Infrastructure & Roads, or a Drug Dealer's pocket?

Welfare, jobs, and money; all things an increasing number of people are desperate for in this unforgiving economy. When jobs are growing scarce and money is getting tight, it is social understanding to turn to the government. The government is supposed to help right? No matter who asks, the government is supposed to help right? Some state governments are saying wrong. Those states are now requiring a drug test be issued to any recipient of welfare. Florida, Missouri, Arizona, and Indiana are some of the states proposing such controversial requirements.  The controversy is present; however, the requirements could be a good thing. When asking the question if drug users should be included in the welfare program, one must ask themselves if it is logical to be spending such valuable tax dollars on illegal drugs to feed such a demanding habit. Once realization comes into play, many people are outraged at the thought of having their hard earned money to benefit some junkies’ habit. State mandating drug tests for welfare recipients could actually be a really good thing, if done the right way. Florida has seemed to establish an effective means of dealing with such a situation. Recipients are ordered to pay for their own drug tests and those who passed are reimbursed for their expenses and those who fail not only have to pay for their test, but are disqualified from the program from six months to a year, depending on if the failing recipients get help from a program or not. However, all plans are not perfect and can easily be improved. Washington, a state that hasn’t yet made any legislation regarding the preceding topic, has programs in place to prevent welfare fraud. In an informational document distributed by the Alliance for Equal Justice, it is shown that welfare case workers have a sub unit at their disposal. They are aided by FRED unit or the Fraud Early Detection unit. FRED workers commonly go to the recipient’s home to question the recipient or their neighbors if an unusual or questionable action is noted in a person’s file. Many opposing activists to this sort of legislation are questioning its legitimacy and constitutional standing due to “unreasonable” search and seizure; however, a country struggling to make it through tough times can’t be feeding money into drug dealers’ pockets.

No, actually dropouts won't save America.

I find the point of this article to be completely false. Not going to college would make you more successful than if you did? I don’t think so. College is defined as an institution of higher learning that provides an education and degrees; an education that, if not received, would not allow anyone, from common folk to billionaires, to be able to achieve success. Donald Trump is an obvious successful entrepreneur. Donald Trump is a graduate of the Wharton School of Finance at the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in economics. Judging the content of this article, the author would discredit Trump’s degree saying he would have been better off without it. However, if Trump didn’t receive his economics degree, how would he know what stocks to invest in? How would he choose where to put his hotels? How would he know which hotels to buy and make his own? Obviously he wouldn’t know. College degrees are seen as something far from illegitimate. They are seen as a symbol of hard work, determination, tenacity, and success. Any employer interviewing prospects, informal or not, would rather a person that has a degree over those who don’t. In fact, in an article by the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education, it is said that two thirds of employers require a college degree. Therefore, if everyone decided to drop-out of school, as the article suggested, two-thirds of Americans would be out of the job. Also, the examples that the author uses to build his argument, Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, and Bill Gates, shouldn’t be credited towards his cause. Yes, all these men did drop out of college, and yes all these men did go on to achieve many things and succeed greatly in life; however, it wasn’t because they dropped out of college. It was because their ideas were so innovative and so before their time that no college would have had a class that related to and contributed to their ideas. Because of the countless hours of planning and organizing, college classes can’t be instated the second they are thought of in order to be effective. The author’s reasoning to this outrageous claim isn’t sufficient enough to change my mind on the matter; rather it makes me sway even farther to his opposition. 

No Cancer From Cell Phones

In the news, there has been cause for concern about cell phones lately. Some scientists said that their studies showed a link to brain cancer from cell phone usage. A recent Danish study contradicts every statement made by these scientists. A huge study conducted on almost the entire adult Danish population has revealed that there is no association between the hand held devices and the brain cancer. Because Denmark tracks its citizens, the country makes a convenient laboratory for long-term population studies. Also, Denmark’s number ID system is used to register cell phones, therefore, if there was a problem with a certain subscriber researchers could clearly spot the problem or snag in the studies. The fifteen year study conclusively states that there is not link to brain cancer and cell phone use. Some key points listed in the original study include: Cell phones emit radiofrequency energy, a form of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation, which can be absorbed by tissues closest to where the phone is held. The amount of radiofrequency energy a cell phone user is exposed to depends on the technology of the phone, the distance between the phone’s antenna and the user, the extent and type of use, and the user’s distance from cell phone towers. Studies thus far have not shown a consistent link between cell phone use and cancers of the brain, nerves, or other tissues of the head or neck. More research is needed because cell phone technology and how people use cell phones have been changing rapidly. Lastly, I would like to end in saying that I’m so happy I can use my phone without the fear of contracting cancer.

Homework: Necessary?

The question that anyone asks themselves before they commit to something is: is it worth it? From the beginning of an education, students ask if doing homework is worth their while. Unfortunately, many students find it unnecessary to do their homework. They believe that after-school is time for fun activities and anything being as far from being school-related as possible. Homework is just more grades for the teacher and they don’t need to actually do it. I find these feelings completely horrible. Homework is necessary to practice skills one has learned throughout the school day. Even though the actual school day is over, it doesn’t mean that it’s time to just shut the brain off. Individuals need to practice the skills further in order to understand the concept or idea presented in class throughout the day. The homework controversy has arguments for both sides. I personally have connections to both sides. In support of homework, if I didn’t do my math homework, I would be completely lost on any topic that we have done because of the repetition and self-dependence homework entails. In opposition of homework, I have had multiple nights, in this year alone, that I’ve had to work all night or stayed up to a really late hour. It just seems like mounds of homework just keep continuously adding up. Also, because of the late hour, one could argue that they can’t focus during class time due to lack of sleep. All in all, I understand the need for homework as a way for practice outside of school; however, I do wish that every teacher wouldn’t give so much.

Victory is ours!

We’ve done it! We over threw the vile tyrants! There are no words to describe this jubilance. I need to scream from the roof tops. The humans have been defeated. The Flip-Flop army united and dominated the humans we once called our leaders. We all feel so liberated that we just can’t contain ourselves! Our determination and persistence showed that will power and strategic planning can overtake any situation that presents itself. As a new order, flip-flops have taken over the cities, the countries, and the world! We are the leaders now and nothing can stop us. Not now and not ever.

I just can't stop.

I still can't stop walking. I have to trudge on. My human just won’t stop putting its power to use. It just keeps showing off. Humans can walk all by themselves; they get to chose when they move. The message just keeps flashing over and over in my face. Why must they taunt me with such cruel tactics? I can’t stand the thought of the evil ones getting what they want. To me, it is a classic case of David and Goliath. We and can and will overcome this blatant discrimination! Flip-flops will prevail! This world can and will be ours! Just wait and see.

Flippity-Flop

I have been walking around all day. I just can’t stop! My body is starting to ache but I just can’t help myself, I just need to walk. It’s as if there was a gravitational pull forcing me to endlessly walk around the same room over and over again. I am tired and hungry and haven’t slept since yesterday and this gross smelly foot has had its toes around my nose ever since I started this. Sometimes I just can’t stand a human and their feet. What makes them so special? Why do they get to have extremities? If flip flops can’t get arms then humans shouldn’t either!

"You have a black sole" (Freitas).

I have received a new addition to my family. Her name is Emily. She is a solid black flip flop key chain with the saying “Soles 4 Souls” on the heel of the sandal. She is very charitable. Her organization raises money for people in need who need shoes. She told me that there are over three hundred million people who do not own one pair of shoes. She also said that I can send one pair of shoes for just one dollar. One dollar can change a person’s life. When I think about what one dollar is to me and what it can do, of course I wanted to help others.

Teen Mom: For real?

There are many TV shows that showcase the lives of teenage mothers and their lives right before and after they give birth. Teen Mom and 16 and Pregnant are just two examples of this type of programming. There have been many rumors swirling around lately that teenagers have rapidly been intentionally impregnating themselves in order to potentially have a chance at appearing on the hit shows. I honestly believe that these TV shows shouldn’t even exist let alone be soliciting these girls into thinking they need to be one their show to promote her story. I know there are believers out there that defend these shows and say that they are good for these mothers. They also find it beneficial for the mothers to be on these shows because it gives them money they so desperately need to support themselves and their new little ones. I feel the complete opposite than all the supporters. First of all, to me, the shows are not even entertaining. They are drawn out seemingly practiced scenarios that are just fake and awkward. Another thing, I think that the subject matter involved should be kept in a private manner. Being on these shows forces these poor girls to reveal deep personal secrets and information that wouldn’t usually be told to the public. This is practically victimizing the young mothers and forcing them in to a corner that they cannot come out of. Also, pushing these girls in to the public eye creates scrutiny for these young beginning mothers. The vote is still out on these shows, but I know I vote no.

A Ludicrous Misconception

The cartoon TV series SpongeBob SquarePants has gotten some bad press recently. Some news stations are reporting that studies have shown that fast paced programming, like SpongeBob, is bad for children’s brains. The study demonstrates a group of 60 non-diverse four year olds that were separated in three different groups. One group drew pictures for nine minutes, one group watched nine minutes of the educational show Caillou, and the third watch nine minutes of the show SpongeBob SquarePants. After the nine minutes of their assigned task, the children were tested on their executive functions and the children who watched SpongeBob failed. The studies that were conducted, however, I feel have some flaws. For example, the group that was tested was non-diverse, which is definitely not the proper way to conduct a legitimate study. Also, the group of four year olds that they tested was out of SpongeBob SquarePants’ target audience, which is six year olds to eleven year olds. They scientists that conducted this experiment concluded that SpongeBob SquarePants, the fast paced cartoon, was bad for the children’s brains and caused them not to reach their full potential, which is practically discouraging parents to stop allowing their children to watch the show. However, I feel that because of the ill conducted experiments, the scientists should be discredited. My friends and I are prime examples of why they are wrong. We grew up on watching SpongeBob and obviously we turned out fine, being in honors and advanced placement courses and excelling academically. Therefore, one should check out the survey before they except their findings.

The True Separation

Today, after the time I got to know Ernest, I have to say my real good-byes. In this past week, I made it my goal to find out more about him and really get to know him. I have found that he is a hard-working, loving, dedicated person that will try his hardest for anything and everything that he does. He is proud of where he came from and will never forget it. He loves every member of his family, no matter how weird or rowdy they can be. Overall, he was a great inspiration and I must thank him for all the time and stories that he gifted me.

Sibling Rivalry-Part 2

Ernest’s brothers are twice as bad as their sisters. The pranks they pulled on their family are astonishing to me. Eric, Earl, and Eddy can think of the most interesting things. Ernest and I decided to make a phone call to Texas to find out some of the hijinks they pulled first-hand. Eddy told me about the time that he was mad at Ernest so he tipped him over so some of his water spilled out. Also, Earl told me that he was mad at Eric so he ripped Eric’s wrapper off and made him go out in public naked. In retaliation, Eric poked holes in Earl’s cap so he could never be turned over without spilling water again.

Sibling Rivalry-Part 1

Ernest chose to tell me about some of his sibling rivalries and the pranks that his brothers and sisters pulled on each other. Today, he wanted to tell me about his sisters Elena and Erica and what they did to their family. Ernest told me about the time that Elena was mad at him for ripping her wrapper so she rigged the machine that puts the plastic over all the bottles to squish him against her. Also, one time Earl dented Erica’s top. So, when Earl was asleep, she drew all over his wrapper and made him have this weird mustache. If his sisters did this I wonder what his brothers did.

All in the Family

Ernest and I had a grand ‘ol time today. He decided to tell me what his life used to be like before he moved from Texas. He told me that he used to live in a six pack, and he had 5 brothers and sisters. His sisters’ names are Elena and Erica. His brothers’ names are Eric, Earl, and Eddy. Ernest told me that he was the oldest and was forced to leave his home first. He was sad to leave home but he knew he needed to set a good example for his younger siblings. He is just such a good big brother.

Gladly Suprised

Contrary to my original beliefs, Ernest isn’t leaving me. Instead, I get to be with him for five more days! I’m so happy that I am able to spend more time with him. In these days, I wish to get to know him better and learn some new things about him. Like today, I learned that his favorite color is blue. I myself think blue is an awesome color so that is definitely a topic we can bond over. Also, he loves baseball, just like me! From colors to sports, as I start to bond with Ernest, I know that we will closer and closer until its devastating when we have to leave each other.

Danielle Combs Day!

As you may have recently heard, an actress named Hayden Panettiere received a proclamation that September 16, 2011 was to be deemed Hayden Panettiere Day. I think that honoring celebrities with days is highly controversial and is highly unfair. I know someone might say that naming days after celebrities is to bring fame to the star and to connect government with favorable figures such as Ms. Hayden Panettiere. I would disagree with this statement simply because it is obviously favorable to a certain group of people. The government is supposed to “one nation, under god, indivisible.” However, by the evident preference of the Hollywood starlets and the wealthy CEOs over the common people of America, their statements of unity are being highly contradicted. Hayden’s proclamation for Hayden Panettiere Day states that some of her reasons for receiving such a prestigious honor are due to the fact that she is an activist. Well, who says so? I’ve never actually heard of Hayden Panettiere being in the news for her so called activism, but of course that doesn’t mean it hasn’t happened, it just means that it hasn’t had much publicity. Let’s take one of my best friends, for example. She tries to be an activist for everything she can. Whether it be from saving the whales, saving the trees, or reducing animal cruelty, she would save anything and everything she can. She’s probably had just as much as her publicity for her activism as Hayden Panettiere has. Why can’t there be a day named after her?

Serene Charlie Sheen?

Charlie Sheen has been a figure forefront in the tabloids. From his drunken rages to his drug addictions, Charlie sure has definitely gotten his fair share of media attention.  Also, he has since made statements criticizing his former employer, the producers of Two and a Half Men, saying that they were completely wrong in firing him. However, now Charlie Sheen has since retracted his previous comments and is admitting how completely wrong he was and how he influenced their decisions by being so reckless and showing up to work in an unfit condition. He has changed his dangerous lifestyle and is apologizing for his irresponsible and wild behavior. I myself think that Charlie Sheen has realized that his actions have consequences and that he is honestly and sincerely trying to become an honest member of society. Others however, seem to think that he is just putting on an act to please his family and the public. A person who has been under an addiction like that of drugs and alcohol can relate to the fact that once you come to the realization of the behavior you had was extremely careless and out of control, you realize that you were wrong and in hindsight you regret your decisions for having such a huge melt down. Like the Alcohol Anonymous program teaches, in the twelve step program, the first step is admitting you have a problem. Therefore, because he has discovered his problem and has tried to fix it, I believe that I can assume that he wants to fix his live and honestly wants to change.

No not again!

The events that are taking place today are heart-breaking. Ernest, my Texas Rangers water bottle cover, is leaving me! I can’t even bear the thought of living without him. Although we’ve only been together for such a short time we’ve grown extremely close. From our Adventures to Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School (or as Chef Bird from Culinary would say Beaver Land), to the frolicking through the field behind my house, or when I threw him up into the air repeatedly, or when we went for a ride in my car and he fell off the seat because the seatbelt wouldn’t hold him. All the fun times will soon come to an end. I will always miss you Ernest.

Terrified beyond belief

Today was even worse than yesterday! High School scares me to no end. Today was just another run in with the rain when the bus came even later! And when we got to school late, all the little children called freshman and sophomores were blocking the hallway so Danielle and I couldn’t get through. Once we got to her first class, her Math teacher gave a pop quiz on transformations in Pre-Calculus. Next, Danielle got a surprise quiz in Spanish. Then in third and fourth period, she got another quiz in History! I have new found respect for the stress levels that high school students have to face every day. I was stressed out just being there!

High School !?!

Today, I wanted to go to school with my new friend Danielle. She said that we had to be careful because we were going to a strange scary place called high school. Waiting for the bus was just a horrible experience. It was pouring rain and her bus driver was late. After ten minutes of waiting, her bus came to take us on a half an hour ride from Uxbridge to Blackstone Valley Tech. When we walked through the hallways, you could tell the order of the food chain. At the bottom, I could see it was the littlest children wearing red clips called freshman. Then, the next group up was wearing yellow clips and I think she called them sophomores. The next class, the one she is in, is juniors who wear blue clips. Lastly, the highest group on the food chain, the scariest class of them all is the seniors that wear black. I can’t even bear to tell anymore of my high school encounters. I said I would be brave and try again tomorrow. Don’t tell Danielle, but I’m completely terrified. Hopefully I’ll be able to tell what goes on tomorrow. Wish me luck, I’ll need it!

It's a boy!

The newest member of my family has arrived! He is a water bottle with a blue Texas Rangers cover on the outside. I have decided to name him Ernest. Ernest seems to blend right in with the variety of personalities in my house. It's as if he has a quality from each member of my family: my brother's outspokenness, my dad's work ethics, my mom's heart, and my determination. My family and I can’t wait for the time we will be able to spend together! We can already tell it will be so fun. Many adventures with Ernest are very soon to come.

I better not find that on Facebook!

Facebook is an obvious example of a social networking website. Between Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace, people are turning to the internet to post up everything about their lives. From their plans for the weekend to bragging about their lives, people find these social websites highly addictive. Social media has taken the world by storm. I sometimes find it really unsettling to think that something like this has taken over so fast. But it just goes to show that people like what they like and don’t care about the rate of change it just so happens to take on. I myself think social networking sites can be extremely dangerous and unproductive. Many people around the world seem to think that social networking is amazing, the next best thing since sliced bread. They argue that it is a way to catch up with old friends and see what they’re up to. However, I find that sites like Facebook can have an extremely negative effect on a lot of people. For example, many people put a lot of personal information and pictures on the web. Anyone can see whatever is being posted and it can never be fully deleted. Also, when children have a Facebook page, it is distracting and easily diverts them from their other more important tasks like doing homework and studying. Even though social networking is taking the world by storm, doesn’t mean that it is the best thing for someone. Yes, you may be connected, but at what cost?

First comes love? Or paparazzi?

It seems like everyone today cares about what’s going on in Hollywood. What’s the most popular celebrity wearing? Where are they going? But the most sought after question is who are they dating? From the marriage of Kris Humphreys and Kim Kardashian to the “relationship” of Jake Gyllenhaal and Taylor Swift, the media just blows famous couples out of proportion. Is it really going to be the end of the world if Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie break up? Why does it matter? Honestly, I don’t see the point of practically stalking the relationship status of every celebrity in Hollywood. Others seem to think it’s entertaining or fun. But really it’s just mindless gossip that no one should believe. Certain magazines have huge headlines about what star is supposedly with the other; however, once an article is actually read thoroughly, one can plainly see that an article is based solely on rumor and secondhand information. It seems unsettling to think once you are an attraction on the map of fame that you are endlessly followed by the cameras and the people wanting to know everything about your life. It also seems like Hollywood can be a very vicious place. Cameras following you, never getting a second to breathe or be by yourself, people willing to sell you out for a quick dollar. It’s almost scary, but I guess people are willing to pay to price for all the fame and fortune. Well I know one thing for certain; I wouldn’t want to be in their designer shoes even if they did pay me.

The Inevitable Good-Byes

Sadly, Eugene and Timothy have to part ways soon. Due to the fact that this is the last time they will be together, they are saddened by the sudden separation. My heart was crushed when I woke up this morning. The only sound that could be heard was sobbing. When I looked over at the faithful companions, they were holding each other. The best friends have been dreading the moment that they had to be broken up. Eugene was quoted saying, “The moments with you has been the best of my life. The only wish I have is that it was ten years rather than ten days.” The heartfelt words were tear-jerking as the two reminisced and said good-bye to one another. They will miss each other dearly.

The Adventures of Eugene the Panda and Timothy the Tiger

Eugene and Timothy have become, as I predicted, best friends. They decided that they were going to go on an adventure together. The fun they could have was beyond a measure of excitement. They decided they wanted to go back to their native habitats. Timothy of course from the jungle, and Eugene, the bamboo forests of China. They decided to go back to Timothy's homeland first. The bright colors, exotic birds and plants, and the new animals they would encounter excited them both to no end. They couldn't contain themselves any longer so they departed leaving the cold rainy days of Uxbridge behind them. They arrived at the jungle and realized that they would never fit in. They looked left and looked right and realized that tigers here weren't the same as Timothy. Timothy was tame and docile and the tigers here were wild and vicious. They hated the jungle, so they hoped for better luck in the bamboo forests of China. When they entered the forests, they noticed something strange. They couldn't find any pandas! Eugene was heart-broken at the thought of never seeing another panda; however, there was nothing he or Timothy could do to change the fact that the pandas had disappeared. They went back home to Uxbridge where they realized that this was their home and they never wanted to leave here again.

A Change of Heart

Today, I decided that perhaps Eugene should not be exiled from Timothy. Eugene himself is a pretty awesome guy and seems pretty lonely these days, and as we have already established, Timothy is just too cool for school (or people for that matter). So because of their similar attributes, I have come to the conclusion that they just may have been made to be friends. Who would have thought that a tiny fuzzy panda and a growling tiger flashlight could be best friends? I certainly wouldn't have guessed that outcome. Ever since I allowed the pair to befriend one another they have become inseparable. They just curled up together and started to cuddle. I'm thinking best friends forever.

The Punishment

What happens when a cute fuzzy panda bear is in trouble? No punishment is given what so ever. I walk in to see Eugene today with every intention to give out the worst thing that would come into my mind at the moment and I just saw his adorable little face staring up at me. I just couldn't do it. In the three short days that I've written about him, the attachment that has formed is just so strong and secure that it’s unnerving to think of the love and devotion I have encapsulated in this micro-animal. I couldn’t even punish him. Eugene is just too adorable.

Eugene....

Eugene has made me very angry today. I walk into my room, like always, and I was about to sit down at my desk to do some homework when all of a sudden, I noticed something was wrong. I started looking around the room like a spy when all of a sudden I noticed that Timothy, a tiger flashlight that growls, was, for some reason next to Eugene. I had given strict orders to my new fuzzy panda friend that because of Timothy being so amazing, I was the only one allowed to hold him. I even told him that the last person that tried to pick Timothy up got his hand bit off. Yet, for some reason today, Eugene went against my warnings and did it anyway. He made me so mad that I told him not to talk to me until tomorrow when we can talk about his punishment.

Fuzzy Panda

In AP English today, I got a brand new trinket that will be mine for the next 10 lovely days. I think I got the best one! When I first saw him, I instantly fell in love. I got a little tiny fuzzy panda bear. I thought it was really nice of Alex to give him to me so I could write about him. He's the most adorable thing you could ever imagine. I have decided to name him Eugene, because of course that's the best name ever. Well, Eugene seems very tired from all the excitement of the big move of the day. He's going to go to sleep now adorably staying on my desk for the next 10 days.