Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Such a "SIMPLE" Word
What is kindness?
The Merriam Webster dictionary defines the word kindness as “the quality of being warm-hearted, considerate, humane, and sympathetic.” People have heard the word kindness thousands of times, but do they really understand the meaning of it? This act can be followed out very easily however, people do not see that. They tend to think it is not a big deal, when in reality it means the most to people. There are many things people over look and kindness is one of them. The word kindness does not come from a certain mindset, or a certain capability that only some people hold, it comes from within each of our hearts.
Often when people are not having the best day they turn to people whom would usually comfort them. That person will comfort them with only kindness that comes from the heart. People often turn to other’s acts of kindness when they feel that they have nothing left within themselves. They look to other people to fill in the gap that they are feeling for the moment. The heartfelt thoughts and words that are expressed in either a good or bad situation are irreplaceable. People need to realize actions speak louder than words. Being nice and kind to someone is more important than telling them they have a nice car.
Whether it’s holding a door for someone or giving up your seat on a bus for an elderly person, these acts can be considered forms of kindness. There is no measure to where kindness starts or ends. When you act upon a good deed, you get a feeling in your body that feels like you have helped or achieved something with meaning. Being kind is a self-less act. It comes natural to most people and comes from the heart. When one is kind they do not expect anything in return, just knowing they helped someone is more rewarding than anything else. Instead of looking at what prize you will receive at the end of day you look at all the smiles you created, and all the nods you were given and you can look in the mirror and smile at yourself. You, yourself will know that you have been the best you can be for that particular day, with no regrets.
Many people throughout history illustrate the act of kindness. Mother Teresa is a prime example of this. She lived her life in the hope of helping and touching others. Mother Teresa also took her time out in order to allow people to speak to her and share their feelings. She wanted to spread the act of kindness around the world and was very successful in doing so. She is a primary example of what people all over the world should act like. People influence other people with the kind grace to others. When people are kind they follow their conscience by doing the right thing. If all people actually did this we would not have to ever fight in a war, and the world would revolve smoothly.
Being kind takes courage. When kids are around their friends, they want to act superior. By acting cool, they might not always do the right thing. The often follow what their head is telling them and not their heart. When that same child is put in the situation they would never what that done to them in return. So we all have to live thinking would I want this done to myself? They must have the courage to follow their sense of right and wrong and recognize the right thing to do.
Some people will never realize what the feeling is of seeing a little old lady smile because you gave up your seat, of if you were to stick up for that little boy who always got picked. The feeling might be the most rewarding feeling a person can feel. Being a genuine person leaves a lasting impression on people. They will always remember when someone was there for them or when a person went out of his/her way to help. If you always go along with a positive attitude, being kind comes natural.
The Merriam Webster dictionary defines the word kindness as “the quality of being warm-hearted, considerate, humane, and sympathetic.” People have heard the word kindness thousands of times, but do they really understand the meaning of it? This act can be followed out very easily however, people do not see that. They tend to think it is not a big deal, when in reality it means the most to people. There are many things people over look and kindness is one of them. The word kindness does not come from a certain mindset, or a certain capability that only some people hold, it comes from within each of our hearts.
Often when people are not having the best day they turn to people whom would usually comfort them. That person will comfort them with only kindness that comes from the heart. People often turn to other’s acts of kindness when they feel that they have nothing left within themselves. They look to other people to fill in the gap that they are feeling for the moment. The heartfelt thoughts and words that are expressed in either a good or bad situation are irreplaceable. People need to realize actions speak louder than words. Being nice and kind to someone is more important than telling them they have a nice car.
Whether it’s holding a door for someone or giving up your seat on a bus for an elderly person, these acts can be considered forms of kindness. There is no measure to where kindness starts or ends. When you act upon a good deed, you get a feeling in your body that feels like you have helped or achieved something with meaning. Being kind is a self-less act. It comes natural to most people and comes from the heart. When one is kind they do not expect anything in return, just knowing they helped someone is more rewarding than anything else. Instead of looking at what prize you will receive at the end of day you look at all the smiles you created, and all the nods you were given and you can look in the mirror and smile at yourself. You, yourself will know that you have been the best you can be for that particular day, with no regrets.
Many people throughout history illustrate the act of kindness. Mother Teresa is a prime example of this. She lived her life in the hope of helping and touching others. Mother Teresa also took her time out in order to allow people to speak to her and share their feelings. She wanted to spread the act of kindness around the world and was very successful in doing so. She is a primary example of what people all over the world should act like. People influence other people with the kind grace to others. When people are kind they follow their conscience by doing the right thing. If all people actually did this we would not have to ever fight in a war, and the world would revolve smoothly.
Being kind takes courage. When kids are around their friends, they want to act superior. By acting cool, they might not always do the right thing. The often follow what their head is telling them and not their heart. When that same child is put in the situation they would never what that done to them in return. So we all have to live thinking would I want this done to myself? They must have the courage to follow their sense of right and wrong and recognize the right thing to do.
Some people will never realize what the feeling is of seeing a little old lady smile because you gave up your seat, of if you were to stick up for that little boy who always got picked. The feeling might be the most rewarding feeling a person can feel. Being a genuine person leaves a lasting impression on people. They will always remember when someone was there for them or when a person went out of his/her way to help. If you always go along with a positive attitude, being kind comes natural.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
"MY HEART BEATS FASTER"
My heart beats faster when you hold me in your arms.
My heart beats faster when I look into your eyes.
My heart beats faster with the thought of you on my mind.
My heart beats faster and faster every time.
My heart beats faster when I'm longing for your touch.
My heart beats faster when I need you so much.
My heart beats faster with the power of your love.
My heart beats faster like you’re sent from above.
My heart beats faster when I see you smile.
My heart beats faster when I sit and think for a while.
My heart beats faster every time you speak.
My heart beats faster and I feel so weak.
My heart beats faster because I’m so in love.
My heart beats faster than the heart of a dove.
My heart beats faster when you walk into the room.
My heart beats faster boom boom boom.
My heart beats faster when I look into your eyes.
My heart beats faster with the thought of you on my mind.
My heart beats faster and faster every time.
My heart beats faster when I'm longing for your touch.
My heart beats faster when I need you so much.
My heart beats faster with the power of your love.
My heart beats faster like you’re sent from above.
My heart beats faster when I see you smile.
My heart beats faster when I sit and think for a while.
My heart beats faster every time you speak.
My heart beats faster and I feel so weak.
My heart beats faster because I’m so in love.
My heart beats faster than the heart of a dove.
My heart beats faster when you walk into the room.
My heart beats faster boom boom boom.
Monday, April 21, 2008
"HEY HOW YOU DOING"
THERE IS A LOT OF SPECULATION GOING ON PRETAINING TO WHICH NEW YORK MLB TEAM IS GOING TO MAKE IT TO THE "BIG SHOW." ARE THEY SERIOUS OR IS THIS A PLOY TO RILE UP FANS INTO A DEBATE THAT WE KNOW ALL TOO WELL THE ENDING TO. THE METS BEING IN THE NATIONAL LEAGUE HAVE A MUCH BETTER SHOT AT MAKING IT TI THE "BIG SHOW." HOWEVER, ODDS ARE THEY WILL CHOKE AND LOSE AGAIN. SINCE 1962 THEY'VE SIMPLY BEEN ANYTHING BUT REMARKABLE. LET'S REWIND TO A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO WHEN PEDRO AND INJURY-PRONE EL DUQUE GRACED THE ANYTHING LESS THAN AMAZING WITH THEIR PRESENCE. TYPICAL METS FANS PLACE ALL OF THEIR HOPES IN ONE PLAYER BECAUSE THEIR ENTIRE TEAM WITH THE EXCEPTION OF DAVID WRIGHT AND CARLOS BELTRAN, WHO IS BY THE WAY OVERRATED AND OVERPAID FOR HIS PERFORMANCE, ARE DI ASTERS. THEIR 1-9 NOT SOLID. THE YANKEES HAVE A SOLID 1-9, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE PLATOON BETWEEN GIAMBI AND DUNCAN. SO LET THE METS GET TO THE "BIG SHOW." IT WILL ONLY BE FOR THE REASON THAT THE NATIONAL LEAGUE IS SO WEAK. LET'S PUT THE METS UP AGAINST THE MARINERS, INDIANS, YANKEES, AND RED SOX AND SEE HOW THEY DO. MY PREDICATION IS THEY'D WET THE BED LIKE THEY'VE BEEN DOING SINCE 2000!!! LET'S HOPE JOHAN SANTANA LASTS THROUGH THE NINTH INNING TOO SO THEY DON'T HAVE TO BRING IN THE TERRIBLE BILLY WAGNER WHO CAN BARELY MAKE IT THROUGH ONE INNING. CAN YOU EVEN IMAGINE PLAYING A WORLD SERIES GAME AT SHEA? WHAT MLB TEAM STILL HAS A MASCOT? THEIR FANS SHOULD WEAR THE DISGUISE GLASSES THE WAY BOBBY VALENTINE DID AFTER HE WAS EJECTED FROM THAT GAME A FEW YEARS BACK. NEW YORK IS A YANKEE TOWN AND IT'S AS SIMPLE AS THAT!!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
"Controversial Question"
Are you Pro-Choice?
Every individual has the right and choice to decide how they want to live their life. Every action and decision made by an individual affects not only their life but others around them. One issue that has challenged the government’s authority for years is abortion. Webster’s dictionary defines the word abortion as a medical termination of a pregnancy before the fetus has developed enough to survive outside the uterus. The definition of the word abortion still today creates a conflict among many citizens whether they are Pro-Life or Pro-Choice.
For many years abortion was illegal in New York and several other states. Many people feel that abortion is taking a person’s life away. As a woman, I strongly support the decision of Pro-Choice. I believe that Pro-Choice does benefit many individuals when they are faced with difficult obstacles. One example that impacted my decision and is the main reason why I am Pro-choice is, when my mother’s friend Grace was pregnant with a baby who was deformed. Grace had two other healthy children who she was a wonderful, caring, and kind mother too. She loved her children just like many mothers and did and would do everything and anything for them. Unfortunately, when she found out she was pregnant for the third time the doctor told her that baby was deformed and would require several surgeries. Due to the baby’s health it would never be capable of living a normal life. Grace and her husband were faced with an enormous challenge if they decided to go along with the pregnancy. They decided as a family that they would not be able to afford the surgeries and the care the child would need. As a result, Grace had an abortion because she felt this was the best choice for everyone, including the most important person herself. She was given the opportunity to go through with the process of having an abortion because of the court case Roe v Wade.
The court case Roe v Wade had a significant impact in the history of abortion in America. In 1971 a Texas resident, Roe, tried to terminate her pregnancy by abortion but she was denied this opportunity due to Texas law which prohibited abortions except if the pregnant woman’s life was at risk. Roe’s attorney Sarah Weddington fought back against the Texas government by presenting the judge with the question; does the constitution embrace a woman’s right to terminate her pregnancy by abortion? Once Weddington argued her point whether the constitution has the right to say whether or not a woman can have an abortion it made the jury question the right of privacy and Weddington turned the court case around in her favor. The conclusion of the court case was that a woman’s right to an abortion fell within the right to privacy which all citizens are protected by due to the Fourteen Amendments. This court case proved that abortion should be legal if there was a convincing reason and as a result of this court ruling the laws of forty six states were change.
I believe Pro-Choice allows people to be in control of their own lives. Many people often judge women who are Pro-Choice or had an abortion, but before a person passes judgment you must observe the situation that the woman is presented with. In addition, having an abortion is a decision that I feel you make once you are faced with certain circumstances.
Every individual has the right and choice to decide how they want to live their life. Every action and decision made by an individual affects not only their life but others around them. One issue that has challenged the government’s authority for years is abortion. Webster’s dictionary defines the word abortion as a medical termination of a pregnancy before the fetus has developed enough to survive outside the uterus. The definition of the word abortion still today creates a conflict among many citizens whether they are Pro-Life or Pro-Choice.
For many years abortion was illegal in New York and several other states. Many people feel that abortion is taking a person’s life away. As a woman, I strongly support the decision of Pro-Choice. I believe that Pro-Choice does benefit many individuals when they are faced with difficult obstacles. One example that impacted my decision and is the main reason why I am Pro-choice is, when my mother’s friend Grace was pregnant with a baby who was deformed. Grace had two other healthy children who she was a wonderful, caring, and kind mother too. She loved her children just like many mothers and did and would do everything and anything for them. Unfortunately, when she found out she was pregnant for the third time the doctor told her that baby was deformed and would require several surgeries. Due to the baby’s health it would never be capable of living a normal life. Grace and her husband were faced with an enormous challenge if they decided to go along with the pregnancy. They decided as a family that they would not be able to afford the surgeries and the care the child would need. As a result, Grace had an abortion because she felt this was the best choice for everyone, including the most important person herself. She was given the opportunity to go through with the process of having an abortion because of the court case Roe v Wade.
The court case Roe v Wade had a significant impact in the history of abortion in America. In 1971 a Texas resident, Roe, tried to terminate her pregnancy by abortion but she was denied this opportunity due to Texas law which prohibited abortions except if the pregnant woman’s life was at risk. Roe’s attorney Sarah Weddington fought back against the Texas government by presenting the judge with the question; does the constitution embrace a woman’s right to terminate her pregnancy by abortion? Once Weddington argued her point whether the constitution has the right to say whether or not a woman can have an abortion it made the jury question the right of privacy and Weddington turned the court case around in her favor. The conclusion of the court case was that a woman’s right to an abortion fell within the right to privacy which all citizens are protected by due to the Fourteen Amendments. This court case proved that abortion should be legal if there was a convincing reason and as a result of this court ruling the laws of forty six states were change.
I believe Pro-Choice allows people to be in control of their own lives. Many people often judge women who are Pro-Choice or had an abortion, but before a person passes judgment you must observe the situation that the woman is presented with. In addition, having an abortion is a decision that I feel you make once you are faced with certain circumstances.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
"Women & Physics"
* While I was researching a topic for a Science project I came across a very interesting article about women in physics and the injustices they face around the world. At the bottom of my entry I have the link to the article feel free to comment !
“Physics: For women, the last frontier”
Throughout history there has existed a struggle to maintain equality amongst men and women. Unfortunately, this intense struggle of equality still vividly exists today within the field of physics. Physics is a nature science, which studies matter and its motion as well as space and time. In addition, physics deals with concepts such as force, energy, mass, and charge. Both men and women are drawn to physics and practice physics for the same reason, but the women physicists are still very rare.
No matter how many women start out in the field of physics, a common trend across countries is their attrition in going from undergraduate and graduate studies to permanent positions. Moreover, there is still not an abundance of women physicists even in countries with strong family support mechanisms, such as Scandinavian nations. Even in countries where there are more women in the field of physics, few are in leadership positions. In Europe and North America women go to the extreme and even apologize for studying physics. French delegates predict that even if women have perceived advantages in the field of physics it will backfire. Supporting this theory the German delegation stated that the number of German women physicists would be even less in research physics today if a small percentage of positions where not designated for women in the Max Planck Institutes.
After reading this article I was appalled to know that discrimination against women’s educational opportunities and job positions in the field of physics exist. I feel that if you have a true passion for a particular career your gender should not be a factor in achieving your success. By not giving women the opportunity to flourish in the field of physics, women physicists all around the world will not have the chance to attribute their knowledge of the subject.
http://proquest.umi.com.jerome.stjohns.edu:81/pqdweb?did=122556081&sid=1&Fmt=3&clientId=9216&RQT=309&VName=PQD
“Physics: For women, the last frontier”
Throughout history there has existed a struggle to maintain equality amongst men and women. Unfortunately, this intense struggle of equality still vividly exists today within the field of physics. Physics is a nature science, which studies matter and its motion as well as space and time. In addition, physics deals with concepts such as force, energy, mass, and charge. Both men and women are drawn to physics and practice physics for the same reason, but the women physicists are still very rare.
No matter how many women start out in the field of physics, a common trend across countries is their attrition in going from undergraduate and graduate studies to permanent positions. Moreover, there is still not an abundance of women physicists even in countries with strong family support mechanisms, such as Scandinavian nations. Even in countries where there are more women in the field of physics, few are in leadership positions. In Europe and North America women go to the extreme and even apologize for studying physics. French delegates predict that even if women have perceived advantages in the field of physics it will backfire. Supporting this theory the German delegation stated that the number of German women physicists would be even less in research physics today if a small percentage of positions where not designated for women in the Max Planck Institutes.
After reading this article I was appalled to know that discrimination against women’s educational opportunities and job positions in the field of physics exist. I feel that if you have a true passion for a particular career your gender should not be a factor in achieving your success. By not giving women the opportunity to flourish in the field of physics, women physicists all around the world will not have the chance to attribute their knowledge of the subject.
http://proquest.umi.com.jerome.stjohns.edu:81/pqdweb?did=122556081&sid=1&Fmt=3&clientId=9216&RQT=309&VName=PQD
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
"Hands on Experience"
* Recently in my Child Psychology class I was assigned to complete 15 hours of Service Learning. I would like to share with you my experience because I felt by taking a hand's on approach and dealing with children; and not just reading about them the lessons I have learned in class where able to come alive.
When people say that the only way to learn about a topic is to actually go out there and do it, I would have to agree with this advice fully after my experience observing. I observed a five-year-old child named Andrew who was diagnosed with Persuasive Developmental Disorder, a form of autism. After bearing eyewitness to his daily behavioral patterns, I feel comfortable to say that I learned an enormous amount during this process. It was truly a learning experience that kept me interested and was able to broaden my understanding of children suffering from this disease.
Andrew is a delightful little boy who almost exudes this sense of innocence. His actions cannot be blamed whole-heartedly on himself because he suffers from a genetic disorder, which affect his speech and social interaction. Through my visits with Andrew, I was able to not only observe how a child with this disease approaches mundane task but also was able to gain a greater appreciation for the caretakers who work with these children. Every visit I was accompanied by Lauren, the res-hap worker, who taught me something new literally every time. I was able to learn how to deal with tantrums thrown by autistic children as well as certain ways to reinforce proper behavior. Lauren pointed out certain behavior that would normally go unnoticed to the untrained eye. She made me realize that we must not only look for the physical abnormalities but the social ones as well. An example of this was when Andrew was playing with his dinosaurs and the conversation he was making them have. The dinosaurs were reciting movie lines, which I would have never picked up on had the caretaker not told me. This was a sign of memorization, which dampened the social skills of Andrew and must be corrected.
Although I had only observed Andrew five times for three hours at a time, I was able to get a better understanding of how we need to deal with autism. The experience was unparalleled to anything that I would be able to get reading the textbook. I was able to learn new tactics to control and shape a child’s behavior patterns. I believe that in order to learn and fully understand something related to how a person acts, you must be able to monitor them first hand. Sometimes a visual allows us to understand and remember certain things better. A picture says a thousand words, and that is the way I felt while observing this child. There was always something different to watch out for and always a new challenge to overcome. It was almost as if the child knew what he were doing, but unable to control his feelings both emotionally and physically. At times he appeared to be in a daze oblivious to the outside world, with not a care at all. Then at other times he was over zealous and paying strict attention to every word out of your mouth. This behavior was very interesting to me. It showed how versatile this disease was and how many different things there were to watch out for.
Being around Andrew and watching him live his life on a very strict schedule allowed me to see the hard work it takes to raise a child with autism. His parents must put in a lot of effort and money just to support his well being. Andrew has an occupational, social and physical therapists, as well as attends a special school for autistic children. His parents make many sacrifices to raise their son in way that he needs to be. Andrew’s lifestyle causes his parents to adopt a new one themselves, that of which is essentially Andrew’s. They must remain on a strict regiment that allows their son to stay on track right along with them. They must be sure Andrew is on time with all of his endeavors or else he may become rowdy and regress in his behavior. His parents have an important job in raising Andrew but judging by the smile on their face when they look at him, they do not mind the hard work at all. They know they are giving their son a better life by living theirs the way the do.
Although we have not gone into depth about autism yet, I was still able to use the knowledge I had gained in class while observing. I learned in class that social interaction was major factor in determining if a child was autistic or not. By using this tactic, I was able to give a diagnosis of my own to Andrew while observing his behavior. Service learning was one of those experiences in life that make you a better person in so many different ways. I was able to cultivate a greater understanding for autism as well as an appreciation for caretakers and parents of child suffering. Service learning allowed me to not only learn a large amount but also realize that we take life for granted everyday. Being able to perform the so-called norms of society is often taken for granted. After seeing how this child must work just to not recite simple movie lines uncontrollable, I realized how grateful I am for being a mentally healthy person and not having to endure the hardships of this little boy. However this little boy, full of a certain goodness and pureness was able to teach me some things that a college textbook would never be able to, therefore I am thankful for having the opportunity to participate in such a program.
When people say that the only way to learn about a topic is to actually go out there and do it, I would have to agree with this advice fully after my experience observing. I observed a five-year-old child named Andrew who was diagnosed with Persuasive Developmental Disorder, a form of autism. After bearing eyewitness to his daily behavioral patterns, I feel comfortable to say that I learned an enormous amount during this process. It was truly a learning experience that kept me interested and was able to broaden my understanding of children suffering from this disease.
Andrew is a delightful little boy who almost exudes this sense of innocence. His actions cannot be blamed whole-heartedly on himself because he suffers from a genetic disorder, which affect his speech and social interaction. Through my visits with Andrew, I was able to not only observe how a child with this disease approaches mundane task but also was able to gain a greater appreciation for the caretakers who work with these children. Every visit I was accompanied by Lauren, the res-hap worker, who taught me something new literally every time. I was able to learn how to deal with tantrums thrown by autistic children as well as certain ways to reinforce proper behavior. Lauren pointed out certain behavior that would normally go unnoticed to the untrained eye. She made me realize that we must not only look for the physical abnormalities but the social ones as well. An example of this was when Andrew was playing with his dinosaurs and the conversation he was making them have. The dinosaurs were reciting movie lines, which I would have never picked up on had the caretaker not told me. This was a sign of memorization, which dampened the social skills of Andrew and must be corrected.
Although I had only observed Andrew five times for three hours at a time, I was able to get a better understanding of how we need to deal with autism. The experience was unparalleled to anything that I would be able to get reading the textbook. I was able to learn new tactics to control and shape a child’s behavior patterns. I believe that in order to learn and fully understand something related to how a person acts, you must be able to monitor them first hand. Sometimes a visual allows us to understand and remember certain things better. A picture says a thousand words, and that is the way I felt while observing this child. There was always something different to watch out for and always a new challenge to overcome. It was almost as if the child knew what he were doing, but unable to control his feelings both emotionally and physically. At times he appeared to be in a daze oblivious to the outside world, with not a care at all. Then at other times he was over zealous and paying strict attention to every word out of your mouth. This behavior was very interesting to me. It showed how versatile this disease was and how many different things there were to watch out for.
Being around Andrew and watching him live his life on a very strict schedule allowed me to see the hard work it takes to raise a child with autism. His parents must put in a lot of effort and money just to support his well being. Andrew has an occupational, social and physical therapists, as well as attends a special school for autistic children. His parents make many sacrifices to raise their son in way that he needs to be. Andrew’s lifestyle causes his parents to adopt a new one themselves, that of which is essentially Andrew’s. They must remain on a strict regiment that allows their son to stay on track right along with them. They must be sure Andrew is on time with all of his endeavors or else he may become rowdy and regress in his behavior. His parents have an important job in raising Andrew but judging by the smile on their face when they look at him, they do not mind the hard work at all. They know they are giving their son a better life by living theirs the way the do.
Although we have not gone into depth about autism yet, I was still able to use the knowledge I had gained in class while observing. I learned in class that social interaction was major factor in determining if a child was autistic or not. By using this tactic, I was able to give a diagnosis of my own to Andrew while observing his behavior. Service learning was one of those experiences in life that make you a better person in so many different ways. I was able to cultivate a greater understanding for autism as well as an appreciation for caretakers and parents of child suffering. Service learning allowed me to not only learn a large amount but also realize that we take life for granted everyday. Being able to perform the so-called norms of society is often taken for granted. After seeing how this child must work just to not recite simple movie lines uncontrollable, I realized how grateful I am for being a mentally healthy person and not having to endure the hardships of this little boy. However this little boy, full of a certain goodness and pureness was able to teach me some things that a college textbook would never be able to, therefore I am thankful for having the opportunity to participate in such a program.
Friday, March 28, 2008
ARE WE EQUAL?
WHAT IS MEANT BY EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES DOES IT REALLY EXIST TODAY?
Through history society has evolved and made major strides in the equality battle, but are we truly all equal? Every individual has their own opinion whether or not as a nation we have obtained equality. Depending on who was asked, I can guarantee you would receive a plethora of differing responses. We can only say that we are truly a untied equal society when the population all respond with the same answer concerning equality.
Equal opportunity can be defined as an approach intended to provide a certain social environment in which people are not excluded from the activities of society. The activities that every individual shall have include the right to education, employment, and health care. Equal opportunity ensures that discrimination against an individual’s race, sex, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, political belief, and mental or physical disability is not tolerated in society today. Without these laws today, discrimination of many types may go unchecked and as a result lead to a tremendous hardship to others.
One historical figure that symbolizes equal opportunity for all Americans is the Statue of Liberty. The Statue of Liberty is located in New York Harbor on the Liberty Island, and serves as an entry zone for new immigrants that have arrived to New York in hopes of living a prosperous life. The statue foreshadows a new life for the immigrants that are filled with optimism. The immigrants believe that equal opportunities will be available to them here in the United States, as they where unable to obtain these right in their homeland. Their goal is to seek the most beneficial opportunities to positively affect their lives and future generations to come.
Many people have different ways in which they define equal opportunity and many influential people have gone to extreme measures in supporting their theories. One person that had a major impact on defining equal opportunity is Bernard Williams. Williams strongly supports the gate theory that states if people had equal, starts, then they would have equal chances. I agree with this theory and I believe that in our society today we will not achieved equal opportunity. If equal opportunity in employment is presented to every individual then why does poverty and homelessness still exist in our country? I believe the reason why poverty and homelessness exist in our society is because an individual can only obtain equal opportunities when no barriers are present to prevent them from attaining their goal. As a result, I feel children do not start off life with equal chances because the barriers that were present in their family before they where born continue to exist.
Another reason why I believe equal opportunity does not exist in our society is due to discrimination in the school system. Schooling has a great impact on equal opportunity because money spent on school teachers, facilities, and books are not equally divided amongst the schools in our country and can make a tremendous difference in the type of education provided. For example, if a child is born into a well to do family their educational experience will be much more beneficial compared to a child that is born into a less fortunate family. Nevertheless, equal opportunity is not present because the well to do family has the ability to put their child through better schooling because of their financial status.
Equal opportunity is a goal our nation strives to provide for all individuals. However, I do not agree this goal will be fulfilled, given the fact that equal opportunities will not be available to all individuals because although the government supports these rights, it is the responsibility of the American people to further support these rights in order to effectuate equal opportunity. In today’s society, a great many people do not support the right of equal opportunity. As such, there is increasing violations of discrimination in the areas in race, religion, and creed.
Through history society has evolved and made major strides in the equality battle, but are we truly all equal? Every individual has their own opinion whether or not as a nation we have obtained equality. Depending on who was asked, I can guarantee you would receive a plethora of differing responses. We can only say that we are truly a untied equal society when the population all respond with the same answer concerning equality.
Equal opportunity can be defined as an approach intended to provide a certain social environment in which people are not excluded from the activities of society. The activities that every individual shall have include the right to education, employment, and health care. Equal opportunity ensures that discrimination against an individual’s race, sex, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, political belief, and mental or physical disability is not tolerated in society today. Without these laws today, discrimination of many types may go unchecked and as a result lead to a tremendous hardship to others.
One historical figure that symbolizes equal opportunity for all Americans is the Statue of Liberty. The Statue of Liberty is located in New York Harbor on the Liberty Island, and serves as an entry zone for new immigrants that have arrived to New York in hopes of living a prosperous life. The statue foreshadows a new life for the immigrants that are filled with optimism. The immigrants believe that equal opportunities will be available to them here in the United States, as they where unable to obtain these right in their homeland. Their goal is to seek the most beneficial opportunities to positively affect their lives and future generations to come.
Many people have different ways in which they define equal opportunity and many influential people have gone to extreme measures in supporting their theories. One person that had a major impact on defining equal opportunity is Bernard Williams. Williams strongly supports the gate theory that states if people had equal, starts, then they would have equal chances. I agree with this theory and I believe that in our society today we will not achieved equal opportunity. If equal opportunity in employment is presented to every individual then why does poverty and homelessness still exist in our country? I believe the reason why poverty and homelessness exist in our society is because an individual can only obtain equal opportunities when no barriers are present to prevent them from attaining their goal. As a result, I feel children do not start off life with equal chances because the barriers that were present in their family before they where born continue to exist.
Another reason why I believe equal opportunity does not exist in our society is due to discrimination in the school system. Schooling has a great impact on equal opportunity because money spent on school teachers, facilities, and books are not equally divided amongst the schools in our country and can make a tremendous difference in the type of education provided. For example, if a child is born into a well to do family their educational experience will be much more beneficial compared to a child that is born into a less fortunate family. Nevertheless, equal opportunity is not present because the well to do family has the ability to put their child through better schooling because of their financial status.
Equal opportunity is a goal our nation strives to provide for all individuals. However, I do not agree this goal will be fulfilled, given the fact that equal opportunities will not be available to all individuals because although the government supports these rights, it is the responsibility of the American people to further support these rights in order to effectuate equal opportunity. In today’s society, a great many people do not support the right of equal opportunity. As such, there is increasing violations of discrimination in the areas in race, religion, and creed.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
"Instilling Fear"
WHAT IS TERRORISM?
Although terrorism seems to be a new term placed into our everyday language, the word and acts of terrorism have been around since the recording of history. It has been defined as a strategy or tactic used for a “holy duty”; most terrorists feel that it is a justified reaction to oppression and disgrace. Because terrorism has a secretive nature and the terrorists groups are small in size; there is no clear organization to defend ones self against. The United States Department of Defense defines terrorism as the calculated use of unlawful violence or threat of unlawful violence to inculcate fear; intended to coerce or to intimidate governments or societies in the pursuit of goals that are generally political, religious, or ideological. Most terrorists feel that their actions are justifiable due to their “heroic” nature. Terrorists will use any means possible to get their message across.
Terrorism is a planned and well organized action that is intended to achieve particular goals. Many people try to understand why theses terrorists choose such brutal and vicious means to display their message. However, the motives of these terrorists differ greatly for each individual. Some may partake in these evil actions for political recognition or a greater bump in their political standing. Others may have a quest for media exploitation, if they contribute to these awful acts then their ideas and religious beliefs may be spread. Any media outlet that will get their message across is what the terrorists hope for. Terrorism is not a random act. A Terrorists victim is not the victim of the violent act; but rather the emotional damage that is caused by the repercussions of their actions. Their goal is to induce an emotional response, to devastate the remaining nation or family members.
September 11th, 2001 was the first time I had ever experienced an act of terror; the devastation and horror that occurred that day and months to follow will forever replay in my mind. If a terrorist’s motivation is to leave a lasting impression in our minds then they have done so successfully, because I will never forget the thousands of men and women who have died for our country to keep our nation free.
Although terrorism seems to be a new term placed into our everyday language, the word and acts of terrorism have been around since the recording of history. It has been defined as a strategy or tactic used for a “holy duty”; most terrorists feel that it is a justified reaction to oppression and disgrace. Because terrorism has a secretive nature and the terrorists groups are small in size; there is no clear organization to defend ones self against. The United States Department of Defense defines terrorism as the calculated use of unlawful violence or threat of unlawful violence to inculcate fear; intended to coerce or to intimidate governments or societies in the pursuit of goals that are generally political, religious, or ideological. Most terrorists feel that their actions are justifiable due to their “heroic” nature. Terrorists will use any means possible to get their message across.
Terrorism is a planned and well organized action that is intended to achieve particular goals. Many people try to understand why theses terrorists choose such brutal and vicious means to display their message. However, the motives of these terrorists differ greatly for each individual. Some may partake in these evil actions for political recognition or a greater bump in their political standing. Others may have a quest for media exploitation, if they contribute to these awful acts then their ideas and religious beliefs may be spread. Any media outlet that will get their message across is what the terrorists hope for. Terrorism is not a random act. A Terrorists victim is not the victim of the violent act; but rather the emotional damage that is caused by the repercussions of their actions. Their goal is to induce an emotional response, to devastate the remaining nation or family members.
September 11th, 2001 was the first time I had ever experienced an act of terror; the devastation and horror that occurred that day and months to follow will forever replay in my mind. If a terrorist’s motivation is to leave a lasting impression in our minds then they have done so successfully, because I will never forget the thousands of men and women who have died for our country to keep our nation free.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
"Don't Judge Whats On The Outside Its Whats On The Inside That Counts" (continued)
I hope after reading my detailed summary about this book you are inspired to go out and buy your own copy of the book so that you become further educated on this important topic. Remember do not be turned off by the cover just because a good-looking man is not posesing on the front cover!... ITS WHATS INSIDE THAT COUNTS !! In addition, after you read this book I hope that you will be able to react to the several main points that McPhee presents the readers with. Here was my reaction to the book and the issues that I found most influential, feel free to comment!!
Throughout the world today people often overlook important issues that could negatively affect their lives especially if a direct message is not presented to them as a warning signal. One issue that should be a concern to many involves the nuclear industry which continues to expand due to the increase of technology. In John McPhee’s book, The Curve of Binding Energy he presents the issue of nuclear bombs to his audience. In the beginning of the novel he sends a direct warning to his readers, telling them that nuclear materials are easily accessible and there is a lack of safeguards which does not help to improve the dangers of nuclear bombs.
Before McPhee introduce the person whose life story the book is based upon, he stresses the fact that not only the six nations that have been tested have access to nuclear bombs but smaller groups of people that may not have good intentions do as well. By doing this it sends a clear message to the readers and allows them to understand the importance of the book. I know when I read that first statement it opened my eyes and made me realize that this is an issue that should not be disregarded and individuals should be warned about the dangers of atomic bombs. Another point that McPhee tells his audience to support his warning is that not only physicists but one person alone can build a bomb, due to the fact that the materials are easily accessible. This instills a sense of fear knowing that these mass destructive bombs can be placed in the hands of individuals such as terrorists, who are willing to destroy our homeland. When I read that, the first event that came to my mind and probably others was the terrorist attacks of September 11 on the World Trade Center. McPhee ironically on the next page mentions the attacks of September 11th and although it was not an atomic bomb that exploded it does support his warning that safety precautions should me improved to reassure our safety.
Theodore B Taylor, whose life story emphasizes the importance of McPhee’s message is, one of the most well known scientists who is strongly involved in the field of nuclear bombs. He dedicates his later years of his life in hopes to improve the safeguards and trying to get materials such as Uranium -235 and Plutonium -239, which are used to create bombs. Taylor raises the issue that since the materials are not strictly contained in areas that have high security every civilization is going to witness an atomic explosion. For example, McPhee uses the explosion of the bombs Hiroshima and Nagasaki to provide the readers with the emotional and physical affects that an atomic bomb has on a country. In addition, this shows that atomic bombs can actually happen to a nation and it is only a matter of time until our nation is next to be attacked. Due to this we are in a sense obligated after being presented with the information to improve safeguards. Taylor is one individual that has taken the first step in achieving the goal of ending this furious cycle of violence. He started the International Research and Technology firm, which main function involves safeguards which is still in existence today.
Another issue that was presented in the book was the importance of privacy which will help in providing safety. Every time Taylor gives information to McPhee during their interviews on various accounts he states that he can not go into details. The book takes place during the 1970’s and the concern of privacy is mentioned imagine how much easier now in the year 2008 it is for an individual to find out information on atomic bombs. Technology has increased tremendously since the 1970’s which should make our nation even more worried and concerned. In today’s society televisions, cable, websites, and internet access makes the issues of safeguards an even more challenging task. Our nation just like Taylor has attempted to improve safeguards by forming international organizations, such as International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM), to prevent their diversion to bombs. The goal is to prevent nuclear proliferation, that is, the possession of nuclear weapons by more and more groups.
After reading this book, one becomes informed of the dangers of atomic bombs and can now understand the importance of safeguards. McPhee’s warning can be beneficial to many nations and can encourage others to take that first step like Taylor, and try to improve safety precautions in our country. However, we must remember that if we do not continue to enhance security our civilization will be next to experience a catastrophic atomic bomb.
Throughout the world today people often overlook important issues that could negatively affect their lives especially if a direct message is not presented to them as a warning signal. One issue that should be a concern to many involves the nuclear industry which continues to expand due to the increase of technology. In John McPhee’s book, The Curve of Binding Energy he presents the issue of nuclear bombs to his audience. In the beginning of the novel he sends a direct warning to his readers, telling them that nuclear materials are easily accessible and there is a lack of safeguards which does not help to improve the dangers of nuclear bombs.
Before McPhee introduce the person whose life story the book is based upon, he stresses the fact that not only the six nations that have been tested have access to nuclear bombs but smaller groups of people that may not have good intentions do as well. By doing this it sends a clear message to the readers and allows them to understand the importance of the book. I know when I read that first statement it opened my eyes and made me realize that this is an issue that should not be disregarded and individuals should be warned about the dangers of atomic bombs. Another point that McPhee tells his audience to support his warning is that not only physicists but one person alone can build a bomb, due to the fact that the materials are easily accessible. This instills a sense of fear knowing that these mass destructive bombs can be placed in the hands of individuals such as terrorists, who are willing to destroy our homeland. When I read that, the first event that came to my mind and probably others was the terrorist attacks of September 11 on the World Trade Center. McPhee ironically on the next page mentions the attacks of September 11th and although it was not an atomic bomb that exploded it does support his warning that safety precautions should me improved to reassure our safety.
Theodore B Taylor, whose life story emphasizes the importance of McPhee’s message is, one of the most well known scientists who is strongly involved in the field of nuclear bombs. He dedicates his later years of his life in hopes to improve the safeguards and trying to get materials such as Uranium -235 and Plutonium -239, which are used to create bombs. Taylor raises the issue that since the materials are not strictly contained in areas that have high security every civilization is going to witness an atomic explosion. For example, McPhee uses the explosion of the bombs Hiroshima and Nagasaki to provide the readers with the emotional and physical affects that an atomic bomb has on a country. In addition, this shows that atomic bombs can actually happen to a nation and it is only a matter of time until our nation is next to be attacked. Due to this we are in a sense obligated after being presented with the information to improve safeguards. Taylor is one individual that has taken the first step in achieving the goal of ending this furious cycle of violence. He started the International Research and Technology firm, which main function involves safeguards which is still in existence today.
Another issue that was presented in the book was the importance of privacy which will help in providing safety. Every time Taylor gives information to McPhee during their interviews on various accounts he states that he can not go into details. The book takes place during the 1970’s and the concern of privacy is mentioned imagine how much easier now in the year 2008 it is for an individual to find out information on atomic bombs. Technology has increased tremendously since the 1970’s which should make our nation even more worried and concerned. In today’s society televisions, cable, websites, and internet access makes the issues of safeguards an even more challenging task. Our nation just like Taylor has attempted to improve safeguards by forming international organizations, such as International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM), to prevent their diversion to bombs. The goal is to prevent nuclear proliferation, that is, the possession of nuclear weapons by more and more groups.
After reading this book, one becomes informed of the dangers of atomic bombs and can now understand the importance of safeguards. McPhee’s warning can be beneficial to many nations and can encourage others to take that first step like Taylor, and try to improve safety precautions in our country. However, we must remember that if we do not continue to enhance security our civilization will be next to experience a catastrophic atomic bomb.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
"Don't Judge Whats On The Outside Its Whats On The Inside That Counts"
When it comes to reading I only find an interest in reading gossip and juicy love stories about celebrities and other famous icons. I enjoy flipping through the colorful pages of magazines that are filled with hot new fashion tips, new and improved makeup products, and drama stories about the crazy lives of my favorite celebrities. However, over Spring break my English class was assigned to read the book The Curve of Binding Energy written by John McPhee When I first picked up the book and saw the cover, which did not have a gorgeous male model on it I thought to myself I am never going to be able to get through this book. To my surprise after reading the first page I was drawn to the book because the author clearly stated the purpose of the book which was never brought to my attention before. Moreover, since the main purpose of the book is of great importance I was interested to see how the author would provide a book that would answer all my eerie questions that where racing through my mind.
In this book, McPhee provides historical information about the dangers of nuclear energy. McPhee has written the life story and career of Theodore B Taylor, who is one of the most well known theoretical physicists. During the book Taylor walks McPhee through a nuclear energy journey and through his interviews McPhee excessively describes the dangerous of nuclear energy. Due to the dangers that McPhee has encountered and learned about through Taylor’s observations, he sends a message warning his audience about the issue of nuclear energy and uses the life story of Theodore B. Taylor to emphasize the importance of the message. In addition, McPhee speaks about the poor security of the nuclear materials and the easy access of the materials.
As the book, The Curve of Binding Energy, opens up McPhee states both the main point and theme of this book, which is to stress the dangers of nuclear bombs. McPhee immediately in the beginning of the book warns the audience that not only the six nations that have been tested have access to nuclear bombs but smaller groups of people that may not have good intentions do as well. The tone and mood of this book is posed in a sense like a desperate cry out for help and concern to alert others that their safety may be jeopardized by the lack of nuclear control. Moreover, McPhee continues to inform the audience that the issue of nuclear control is not a subject that should be taken lightly because not only physicists but one person alone can build a bomb, due to the fact that the materials are easily accessible.
As the book progresses McPhee introduces his main character Theodore B. Taylor, who was one of the most ingenious engineers of the nuclear age. Taylor’s life story and career is essential to the purpose of the book. He was born in the nineteen-twenties in Mexico City and lived in an extremely religious home. When Taylor was ten years old he received a chemistry set which showed that at a young age he had a strong connection with the subject. While he was growing up Taylor became interested in music, chemistry, and billiards. He developed a true passion for the game of billiards and played for ten hours a week. Taylor was an intellectual individual and even when he was playing billiards he relates it to the fields of science. He states that “I have thought of billiards ball as the examples in physics as long as I can remember, as examples of types of collisions from Newton’s mechanics to atomic particles.” To strengthen his argument, McPhee shows that science is a subject that has always been present throughout Taylor’s life.
In 1948 in the Theoretical Division at Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory, Taylor began to build atomic bombs that were said to be the most creative designs. His motivation and determination for both building and improving atomic bombs stemmed from the explosion of the bombs Hiroshima and Nagasaki. After these bombs McPhee implies that Taylor was inspired to put an end to the cycle of violence but ironically he never rejected nuclear energy. He built the miniature atomic bomb known as the Davy Crocket, which was less then 50 pounds. The Davy Crocket was the smallest and lightest fission bomb ever created in its time. In addition, he also created the largest-yield fission bomb that has ever exploded anywhere, which was called Super Oralloy Bomb. As a bomb designer he built the most sufficient fission bomb that was created in the Kiloton range. This powerful bomb was named Hamlet. Each time he constructed a bomb Taylor states to McPhee that he can not go into detail for various security purposes.
Taylor became fascinated that weapon-graded uranium and plutonium are alarmingly available to anyone who wants to get their hands on these materials. McPhee states that the main reason why plutonium is easily accessible and can be used as a main element in building a bomb, because it is a product of uranium based nuclear power industry. In addition, he warns the readers that it is not hard to steal plutonium because uranium is extremely abundant in nature. During this part of the book the chemical progress that is needed to build a deadly bomb out of plutonium is described. The availability of uranium is portrayed as a main concern because it can lead to the rise of terrorist acts that can inevitably affect the world. Taylor tries to put an end to allowing individuals to have the ability to access these materials by starting the International Research and Technology firm, which main function involves safeguards. Taylor want’s to increase awareness to better the safeguards, which as a result will prevent to some extent the dangers of bombs and availability of nuclear materials.
McPhee’s main purpose in writing this book that is based on the life and observations made my Taylor is to inform and warn the audience. Although he tries to alert the world that the access of nuclear weapons is available to all individuals he concludes that it will always be an existing problem. In the world, terrorist’s attacks unfortunately, are events that individuals will always have to face, but by warning the audience of how close we actually are to these events, allows individuals to take certain safety precautions.
In this book, McPhee provides historical information about the dangers of nuclear energy. McPhee has written the life story and career of Theodore B Taylor, who is one of the most well known theoretical physicists. During the book Taylor walks McPhee through a nuclear energy journey and through his interviews McPhee excessively describes the dangerous of nuclear energy. Due to the dangers that McPhee has encountered and learned about through Taylor’s observations, he sends a message warning his audience about the issue of nuclear energy and uses the life story of Theodore B. Taylor to emphasize the importance of the message. In addition, McPhee speaks about the poor security of the nuclear materials and the easy access of the materials.
As the book, The Curve of Binding Energy, opens up McPhee states both the main point and theme of this book, which is to stress the dangers of nuclear bombs. McPhee immediately in the beginning of the book warns the audience that not only the six nations that have been tested have access to nuclear bombs but smaller groups of people that may not have good intentions do as well. The tone and mood of this book is posed in a sense like a desperate cry out for help and concern to alert others that their safety may be jeopardized by the lack of nuclear control. Moreover, McPhee continues to inform the audience that the issue of nuclear control is not a subject that should be taken lightly because not only physicists but one person alone can build a bomb, due to the fact that the materials are easily accessible.
As the book progresses McPhee introduces his main character Theodore B. Taylor, who was one of the most ingenious engineers of the nuclear age. Taylor’s life story and career is essential to the purpose of the book. He was born in the nineteen-twenties in Mexico City and lived in an extremely religious home. When Taylor was ten years old he received a chemistry set which showed that at a young age he had a strong connection with the subject. While he was growing up Taylor became interested in music, chemistry, and billiards. He developed a true passion for the game of billiards and played for ten hours a week. Taylor was an intellectual individual and even when he was playing billiards he relates it to the fields of science. He states that “I have thought of billiards ball as the examples in physics as long as I can remember, as examples of types of collisions from Newton’s mechanics to atomic particles.” To strengthen his argument, McPhee shows that science is a subject that has always been present throughout Taylor’s life.
In 1948 in the Theoretical Division at Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory, Taylor began to build atomic bombs that were said to be the most creative designs. His motivation and determination for both building and improving atomic bombs stemmed from the explosion of the bombs Hiroshima and Nagasaki. After these bombs McPhee implies that Taylor was inspired to put an end to the cycle of violence but ironically he never rejected nuclear energy. He built the miniature atomic bomb known as the Davy Crocket, which was less then 50 pounds. The Davy Crocket was the smallest and lightest fission bomb ever created in its time. In addition, he also created the largest-yield fission bomb that has ever exploded anywhere, which was called Super Oralloy Bomb. As a bomb designer he built the most sufficient fission bomb that was created in the Kiloton range. This powerful bomb was named Hamlet. Each time he constructed a bomb Taylor states to McPhee that he can not go into detail for various security purposes.
Taylor became fascinated that weapon-graded uranium and plutonium are alarmingly available to anyone who wants to get their hands on these materials. McPhee states that the main reason why plutonium is easily accessible and can be used as a main element in building a bomb, because it is a product of uranium based nuclear power industry. In addition, he warns the readers that it is not hard to steal plutonium because uranium is extremely abundant in nature. During this part of the book the chemical progress that is needed to build a deadly bomb out of plutonium is described. The availability of uranium is portrayed as a main concern because it can lead to the rise of terrorist acts that can inevitably affect the world. Taylor tries to put an end to allowing individuals to have the ability to access these materials by starting the International Research and Technology firm, which main function involves safeguards. Taylor want’s to increase awareness to better the safeguards, which as a result will prevent to some extent the dangers of bombs and availability of nuclear materials.
McPhee’s main purpose in writing this book that is based on the life and observations made my Taylor is to inform and warn the audience. Although he tries to alert the world that the access of nuclear weapons is available to all individuals he concludes that it will always be an existing problem. In the world, terrorist’s attacks unfortunately, are events that individuals will always have to face, but by warning the audience of how close we actually are to these events, allows individuals to take certain safety precautions.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
D.C. TRUE HOLLYWOOD STORY OF JLO
For those of who are not familiar with Jennifer Lyn Lopez, you must be living in a BUBBLE for the past decade! But since Drama Central is here to enlighten your mind with celebrity gossip I will tell you first about Jennifer Lopez’s personal and career life. Then we will put an end to the rumors that were being spread like wildfire throughout the tabloids about her pregnancy.
Jennifer Lyn Lopez, also known as JLO, was born on July 24, 1969 in Castile Hill section of South Bronx. As a child her family struggled tremendously with financial stability. However, this never got in the way of JLO achieving her goal of taking over Hollywood’s spot light becoming a multi-tasking superstar. Lopez’s started her career off as a dancer and eventually got recognized for her amazing singing voice. Today JLO is publicly known as a dancer, singer, actress, songwriter, record producer, fashion designer, and television producer. Throughout her career she has accomplishment a tremendous amount of success. Since 1999, the beginning of her singing career she has released 7 albums. Two of the seven albums were number 1 on the Billboard 200 charts and four were listed number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. In addition, she won American Music Award for Favorite Pop/Rock Female Actress (2003) and American Music Award for Favorite Latin Artist (2007). JLO’s acting career has sky rocketed with her unforgettable performances in films such as Angel Eyes, Selena, Out of Sight, and Wedding Planner. In 2003 JLO took her career to a new level of success and produced a clothing line that was geared for young women. Her clothing line includes jeans, t-shirts, coats, belts, purses, jewelry, hats, gloves, scarfs, and much more! As a result of her achievements in 2007 Lopez made Forbes magazine's list of The 20 Richest Women in Entertainment, ranking ninth. Her wealth is estimated to be $110 million and is still growing!
Although JLO’s career life has been a great success and stable we can not say the same for her personal life. Lopez love life has been a rollercoaster rider with many ups and downs. Her first marriage was to Ojani Noa in 1997 and short a year later in 1998 the couple was divorced. Next Lopez had a two and a half year relationship with R & B legend Sean Combs aka P Diddy. This relationship ended after a gunshot was fired at P Diddy one evening when the couple was out having a good time. Her next marriage was to her back-up dancer Criss Judd. Judd and Lopez were officially married on September 29, 2001. Hollywood thought that she had finally met her “prince charming” but surprisingly once again JLO filed for divorce in June 2002. Just when JLO’s life could not get more publicized she was wrong. She began dating handsome actor Ben Affleck who proposed to her with a 6 carrot pink diamond ring. However, their relationship spun out of control and the public witnessed every moment of it.
Finally, it seems that Jennifer Lopez has found her “prince charming” after all the frogs she has kissed! After her heartbreaking break up with actor Ben Affleck JLO began dancing Latin singer Marc Anthony. The couple had a small quiet wedding on June 5, 2004. Practically since their wedding day rumors have been spread about JLO being pregnant and if Marc Anthony is finally the one. The rumors can finally be put to rest because in November (2007) JLO announced in front of a crowd of fans that she was expecting a child and ready to be a mother. Little did she know she was not expecting a child but two children because she was having twins! On February 22, 2008 JLO gave birth to twins; a girl and a boy. Lopez and Marc Anthony named their children Emme and Max. The twins were born at a Long Island hospital with 5-pound, 7-ounce Emme arriving about 15 minutes before her 6-pound brother. It has been reported that she sold pictures of her children to “People Magazine” for 6 million dollars!!
Jennifer Lyn Lopez, also known as JLO, was born on July 24, 1969 in Castile Hill section of South Bronx. As a child her family struggled tremendously with financial stability. However, this never got in the way of JLO achieving her goal of taking over Hollywood’s spot light becoming a multi-tasking superstar. Lopez’s started her career off as a dancer and eventually got recognized for her amazing singing voice. Today JLO is publicly known as a dancer, singer, actress, songwriter, record producer, fashion designer, and television producer. Throughout her career she has accomplishment a tremendous amount of success. Since 1999, the beginning of her singing career she has released 7 albums. Two of the seven albums were number 1 on the Billboard 200 charts and four were listed number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. In addition, she won American Music Award for Favorite Pop/Rock Female Actress (2003) and American Music Award for Favorite Latin Artist (2007). JLO’s acting career has sky rocketed with her unforgettable performances in films such as Angel Eyes, Selena, Out of Sight, and Wedding Planner. In 2003 JLO took her career to a new level of success and produced a clothing line that was geared for young women. Her clothing line includes jeans, t-shirts, coats, belts, purses, jewelry, hats, gloves, scarfs, and much more! As a result of her achievements in 2007 Lopez made Forbes magazine's list of The 20 Richest Women in Entertainment, ranking ninth. Her wealth is estimated to be $110 million and is still growing!
Although JLO’s career life has been a great success and stable we can not say the same for her personal life. Lopez love life has been a rollercoaster rider with many ups and downs. Her first marriage was to Ojani Noa in 1997 and short a year later in 1998 the couple was divorced. Next Lopez had a two and a half year relationship with R & B legend Sean Combs aka P Diddy. This relationship ended after a gunshot was fired at P Diddy one evening when the couple was out having a good time. Her next marriage was to her back-up dancer Criss Judd. Judd and Lopez were officially married on September 29, 2001. Hollywood thought that she had finally met her “prince charming” but surprisingly once again JLO filed for divorce in June 2002. Just when JLO’s life could not get more publicized she was wrong. She began dating handsome actor Ben Affleck who proposed to her with a 6 carrot pink diamond ring. However, their relationship spun out of control and the public witnessed every moment of it.
Finally, it seems that Jennifer Lopez has found her “prince charming” after all the frogs she has kissed! After her heartbreaking break up with actor Ben Affleck JLO began dancing Latin singer Marc Anthony. The couple had a small quiet wedding on June 5, 2004. Practically since their wedding day rumors have been spread about JLO being pregnant and if Marc Anthony is finally the one. The rumors can finally be put to rest because in November (2007) JLO announced in front of a crowd of fans that she was expecting a child and ready to be a mother. Little did she know she was not expecting a child but two children because she was having twins! On February 22, 2008 JLO gave birth to twins; a girl and a boy. Lopez and Marc Anthony named their children Emme and Max. The twins were born at a Long Island hospital with 5-pound, 7-ounce Emme arriving about 15 minutes before her 6-pound brother. It has been reported that she sold pictures of her children to “People Magazine” for 6 million dollars!!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
TRUE or FALSE
Has reality television gone too far with invading people’s personal live?
This January the premiere of the new hit reality television show The Moment of Truth aired on Fox Five. The Moment of Truth is a game show that quizzes contestants on their personal questions and using a lie detector to determine if they are telling the truth or not. The main goal of the show is for the contestant to answer 21 questions without lying once. If this goal is achieved the contestant win $ 500,000, which is the grand price. The catch to this show is the level of difficult of the questions unfortunately grows more difficult with each correct answer given. However, if the tension and stress level becomes too high for the contestant they have the opportunity to withdraw from the game and walk away with the money they have won already. On the other hand if the contestant chooses to continue playing and answers a question incorrectly he or she has just jeopardized their price money and walk away from the game show empty handed.
One rule of the game is the contestants are allowed to have family members, friends, a significant other, and any other loved one there in the “safe zone.” In this zone the have a button in which they can choose to press if they do not want the contestant to answer the question being asked. However, once they press this button it forces the contestant to now answer a challenge question which may be easier or harder than the previous question. Owning up to the truth in front of family, friends, loved ones, the audience and millions of viewers is not an easy task and the suspense is thrilling. Due to the built up of anticipating that follows each question The Moment of Truth has had great reviews and rating since its first episode that was aired on January 28, 2008. The show had originally aired on Wednesday at 9PM ET/PT after American Idol, but on March 12th the show will move to its regular time at 8PM ET/PT on Wednesdays.
Some Sample questions that the contestants are challenged to answer and tell THE TRUTH AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH are:
*Have you ever lied to get a job?
*Do you like your mother-in-law?
*Do you really care about starving children in African?
*Have you ever stolen anything from work?
*Have you ever cheated on your spouse?
One episode that I was completely speechless after watching premiered last Wednesday. I felt that this show completely ruined her relationship with her husband because she confessed that she was in love with someone else on her wedding date, that she cheated on her husband, and if her ex-boyfriend asked her to marry him she would marry him. The surprising twist to this episode that shocked everyone was her ex-boyfriend came out to ask the questions. The host of the show, Mark L.Walberg, admitted that some of the questions on this particular episode were out of line and was literally begging the contestant to STOP!
* TAKE A LOOK AT THE VIDEO CLIP I HAVE PROVIDED YOU WITH AND WATCH THIS PARTICULAR EPSIODE … WOULD YOU BE ABLE TO REVEAL ALL YOUR DEEP DARK SECRETS!!
This January the premiere of the new hit reality television show The Moment of Truth aired on Fox Five. The Moment of Truth is a game show that quizzes contestants on their personal questions and using a lie detector to determine if they are telling the truth or not. The main goal of the show is for the contestant to answer 21 questions without lying once. If this goal is achieved the contestant win $ 500,000, which is the grand price. The catch to this show is the level of difficult of the questions unfortunately grows more difficult with each correct answer given. However, if the tension and stress level becomes too high for the contestant they have the opportunity to withdraw from the game and walk away with the money they have won already. On the other hand if the contestant chooses to continue playing and answers a question incorrectly he or she has just jeopardized their price money and walk away from the game show empty handed.
One rule of the game is the contestants are allowed to have family members, friends, a significant other, and any other loved one there in the “safe zone.” In this zone the have a button in which they can choose to press if they do not want the contestant to answer the question being asked. However, once they press this button it forces the contestant to now answer a challenge question which may be easier or harder than the previous question. Owning up to the truth in front of family, friends, loved ones, the audience and millions of viewers is not an easy task and the suspense is thrilling. Due to the built up of anticipating that follows each question The Moment of Truth has had great reviews and rating since its first episode that was aired on January 28, 2008. The show had originally aired on Wednesday at 9PM ET/PT after American Idol, but on March 12th the show will move to its regular time at 8PM ET/PT on Wednesdays.
Some Sample questions that the contestants are challenged to answer and tell THE TRUTH AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH are:
*Have you ever lied to get a job?
*Do you like your mother-in-law?
*Do you really care about starving children in African?
*Have you ever stolen anything from work?
*Have you ever cheated on your spouse?
One episode that I was completely speechless after watching premiered last Wednesday. I felt that this show completely ruined her relationship with her husband because she confessed that she was in love with someone else on her wedding date, that she cheated on her husband, and if her ex-boyfriend asked her to marry him she would marry him. The surprising twist to this episode that shocked everyone was her ex-boyfriend came out to ask the questions. The host of the show, Mark L.Walberg, admitted that some of the questions on this particular episode were out of line and was literally begging the contestant to STOP!
* TAKE A LOOK AT THE VIDEO CLIP I HAVE PROVIDED YOU WITH AND WATCH THIS PARTICULAR EPSIODE … WOULD YOU BE ABLE TO REVEAL ALL YOUR DEEP DARK SECRETS!!
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Myself as a Celebrity
We all flip through the pages of our favorite magazine looking at the celebrities and their lavish lifestyles, and imagine what our life would be like if we had all the glamour. Often times we envy the way they live and feel that if we had their lifestyle our lives would be much more improved. Moreover, many people dream of their lives being in the spotlight and the center of attention, having paparazzi capturing every move we make each and everyday. People sometimes go through extreme measures to resemble their favorite celebrity. However, we have to realize that even though our lives are not written about in magazines or our face is not posted on a billboard, our lives are just as important. Each one of us can be our own celebrity at different points in our lives; whether you believe it or not we are all have the potential to be a star. Also our families, friends, significant other, teachers, and peers are our paparazzi because their the people that always provide us with attention and concern.
One time where I felt like a celebrity in my own life was at my Sweet Sixteen party which took place on June 17, 2005 at the Vanderbilt. I was very excited about this place because it had just opened up and it was located right off the water. My party took several months to prepare for I had to get invitations made, choose centerpiece arrangements and decorations, make a decision on the type of cake, pick out the table clothes and napkin colors, make a seating chart, book the DJ and dancers, schedule the video man, book a hair, makeup, and nail appointment, and write out seventeen candles. On top of all this my mother and I decided to get my dress made by a dressmaker from Italy. My dress had a sweetheart neckline and came low in the back. It was made out of Versace silver lace, had a long train and sparkly crystal hung everywhere to make the dress breathtaking. My dress was like no other the detailed work was absolutely amazing.
At the party, I was announced in and escorted by my older brother, all of my guests eyes’ where on me. With the music blasting, lights flickering, and cameras flashing, I felt like a celebrity on the red carpet. In my dress with my hair and makeup done, and completely the center of attention for the whole evening I thought to myself I feel just like a celebrity. The room was decorated in such an elegant fashion with extravagant flower arrangements in huge vases that where also fish tanks as the centerpieces of the tables, accompanied by floating candles, and gold and white table cloths and napkins. The entire night was dedicated to me and I felt extremely special. For that one night I was the celebrity at the party and no one could take that away from me!
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
WHAT'S HOT !
One of the most talked about and talented fashion designers of this decade, is Christian Audigier. Audigier was born in southern France in the city of Avignon and grew up with a strong passion for rock and roll style. His career over the past twenty years has been extremely success by designing numerous clothing lines with his unique style such as American Eagle Outifitters, Diesel, Lee Levi’s, Liberto, Kookai, and Naf Naf. After becoming a well respected designer in the fashion industry Audigier was not finished contributing his style to the world. He collaborated with Don Hardy and created Ed Hardy by Christian Audigier, which is known as one of the hottest new brands worn by various celebrities and people all over the world. The Ed Hardy clothing line allowed Don Hardy to elevate his tattoo artwork on clothing that was produced and supervised by Audigier. Audigier stepped up his fashion sense and created his own clothing line which is more expensive then the Ed Hardy brand. The new fashion line was named after himself “Christian Audigier”, which reflected his California-French perspective and rock and roll style. He expanded his fashion line and is producing bags, shoes, sunglasses, and belts. Some of the celebrities that have been caught wearing Christian Audigier’s clothing are Britney Spears, Jessica Alba, Mariah Carey, Mickey Rourke, Paris Hilton, Snoop Dogg, Chris Brown, Usher, Marilyn Manson, Madonna, Shakira, Ciara, Heidi Klum, T.I. and Jaime Foxx.
When I went to Miami over Spring break with my friends I saw Chrisisian Audigier at the Palms hotel. He could not even enjoy the sunny day because people where going crazy over him!! I guess he is use to the attention because right now he is the hottest fashion icon on the market. Both teenagers and adults pay outrageous prices for his clothing because after all who doesn’t want to dress in the clothes that celebrities rant and rave about and are wearing!!!
* click the websites to check out Ed Hardy clothes and Christian Audigier clothes = )
http://www.stylerocket.com/ed-hardy-clothing.html
http://www.djpremium.com/shop/G1-V84798-R54334/-collection-.html
When I went to Miami over Spring break with my friends I saw Chrisisian Audigier at the Palms hotel. He could not even enjoy the sunny day because people where going crazy over him!! I guess he is use to the attention because right now he is the hottest fashion icon on the market. Both teenagers and adults pay outrageous prices for his clothing because after all who doesn’t want to dress in the clothes that celebrities rant and rave about and are wearing!!!
* click the websites to check out Ed Hardy clothes and Christian Audigier clothes = )
http://www.stylerocket.com/ed-hardy-clothing.html
http://www.djpremium.com/shop/G1-V84798-R54334/-collection-.html
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
"SPICE UP YOUR LIFE"
In the mid 90’s the first major British all girl singing group was created; “The Spice Girls.”The group consisted of five unique and extremely talented women; Geri Estelle Halliwell, Melanie Janine Brown, Melanie Jayne Chisholm, Victoria Adams, and Emma Lee Bunton. Each Spice Girl member had a specific identity and where given a stage name based on their personalities which would help lead to their success in the marketing industry. Geri Estelle Halliwell,(“Ginger Spice”) Melanie Janine Brown, (“Scary Spice”) Melanie Jayne Chisholm, (“Sporty Spice”) Victoria Adams,(“Posh Spice”) and Emma Lee Bunton(“Baby Spice”) This powerhouse group began their career in Britain and decided in 1997 to take the next step and bring their “Spice World” to the United States. The group’s main ambition was to show the world the importance of women and in order to catch people’s attention they used the phrase “Girl Power”, to reinforce the message they were trying to covey. Their proud, all girl-image and catchy dance pop- appealed to younger listeners, while their colorful sexy personalities and sense of humor appealed to older music fans which lead to their enormous success. The combination of pop hits, cartoonish personalities and clever marketing made the Spice Girls a global phenomenon, selling more than 55 million albums, breaking all sorts of British chart records and taking their song "2 Become 1" to Number 1 in 53 countries.
The Spice Girls had several money making products on the market such as their famous Spice Girls Barbie dolls, lollipops with stickers in the inside, t-shirts, perfume, lip gloss, posters, umbrellas pretty much EVERYTHING. However, the Spice Girls fame in the United States started to fade away and the members started to drift apart around 2001.
But the Spice Girls could not stay out of the spotlight for long and this year they started their 2007-2008; 25- date global Reunion Tour. The tour began in Vancouver Canada, and continued to Los Angeles, Las Vegas, New York, London, Cologne, Madrid, Beijing, Hong Kong, Sydney, Cape Town, and Buenos Aires, etc. The shows will be their first concerts since breaking up in 2001, and the first with all five of the original group. Tickets where sold out for the London shows in 38 seconds!! It was reported that over one million people in the UK signed up for the tour and over five million worldwide for the ticket ballot on the band’s official website. Sixteen additional dates in London where added to accommodate their fans; and were also sold out performances. In America all of the concerts where sold out too!!! On their very first concert in Vancouver they performed in front of an audience of 15,000 people. The Reunion Concert consisted of twenty songs both their number hits and fan favorites and eight costume changes.
When I was little I was a huge Spice Girl fan; I collected all the posters, dolls, and stickers. So once I heard about the reunion tour I knew I needed to go, so my friends and I got tickets to the show in Madison Square Garden. The concert was a night to remember filled with mixed emotions. As I danced and sang along to the song that I grew up to the child inside of me came alive again. The energy in the stadium was indescribable because many girls my own age felt like a kid again and where filled with excitement. However, it was sad to realize that we have grown up and have entered a new time in our lived and we where no longer the little girls who idolized and only cared about singing to the Spice Girls.
The part of the concert that made me realize that the Spice Girls where no longer just a female-singing group but incredible individuals; was when they sang their song Mama. They dedicated this song to their children, and it showed the audience that they where saying goodbye to their singing careers because they have opened a new chapter in their own lives as mothers. Before they sang the song their children where brought on stage and they sat down and began singing to them. It was a very moving experience for both the Spice Girls and their fans.
The Spice Girls had several money making products on the market such as their famous Spice Girls Barbie dolls, lollipops with stickers in the inside, t-shirts, perfume, lip gloss, posters, umbrellas pretty much EVERYTHING. However, the Spice Girls fame in the United States started to fade away and the members started to drift apart around 2001.
But the Spice Girls could not stay out of the spotlight for long and this year they started their 2007-2008; 25- date global Reunion Tour. The tour began in Vancouver Canada, and continued to Los Angeles, Las Vegas, New York, London, Cologne, Madrid, Beijing, Hong Kong, Sydney, Cape Town, and Buenos Aires, etc. The shows will be their first concerts since breaking up in 2001, and the first with all five of the original group. Tickets where sold out for the London shows in 38 seconds!! It was reported that over one million people in the UK signed up for the tour and over five million worldwide for the ticket ballot on the band’s official website. Sixteen additional dates in London where added to accommodate their fans; and were also sold out performances. In America all of the concerts where sold out too!!! On their very first concert in Vancouver they performed in front of an audience of 15,000 people. The Reunion Concert consisted of twenty songs both their number hits and fan favorites and eight costume changes.
When I was little I was a huge Spice Girl fan; I collected all the posters, dolls, and stickers. So once I heard about the reunion tour I knew I needed to go, so my friends and I got tickets to the show in Madison Square Garden. The concert was a night to remember filled with mixed emotions. As I danced and sang along to the song that I grew up to the child inside of me came alive again. The energy in the stadium was indescribable because many girls my own age felt like a kid again and where filled with excitement. However, it was sad to realize that we have grown up and have entered a new time in our lived and we where no longer the little girls who idolized and only cared about singing to the Spice Girls.
The part of the concert that made me realize that the Spice Girls where no longer just a female-singing group but incredible individuals; was when they sang their song Mama. They dedicated this song to their children, and it showed the audience that they where saying goodbye to their singing careers because they have opened a new chapter in their own lives as mothers. Before they sang the song their children where brought on stage and they sat down and began singing to them. It was a very moving experience for both the Spice Girls and their fans.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Where Are They Now?
After Releasing 3 studio albums and 12 singles globally between July 1996 and November 2008, and completing their Reunion Tour….Where are the Spice Girls now?
Geri Estelle Halliwell,(“Ginger Spice”)
Ginger Spice left the band in 1998 before the group broke up due to differences between members. As solo artist she has received 4 Brit Award nominations and released four number-one singles in UK and sold about four million albums worldwide. On May 14 2006 she gave birth to her daughter Bluebell. When I went to the Reunion Spice Girl Concert she brought her daughter on stage who after the song “Mama I love you” was performed, Bluebell screamed into the microphone “Mama I love you.”
Melanie Janine Brown, (“Scary Spice”)
After the Spice Girl breakup in 2001 Scary Spice seemed to be getting off to a great solo career and married Jimmy Gulzar. She had a beautiful baby girl with Jimmy and named her Phoenix Chi. However, she and Jimmy divorced after a horrible custody battle today Scary Spice has full custody of her daughter. In addition, Mel B can be recently remembered for her affair with Eddie Murphy which was all over the tabloids. Even though her solo singing career went downhill she performed great in my opinion at during the Reunion Tour
Melanie Jayne Chisholm, (“Sporty Spice”)
Sporty Spice has always been the strongest vocalist of the group and proved it by pursuing a solo career in music. Her most recent album is “Beautiful Intentions” which at the Reunion Concert she performed one of her hit songs “I Turn to You.” She still today fights with the press about her sexuality because of the “sporty” image she portrays. However, she continues to live both in Los Angeles and London and she continued to dazzle fans with her amazing voice.
Victoria Adams, (“Posh Spice”)
Posh Spice was always known for her fashion sense throughout her career as a spice girl. When the group broke up she had a significant career in fashion, designing a line of jeans for Rock & Republic and later designing her own denim brand, dvb Style. In 1999 she married the gorgeous, talented, football superstar David Beckham. Together this lavishing couple had three sons; Brooklyn (8 years old), Romeo( 5 years old), and Cruz ( 1 years old)
Emma Lee Bunton(“Baby Spice”)
Like Mel C and Mel B, Baby Spice also tried to have a solo career after her success as a Spice Girl. She released her worldwide record in 2004 and the same year scored a cameo role on a television series Absolutely Fabulous and made numerous other television appearances. Last August Baby Spice became a mother and gave birth to a boy and named him Beau. In French, Beau means “beautiful” which is the same name as his father.
* Even though the group broke and went their separate ways for sometime they where all reunited during the 2007-2008 tour. “The Return of the Spice Girls", a global tour that featured all five original members of the Spice Girls together on stage proved that they will always be a Spice Girl at heart.
Geri Estelle Halliwell,(“Ginger Spice”)
Ginger Spice left the band in 1998 before the group broke up due to differences between members. As solo artist she has received 4 Brit Award nominations and released four number-one singles in UK and sold about four million albums worldwide. On May 14 2006 she gave birth to her daughter Bluebell. When I went to the Reunion Spice Girl Concert she brought her daughter on stage who after the song “Mama I love you” was performed, Bluebell screamed into the microphone “Mama I love you.”
Melanie Janine Brown, (“Scary Spice”)
After the Spice Girl breakup in 2001 Scary Spice seemed to be getting off to a great solo career and married Jimmy Gulzar. She had a beautiful baby girl with Jimmy and named her Phoenix Chi. However, she and Jimmy divorced after a horrible custody battle today Scary Spice has full custody of her daughter. In addition, Mel B can be recently remembered for her affair with Eddie Murphy which was all over the tabloids. Even though her solo singing career went downhill she performed great in my opinion at during the Reunion Tour
Melanie Jayne Chisholm, (“Sporty Spice”)
Sporty Spice has always been the strongest vocalist of the group and proved it by pursuing a solo career in music. Her most recent album is “Beautiful Intentions” which at the Reunion Concert she performed one of her hit songs “I Turn to You.” She still today fights with the press about her sexuality because of the “sporty” image she portrays. However, she continues to live both in Los Angeles and London and she continued to dazzle fans with her amazing voice.
Victoria Adams, (“Posh Spice”)
Posh Spice was always known for her fashion sense throughout her career as a spice girl. When the group broke up she had a significant career in fashion, designing a line of jeans for Rock & Republic and later designing her own denim brand, dvb Style. In 1999 she married the gorgeous, talented, football superstar David Beckham. Together this lavishing couple had three sons; Brooklyn (8 years old), Romeo( 5 years old), and Cruz ( 1 years old)
Emma Lee Bunton(“Baby Spice”)
Like Mel C and Mel B, Baby Spice also tried to have a solo career after her success as a Spice Girl. She released her worldwide record in 2004 and the same year scored a cameo role on a television series Absolutely Fabulous and made numerous other television appearances. Last August Baby Spice became a mother and gave birth to a boy and named him Beau. In French, Beau means “beautiful” which is the same name as his father.
* Even though the group broke and went their separate ways for sometime they where all reunited during the 2007-2008 tour. “The Return of the Spice Girls", a global tour that featured all five original members of the Spice Girls together on stage proved that they will always be a Spice Girl at heart.
Monday, February 11, 2008
THE 2008 GRAMMY'S = )
LAST NIGHT THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GRAMMY AWARDS WAS CELEBRATED. THE GRAMMY’S TOOK PLACE IN LOS ANGELES AND WAS HOSTED BY THE VERY TALENTED ACTOR TOM HANKS. THE AWARDS THAT THE CELEBERITES RECEIEVED ARE PRESENTED BY THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF RECORDING ARTS AND SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE RECORD INDUSTRY. THIS NIGHT IS A TIME FOR MANY CELEBRITY ICONS TO LOOK THEIR BEST AND BE REWARDED FOR THE TALENTS THEY POSSESS IN MUSIC. IN ADDITION, THE NIGHT FEATURED PERFOMANCES BY PROMINIENT ARTISTS SUCH RHIANNA, CARRIE UNDERWOOD, ALICIA KEYES, KANYE WEST, AMY WINEHOUSE, FOO FIGHTERS, ARETHA FRANKLIN (etc.)
AND THE GRAMMY GOES TO …..
AS WE ALL KNOW THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE WINNER WHICH LEFT MANY NOMINIES HEARTBROKEN KNOWING THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN SECONDS AWAY FROM RECIEVEING A GRAMMY! HOWEVER, THE GRAMMY WINNERS WHERE FILLED WITH EXCITEMENT AND ENJOYED THEIR MAGIFICENT MOMENT IN THE SPOTLIGHT. MOREOVER, SOME OF THE WINNERS WHERE SPEECHLESS, AND OTHER COULD NOT STOP TALKING AND WHERE LITERALLY BEING KICKED OFF STAGE BY THE PRODUCERS!!!(when they played the music during their speeches)
SOME OF THE AWARDS RECEIVED WHERE AS FOLLOWED:
BEST FEMALE COUNTRY VOCALIST: CARRIE UNDERWOOD
BEST FEMALE R&B PERFORMANCE: ALICIA KEYES
BEST COMPILATION SOUNDTRACK ALBUM: RINGO STARR
BEST COUNTRY INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMANCE: BRAD PAISLEY
ALBUM OF THE YEAR: HERBIE HANCOCK
RECORD OF THE YEAR: AMY WINEHOUSE
SONG OF THE YEAR: AMY WINEHOUSE
BEST MALE POP VOCAL PERFORMANCE: JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE
BEST POP PERFORMANCE BY GROUP: MAROON 5
BEST POP COLLABORATION WITH VOCALS: GONE GONE GONE ( DONE MOVED ON )” ROBERT PLANT & ALISON KRAUSS
BEST DANCE RECORDING: JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE
BEST ELECTRONIC/DANCE ALBUM: CHEMICAL BROTHERS
AND THE GRAMMY GOES TO …..
AS WE ALL KNOW THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE WINNER WHICH LEFT MANY NOMINIES HEARTBROKEN KNOWING THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN SECONDS AWAY FROM RECIEVEING A GRAMMY! HOWEVER, THE GRAMMY WINNERS WHERE FILLED WITH EXCITEMENT AND ENJOYED THEIR MAGIFICENT MOMENT IN THE SPOTLIGHT. MOREOVER, SOME OF THE WINNERS WHERE SPEECHLESS, AND OTHER COULD NOT STOP TALKING AND WHERE LITERALLY BEING KICKED OFF STAGE BY THE PRODUCERS!!!(when they played the music during their speeches)
SOME OF THE AWARDS RECEIVED WHERE AS FOLLOWED:
BEST FEMALE COUNTRY VOCALIST: CARRIE UNDERWOOD
BEST FEMALE R&B PERFORMANCE: ALICIA KEYES
BEST COMPILATION SOUNDTRACK ALBUM: RINGO STARR
BEST COUNTRY INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMANCE: BRAD PAISLEY
ALBUM OF THE YEAR: HERBIE HANCOCK
RECORD OF THE YEAR: AMY WINEHOUSE
SONG OF THE YEAR: AMY WINEHOUSE
BEST MALE POP VOCAL PERFORMANCE: JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE
BEST POP PERFORMANCE BY GROUP: MAROON 5
BEST POP COLLABORATION WITH VOCALS: GONE GONE GONE ( DONE MOVED ON )” ROBERT PLANT & ALISON KRAUSS
BEST DANCE RECORDING: JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE
BEST ELECTRONIC/DANCE ALBUM: CHEMICAL BROTHERS
Sunday, February 10, 2008
A BLAST FROM THE PAST
At the 2008 Grammy’s there where many talented artists that performed elaborate shows which helped contribute to making the Grammy Awards a spectacular night. One performance that I felt was a show stopping, energetic, and meaningful performance was Beyonce Giselle Knowles. Beyonce is not only a R&B singer but songwriter, record producer, music video director, actress, dancer and fashion designer. Her career began when she was the creative force and lead singer of the famous R&B girl group Density’s Child. Today Density’s child is known as the world’s best female singing group of all time. However, Beyonce had bigger and better dreams for herself and wanted to venture out as a solo artist. She released her first album “Dangerously in Love” in 2003 and the album became one of the biggest commercial success of the year and topped the charts in both the United States and United Kingdom. Her success continued through the years, in 2004 she released two albums “Crazy in Love” and “Baby Boy” in which she received 5 Grammy Awards. In 2006 she won another 2 Grammy Awards during her solo career for her records “Déjà vu” and “Beautiful Liar”.
With hard work and dedication Beyonce has accomplished many things in her life today. However, she believes that inspiration was a leading part in her discovering fame. Her performance at the Grammy’s showed that man y legend woman vocalists have impacted Beyonces life for the better and that is why in her performance she recognized the voices from the past. One person that she states in “The New York Times” that inspired her the most as a young child was Tina Turner. If you think about it if it was not for the women vocalist of the past sending the successful trend they did then talented woman like Beyonce would have never succeed in the music industry. I think you really understand this message when Beyonce and Tina Turner sang side by side at the Grammy’s. This showed that the past can influence and give you the drive to achieve your goals. In addition, the performance send out a message that we should be thankful for our past and we can help the past live on through the new generations and generations to come.
With hard work and dedication Beyonce has accomplished many things in her life today. However, she believes that inspiration was a leading part in her discovering fame. Her performance at the Grammy’s showed that man y legend woman vocalists have impacted Beyonces life for the better and that is why in her performance she recognized the voices from the past. One person that she states in “The New York Times” that inspired her the most as a young child was Tina Turner. If you think about it if it was not for the women vocalist of the past sending the successful trend they did then talented woman like Beyonce would have never succeed in the music industry. I think you really understand this message when Beyonce and Tina Turner sang side by side at the Grammy’s. This showed that the past can influence and give you the drive to achieve your goals. In addition, the performance send out a message that we should be thankful for our past and we can help the past live on through the new generations and generations to come.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Lights Camera Action
This weekend, Friday February 8th a comedy that was filled with adventure and romance was released. The movie, Fool’s Gold starring Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson was produced by Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turn and directed by Andy Tennant. McConaughey and Hudson are most remembered for their first romantic comedy “How to Lose a Guy in Ten”, which was an enormous success. This film grossed 100,000 million dollars in the box office and it was only time that this dynamic duo hit the big screen again for another unforgettable film. McConaughey plays Finn, a scavenger on the trail of a ship that sunk in the 1700s laden with the riches of a Spanish royal dowry. His marriage with Kate Hudson who plays Tess was portrayed as a relationship heading towards shipwreck. She prepares their divorce which will take place in Key West. Ironically, this comedy takes a turn when they are both reunited on the yacht where she's working as a steward for ultra-rich Nigel Honeycutt. They pair up and once again stir up their passion for treasure hunting and begin their last treasure hunt together in hopes of finding 500 million dollars in diamonds. Unfortunately, New York Times critics only gave Fool’s Gold two and half stars rating out of five. Watch the clip I provided for you, and go out and see this romantic comedy so you can voice your opinion about the movie!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=2IInvMZcE-Y
http://youtube.com/watch?v=2IInvMZcE-Y
Monday, February 4, 2008
Three More Babies in 2008
In 2008 seems like celebrities caught baby fever and everyone is turning up pregnant! Along with Tori Spelling and Gwen Stefani; Angelina Jolie is expecting not one baby but THREE. Rumor has it that she is pregnant with twins and this can be possible because twins run in her husband’s family. Her handsome and talented husband, Brad Pitt, sister Julie has twin girls so the chance is high. Although the famous couple wanted to keep her pregnancy a secret; her belly was NO secret through her Actors Guild Awards gown. However, Angelina still looked amazing in her Hermes vintage flowy style gown. Since we know now that she has two babies inside her where is the third? Angelina and Brad made plans before she found out she was pregnant to adopt an Ethiopian girl. When asked if they would still adopt they replied, yes and are extremely excited about adopting the little girl even though she is expecting. With the possibility of three new babies in 2008, in addition to Maddox (6 years old), Pax ( 4 years old) Zahara ( 3 years old) and Shiloh ( 20 months old) their house will be nosier then ever.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
IS IT A BOY OR GIRL ?
Gwen Stefani , the American singer , songwriter, fashion designer, and occasional actress was quoted last October saying “ I pray that I can have another baby, I mean it’s such a miracle to have one.” Her prays where answered and she is now 12 
weeks pregnant! Gwen’s husband Gavin who is 42 years old stated that he let Gwen decide when she was ready to have their next child because she was so busy with her amazing 
career. Along with her many accomplishments she is a wonderful mother to her 20-month old son Kingston who according to Gwen can not wait for his new brother or sister. Gwen tried to keep her pregnancy a secrete but nothing is a secrete when you live a life of fame. Her secrete was revealed by the assumption of her being seen in big baggy clothing and immediately the news that she was expecting spread across the media! However, Gwen is not the only celebrity who is expecting another child. Tori Spelling, television actress best known for her role on 90210 is expecting another child with her husband Dean McDermott. They where quoted saying “ We are having so much fun with Liam (first child) we can’t wait to have another one. Word around the media is that Tori is in her second trimester but she will not tell the truth just yet. Last time Tori was pregnant she announced she was having but a boy, but only time will tell whether Liam will have a brother or a sister.
weeks pregnant! Gwen’s husband Gavin who is 42 years old stated that he let Gwen decide when she was ready to have their next child because she was so busy with her amazing 
career. Along with her many accomplishments she is a wonderful mother to her 20-month old son Kingston who according to Gwen can not wait for his new brother or sister. Gwen tried to keep her pregnancy a secrete but nothing is a secrete when you live a life of fame. Her secrete was revealed by the assumption of her being seen in big baggy clothing and immediately the news that she was expecting spread across the media! However, Gwen is not the only celebrity who is expecting another child. Tori Spelling, television actress best known for her role on 90210 is expecting another child with her husband Dean McDermott. They where quoted saying “ We are having so much fun with Liam (first child) we can’t wait to have another one. Word around the media is that Tori is in her second trimester but she will not tell the truth just yet. Last time Tori was pregnant she announced she was having but a boy, but only time will tell whether Liam will have a brother or a sister.Defining Drama
What is drama? Webster dictionary defines drama as state, situation, or series of events involving interesting or intense conflict of forces. I believe drama is an act that gives rise to excitement. In addition, drama is when daily occurrences stop being normal and usually draws attention from a crowd.
What causes drama? The main factor I believe that is the cause of drama is gossip. Gossip and juicy stories spread like wild fire throughout our society. People of all ages love to gossip and it has become a essential part of their everyday lives!
What comes to mind when you hear the word drama? The first thought that comes to my mind when I hear the world drama is ENTERTAINMENT. The entertainment industry is a business world that never sleeps because there is always a juicy new story to capture. It is filled with celebrities’ lifestyles, hooks-ups, breakups, fashion, and movies which are all based on drama and gossip. Entertainment is an industry that continues to grow and flourish throughout the years.
What causes drama? The main factor I believe that is the cause of drama is gossip. Gossip and juicy stories spread like wild fire throughout our society. People of all ages love to gossip and it has become a essential part of their everyday lives!
What comes to mind when you hear the word drama? The first thought that comes to my mind when I hear the world drama is ENTERTAINMENT. The entertainment industry is a business world that never sleeps because there is always a juicy new story to capture. It is filled with celebrities’ lifestyles, hooks-ups, breakups, fashion, and movies which are all based on drama and gossip. Entertainment is an industry that continues to grow and flourish throughout the years.
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