Heart Health

I think it is scary to know that cardiovascular diesease is the "nation's leading cause of death." Although they said it has dropped in recent years, health official says it will increase twice the amount in the next several years. Especially right now, where we are in a financial crisis and where prices are high, people have been eating at fast food restaurants because it is all we can afford. From eating a lot of fast food, it clogs arteries with fatty plaques, which can result of a heart attack in middle aged men and women. One of the solution to reduce and eliminate cardiovascular disease is for Americans to change their lifestyles. I believe it is hard to change our lifestyles because we are not very aware of this cause. It is difficult to change our way of life because we are so use to the way we live that we just don't want to change. All I think we can do is to start excersing and begin to cut down on fatty foods.

Juvenile Court or Adult Court

The issue that I have chosen is “Juvenile Justice.” If a youth commits a serious crime they should be tried as an adult. Juvenile court is only for people who commit less threatining crimes. If a youth kills, rapes, or other related adult crimes they should go to adult court. They should go to adult court so that they learn from there actions. They know what is right from wrong so they should not be doing these crimes in the first place. I believe that all people that do crimes that can affect everyone they should be tried as an adult and that includes youths. Youths that do harmless crimes do not deserve being trid as an adult because that is harsh. They will learn from these minor mistakes. But the youth that committed the serious crimes might not learn from it and do it again. that is why all youth that commit major crimes should be tried as an adult.

Love is Love

I have many friend who are gay. I hate the fact that people try so hard to make their lives miserable because they are who they are. It does not matter whether your gay, straight or swing both ways, just as long as you have a heart to love. No one can tell you who to love and how to do it, if you're a girl and you love girls, more power to you. Its not harming anyone. If it bothers you so much, then change your mind about it. I support gay marriage and I am glad that California passed the law to allow gay marriage. I think its wonderful because those people who suffer from hiding who they truly are, can finally take a breather and come out to the world without having to feel scared. It makes the world a happier place.

Clean Water Restoration Act is it bad?

Should Congress pass the Clean Water Restoration Act? No the clean water act should not be passed. The Clean Water Act is not doining enough for the United States for us to give the goverment full reign over our land. The Clean Water Act wants to help clean only the water that we have polluted. They are not going to spend money on all the pollution. What a nice bonus for them to control the activities around the area they are protectiog. By no means should we not clean up the pollution and protect the land and animals. We should commit to cleaning it all.

Internet information

How many times have you ever tried to search for a topic on the internet and found misinformation?
Misinformation it is common!! It happens because of the new technology that most of people has computer at home and anybody can create a web page, a blog, and post any information and thoughts online. A student from Africa can find information that an American person wrote. The entire world can take a look on whatever information. Image that i was looking for information about a candidate that i want to vote, and i found bad information, such as that he or she is muslin. Should i trust?
For me it is hard to trust website that does not have clear information. However, because of the easily access of internet, most of people would use the internet for researching, rather than going to the library and spending time looking for the right book.
I am an internet lover and because of the easily access of searching, it is hard to not use, but be aware that misinformation might have.

The Right to Bear Arms

Many people want individual gun ownership to be banned, they believe that owning a gun increases violence. Owning a gun does not increase violence, if you own one for self-defense. Having a gun lowers assaults and robberies because the criminal would be more afraid to attack or rob a victim for the fear of getting shot. Lessening restrictions on guns will not increase violence because guns are sold to people who do not have criminal records. This also increases public safety. Also many people say that if gun regulations are lessened it will put more gun out for criminals children to get a hold of. But if the people who are buying a gun are properly screened this should not happen. Overall if people are allowed to own guns it can reduce violence and increase public safety.

Gay Marriage

Currently the U.S.A. is going through a very big change; first elected black president when only 50 or so years ago black people were oppressed and now we are face with another injustice, the equal rights for gay couples. The question still remains to whether gay marriage should be allowed. For many of those who oppose the issue, it could be a matter of religious beliefs, but in the constitution clearly states that religion and government are to be separated and the people have the right to choose. More importantly, people have the right to be happy, why should that be outlawed? Couples, whether your straight or gay should be able to control their own personal lives and have equal rights. Hopefully in the near future we are able to look back at how silly we are too have not given gays the right to marry.

Which is the proper choice Go to Juvenile justis system or adult jail?

I believed it is not appropriate to prosecute juvenile to juvenile Justis system when they offended serious crimes. I thought that they should be prosecuted to adult jails to experience the painful hardships to be able to realize the depth of what they did since adult jail is more strict and terrible place to have compensation. However, the article of PRO enabled me to what is the most important thing to need to be done to keep community safe from Juvenal crimes is. The important thing is not to punish the young people, who did crime, with strict and violent way, but is to try to treat them and make their mind to enable them to grow up as a mature person when they go out from there. Therefore, there is a fact that young people who went to prison as a adult is more likely to be dangerous when they came out than when they went in there. It is not necessary that a rigid and painful hardship in adult jails for Juvenal's can keep the safe community's. I think punishing young people, whose brains are under growing, with abuse is no use. I am considering that it is the same thing as teaching math to babies.

Juveniles and Adult Court

Should state laws that facilitate prosecuting juveniles in adult court be changed? Juveniles who commit murder, rape, or other "adult-like crimes should be tried in adult court. Juveniles who do these kinds of crimes should not just a get slap on the hand and let back into society. They know what is right and wrong. So I believe that they should be tried in adult court, and be given what they deserve. If they want to commit these crimes and take these actions, they should be willing to face the just consequences of it. And hopefully they will learn their lesson while in prison and change their ways.
Studies show that crimes committed by juveniles are on the decline. I believe this has to do with the tough disciplining action of the state. So I hope they will continue to enforce this type of prosecution to keep youth crimes down.

Life in prison for Juveniles?

If a juvenile that is 17 years old and is charged with a first-degree murder, should the law send him to juve or should they lower the cut-off age of the juvenile courts to 16 or 15, try him in an adult coourt and sentence him to life in prison without parole at the age of 17? Sending a miner to life of prison without parole seems kind of harsh. No kid should be in an adult prison for life. If the crime was that intence than at least do the 30 years thing or something. Even if the crime rate did lower in the 90's, it is rising again because the youth thing that it is to harsh.

Plastic? Not a Good Idea.

Regulating Credit Cards:
The issuing of credit cards have risen numerously within the past few years and has resulted in consumer credit card debt. Although a credit card may be useful, it puts consumers that are not able to keep up with their bills in serious debt. According to this article, consumer purchases have jumped 25 fold from $69 billion to $1.8 trillion. It is absolutely difficult to own a credit card, and not use it. After applying for one credit card, there comes another and then another. It is inevitable to not have a credit card especially when college or other financial need occurs.
I think regulations should be put in the use of credit cards only because a credit card is very hard to manage. When a consumer owns a credit card, no cash is used, only the credit card. Credit cards are being swiped for everything a consumer purchases and is not so much of a good idea. At the end of the day, when the consumer looks at what he/she purchased, the total comes out to much more than what was expected. Retaining a credit card, the consumer spends more than what he/she actually has and can pay for in cash and therefore, results in credit card debt.

Marriage should be a privledge everyone should have.

Gay Marriage Showdown......

I believe that gay marriage should be allowed in all 50 states.

I see nothing wrong with two people getting married, whether they are man and women, or of the same sex.Honestly,it is not hurting anyone.Marriage is a commitment that two people make to show how much they love and care for another person.It shows that they want to spend the rest of there lives together.They should not be judged by there sexual prefrence.
Same sex couples should be allowed not only the pleasure of getting married, they should be able to be recognized for it everywhere they go.By not allowing there marriage to be recognized you could be taking away there medical benefits, taking food off there children's table and putting them out on the streets because they have nowhere to live.
They should be treated the same and with the same respect and dignity as those who are straight.Because of the laws and the negativity against same sex marriage,I personally have lost family and friends to murder and suicide over being gays and/or lesbians. But you know what is even worse, people look back at there deaths like "It's okay, it was only that lesbian girl, or what? That gay gay hung himself.."Its disturbing how people can treat others so harsh.
I do not believe that people have the right to say whether a couple should beable to have eternal life togehter as a married couple. Can't these people see that they to have there own flaws..

Categories Should Have Some Meaning

We use the terms "juvenile" and "adult" for a reason. Not just in reference to juvenile offenders, the words do mean something. They define categories of people based on their ages. It's as simple as that. If we start to change the definition of the terms to suit any arbitrary agenda, we risk having some amount of chaos emerge. We have three states in the union, (New York, North Carolina and Connecticut), that try all juveniles at the age of sixteen and seventeen as adults and this makes absolutely no sense. Yes, some exceptions to this rule of category division exist such as the occurrance of such violent juvenile crimes that the ante is upped for intervention, likewise we have adults that escape trial in adult court for reasons of insanity, but surely there is no grounds for treating all sixteen and seventeen year old offenders as adults! If this were justifiable, the sixteen and seventeen year olds, as a population, would be adults in all regards. Heaven help us if that were the case. For both juveniles and adults as well, this would be as shocking a change in life's order as if babies had to now take care of their parents.

Prosecuting Juveniles in Adult Courts

Prosecuting juveniles in adult courts need to be enforced because the severity of crimes committed today have gone from bad to worst. Many are under the influence of drugs that makes the crimes so severe; many resulting in deaths of innocent victims. Even if the prefrontal lobes of some juvenile offenders are not fully developed until the mid-twenties, they still should be liable for the crime committed. The immaturity of the brain encourages risky behavior, and the risks that theses juveniles take will dangerously increase if they are not shown the seriousness involved. If the law should lighten the enforcement of juvenile crime in the court systems, the public and the law enforcers would be endangered. Many times the serious offenders have it in their genes to commit such dangerous acts, and this is when it becomes chaotic because repeated behavior will continue.

America's Borders

This border will control illegal migrants from crossing over into the United States. Bush and his administration has created this multi-billion dollar project to build 670 miles of steel-mesh fencing mixed with vehicle barriers. Although fear arises that illegal migrants will find other means of crossing, the death toll is assumed to rise higher than it already is. Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California feel the effects of this sight soring fence, it is expected for construction to be done by the end of this year.
Many environmentalists are controversial on the matter, they say this 14 foot fencing will stop wildlife from developing, however, they also need to think about the drug smugglers and terrorists. In my opinion, taking back control of our borders is imperative, it may not stop all illegal entries, but slowing it down helps.

Slackers Finally Takes a Stand!

Listening to Michael Moore has really opened the eyes to many Americans. It made many people who were slackers in voting for the elections realize that they need to take a stand. I myself was a slacker in voting but after watching this video I decided from now on I will vote from now on. Michael Moore is incredible at backing up his opinion. Slacker Uprising is an amazing film that more people should be exposed to because after all its the future of America that lies in our vote.

A $700 million Band Aid

I am not sure what to think about the Paulson Plan or any of the other plans proposed to bail out America. There seems to always be a good side as well as a bad side to a decision. Some said if we do not take immediate action it will only get worse. On the other hand, passing these bills could cause hyperinflation; as if prices are not high enough already. And where is America going to get $700 million? Although I do not feel the stress of inflation, I sense one coming. I hope this Act will benefit America positively and save us from a recession, but it just seems like a band-aid. The $700 million might take care of us for a little while but what will happen when we use it all and our deeper in debt? America seems to be falling and it seems that only in a matter of time we will fall.

Gender Gap?

I Finished reading the Gender Gap article and I dont quite know what side to take. I experienced first hand women taking advantage of male supervisors and or male counterparts to finish or do there work. I truly beleive in equality, I hate being looked at differently because I am a product of State of Hawaii Education. Some say and many view our system as mediocre and it is here that I take a stand to prove with my individual performance academically.
So to earn an equivalent amount of respect I will say stop complaining and out smart your opponent. It does not matter weither it be female or male,five feet tall or seven feet tall.Gender like physical attributes are either a blessing or a curse but intelligence and knowledge can be achieved by any being.

Yay for Slackers!

First that was fun! Loved watching it great point and hysterical. I have seen most of Michael Moors movies and always enjoy and learn from hem. "Slacker Uprising is just as good as the others. What I love about Moore is he is excellent at making sad disappointing horrifying things entertaining and or funny. He is also really good at making things that normally I have a hard time understanding perfectly clear. He is also perfectly fine with the fact that he is (basically) a jerk. In "Slacker Uprising" he at the same time as trying to get people to vote, teaches you why you should vote. Ya, he is rude and obnoxious, but he knows what he is trying to say and he says it very clearly. Making "Slacker Uprising" a very entertaining film even thought it is about something I would usually find  dull and really depressing. 

Propaganda is Propaganda

Michael Moore is funny fairly often but often his humor is at someone's expense. Particularly since his communication method is propaganda, the distruction is widespread since the targets of his barbs can be viewed as the people and institutions he skewers but just as easily we can turn the perspective around and see that his target is the audience he is sending his message to and that is us. The propaganda is working on us and that is the problem for me. Propaganda is propaganda no matter which side of the issue you're on. In fact if we approve of propaganda that is communicating our own point then we are no better than the fascists and communists that have used propaganda before us.

A Hypocrite

Michael Moore's video "Slacker Uprising" shows that even though people show support for someone, they do not always follow through. He went to dozens of states and had millions of people show support at rallys, but this only shows that many people are all talk and no action. Why is this? Many people consider Moore a leader by bringing controversial subjects to light and ask "Why?" is this like this? But I see him as a hypocrite. All he does is bash America and her leaders through documentaries "Fahrenheit 9/11" and "Sicko". The one thing that makes me laugh in the wee hours of the moring is that even though he criticizes America for all the wrong things, he never does a documentary on how is he able to do this without being punished. I guess if we lost World War Two the Axis would give him the same rights, maybe. If he does a documentary of why he has rights, I'll listen to him, as for now, I'll change the channel when ever he comes on tv.

Racism To Da Max

After reading about the article on the big gap between the money that women get and the money get, I was amazed because I did not know that women was getting less money than a guy that is doing the exact same job. If the women doing the same job as well as a guy is or even better, than the company that she is working for should pay both of them on the quality of their labor and not on their type of gender that they are.

Gender Discrimination

Reading the overview on the Gender Pay Gap, made me feel sorry for every women that is going through this.  I thought it was really unfair for Lilly to be earning less than her male coworkers.  Especially that the lowest-paid man was getting paid more than Lilly when doing the same work.  I think this is a gender discrimination for women because of the pay gaps between men and women doing the same job.  When women see men getting rewarded more, they feel discriminated.  Even though that the Equal pay act was passed in 1963, there are still women who are getting unequally paid.  

What's in Store For Our Economic Future?

The prompt that caught my attention was “The Proposed Bailout of the United States Financial System.” Reading this kind of scares and worries me because I do not know what will happen to out economy in the future. It could come better or it could get worse. If this is not fixed right away it could get worse and it would be harder for the U.S. to fix. I hope they get everything straightened so that our economic future will be good for everyone to live in. I do not even want think about the future if this is not fixed because this is a scary feeling to have.

The Reality of the Economic Crisis

The commonly referred to “Proposed Bailout of the United States Financial System” was enacted as the “Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008" on October 3, 2008. President George W. Bush signed a bill authorizing, Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paul son, Jr., to spend up to US $700 billion to purchase distressed assets, to unclog the balance sheets of financial institutions that are making it more difficult for working families, small businesses and other companies to access credit, which is vital to a strong and stable economy. It concerns me to think that the dollar amount was not based on any particular data, just a really large number was chosen. My concerns are, will it be enough to bail us out of this economic crisis we are facing?
The Golden Parachute benefit bothers me, because even when the company does not perform well and the top boss gets the boot, the CEO’s of the company still walk away with millions of dollars in salaries, stock options, retirement benefits and perks. Innocent people have been victims of layoffs and foreclosures, while CEO’s of the companies who led them down the path of bankruptcy, were let go with golden parachutes. Injustice is everywhere is this country, and no matter how much the politician’s promise, promise, promise, they cannot fix all the problems we are facing today. Politicians tell us what we want to hear, but they are men, just like you and I. They can inspire and set the laws for man, they can say that they will get jobs that pay well and will not run out of resources, but look at the situation we are in now.Times are getting tough and it is a major concern for our future.

Equal Pay

Have you ever heard this expression, “the place of women is in the kitchen”? A long time ago the women were a symbol of fragility; the past decades the women are showing that they have the same competence as the men at work. Finally in 1963 the women marked their spot of equal pay, however, still have sex discrimination in women’s wages. For some people sex discrimination means an ongoing assault on women’s economic freedom, although some people believe that is the women’s choices such as the choice of take care of the house and work together, the reason why they have wage discrimination. I believe that the women came a long way to get their spot in the society, and will always have discrimination in the society no matter the law says. Because we are all different from each other, some people are Chinese, other African, Native American, tall, short, different skin color, etc.

Taking a Stand

Although the Equal Pay Act was passed in 1963, debates of whether women are paid fairly still continue. Some say it is because of the choices some women make in choosing their occupations or because of the labor intensity. There are many women advocates who argue over wage discrimination which are taking a stand against it. Over 75 cases are pending on important issues and movements regarding women's rights in the workplace. I personally feel that if you are qualified for the position at hand, gender should not be an issue. Unfortunately, there are employers still out there who will discriminate applicants, however, will give other reasons or explanation as to why they will not hire them. Sadly to say, they get away with it because people do not feel they are adequate to fight for their rights.

What People Need for Vote

One enthusiastic guy whose name is Michael Moor made me impressed a lot. Today, it is not too much say that there are many young people who do not have enough knowledge of politics and participate in voting. Vote is very important as it makes decision what the country is going to be. So every citizen has responsibility to vote with their consciousness that the people who change the world are not only politicians, but also themselves. However, I guessed it is not so easy to comprehend the political condition. In my opinion, this would be the one reason why there are many young people who do not vote. So, what is the secret to make people take part in the vote? Michael Moor traveled the many place in the united state and tried to state his thoughts in front of uncountable people. The interesting thing for me was that he strongly land on George Walker Bush even there were many people who support George Bus. I learned from him that if George Bush is a president of the United State, War will break up repeatedly. And his unique way of describing was “army is volunteer work for Bush”. This depict is easier for me to understand why he tries to make people stop voting to Bush. If I were a citizen of the United State and listened to Michael Moor’s speech, I would not support Bush, because I believe the war can not solve anything, it can just kill many people indiscriminately. His way of handing out the noodles is also interesting way to let people fit in there situation. His statement including some joke apparently attracts many people and me. I thought what the lack of current society is the way of catch people’s heart regarding politics. Therefore, I thought the important thing for vote is not to try to just let people go to vote, but to make people interested in it with the way like him. Above all, I feel that the person like Michael Moore is important person to set the world alright.

Women Work Just As Hard As Men...Sometimes Harder...

Don't most employers have a "no judgment" rule against gender or race?????
I do not understand how people will judge us(women) on our gender, or the color of our skin..I thought we got ride of all these race issues a long time ago.I think that we should get paid just as much as the men do, for doing the exact same work they do . Right?
We work just as hard, sometimes even harder. I see women out there working concrete and construction jobs while some men work on there computers all day, or in an office somewhere.We deserve the right to be equally paid, and in some situations be paid more than men.I can some what understand there whole gender debate, but to judge us on the color of our skin?!Just because someone has white skin, does not mean that they work harder than those with brown skin or yellow skin.
I see a lot of white skin people out there who get paid millions of dollars to sit on their behind all day. Although I am not of the Filipino race, i can stand up for them and say that they are one of the most hardworking nationalities in the world. I see them out in the work place at ages 16 to age 80.They work there whole lives to make the living that they do, while others work 20 years in the same place, and then retire early because they believe there to old to work.
Race, gender or color should not affect how much we get paid to do our jobs. We should get paid based on our ability to perform, not if were female or male. I think that we should get out there and help to voice our opinions on how our employers should pay there employees. What do you think?

Economic Scare. What Will Happen Next?

The writing prompt that caught my utmost attention was the "Proposed Bailout of the United States Financial System". I thought it was really scary reading that our economy could fall into an economic depression if no action was taken place in this situation. This, to me, was like bad news striking me in the face. Knowing that our economy hasn't been doing so well financially, it's just a surprise to me that all this happened just in a matter of time. I have no idea what to explain. This is just a scary thought. Thinking about where or how everything is going to turn out in the next year or if more people will be laid off their jobs because the economy isn't doing so well. What will happen next?

Unbelievable

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch

This Giant mass of garbage in the pacific dose not seem believable. I should expect it knowing how we treat the environment but, I still have such a hard time imagining we let this happen. It makes me feel sad and irresponsible. There are so many ways that w could have stopped this from happening that would have been so much essayer then getting rid of it now that it's already there. I finely understand how my mom feels about my messy room. If i had just kept it clean I wouldn't have to spend all weekend cleaning it. Also how she must feel gilt for letting it get as bad as it dose without saying anything.

Where's my Money???

The Landlord was my favorite. I think that them using Pearl, this tiny 2 year old girl, to show the ways a landlord could be, was so funny. I do think that by using a baby though the clip was a little harsh and unruly. I can't imagine being in the same place with someone instructing my daughter to use such vulgar language, and just sitting there. I would have to get up and slap the person who thinks it's okay. I understand that now a days some adults think that a child swearing is so funny, I believe that when a child is that young, they are seen as so innocent. By doing what they have done in this clip, shows people that children can be, "innocent", but they are also easily persuaded to do otherwise. Using language such as "Give me my money, or I'll kick you out."sounds fine. No swearing, it's cute, and could have easily been followed by something as simple as "Give it to me now!!" Instead of "Or ill kick your a**" followed by her pretending to be drunk with a six pack in her hand. I think that this could have been easily avoided.

What are We Coming To?

Everybody loves comedy, even some of the more offensive things. But we should not start by having little kids swear ad learn this kind of behavior when they are most impressionable. Parents work hard to make sure their kids are going to grow up and be good citizens in society and this kind of things can't be happening. It just goes against what parents teach their children and if kids see this they will think it is ok to swear and be rude to people.

An Ocean or A Dump?

I knew that the countries now days like America are dumping garbage into the ocean but I never knew how bad it was getting until I learned about it by searching on Google. It is really sad how much trash is going in a beautiful place like the ocean. There are a lot of animals and even humans that need the ocean clean to live or they will die. The ocean is a main source of food of the entire world and if it is gone than life on earth is not going to be well. Without the ocean there is no way humans can live witnout suffering. I do not want to live in a world where the ocean is replaced with a giant dump.

Realize

I call the ocean my second home. I surf, fish, play and practically live in the water. Seeing how much waste people dump in the ocean every year opens my eyes to how much people don't care about anything anymore and how aware people are of what's being done. Seeing the garbage patch the size of Texas literally made me gag because we are surrounded by the ocean and it's sad how people take this beautiful place we call paradise for granted.

you give me rent

Could you imagine a child barely 3 demanding rent from a 30 year old man to me that sounds hilarious because that would be such a sight to endure seeing a 3 year old drunk and disorderly demanding rent or she'll put you out on the streets and referring back to her age group by seeking out her mommy after her argument just seems so original and might be found to be tasteless for those who can't accept a little dirty humor. But all in all I found pearl to be a great tool for humor in "The Landord" because of the superiority complex being established between the two age groups.

The Landlord

The little boss in the Landlord was strikingly funny. Pearl's intelligence captivates her audience from the start of the play and her bossy little attitude blends so well with her role. Due to the many days and hours of rehearsing her part; the vocabulary used in her role will be remembered for a long time. Her spicy attitude that goes along with it will be acceptable in her way of thinking and speaking because children are so impressionable at a very young age and an embarrassing moment may come up when someone upsets her. It brings a smile to my face to imagine her yelling, "Bitch, Bitch, Bitch", and "You ass hole". Will is famous for making people laugh and he finds joy in bringing smiles to his audience. My favorite part is the end of the play when she calls out, "Mommy, come". Pearl runs to her comforter and source of security as if to say, "Okay, shows over. Let's go."

Come, Mommy

The hot encounter between the tenant and the landlord, starts off with enough casual realism to make the visit from the landlord mundane and believable. The door is opened to reveal Pearl, and I'm hooked. The salty dialogue doesn't fit the visuals. I was incredulous listening to the abusive verbal exchange. Finally the hot air rushes out of the little windbag and the final line "Come, Mommy." is my favorite in the whole play. It underscores the silliness and reveals the construction as Toto revealed "the man behind the curtain" for Dorothy and her friends. Even funnier,little Pearl, the actress, is still completely "the Boss".

Shocked with the Patch

I chose to respond on "The Great Pacific Garbage Patch". I'm very shocked at what I've seen and read. I had absolutely no idea this was happening out their. I'm upset that I was not aware of this before. I believe there are millions of people in the world that has not been educated about this also. There needs to be more education on it. I have started at home by showing my children what's happening with all the junk, and what it's doing to our earth. What hit the children the most was the fact that it is so close to Hawaii.
I don't understand why the scientist are saying it's to late for cleaning. There has got to be something we can do. Take an oil tanker out there and suck everything up until we figure out a solution. Eliminate the use of plastics completely. We need to figure out how to use all these bad things for our benefit, for our good on this earth. It will take over our earth someday.

reduce, reuse, and recycle

When we were given the assignment to read about "The Great Pacific Garbage Patch," I had no idea what it was going to be about.  Now knowing that there's a landfill of garbage exists in the Pacific Ocean makes me feel upset.  Especially because it is approximately twice the size of Texas.  We as a community should do something about it since it is floating in our ocean waters.  If we just let it be, it could end up on our beach shores.  The pile is ruining our marine life.  If you had garbage dumped in your home, wouldn't you get mad.  Same as the animals in the ocean, we shouldn't dump garbage in their homes.  I think it is time we do something about this and actually reduce, reuse, and recycle.

Plastic Harmless or Harmful

The writing prompt that caught my attention is "The Great Pacific Garbage Patch". I was shock to see how much rubbish and debris thier is in the ocean. I feel disgusted to see all that plastic in the ocean and seeing animals die because of it. All the liitle particles of plastic is mixing with plankton and the animals of the sea don't know the difference and they can die because of it. Some people just don't think of the consequences of them leaving rubbish on the beach or throwing them in the ocean. This is not acceptable for people to be doing. I hope in the future this whole incident is cleaned up and never happens again.

Why in the ocean?

Reading about “The great pacific garbage pacth” made me think that human is the worse animal living in this world because besides using their brain to discover new spices of animal that used to live and still living in the world. They also are killing other species of animals that someday will become in extinguished from this planet by storing garbage in the environment those animals live. No one wants trash to be storage in their houses why the humans are doing this with the other animals?I feel bad about the path the human are choosing in life to follow because the amount of garbage is increasing by year, and the worse about this entire event is that it is impossible to find a way to clean all the trash in the ocean.

What Is The Human's Responsibirity?

"The great pacific garbage patch" gave me a precious opportunity to know plastic polluting issue and think about what should we do. In general, most people do not have idea that plastic which they used are polluting sea and killing many animals. To be honest, I do not imagine that in daily life. Therefore, it was shocking to me a lot. And I felt guilty. I thought we have to realize plastic which human being made is not only making our life good, but also becoming such scary weapon to nature. And we should try to come up with some ideas to improve this issue right now. I think recycling is the best way. Anybody can execute in daily life. However, these things are easy to think and say. So, "what is making difficult to act?" I thought our lack of realization. I think the most important thing to improve is to change the society. Society should try to teach people this terrible fact and make people understand and shocked. This society is not enough for people to face with this issue. Thus, humans responsibility is to understand that people who pollute and lose precious animal's life is human. I think without realizing, we would not be able to do anything. The same thing will be repeated.

Pollution is Not the Solution!

The writing prompt that caught my attention the most was the issue of "The Great Pacific Garbage Patch". Knowing about this issue makes me feel that people should do something about it and learn how to recycle. Putting debris in the ocean can destroy the ocean’s food chain and affect people as well. The fish we eat will be no longer edible because of the toxins from plastic, and can soon lead to diseases. We should make this a major concern because if circumstances like this continue, animals in our environment could become extinct. Animals are dying everyday because of pollution in the ocean. They are more likely to mistaken plastic for food and can die from plastic poisoning or block their digestive system.
I don’t understand why people don’t take action in a serious issue like this. It is really sad to see animals dying because of toxic wastes thrown into the ocean by humans. I think we should take action and stop the throwing of trash into the ocean before it’s too late. If this continues, what will happen to our ocean’s ecosystem? Pollution is certainly not the solution.

Pacific Ocean to Plastic Ocean

Why can't people throw their trash in trash cans, not the ocean! It's sad how in some places in the ocean plastic outweighs plankton by a ratio of 6:1. At first I thought "out of sight, out of mind," I didn't think much about it because I didn't think its' impact was that great. Although after reading some articles I realized its big effect. It brings trash to our beaches, fish eat the plastic which can affect the food chain, and it's not going to stop there, the problems will just keep keeping. Even though they say the clean-up is impossible, this prompt made me never want to litter and maybe even pick up some of the plastic at beaches. Because 30 years from now I don't want to be swimming in an ocean filled with plastic, but in the clear and cool water of the Pacific Ocean. We might not be able to get rid of the garbage patch, but I think we can prevent it from growing faster and getting any bigger.

Who's Issue is it?

The class prompt that caught my utmost attention is "The Great Pacific Garbage Patch". The patch of garbage or shall I say an inexpensive dump site is very disturbing. How can the government allow this debris to compile itself? Why wasn't something done about this before it got massive? 90% of this waste is due to plastic. If people had the decency to stop littering in the ocean, part of this problem would not have accrued. There are many ways to prevent such tragedy. Ways and means of reducing, reusing and recycling. As research has shown, using items such as concentrated liquid detergent is one way to reduce. Reusing plastic bags and recycling your plastic bottles will put great emphasis on minimizing this problem. Not only is this "trash vortex" ugly, but it's dangerous. The sea life are mistaking it for food. Sea lions are choking due to the 6 pack rings they are getting caught in. Birds are eating and filling up on debris which in turn, they are literally dying of starvation. I am in total shock about this issue. I did not recycle prior to this discovery, however, having far more knowledge on this subject, I will start. Empower yourself, help the environment and recycle.

Death From Plastic

I was shocked to find out that we letted ouselves create such a huge mass of garbage in the middle of the ocean. It angered me to think that we allowed this matter to take place. And what made it worse was we could of prevented this from happening. This matter could have been contained and fixed but it wasn't. Humans should take care of there own trash, but its easier said than done. People don't think of their actions when dumping trash in the ocean or near shore. People don't think of the consequences that could happen. Its disturbing watching how birds and sea life is dieing because of man kinds carelessness. This is completely unacceptable behavior to the millions of people that contributed to this event.

Plastic Kills

Whenever I get an assignment that has anything to do with raising my awareness about the earth's demise, I can't help to feel guilty. After reading the article about all the plastic waste that has accumulated in the Pacific Ocean that is the size of Texas, I was shocked. I have taken biology in high school and was always fascinated by how every single organism depends on one another. The plastic waste in our ocean may wipe out several organisms resulting in a huge impact in the food chain. Not only are we harming marine life, but as a result, we are hurting ourselves. On average, the normal person produces thousands of pounds of waste each year. If we found ways to reuse our trash, such as recycling, we could make a huge difference in saving our planet. I have recently purchased those reusable bags for groceries because I know every bit helps no matter how small. I noticed that just me alone, I probably use a lot of plastic bags each year and that the reusable bags cut back on this global issue. I even buy extra of these reusable bags and give them to friends and family members for the next time they go grocery shopping. I always receive "thank yous" because they are much stronger than normal paper or plastic bags. Another benefit is that many grocery stores, such as Safeway, give you discounts off your purchases for bringing in your own bag.The best part is that the reusable bags are made from recycled plastic. Not only plastic bags, but water bottles are another huge waste of plastic. Another reason for not buying plastic water bottles, they are found to cause cancer from drinking out of them as well. The alternative? Use a reusable water bottle. I am guilty of buying the Costco size packs of water bottles, but after learning about the damage it causes, I stick to one.

Maybe you will become more eco-friendly, maybe you won't, but the fact is plastic and other waste is changing our world for the worst. Plastic kills.

Re: Not EVEN CLOSE!

published by biGGy SquilZ

Crazy thoughts, aren't they? The individual who will eventually run our country will most probably be determined by some type of prejudice. Whether racial or sexist, it's very hard to swallow the idea of prejudice still going on in our country, especially surrounding our presidential election.

I agree with Biggy on the black/white vs. male/female issue. Obama faces a much steeper obstacle. Any way you cut it, religion and race issues outweigh gender...I guess the fact that he supposedly bowled a 37 doesn't help his cause either [kidding]. Then again, he has no control over his skin color so put that under the proveribal microscope? Sadly, it's a reality of our American history. Whether it's the first woman elected into the White House or the first colored man elected, I just hope, for the sake of our nation's future, that our new president is determined by character and qualification rather than attributes that are uncontrollable. We shall see.

Maui, our home!

Kamana O Maui posted by tenshi

I agree that Maui is like a drug. Once you smell and taste the beauty of this island it is hard to leave. It's true that the people and land that makes Maui Na Ka Oi.

However, it is a beautiful place to live but it does have the highest cost of living. Though, there are issues that our island is facing. New homes, roads, and buildings are being build making Maui a city than a paradise. However, there are good reason and bad reason for it.

But with the kama'aina that people show here does keep everything real.

Still, we are lucky living here. With the surf, the food, the adventures, and climate there is no place like home.

For as long as Maui is still standing on the roots of the ground, there's no other place that can compare with the beauty of Maui.

Because Maui is truly Na ka Oi!

H2O!?!

BreathingHelium!
Aqua Colbert

You know, I agree with this persons point of view. Is this really the steps it takes to make a bottle of water? I never really thought about it before. I never thought about were the bottle comes from. Is it really from crud oil? Gosh, if melting glaciers is our global warming problem, I boy cot bottle water right now! ;)

I also agree that this angle on water was funny.....but, there were some things that could have been left out. Like what was up with the rino tear, or the happy ending massage? Most of it was entertaining, however, other parts were just plain stupid. I do have to admit it does get you thinking.

rkaia Water!!!

Response to: Water is life... By Rkaia

I agree, I do love drinking water, because it keeps your body hydrated and helps clean out your system. It keeps you healthy!!!


You mention a question about Ocean water being converted to drinking water, that makes me wonder too. Can it? If it can that would be great. But I would want it to taste very good, it would really be a bummer if it didnt taste well. If it were possible to make ocean water in to drinking water, I think it would be a big challenge because, the ocean water is filled with many things. Many things that us humans discard out there in the ocean, like garbage and stuff.

To make ocean water drinkable there would have to be a very good filter system. And anything that is used to create drinking water, it would just have to be a great big machine or something.

I like the questions you have put up in this post about water, it makes me think!

:)

KAMANA O MAUI

You can try to dust off all the sand from your feet..but it just keeps coming back.
Maui is like a drug-but a good drug. The beautiful beaches and the tropical features
hypnotizes almost anyone to never leave. There's not too much people; there's not too much
controversy...it's just perfect. It is the people and land that makes Maui No Ka Oi.

We live on one of the best islands in the world. Anything you can describe about a paradise
get-away is Maui. Although, it is one of the best yet it has one of the highest costs of living.
That's why some people call it the "Grand Get-Away."

Maui can have it's ups and downs, but it will always work out well.
We give respect and care for each other and are known as one big Ohana.
The local traditions and the kama'aina keeps everything real.
The surf, the music, the food, and almost everything else makes me feel lucky to
live in a place I call home, Maui, No Ka Oi.

Aqua Colbert

Personally, I really like drinking bottled watered, but it doesn't matter to me what label is on the bottle. The proganda behind each brand because of where it is from, how it is filtered or how many electrolytes are added to the water does not sway me. Stephen Colbert is very clever how he uses humor to convey a serious message. How can you trust huge overseas manufacturing companies, because other countries do not have the same laws as the US. When I choose water it is in a glass bottle, because drinking from plastic is unhealthy and waste oil. Water is important to the mechanics of the human body. The body cannot work without it, just as a car cannot run without gas and oil. In fact, all the cell and organ functions made up in our entire anatomy and physiology depend on water for their functioning. so no matter how you get it, you need it. I guess Americans are just a little more spoiled and need it packaged in a pretty plastic water bottle.

HIJKLMNO

...H to O, get it? Anyway...

Colbert's little tidbit on bottled water immediately brought Jim Gaffigan's stand up to mind. "How dumb do I think the Americans are? I bet you we could sell those idiots water. Let's just tell the Americans the water's from France." I mean, seriously, it is a dumb concept if you think about it from the consumer standpoint. You're sold 35 bottles of plain water when in reality, all you need is a couple of bottles to be reused. Brings me to another point - why 35 bottles [7x5] and not 36 [6x6]? Because the rectangular shape of the case makes it appear like you're getting more than if it were in a square. Sneaky marketers. I bet the majority of American households have some type of water filtration, whether built into the refrigerator or on the kitchen sink. All you need is plastic container and you're set for life. The ONLY advantage I see to having bottled water is for emergency. And we worry about water shortage - all we need to do is look in the back of Costco.

"Thirst locally and drink globally"

Watching the Aqua Colbert water commercial I thought it was just going to be jokes about water, but in that commercial it gives out a point of how important is water to us and our environment. The whole part of teasing the process of how we get water was totally out of hand. From then, I wondered: why homeless people always ask for a small hot water and doesn't ask for a cold refreshing "filtered" water? I remember when this guy at work always mention to me how important it is to drink water, but never, he asked for a cold one. The Aqua Colbert water commercial can be seen in different ways, bad and good. The bad side of it is that it made me wonder, the water they get from places like Ethiopia which is known to be a poor country, is the water they dig down really get clean from the method they use before selling? But in the other hand, globally any water is use for drinking and what not. When I was younger, my neighbor would always drink water from a hose and never got sick. To me, it was disgusting; he just says, "what, it's water, there is nothing bad about that!" Although, until now, I still think its no good to drink from a hose and would never drink from it. Also, my coworker once said that drinking hot water prevents your breath from smelling bad. "I don't know if that is true, but I can't say I don't believe it. Who knows?"I don't really understand the message of the commercial. I see it in two different opposite point of views. However, I know for sure that water is needed. It plays a big role in our life.

maui is the best!!!

I have been alot of places in my life and I must say ,Maui is a magical place.Although it is not immune to societys bitterness,there is a sense of humility on this Island.From the sunsets,beaches,and mountains it is all amazing. I am so grateful to this Island it has given my children a safe humbling place to grow up.Yes gas prices are through the roof,but it is like that everywhere now.No matter how bad one feels, a long gaze at the natural beauty of this place will cure what ever ails onself. Its almost as if maui has a soul , it sucks you in and if you let it, you can be drunken with its beauty.To bad it not a secret anymore,Maui truly is No ka oi.

Maui No ka o'i.......

Maui No ka o’i

The island of Maui also called “Paradise or Valley Isle” is one of the most beautiful places in Hawaii. It is surrounded with mixed and local people, who shares a lot of loving we call “Aloha Spirit”. We have one of the most beautiful beaches, picture-perfect waterfalls, verdant jungles, and the daunting presence of Haleakala that stands about 10,013 ft above sea level.

The lifestyles here are far different than in the Mainland, whereas people can call each other aunty, uncle, cousin, or even brother. People are nice and very caring within each other. The pidgin language and the local style is what make Maui the best. The temperature is perfect and very constant. It doesn’t get really hot or cold at one point. Local food is the way to go, with mixed plate serve on the table.

The scenic point is as good as it gets. The road to Hana is far an experience especially going to Kahakuloa, a one lane road with nice view of the mountain as you go along. The Haleakala and the Iao Valley is the place to go for those tourists. Speaking of tourist, Maui has a lot of tourist going in and out of the island. It is said because of the friendly people we have here.

Tourist is what keeps the island going but locals is what makes the island better and nicer in so many ways. Maui’s lifestyle is the best lifestyle there is. I’m glad that I was raised in here and I totally will not regret it. Maui No ka o’i and that’s right……….

water...

Aqua Colbert.

That commercial he did was very funny. I found it interesting to see the process of how Colbert made his water. Now it makes me wonder how bottle waters are made now a days. the process of obtaining clear water does not seem so clean, from the erupting oil, to melting glaciers, to people pumping water how do they really clean it? Does water literally need to travel from one place to another to have it clean? Do people out there actually add rhino tears to the water that they drink? Now that was funny, but I also found some of things that were displayed in the commercial of Aqua Colbert very disgusting.

Water is Life

What is the world coming to when we find humor in bottled water. The Colbert report addressed our water bottle craze. So what is it about bottled water that is so important to people today. To find more information I watched another water related Colbert report. This gave me a much better prospective to what the issue really is. Water is life! We need water to survive. Naturally humans are drawn to water, because of their biological need for it. So what do we do when there is an extreme water shortage? My real question is what about ocean water? Can that be converted into drinking water? Furthermore, if it can what will that do as a "cause and effect" to the planets climate and ecosystem?

Not EVEN CLOSE!

I just finished reading the article "Media perpetuates sexism in presidential race". Although this article isn't entirely false, I feel that it is not completely accurate. First off, yes Hillary Clinton is a woman, and she will face even more obstacles if she finds herself in the White House next fall, but what about that challenges Borak will face? At least Hillary can be appreciative of the fact she is a white woman in a "white man's world." Borack will face tougher scrutiny, and be faced with many of the ignorance's that have thought to have ended with the civil war. Many individuals in this country just aren't ready to see a black president. For the democratic ticket, voters are faced with two "wrongs" electing a woman to do a "man's" job or electing a black to do a "white man's job". I think many would rather see Hillary win then a black man, so sorry man I won't give Hillary any sympathy. I think it is extremely ignorant that she is mocked for her clothing style, her attitude, and the names she is called are indisputably wrong. However, she will need to be a "bitch" if she wants to win, and run this country effectively, and I will support her 100% for that. In contrast, Borack faces deeper, personal attacks. He has been called "nigger" and questioned religiously. This is nothing compared to the surface criticism that Hillary has faced. So listen bud, if you want to talk about a political injustice, then try to examine how Borack Obama has been treated, and try to focus on a deeper issue.

Democrats and Republicans Environmentally Challenged

Obama and Clinton are very good candidates. Both of them have very strong opinions. They are politically experienced and have a great plan environmentally for our future. Obama plans to invest in a clean energy future. He is going to support the next generation’s Biofuels as well as progressing in energy efficiency. As similar to Obama, Clinton has an ample plan to tackle America's energy and environmental problems. She will create a new and efficient economy that will provide millions of new jobs. She plans to increase both fuel efficiency and green research funds. The republican McCain plans to ensure us in making our environmental lifestyle healthy living. He offers to exploit market forces that will bring advanced technologies, such as nuclear energy. Another part of his plan is to reduce our dependence on foreign supplies of energy. McCain wants America to develop in a way that will ensure all nations to do their rightful share. Huckabee is very economy wise. He plans to achieve energy independence. Huckabee’s aspirations for us are to conserve all alternative energy that will later economically reward us preferentially. I’m kind of over politics. I was really interested when I was young. Now all I can say is that all these candidates are very intelligent and proactive. I have reached the voting age but I am unsure about who am I going to vote for. I just wish the best for all of them and hope for our future to excel successfully.

Obama and McCain

John Mc Cain

I don’t really see anything on the issues column that really interests me about trying to help out our country, it looks like all the issues he talks about runs around on only the surface of what our country is really going through. Issues that other candidates also talks about.
Although I do like what he’s saying about cutting the corporate tax rate. I find it to be good that it will open more job opportunities, because there is a lot of people out there that need that.
Another issue that I liked was the Human Dignity and Sanctity of life. Where he speaks about promoting adoption, technology in creating stem cells to help people with diseases, and protecting kids from the internet. All of these helping to give others better life, and keeping kids from being corrupt at a young age.


Barack Obama

Looking at the issues he talks about, there is more variety to look at. I really like the issue about disability. He talks about helping them, encouraging them through education and increasing the job employment for them. This will help people with disabilities be more independent, and I think that would also give the people a lot more pride in themselves. In being able to be provided with the opportunity with more jobs to chose from, and not be shut down just because they have some sort of disability.

I also like the issue on economy. Where he talks about strengthening it, and also where he talks about the problems. For example college tuition and health care and many more. It really makes me happy that he’s doing his best to change this country, and making it stronger. By making things equal for people, looking for things that will benefit all of us in the end.

All in all I think I like what Barack Obama has to say and what he wants to do to change and make our country better.

Issues.

McCain plans to lower taxes, and states that tax cuts work best when accompanied by lower spending. He states different ways to help others to better their life, as he encourages adoption and protecting young children from the dark side of the internet.

Due to the lost of $500 billion in 2006 on foreign oil and the obvious climate change, Obama’s plan for a clean energy future focuses on the development of domestic incentives. According to the candidate’s site, this plan will reward forest owners, farmers, and ranchers when they plant trees, restore grasslands, or undertake farming practices that capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Obama plans on investing over one hundred billion dollars over ten years to advance the next generation of bio fuels. He will also invest in job training to help workers and industries adapt to clean production and development. Obama will double energy research to better understand the usage of wind, solar, and other resources.

Obama or McCain?

Barack Obama's issues are mostly based on areas of common ground. His goal is to point out education, poverty, economy and what not, which we as a nation really need focused on. I truly agree on his plans for our education. He will ensure that all students have a quality education regardless of race, class, or background. Finally our teachers will be recognized and hopefully our education would be more functioned. Also, he will implement a 21st century economic agenda to help ensure that America can compete in a global economy, and ensure the middle class is thriving and growing. However, his vision on poverty, I believe would make our nation a better place. I believe is goals for our country will really make a change. However on the other side of the candidate, john McCain has also strong points. His visions are based on our strategy in Iraq, lower tax rates, and stewards of our nations rich natural heritage. He also has good points in his issues. He believes that we must not fail in Iraq. Succeeding in the cause of helping the Iraqi people build a stable, secure, representative state is essential to achieving an enduring peace, which is one smart move to stop war. Also, with his commitment to clean air and water, and to conserving open space, he has been a leader on the issue of global warming with the courage to call the nation to action on an issue we can no ignore. Lastly, with the high tax rate that we have here in Hawaii is tough but with his goal in lowering our tax rate it would help us a lot to live here.
Both Obama's and McCain views in changing our country points out great values, but only one can sit on the Presidents chair! Who will it be?????

Obama! Mccain?

As of today, it appears that the 2008 Presidential Election will be between Republican John Mccain, and Democrat Borak Obama. In reviewing their websites, I found that both men share many ideas about how to fix our struggling nation. Obama's main concern appears to be centered around the people which in turn would make a better country. He believes that improving the infrastructure is the best way to improve the problems. Spending more money on education, civil rights, and struggling Americans is his best approach. As a citizen of this country, I must say that I respect his plan, and hope that he can full fill it if he is elected. On bigger issues such as the war in Iraq, he appears to have the basic common sense that our current leaders seem to be lacking. He wants to remove all troops from Iraq within 16 months after his election, and that provides me with some hope of a better America. As a typical Republican, John Mccain appears to believe that investing in corporate America will better our country as a whole. He believes that strengthening border security, free trade, and government spending are bigger than issues that effect Americans on an every day level. He doesn't want to remove us from Iraq as much as he wants to invest in it. He believes we should strengthen their government, troops, and security rather then totally removing ourselves from the problem. For this reason, I am pushing against him. In a negative way, he reminds me allot of George W. Bush by the way he tries to protect social issues such as marriage, abortion, and adoption when I firmly believe that isn't any of his concern. If we have learned anything in the past 8 years, I think we as a people should vote for the person with the most character, best intentions, and strongest resolve even though that individual may not be what we have distorted to socially acceptable.

Obama vs. McCain

This upcoming presidential race is going to be very interesting. There is no real dominant representative for the democratic party & for the first time, the candidates are not old white men. It is time for a change and i hope it's for the better. After reading the issues between John McCain & Barack Obama, I believe that Obama will be a better president in leading our country in the right direction. let's begin with their issues on Iraq. Obama wants the troops to get out of Iraq while McCain supports the war. I think that the war with Iraq wasn't necessary. It was a waste of money and we so lost many troops over it. McCain doesn't want to end the war until America has control over Iraq. "Peace cannot be created by force. It can only be achieved by understanding." Albert Einstien. This is very true. On the other hand, Obama will have all troops out of Iraq in 16 months. This will be a relief to the families of the soldiers. If McCain wins, i think people will hate him like how they hate Geroge W. Bush and we don't need a 2nd one.

Obama vs. McCain

I am responding to the candidates Barack Obama and John McCain. Every candidates have their policies or position in order to pursuit people. Obama is the leading candidate on Democratic Party while McCain is the leading candidate on Republican Party. Obama is first time Senator and local politician before going to Senate while McCain is a long time Senator which means he has more experience on politics. If Obama win as a President, he will pull out the troops from Iraq while McCain wants to keep the troops in Iraq. McCain is a retired Navy and I'm sure there is a lot of wars coming if he will be the President of our country. Who would run our country better? A lawyer or a retired Navy? I would choose Barack Obama because he is younger, has an open-minded and he is willing to work hard and serve for the people of the United States of America. His platform is to offer an affordable health care which is good because it is expensive most especially for family plan. A better education for our kids and those people who want to go school because education is the key to success. The higher education we have, the more money we get. He would make sure that our senior citizens getting their pension and benefits regularly because they worked hard to get this. He would offer jobs for the people of our country so that we can avoid crisis and don't just depend on our government. If Barack Obama win this election, he would change America for a better country.And yes he can because he is a down to earth person.And I would support him because he is from Hawaii.

Obama VS Huckabee

I’m responding to the candidates Mike Huckabee and Barack Obama. I am already familiar with both presidential candidates. They have very different beliefs and ideas about the United States and citizens of the United States. First off I’m a democrat not a republican, so already I am more bias to Barack Obama. After reviewing Mike Huckabee’s website and what he stands for, I can easily say I wish him not to be president. I don’t agree with his opinions on same-sex marriage or immigration issues. I strongly oppose Mike Huckabee and pray he does not win the 2008 election. On the other hand Barack Obama seems like he could point our country in right direction. First, let's start with education - particularly higher education. In this realm, Obama plans to create a new American Opportunity Tax Credit for incoming college freshmen. The plan calls for the first $4,000 of a student's college education to be completely free and will cover two-thirds the cost of tuition at the average public college or university as well as make community college tuition completely free for most students. In addition, Obama seeks to eliminate the fuss that is the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA), allowing families and students to apply for aid simply by checking a box on their tax form. Since announcing his presidential campaign run, Obama has emphasized ending the Iraq War, increasing energy independence and providing universal health care as major priorities. But after glancing at his campaign Web site, it seems he has a plan for almost every issue under the sun.

Na Ohana A Me Ke Kamana'o (FamilIes And Knowledge)

Coming from Hawaii, family is a really big part of my life. Having a strong base to rely on, plays a really big part in being a contributor to society. I also know that there are many people in our nation that were, and are not as fortunate, or have not been blessed with the opportunity to have a strong family base. That is why I support strong family programs. Programs for single parent families and also young single first time mothers. By providing programs for people in these kinds of situations, we will be able to strengthen and educate our youth so they will be able to rise above poverty and make a better life for themselves. Money is not the only burden for people in these situations. Mental health and physical health is also part of the problem. Children who feel like they are not loved by their parents, tend to look elsewhere for love and affection. Majority of the time, they find it in gangs, drugs and crime. I know that if we as a society and a nation, would work together in providing programs that strengthen the family and home, we could all live in a better safer place. Another good thing is education. I know that education is really important. Knowledge is power. But again we as a society, need to work in harmony with our youth and our educators. It is the education system that is charged with the responsibility to educate or youth, but it is also our duty to follow up to see the progress that is being made in the classroom. The whole no child left behind act would work in a perfect world, where everyone learns and grows at the same rate. But the truth is, we don’t live in a perfect world and we don’t progress at the same rate. I feel that it puts a negative label on those children that have a difficult time learning. This is a good way to find out the weak points in children, but it does not focus on what is to be done. Standards are set, and standards are required to be met. But the method of reaching the standards are not outlined. When a educator gives an assignment, he/she expect all 30 students in that class to be on the same page, reading the same word, at the same time. As I said in a perfect world this would work, but we live in a world where anything and everything can and will affect the learning process of our youth. Strengthen the family and you will strengthen the youth.
*I read parts of Barack Obama’s issues on families and John McCain’s issues on education.

John Macain vs Barrack Obama

After looking over the issues, it seems to me John Mcain definelty is not the one.His stance on Iraq is that we should stay until all is secure.He wants to keep senior officers in place over there.John Mcain wants to put more pressure on Iran .Looking over his issues on veterans of war ,I can also see he will not pull out of Afghanistan or Iraq.He wants to win and believes if we pull out it would put future generations at risk.He would continue on in the footsteps of the current administration.Sure he wants veterans to get their benefits but this would come after paying a heavy toll .
Barrack obama on the other hand may have a chance.He says he would take a total of 16 months and pull out of Iraq .personally they should pull out of Afphganistan to.It is not necessary for the military to be over there.Barrack also has concerns on poverty which is rising as we speak. He wants to up minimum wage,improve transportation to jobs.His stance on educationis to"Reform no child left behind act"that was a terrible plan.He would promote more education access like math and science in the schools,make it a bit easier to go to college.He would lessen the extesive process that is involved in financial aid.Could he save the economy?Who knows ,maybe words might turn into action this time .There is no time like the present to make a change.

Say No to "Human Trafficking"

I'm against with Human Trafficking because it's not fair for those people who have this situation. Some people are unfortunate and couldn't go school that's why they accept to be a slavery. Some countries don't even have that much job to offer that's why people wants to be a slavery in order for them to make money. Because some people have hard knock life, they don't have any choice but to work as a slavery. Even those young and innocent kids are working as a slavery because they want to help their family. Plenty students working as a slavery because they want to have money for their education. I feel sorry for them but i can't do anything to help them. Well, I can pray for them because there is no impossible with God. I hope someday, Government will do something about it. Government should stop the Human Trafficking and help those people who needed help so bad. But we have to help ourselves first if we don't want to suffer and don't just rely on with the government. It's up to us how we handle our problem. Stand on our own and think positive.

free the slaves!

“As unimaginable as it seems, slavery and bondage still persist in the early 21st century. Millions of people around the world still suffer in silence in slave-like situations of forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation from which they cannot free themselves. Trafficking in persons is one of the greatest human rights challenges of our time.- anonymous.

It seems like a lot of people in the world can do whatever it takes to protest against slavery but slavery remains so immensely grown in many different parts of the world in many ways that it seems impossible to end .

The tragedies that the these victims experience is horrible and so terribly melancholy. Its unfair for these people to be mistreated for anything. I think that everyone who runs against slavery should continue to fight against it and never give up. No matter how hard or long it takes we must continue to battle against slavery.

Human Trafficking

Human trafficking is one of the many disgusting things in this world. It raises the question “If there is a God, how can he let this happen?” Innocent lives are taken and controlled by evil people. It breaks my heart think slavery is still going on after all these years. I wish that there were better people in this world, who wouldn’t even think such a thing. It’s inhumane and unnatural, like with so many other things in the world today. I so wish there was something I could do to make this insanity stop.

obama "yes we can"........

The Obama “Yes We Can” video is about a political campaign. He talked about believing that yes we can. Yes we can change as One Nation. The destiny of One Nation can help us change the world. The power of change and hope of America as together with three words “Yes We Can”.

Singers/Artists are part of this video and I think it made it more catching due to them being involved. The presidential candidate Obama, I think will win the presidential campaign and be our next president.

By his words, “Yes We Can” really made his presidential campaign stronger.

The change and hope he talked about really got me in his speech. The Opportunity of changing to have a better future is something we have to do. The weight of One People, One Nation, I believe yes we can change. Change should be done to bring us to the promise land. I want change.

Go Obama!

I say amen to Barrack Obama! As I was watching the video, at first I only notice the whole set up of the video, it sounded cool with one side were different artists and celebrities singing his speech into a song and him on the actual stage. But the words in his speech were more effective than how it was set up. He reminded me of Martin Luther King Jr., he could be the second Martin Luther. His speech of hope might just give him that door way to the next presidents’ chair. He inspired many with his symbolism of hope. I’m not really a fan of any political issue but this Obama guy probably had convince every single Americans that he can turn this nation around and make it a better place. By his words he already convinces me that maybe there is a hope of change, and it is him who is sent to do the job. Though, who knows, there’s thousands of Americans here in the U.S. Not all will agree with his speech because everyone has there own opinions when it comes to election. This election year is probably one of the interesting elections so far that I’ve been keeping up to. Hopefully this video would rank him up because every word that came from his speech is true. “It is time for a change!”

Three Words One Hope.

“We want change,” and “Yes, we can” are the two phrases that left a lasting impression even minutes after the video ended. This video consists of various artists in the entertainment business sending out an inspirational video with Obama’s speech. This video creates a sense of change even I can understand, although; I don’t follow the updates on politics. It states that we as a nation is one. I think the clip is artistically brilliant; combining artists from different fields of the entertainment industry with the speech of a politician defines, “yes, we can” become one, and “yes, we can” change for the better.

Obama campaign

His videos are great it gives the nation hope. Well, I remember Martin Luther king gave the nation hope also ,for one moment in time.Obama just might make it. He has some great speeches and he even won best spoken word at this years grammys. It would be interesting if after 200 years of major damage to this nation one man could help put an end to the disaster. I want to have hope ,but I know the present government has put this nation in a very vulnerable position(outsourcing jobs ie.cheap labor ,warring )all in the name of greed.Oh yes, I forgot somehow while all this was happening people still voted him in,he cant run again because if he could surely he would. Goodness will come someday right? just have hope keep voting.......

Does The Madness Never End!

Slavery in the World Today

I wonder if it is just in our human nature to destroy and there is no way to fix it. We as a people are the most wasteful, destructive, self absorbed, hateful species on the planet. What is worse is that we do all this to ourselves and to others in the same species, not to mention the destruction we put on other species.
What makes a person feel he or she has a right to own another life? What makes a person feel nothing, when they inflict pain and suffering on another? What goes on in their mind, when you strip another into nothing and, take what little rights they have as an individual and make them disappear?
It is very disturbing that as a people, we have not learned the lessons of the past. And, we continue on a path to self-destruct. I believe that if we don’t make major changes this will be our undoing. My heart is broken by the thought!

Yes. We. Can

I really do like this song... At first I didnt know what this video was about, the only thing I knew was that the person who showed up on the screen and started to sing was from the Black Eye Peas. However, I didnt know who the person on the podium who was speaking in to the microphone was. Until I did research and his face became familiar in my mind. Hes one of the candidates running for president. Ahaha.. I did research because, I admit that I barely watch the news.

Anyways, I wanted to know what was being sung and so I researched the lyrics to the song, and read it. This speech/song represents hope, and the change for the better. We can do whatever we want to do. As Will.I.Am said- "desire, strength, courage ability, and passion" to change. As long as we have those, we can do it. Do anything. Especially do anything together, as people.

Desire, strength, courage ability, and passion, within these words there is hope, hope which is that of unending freedom.

What got me most about the song/speech was that through out it, the phrase yes we can. I thought those simple words were very powerful.

In the speech/song it describe the times where people went after for what they wanted, and worked for it, constantly pushing themselves, believe in themselves and it all just equaled to how we ended up as a country. I found that truly inspiring.

Strong Message

After watching the Borak Obama add campaign, I felt like the man did a very good job. The message, "Together We Can" made alot of sense, and madde me believe that he could be the best fit for the job. Someone who is honest, and who wants it more than anyone because he is against more odds than anyone being he is an African American. The use of famous celebrities with great voices made the message even more clearer and stronger. Also, it must be working, because last night we won key primaries that moved him ahead of Hillary Clinton in the race for the Democratic Presidential Nomination. You gotta give it to him, because many Americans may not be ready for an African American President, it seems that his strong message is touching those across the country; even me. I'm going for him all the way now.... GO OBAMA!!

Barack Obama Video

The video I just seen was an ad for Barack Obama. However, it was a very compelling video clip. It had a lot of celebrities in it, who were supporting this particular presidential candidate. I have to say it was a very good advertisement and probably will persuade a few votes. I think Barack Obama is an excellent presidential candidate. Although I’m in favor of Mike Gravel, I wouldn’t mind Obama winning the 2008 election.
Sometimes commercial ads can make you think a certain way about something. Sure this video was good but nobody should vote for him because of that. They should vote for him if they want him be president, not because he had a cool video with celebrities in it.

What is Funny?

Funny can be a lot of different things. I think it’s funny when people are sarcastic and quick witted. My brother is funny and even though things he says are kind of mean, I still laugh because to me it’s funny. I think I’m also a funny person. I’ll do anything to make someone crack a smile. I’ll talk in an accent or make goofy face, and totally embrace myself. But it’s worth it to make someone laugh.
Laughing is a great way to let out an anxiety or stress one is feeling. I purposely watch funny movies to get relax or get in a better mood. Laughing is one of the simple pleasures in life, that every human should take advantage of.

The Dream Student

I thought this website was amusing because, it is like a MySpace for college professors. On MySpace young teenagers post blogs about how they feel about certain things. It’s away to get your feelings and opinion out about a certain subject and that’s what these college professors are doing. One professor wrote a sort of “how to be a good student” and he posted qualities you should have and how you should act.
To me a good student is someone who wants to learn. You don’t necessarily have to be a very smart or turn in all your work. However, I think teachers think the only good students are the people that come prepared and do I’ll their work. Well I don’t agree, I think if people show up late to class, it’s because they were simply late for one reason or another. Therefore, I don’t like when teachers label student, for example “he never shows up on time, so he must not care. I think teachers should look at the quality of a person’s work to decide if they are a good student.

GOTTA AGREE...

I got to agree with tenshi when she says that laughing is one of the best parts of the day. I guess Ima take it a step further, and say that laughing is one of the best feeelings in life. Think about it, everything that may bother you suddenly dissapears for that quick instance when you laugh. Now what is funny to me may not be funny for you, but I think the funniest things are people themselves. The way they react to outrageouse situations. For Example, Curb Your Enthusiasm on HBO is one of my favorite sources of humor. They guy doesn't crack corny jokes, but who is is what makes that show funny. He acts in the most crazy of ways, says the most politically incorrect things, and still it is just so funny. Also, my friends provide me with plenty laughter. Since I know how I would react to certain situations, watching them react to absurd situations is just funny. I've learned you got to embrace the best and worst in all aspects of life, so when I want to laugh, I sit back and just observe the average person. Surely, they are bound to do something funny.

Crank Dat!

As funnas the caveman video was, it also really makes you think...how DID dance come about? Must've been really awkward for those around the originator at the time. I mean, did he just randomly start "shaking his booty?" Heck, maybe the first dancer wasn't even human. I could imagine a little monkey celebrating after realizing how delicious a banana can be. Perhaps the first human dancer merely had his loincloth catch fire and started hopping around in panic while his buddies pointed and laughed at him. After much amusement, they joined him...except without the pyro effects. Ah! You've heard people say they have the "bug" or the "fever." Maybe THAT's where dance comes from. It's a disease! [Could help explain Michael] Well, whatever the case may be, cheers to whoever/whatever it was that created/discovered the activity we've all grown to love. Now we all can enjoy crankin dat, two steppin, leaning back/like a cholo, pop-lock-and-dropping, doing the Macarena, electric sliding, etc. etc...

So What Is Funny?

Blast the music, make a funny face and, dance the funky chicken and moon walk at the same time. If you hear the crowd laughing...then that's funny.The video clip,"The First Man Ever to Dance,"is one of the weirdest yet funniest video. A caveman with glowsticks in his pockets is something worthwhile to watch. It was hilarious to watch him dance and do the rave. I can put myself in his position and just go crazy.There are so many random things that I think is funny. It can be something loud and obnoxious and at the same time it can be the quietest snort. It can be anything you hear, touch, smell, look, and sense. So what is funny? The funny thing is is that it's unexplainable yet explainable. It can be the hardest yet simplest joke or action. It's the unbelievable funny things that people and things do or say that can lift the ambiances of life away from sorrows. It's also that gutty feeling inside your tummy that makes you want to burst into tears and laugh. A simple joke or a funny move can make anyone laugh. Laughter has so many mixed feelings that it can be the most weakest or strongest feeling anyone can ever have. It can also be the most happiest yet saddest feeling in the world. I love to laugh and I love everything that's funny. I live to laugh and I laugh to live. I think that a smile on a face and a breath of laughter is so contagious that it can make anybody change the way they feel. And it's true that laughter is one of the best cures in the world. If we can make any person in the world smile and jump..then we must've done something funny.

The Perfect Student?

Growing up in Hawaii I have always been in the “less likely to succeed” group of children. You know the children who’s favorite time of the day is either lunch or recess. Well I guess you could say, that to some extent I have achieved to be something in my life. To me the list of a “perfect student” is what every student strives to be in the first couple of weeks of school, If it be in grade school, high school and even in college. Everyone wants to be on time and do all there homework. We all go to class to learn. This is my view from the students side. We wish that teachers would be more caring and passionate for there material which they are teaching. I know for a fact that it is not for the money. My mother was in the education system for more the 30 years and the money is the last reason why teachers teach. I feel that some of my teachers gave up on me. They thought that there was no hope for me to learn. But there is always that one teacher that can connect with you. The one teacher that helps you understand in your own little way. I hate math, but I can honestly say that I have had a few teachers that were able to help me better understand math. So it’s not always the students fault for not being on time with there homework, but it might just be they way they feel about the teacher. Knowledge is power, so teachers need to strengthen the minds of the students by showing that they care jus a little bit more.

- A DrEaM StUdEnt -

As a student perspective, I think a dream student for teachers is someone who constantly does their homework. Students that would come prepared to be lectured by the teacher on the daily basis. Most especially, the way student behaves toward learning and to their surroundings. Not making teacher go crazy is another thing.
For me, I was one of those student except during my elementary school year where I had fun and would just do stuff. I'm the kind of student that if the teacher is lecturing, I'm paying attention.
I once had a teacher who teaches like military style where if you late you late and if he's lecturing we must shut-up. Those kinds of teachers I admire because they help you to be a great student. Help you to succeed and have a better future. At the same time, the lecture is very understandable and yet fun!
See, teachers are there to help. They are a tool in Success but a key to Success is Attitude. An attitude that are caught and skills that are taught is the key is success.