Our debate on the Rwandan denocide was awesome!! It was probably one of the most excting classes we've had all year and I'm so glad I got to participate in it. I think the best part about it for me was that my group was the Red Cross! The Red Cross was the only group at the debate that wasn't at fault for anything, which meant that we basically got to lay the blame on whoever we wanted. We decided, however, that the group "worthy" of the blame was Belgium. So, we informed the rest of the organizations of this in our opening statemnent. Mr. Fielder said that we should really lay the blame on the other groups to start stirring the pot. This was fairly easy, and judging by the looks on "Belgium's" faces we had done just that. What was even funny was that half the time, groups wouldn't call on us to let it talk because we did B
nothing wrong and they were all probably just scared or our straightforwardness and they knew we were going to take it to em.
I hope we get to do this again. Next time I think it would be more interesting if my group was one of the groups at fault. It would be more difficult though, I can imagine. But I think I could handle it beacause I'm very comforthale in these type of debate type situations.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Now that I’ve had a chance to go through this process of researching the genocide and participating in the debate, I can say that, beyond a doubt, if anyone was at fault for the genocide, it was Belgium. Belgium not only “set up” the genocide, but they didn’t even send any troops back in to help end the genocide! But, they had absolutely no problem in calling on the U.S. for help!
I will say, however, that just because Belgium started this whole mess doesn't mean it was destined to happen from the beginning. For example, without the Exodus of the Tutsi's, this may not have happened. Without the murder of a Hutu extremist leader, this may not have happened. About 15 things had to go horribly wrong for this tradegy to happen, and they all did.
No matter how "unfortunate" or "bad" or "sad" this may be, we learn about these things because history repeats itself. We need to learn from this time in history and make sure it doesnt happen again.
I will say, however, that just because Belgium started this whole mess doesn't mean it was destined to happen from the beginning. For example, without the Exodus of the Tutsi's, this may not have happened. Without the murder of a Hutu extremist leader, this may not have happened. About 15 things had to go horribly wrong for this tradegy to happen, and they all did.
No matter how "unfortunate" or "bad" or "sad" this may be, we learn about these things because history repeats itself. We need to learn from this time in history and make sure it doesnt happen again.
Friday, November 6, 2009
"The American Scholar"
Emerson's argument in "The American Scholar" holds true for only some people in our country; however, the bottom line is that America gives people the choice to be either a specialist or to have a larger pallet of interests.
One reason Emerson's argument still holds true today is the example of my mom's husband, Kevin. He used to own a Hungry Howies Pizza in Monroe. One day he decided to move me, my mom and my brother out to Brooklyn, MI. Here he started a horse and cattle ranch. His pizza business was very successful, despite a poor location, which was proven when the next owner took over and went bankrupt. His ranch is also fairly successful, and it is a very good addition to my mom, who works as a nurse anesthetist.
One prime example of why Emerson may have a valid point, is the production line worker. A phenomenal way of producing goods, but i almost EXACTLY what Emerson argues against. The production line worker does his one part, time after time, he becomes a machine, almost like a work horse. And, I agree with Emerson that it, without a doubt, it eats away at the man.
One reason Emerson's argument still holds true today is the example of my mom's husband, Kevin. He used to own a Hungry Howies Pizza in Monroe. One day he decided to move me, my mom and my brother out to Brooklyn, MI. Here he started a horse and cattle ranch. His pizza business was very successful, despite a poor location, which was proven when the next owner took over and went bankrupt. His ranch is also fairly successful, and it is a very good addition to my mom, who works as a nurse anesthetist.
One prime example of why Emerson may have a valid point, is the production line worker. A phenomenal way of producing goods, but i almost EXACTLY what Emerson argues against. The production line worker does his one part, time after time, he becomes a machine, almost like a work horse. And, I agree with Emerson that it, without a doubt, it eats away at the man.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Top Things Associated with Halloween
Top 5 Halloween Costumes:
Teenagers who go around in blue jeans, a white t-shirt and a mask are a pet peeve of mine, and a disgrace to dedicated trick-or-treaters such as myself. To crack my top ten, you have to have a good idea, creativity and innovative designing.
1. The Tin Man. (My costume as a 7- y/o). Okay folks, this wasn't a half done, $15 costume bought at Halloween USA. This was a design worked on for weeks. I spent 25 minutes just getting the thing on. It had an opening door that revealed a heart inside it. I also had silver body paint and hair dye, complete with a silver funnel on my head. Till this day, I cannot find on that tops this.
2. Harold Helicopter Rescue. (Thomas the Train character) When you can get a cute kid into a cardboard box that resembles a helicopter with revolving wooden spoons on top of his head, its an all around victory.
3. Super Sperm. Not a lot of explanation is necessary, but it was a unique idea and finally a teenager that did a little more that buying a scary mask.
4.Chucky (Child's Play) This did involve a mask, of course but the wearer did do a fantastic job of replicating the real Chucky, with the overalls, striped shirt, and of course, the infamous Chucky voice.
5. Now, this one is different because it involves a dog. However, putting a weiner dog in a hot dog costume is just adorable. I could cry.
Top 5 Halloween Candies:
When I think of Halloween I think of candy So here's my fab 5:
1. Snickers. The Snickers theme song is my ringtone. You know, the, "Over Chocolate Covered Mountain Tops And Waterfalls of Caramel..." It's pretty flippin' sweet if you ask me...
2. Candy Corn. I absolutely HATE candy corn, but it is probably the candy most associated with candy corn. All other candy is enjoyed year round, but candy corn is normally only ate on October 31st.
3. Kit Kat. My personal second favorite, I love the King-Size, because I can sit there and eat them all night.
4. Any white chocolate. My mom always joked that I inherited this "white-chocolate gene" from her. I normally don't eat nuts, but if there colored in white chocolate I will. I'd eat pretty much anything, as long as its covered in white chocolate.
5. M&M's. I guess, like the Kit Kat's, I can just sit there and enjoy them for hours. I think maybe I'm just more of a slow-candy eater.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
The Good Pain
I am currently struggling with how to put these feelings and these emotions and this physical pain into words right now. Let's start from the beginning; earlier tonight Stevenson freshman football played Churchill. Some of you may know, others may not, but going into the game, we were 0-8. The game started out fine, but so had many others. We had some chances late in the first half but couldn't get anything to go our way. A for sure touchdown was declined by the officials, we were plauged with fumbles and going into half, some of the players had already given up on the season. Others were constantly putting their teammates down with repeated insults. It left me to wonder if they had signed up to play football or to insult people.
When we were walking on the field for the second half, I knew the game was winnable. But I did doubt that we could last more than 5 minutes with the attitude some of the team was in. The third quarter seemed to be getting us nowhere. The ball went back and forth, both defenses couldn't get a stop. However, that all changed when we held them to a field goal. Our offenses got the ball after a big kick return and was clicking on all cylinders, penalty-free and we put the ball in the endzone, a few defensive stops and some touchdowns later, we were down by 8. For those of you who aren't familiar with football, that is one touchdown and a two point conversion.
I forget the exact time left on the clock, but it was clear that this drive would determine the outcome of the game. The crowd exploded when the hook and ladder went for a touchdown. However, as I mentioned before, an 8-point deficit requires a touchdown and a two-point conversion. The only word I could think of to describe my emotions and actions was: jacked. Some people who are really familiar with sports have probably heard this word before. I was jacked. The next thing that hit me was an adrenaline rush. Granted, it probably wasn't as big of one as a mother trying to lift a car off her baby, but it was a very strange feeling. They could have lined superman up in front of me and I would have easily blocked him. I'm sure I'm not the only one to feel like this, but it was very awkward. The agonizing pain in my left leg suddenly went away, everything I did was easy, effortless, despite the pain I was in thirty seconds before.
So now, as I'm sitting here typing this, my arm hurts because everytime I press a key, the movement goes threw a giant bruise on my bicep. The point of this pain, however, is not to complain, but to say that there truly is a "good pain," a pain that hurts, but, for some reason, it feels good.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
What's the Big Deal?
I woke up on the morning of Tuesday, September 8th and, thought, what’s the big deal? Everyone starts high school; I have no doubt I will finish high school, what then? My life will take another turn? If life is full of twists and turns, then why is this one so special?
As I was taking my first steps into Stevenson High School, two thoughts rushed to my head. The first was a scene from one of my favorite movies, “Accepted.” In the scene, the main character is standing in the middle of a hallway at a school implied to be Harvard, and everyone around him is moving twice their normal speed, flying by faster than life. Suddenly, the second thought hit me like a freight train, before I could completely process the first; this time it was something my uncle had said to me over the summer. Something along the lines of, “The thing that separates high school from grade school is, that from the time you step in the door, the clock is ticking, every day counts toward college, and toward the rest of your life.”
I felt similar to this character, and all the while the clock was ticking, ticking down to homecomings, to prom, to college applications and everything else my inexperienced mind could think of that went along with the stereotypical high school experience. The next thing that came to my attention, was sheer fright, that all the while I had been standing there, the clock was ticking. I finally ventured off to my first class, and my first day of high school had officially begun.
Looking back now, it was foolish of me to be afraid that I had wasted only about a minute standing there, but that just goes to show how intimidating high school can be. I think the comparison to a “ticking clock” is a great one. With every stupid decision we make, no matter how big or small it may be, it takes time off of our “clocks.” Many people have advised me on the dangers of high school, and given me their take on why not to do drugs, to smoke, or have sex, but I believe my uncle’s has gotten to me the most. Although I believe he was hinting more towards getting good grades, his comment had a much greater effect on me. It made me think of how horrible it would be, to take a look back one day and think of a wrong choice I made in high school, how it had haunted me and prevented me from reaching life’s full potential. And I hope, that wherever I go, and throughout all I do here at Stevenson, in order to keep myself from making pointless, disruptive decisions, that I remember, “what the big deal is,” tick… tick…
As I was taking my first steps into Stevenson High School, two thoughts rushed to my head. The first was a scene from one of my favorite movies, “Accepted.” In the scene, the main character is standing in the middle of a hallway at a school implied to be Harvard, and everyone around him is moving twice their normal speed, flying by faster than life. Suddenly, the second thought hit me like a freight train, before I could completely process the first; this time it was something my uncle had said to me over the summer. Something along the lines of, “The thing that separates high school from grade school is, that from the time you step in the door, the clock is ticking, every day counts toward college, and toward the rest of your life.”
I felt similar to this character, and all the while the clock was ticking, ticking down to homecomings, to prom, to college applications and everything else my inexperienced mind could think of that went along with the stereotypical high school experience. The next thing that came to my attention, was sheer fright, that all the while I had been standing there, the clock was ticking. I finally ventured off to my first class, and my first day of high school had officially begun.
Looking back now, it was foolish of me to be afraid that I had wasted only about a minute standing there, but that just goes to show how intimidating high school can be. I think the comparison to a “ticking clock” is a great one. With every stupid decision we make, no matter how big or small it may be, it takes time off of our “clocks.” Many people have advised me on the dangers of high school, and given me their take on why not to do drugs, to smoke, or have sex, but I believe my uncle’s has gotten to me the most. Although I believe he was hinting more towards getting good grades, his comment had a much greater effect on me. It made me think of how horrible it would be, to take a look back one day and think of a wrong choice I made in high school, how it had haunted me and prevented me from reaching life’s full potential. And I hope, that wherever I go, and throughout all I do here at Stevenson, in order to keep myself from making pointless, disruptive decisions, that I remember, “what the big deal is,” tick… tick…
Friday, October 9, 2009
Poor Poor Neda
Since I didn't hear of the story of Neda Agha-Soltan, I would guess many others haven't either. Neda was shot to death by an Iranian sniper with a single bullet wound to the chest. The event was caught on tape. I suggest that people stay away from the video because of how gruesome it is. In the video you can see Neda walking along in a protest rally when she suddenly falls to the ground. In the moments that followed, attempts to save her life were unsuccessful. In that part of the video you can see a close up of what seems to be a beautiful innocent girl, with blood absolutely covering every part of her upper body.
Although I said that people should stay away from the video, I thought it was necessary for me to watch it to accurately write this blog. This blog was supposed to be about a world issue I have feelings on, and boy, after watching that girl lying on the pavement, emotions inside me raged, boiling up to a feeling of hate, for whoever did this to her. I do have to congratulate BBC and CNN, who did an absolutely fantastic job of covering this tragic event, and left the viewer feeling like they personally knew Neda.
When America first had the "confrontation," or however you'd like to call it, I wrote a paper that said we should have a hands off policy. Well, I got to tell you, after watching this video I wouldn't have any problems sending troops over there to shoot everyone in the chest, just as they did to this girl. But I guess then Obama wouldn't be looking to good for that Nobel Peace Prize would he?
So, lets pretend that you are the family of this girl? What would you do now? Have a funeral service of course. But, no the Iranian governments put a ban on memorial services for the girl. What a shame. Can you believe that? That's like someone killing your child and then saying you can't have a funeral service for her. Think about how that would make you feel...
The good news is that she will not be forgotten. "RIP Neda, the world cries seeing your last breath," was one of the messages that was all over Twitter Tweets and Facebook status's. The important thing is to get the world more aware of this tragedy because, Neda is, everyone's voice for freedom.
A picture of this innocent girl:
Although I said that people should stay away from the video, I thought it was necessary for me to watch it to accurately write this blog. This blog was supposed to be about a world issue I have feelings on, and boy, after watching that girl lying on the pavement, emotions inside me raged, boiling up to a feeling of hate, for whoever did this to her. I do have to congratulate BBC and CNN, who did an absolutely fantastic job of covering this tragic event, and left the viewer feeling like they personally knew Neda.
When America first had the "confrontation," or however you'd like to call it, I wrote a paper that said we should have a hands off policy. Well, I got to tell you, after watching this video I wouldn't have any problems sending troops over there to shoot everyone in the chest, just as they did to this girl. But I guess then Obama wouldn't be looking to good for that Nobel Peace Prize would he?
So, lets pretend that you are the family of this girl? What would you do now? Have a funeral service of course. But, no the Iranian governments put a ban on memorial services for the girl. What a shame. Can you believe that? That's like someone killing your child and then saying you can't have a funeral service for her. Think about how that would make you feel...
The good news is that she will not be forgotten. "RIP Neda, the world cries seeing your last breath," was one of the messages that was all over Twitter Tweets and Facebook status's. The important thing is to get the world more aware of this tragedy because, Neda is, everyone's voice for freedom.
A picture of this innocent girl:
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