Technology: Beneficial or Superficial?

Either in movies or in real life, many of us have experienced the over working, over bearing parent whose blackberry seems to be a survival necessity in their quest to gain a new promotion or simply balance their hectic work schedule.

Though surprisingly, recent technology has provided more ways for people to spend time with their loved ones, rather than taking this time away.

While Avaya executive Craig Wilson double tasked by enjoying a Linkin Park concert with his children and finishing up tasks for one of his clients in Australia, Covestor’s chief executive Perry Blacher engaged in his business’s board teleconference while enjoying a christening celebration at the local English pub.

This is the power of technology: being in two places at once, accomplishing two things at once.

However, arguments still remain that this sense of multitasking takes away from the whole experience.

People may find themselves unable to participate fully in experiences with friends and families, and may also lack proper concentration on their business work.

These issues became noticeable after the rapid development of the Blackberry and have increased exponentially with the inventions of the smart phones and the increased accessibility to social media.

“Home has invaded work and work has invaded home and the boundary is likely never to be restored,” said the director of the Pew Research Center’s Internet and American Life Project, Lee Rainie. “The new gadgetry has really put this issue into much clearer focus.”

But an intriguing question still remains unanswered. What drives a person’s desire to balance work and play, even in times of supposed leisure?

Its simple. Its the recession.

Not only do these business men and woman need steady paychecks, but many have shown an increased worry over simply maintaining their jobs.

“Even if you have a career that is pretty solid, there is the feeling that advancement requires being plugged in at all times,” said Peggy Klaus, an executive coach residing in Berkeley, California.

While pressures may disable parents from taking a true “vacation,” technology has enabled them to be both a parent and a professional.

In my opinion, technology has enabled us to grow in many aspects. And even if one does feel as though the newest gadgets have caused a multitasking, unfocused population, simply do what my parents do and banish it from the dining room table.

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/06/business/06limits.html?_r=1&src=me&ref=general

Art Brings Creative Strengths to Children and Piles of Papers to Parents

I can still remember handing my mother a portrait of her and I walking through lines of choppy grass, strolling awkwardly towards an uneven crayon-colored house, containing numerous shades of brown and a smudge of an unpleasant pink.

It may not have been a work of art, but it never failed to make my mother smile.

As a young kid, I colored on the place mats at restaurants and unfortunately on our own kitchen walls. I believe that as a kid, drawing is the easiest, most fun way to explore your creativity.

However, with most pre-school and elementary curriculums in the United States consisting of, on average, an hour dedicated to art projects, the average parent seems to be receiving more works of art than the fridge door can handle.

“We’re getting two to four pieces of crayon drawing a day,” said 36-year-old Ms. Hanff, the mother of a 4-year-old girl who seems to get carried away in art class.

Although children may be forcing their parents to become hoarders, I believe the benefits that art can bring a child is well worth it.

David Burton, a professor of art education at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, stated that art is extremely important within the development of young children. While cognitive and fine motor skills are developed through drawing, children are also taught to recognize and distinguish different colors, shapes, and forms. In addition, just as drawing can be used therapeutically, children have been shown to use drawing in order to express their emotions.

Just as I once handed my “highly acclaimed” drawings to my mother as a young girl, I hope that children of the future will continue this ageless tradition.

Swastika Crime Brings Fear to New Mexico Town

When I was 10 years old, I can remember most vividly my mother’s high pitched yells at the discovery of a swastika drawn onto our icy front porch window. Unaware of the swastika’s degrading meaning, it wasn’t until later in my life when I truly realized the seriousness of this horrible symbol.

Just yesterday did a horrible occurrence of pure racism occur in a small town neighborhood of New Mexico. After completing their shifts at the local Mcdonald’s, three coworkers branded a swastika shaped coat hanger onto the arm of a local Navajo man. This 22 year old mentally disabled man was then forced to stay silent as the three men shaved a swastika into the back of his head while writing racist slurs such as “KKK” and ‘White Power” on the victim’s body.

Sadly for this town, this case has served as just one of many domestic hate crimes over the past year.

Fortunately, local leaders have gained focus on bettering the relationship between the Navajo community and the Whites. In addition, due to new laws instituted under the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, officials are able to more easily prosecute these men for their disgusting hate crime.

 Estimated to serve up to ten years in prison once convicted, these three men represent the malicious, disgusting ways of a person who still believes that one should be treated horribly simply due to the color of their skin.

 While reading this story, the common question of “what kind of person would do this?” constantly rang in my head. Not only were the men conducting a horrible hate crime, but the victim was only an innocent, helpless man. I honestly find it quite cynical that a man who can beat another down due to his race is the same man who regards himself as a higher person. Maybe it’s the guns they carry or the repulsive words they utter. But simply put, these white supremacists are one of the most sickening forms of a person I could ever encounter.

Spider-Man Meets Broadway

 

Recently, Broadway’s musical, “Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark,” has become an online hit as people have been intrigued at the idea of a masculine hero turned into a man in tights.

 Directed by Tony-winning Julie Taymor, with scores by The Edge and U2‘s singer Bono, this musical has become the most expensive show in the history of Broadway, reported to cost a total of $65 million.

On Sunday, actor Reeve Carney took center stage as “spidey” on Broadway as preview performances of “Spider Man: Turn off the Dark” began in New York’s Foxwoods Theater. Unfortunately, audiences were marred with long delays by numerous technical mishaps.

 “Overhead stage wires dropped on the audience, scenery appeared on stage missing pieces–and the show’s star was even left swaying helplessly over them midair during what was supposed to be the climatic end to the first act,” said Michael Riedel, a known New York Post columnist.

 Feeling more like “guinea pigs” than an audience, these public viewers did not share the same excitement as directors had anticipated.

 Although it may not have gotten off to a great start, “Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark” is expected to be better prepared, more equipped, and ready to perform on it’s scheduled opening, January 1st.

Scientists Claim Removal of Proteins Can Rid Brain of Bad Memories

 

Reminiscing over one’s most embarrasing, unliked memory has never proven to be fun. Recalling the first time you tripped in front of your  kindergarten crush to the first time your heart was broken, the painful memories are always something we hate to remember, but unfortunately, the things we remember most.

Recently, researchers at John Hopkins University have linked the removal of proteins from the brain’s fear center to the permanent removal of certain memories. Although some may simply wish to use this process so that their most unlikeable memories may never again be recounted, profesor and chair of neuroscience at John Hopkins University, Richard L. Huganir, believes that this mechanism could also be applied to people with certain disorders.

“This raises the possibility of manipulating those mechanisms with drugs to enhance behavioral therapy for such conditions as post-traumatic stress disorder” said Huganir.

Though before we are consumed with the idea that all our pains can magnificently just dissapear, critical doubts have been placed on Huganir’s theory by the executive director of the mental health support group NAMI Maryland, Karin Farinholt.

 “Erasing a memory and then everything bad built on that is an amazing idea, and I can see all sorts of potential,” said Farinholt in an interview with the Baltimore Sun. “But completely deleting a memory, assuming it’s one memory, is a little scary. How do you remove a memory without removing a whole part of someone’s life, and is it best to do that, considering that people grow and learn from their experiences.”

However, professor Richard Huganir claims that this process can also be used to treat addictions and may even substitute for a pain killer. As a result, debate continues as to whether bettering a condition is worth a seemingly bad case of dementia.

As the director of the Emory University’s, Paul Wolpe states “it’s a troublesome idea to begin to be able to manipulate that, even if for the best of motives.”

Awaiting The Good Old News

Its Tuesday, November 23, it’s 2 a.m, and I’m wide awake.

It’s funny how a simple little test can determine so much in one’s life. Yes, call me a complete control freak, but to me, a bad score on the SAT’s leads to exemption from good colleges which in turn leads to a unsuccesful career for the rest of my boring, old life.
Yes, i know. You have the absolute right to call me crazy, but raised in a society in which competitiveness for college admissions seems to be reaching its peak, my obsessiveness over this one little test seems quite commonplace in my mind.

2: 13 a.m. and I’m awake, clicking the refresh button on collegeboard.com over what seems to be about 100 times.

And then, just like in every other moment of great significance, I look back upon what has led me up to this. I know I must sound pathetic but, in all honesty, I have waited so long for the laborious hours of studying to actually pay off.  And I began to think of everything I have ever heard about the SAT.

Don’t get me wrong, I completely respect the opinions of those who believe that studying for the SAT is “bonkers,” but I must state that in today’s society in which not studying is a rarity, people must take into account their own abilities and determine whether their score is enough. Of course, to some colleges SAT’s are not even considered a necessity. But for school’s like Harvard, you better be prepared with a score no lower than 2000 to be even considered as a probable candidate. I know I must sound utterly bitter, but my hours of laborious studying have left me with only a callous view of the SAT.

2: 31 a.m and collegeboard.com, to my surprise, states the November SAT scores as “Now Available.” I hesitate for about a minute, contemplating whether I am ready for the results. Ok. Ready. 1, 2, 3…

And just like that, all seems well again.

So to any underclassmen worried about the dreaded SAT, all I can say is work the hardest you can at it, and I promise, no matter what you’re score, you will be happy.

*Not actual scores.

NYC Taxi Drivers To Add a Touch of Class to the “Big Apple”

 

For some strange reason, one of my overall fascinations about the so-called “Big Apple” of New York City has always been taxis. No, I am not saying that the bright yellow color and black streaks absorb me in some weird type of fascination, but rather, in my mind, a night on the town has always seemed incomplete without this shiny yellow car.

Though with most of my experiences consisting of an average dressed cabbie, I have never once thought of what they were wearing, in fact never even recognized it. And although the little small screen may prevent us from silently judging their clothes, I see it as quite a bit odd as most of Manhattan seems to be dominated by walking models from the latest Cosmo or Vogue magazines.

Though it seems like I may be one of a few carrying this opinion.

Since the establishment of the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission in 1971, a city issued manual has held strong to the idea that tube shirts, tank tops, and bathing trunks constitute inappropriate dress, worth a fine of 25 dollars.

Though with taxi drivers seemingly disregarding this rule as nothing more than an unnecessary referendum, New York City’s taxi regulators have issued a revision of the current dress code.

“Present a professional appearance” are deemed the first words of this fortunately un-lengthy modification. Rather than simply recognizing a revised dress code of “clean and professional,” this new regulation is also aimed at reinforcing the basic regulations regarding the standard behavior of New York City taxi drivers (ie. courtesy, manners).

“Proper dress is not something that we can enforce very easily,” said the chairman of New York City’s Taxi and Limousine Commission, David S. Yassky. “Nonetheless, we want to communicate to drivers that there is a standard of behavior, and that’s what the rule should get across.”

As a result there has been a mix of digression and positivity from taxi drivers towards this new regulation. While some classier dressed cabbies claim this to be a “positive step for the industry,” others state that their 12 hour work day requires them to be dressed in something a little less classy and a lot more comfortable.

Even so, city regulators have held strong in properly regulating the attire of New York City cabbies. The revision, defended by Mr. Yassky, is expected to gain approval at a public court hearing next month.

Confusion Over Military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Policy Arises

Since Bill Clinton’s presidency in 1993, the military has strictly enforced a rule referred to as the “Don’t ask, Don’t tell” policy aimed at eliminating both female and male homosexuals from serving in the military. This policy, which has brought much debate in the previous year, has recently been a topic of discussion among congress, undergoing changes that have ultimately confused the public.

“We are clearly in a legally uncertain environment,” said a senior Pentagon official regarding the policy changes.

While a recent attempt to overturn this policy ended in a hung jury, Defense Secretary Robert Gates has ordered that potential soldiers are no longer required to state their sexual orientation. In addition, just last Thursday Mr. Gates stated that no man should be banned from military service due to sexual orientation unless approved by the three top Pentagon civilian officials.

These requested changes will be either finalized or dismissed this coming Monday during a scheduled court hearing.

Although uncertainty imminently exists, the “Don’t ask, Don’t tell” policy is finally undergoing necessary changes, ridding the world of unjust discrimination and bias.

Cholera Outbreak Brings Yet More Damage to Haiti

Martila Joseph, a native of Haiti, found herself in tears on monday as she held her barely moving, cholera-stricken daughter in her shaking arms.

“I don’t know if she will survive,” said Martila.

Standing within the courtyard of St. Nicholas Hospital, Martila is just one of the scores of relatives who have brought their loved ones to be treated.

Left and right there are patients, hopelessly laying about the table surfaces, awaiting their next painful gorge into the bucket beside them.

A grim scene of Haiti’s unexpected cholera epidemic.

This horrible occurrence has governmental health officials providing more doctors and nurses at local hospitals as well as introducing cholera centers.

“Its virulent, and it can travel,” said Nigel Fisher, the United Nation’s humanitarian coordinator, regarding the cholera epidemic. “But at least here, we have been able, case by case, to somewhat stabilize the situation.”

In order to battle this outbreak, medical supplies as well as medical professionals have been sent from across the world to attend to the numerous Haiti residents infected with Cholera.

“Here is an example of a good operation,” said United Nations official Mr. Fisher. “They’ve seen 400 patients, and there have been 10 deaths.”

After several patients reported sickness when drinking water from the Artibonite River, doctors realized the cholera outbreak was most likely caused by local water contamination.

“We stopped doing that as soon as people started dying,” said the relative of a sickened patient.

As people are continually affected by this devastating disease, the hundreds of doctors, nurses, and cholera centers established in Haiti have given residents a firm hope that many will be saved.

As Martila sat, her limp daughter barely moving in her arms, a nearby stranger brought her comfort.

Regarding Martila Joseph’s situation, another patient’s loved one brought her unexpected comfort.

“You made it to the hospital,” said a patient’s wife. “That means you have saved her.”

Not Just For Practice

On Sunday, October 10th, myself and OVS English teacher Brad Weidlich attended a tennis marathon at the local courts of Ojai’s beautiful Libbey Park. Playing 56 games in a matter of 4 hours deemed to be just as strenuous as it seems, but gave me an absolutely amazing Sunday morning. Competing with other players within my age range and skill level, I was able to enhance my tennis skills as well as make friendships in the process.

But these tennis matches were not just for practice.

OVYF, the Ojai Valley Youth Foundation, is a program designed to enhance the lives of Ojai Valley youths through recreational activities, mentor programs, and leadership events.

Every year, the OVYF holds a tennis marathon in which both adults and children gather to compete in over 5o games of doubles, no ad scoring tennis.

But these games aren’t the only thing that makes this day special.

Before playing tennis on that warm sunday afternoon, each youth player was required to raise a minimum amount of 150 dollars while the adults took on the even bigger challenge of raising a minimum of 350 dollars. With the help of relatives, friends, and the Ojai Valley School, Mr. Brad Weidlich and myself were able to raise a total amount of 650 dollars that directly benefit the youth of Ojai.

Mr. Brad Weidlich, a wonderful English teacher with a genuine desire to help the local Ojai community, inspired me to go out and make a difference. And just like that, we did.