give them a bit of time, they will.
Common Sense: Equality
Everyone has the same human rights no matter what color, race, heights, width, nationality, sex, religion (etc.) you might have or be. Everyone is equal.
You treat others the way you would like to be treated. So why do we have to worry about things like: racism, sexism, discrimination, bullying and many more things? Have you ever been bullied? If you have, you know how it feels like, and it's not something you would like to continue. If you haven't, I'm sure you are bright enough to imagine that it's not a nice feeling. At all. Have you ever bullied someone else? No, that's good, keep it up. Yes, next time think about your actions and words seriously. How would you feel if you would be treated that way? Do you know that you could be hurting them more that they show? Hopefully, you'll gain some common sense and stop. And hopefully, you can even take the next step and try to atone for your past mistakes if you've ever treated someone with disparity. Have you ever been a bystander to someone being bullied? Yes, well, that's just as bad as being the antagonist. Stand up for yourself and others, no one deserves to be treated badly.
Have you ever heard of the saying, "an eye for an eye"? Think of this, except, in a positive way. What you would want in return you should be giving.
Why do we have to worry about these things when they are common sense? It is possible that you have been brought up that way. Brought up to think a certain way, brought up to act a certain way. But everyone has their own mind and their own brain to their own use. Think about your actions, think about if YOU really think that what you are doing is right. And, most importantly, change if you don't.
You shouldn't judge anyone or treat anyone different from one another - no matter what they look like, or where they originate from - nothing but the personality.
Equality, common sense, right?
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Instructions for Overcoming A Tyrannical Government in the 21st Century for Dummies
1) Get together a team. A powerful team, that is willing to fight for everything. They should be people you know are not going to give up, no matter what. People that aren't going to change their mind. Make sure this team is HUGE. Make it a majority - a little group is just going to seem like a little annoying mosquito, a majority is what could impact the government to make change happen.
2) Then you should get ready to demonstrate. You should make sure that you have lot's of people and that you are loud and make sound. This will attract attention and there is a chance of you getting more supporters.
3) When you are demonstrating make sure to have lots and lots of media. The 21st century revolves around technology. It will spread the word a lot faster and drag attention to your cause. TV, journalists, lots and lots of reporters.
4) Make sure that the media you have will create the most international attention/spread.
5) Basically, make sure you have A LOT of attention, and a lot of people supporting you. Tell people how the new group is better, what advantages they will get.
6) Since you are trying to overcome a tyranny, be sure to have a group of people that you want to govern. Make sure that this group is what the majority of people wants so that this group will stay in power. And, of course these people should have the traits that you felt were missing in the ones you are trying to overcome.
2) Then you should get ready to demonstrate. You should make sure that you have lot's of people and that you are loud and make sound. This will attract attention and there is a chance of you getting more supporters.
3) When you are demonstrating make sure to have lots and lots of media. The 21st century revolves around technology. It will spread the word a lot faster and drag attention to your cause. TV, journalists, lots and lots of reporters.
4) Make sure that the media you have will create the most international attention/spread.
5) Basically, make sure you have A LOT of attention, and a lot of people supporting you. Tell people how the new group is better, what advantages they will get.
6) Since you are trying to overcome a tyranny, be sure to have a group of people that you want to govern. Make sure that this group is what the majority of people wants so that this group will stay in power. And, of course these people should have the traits that you felt were missing in the ones you are trying to overcome.
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Rebellion
Do people have the right to rebel? Why or why not?
What is an issue you would rebel over? Why?
What would it take for your family to leave a country?
What would you need to leave?
Of course people have the right to rebel. One of the basic human rights is "right of speech". If you have this right, other people have to accept that you are going to use it. People have to be able to deal with the fact that other might be passionate about a certain topic and really want to make a difference. So, I believe that they have to expect some resistance. I do however believe that people should not use violence to rebel. They should find a way to contradict without violence. But I definitely believe that they have the right to do so. Both parties, the receiving and the giving side have to be able to cope
An issue I would rebel over…well, in my opinion rebel is a very strong word. It's a word used when someone starts to get upset. I want to and try to not rebel, rather just say my opinion, disagree, discuss. But not, rebel. In regards to an issue, there are many things where opinions clash in daily lives. Some are smaller and of less significance and some are larger and might seem more important.
For my family to leave a country, my dad's job would have to tell us to leave. We have lived in countries where one might say, "there were harsh conditions". And we have decided to stay. I have grown up in countries where there is war and constant conflict and we have never left because of that. We have left for medical care which was better in our home country. We have also left because situations got very difficult and more than half of the families in our school had been evacuated. We didn't want to be in the situation where we would be told "you have to leave the country in two days, pack your things".
To leave, I would need my family to come with me, obviously. It would be nice though if we could take our belongings with us. I couldn't imagine having to leave everything behind, even though I have been very close to that many times. In my opinion there is a big difference between "needing" and "wanting" something.
What is an issue you would rebel over? Why?
What would it take for your family to leave a country?
What would you need to leave?
Of course people have the right to rebel. One of the basic human rights is "right of speech". If you have this right, other people have to accept that you are going to use it. People have to be able to deal with the fact that other might be passionate about a certain topic and really want to make a difference. So, I believe that they have to expect some resistance. I do however believe that people should not use violence to rebel. They should find a way to contradict without violence. But I definitely believe that they have the right to do so. Both parties, the receiving and the giving side have to be able to cope
An issue I would rebel over…well, in my opinion rebel is a very strong word. It's a word used when someone starts to get upset. I want to and try to not rebel, rather just say my opinion, disagree, discuss. But not, rebel. In regards to an issue, there are many things where opinions clash in daily lives. Some are smaller and of less significance and some are larger and might seem more important.
For my family to leave a country, my dad's job would have to tell us to leave. We have lived in countries where one might say, "there were harsh conditions". And we have decided to stay. I have grown up in countries where there is war and constant conflict and we have never left because of that. We have left for medical care which was better in our home country. We have also left because situations got very difficult and more than half of the families in our school had been evacuated. We didn't want to be in the situation where we would be told "you have to leave the country in two days, pack your things".
To leave, I would need my family to come with me, obviously. It would be nice though if we could take our belongings with us. I couldn't imagine having to leave everything behind, even though I have been very close to that many times. In my opinion there is a big difference between "needing" and "wanting" something.
Sunday, September 29, 2013
29,000 Rubber Duckies and I Was One
I finally reached shore. It's been 15 years. 15 long years, hard years, breathtaking years. I was dumped 1992. My journey since, is a story that must come out. But know now, that my descriptions could never explain how vivid the experiences were in real life. I have travelled the oceans at storm, low tide and high, still water and harsh winds. You cannot imagine it. I started out with all my friends, then one day the thunder was roaring and the lighting was blinding. The waves crashed on deck pulling along with them everything they could get. We had no control of each other, and we haven't seen each other since. I was ripped apart from my family and my friends. I hope they have made it and have had a journey like I have myself. I hope they have been able to forget that terrible night and move on to seeing the pleasures and treasures of our beautiful planet.
Since then, I think I can say "I've seen the world, I have seen everything." Now I am finally able to tell people about my journey, and I try to explain the many different animal spices I encountered, they didn't even know half of them. I'm sure that I have seen things that others have not yet discovered. I'm sure I've seen land that aren't to be found on maps. I've seen good but I've also seen bad. Lot's has changed in 15 years. Humans have been destroying the seas. There were times where I thought I would die. Not from melting, not from being squished but from being suffocated. Can you imagine, I was scared of dying in plastic, practically my own skin! People are so careless, how can they not understand that throwing plastic, or trash in general is just killing their own kind? It's been getting worse and worse. I remember…the first time I thought that my journey has finally ended and I have reached land, I was being carried into a bed where my cover was a layer of trash. I thought I would be stuck forever.
I have seen the incredible and the fascinating but I have also see horrors that will never leave my mind. I truly hope that we can learn to take care of our planet and keep everything I had the luck of meeting.
And now I am here in France, when I started my journey in Hong Kong 15 years ago. It's hard to believe, isn't it?
It was the scariest moments of my life but it lead to the best years anyone could possibly imagine.
Since then, I think I can say "I've seen the world, I have seen everything." Now I am finally able to tell people about my journey, and I try to explain the many different animal spices I encountered, they didn't even know half of them. I'm sure that I have seen things that others have not yet discovered. I'm sure I've seen land that aren't to be found on maps. I've seen good but I've also seen bad. Lot's has changed in 15 years. Humans have been destroying the seas. There were times where I thought I would die. Not from melting, not from being squished but from being suffocated. Can you imagine, I was scared of dying in plastic, practically my own skin! People are so careless, how can they not understand that throwing plastic, or trash in general is just killing their own kind? It's been getting worse and worse. I remember…the first time I thought that my journey has finally ended and I have reached land, I was being carried into a bed where my cover was a layer of trash. I thought I would be stuck forever.
I have seen the incredible and the fascinating but I have also see horrors that will never leave my mind. I truly hope that we can learn to take care of our planet and keep everything I had the luck of meeting.
And now I am here in France, when I started my journey in Hong Kong 15 years ago. It's hard to believe, isn't it?
It was the scariest moments of my life but it lead to the best years anyone could possibly imagine.
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Ancestors (Jonas Salk)
"Are we being good ancestors?" - Jonas Salk
What does it mean to be a good ancestor? How should you live now to be good for future generations?
I think being a good ancestor means creating a safe, intact, healthy nice (literally, looks wise) natural habitat. Not only for our children and grandchildren… but also the different species of animals.
To be a good ancestor there are many things that you can do and several things we have to focus on. This also depends on the vision each individual has. In the end this is what it comes down to. How can we be good ancestors if we, the human species, don't have a common agreement on what we want our future to be like?
However some things I can think of are...
1) Environment: We should definitely protect our environment as of right now, because, to be good ancestors you should firstly make sure that there even is a possibility for a future generation. Right now, we are doing exactly the opposite, we are destroying our surroundings. How are we supposed to live in the future when all the trees have been cut down, all the water is polluted and useless to us? We have to take care of our environment also to avoid extinction and therefore disruptions in the life cycle. Imagine wanting to tell your children about sharks…or let's say a time where you went diving. You start to say a name of a fish "tun-" but you have to stop yourself because they don't know what they are. They are gone, for good, they won't be back ever. Or imagine you try to tell them of a vacation in a certain season but they can't relate because they just don't know what seasons are. All this due to climate change, is it really worth it?
2) Community: We have to start accepting that people have different opinions and learn how to deal with them in a proper way. Try to understand each other and try to work together to come up with conclusions/compromises everyone can be happy with. This way we can learn to communicate in a proper way and
...There are so many aspects that you could focus on that contribute to a better future, so we can be better ancestors. Equality, education, culture, social and many many more.
However there are also things people have done in the past that make it very difficult to change. So, some of our past mistakes are being carried through to the future. Things our generation didn't even start but are now responsible for.
Even so, there are many things you can do to be a good ancestor, but the main key is to know that whatever you do has a consequence. If you're willing to take that risk, be ready to clean up your own mess, don't leave it to pile up for the people to come.
What does it mean to be a good ancestor? How should you live now to be good for future generations?
I think being a good ancestor means creating a safe, intact, healthy nice (literally, looks wise) natural habitat. Not only for our children and grandchildren… but also the different species of animals.
To be a good ancestor there are many things that you can do and several things we have to focus on. This also depends on the vision each individual has. In the end this is what it comes down to. How can we be good ancestors if we, the human species, don't have a common agreement on what we want our future to be like?
However some things I can think of are...
1) Environment: We should definitely protect our environment as of right now, because, to be good ancestors you should firstly make sure that there even is a possibility for a future generation. Right now, we are doing exactly the opposite, we are destroying our surroundings. How are we supposed to live in the future when all the trees have been cut down, all the water is polluted and useless to us? We have to take care of our environment also to avoid extinction and therefore disruptions in the life cycle. Imagine wanting to tell your children about sharks…or let's say a time where you went diving. You start to say a name of a fish "tun-" but you have to stop yourself because they don't know what they are. They are gone, for good, they won't be back ever. Or imagine you try to tell them of a vacation in a certain season but they can't relate because they just don't know what seasons are. All this due to climate change, is it really worth it?
2) Community: We have to start accepting that people have different opinions and learn how to deal with them in a proper way. Try to understand each other and try to work together to come up with conclusions/compromises everyone can be happy with. This way we can learn to communicate in a proper way and
...There are so many aspects that you could focus on that contribute to a better future, so we can be better ancestors. Equality, education, culture, social and many many more.
However there are also things people have done in the past that make it very difficult to change. So, some of our past mistakes are being carried through to the future. Things our generation didn't even start but are now responsible for.
Even so, there are many things you can do to be a good ancestor, but the main key is to know that whatever you do has a consequence. If you're willing to take that risk, be ready to clean up your own mess, don't leave it to pile up for the people to come.
Friday, September 13, 2013
Information, Reliability and Dissemination
- Where do you get information?
- How do you know it is reliable?
- How do you spread any ideas/thoughts you have?
There are many, many different ways of finding information. You can get the in books, magazines, on the internet, from other people, posters, newspapers, TV - everywhere. Almost anywhere you look there is some type of information. Even just observing how other people talk to each other, act around other people, you can find out information on what kind of a person the other is.
It depends on the type of information but you could know if information is reliable based on the source it's coming from. As an example, for school you should trust websites where other people cannot edit anything posted there. You should also look at several different sites and see whether they have similar information. The more sites tell you the same thing, the more likely it is that the information is reliable. You should however, to ascertain, always see whether the figures seems realistic to you.
To spread my ideas and thoughts I do several things. Mostly, I talk to my friends, teachers, family members (anyone…) about what I think, just like a normal conversation is meant to be. Then they sometimes tell their friends, family etc. Another way that I spear my thoughts is, for example, exactly what you are reading now. My freshly started blog. The last way, which I don't do much, is posting it on facebook. By telling just one person you can be sure that at least 5 other people are going to hear about it. I think information spreads a lot faster that one thinks.
But, let's step back a little, in your opinion, what is information?
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