Some may say he is omnipresent, or so it seems. Every morning when students enter the school campus he is present, rain or shine. During every lunch hour students see him as he interacts with other pupils. And everyone swears they see him ALL the time as he roams about in the halls. This is the life of our new secondary principal, Mr. Michael Lee.
Mr. Lee is the eighth in a long line of secondary principals since the school was established. Yet, none of the previous principals has interacted with the students to the extent he has. Nonetheless, Mr. Lee believes that interaction is vital to the secondary principal position. He believes that when students go to see him they “should not feel intimidated by him because he is sitting behind a desk.” Sometimes he does not even have a destination as he walks throughout the school building; he just decides to walk around the halls so that students feel familiar and comfortable in his presence. Since one of the best times to interact with students is during the lunch hour, he believes that he should regularly be downstairs amongst the students. “If I am not down there, I better have a very good excuse,” he said. We can clearly see that “principal” is not merely a title he wants to carry; rather it is a job full of responsibility which he is determined to do well.
Mr. L. hopes that through interacting with the students they will feel comfortable in voicing concerns, ideas and thoughts they may have, related to the school. He also wants to “give the students greater ownership of the school” by establishing a strong student council where they can express their views concerning the school.
One of the biggest questions facing both the students and the staff is the development of the school. We all dream of having an indoor gym and a nice big soccer field. When asked how he hopes to advance the school’s he replied, “I am trusting the board to make these decisions.” When asked what he thought about open campus, his reply was that “great caution” needs to be taken regarding this because the school is responsible for students at all times. As this is his first year at IGA, Mr. Lee would like to observe carefully before making any drastic changes, although he does have some visions for IGA’s future.
Mr. Lee jokes that he came on a two-year contract “with an unbelievably high salary.” The advancement he hopes to see in these two years is “greater dynamics” in the school body. He also wants us to become more emotionally and spiritually aware of those around us, such as our fellow classmates, our teachers and the Turks. The dedication he sees in the staff is something he greatly appreciates and hopes this dedication will continue to grow.
Mr. Lee concluded this interview by revealing his life motto: “Inspired by One, he inspired many.” There is no doubt Mr. Lee has lived up to this maxim. In these past months Mr. Lee has made a great effort to be involved in the school, particularly with the student body, inspiring both students and staff alike.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Advancements in the Sports Department over the years
Steve L. started to get involved in the school’s sports department a long time back. His interest in sports and working with kids caused him to start teaching P.E to the elementary grades in our school. Since then he has taught numerous grades, from K-12 in our school. It was not until the last two years that he has been able to devote more time to the sports department, enabling him to offer his services as the athletic director of I--.
Over the years, he has seen firsthand how far this school has advanced in the sports department. He said, “The biggest change was when we became official, enabling us to have official sport teams.” As the population of the school has increased, the ability to offer more sport options has increased as well. When I—added grade 12, a high school team could finally be formed, thus enabling students to participate in a wider variety of sports other than attending P.E classes only.
Steve L. holds the belief that sports are an important part of a students’ education: Not only does sports teach teamwork, self-discipline and “winning and losing with grace,” but it also follows God’s command to “take care of ourselves which includes our bodies.” When asked what he hopes can be accomplished in the future he said, “To have our own fields. Then we can hold tournaments. Renting fields uses a lot of money.” Despite the fact the school’s sports department is advancing very slowly, Mr. L. is greatly appreciates the support of his company and the admin team especially.
“The admin team is wonderful,” he commented. “They support [the kids playing sports] and do not hold them back.” He really enjoys working, teaching and coaching the students in I--. “I like being around the kids, seeing them grow up: they have personality.”
Over the years, he has seen firsthand how far this school has advanced in the sports department. He said, “The biggest change was when we became official, enabling us to have official sport teams.” As the population of the school has increased, the ability to offer more sport options has increased as well. When I—added grade 12, a high school team could finally be formed, thus enabling students to participate in a wider variety of sports other than attending P.E classes only.
Steve L. holds the belief that sports are an important part of a students’ education: Not only does sports teach teamwork, self-discipline and “winning and losing with grace,” but it also follows God’s command to “take care of ourselves which includes our bodies.” When asked what he hopes can be accomplished in the future he said, “To have our own fields. Then we can hold tournaments. Renting fields uses a lot of money.” Despite the fact the school’s sports department is advancing very slowly, Mr. L. is greatly appreciates the support of his company and the admin team especially.
“The admin team is wonderful,” he commented. “They support [the kids playing sports] and do not hold them back.” He really enjoys working, teaching and coaching the students in I--. “I like being around the kids, seeing them grow up: they have personality.”
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Agony Aunt
Dear Aunt Tim Yan,
I have many close friends in my school. We all have unlocked lockers in our PE locker room. My friends feel quite comfortable to take things from my locker—my school uniform shirt, my coat, my deodorant—and use them. I don’t mind, but I wish they would put the things back where they found them. I have received two discipline slips because I cannot find my uniform shirt. What can I do to get them to respect my property and my need for “boundaries?”
–Frustrated in Ferikoy
Dear Frustrated,
It sounds like you are in a very aggravating situation. A lack of respect seems to be going around amongst your friends, and you are being punished for the irresponsibility their actions. My advice would be to tell your friends how you feel regarding the borrowing of clothes and such. Be honest with them and give them “boundaries”. You might even try putting a note on your locker just to remind them, for it seems like it has become a habit for your friends to just leave your personal items lying around. If this does ot work try talking to some teachers about it and get them to make some rules regarding this issue.
Dear Aunt Tim Yan,
I recently moved to Turkey. I feel isolated because there are few American families here, and I do not speak Turkish. I home-school my kids, so we don’t have many opportunities to meet other foreigners. It has been five months, and I still can't get over the culture shock. I spend my days cooped up with my kids, unable to do the simplest things. I can't seem to live up to my husband's expectations, and he has become quite critical. This is hurting our marriage. Please help me before I go crazy.
— Agonizing in Ankara
Dear Agonized,
It sounds like you are carrying a large burden. You feel very isolated and secluded from the society you know and incapable of accomplishing anything. To add onto that your husband has not been encouraging you. You might want to send your children to an international school so you can get to know more American families and learn and be encouraged by them. I would also advise you to consider going to language school and also try to associate with your Turkish neighbors, this way your language skills will grow and you will be able to accomplish tasks more effectively. Also talk with your husband. Be open with him and share your struggles with him. As husband and wife you need to stick together and help one another. If your marriage continues to deteriorate then you should go see a marriage counselor.
Dear Aunt Tim Yan,
My husband and I are raising four beautiful children. Our oldest daughter, age 15, has admitted to us that she has been drinking alcohol at parties on weekends. She says she never gets drunk but always has one drink because "everyone else is doing it" and she doesn't want to look "weird."
My husband and I never drink. Alcohol is not served in our home. Our daughter is an honor student and never has caused us any trouble. She says we should appreciate her honesty and not be angry with her. How should we handle this?
— Beside Ourselves in Bebek
Dear Beside Ourselves,
Your situation is a challenging one. Raising a teenager has always been difficult requiring patience and great wisdom. Your daughter is definitely going through peer pressure and is struggling to feel accepted. However what she is doing is against your beliefs and is not actually legal. It is damaging to her health and can possibly affect negatively in her future. You need to deal with this situation calmly and understandingly. You really should appreciate her honesty and tell her so, but some measures must be taken to discourage her from drinking. It would help if you educated her on this subject and showed her how detrimental drinking can be to her health. Do not aggravate her, just show her how much you care.
I have many close friends in my school. We all have unlocked lockers in our PE locker room. My friends feel quite comfortable to take things from my locker—my school uniform shirt, my coat, my deodorant—and use them. I don’t mind, but I wish they would put the things back where they found them. I have received two discipline slips because I cannot find my uniform shirt. What can I do to get them to respect my property and my need for “boundaries?”
–Frustrated in Ferikoy
Dear Frustrated,
It sounds like you are in a very aggravating situation. A lack of respect seems to be going around amongst your friends, and you are being punished for the irresponsibility their actions. My advice would be to tell your friends how you feel regarding the borrowing of clothes and such. Be honest with them and give them “boundaries”. You might even try putting a note on your locker just to remind them, for it seems like it has become a habit for your friends to just leave your personal items lying around. If this does ot work try talking to some teachers about it and get them to make some rules regarding this issue.
Dear Aunt Tim Yan,
I recently moved to Turkey. I feel isolated because there are few American families here, and I do not speak Turkish. I home-school my kids, so we don’t have many opportunities to meet other foreigners. It has been five months, and I still can't get over the culture shock. I spend my days cooped up with my kids, unable to do the simplest things. I can't seem to live up to my husband's expectations, and he has become quite critical. This is hurting our marriage. Please help me before I go crazy.
— Agonizing in Ankara
Dear Agonized,
It sounds like you are carrying a large burden. You feel very isolated and secluded from the society you know and incapable of accomplishing anything. To add onto that your husband has not been encouraging you. You might want to send your children to an international school so you can get to know more American families and learn and be encouraged by them. I would also advise you to consider going to language school and also try to associate with your Turkish neighbors, this way your language skills will grow and you will be able to accomplish tasks more effectively. Also talk with your husband. Be open with him and share your struggles with him. As husband and wife you need to stick together and help one another. If your marriage continues to deteriorate then you should go see a marriage counselor.
Dear Aunt Tim Yan,
My husband and I are raising four beautiful children. Our oldest daughter, age 15, has admitted to us that she has been drinking alcohol at parties on weekends. She says she never gets drunk but always has one drink because "everyone else is doing it" and she doesn't want to look "weird."
My husband and I never drink. Alcohol is not served in our home. Our daughter is an honor student and never has caused us any trouble. She says we should appreciate her honesty and not be angry with her. How should we handle this?
— Beside Ourselves in Bebek
Dear Beside Ourselves,
Your situation is a challenging one. Raising a teenager has always been difficult requiring patience and great wisdom. Your daughter is definitely going through peer pressure and is struggling to feel accepted. However what she is doing is against your beliefs and is not actually legal. It is damaging to her health and can possibly affect negatively in her future. You need to deal with this situation calmly and understandingly. You really should appreciate her honesty and tell her so, but some measures must be taken to discourage her from drinking. It would help if you educated her on this subject and showed her how detrimental drinking can be to her health. Do not aggravate her, just show her how much you care.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
A utopian novel
A structured society, a culture where secrets cannot be harbored, a civilization where perfectionism counts, where sameness is pursued, where choices are limited, this is a utopia. This world takes place in the futuristic setting in Lois Lowry’s enchanting novel: “The Giver”. This fantasy explores the importance of individuality and the value of experiencing both pain and pleasure.
"The Giver” is a story of an eleven year old boy, named Jonas who lives in this utopian society. As he enters the twelfth year of his life he is assigned the job as the Receiver of Memories, a very rare and respected job within the community. The Receiver of Memories holds all memories of the past so the people do not need to experience pain, suffering, and other feelings. The occupation involves the former Receiver of Memory, The Giver, to transfer memories to Jonas. This gives him a new awareness of his community; he finds that the utopia he lives in is actually a dystopia. As a result it leads to an internal conflict within him as he struggles to accept the rules and customs which have been implanted in his world. He finds the inability to share his newfound knowledge with his community very frustrating. As the novel progresses he tries to the best of his ability to present his realizations to those around him.
"The Giver” is a very interesting and memorable story. It has a very unique storyline which investigates society and its downfall. Lowry published this book in 1993 in the height of political controversy over ethical and social family issues and discrimination versus identicalness. The expression of such controversial yet very important ideas caused many to react in outrage and ban this novel. Parents did not want their children to be exposed to such realistic issues, reflecting the protective streak in the dystopian community. Lowry has woven a story revealing the downside of our society; she has also emphasized the importance of individuality, memories, and the relationship between pain and pleasure. These themes which Lowry highlights to readers are ones which all can learn from.
Lowry’s novel “The Giver” is definitely a book no one should miss out on reading. This is a book classified as science fiction and a fantasy but those who are interested in society will also enjoy this story. Despite the fact that this novel has been censored, it is a work of art in the literary world which is interesting and a novel which all can learn from.
"The Giver” is a story of an eleven year old boy, named Jonas who lives in this utopian society. As he enters the twelfth year of his life he is assigned the job as the Receiver of Memories, a very rare and respected job within the community. The Receiver of Memories holds all memories of the past so the people do not need to experience pain, suffering, and other feelings. The occupation involves the former Receiver of Memory, The Giver, to transfer memories to Jonas. This gives him a new awareness of his community; he finds that the utopia he lives in is actually a dystopia. As a result it leads to an internal conflict within him as he struggles to accept the rules and customs which have been implanted in his world. He finds the inability to share his newfound knowledge with his community very frustrating. As the novel progresses he tries to the best of his ability to present his realizations to those around him.
"The Giver” is a very interesting and memorable story. It has a very unique storyline which investigates society and its downfall. Lowry published this book in 1993 in the height of political controversy over ethical and social family issues and discrimination versus identicalness. The expression of such controversial yet very important ideas caused many to react in outrage and ban this novel. Parents did not want their children to be exposed to such realistic issues, reflecting the protective streak in the dystopian community. Lowry has woven a story revealing the downside of our society; she has also emphasized the importance of individuality, memories, and the relationship between pain and pleasure. These themes which Lowry highlights to readers are ones which all can learn from.
Lowry’s novel “The Giver” is definitely a book no one should miss out on reading. This is a book classified as science fiction and a fantasy but those who are interested in society will also enjoy this story. Despite the fact that this novel has been censored, it is a work of art in the literary world which is interesting and a novel which all can learn from.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Fantastic Facts From Facebook Feedback Form
81% of the people we surveyed at the school have a facebook account. This global phenomenon is addicting and time consuming yet continuously growing. Facebook is greatly used around our school despite the numerous disadvantages. From the data we gathered we saw some very interesting trends.
From the data collected from the survey, a correlation was seen with age and the usage of facebook. Everyone surveyed in tenth grade had a facebook account. The people who spent the most time of facebook were 8th-10th graders. This may be due to the fact that those in the higher grades are starting to have to make school more of a priority. Some teachers seem to think so. 1/3 of the teachers surveyed did not have facebook. One staff member even wrote “NEVER” on their survey. The fact that the middle age group spends so much time on facebook may also be due to the fact that this age group uses it for both the social network and other functions on facebook such as games. It also seems as though the main reason people use this social network is for the one on one chatting and convenient conversation. When asked what one would use if facebook did not exist the majority choose texting /chatting/MSN. Overall the features most used in facebook were to write on peoples’ wall and to look at and post photos. This seems to show that the main reason people got facebook is to keep in touch with others. Under the list of advantages, contacting people whom you lost touch with and keeping connecting with people came up the most. The reason why such a large number of people from our school have a facebook account may be due to the fact all of us lives overseas and have the need to keep in touch with others.
Overall one would think that facebook is a very advantageous phenomenon, but from the data we collected, the list of advantages only outweighed the list of disadvantages by five. One of the greatest disadvantages of facebook is the time consuming aspect of it. Many feel addicted to it and feel that facebook is a distraction. It consumes a lot of their time, especially when the computer freezes. One comment was "I believe kids can do better in school and sleep earlier if there's no Facebook!" This poses the question if grades will actually go up if facebook did not exist. It is also very possible kids will find a substitute for facebook. One of the advantages people listed the most was the fact that it provided a convenient way of communication, keeping in touch with those overseas for free and see what everyone is up to.
This world-wide phenomenon has so many disadvantages and advantages. Does one outweigh the other? Which should be the priority, socializing with those around us or school?
From the data collected from the survey, a correlation was seen with age and the usage of facebook. Everyone surveyed in tenth grade had a facebook account. The people who spent the most time of facebook were 8th-10th graders. This may be due to the fact that those in the higher grades are starting to have to make school more of a priority. Some teachers seem to think so. 1/3 of the teachers surveyed did not have facebook. One staff member even wrote “NEVER” on their survey. The fact that the middle age group spends so much time on facebook may also be due to the fact that this age group uses it for both the social network and other functions on facebook such as games. It also seems as though the main reason people use this social network is for the one on one chatting and convenient conversation. When asked what one would use if facebook did not exist the majority choose texting /chatting/MSN. Overall the features most used in facebook were to write on peoples’ wall and to look at and post photos. This seems to show that the main reason people got facebook is to keep in touch with others. Under the list of advantages, contacting people whom you lost touch with and keeping connecting with people came up the most. The reason why such a large number of people from our school have a facebook account may be due to the fact all of us lives overseas and have the need to keep in touch with others.
Overall one would think that facebook is a very advantageous phenomenon, but from the data we collected, the list of advantages only outweighed the list of disadvantages by five. One of the greatest disadvantages of facebook is the time consuming aspect of it. Many feel addicted to it and feel that facebook is a distraction. It consumes a lot of their time, especially when the computer freezes. One comment was "I believe kids can do better in school and sleep earlier if there's no Facebook!" This poses the question if grades will actually go up if facebook did not exist. It is also very possible kids will find a substitute for facebook. One of the advantages people listed the most was the fact that it provided a convenient way of communication, keeping in touch with those overseas for free and see what everyone is up to.
This world-wide phenomenon has so many disadvantages and advantages. Does one outweigh the other? Which should be the priority, socializing with those around us or school?
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Facebook is a network which is used by everyone around the world. Some love it and some hate it, but most people hold mixed feelings. Like everything, facebook also has its advantages and disadvantages.
The positive side of using facebook is the fact that one can keep in touch with friends who live somewhere else, this is especially useful for those who live overseas and have friends from all over the world. This free network enables you to know what is going on in their lives in a very general way.
Some people may dislike how non personal facebook can get. They feel as the “friends” they have on facebook do not actually care enough to personally write to them. Some may argue that this is now the culture of the world where everything is quick and short. A short status or comment can fully explain something. Is facebook encouraging this culture which some have come to detest?
Facebook has also been seen in a bad light over the years. One of the greatest disadvantages people find in using facebook is that they face the risk of exposing their personal details to others. Experts who support facebook argue that there are numerous privacy settings. Some dislike the exposure they face to things they do not necessarily want to know or see. But the greatest argument is the addictiveness of using facebook. Many realize that using facebook is a great waste of time, but they feel that they cannot stop due to their addiction.
Facebook is a great network which has served to keep many people in touch and it has also served to provide a large range of information. But this great amount of information has also caused many to waste their time in front of a computer.
The positive side of using facebook is the fact that one can keep in touch with friends who live somewhere else, this is especially useful for those who live overseas and have friends from all over the world. This free network enables you to know what is going on in their lives in a very general way.
Some people may dislike how non personal facebook can get. They feel as the “friends” they have on facebook do not actually care enough to personally write to them. Some may argue that this is now the culture of the world where everything is quick and short. A short status or comment can fully explain something. Is facebook encouraging this culture which some have come to detest?
Facebook has also been seen in a bad light over the years. One of the greatest disadvantages people find in using facebook is that they face the risk of exposing their personal details to others. Experts who support facebook argue that there are numerous privacy settings. Some dislike the exposure they face to things they do not necessarily want to know or see. But the greatest argument is the addictiveness of using facebook. Many realize that using facebook is a great waste of time, but they feel that they cannot stop due to their addiction.
Facebook is a great network which has served to keep many people in touch and it has also served to provide a large range of information. But this great amount of information has also caused many to waste their time in front of a computer.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Lucky Save
Two boys nearly drowned by the pier yesterday, before they were rescued by a passer-by.
A group of young boys were fishing by the pier when, a great wave swept over them. “Tony lost his balance and just got dragged into the sea.” said Tony Slater’s friend who tried to rescue him. Alan Boyd then recounted what he did.
“I didn’t think; I just jumped in to try to help him.” Unfortunately the current was very strong, and pulled the fifteen year old boys under the water. The boys were good swimmers but could not compete with the strong wave.
What was meant to be a rescue, turned out to be an additional accident. “When Alan jumped in, he grabbed hold of me, but I could soon tell he was in trouble too.” commented Slater.
Thankfully, another lad, Mark Stebbings, saved the two boys. He was just passing by when he saw the two lads in trouble. As a trained lifeguard working at the local swimming pool, his instincts kicked in and he "didn’t think twice” about saving them.
"It was just sheer chance that I happened to be there at the time I don’t normally go to the beach at this time of the year,” said Stebbings. The two young boys are indeed very grateful that their lives were saved, even if it was “chance”. "I owe him my life,” said Slater
This accident attracted great attention. There were many eyewitnesses, who recalled the situation as "frightening." Joy Revel added, “My boyfriend ran to phone for help.” Shortly after the call arrived, the ambulance and police arrived on the scene. The boys were taken to the St Margaret Hospital to be treated for injuries.
“We do not suspect any foul play” commented the officer, after questioning a few eye-witnesses. However some are still worried about the safety of the pier. Mrs. Slater insists, “It’s time the council did something about the pier. It is not safe for fishing. There should be a sign to tell people it is dangerous” The police are now investigating whether the pier is actually a safe place to fish.
A group of young boys were fishing by the pier when, a great wave swept over them. “Tony lost his balance and just got dragged into the sea.” said Tony Slater’s friend who tried to rescue him. Alan Boyd then recounted what he did.
“I didn’t think; I just jumped in to try to help him.” Unfortunately the current was very strong, and pulled the fifteen year old boys under the water. The boys were good swimmers but could not compete with the strong wave.
What was meant to be a rescue, turned out to be an additional accident. “When Alan jumped in, he grabbed hold of me, but I could soon tell he was in trouble too.” commented Slater.
Thankfully, another lad, Mark Stebbings, saved the two boys. He was just passing by when he saw the two lads in trouble. As a trained lifeguard working at the local swimming pool, his instincts kicked in and he "didn’t think twice” about saving them.
"It was just sheer chance that I happened to be there at the time I don’t normally go to the beach at this time of the year,” said Stebbings. The two young boys are indeed very grateful that their lives were saved, even if it was “chance”. "I owe him my life,” said Slater
This accident attracted great attention. There were many eyewitnesses, who recalled the situation as "frightening." Joy Revel added, “My boyfriend ran to phone for help.” Shortly after the call arrived, the ambulance and police arrived on the scene. The boys were taken to the St Margaret Hospital to be treated for injuries.
“We do not suspect any foul play” commented the officer, after questioning a few eye-witnesses. However some are still worried about the safety of the pier. Mrs. Slater insists, “It’s time the council did something about the pier. It is not safe for fishing. There should be a sign to tell people it is dangerous” The police are now investigating whether the pier is actually a safe place to fish.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
SAT 3
The sweets in the candy jar sitting on the shelf looked very inviting. Reaching out he took one piece from the jar. Meanwhile a small voice inside him urged him to put the piece of candy down. He ignored it. He saw that no one was looking, and ran for the door and out the shop. As he ran the voice seemed to grow louder and more accusing, his feeling of guilt increased.
Our conscience is a very powerful thing. It is shocking how much the small inner voice inside of us can create such a great impact upon ourselves. Nonetheless, I do not believe the conscience is a more powerful motivator than money fame or power.
When one looks around the world today, hunger, hopelessness, poverty and pain are constantly seen. All these things result from corruption and selfishness concerning money or power. Yet throughout this, our conscience always tells us what to do, what is right, what is pleasing to God and beneficial to others.
Fame is yet another huge motivator, much more powerful than our conscience. Many people would much rather be famous even if it means living an immoral lifestyle.
Our conscience, the soft voice which leads us to do what is right, is often not heeded, due to our worldly, selfish desires.
Even on a personal level. Not just looking at world leaders and famous stars. I realize the conscience plays a large part in our lives and motivates us to a particular choice as we make decisions. Unfortunately, very often we push this inner voice away, making it quieter and quieter, so quiet one can ignore it without feeling uneasy.
Fame, money and power are definitely more influential in the choices we make, than our conscience. Worldly pleasures seem so much more desirable at the time, than going without it even at the cost of feeling guilty.
Our conscience is a very powerful thing. It is shocking how much the small inner voice inside of us can create such a great impact upon ourselves. Nonetheless, I do not believe the conscience is a more powerful motivator than money fame or power.
When one looks around the world today, hunger, hopelessness, poverty and pain are constantly seen. All these things result from corruption and selfishness concerning money or power. Yet throughout this, our conscience always tells us what to do, what is right, what is pleasing to God and beneficial to others.
Fame is yet another huge motivator, much more powerful than our conscience. Many people would much rather be famous even if it means living an immoral lifestyle.
Our conscience, the soft voice which leads us to do what is right, is often not heeded, due to our worldly, selfish desires.
Even on a personal level. Not just looking at world leaders and famous stars. I realize the conscience plays a large part in our lives and motivates us to a particular choice as we make decisions. Unfortunately, very often we push this inner voice away, making it quieter and quieter, so quiet one can ignore it without feeling uneasy.
Fame, money and power are definitely more influential in the choices we make, than our conscience. Worldly pleasures seem so much more desirable at the time, than going without it even at the cost of feeling guilty.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Murphy's Law ruins holiday
When we go on trips for a holiday, we want everything to go smoothly. But as Murphy's Law states, "If anything can go wrong, it will, at the worst possible moment."
On one particular trip around Turkey I was able to prove Murphy’s Law. One misfortune led to another just like a domino effect.
That morning we were heading to another city. We rented a van which was a year old, but beat up and in very poor condition. After driving for several miles, the van completely broke down. We had to get someone to tow it away to get it examined and contact the renting agency. Being foreigners in a small city made the situation rather difficult. In order to continue our trip in that city we hired a taxi, adding greatly to our cost.
Without a car we had to stay in town for the night. My family went to a nearby grocery store to get some supplies. When they realized we were Chinese, the shopkeepers’ response was far from friendly, due to the recent conflict which occurred. As a result we started concealing our nationality.
This terrible experience, involving insults being hurled at us, and unexpected high costs definitely prove, Murphy’s Law.
On one particular trip around Turkey I was able to prove Murphy’s Law. One misfortune led to another just like a domino effect.
That morning we were heading to another city. We rented a van which was a year old, but beat up and in very poor condition. After driving for several miles, the van completely broke down. We had to get someone to tow it away to get it examined and contact the renting agency. Being foreigners in a small city made the situation rather difficult. In order to continue our trip in that city we hired a taxi, adding greatly to our cost.
Without a car we had to stay in town for the night. My family went to a nearby grocery store to get some supplies. When they realized we were Chinese, the shopkeepers’ response was far from friendly, due to the recent conflict which occurred. As a result we started concealing our nationality.
This terrible experience, involving insults being hurled at us, and unexpected high costs definitely prove, Murphy’s Law.
Monday, November 2, 2009
SAT essay #2
Technology, the great downfall
Great changes have occurred in the world. Technology is one of them. This life changing invention has made the world an easier and better place to live in, but does that necessarily mean life is better?
As technology has changed and become more efficient, life has gotten easier. Does that not prove that technology makes the world a better place? Sociologists say otherwise. Their data shows that technology has served to create isolation, resulting in high suicidal rates. Even though technology provides easier communication through the internet and travel has become more convenient as a result of it, technology has also caused people to have the choice of not associating with others in the society. An example of this is the numerous internet services companies now offer. You can shop online; buying all the necessities including groceries, clothes, and numerous other products, and have it delivered to you without ever having to come in direct contact with anyone.
Technology has also started to control peoples’ lives. Technology is supposed to serve people and make our lives easier and better. However, as the years have progressed and technology has become more advanced we have become slaves of technology. We run to buy the newest and greatest thing out. As lives have become more and more materialistic, class status is becoming largely based upon wealth. Whenever we cannot get the things we want we become very discontent. This lifestyle leaves no one satisfied, leaving many to wonder: Is technology actually a beneficial change?
Great changes have occurred in the world. Technology is one of them. This life changing invention has made the world an easier and better place to live in, but does that necessarily mean life is better?
As technology has changed and become more efficient, life has gotten easier. Does that not prove that technology makes the world a better place? Sociologists say otherwise. Their data shows that technology has served to create isolation, resulting in high suicidal rates. Even though technology provides easier communication through the internet and travel has become more convenient as a result of it, technology has also caused people to have the choice of not associating with others in the society. An example of this is the numerous internet services companies now offer. You can shop online; buying all the necessities including groceries, clothes, and numerous other products, and have it delivered to you without ever having to come in direct contact with anyone.
Technology has also started to control peoples’ lives. Technology is supposed to serve people and make our lives easier and better. However, as the years have progressed and technology has become more advanced we have become slaves of technology. We run to buy the newest and greatest thing out. As lives have become more and more materialistic, class status is becoming largely based upon wealth. Whenever we cannot get the things we want we become very discontent. This lifestyle leaves no one satisfied, leaving many to wonder: Is technology actually a beneficial change?
Sunday, November 1, 2009
New HIV/AIDS policy opens door to better future
HIV/AIDS entry ban will be lifted in the United States at the start of 2010, President Obama announced in the White house on October 30.
"If we want to be the global leader in combating HIV/AIDS, we need to act like it.” Obama stated, taking a strong stance regarding HIV/AIDS.
Reducing HIV/AIDS and helping those who have contracted it has been a great concern in the United States. Despite this, the HIV/AIDS ban has been in place for 22 years, leaving America as one of the last dozen countries to keep the ban.
On October 30 Obama signed the bill abolishing the HIV/AIDS entry ban. This was a major step for the States as they finally put their words into action. The final rule will be published on November 2, and put into effect at the start of 2010, opening many doors to advantages and benefits for those who have HIV/AIDS.
"By passing this bill, the US has finally reached the current scientific and medical thinking,” said Dr. Arlene Bardeguez. International public health as well as numerous individuals will also benefit from this new rule. Many will be educated about HIV/AIDS. People will no longer view this disease as a threat, and “facts” will no longer be laced with fear. Greater awareness concerning this disease will be raised as HIV positive activists can enter the country.
Those who want to seek treatment or adopt an HIV positive child will greatly appreciate the enactment of this bill. Despite these advantages, there are some who are critical of this new federal rule, saying the costs are too high.
"If we want to be the global leader in combating HIV/AIDS, we need to act like it.” Obama stated, taking a strong stance regarding HIV/AIDS.
Reducing HIV/AIDS and helping those who have contracted it has been a great concern in the United States. Despite this, the HIV/AIDS ban has been in place for 22 years, leaving America as one of the last dozen countries to keep the ban.
On October 30 Obama signed the bill abolishing the HIV/AIDS entry ban. This was a major step for the States as they finally put their words into action. The final rule will be published on November 2, and put into effect at the start of 2010, opening many doors to advantages and benefits for those who have HIV/AIDS.
"By passing this bill, the US has finally reached the current scientific and medical thinking,” said Dr. Arlene Bardeguez. International public health as well as numerous individuals will also benefit from this new rule. Many will be educated about HIV/AIDS. People will no longer view this disease as a threat, and “facts” will no longer be laced with fear. Greater awareness concerning this disease will be raised as HIV positive activists can enter the country.
Those who want to seek treatment or adopt an HIV positive child will greatly appreciate the enactment of this bill. Despite these advantages, there are some who are critical of this new federal rule, saying the costs are too high.
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