Dictionary.com defines hate as:
to feel extreme aversion for or extreme hostility toward; detest.
Ever since the release of Taylor Swift's fourth album, Red hit the shelves, many people started to form strong opinions against her. A couple of recurring ones include 'I hate Taylor Swift because she can't sing, or because she's not country anymore'.
What in your right mind makes you think that's a legitimate reason to hate somebody? Unless you have a personal relationship with that person, hating them is not the word to use. If they have not done anything to offend you or insult your dignity in any way, then it gives you no right to say you hate them. Saying you dislike something is perfectly fine; it's definitely more reasonable than saying you feel hatred towards the person. Taylor Swift is the type of artist who revolves her life around the fans. Every album, every song, every lyric, has meaning behind it because it's what we want to hear. Swift is unique in that she doesn't follow in the same footsteps as other celebrities; like Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, etc. You get my drift.
Anyways, I'm going off topic here. But the point to remember is that just because someone can't sing or seems a little too immature for you, doesn't mean you should hate them. Hate is a strong word. NB
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Finding Nemo Gets Lost....Again!?
Do you remember that cute little clownfish back in 2003 who got abducted and separated from his father deep down in the sea? I think his name was...Nemo.
We all fell in love with Nemo and rooted for his father when they finally found each other again. Everyone lived happily ever after. That is, until director Andrew Stanton decides to make Finding Nemo a sequel as his new project. This can turn into either the best idea ever or it could turn out like Cars 2. The sequel could just be dragging the idea further out than it needs to, in hopes of it becoming a big hit. With that being said, the sequel does have potential of becoming yet another hit. Audiences all over the world found watching Albert Brooks and Ellen DeGeneres together on screen to be the most entertaining thing in the world. With Dory's short-term memory loss and Marlin's overly protective attitude, the two characters could give fans another reason to laugh.
Finding Nemo became Pixar's second highest grossing film ever, reaching over $864 million and won the Oscar for best animated picture. There's no doubt that Finding Nemo 2 would make it big in the box office; mainly because the original captured the hearts of millions. However, some movies are better off without a sequel. The only way this movie can be successful as the first is if Stanton comes up with an idea introducing a different approach all while giving fans a chance to revisit the worlds and characters we all met back in 2003. NB
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Someone Has To Say It
So today I feel like going off on a rant for some reason. I have my moments (: This blog is titled "Someone Has To Say It" because there are many things going on that pisses off a lot of people inside but no one ever talks about it. I thought I should take the time do discuss some various things I've noticed.
1. Instagram
If you don't know what instagram is, (for those of you who live under a rock) it's a photo sharing program that allows you to take a photo, apply a filter, and share it with your friends via social networking sites and on instagram itself. There are some people who truly abuse instagram to the fullest. When I say abuse, it could mean many things. Some people abuse instagram by taking 100 pictures of themselves daily, filtering every single one of them, and sharing it with every social networking site there is. Another form of abusing instagram would be taking pictures of the most pointless thing just so a filter could be applied to it, therefore degrading it even further. Instagram, in my opinion, shouldn't be used on every single picture you take just so you can see it in a different light, it should be used periodically on images that would enhance its features.
2. Society's Obsession With Pregnant Teenagers
As I was flipping through some channels, I came across a commercial for Teen Mom 4. Really though? As if the last three years wasn't enough, MTV decides to follow the same teenagers once again. The show becomes more and more pointless within each season. What else could possibly happen to these teenagers that we would care about watching? I understand 16 & Pregnant. Having a new season every year is fine because it portrays a new character each episode. Teen Mom has been following the same girls for the past four years and it's getting too repetitive.
3. Boots With Shorts
I'm sure people have noticed this huge fashion mishap, but I thought I would take the liberty and talk about it. I'm not gonna lie, I am not a big fashion person to begin with but I know what looks right and what looks wrong. When it's freezing cold outside or even just normal weather, wearing shorts with boots just looks wrong. It's like... are you cold on your feet but not on your legs? I just don't understand. I'm stopping there.
I shall end my rant here. NB
1. Instagram
If you don't know what instagram is, (for those of you who live under a rock) it's a photo sharing program that allows you to take a photo, apply a filter, and share it with your friends via social networking sites and on instagram itself. There are some people who truly abuse instagram to the fullest. When I say abuse, it could mean many things. Some people abuse instagram by taking 100 pictures of themselves daily, filtering every single one of them, and sharing it with every social networking site there is. Another form of abusing instagram would be taking pictures of the most pointless thing just so a filter could be applied to it, therefore degrading it even further. Instagram, in my opinion, shouldn't be used on every single picture you take just so you can see it in a different light, it should be used periodically on images that would enhance its features.
2. Society's Obsession With Pregnant Teenagers
As I was flipping through some channels, I came across a commercial for Teen Mom 4. Really though? As if the last three years wasn't enough, MTV decides to follow the same teenagers once again. The show becomes more and more pointless within each season. What else could possibly happen to these teenagers that we would care about watching? I understand 16 & Pregnant. Having a new season every year is fine because it portrays a new character each episode. Teen Mom has been following the same girls for the past four years and it's getting too repetitive.
3. Boots With Shorts
I'm sure people have noticed this huge fashion mishap, but I thought I would take the liberty and talk about it. I'm not gonna lie, I am not a big fashion person to begin with but I know what looks right and what looks wrong. When it's freezing cold outside or even just normal weather, wearing shorts with boots just looks wrong. It's like... are you cold on your feet but not on your legs? I just don't understand. I'm stopping there.
I shall end my rant here. NB
Thursday, April 12, 2012
The Victim of Ignorance and Racism
Have you ever faced racism right in the face? Have you ever been the victim of somebody's pure ignorance? Have you ever been so offended by a derogatory term that you start to doubt the society you live in? I have.
It was just another regular day. I decided to get a tan from the nearest tanning salon on Broad street, called Fan Tan. I walked in the store with a positive attitude, ready to embark on an experience I've never tried before.. tanning that is. The owner of the store, middle aged white male, asked me what my nationality was. I felt a little puzzled that he wanted to know this information when I was just going for a tan. I told him I was half Egyptian and half Lebanese. I will never forget his response. He looked at me and said "Oh, so you're a Muslim terrorist."
I could not believe my ears. This man, that I met literally two minutes prior, just called me a terrorist. I have never been so offended in my entire life. It was the first time I faced racism right in the face. I've heard of many stories about racism in the world but I've never had an experience where I was the victim. It makes you rethink people in general. You start to wonder, if this guy that I just met has the audacity to call me a terrorist, what do other people think? If racism is so blatantly put out there, what sign are we giving our future children? Are they going to step into a world of discrimination and prejudice? I would be sounding unreasonable if I were to say that racism is going to stop eventually and everyone is just going to accept one another. That's not the ugly truth. The truth is, people are going to put you down for whatever reason. It may be because of your skin color, heritage, gender, you name it. It's still going to exist. I've realized that the only way to become at peace with situations like these is to be the bigger person. Look down at their ignorance with pure disgust and be proud of the fact that you are more educated and would be taken more seriously as a person in this society. Making fun of someone because they are of a certain heritage is pure ignorance at its finest. What makes that okay? It's 2012. I didn't know people that ignorant still existed in this world. Yes, this traces back to 9/11. The idea of generalizations and how Muslims were thrown under the bus and placed under a microscope. It just isn't fair. Anyone who generalizes a major group of innocent people that have nothing to do with the matter shouldn't be taken seriously as human beings.
The point to remember: Racism is still going to exist wherever you go. Whether you're walking to class, picking up a gallon of milk from the market, or just walking into a store, racism can sneak up on you. Obviously I had no idea a situation like this would happen to me walking into a tanning salon. But it did. I've learned to accept it. In a way, I'm glad this happened. I can already tell that this experience is making me a stronger person. NB
It was just another regular day. I decided to get a tan from the nearest tanning salon on Broad street, called Fan Tan. I walked in the store with a positive attitude, ready to embark on an experience I've never tried before.. tanning that is. The owner of the store, middle aged white male, asked me what my nationality was. I felt a little puzzled that he wanted to know this information when I was just going for a tan. I told him I was half Egyptian and half Lebanese. I will never forget his response. He looked at me and said "Oh, so you're a Muslim terrorist."
I could not believe my ears. This man, that I met literally two minutes prior, just called me a terrorist. I have never been so offended in my entire life. It was the first time I faced racism right in the face. I've heard of many stories about racism in the world but I've never had an experience where I was the victim. It makes you rethink people in general. You start to wonder, if this guy that I just met has the audacity to call me a terrorist, what do other people think? If racism is so blatantly put out there, what sign are we giving our future children? Are they going to step into a world of discrimination and prejudice? I would be sounding unreasonable if I were to say that racism is going to stop eventually and everyone is just going to accept one another. That's not the ugly truth. The truth is, people are going to put you down for whatever reason. It may be because of your skin color, heritage, gender, you name it. It's still going to exist. I've realized that the only way to become at peace with situations like these is to be the bigger person. Look down at their ignorance with pure disgust and be proud of the fact that you are more educated and would be taken more seriously as a person in this society. Making fun of someone because they are of a certain heritage is pure ignorance at its finest. What makes that okay? It's 2012. I didn't know people that ignorant still existed in this world. Yes, this traces back to 9/11. The idea of generalizations and how Muslims were thrown under the bus and placed under a microscope. It just isn't fair. Anyone who generalizes a major group of innocent people that have nothing to do with the matter shouldn't be taken seriously as human beings.
The point to remember: Racism is still going to exist wherever you go. Whether you're walking to class, picking up a gallon of milk from the market, or just walking into a store, racism can sneak up on you. Obviously I had no idea a situation like this would happen to me walking into a tanning salon. But it did. I've learned to accept it. In a way, I'm glad this happened. I can already tell that this experience is making me a stronger person. NB
Thursday, April 5, 2012
An Epidemeic - Child Obesity
For my focused inquiry class, we need to write a five page argumentative essay discussing a problem of your choice affecting the U.S. After finding out a problem, we need to come up with a main claim, which is basically a call to action in fixing this problem. I chose child obesity because it is simply something that I am interested in. When I see obese children, all I think about is how they are just victims. For the most part, it is not these children's choice to become obese. So who's to blame?
The way I see it, the determining factor of what makes a child obese is their environment. Sure, genetics plays an important role but the way they grew up and the things that surround them is what's the most vital thing. My main claim for this essay was that the healthiest choice should be the easiest choice. Many school cafeterias are packed with foods that are high in fat, sodium, sugar, and many other artificial ingredients that are toxins to the body. Obviously these children are not going to make the decision to choose something healthier if they have the option of eating fatty foods that are delicious in their eyes. A child's elementary and middle school years are the peak years of their nutrition. Learning the importance of healthy eating and practicing it at such a young age will help encourage them to continue on with that lifestyle as they grow older. Some students can't afford to bring their own lunch to school everyday and have to rely on the free or discounted lunch they receive from cafeterias. Because of this very reason, some students are stuck with eating foods that aren't good for their health. Instead of putting greasy fries for a side, the option should be baked chips or a whole fruit. Instead of selling chocolate chip cookies, they should put oatmeal cookies instead. Minor changes like these can make a big difference in a child's life.
Another factor that I think leads to child obesity is the lack of time spent outside and playing sports. These days, children go straight from school and right to their television sets and spend hours and hours playing video games and staring at a computer screen. What ever happened to playing outside and riding bikes until the sun goes down? This type of outdoor activity is vital in a child's life especially when they're still growing up. A 30 minute 'recess' time during school hours is not enough time for kids to get their full physical exercise for the day.
These kids are helpless with their own lives in that they don't have the option to choose their own nutrition choices. If a child grows up in an environment where a healthy lifestyle is not encouraged, they're going to grow up living unhealthy. It's important for them to be informed and exposed to healthy eating at such an early age. It shouldn't be difficult for a child to have to pick an apple over a plate of fries. A child shouldn't have the option of choosing a coke over a carton of milk. NB
The way I see it, the determining factor of what makes a child obese is their environment. Sure, genetics plays an important role but the way they grew up and the things that surround them is what's the most vital thing. My main claim for this essay was that the healthiest choice should be the easiest choice. Many school cafeterias are packed with foods that are high in fat, sodium, sugar, and many other artificial ingredients that are toxins to the body. Obviously these children are not going to make the decision to choose something healthier if they have the option of eating fatty foods that are delicious in their eyes. A child's elementary and middle school years are the peak years of their nutrition. Learning the importance of healthy eating and practicing it at such a young age will help encourage them to continue on with that lifestyle as they grow older. Some students can't afford to bring their own lunch to school everyday and have to rely on the free or discounted lunch they receive from cafeterias. Because of this very reason, some students are stuck with eating foods that aren't good for their health. Instead of putting greasy fries for a side, the option should be baked chips or a whole fruit. Instead of selling chocolate chip cookies, they should put oatmeal cookies instead. Minor changes like these can make a big difference in a child's life.
Another factor that I think leads to child obesity is the lack of time spent outside and playing sports. These days, children go straight from school and right to their television sets and spend hours and hours playing video games and staring at a computer screen. What ever happened to playing outside and riding bikes until the sun goes down? This type of outdoor activity is vital in a child's life especially when they're still growing up. A 30 minute 'recess' time during school hours is not enough time for kids to get their full physical exercise for the day.
These kids are helpless with their own lives in that they don't have the option to choose their own nutrition choices. If a child grows up in an environment where a healthy lifestyle is not encouraged, they're going to grow up living unhealthy. It's important for them to be informed and exposed to healthy eating at such an early age. It shouldn't be difficult for a child to have to pick an apple over a plate of fries. A child shouldn't have the option of choosing a coke over a carton of milk. NB
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Twitter Trend Sparks Controversy
A week ago, the hashtag #ToMyUnbornChild was trending worldwide on twitter. Most of the tweets were normal and not controversial at all. However, some people took it as a chance to spark homophobic tweets such as "#ToMyUnbornChild if your gay or retarded I will kill you"
You can read more about this story and see more hateful tweets here
I found these tweets to be absolutely disgusting. First of all, I hope to God these people never have children if they're threatening to kill them just for being different. Instead of accepting their children for who they are, they're planning on disowning them or even resorting to murder. The fact that you have so much hate directed towards your own children just shows what kind of person you are. If a child's parents are not willing to accept them then what makes you think anyone else will? These are the kinds of cases that lead to bullying and suicide. I can't even imagine being born different into a world where not even your own parents accept you. The LBGT community already get so much hatred directed towards them, but the one that would hurt the most would be the one coming from your own family. What these soulless people need is to be educated. Comments like these stem from uneducated people who only portray ignorance. Hence all of the incorrect usages of "your" instead of "you're." After all, it doesn't surprise me that people who can't properly use grammar hold such ignorant views on sexuality. These people are clearly unfit to be parents. NB
You can read more about this story and see more hateful tweets here
I found these tweets to be absolutely disgusting. First of all, I hope to God these people never have children if they're threatening to kill them just for being different. Instead of accepting their children for who they are, they're planning on disowning them or even resorting to murder. The fact that you have so much hate directed towards your own children just shows what kind of person you are. If a child's parents are not willing to accept them then what makes you think anyone else will? These are the kinds of cases that lead to bullying and suicide. I can't even imagine being born different into a world where not even your own parents accept you. The LBGT community already get so much hatred directed towards them, but the one that would hurt the most would be the one coming from your own family. What these soulless people need is to be educated. Comments like these stem from uneducated people who only portray ignorance. Hence all of the incorrect usages of "your" instead of "you're." After all, it doesn't surprise me that people who can't properly use grammar hold such ignorant views on sexuality. These people are clearly unfit to be parents. NB
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
KONY 2012
Imagine 30,000 children getting abducted from their families and forced to become a child army. Little girls being kidnapped and forced to become sex slaves. Innocent kids getting raped and abused with no way to escape. All of this because of one person: Joseph Kony.
For over 20 years, a man named Joseph Kony and his army have been holding these kids against their will and making them impose on these acts just for his own amusement. Nothing has been done to stop this simply because nobody knew about it. A man named Jason Russell recently made a video to raise awareness to Kony so that the world is informed.
You can watch the video here:
http://vimeo.com/37119711
Russell's goal is to make sure everyone knows Joseph Kony's name. He's created T-shirts, bracelets, posters, and flyers to help spread the world. He believes the biggest problem here in trying to capture him and reach justice is the fact that no one knows who he is. Spreading the word yourself can help bring us one step closer to incarcerating Joseph Kony.
Sign the pledge here:
http://s3.amazonaws.com/kony2012/kony-4.html
Tell your friends. NB
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Teen Ink Magazine
Here are my articles that got published:
http://www.teenink.com/users/Nourab
You can view the website here.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Gym Time Gone Wrong
I feel like going off on a rant today for some reason. I chose to talk about the gym because there are just too many things I see that really get me in a ranting kind of mood. NUMBER ONE. I hate it when I see girls get all dressed up for the gym and then will do anything in their power to not workout. Like, if you want to find a place to socialize, then go to the mall or grab a cup of coffee. Don't come to the gym and stand there like an idiot continuously talking to a person who most likely just wants to workout. NUMBER TWO. Gentlemen, we all know you want to show off your guns but enough is enough. It is not cute when you stand there and literally watch yourself lift weights. All it does is make you look cocky which is not attractive. NUMBER THREE. This is just something I saw once and I hope to never see again. A girl was sitting on a machine literally taking pictures of herself. Really? I believe my point has been made. NB
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Virginia School District Wants to Ban Kids From 'Cross-Gender Dressing'
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Taylor Swift: America's Sweetheart.
Taylor Swift's self-titled debut album released in 2006.
Her first album quickly caught the attention of many teenage girls across the world. Songs like "Fifteen" that related to the struggles a freshman girl in high school goes through, or "Tied Together With A Smile" that talks about that one friend you have who struggles with body image issues but doesn't realize she's still beautiful were the kind of songs that her fans would listen to while having a bad day. Swift released her next album in 2008 called Fearless.
Taylor Swift's second album released in 2008 called Fearless
Taylor chose the name of the album Fearless for many reasons. In the back of her album, she wrote a quote:
“To me, Fearless is not the absense of fear. It's not being completely unafraid. To me, Fearless is having fears. Fearless is having doubts. Lots of them. To me, Fearless is living in spite of those things that scare you to death.” Fearless stayed at the top of both the country and pop charts for 11 weeks straight. By the end of 2008, Swift had become the highest-selling country artist of the year. Swift has earned many awards through Fearless including "Album Of The Year" and "Best Country Album" at the Grammy Awards. Once again, Swift's fan base grew even larger after this album because her songs could relate to pretty much any age group. In one of her songs, she talks about a day that she spent with her mom and how her mom had the ability to make her forget about all the terrible things her peers had said to her just by window shopping. Swift's songs weren't mainstream or based on what the record deal wanted her to produce. Her music was raw and from the heart, carrying true meaning about the daily struggles that most teenage girls have to go through everyday. Aspects like these are what made Swift to be so likeable by almost everyone.
Taylor Swift's third album, Speak Now, released in 2010.
Swift's third album, Speak Now, deals with love, heartbreak, and romance. Swift was especially proud of this album because she wrote the whole thing entirely on her own. She'd get her best ideas for a song at 3:00 AM while just sitting on her tour bus. The significance of the title means exactly what it sounds like. Swift believes that you should never hold back on what you have to say when you're in the moment. Whether it's a fight with your boyfriend, an apology, or saying 'I love you,' you should always say what you're feeling when the time comes until it is too late.
So there you have it. The amazing, talented, and beautiful Taylor Swift. Swift isn't one of those celebrities who strips down to their underwear while performing on stage or who spends all their time partying and drinking while trying to set an example for fans. Swift is original and has a genuine personality. Her music offers something fresh and new to her fans; something you can listen to while having a bad day, or when you just want to jump up and down on your bed while singing at the top of your lungs into a hair brush. Her songs have touched the hearts of so many young girls around the world and I don't see that fading away anytime soon. NB
“To me, Fearless is not the absense of fear. It's not being completely unafraid. To me, Fearless is having fears. Fearless is having doubts. Lots of them. To me, Fearless is living in spite of those things that scare you to death.” Fearless stayed at the top of both the country and pop charts for 11 weeks straight. By the end of 2008, Swift had become the highest-selling country artist of the year. Swift has earned many awards through Fearless including "Album Of The Year" and "Best Country Album" at the Grammy Awards. Once again, Swift's fan base grew even larger after this album because her songs could relate to pretty much any age group. In one of her songs, she talks about a day that she spent with her mom and how her mom had the ability to make her forget about all the terrible things her peers had said to her just by window shopping. Swift's songs weren't mainstream or based on what the record deal wanted her to produce. Her music was raw and from the heart, carrying true meaning about the daily struggles that most teenage girls have to go through everyday. Aspects like these are what made Swift to be so likeable by almost everyone.
Swift's third album, Speak Now, deals with love, heartbreak, and romance. Swift was especially proud of this album because she wrote the whole thing entirely on her own. She'd get her best ideas for a song at 3:00 AM while just sitting on her tour bus. The significance of the title means exactly what it sounds like. Swift believes that you should never hold back on what you have to say when you're in the moment. Whether it's a fight with your boyfriend, an apology, or saying 'I love you,' you should always say what you're feeling when the time comes until it is too late.
So there you have it. The amazing, talented, and beautiful Taylor Swift. Swift isn't one of those celebrities who strips down to their underwear while performing on stage or who spends all their time partying and drinking while trying to set an example for fans. Swift is original and has a genuine personality. Her music offers something fresh and new to her fans; something you can listen to while having a bad day, or when you just want to jump up and down on your bed while singing at the top of your lungs into a hair brush. Her songs have touched the hearts of so many young girls around the world and I don't see that fading away anytime soon. NB
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Uggs = Sorority Slut?
I was reading The Commonwealth Times when I came across an article about Uggs, unisex sheepskin boots. The article talks about a quote that was said by one of the magazine contributors named Britt Sebastian. He states:
“These boots are designed with a small amount of whoredom in mind. The pathetically uncreative styling of this boot was specifically designed by Ugg to match a pair of black spandex, a North Face fleece jacket and a shirt with some Greek symbols on it. Ugg originally intended to call these boots ‘Open for Business,’ but they eventually settled for the less egregious name, ‘Sorority Slut.' If you have recently been with a girl that wears anything off the list above, save the trip to the doctor’s office; you have chlamydia."
So basically this guy is saying that if you wear either Ugg boots, a North Face, a shirt with Greek letters on it, or black spandex (mostly known as leggings), you most likely have chlamydia. Really? The number one thing I was worried about while joining a sorority myself, was the perceptions people would have just because I'm in one. Automatically people assume that you will change and become a slut just because you're joining a sorority. Anyways, I kind of went off track there but back to the Uggs. Personally, I'm not a big fan of Uggs. I think they are overpriced and you shouldn't pay $150 just for a famous logo. However, I would never judge anyone for wearing them and I especially would not assume they have an STD because they wear a certain pair of shoes. NB
“These boots are designed with a small amount of whoredom in mind. The pathetically uncreative styling of this boot was specifically designed by Ugg to match a pair of black spandex, a North Face fleece jacket and a shirt with some Greek symbols on it. Ugg originally intended to call these boots ‘Open for Business,’ but they eventually settled for the less egregious name, ‘Sorority Slut.' If you have recently been with a girl that wears anything off the list above, save the trip to the doctor’s office; you have chlamydia."
So basically this guy is saying that if you wear either Ugg boots, a North Face, a shirt with Greek letters on it, or black spandex (mostly known as leggings), you most likely have chlamydia. Really? The number one thing I was worried about while joining a sorority myself, was the perceptions people would have just because I'm in one. Automatically people assume that you will change and become a slut just because you're joining a sorority. Anyways, I kind of went off track there but back to the Uggs. Personally, I'm not a big fan of Uggs. I think they are overpriced and you shouldn't pay $150 just for a famous logo. However, I would never judge anyone for wearing them and I especially would not assume they have an STD because they wear a certain pair of shoes. NB
Thursday, January 26, 2012
America's Changing Face
So here I am sitting in my Human Societies and Globalization class when the professor plays this video clip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wp6EYasU_nM
This video talks about how the number of Hispanics, African Americans, and Asians are rapidly increasing in the United States. The debate is set between three men including James, who is strongly against this change. James argues that these "illegal alien invasions" will turn us into a third world country. First of all, Martin made a great point in stating that these people James was referring to are still Americans.They inherit the same rights as each an every one of us and believe in the same constitution. He also stated that James is a racist, which I can agree with. There is nothing anyone can really say that would change James' opinion on this issue, but the fact that he classifies these people as minorities is somewhat ignorant, seeing how he was once a minority himself.
An issue that caught my eye was the idea of assimilating, adopting a new culture and leaving the old one behind. James claims how he is worried that not many of these 'illegal immigrants' are willing to learn how to read which may lead us into a third world country. I think if someone has the ability and the opportunity to go to school and get an education, then they should not let that chance pass them by. After all, this diverse population is increasing for the American Dream which is clearly defined as the opportunity for prosperity and success.
Paul Reyes stressed the idea that most Hispanics are different from every other ethnic group because instead of assimilating, they acculturate (adopting a new culture while still retaining your old one.)
At the end of the day, these are all just opinions and there is nothing anyone can say or do that would change that. Everyone has their right to an opinion. NB
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wp6EYasU_nM
This video talks about how the number of Hispanics, African Americans, and Asians are rapidly increasing in the United States. The debate is set between three men including James, who is strongly against this change. James argues that these "illegal alien invasions" will turn us into a third world country. First of all, Martin made a great point in stating that these people James was referring to are still Americans.They inherit the same rights as each an every one of us and believe in the same constitution. He also stated that James is a racist, which I can agree with. There is nothing anyone can really say that would change James' opinion on this issue, but the fact that he classifies these people as minorities is somewhat ignorant, seeing how he was once a minority himself.
An issue that caught my eye was the idea of assimilating, adopting a new culture and leaving the old one behind. James claims how he is worried that not many of these 'illegal immigrants' are willing to learn how to read which may lead us into a third world country. I think if someone has the ability and the opportunity to go to school and get an education, then they should not let that chance pass them by. After all, this diverse population is increasing for the American Dream which is clearly defined as the opportunity for prosperity and success.
Paul Reyes stressed the idea that most Hispanics are different from every other ethnic group because instead of assimilating, they acculturate (adopting a new culture while still retaining your old one.)
At the end of the day, these are all just opinions and there is nothing anyone can say or do that would change that. Everyone has their right to an opinion. NB
Friday, January 20, 2012
Facebook VS. Twitter
By now, almost everyone you know has a facebook account. Facebook started out for a website just meant for college kids but turned viral after myspace went downhill. It's a great place to stay connected with the people in your life, share photos, and update people on your life. So why are a lot of people now moving to twitter?
I am personally starting to like Twitter a lot more than facebook for numerous reasons that many people would probably agree with. Number one, facebook has gotten a lot more boring over the past year. It also has gotten a lot of span lately which makes it even more annoying. Twitter is much more live and the updates can be more interesting than the ones you see on facebook. It can also be entertaining because you can choose to follow your favorite celebrities, comedians, and all your friends! However, I still don't think twitter will be the more popular social networking site because people will most likely stick to the place where all there friends are.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Things To do Around Fairfax!
I'm sure many people can agree with me when I say that 'NoVa is a very boring place to be.' After living in a city for a couple of months where there is always something to do, it's hard to have to come back into the suburban town. However, during this break I found some pretty cool hangout spots right in the heart of Fairfax.
Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt
I never even knew this place existed until a couple of weeks ago. Their frozen yogurt is absolutely to die for and...it's healthy! Can you say yummy? It's a self-serve kind of thing where you can pick your own flavors--anything from Nutella and cheescake--and then choose whichever toppings you want, then weigh and pay! Find the most convenient location for you at www.tfyogurt.com and enjoy! :)
Malick's Kabob & Restaurant
This place has the best kabob I've ever tasted! It's a small little family-owned business that brings in a lot of the Islam culture. Many people go there on a Friday or Saturday night, smoke some hookah, and just hang out with friends. After 11:00, the music gets louder and it becomes a very chill spot. Here's their website: www.malikskabob.com
Fairfax Ice Arena
What better fun than to go ice skating!? Instead of always going to the movies or to the mall, ice skating can be a great way to do something different and that almost everyone can enjoy. (That's if they know how to ice skate) There's a great place right in Fairfax, this is their website: www.fairfaxicearena.com/ NB
Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt
I never even knew this place existed until a couple of weeks ago. Their frozen yogurt is absolutely to die for and...it's healthy! Can you say yummy? It's a self-serve kind of thing where you can pick your own flavors--anything from Nutella and cheescake--and then choose whichever toppings you want, then weigh and pay! Find the most convenient location for you at www.tfyogurt.com and enjoy! :)
This place has the best kabob I've ever tasted! It's a small little family-owned business that brings in a lot of the Islam culture. Many people go there on a Friday or Saturday night, smoke some hookah, and just hang out with friends. After 11:00, the music gets louder and it becomes a very chill spot. Here's their website: www.malikskabob.com
What better fun than to go ice skating!? Instead of always going to the movies or to the mall, ice skating can be a great way to do something different and that almost everyone can enjoy. (That's if they know how to ice skate) There's a great place right in Fairfax, this is their website: www.fairfaxicearena.com/ NB
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Ballin' On A Budget
We all know college kids are broke as can be. With all the tuition and hidden fees that sneak up on you, it takes time and effort to look for something cute and affordable to wear! I've been going to the mall about twice a week since break started and mostly to Fair Oaks, Potomac Mills, and Tysons Corner. I have learned a lot about what's in and what's out, where to go for the best deals, and much more! I thought I would share the top things I discovered while snooping around in the malls in order to be Ballin' On A budget :)
Need Boots? Charlotte Russe to the rescue!
So I don't know what it is about this place, but Charlotte Russe has gotten to be my new obsession lately. The last few times I've been there, I've never walked out of the store without a bag in my hand. The thing that caught my eye the most about their store is the selection of boots they have that can be bought at a reasonable price! Tysons had a whole shelf of them for just $15 each! Can you say steal!? You can find something very similar to this for just under $20!
Looking for Denim? Look no further at Forever 21!
Looking for a new pair of jeans can be stressful for some people because it's always hard to find the right pair that makes your butt look amazing and gives you that perfect fit. Forever 21 has an amazing selection of jeans that includes dark skinny, black, ripped, and much more starting as low as $10.50! These jeans are $10.50 and can be found in different colors.
Dress It Up at H&M!
If you're looking for a casual dress but could also be good for a night out, H&M is the place to go! You can find a simple dress for under $15! This dress here could be spiced up with some accessories and a pair of killer heels for only $14.95!
Grab your tops at Papaya!
Papaya does a great job at carrying items that are actually in-style! I personally love their tops because there are just so many options and of course, affordable! The only thing about Papaya that you should be aware of is their clearance rack! Yeah, you may just find the perfect top that's seven bucks but then discover a hole in it the second you go home. Not cute. However, you can still find some great dressy tops starting at just $9.99! This cute lacy one sleeve top is only $12.99 and totally worth it! NB
Need Boots? Charlotte Russe to the rescue!
So I don't know what it is about this place, but Charlotte Russe has gotten to be my new obsession lately. The last few times I've been there, I've never walked out of the store without a bag in my hand. The thing that caught my eye the most about their store is the selection of boots they have that can be bought at a reasonable price! Tysons had a whole shelf of them for just $15 each! Can you say steal!? You can find something very similar to this for just under $20!
Looking for a new pair of jeans can be stressful for some people because it's always hard to find the right pair that makes your butt look amazing and gives you that perfect fit. Forever 21 has an amazing selection of jeans that includes dark skinny, black, ripped, and much more starting as low as $10.50! These jeans are $10.50 and can be found in different colors.
If you're looking for a casual dress but could also be good for a night out, H&M is the place to go! You can find a simple dress for under $15! This dress here could be spiced up with some accessories and a pair of killer heels for only $14.95!
Papaya does a great job at carrying items that are actually in-style! I personally love their tops because there are just so many options and of course, affordable! The only thing about Papaya that you should be aware of is their clearance rack! Yeah, you may just find the perfect top that's seven bucks but then discover a hole in it the second you go home. Not cute. However, you can still find some great dressy tops starting at just $9.99! This cute lacy one sleeve top is only $12.99 and totally worth it! NB
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Final Season of One Tree Hill!
So I just got done watching the season nine premiere for One Tree Hill and I'm still having chills. The first two minutes of the show was absolutely crazy! I think it was foreshadowing what was going to happen or what the whole season would lead up to. It showed Dan's diner burning into flames, Brooke throwing things in her own store, Quinn and Clay fighting, and Haley looking at what it seemed to be a dead body. That was a lot of things to see in such a short period of time! The season looks like it will be off to a good start and it definitely has a lot of potential. Chris Keller is back in town and I don't really know how I feel about that. Actually, I do. Chris Keller was the reason Naley (Nathan & Haley) separated in season three and went through a hard time. Every since that, Chris Keller became the bane of my existence. But thankfully, I don't think he's here to get in the way of Haley's relationship but more of Alex's with her boyfriend Chase. I saw the sexual tension going on in the studio between the two of them and it seems to me that things won't end so well with her and Chase. Speaking of Naley, they look cuter and happily married just how I imagined <3 . However, I'm not so sure how I feel about Dan living with them until he 'gets back on his feet.' I'm sorry but that man does not deserve a second chance after killing his own blood. I just wish he would move to another town and get out of Tree Hill already! In other news, Brooke and Julian look pretty happy with their two cute little baby boys and I couldn't be more thrilled for Brooke because she deserves it. Quinn and Clay also look like their relationship is going in the right direction, but apparently Clay has a sleep walking problem? I'm sure this will cause a huge problem later on in the season. All in all, I can't wait to see what will happen later on in the season! One Tree Hill captured my heart from day one. Alright, that sounds kind of cheesy, but it's how I feel :) NB
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Different College, Different Attire.
So as you may know, I attend VCU, a school highly known as being the 'art' school. When you put a bunch of artsy kids on a college campus, the attires you see will definitely become interesting. Walking through campus, I've noticed a very strange fashion sense that is mostly linked to art kids. For example, a girl in my class last semester, would dye her hair a different color every week! Talk about damaging. And they weren't even normal colors, one week it could be red and the next week it could be pink. Another style I've noticed is the half-shaved-half-long hairstyle found on girls. This is an example:
Now if someone from UVA visited VCU, they might experience a little bit of a culture shock. I've seen the UVA campus and the typical attire for girls is a pretty little sundress, a satchel, and cute sandals. Nothing compared to a crazy frenzy hairstyle. For instance:
Now there are some schools who don't have a sense of style seen on the college campus. A school like Virginia Tech's typical attire to class would be a T-shirt with the school logo, pair of jeans or even sweat pants, and no makeup. I get the feeling that Tech is more of an athletic school so seeing an attire like this on campus wouldn't be so shocking. NB
Now if someone from UVA visited VCU, they might experience a little bit of a culture shock. I've seen the UVA campus and the typical attire for girls is a pretty little sundress, a satchel, and cute sandals. Nothing compared to a crazy frenzy hairstyle. For instance:
Monday, January 9, 2012
Ten Guilty Pleasures
These are not in any specific order :)
- Spanish Music -Even though I don't understand what they're saying, there's something about Spanish music that is so intriguing.
- Chocolate - I'm sure every sane girl can agree with me on this one.
- Soap Operas - I love watching cheesy episodes of Days of Our Lives.
- Maury - Even though every episode is basically set the same, (raging woman yells at the potential father of her baby until the results come out) the drama always makes me want to tune back in.
- Crossroads - No matter how many times I watch this movie, it will never get old! Even though the plot is kind of pointless and obvious, it's still a cute movie.
- Grand Theft Auto - Ever since I was a little kid, I used to always play this game just to run over hoes on the sidewalk.
- Really Cheesy Holiday Socks - Whether they're Christmas or Halloween themed, I love love love wearing holiday socks year-round.
- The Twilight Saga - I don't know what it is about those blood sucking vampires that make me love it so much, but I just can't get enough of the books and the movies!
- Facebook - The only reason why facebook is a guilty pleasure of mine is because of the amount of time I spend on it. It's ridiculous.
- The Smell of Nail Polish Remover - Nuff said.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Jersey Shore Becoming Repetitive?
The reality television series Jersey Shore has become the guilty pleasure show for millions of people in the past five years. The show started out in Jersey, where eight strangers came together to live in a house on the shore. Relationships were made, fights broke out, friendships were tied, and the drama was over the top. The house shipped off to Miami for season two and were back at the shore for season three. Things took a turn for season four when the show was set in Italy. Season five, the current one on television, is set back at the shore.
After five years of being on air, you can already guess that things are becoming a bit repetitive. Every episode is set the same way: it usually starts out with "GTL" (gym, tan, laundry), then it shows them working at the shop, then it turns into a drunken mess when they go out clubbing. At first, it was entertaining and things were kept interesting; however, there comes a point where it's just a continued cycle set on replay. I'm tired of seeing the same problems over and over again week after week. Not only are their problems redundant and repetitive, but the dialogue is looking more scripted within each season. The whole point of a reality t.v. show is to get raw footage of their lives, not having some director in the back telling them how to act and what to say. The bottom line is: the show has been around for too long and it's time to say 'ciao' to the famous orange guidos and guidettes. NB
After five years of being on air, you can already guess that things are becoming a bit repetitive. Every episode is set the same way: it usually starts out with "GTL" (gym, tan, laundry), then it shows them working at the shop, then it turns into a drunken mess when they go out clubbing. At first, it was entertaining and things were kept interesting; however, there comes a point where it's just a continued cycle set on replay. I'm tired of seeing the same problems over and over again week after week. Not only are their problems redundant and repetitive, but the dialogue is looking more scripted within each season. The whole point of a reality t.v. show is to get raw footage of their lives, not having some director in the back telling them how to act and what to say. The bottom line is: the show has been around for too long and it's time to say 'ciao' to the famous orange guidos and guidettes. NB
Friday, January 6, 2012
Living Away From Home vs. Commuting
When it's time for college, students have to make the big decision as to whether or not they want to move away from home or commute to a nearby college. In most cases, the chance to be on your own and move away from your parents is the best choice out there. However, some kids are stuck living at home, whether it's due to money problems, religious issues, fear of living on your own, etc. Both decisions have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Living away from home means freedom freedom freedom. I don't think many students realize how much freedom they have until they actually move away. It's an amazing feeling to be able to do whatever you want to do, whenever you want to do it. Living on your own and being forced to make your own decisions helps a person grow and become independent. This is essential in a teenager's life because I feel that it is the only way they will truly learn about the real world. It also will be a great tool to make new friends! Being in a whole other environment and living with a bunch of strangers will inevitably force you to meet new people.
Commuting to a school could either be the worst decision of your life or the smartest one. It could be the worst because you could be absolutely miserable at home, always being tied down by your parents and having no freedom whatsoever. I have seen it happen with two of my friends who weren't able to go away to college and were forced to attend GMU and commute. All they talk about is how their parents are always asking them questions and wonder where they are all the time. I've also heard that it's difficult to make new friends while being a commuter seeing how everyone just goes to class then goes back home which makes sense because going to class is such a small portion of the college experience. However, commuting does have its advantages. Staying at home means not having to worry about housing costs, meal plans, laundry, etc.
VS.
Personally, I think going away to college is definitely the best choice for an education. It's the only way you can achieve the full college experience. NB
Living away from home means freedom freedom freedom. I don't think many students realize how much freedom they have until they actually move away. It's an amazing feeling to be able to do whatever you want to do, whenever you want to do it. Living on your own and being forced to make your own decisions helps a person grow and become independent. This is essential in a teenager's life because I feel that it is the only way they will truly learn about the real world. It also will be a great tool to make new friends! Being in a whole other environment and living with a bunch of strangers will inevitably force you to meet new people.
Commuting to a school could either be the worst decision of your life or the smartest one. It could be the worst because you could be absolutely miserable at home, always being tied down by your parents and having no freedom whatsoever. I have seen it happen with two of my friends who weren't able to go away to college and were forced to attend GMU and commute. All they talk about is how their parents are always asking them questions and wonder where they are all the time. I've also heard that it's difficult to make new friends while being a commuter seeing how everyone just goes to class then goes back home which makes sense because going to class is such a small portion of the college experience. However, commuting does have its advantages. Staying at home means not having to worry about housing costs, meal plans, laundry, etc.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
First Post!
My very first post! I decided to get a blog because I thought it would be a good place to talk about various things I see/hear about. It will also be a place for me to ramble on about random things that you may or may not care about. The end :)
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