What's one thing in school that students take much more seriously than necessary?
School elections.
The only reason I voted was because a close friend of mine was running for a position. Said friend is not one of those ASB students who are so cult-ishly involved and I support that. Other students, however, fawn for the Lazz's favor and the favor of peers. It's a popularity contest. Members honestly do not like each other but are encouraged to emulate an amicable relationship, as confirmed by several members themselves. One candidate for an ASB position spent around $100 on donuts and distributed them among peers in return for a "guaranteed vote." A guaranteed vote? I am utterly speechless at this child's utterly stupid act. I cannot be alone when I say that I would grab a donut and still vote for my friend who is running against him or not vote at all. That is what all the students do, vote for their friends. Handing out candy or other idiotic acts of fawning has little effect. There is $100 wasted that could have been to contribute to my prom fund.
Think about the long term effects. Does anyone care that someone was "ASB President" in the office? No, so shut up and stop losing respect.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Walmart Denies Employees' Basic Human Rights
http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2007/04/30/us-wal-mart-denies-workers-basic-rights
There are millions of Wal-Mart workers and neither of them--not a single worker at Wal-Mart-- is represented by a union. This phenomenon has been found to derive from the corporation's anti-union tactics. Managers are required to report the start of any organization among workers to headquarters which, in response, prompts a meeting that workers are urged to attend. In these meetings, Wal-Mart lectures the dire consequences of forming unions and broadcasts videos dramatizing these consequences. Workers are BRAINWASHED against unions. To further this anti-union tactic, managers create fear of being fired for workers about to organize. Wal-Mart has a history of firing workers illegally for this reason. Surveillance cameras have also been repositioned to eavesdrop and snoop in on workers. Low prices at the expense of human rights. Support the EFCA.
There are millions of Wal-Mart workers and neither of them--not a single worker at Wal-Mart-- is represented by a union. This phenomenon has been found to derive from the corporation's anti-union tactics. Managers are required to report the start of any organization among workers to headquarters which, in response, prompts a meeting that workers are urged to attend. In these meetings, Wal-Mart lectures the dire consequences of forming unions and broadcasts videos dramatizing these consequences. Workers are BRAINWASHED against unions. To further this anti-union tactic, managers create fear of being fired for workers about to organize. Wal-Mart has a history of firing workers illegally for this reason. Surveillance cameras have also been repositioned to eavesdrop and snoop in on workers. Low prices at the expense of human rights. Support the EFCA.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Japan's Death Toll Reaches 10,000
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110325/ap_on_bi_ge/as_japan_earthquake
With attacks from tsunamis, floods, earthquakes, and even a nuclear fallout, Japan's suffering never seems to end. Over half a million households have been wrecked and the death toll just reached ten thousand. The damages exceed three hundred billion. This opens eyes to the things we take for granted.
With attacks from tsunamis, floods, earthquakes, and even a nuclear fallout, Japan's suffering never seems to end. Over half a million households have been wrecked and the death toll just reached ten thousand. The damages exceed three hundred billion. This opens eyes to the things we take for granted.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Education Discussion Reflection
There seemed to be a consensus that there is a problem with the education system and only slight differences on how to tackle this issue. Although everyone seemed to be somewhat in accord with merit-pay, no one offered to explain why, other than it would create competition. I was disappointed that there were no arguments against merit-pay however. The number one issue with education today is the lack of motivation. Students are so occupied with other activities such as sports and music that they devalue education. Other reasons education is not as appreciated is because of the mainstream ideal that "school sucks." Success in this nation is now available by acting stupid and being trashy, manifested in the success of the stars of the popular show Jersey Shore. Because of this, students believe that they do not need school anymore and redirect their attention to partying and appearance. The class was able to agree that parent involvement is a key factor in integrating motivation in children and also that the student himself or herself should also be willing to accept the value of education. America's culture of education is in decline because of these problems in society.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Just because I'm going to see them tonight in a few minutes with my Irish best friend. Kiss me, my band mate is Irish!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
"Scott Walker is a Koch Head"
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20110223/GPG0101/110223190/0/GPG0706/Billionaire-Koch-brothers-criticized-involvement-budget-bill?odyssey=nav|head
Bivins, Larry. "Billionaire Koch brothers criticized for involvement in Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker's budget bill." Green Bay Press Gazette. Gannett. Web.
The way I see it, to reward one of his top conservative funding corporations, Governor Scott Walker is stripping not only Koch Industries' employees, but all of Wisconsin's employees' rights to organize. Without granting collective bargaining rights, those higher on the corporate ladder can set unfair wages and other unjust conditions for the working middle class without any resistance. I thought America was against Fascism...hmm.
Bivins, Larry. "Billionaire Koch brothers criticized for involvement in Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker's budget bill." Green Bay Press Gazette. Gannett. Web.
The way I see it, to reward one of his top conservative funding corporations, Governor Scott Walker is stripping not only Koch Industries' employees, but all of Wisconsin's employees' rights to organize. Without granting collective bargaining rights, those higher on the corporate ladder can set unfair wages and other unjust conditions for the working middle class without any resistance. I thought America was against Fascism...hmm.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Punishment: Exposing War Crimes > Committing War Crimes
http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/opinion/2011/03/201139154141620744.html
Benjamin, Media. "War crimes good, exposing them bad." Al Jazeera. Web.
A military officer, Bradley Manning, stationed in Kuwait was outraged at what he saw: his own fellow U.S officials secretly committing immoral acts from child rape to unauthorized bombings. After deciding to leak this information, the government was punished Manning rather than those committing war crimes. "None of the soldiers who carried out that war crime have been punished, nor have any of the high-ranking officials authorised it." "The Obama administration has decided to make Manning's pre-trial existence as torturous as possible." Considering the punishment he is receiving, he might as well have murdered the war criminals. This is why people do not trust the American government. Anarchy!
Benjamin, Media. "War crimes good, exposing them bad." Al Jazeera. Web.
A military officer, Bradley Manning, stationed in Kuwait was outraged at what he saw: his own fellow U.S officials secretly committing immoral acts from child rape to unauthorized bombings. After deciding to leak this information, the government was punished Manning rather than those committing war crimes. "None of the soldiers who carried out that war crime have been punished, nor have any of the high-ranking officials authorised it." "The Obama administration has decided to make Manning's pre-trial existence as torturous as possible." Considering the punishment he is receiving, he might as well have murdered the war criminals. This is why people do not trust the American government. Anarchy!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Michael Scott Leaves Dunder Mifflin
http://www.torontosun.com/entertainment/celebrities/2011/03/08/17541841-wenn-story.html
Actor Steve Carell filmed his last few scenes for the greatest television show The Office. Will Ferrell will be leading the show after. Granted, Ferrell is funny, but it will not be the same without Carell. Forever in our hearts, Michael Scott. We will miss you.
Actor Steve Carell filmed his last few scenes for the greatest television show The Office. Will Ferrell will be leading the show after. Granted, Ferrell is funny, but it will not be the same without Carell. Forever in our hearts, Michael Scott. We will miss you.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Most Typical Face Revealed
http://cosmiclog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/03/04/6190136-typical-face-is-chinese-for-now
The global population of humans is expected to hit seven billion this year and to acknowledge this, National Geographic generated an visual of the most typical face using an imaging software. The most typical face is a Chinese man. Being a Chinese man, I honestly do not know how I feel about this...
The global population of humans is expected to hit seven billion this year and to acknowledge this, National Geographic generated an visual of the most typical face using an imaging software. The most typical face is a Chinese man. Being a Chinese man, I honestly do not know how I feel about this...
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Wisconsin Attempts Ban on Prank Calls
http://newsfeed.time.com/2011/03/02/wisconsin-reps-attempt-to-make-prank-calls-illegal-%E2%80%94-really/
In light of the prank call made to Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, in which Walker revealed too much, it is understandable why Walker may be embarrassed. However, Wisconsin officials may have taken excessive measures when trying to save face by drafting a bill that would make prank calls illegal. The consequence for prank calling is a $1,000 to $10,000 fine. Officials have also made it clear that this bill is not related to the prank call Walker received. Sure...
In light of the prank call made to Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, in which Walker revealed too much, it is understandable why Walker may be embarrassed. However, Wisconsin officials may have taken excessive measures when trying to save face by drafting a bill that would make prank calls illegal. The consequence for prank calling is a $1,000 to $10,000 fine. Officials have also made it clear that this bill is not related to the prank call Walker received. Sure...
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
IBM's Watson, Progression in Technology's Evolution
http://www.informationweek.com/news/hardware/supercomputers/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=229219358&cid=RSSfeed_IWK_All
IBM engineered a supercomputer database named Watson. What separates Watson from other databases is its senses. It can process information, extrapolate this information, and speak information. Although it has some flaws in the system, Watson can significantly alter society as does other technological databases. People may become too dependent on such devices and gradually neglect their own biological database. For an example, Sparknotes has condoned procrastination. As long as our own minds are prioritized correctly, supercomputers such as Watson may be able to coexist with a sophisticated society. Don't be a fool, stay in school!
IBM engineered a supercomputer database named Watson. What separates Watson from other databases is its senses. It can process information, extrapolate this information, and speak information. Although it has some flaws in the system, Watson can significantly alter society as does other technological databases. People may become too dependent on such devices and gradually neglect their own biological database. For an example, Sparknotes has condoned procrastination. As long as our own minds are prioritized correctly, supercomputers such as Watson may be able to coexist with a sophisticated society. Don't be a fool, stay in school!
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