The economy affects me in so many different ways. It not only changes the materialistic aspects of my life, but it also serves as the basis of my standards and mind set. Although most try to stray away from the superficialness money has upon us, there is no escape from it. Footwear, clothing, jewerly, mortgages, school, cars - its essence is everywhere.
To enjoy conveniency and luxury, unfortunately, one must have the bills to get them. People work like slaves to the economy to achieve what is needed and desired. Although I still do not work yet, I am supposed to appreciate the value of the dollar for it simply does not grow on a tree. On a shopping spree, I purchase on-sale fashion from Forever 21 to avoid hurting my dad's wallet. I somewhat make up my debt to my parents of providing me an education by simply earning satisfying grades. Moreover, the roof I sleep under and the food I eat are all in thanks again to the wages my mother and father earn. By putting myself in their shoes, I can more easily sympathize and understand the struggle to get the cash that is handed down to me. The currency of money relies upon the amount of tedious working hours one must fulfill. Other than having respect and love for the ones who gave me life, I cannot rebel against my parents because their money secures my stability and the necessities by which I live off of. Therefore, the economy has truly shaped and formed my life together.
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Obama Wants to Raise the Minimum Wage
Huffinton Post's "Obama: It's Time to Raise The Minimum Wage" article was written on March 8, 2014 by anonymous.
Barack Obama advocates strongly to raise the minimum wage, so that citizens with lower-paying jobs can comply a little easier to recent increased national expences. Hearing from many business owners across the country, the President is informed that they are voluntarily paying their workers more than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour. So if the standards were hightened to $10.10 an hour, the common pay will become quite generous.
Although Barack Obama is a proud standing advocate, the Congress is unfortuanetly against him. For example, Ohio Senator Rob Portman states in his speech of the Republican Address that Obama's proposed 2015 budget taxes are too idealistic and expensive. He in fact declares that the only way to recover the U.S ecomony and get it back on track is to have government have a more laissez-faire approach.
However, Obama took back the spotlight as he traveled to a Florida convention to lecture his speech. He gloriously emphasizes that such a raise of the wage will better the lives of twenty-eight million people. To triumphantly conclude his talk, he implies that soon many will join his side and fight for the cause by saying "change doesn’t come from Washington – change comes to Washington".
Barack Obama advocates strongly to raise the minimum wage, so that citizens with lower-paying jobs can comply a little easier to recent increased national expences. Hearing from many business owners across the country, the President is informed that they are voluntarily paying their workers more than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour. So if the standards were hightened to $10.10 an hour, the common pay will become quite generous.
Although Barack Obama is a proud standing advocate, the Congress is unfortuanetly against him. For example, Ohio Senator Rob Portman states in his speech of the Republican Address that Obama's proposed 2015 budget taxes are too idealistic and expensive. He in fact declares that the only way to recover the U.S ecomony and get it back on track is to have government have a more laissez-faire approach.
However, Obama took back the spotlight as he traveled to a Florida convention to lecture his speech. He gloriously emphasizes that such a raise of the wage will better the lives of twenty-eight million people. To triumphantly conclude his talk, he implies that soon many will join his side and fight for the cause by saying "change doesn’t come from Washington – change comes to Washington".
Sunday, February 23, 2014
The Forever Nostalgic Crescent
The lusting evergreen grass delightfully sunbathes within the pleasant rays of daylight. However, towards dusk, it sways with the wind gratefully farewelling the setting sun. The true blue sky transforms into a painted portrait of warm purple and pink hues accompanying the dying warmth of the star. A myriad of diamonds dots the coming night as the moon begins its reign over the heavens. The illuminating crescent romantically gleams upon the boulevards and allies. But nonetheless, it truly seeks to reach into the hearts of the love-stricken. For some, its gleam serves as a protecter to defeat the dark forces attempting to usurp power. Though for most, the dear moon brings a sense of endless nostalgia, in which is so lovely yet lonely. It glistens in isolation upon the stars which dance throughout the galaxies lightyears away. It so faithfully serves our world in search of a friend. However, we can only stretch out so far to embrace the moon in great thanks. We live our lives in hope that it knows of our appreciation for its eternal kindness. It waits through every minute of the night, for a soul to come out of the house and play within its rays as he does with the sun's.
Farewell, Sochi
The Huffington Post's "Closing Ceremony Ends Costliest Olympics Ever With Fireworks, Russian Pride" article was written by John Leicester on February 23, 2014.
The Sochi Olympic Winter Games was a whirl-wind of ultimate victory, defeat, and record-breaking history. With the Russians collectively hauling 33 gold medals, they are back on top like the old Soviet times. The opening and closing ceremonies extravagantly displayed a spectacular myriad of Russian culture, history, and pride. The stage was beautifully lit up with the nation's trademark performances of ballet, theater, and circus. Despite the shows' brilliance, a malfunction with one of the Olympic rings refusing to open up furiously shocked the crowd in the beginning. However, that was later made up as the ceremonial organizers humorously referenced the technical mistake. Towards the extinguishing of the flame, dancers rippled out into circles to display the image of the rings once again. As each group routinely spread out into its formation, the last bunch stubbornly refused to do so like the lighting did previously. However, after a few seconds, it reluctantly and successfully created the last ring as supposed to.
The Games were not only one of the most entertaining, but as well the costliest. By surpassing Beijing's forty-one billion dollar budget, Russia spent fifty-one billion dollars into beautifying its city and setting up the Olympic program.
However, the Games were not always so friendly and buddy-buddy. In the midst of the guts and glory, serious political issues erupted. The Ukrainian revolution has escalated to terrifying new levels over the parliament's decision to turn down Europe's economic alliance. Its country's athletes were left with mixed emotions, celebrating the Games while mourning over the thought of the Kremlin burning down in flames. Putin as well sat at his Olympic throne reveling in his nation's wins, while dreading the loss of coherence with Ukraine.
Overall, the 2014 Games inhabited tense situations as well as festivities and a sense of international unity.
Monday, February 17, 2014
African Miners Rescued and Arrested
The Huffington Post's "South Africa Miners Rescued, Face Charges For Illegal Gold Mining" article was written by the Huffington News Team on February 17, 2014.
The situation is quite ironic itself. Likewise an injured criminal is healed before jail time, a dozen miners in Johannesburg, South Africa were charged for illegal gold mining after rescue from being trapped underground. Nowadays, the practice has become a common business in South Africa due to the abundance of precious metals hidden within the mines. However, this unlucky bunch were ambushed on the job by a falling boulder which constricted the entrance and exit of the abandoned mine shaft. Many suspect the seasonal heavy rain triggered the sliding of the rubble. Fortunately, local policemen heard the cries of the miners under the debris. Although a rescue team soon rushed to save the miners, a few of the assumed culprits refused to rise to the surface in fear of arrest. Surprisingly, none of the miners were fatally injured. However, reportedly, the twelve miners were only the 'tip of the iceberg' to the number of others still trapped in the mine. 200 prospectors currently keep digging deep within the trench, in hopes of discovering another way to escape without running into the authorities.
The situation is quite ironic itself. Likewise an injured criminal is healed before jail time, a dozen miners in Johannesburg, South Africa were charged for illegal gold mining after rescue from being trapped underground. Nowadays, the practice has become a common business in South Africa due to the abundance of precious metals hidden within the mines. However, this unlucky bunch were ambushed on the job by a falling boulder which constricted the entrance and exit of the abandoned mine shaft. Many suspect the seasonal heavy rain triggered the sliding of the rubble. Fortunately, local policemen heard the cries of the miners under the debris. Although a rescue team soon rushed to save the miners, a few of the assumed culprits refused to rise to the surface in fear of arrest. Surprisingly, none of the miners were fatally injured. However, reportedly, the twelve miners were only the 'tip of the iceberg' to the number of others still trapped in the mine. 200 prospectors currently keep digging deep within the trench, in hopes of discovering another way to escape without running into the authorities.
Communities
A community is one in which holds a population of like-minded individuals who strive to thrive as a people based on a common interest. By interacting with each others' strengths and weaknesses, each being takes a role and contributes to his or her crowd. Each community is unique based on agenda. Groups form to either achieve a goal, share knowledge or creation, chat, or all three! Other divisions of communities are also dependent on ethnicity, gender, age, hobby, and belief. Although, one must not allow themselves to dissolve into a community, but to hold tightly to their identity. For each individual must be different to have an abundance of various services and perspectives.
Rarely one is found anywhere but in a community. By attending Rose and Alex Pilibos, I exist in a Armenian, Tashnag, and Apostolic community. I am bound to it because of my religion, race, and political position. With daily Armenian class and weekly Hay Tahd lessons, each person is inspired and encouraged to fight for the Armenian cause by promoting the advancement of our nation.
Fandoms are also another prominent category of communities. Most, including myself, idolize celebrities, movies, and TV shows through multiple networks. For example, those who are captivated by One Direction's music and image are compelled to support them by joining communities who are as well mesmerized by the British boys. By following related blogs and accounts on Twitter, Facebook, and Tumblr, 'fangirls' unite globally to cheer on the fellows. I, as a proud 'Directioner', am driven to also buy their albums and concert tickets to get more of them. My obsession would have never been supplemented if I have never had the chance to either interact with other 'fangirls' or research 'One Direction' content. Only through communities like Youtube and inquirer sites I had the ability to do so.
Rarely one is found anywhere but in a community. By attending Rose and Alex Pilibos, I exist in a Armenian, Tashnag, and Apostolic community. I am bound to it because of my religion, race, and political position. With daily Armenian class and weekly Hay Tahd lessons, each person is inspired and encouraged to fight for the Armenian cause by promoting the advancement of our nation.
Fandoms are also another prominent category of communities. Most, including myself, idolize celebrities, movies, and TV shows through multiple networks. For example, those who are captivated by One Direction's music and image are compelled to support them by joining communities who are as well mesmerized by the British boys. By following related blogs and accounts on Twitter, Facebook, and Tumblr, 'fangirls' unite globally to cheer on the fellows. I, as a proud 'Directioner', am driven to also buy their albums and concert tickets to get more of them. My obsession would have never been supplemented if I have never had the chance to either interact with other 'fangirls' or research 'One Direction' content. Only through communities like Youtube and inquirer sites I had the ability to do so.
Sunday, February 9, 2014
The Shutdown of Flappy Bird
The Huffington Post's "Creator says game over for maddening Flappy Bird" article was written by Tran Van Minh on February 10, 2014.
Nguyen Ha Dong, the young Vietnamese creator of the hit mobile game 'Flappy Bird', made a fortune off the app ever since is outburst of popularity in the beginning of this year. However, later he became tormented from the craze the simple, yet addicting and frustrating game brought.
According to App Developer Magazine, Nguyen hated how everyone overrated his game and only wanted to restore peace. He tweeted, "I can call 'Flappy Bird' is a success of mine. But it also ruins my simple life. So now I hate it".
Although 'Flappy Bird' was reportedly making $50,000 per day, Nguyen modestly added that he will not even sell the app. He was not even able to enjoy the huge profit he made out off of the viral game.
After hearing an immense amount of suicidal tweets and murder cases as effects from 'Flappy Bird', the idea of his own creation had become extremely distasteful to him, even if it brought him wealth. However, violence was not the only factor as a reason for the shutdown. Rumors circulated the internet about the assumed corruption Nguyen participated in. Many thought that he bribed critics to rate his game five stars on the Apple Apps. But as the man said himself, it was all a part of the trash that rotted with 'Flappy Bird' itself.
Nguyen Ha Dong, the young Vietnamese creator of the hit mobile game 'Flappy Bird', made a fortune off the app ever since is outburst of popularity in the beginning of this year. However, later he became tormented from the craze the simple, yet addicting and frustrating game brought.
According to App Developer Magazine, Nguyen hated how everyone overrated his game and only wanted to restore peace. He tweeted, "I can call 'Flappy Bird' is a success of mine. But it also ruins my simple life. So now I hate it".
Although 'Flappy Bird' was reportedly making $50,000 per day, Nguyen modestly added that he will not even sell the app. He was not even able to enjoy the huge profit he made out off of the viral game.
After hearing an immense amount of suicidal tweets and murder cases as effects from 'Flappy Bird', the idea of his own creation had become extremely distasteful to him, even if it brought him wealth. However, violence was not the only factor as a reason for the shutdown. Rumors circulated the internet about the assumed corruption Nguyen participated in. Many thought that he bribed critics to rate his game five stars on the Apple Apps. But as the man said himself, it was all a part of the trash that rotted with 'Flappy Bird' itself.
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