Sunday, September 22, 2013

The Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence was a document written by Thomas Jefferson in 1776 listing 18 complaints towards King George III. It was what earned our country's freedom and potentially formed a united nation. Of those 18 grievances the 1st one stated "He has refused his assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good." This statement refers to King George's disregard towards the colonies' basic necessities that must be put and enforced into law. As their leader King George never really put in any consideration into the people's well being, thus failing to play his role as king. However, today in the United States of America our leader is the President and as President, Barrack Obama's duty is to ensure his people's well being. He certainly completes that part when signing to the agreement of new laws that are beneficial to our people today.

The eleventh grievance states "He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the consent of our legislatures." This statement refers to the Quartering Act of 1744 which forced the Americans to provide housing for the British troops while abiding for the next war to begin. During this time the soldiers were to have a whole floor to themselves with food, water, and shelter. They lived off of the hard working money earned by these homeowners with nothing in return for their generous sacrifice. This event broke the somewhat peace and stress free conditions of the colonists. Today, the colonies do not exist and our nation is no longer under the rule of England for this problem to occur. However, if this type of event were to happen again, it would be going against our basic rights as American citizens, therefore enabling us to rebel and seek the same freedom earned 237 years ago, the time the Declaration of Independence was written.

"Laguna Beach Police Officer Dies After Collision With Pickup Truck"

By: Angel Jennings
Source: Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/local/la-me-laguna-officer-20130923,0,4851837.story

On September 21 Laguna Beach Police Department lost one of its very own police men in a tragic death caused by a motorcycle and truck collision. Jon Coutchie was in the middle of his regular search for a speeding car when he got into an accident that costed his life. As Coutchie was headed north on Coast highway at about 11:30 pm his Honda ST1300 collided with a GMC pickup truck making a left turn on Cleo Street. He automatically flew off his motor cycle with severe injuries to endure before help came around. Unfortunately, Coutchie died on the spot before his two colleagues arrived at the scene in aid for the officer. However, the two men wrapped Coutchie's body in an American flag in honor of all of the hard work and dedication he put into his jobs. One of them was for his country as an Army Ranger, and the second was for the well being of his city as a local police officer of Laguna beach. He was the department's first officer to die in the line of duty since 1953. His death left many in tears and heartbreak.

These type of tragic events are very important to hear about because it gives us an insight of what a true hero's life is like. Jon Coutchie bravely lived his life protecting his country and people. For a man to die of any cause having completed those missions is one's memory to keep with us at all times. May Jon Coutchie rest in peace and stay in our hearts forever.

Sunday, September 15, 2013

12 Year Old Girl Commits Suicide After Being Cyber Bullied

"Florida girl, 12, found dead after bullies said 'kill yourself'"
By: Matt Pearce
Source: Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-florida-cyberbullying-20130912,0,1429218.story

Twelve year old Rebecca Ann Sedwick, of Lakeland, Florida was found dead at a cement plant this Tuesday morning. The police found her body at 2:30 am, but were too late to save her. She was driven to her death by the multiple messages sent through social networking sites telling her to kill herself. The whole feud began in 2012 over a boy between the friends she once knew. Instead of the girls who were supposed to uplift her spirit they were the ones that led her to her down fall. After a fight amongst the girls Rebecca got suspended and her mother decided to place her into a different school. She disconnected her daughter from Facebook, but found "hate" from various social networking sites. Many interventions were attempted to be held to help Rebecca's situation and well being as well. However, the harassment would not stop. Eventually, Monday morning it all came to an end for Rebecca and her problems as she disappeared on her way to school and was found dead later that night.

These kinds of stories are important to hear about and be aware of because it really shows us how big of an impact the simplest of words can have on somebody. Especially, since the internet has become a common place to communicate with people many have been using it as a tool to bring down others with rude comments. What they do not realize is how much pain and worthlessness they inflict upon these people. Not only do they degrade somebody's worth and self esteem, but they drive them to self harm or even suicide.  Society must learn that bullying is not acceptable by any means because nobody deserves to feel any less of the person they are.

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Lorde - "Royals" Review

By: Bill Lamb
http://top40.about.com/od/singles/gr/Lorde-royals.htm

Bill Lamb reviewed the new hit, Royals by 16 year old female singer, Lorde. He mainly uses claim of fact for this song, but also incorporates some claim of value as well. He begins describing the song as an outlook of apathy towards "wealth, living in the right neighborhood, and conspicuous consumption to champion young people who, 'Crave a different kind of buzz.'" Lamb talks about how the song is mainly revolved around the life of teenagers who do not care for the luxury lifestyle unlike all the other mainstream pop songs that focus on those superficial things. Lorde expresses this idea as she states, "We don't care. We aren't caught up in your love affair" He views the female artist as a "voice for teens who do not value a current image of pop glamour."  Lamb speaks about the singer's tremendous success with the song as he states, "She is the first solo female to top the US alternative songs chart in 17 years." Lastly, Lamb leaves us with his thoughts on the song and what kind of message it sends when he says, "As simple as this song may seem on the surface, it is in actuality one of the most powerfully subversive pop hits in recent memory...and that sounds very, very good."

Carnival Ride Injures 13 Children

"Swing Ride Accident: Oyster Festival Attraction Loses Power, Injuring Several Children"
Source: Huffington Post
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/08/swing-ride-accident-oyster-festival_n_3890841.html

This Sunday afternoon, a shocking incident occurred that put some people's lives at risk. At Norwalk, Connecticut a community festival by the name of Oyster Festival was being held. Everything was going swell until suddenly a swing ride lost power and injured 13 children. A few fell from 10-15 feet off the ground, some hit other riders, and others hit the ride its self. While some kids were being treated at the festival due to the slight damage they faced, others were sent to the local hospital to be taken care of. However, from recent reports most children only suffered minor injuries and were on their way to a fast recovery.

Although none of these children faced any great physical damage upon themselves, many may have dealt with the emotional trauma that came along with it. The manufacturers, engineers, and inspectors of this ride were held responsible for the safety of those riders and that is where they failed. This story shows how anything that may seem stable or secure can be possible of breaking down so we must always keep our eyes open. Also in any situation that concerns the reliability of someone's well being must be taken strictly at all costs.



Monday, September 2, 2013

Diana Nyad Completes 110-Mile Cuba-to-Florida Swim

"Diana Nyad, after swim: 'You're never too old to chase your dreams'"
By: Matt Pearce
Source: Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-diana-nyad-cuba-florida-remarks-20130902,0,1729111.story

On Saturday, August 31, 64 year old Diana Nyad took her 5th and final attempt at swimming long distance from Cuba to Florida and became successful in completing the mission. Monday morning it was official that she was the first swimmer to reach the distance without using a shark cage. During her travels she had a great support staff who protected her from any disturbances in the ocean that would disable her from swimming. Of course this goal was a great struggle for her to complete, but with her loved ones by her side who rooted for her each step of the way there was nothing that could stop her from reaching her dream.

These kinds of stories are the kinds that inspire us to achieve the unimaginable because everything is possible. When hearing about something like this it leaves most of us in awe and shock, but most importantly it instills faith in ourselves to do anything we aspire. It motivates us to never give up and to dream big like Diana. She is just a mere example of what we are capable of doing regardless of what age we are or any circumstances we are in. If she can do it so can we.

My Favorite Ice Cream

Nutella has to be one of the best creations on this planet for its amazing hazelnut chocolatey taste that can be spread on anything and happily consumed. I mean who doesn't like chocolate (rhetorical statement)? But it gets even better... There is a Nutella ice cream flavor! Yes, the creator and mastermind behind this idea is a genius! Nutella ice cream is a divine, mouthwatering, delightful, savory ice cream that will leave you breathless (asyndeton). Just as the ice cream melts in your mouth it will feel like you as well are melting into a sea of goodness. It will leave you wanting more every time. The rich flavor and quality is like no other so you will never turn back to the basic flavors out there.

I believe Nutella flavor is the best around since it is the perfect amount of chocolate to leave your taste buds satisfied. No one ever wants too much chocolate because it can be overwhelming or unpleasant to eat. However, when eating Nutella you will never regret it. It is just that good. You can find Nutella ice cream at the Manhattan Beach Creamery, where I tried it for the first time and fell in love. Just go for it. What do you have to lose?