Well, the press is out claiming the government's "victory" for the August 2nd, 2011 debt deadline where the government will not have to default on it's debts.
So, why am I not jumping up and down for joy?
Let's put it this way in plain terms. It seems our government doesn't have a hint of common sense when it comes to finance.
One of the main aspects of the deal is a raise in the debt ceiling by two and a half trillion dollars. Yes, that is correct. Not million, not billion, but TRILLION! This means the government plans to borrow more and more money instead of actually getting rid of the debt.
Here's another claim of "victory" by the government on the deal. It plans to pay off one trillion dollars of the debt in 10 years. Yes, ten years. In other words, it plans to pay off one trillion dollars in that time while have the capability to borrow more then that. And you can count on the government throwing some more bailouts, etc, during that time. Oh yeah, did I mention the total debt right now is more then $14 TRILLION?!
Never have I become more frustrated with a government that can't literally balance its own checkbook. It wants to spend and spend and spend some more. The "experts" in Washington D.C. think throwing money at problems is the best solution.
Actually, I'm more then frustrated. I'm actually ashamed of my own government. The sad part is this cycle will probably continue. Lets see how high we can get our debt is the name of the game!
Monday, August 1, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Talk about no acceptance of diversity...
This is an interesting story I read over a tough moment conservative talk show host, Glenn Beck, and his family were put through in what was supposed to be a nice family moment at the park.
In a nutshell, people were displaying the obvious reactions of ignorance and hatred simply because someone has different opinions and viewpoints. Don't just go by what I'm saying. Actually READ THE STORY.
Now I'm not saying all liberals and conservatives are like this. But, unfortunatley, there are the pockets of ignorants in each group who cannot accept that just because someone believes differently then you, doesn't mean you have to display the stupidest character back at them. What's even sadder is that many of these reactions were aimed at his wife, and his children had to witness it. Who cares if you want to say he brought this upon himself. He didn't! People have the choice to react in such a way or not and what was simply a moment with his family (NO TALK SHOW) turned into an ugly moment to remember.
Doesn't matter your opinion of Glenn Beck. The way these people behaved against him and his family was just plane low and sad.
http://www.glennbeck.com/2011/06/28/courage-in-the-face-of-cowards/
In a nutshell, people were displaying the obvious reactions of ignorance and hatred simply because someone has different opinions and viewpoints. Don't just go by what I'm saying. Actually READ THE STORY.
Now I'm not saying all liberals and conservatives are like this. But, unfortunatley, there are the pockets of ignorants in each group who cannot accept that just because someone believes differently then you, doesn't mean you have to display the stupidest character back at them. What's even sadder is that many of these reactions were aimed at his wife, and his children had to witness it. Who cares if you want to say he brought this upon himself. He didn't! People have the choice to react in such a way or not and what was simply a moment with his family (NO TALK SHOW) turned into an ugly moment to remember.
Doesn't matter your opinion of Glenn Beck. The way these people behaved against him and his family was just plane low and sad.
http://www.glennbeck.com/2011/06/28/courage-in-the-face-of-cowards/
Monday, June 13, 2011
Mainstream Media Organizations Flock Crazily to Alaska for Release of Sarah Palin Emails....Yes, That Is Pretty Sad.
What has real news in the media come to nowadays? The title of this blog entry says it all. When major media organizations race to Alaska just to "be the first" to access the tons of printed Sarah Palin emails, something just doesn't seem right. Since there still is a war on terror, usual unrest in the Middle East, economic problems, need for creation of jobs, and many other serious notes, I guess Palin's media circus trumps them all. Whether you like her or dislike her, you have to admit the media has really stooped even lower on this one. There is no such thing as just telling news like it is now. It has to be sensational, scandalous, etc!....So again, like the title, yes, that is pretty sad.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ac/20110612/us_ac/8625437_sarah_palin_email_saga_is_embarrassing_mainstream_media;_ylt=ApwKm7vCebumqR90iLLajyNH2ocA;_ylu=X3oDMTRqdDdiMjBhBGFzc2V0A2FjLzIwMTEwNjEyLzg2MjU0Mzdfc2FyYWhfcGFsaW5fZW1haWxfc2FnYV9pc19lbWJhcnJhc3NpbmdfbWFpbnN0cmVhbV9tZWRpYQRjY29kZQNvZmZwemYzMG5yBGNwb3MDNQRwb3MDNQRzZWMDeW5fdG9wX3N0b3JpZXMEc2xrA3NhcmFocGFsaW5lbQ--
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ac/20110612/us_ac/8625437_sarah_palin_email_saga_is_embarrassing_mainstream_media;_ylt=ApwKm7vCebumqR90iLLajyNH2ocA;_ylu=X3oDMTRqdDdiMjBhBGFzc2V0A2FjLzIwMTEwNjEyLzg2MjU0Mzdfc2FyYWhfcGFsaW5fZW1haWxfc2FnYV9pc19lbWJhcnJhc3NpbmdfbWFpbnN0cmVhbV9tZWRpYQRjY29kZQNvZmZwemYzMG5yBGNwb3MDNQRwb3MDNQRzZWMDeW5fdG9wX3N0b3JpZXMEc2xrA3NhcmFocGFsaW5lbQ--
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Quit yapping your loud mouth on your cell phone!...Love this story....
All I can say is I LOVE THIS STORY!....Finally, justice against cell phone abusers of other human beings' peace and quiet....Some people, or rather MANY people, need to learn common courtesy and respect....
A VERY GOOD READING!
http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_thelookout/20110518/us_yblog_thelookout/loud-cell-phone-talker-removed-from-quiet-car-by-police
A VERY GOOD READING!
http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_thelookout/20110518/us_yblog_thelookout/loud-cell-phone-talker-removed-from-quiet-car-by-police
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Monday, April 4, 2011
"I only do it for the money."
The title says it all, but not in the way you may perceive it to be. I just read a good article on SportsIllustrated.com about a professional soccer player who plays for Tottenham in the English Premier League, the highest level of professional soccer in England. The player, Benoit Assou-Ekotto, a French-born Cameroon soccer player, has freely admitted he only plays soccer "for the money."
Wow, he must be a really greedy person as he openly and honestly admits that money is the only reason he plays the sport. I'll bet your thinking that's nothing new as we all know that's how most professional sports athletes behave nowadays, even though he is one of the first to admit so.
But after reading further, I now understand his train of thought on the topic, and this has even given me a new light into how I perceive my favorite sports teams as I am indeed quite a passionate fan (and sometimes TOO passionate). In England, where soccer (or "football") is king, the fans behave with a wild dedication to their favorite teams, sometimes bordering on obsession. And these same fans desperately want to believe that their beloved star athletes feel the same way about the team they play for. Some do, many others don't, but will not admit it.
Well, paraphrasing the article (you can read it for yourself), Assou-Ekotto explains that he only plays professional soccer for the money because it's a "job" that pays well, and he is indeed grateful he gets to play soccer as his job. In other words, he plays hard to earn his fat paycheck, unlike too many other professional athletes, who feel a sense of entitlement to being millionaires. He does not feel a sense of loyalty to the club, even though he fights hard for his teammates, but feels that such loyalty to the team name, etc., is ridiculous because he sees it in perspective that it is ONLY A SPORT, and not "open-heart surgery," as they are not really "helping the world advance."
Before you go off on some negative tangent thought about he must be loyal to the idea of his team logo, name, etc., think about it. He is a man who sees soccer as a good paying job and that in order to have a good paycheck, like most jobs, you must do that job well, so he does. Aren't we all usually trying to advance ourselves in employment in order to provide for ourselves and loved ones? Well, he is doing the same thing, and is grateful he gets to play soccer as his job. I think we all would love to do the same thing as our job whether it be soccer, baseball, football, etc. He knows that it is just a sport and sees that there are other things in life more important then just the sport.
Well, I hope I remember this particular aspect that it is just a sport the next time I want to scream at the television as my favorite teams are playing. It is just a sport! It's just kicking a ball, hitting a ball, catching a ball, throwing a ball, etc. Some are just better at doing it then others. And wouldn't you be grateful to get paid great to do that then work a regular, 40 hour a week job trying to get overtime job? If only other professional athletes could realize that instead of balking over wanting more money then their already ridiculous guaranteed contracts.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/ben_lyttleton/04/02/assou.ekotto/index.html
Wow, he must be a really greedy person as he openly and honestly admits that money is the only reason he plays the sport. I'll bet your thinking that's nothing new as we all know that's how most professional sports athletes behave nowadays, even though he is one of the first to admit so.
But after reading further, I now understand his train of thought on the topic, and this has even given me a new light into how I perceive my favorite sports teams as I am indeed quite a passionate fan (and sometimes TOO passionate). In England, where soccer (or "football") is king, the fans behave with a wild dedication to their favorite teams, sometimes bordering on obsession. And these same fans desperately want to believe that their beloved star athletes feel the same way about the team they play for. Some do, many others don't, but will not admit it.
Well, paraphrasing the article (you can read it for yourself), Assou-Ekotto explains that he only plays professional soccer for the money because it's a "job" that pays well, and he is indeed grateful he gets to play soccer as his job. In other words, he plays hard to earn his fat paycheck, unlike too many other professional athletes, who feel a sense of entitlement to being millionaires. He does not feel a sense of loyalty to the club, even though he fights hard for his teammates, but feels that such loyalty to the team name, etc., is ridiculous because he sees it in perspective that it is ONLY A SPORT, and not "open-heart surgery," as they are not really "helping the world advance."
Before you go off on some negative tangent thought about he must be loyal to the idea of his team logo, name, etc., think about it. He is a man who sees soccer as a good paying job and that in order to have a good paycheck, like most jobs, you must do that job well, so he does. Aren't we all usually trying to advance ourselves in employment in order to provide for ourselves and loved ones? Well, he is doing the same thing, and is grateful he gets to play soccer as his job. I think we all would love to do the same thing as our job whether it be soccer, baseball, football, etc. He knows that it is just a sport and sees that there are other things in life more important then just the sport.
Well, I hope I remember this particular aspect that it is just a sport the next time I want to scream at the television as my favorite teams are playing. It is just a sport! It's just kicking a ball, hitting a ball, catching a ball, throwing a ball, etc. Some are just better at doing it then others. And wouldn't you be grateful to get paid great to do that then work a regular, 40 hour a week job trying to get overtime job? If only other professional athletes could realize that instead of balking over wanting more money then their already ridiculous guaranteed contracts.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/ben_lyttleton/04/02/assou.ekotto/index.html
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
The Social Media Withdrawal Experiment a Success...Kind of
I attempted this recent Spring Break (March 14th-18th) to completely stay away from Social Media as a trial basis. I was curious if I could keep the Facebook itch in check along with YouTube, Twitter, etc, etc, etc.....
Well, I made it through the Monday through Friday....Kind of...
Several factors also played into the experiment having several hindrances from being measured completely. I was sick with the stomach bug the first half of the week and also the fact that the week was Spring Break was also a factor. The free time allowed for other activities like lawn work, etc.
Well, at least I can say I accomplished my goal as I let it be known in my Facebook status update....
Friday, March 11, 2011
Honory, Virtue, Integrity....Any of that left?
Have you ever seen the movies or heard the stories, whether fictional or nonfictional based, about knights and moments of chivalrous intention? Often, you hear such dialogue as "live with honor," "die with honor," "you have regained your honor," "hold on to virtue and courage," etc.
We hear such words and phrases about honor, virtue, integrity, chivalry, and others in this category.
The question I'm inquiring is do such moments or attempts in lives of these meanings exist anymore?
I'm not saying someone has to come in and save the day riding on horseback wearing shining armor and all that good stuff. Although, that might be pretty amazing to see. What I'm questioning is do individual people ever try to think about such notions anymore and attempt to live their lives as such?
Do these notions live more with older generations and are they gradually fading, or do they still hopefully exist to continue?
I've questioned this myself as I've seen teenagers and adults at times completely disrespect elders, disrespect peers, disrepect authority, disrepect property, disrespect beliefs, and disrespect their own parents with complete apathy and disdain. The list is continuous.
Now I will give some the slight benefit of the doubt as they were never taught anything slighty resembling virtue. If only bad parents could be punished.
I'm not advocating a return to the medieval era. But I really do hope that men and women will still attempt to live their lives with honor and integrity because, believe me, there will always be younger eyes looking and imitating. Of course no one is perfect and we all stumble, but remember, honor can be regained.
Live with honor.
We hear such words and phrases about honor, virtue, integrity, chivalry, and others in this category.
The question I'm inquiring is do such moments or attempts in lives of these meanings exist anymore?
I'm not saying someone has to come in and save the day riding on horseback wearing shining armor and all that good stuff. Although, that might be pretty amazing to see. What I'm questioning is do individual people ever try to think about such notions anymore and attempt to live their lives as such?
Do these notions live more with older generations and are they gradually fading, or do they still hopefully exist to continue?
I've questioned this myself as I've seen teenagers and adults at times completely disrespect elders, disrespect peers, disrepect authority, disrepect property, disrespect beliefs, and disrespect their own parents with complete apathy and disdain. The list is continuous.
Now I will give some the slight benefit of the doubt as they were never taught anything slighty resembling virtue. If only bad parents could be punished.
I'm not advocating a return to the medieval era. But I really do hope that men and women will still attempt to live their lives with honor and integrity because, believe me, there will always be younger eyes looking and imitating. Of course no one is perfect and we all stumble, but remember, honor can be regained.
Live with honor.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Give
Do we ever fall into the category of "what can someone do for me?"
Or do we fall into the category of "what can I do for others?"
Simply imagine if you could do something worthwhile for someone else, no matter how small or minuscule your action or words may be.
I believe such decisions are not made enough by people nowadays, myself included. Too many times, we always want what others can do for us, and even take such notions for granted sometimes.
This story (you must read...too good to be paraphrased) is a prime example and inspiration of taking time to help others and simply lighten up their life.
PLEASE READ....
http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_thelookout/20110308/ts_yblog_thelookout/wish-comes-true-for-cancer-stricken-10-year-old-inducted-into-army
Or do we fall into the category of "what can I do for others?"
Simply imagine if you could do something worthwhile for someone else, no matter how small or minuscule your action or words may be.
I believe such decisions are not made enough by people nowadays, myself included. Too many times, we always want what others can do for us, and even take such notions for granted sometimes.
This story (you must read...too good to be paraphrased) is a prime example and inspiration of taking time to help others and simply lighten up their life.
PLEASE READ....
http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_thelookout/20110308/ts_yblog_thelookout/wish-comes-true-for-cancer-stricken-10-year-old-inducted-into-army
The Withdrawal Experiment
I'm curious about something a large population of the world uses on a daily basis and wondering if I have the stamina, willpower, and ability to go without it for a period of time....
No, it isn't food of some sort, television, etc...
It's a little known entity called Facebook....You may have heard of it.
Now I'm not protesting Facebook or trying to deface the global social network in any form whatsoever, like that can actually happen.
I'm just doing a little experiment and trial of my own. The reason is I've fallen into the group of loyal Facebook users where I think I check it on the hour each day. So, I'm just wondering if I can go for some time without it. I've also given the challenge to one of my English Labs I teach on Tuesday night. I informed the students to attempt a period where they do not use Facebook. My instructions were simple. If they can only go 5 minutes without it, and they get the Facebook itch, then by all means sign on. If they can go longer, just as well. I plan to have a critical writing after we return from Spring Break where they respond to this experience. So, I figured I'll try the withdrawal myself.
My goal is to start small. Starting next Monday, March 14th, I will be absent from the Facebook world. If I'm able to go the entire 24 hours, I will attempt to add Tuesday into the time of Facebook withdrawal, and so on. The simple goal is an entire week away from the world of social networking. I'm intrigued to know how much I may be out of the loop of happenings and news in the lives of family and friends in the matter of 24 hours or a whole week.
So, starting Monday, March 14th, in case you really need to get in contact with me, please give me a good ol' fashion phonecall.
Here's to the withdrawal experiment!
No, it isn't food of some sort, television, etc...
It's a little known entity called Facebook....You may have heard of it.
Now I'm not protesting Facebook or trying to deface the global social network in any form whatsoever, like that can actually happen.
I'm just doing a little experiment and trial of my own. The reason is I've fallen into the group of loyal Facebook users where I think I check it on the hour each day. So, I'm just wondering if I can go for some time without it. I've also given the challenge to one of my English Labs I teach on Tuesday night. I informed the students to attempt a period where they do not use Facebook. My instructions were simple. If they can only go 5 minutes without it, and they get the Facebook itch, then by all means sign on. If they can go longer, just as well. I plan to have a critical writing after we return from Spring Break where they respond to this experience. So, I figured I'll try the withdrawal myself.
My goal is to start small. Starting next Monday, March 14th, I will be absent from the Facebook world. If I'm able to go the entire 24 hours, I will attempt to add Tuesday into the time of Facebook withdrawal, and so on. The simple goal is an entire week away from the world of social networking. I'm intrigued to know how much I may be out of the loop of happenings and news in the lives of family and friends in the matter of 24 hours or a whole week.
So, starting Monday, March 14th, in case you really need to get in contact with me, please give me a good ol' fashion phonecall.
Here's to the withdrawal experiment!
Monday, February 21, 2011
Whatever, you know!
I am an advocate for education and truly believe a great (even good) education can immensely impact the lives of youth in a positive and profound way.
Now, I know that judging someone from the outside is one of the worst ways to ever perceive someone. I'm guilty of it too often and definitely know better as I try my best to not live by this notion. Yet, too often in today's world, I wonder if young people are placing themselves in these preconceived positions of judgement simply by their own oral speech. Here's my point on this topic.
Imagine a student just about to leave high school for the rich and fruitful pastures of college and a grand attempt at higher education. This student has top level grades and credentials. But, then you hear the student speak and the first thing you hear is "Well he/she said blah, blah, blah, and I was like whatever, you know....."....or another example...."Hey, you know that thing we talked about in class, you know what I'm saying".....
Unfortunately, this is not an exaggeration of such particular situations. Sadly, this point of speech is all to common among youth. A form of speech which lacks clarity, purpose, subject content (the word "thing" replacing subjects/topics), expects others to know what they are talking about ("you know what I'm saying" and "you know")etc., is being driven hard into speech nowadays. Yet, this isn't a speech that is being driven by learning it. This speech is youth not learning, not attempting, or simply not knowing how to orally communicate.
It doesn't matter if youth are comfortable talking in such speech with one another or with older folks. The simply matter of fact is they are too comfortable with it as a normal way of communicating.
I'm not asking everyone to all of a suddent talk like an English professor or perfectly proper (if there is such an existence). All I'm asking for is speech that is spoken with conviction, purpose, clarity, etc.
Maybe, a class on the subject of Writing needs to be incorporated into high school as a class wholly unto itself. Or maybe Speech class needs to be modified. I still believe education to be a basis for this and haven't lost hope. Well, whatever.....
Now, I know that judging someone from the outside is one of the worst ways to ever perceive someone. I'm guilty of it too often and definitely know better as I try my best to not live by this notion. Yet, too often in today's world, I wonder if young people are placing themselves in these preconceived positions of judgement simply by their own oral speech. Here's my point on this topic.
Imagine a student just about to leave high school for the rich and fruitful pastures of college and a grand attempt at higher education. This student has top level grades and credentials. But, then you hear the student speak and the first thing you hear is "Well he/she said blah, blah, blah, and I was like whatever, you know....."....or another example...."Hey, you know that thing we talked about in class, you know what I'm saying".....
Unfortunately, this is not an exaggeration of such particular situations. Sadly, this point of speech is all to common among youth. A form of speech which lacks clarity, purpose, subject content (the word "thing" replacing subjects/topics), expects others to know what they are talking about ("you know what I'm saying" and "you know")etc., is being driven hard into speech nowadays. Yet, this isn't a speech that is being driven by learning it. This speech is youth not learning, not attempting, or simply not knowing how to orally communicate.
It doesn't matter if youth are comfortable talking in such speech with one another or with older folks. The simply matter of fact is they are too comfortable with it as a normal way of communicating.
I'm not asking everyone to all of a suddent talk like an English professor or perfectly proper (if there is such an existence). All I'm asking for is speech that is spoken with conviction, purpose, clarity, etc.
Maybe, a class on the subject of Writing needs to be incorporated into high school as a class wholly unto itself. Or maybe Speech class needs to be modified. I still believe education to be a basis for this and haven't lost hope. Well, whatever.....
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Possible return of Legendary Soccer Club, New York Cosmos
For soccer fans in the United States, can you imagine the world's best soccer players playing in MLS? Imagine if people like Lionel Messi, Xavi, Kaka, Ronaldo, and others came to play in the United States. Just imagine.
In fact, it already happened here during the era of the North American Soccer League from 1968-1984, before the league went under. Probably the most famous player ever, if not the most famous, is Pele. Well, yes, he played for the New York Cosmos of the NASL. And his teammate was Franz Beckenbauer. Yes, that Franz. They, and other famous players of the time, made the New York Cosmos a legendary name in soccer history. Unfortunately, the league did not last.
But, the New York Cosmos' franchise is looking to be brought back, even if in name and logo only, to hopefully one day be a rival team of the New York Red Bulls in MLS. Already, the famous retired American national, Cobi Jones, has left the Los Angeles Galaxy as an assistant coach to be named associate director of soccer and the club's ambassador. The Cosmos already have youth academies in full action. Englishman, Paul Kemsley, a former executive of Premier League club, Tottenham, is the man behind the efforts to revive this famous franchise.
Here's to hoping it happens...If wanting to know more about the New York Cosmos, here's a video on the offical website....
http://www.nycosmos.com/legacy/
In fact, it already happened here during the era of the North American Soccer League from 1968-1984, before the league went under. Probably the most famous player ever, if not the most famous, is Pele. Well, yes, he played for the New York Cosmos of the NASL. And his teammate was Franz Beckenbauer. Yes, that Franz. They, and other famous players of the time, made the New York Cosmos a legendary name in soccer history. Unfortunately, the league did not last.
But, the New York Cosmos' franchise is looking to be brought back, even if in name and logo only, to hopefully one day be a rival team of the New York Red Bulls in MLS. Already, the famous retired American national, Cobi Jones, has left the Los Angeles Galaxy as an assistant coach to be named associate director of soccer and the club's ambassador. The Cosmos already have youth academies in full action. Englishman, Paul Kemsley, a former executive of Premier League club, Tottenham, is the man behind the efforts to revive this famous franchise.
Here's to hoping it happens...If wanting to know more about the New York Cosmos, here's a video on the offical website....
http://www.nycosmos.com/legacy/
We really are a country of immigrants....Amazing diversity
As I'm sure it's quite obvious right now, I'm a passionate soccer fan. And after observing news on the United States National Team, I noticed something that is very intriguing and has been mentioned for so long now here in this country. We truly are a country of immigrants and it is so incredible how diverse are our ethnic and national backgrounds. The United States Men's National Soccer Team is a perfect example....
Here's a list of many of players whom have chosen to represent the United States in soccer and have dual backgrounds of nationality....
Alejandro Bedoya-Columbian parents.
Juan Agudelo-Columbian parents.
Jozy Altidore-Haitian parents.
Jonathan Bornstein-Jewish father and Mexican mother.
Teal Bunbury-Canadian father and American mother.
Mikkel Diskerud-Norwegian born American.
Benny Feilhaber-Born in Brazil....Parents have Jewish background from Europe.
Jermaine Jones-Mother is German and father is American....Represented Germany on national level before making a one-time allowed switch to permanently represent the United States.
Edgar Castillo-Has a Mexican-American background....Represented Mexico on national level before making a one-time allowed switch to permanently represent the United States.
Sacha Klijestan-Father is Serbian from Bosnia.
Eric Lichaj-Parents are from Poland.
Oguchi Onyewu-Parents are from Nigeria.
Jose Francisco Torres-Mexican father and American mother.
Well, there you have it. Each of the these players on the United States Men's National Soccer Team come from different backgrounds and are a perfect example of how amazingly diverse our nation is.
Here's a list of many of players whom have chosen to represent the United States in soccer and have dual backgrounds of nationality....
Alejandro Bedoya-Columbian parents.
Juan Agudelo-Columbian parents.
Jozy Altidore-Haitian parents.
Jonathan Bornstein-Jewish father and Mexican mother.
Teal Bunbury-Canadian father and American mother.
Mikkel Diskerud-Norwegian born American.
Benny Feilhaber-Born in Brazil....Parents have Jewish background from Europe.
Jermaine Jones-Mother is German and father is American....Represented Germany on national level before making a one-time allowed switch to permanently represent the United States.
Edgar Castillo-Has a Mexican-American background....Represented Mexico on national level before making a one-time allowed switch to permanently represent the United States.
Sacha Klijestan-Father is Serbian from Bosnia.
Eric Lichaj-Parents are from Poland.
Oguchi Onyewu-Parents are from Nigeria.
Jose Francisco Torres-Mexican father and American mother.
Well, there you have it. Each of the these players on the United States Men's National Soccer Team come from different backgrounds and are a perfect example of how amazingly diverse our nation is.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Has the use of technology really dumbed our society down?
Here's a curious question and there is definitely a legitimate reason for it.
First off, let's take a look at the 21st century and a few wonders of modern technology. We have cellphones which are essentually minature computers and can hold a worldfull of applications. We have music that can be placed in convenient mp3 files causing the CD to become used, yet still yesterday's news. Televisions are still here, but now only a few inches thick, and with such clarity, the viewer needs to blink to wonder if it's real or not. These are just a few, as the list can go on and on.
Which brings us back to the title question. Has the use of technology really dumbed our society down? I mean "USE OF TECHNOLOGY" as the amazing advances of technology can only be created by educated and smart human beings. But what about the users?....Please don't think this is a rant that everybody is dumb for using technology....Bear with me....We'll get to the point soon.
Now don't get me wrong. I'm a user of the useful and fun applications that modern cellphones can bring. I have a Facebook, sports applications, Weather Channel, and many other useful and entertaining applications.
The question came about when I simply just observed many youth of nowaday. I see them walking as if they have no earthly idea of any awareness of their surroundings. They are staring into the abyss of their cellphone world as if there is no other. Sometimes, I wonder if they need a slap on the side of their head to bring them back into reality. Has the ability to conversate in whole and complete sentences, or the use of real words for writing really been overtaken by the digital world where many young people think "u" can be substituted for "you" on a paper?! Has "whatever" become the universal way of ending a point when no point has really been made in the endless cycle of text messenging?! ("Whatever" is used in vocal conversations as well)....Scary thoughts.
My educational background is History and Social Studies and I actually feel worried when TEENAGERS don't know much about their own state, or the name of one of their neighboring states. At least many can name the President, but many can't even name the Vice President, or the past 2 presidents. What really worries me is the lack of historical knowledge. Many students don't know why Martin Luther King Jr. was famous, or what World War II was, or who Neil Armstrong was. Has the ability to "Google" everything taken away the want to immerse in knowlege as much as possible?
I know great teachers can impact youth and also a person's background from parental involvement can be of the the upmost impact as well. But with so many other distractions from technological use, how badly do we see youth looking to that as their false reality and not the ability or desire to learn real knowledge or make use of real imagination in books? Are books in people's hands disappearing to the digital world or to television? Is knowledge really losing out to television and the pointless viewing of celebritys' lives in that "entertainment" called reality tv?
Well, I think I've made my point. All of this questioning has simply come about from everyday observation. I hope I'm actually wrong this time.
First off, let's take a look at the 21st century and a few wonders of modern technology. We have cellphones which are essentually minature computers and can hold a worldfull of applications. We have music that can be placed in convenient mp3 files causing the CD to become used, yet still yesterday's news. Televisions are still here, but now only a few inches thick, and with such clarity, the viewer needs to blink to wonder if it's real or not. These are just a few, as the list can go on and on.
Which brings us back to the title question. Has the use of technology really dumbed our society down? I mean "USE OF TECHNOLOGY" as the amazing advances of technology can only be created by educated and smart human beings. But what about the users?....Please don't think this is a rant that everybody is dumb for using technology....Bear with me....We'll get to the point soon.
Now don't get me wrong. I'm a user of the useful and fun applications that modern cellphones can bring. I have a Facebook, sports applications, Weather Channel, and many other useful and entertaining applications.
The question came about when I simply just observed many youth of nowaday. I see them walking as if they have no earthly idea of any awareness of their surroundings. They are staring into the abyss of their cellphone world as if there is no other. Sometimes, I wonder if they need a slap on the side of their head to bring them back into reality. Has the ability to conversate in whole and complete sentences, or the use of real words for writing really been overtaken by the digital world where many young people think "u" can be substituted for "you" on a paper?! Has "whatever" become the universal way of ending a point when no point has really been made in the endless cycle of text messenging?! ("Whatever" is used in vocal conversations as well)....Scary thoughts.
My educational background is History and Social Studies and I actually feel worried when TEENAGERS don't know much about their own state, or the name of one of their neighboring states. At least many can name the President, but many can't even name the Vice President, or the past 2 presidents. What really worries me is the lack of historical knowledge. Many students don't know why Martin Luther King Jr. was famous, or what World War II was, or who Neil Armstrong was. Has the ability to "Google" everything taken away the want to immerse in knowlege as much as possible?
I know great teachers can impact youth and also a person's background from parental involvement can be of the the upmost impact as well. But with so many other distractions from technological use, how badly do we see youth looking to that as their false reality and not the ability or desire to learn real knowledge or make use of real imagination in books? Are books in people's hands disappearing to the digital world or to television? Is knowledge really losing out to television and the pointless viewing of celebritys' lives in that "entertainment" called reality tv?
Well, I think I've made my point. All of this questioning has simply come about from everyday observation. I hope I'm actually wrong this time.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Those Revolving New Year Resolutions
Alas, it is 2011. It is the start of a new year, a new cycle of months, a new beginning per say, and that chance to finally begin all those amazing resolutions you planned to start on January 1st. You know, those goals you set a month, or two, or three ago, that you were perfectly capable of starting at that time, but thought it would be more successful to put off the endeavor until the first of the new year since it is always easier to start on the number one, right? What makes us set new year resolutions? What makes us get ready for that new gym membership (that usually lasts only a few months), or learn something new, or simply just set a goal so unequivocally high, we quit before we really start? Sadly, some people even set family values as a new year resolution. For example, they'd like to be a better spouse, parent, son/daughter, etc. (Personally, family value goals should be a HERE AND NOW GOAL!) Not to say that is a bad goal, but the question, again, is why do we WAIT until the first of the new year to set goals. Do we need to have that perfect schedule to go by? On average, about 70-80% of people who set new year resolutions never keep to them. They becoming and endless revolving cycle of starting the same goals at the beginning of every year, and giving in around the same time of every year.
Here's a fine tip to anyone wishing to reach those goals in life. Think, think, think, think, think about them first. Make them simple, manageable, and then gradually more complex. If you want to lose weight/get in shape, don't plan on gaining that TV star/supermodel body right away. Remember, such people have personal trainers and hours upon end that they do each day for such bodies. For example, most people want beach bodies by Spring Break. So what happens after Spring Break? No more staying in shape/healthy most of the time. And it begins again the next year. You can get to your goal to if you just build upon it gradually, but make it an automatic part of your life.
But here's the best tip probably. DON'T MAKE NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS! Make it a today/here/now resolution. Make it a lifestyle resolution. Don't make it a "I'm starting on January 1st because I need it by such and such date" resolution. I guarantee you're only fooling yourself.
Everyone should have goals in life. Just make sure you goals are attainable and manageable. Happy New Year!
Here's a fine tip to anyone wishing to reach those goals in life. Think, think, think, think, think about them first. Make them simple, manageable, and then gradually more complex. If you want to lose weight/get in shape, don't plan on gaining that TV star/supermodel body right away. Remember, such people have personal trainers and hours upon end that they do each day for such bodies. For example, most people want beach bodies by Spring Break. So what happens after Spring Break? No more staying in shape/healthy most of the time. And it begins again the next year. You can get to your goal to if you just build upon it gradually, but make it an automatic part of your life.
But here's the best tip probably. DON'T MAKE NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS! Make it a today/here/now resolution. Make it a lifestyle resolution. Don't make it a "I'm starting on January 1st because I need it by such and such date" resolution. I guarantee you're only fooling yourself.
Everyone should have goals in life. Just make sure you goals are attainable and manageable. Happy New Year!
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