Sunday, March 30, 2014
Shedding Down The Belongings
When someone asks me, "What would you keep if you were to leave your place forever?" the main scenario that comes to mind is a natural disaster occurring and I have to evacuate and pack my most prized belongings. In the situation given, I would rid of a few constantly used items such as my computer, the PlayStation, and my phone, making me realize how much more free time I would have to myself if I were to not own those time consuming electronics. Personally, I would not be able to live without a basketball, obviously food and water, and most helpful of all a car. The car would assist in taking me from point A to point B, indicating it can be a beat down car as long as it works. Finding a job and acquiring one would involve using the car often, and the basketball simply demonstrates the passion for the sport. Walking on the street while dribbling a basketball everyday would be an amazing time consuming method for me and also keeps my mind off other unnecessary topics. The main objects that I have considered discarding are all electronics, which if I were to actually rid of them I would feel practically naked. It feels as if they have taken over my priorities, and writing about this has made me open my eyes and realize what they have truly done to my lifestyle.
Overseas Farming
"China looks abroad for greener pastures"
By: Barbara Demick
Source: The Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/world/asia/la-fg-china-foreign-farmland-20140329,0,5992574.story#axzz2xTh4RmOC
Ma Wenfeng grew up in the Chinese fields while his father was a wheat and corn farmer, earning minimal amount of money that his family had to eat mantou, a bread known as the poor's food. With the hardships growing up, Wengfeng would have never believed to become a farmer in the future, but with a slight twist. The Chinese are searching for rich agricultural fields, mainly in the United States, Chile, Brazil, Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, and Australia. Ma currently works as an analyst for CnAgri, a Beijing trading association, and said "We're the world's fastest growing economy, with a huge demand for agricultural products. When we look overseas, we see large tracts of land where you can operate a farm that makes sense economically." The Chinese fields have become beyond polluted to be used as farmland, so they target other countries to make up for it. Chinese companies have bought land around the world, such as 100,000 acres of farmland in Missouri, Texas, and North Carolina for pork at the cost of $4.7 billion. In Australia they acquired 200,000 acres of land for cotton plantations, as well as investing in farmland such as in Chile growing blueberries, kiwis, and grapes. Businessman Zhang Renwu stated "We want to bring American sunshine, land and water back to China,"This sounds more like an attempt to take advantage of other countries' useful resources because of a lack in China, but the process has been fairly successful.
By: Barbara Demick
Source: The Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/world/asia/la-fg-china-foreign-farmland-20140329,0,5992574.story#axzz2xTh4RmOC
Ma Wenfeng grew up in the Chinese fields while his father was a wheat and corn farmer, earning minimal amount of money that his family had to eat mantou, a bread known as the poor's food. With the hardships growing up, Wengfeng would have never believed to become a farmer in the future, but with a slight twist. The Chinese are searching for rich agricultural fields, mainly in the United States, Chile, Brazil, Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, and Australia. Ma currently works as an analyst for CnAgri, a Beijing trading association, and said "We're the world's fastest growing economy, with a huge demand for agricultural products. When we look overseas, we see large tracts of land where you can operate a farm that makes sense economically." The Chinese fields have become beyond polluted to be used as farmland, so they target other countries to make up for it. Chinese companies have bought land around the world, such as 100,000 acres of farmland in Missouri, Texas, and North Carolina for pork at the cost of $4.7 billion. In Australia they acquired 200,000 acres of land for cotton plantations, as well as investing in farmland such as in Chile growing blueberries, kiwis, and grapes. Businessman Zhang Renwu stated "We want to bring American sunshine, land and water back to China,"This sounds more like an attempt to take advantage of other countries' useful resources because of a lack in China, but the process has been fairly successful.
Sunday, March 16, 2014
McConnelling At Its Finest
http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/thu-march-13-2014/-mcconnelling
As many have done in the past, Mitch McConnell attempted to gain popularity with campaign ads. Unfortunately for McConnell, satirical genius Jon Stewart managed to ridicule his ad on the Daily Show by mocking his smile throughout the video, his action of disregarding what seemed to be an important document, and best of all, the various examples of songs that can replace the background music. Including a diaspora of songs such as "The Sound Of Silence", funk songs such as"Whatta Man", classical songs like "I Do It For You", and legendary songs such as "Baby Got Back". In order to continue the joke of the different background musics, Jon Steward proposed the idea of the audience themselves making their own versions of the campaign ad with a background song and to hashtag it saying #McConnelling. The satire assists in allowing people to understand the embarrassment of the campaign ad, and gives viewers an ideal source of entertainment. Personally, I believe the idea of "McConnelling" is hands down ingenious and hilarious. While watching, I was at the point of near tears from its humor and made "McConnelling" video myself with the Jurassic Park Theme Song. The Daily Show has a reputation for comedy, so people should not be offended by this and simply laugh it off, and maybe even make their own "McConnelling" video.
As many have done in the past, Mitch McConnell attempted to gain popularity with campaign ads. Unfortunately for McConnell, satirical genius Jon Stewart managed to ridicule his ad on the Daily Show by mocking his smile throughout the video, his action of disregarding what seemed to be an important document, and best of all, the various examples of songs that can replace the background music. Including a diaspora of songs such as "The Sound Of Silence", funk songs such as"Whatta Man", classical songs like "I Do It For You", and legendary songs such as "Baby Got Back". In order to continue the joke of the different background musics, Jon Steward proposed the idea of the audience themselves making their own versions of the campaign ad with a background song and to hashtag it saying #McConnelling. The satire assists in allowing people to understand the embarrassment of the campaign ad, and gives viewers an ideal source of entertainment. Personally, I believe the idea of "McConnelling" is hands down ingenious and hilarious. While watching, I was at the point of near tears from its humor and made "McConnelling" video myself with the Jurassic Park Theme Song. The Daily Show has a reputation for comedy, so people should not be offended by this and simply laugh it off, and maybe even make their own "McConnelling" video.
War Obsession
"Dad From 2150 Can't Get Enough Iraq War Documentaries"
By: Anonymous
Source: The Onion
http://www.theonion.com/articles/dad-from-2150-cant-get-enough-iraq-war-documentari,35514/?ref=auto
The war in Iraq had nearly the entire United States protesting to end the war, but not for 22nd century military fanatic Myron Orkney. Owning a box set of nine neocortex insertion discs which contain archives from the war as well as letters from the soldiers themselves, Orkney can watch documentaries about the Iraqi war day and night. Orkney gave his personal opinion about the war in Iraq, stating "It certainly was a different time back then. Not only did they have troops who were actually physically on site during battles, but a lot of those guys went into combat without limb-regeneration technologies or even body armor. Can you imagine that? One of these days I'm going to take the whole family to the Holy Islamic Caliphate of Iraq so we can tour all the historic battle sites." As people can tell, Orkney is truly obsessed with the war in the past which is currently our present... Unfortunately Orkney did not explain the difference between the wars occurring during his time and the one he cherishes that occurred in Iraq. Also, he is quite the opposite of his wife, who enjoys romantic period dramas, and it would be a hassle for his wife to visit the places her husband wants considering their difference in interests.
By: Anonymous
Source: The Onion
http://www.theonion.com/articles/dad-from-2150-cant-get-enough-iraq-war-documentari,35514/?ref=auto
The war in Iraq had nearly the entire United States protesting to end the war, but not for 22nd century military fanatic Myron Orkney. Owning a box set of nine neocortex insertion discs which contain archives from the war as well as letters from the soldiers themselves, Orkney can watch documentaries about the Iraqi war day and night. Orkney gave his personal opinion about the war in Iraq, stating "It certainly was a different time back then. Not only did they have troops who were actually physically on site during battles, but a lot of those guys went into combat without limb-regeneration technologies or even body armor. Can you imagine that? One of these days I'm going to take the whole family to the Holy Islamic Caliphate of Iraq so we can tour all the historic battle sites." As people can tell, Orkney is truly obsessed with the war in the past which is currently our present... Unfortunately Orkney did not explain the difference between the wars occurring during his time and the one he cherishes that occurred in Iraq. Also, he is quite the opposite of his wife, who enjoys romantic period dramas, and it would be a hassle for his wife to visit the places her husband wants considering their difference in interests.
Sunday, March 9, 2014
EconoME
The economy is a nationwide factor that affects citizens of all ages, whether it is directly or by chain reaction. In my life, the economy plays a significant role, in this situation by chain reaction. I go to a private school and play multiple sports, all of those requiring my parent's hard earned money, with them working more than one job at a time. If the economy begins to go down and leaving my parents unemployed, not only would I have to give up athletics but school as well, moving to a public school. The direct way for the economy to affect me has not occurred yet, considering the fact that I do not own my car which would be affected by high gas prices and I do not have a job as well.
My entire immediate family currently lives in Chile, therefore we yearly travel or vise versa. The economy's factor in this situation would be that the combustion would rise, causing air fare to rise and complicating the visits both ways. With higher combustion prices, that also means imported food's prices rise, of those being fruits. The majority of the fruits sold at supermarkets are imported, and my family makes sure to buy fruits every time to stay healthy. Therefore, as a good friend I please ask the economy to stay on its improving rate throughout many decades to come.
My entire immediate family currently lives in Chile, therefore we yearly travel or vise versa. The economy's factor in this situation would be that the combustion would rise, causing air fare to rise and complicating the visits both ways. With higher combustion prices, that also means imported food's prices rise, of those being fruits. The majority of the fruits sold at supermarkets are imported, and my family makes sure to buy fruits every time to stay healthy. Therefore, as a good friend I please ask the economy to stay on its improving rate throughout many decades to come.
Jobs Coming Our Way
"As Job Creation Increases in February, Economists See Signs of Spring Thaw"
By: Nelson D. Schwartz
Source: New York Times
In the past three months, jobs have been increasing at an outstanding rate in the month of February. During the span of the months of December and January, experts concluded that the mediocre creation of jobs was due to the hard winter, not a fundamental downshift. Although during the month of February employers hired 175,000 workers, it is still far from returning to the economy to full time employment, but it was double the amount hired in December. Barclay's chief United States economist Dean Maki said, "The report showed solid job growth in February despite clearly negative effects from the weather. It suggests that the job numbers should improve as the weather gets better." Although the unemployment rate rose 0.1 percent leveling out to a 6.7 unemployment rate, economists are optimistic about the upcoming weather hoping for jobs to keep coming about for those and gradually lower the rate. At the beginning of 2013 the unemployment rate was at 7.9 and dropped to 6.7 to this day, but other factors remain unconvincing, such as the level of long-term joblessness and the proportion of Americans in the work force. At this point, being optimistic about the unemployment rate improving is the way to go, even if it is based on the weather.
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Rain? In LA?
"Rainstorm could be Los Angeles' wettest in 2 years"
By: Rong-Gong Lin II
Source: Los Angeles Times
After having what feels like a lifetime without rain, Los Angeles' drought problem may be lessened with the upcoming two storms coming this way. The first storm is predicted to strike Wednesday evening reaching up to a quarter of an inch in rain, with a larger, even more ferocious storm making its appearance on Friday and lasting through Saturday with about one to two inches of rain. Last time this much rain had fallen in Los Angeles was on March 25th, 2012, when 0.91 inches of rainfall fell. The lasting amount of rain throughout the span also means a plenty amount of snow in the mountains, reaching as low as 5,000 feet by Saturday. Temperatures will without a doubt drop as well from the constant seventy degree span to a lower mid sixties, which Los Angeles citizens consider cold. The second storm is predicted to cause floods and powerful mudslides with debris included in wildfire struck areas. Since July 1st, Los Angeles has received a low 1.2 inches of rain, with the average amount during this time of year to be 10.45 inches. LA, keep the umbrellas handy because from Wednesday to Saturday there will be a high chance that those fancy hairstyles will get wet!
Nature
When one attempts to understand nature, they are usually unable to. When one allows nature to naturally connect with them, there is an immediate occurring understanding. The moment I sat down in my front yard in an area with half shade and the other half with sunlight, a relaxing breeze blew giving me a comforting feeling. I closed my eyes and allowed my ears to take in the environment around me. The sound of various birds around me forced me to open my eyes and look around searching for them, realizing that each one was making a different sound every time. I looked one way above me to the tree and I saw a baby black crow making something that seems like it was calling another crow and another way I saw a woodpecker looking for bugs in a tree trunk. After noticing the birds, I looked around me and noticed the verdant green trees all around me, along with a clear blue cloudless sky. I took a deep breath and felt the fresh smell of the plants and the semi-humid air.
When I began to think, I was not able to think of anything. I realized I was not looking at anything but I was staring into nothingness. My mind completely went blank and I was in a trance of not worrying about anything in life for an enjoyable 15 minutes. To me, my front yard is the perfect relaxation spot with no cars passing by and the pleasant view, it is the ideal Hakuna Matata.
When I began to think, I was not able to think of anything. I realized I was not looking at anything but I was staring into nothingness. My mind completely went blank and I was in a trance of not worrying about anything in life for an enjoyable 15 minutes. To me, my front yard is the perfect relaxation spot with no cars passing by and the pleasant view, it is the ideal Hakuna Matata.
Monday, February 17, 2014
Community
Communities plays a significant role in building one's life and future. The community is what a person's childhood is based on as well as portraying their live's upcoming decisions. A perfect example of a community in my idea is the athletic community of Pilibos. Both the parents and the athletes as well as those belonging to the committee have formed a bond bringing each other together. The parents play the role of encouraging the athletes to continue to strive for greatness, while the athletes have the attitude of becoming the best they can possibly be. The athletic committee plays a major role in the community as well, for they are the backbone of the community. A community is a set of people that come together to form a group in which everyone has a connection with one another.
Another useful example is the religious community involving the Armenian Church in Glendale. Every Sunday the people gather together for mass, and these people do not leave after mass is over. They once again gather in a room near where the mass was held and converse while having cookies and coffee. Never have I met a religious group of people that meet again after mass to talk about their week's encounters. To me that shows amazing dedication to keep the community's faith together and to grow even stronger as both a group and individual.
Another useful example is the religious community involving the Armenian Church in Glendale. Every Sunday the people gather together for mass, and these people do not leave after mass is over. They once again gather in a room near where the mass was held and converse while having cookies and coffee. Never have I met a religious group of people that meet again after mass to talk about their week's encounters. To me that shows amazing dedication to keep the community's faith together and to grow even stronger as both a group and individual.
Sunday, February 16, 2014
GPS Monitoring Gone Wrong?
"GPS monitoring alerts overwhelm probation officers"
By: Paige St. John
Source: Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/local/la-me-ff-gps-overload-20140216,0,1708422.story#axzz2tWC0rzYr
LA Country is currently using the GPS monitoring device to maintain constant supervision on the felons moved out of California keeping track of their location day and night. Despite having an effective plan, an odd problem occurred where the probation officers began receiving up to 1,000 alerts per day involving the felons. The majority of these alerts have been meaningless, those of which being blocked signal or low battery. The frequency of these messages have been so constant that the officers have begun deleting the alerts. Last fall, auditors reviewed the probation officer's job and found more than a dozen situations where the officers failed to realize the devices were out of battery and those on probation were roaming around unsupervised, on some occasions lasting weeks! California's statewide monitoring system for sex offenders receives up to 400,000 alerts each month. Ignoring such messages may leave the citizen's lives at risk as well as the probationer's chances of proving themselves a worthy citizen. In New York officers were overwhelmed by the alerts that they set it to delete themselves after five minutes. Little did they know a man charged with child pornography broke the device's strap and left the monitor at home, going out and raping an innocent ten year old girl and stabbing her mother to death. These cases are beyond horrific to the world and the officers need to take an extreme step toward improving the system and keeping the felons on check.
By: Paige St. John
Source: Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/local/la-me-ff-gps-overload-20140216,0,1708422.story#axzz2tWC0rzYr
LA Country is currently using the GPS monitoring device to maintain constant supervision on the felons moved out of California keeping track of their location day and night. Despite having an effective plan, an odd problem occurred where the probation officers began receiving up to 1,000 alerts per day involving the felons. The majority of these alerts have been meaningless, those of which being blocked signal or low battery. The frequency of these messages have been so constant that the officers have begun deleting the alerts. Last fall, auditors reviewed the probation officer's job and found more than a dozen situations where the officers failed to realize the devices were out of battery and those on probation were roaming around unsupervised, on some occasions lasting weeks! California's statewide monitoring system for sex offenders receives up to 400,000 alerts each month. Ignoring such messages may leave the citizen's lives at risk as well as the probationer's chances of proving themselves a worthy citizen. In New York officers were overwhelmed by the alerts that they set it to delete themselves after five minutes. Little did they know a man charged with child pornography broke the device's strap and left the monitor at home, going out and raping an innocent ten year old girl and stabbing her mother to death. These cases are beyond horrific to the world and the officers need to take an extreme step toward improving the system and keeping the felons on check.
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Great Gatsby Movie Review
After sitting down with my old friends Ebert and Roeper, we had come to the conclusion that the movie The Great Gatsby was quite amusing and worthwhile. Watching the movie after having read the book, it was unlike any other movie based on a novel. The Great Gatsby was on point in nearly each of the book's details. Of those details the most important one that I appreciated the director making it stand out was the representation of Dr. T.J. Eckleberg as God, watching over the Valley of Ashes. After the hit-and-run of Myrtle, she flew into the sky right in the sight of Dr. T.J. Eckleberg, depicting that nothing ever goes unnoticed. Another addition to the thumbs up part of the movie was the color differential of Gatsby's and Tom's car. That key factor allowed the viewer to know who caused the incident and the twist in the story. Despite the almost perfect representation of the book, one disappointment was the lack of effort put into the scene of Gatsby's funeral. The reason I believe the scene is a critical masterpiece to the movie is to show the kind of person Gatsby was to the people. When it came to his parties, everyone was sure to be there, but when it came to his funeral, everyone hid in their caves and gave a sketchy excuse as to why they are not able to attend. Overall, Ebert, Roeper, and I give the movie a two thumbs up!
No Helping Zone
"Syria crisis: UN 'undeterred' by Homs aid convoy attack"
By: Anonymous
Source: BBC World News
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-26106229
The UN has the best intentions for Syria, delivering convoys filled with food, water, and medicine to aid the city of Homs. There is only one problem within all this generosity. A three day cease fire attack destroyed this convoy. Despite the attack, UN humanitarian Valerie Amos said the UN would do "the best we can" but had to be reassured that they would have "safety guarantees". As the convoy was leaving Homs, it was under attack by mortars and gunfire. Being told by Syrians authorities that the attack was instigated by rebel units, the citizens blame the attack on President Bashar al-Assad's forces. Regardless of the attack, Baroness Amos recognizes the critical state the city of Homs is in being part of the 250,000 Syrians that are not getting food, and are in urgent need of medical care. As Baroness Amos stated, "The UN [and its] humanitarian partners won't be deterred from doing our best to bring critical aid to people but we need safety guarantees for aid convoys. I continue to call on those engaged in this brutal conflict to respect the humanitarian pause, ensure the protection of civilians and facilitate the safe delivery of aid." With the unfortunate situation of the constant daily bombings and attacks, the poor citizens of Syria are unable to obtain the care they are in dire need of.
By: Anonymous
Source: BBC World News
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-26106229
The UN has the best intentions for Syria, delivering convoys filled with food, water, and medicine to aid the city of Homs. There is only one problem within all this generosity. A three day cease fire attack destroyed this convoy. Despite the attack, UN humanitarian Valerie Amos said the UN would do "the best we can" but had to be reassured that they would have "safety guarantees". As the convoy was leaving Homs, it was under attack by mortars and gunfire. Being told by Syrians authorities that the attack was instigated by rebel units, the citizens blame the attack on President Bashar al-Assad's forces. Regardless of the attack, Baroness Amos recognizes the critical state the city of Homs is in being part of the 250,000 Syrians that are not getting food, and are in urgent need of medical care. As Baroness Amos stated, "The UN [and its] humanitarian partners won't be deterred from doing our best to bring critical aid to people but we need safety guarantees for aid convoys. I continue to call on those engaged in this brutal conflict to respect the humanitarian pause, ensure the protection of civilians and facilitate the safe delivery of aid." With the unfortunate situation of the constant daily bombings and attacks, the poor citizens of Syria are unable to obtain the care they are in dire need of.
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Ashes, Ashes, We All Fall Down
"Volcanic ash smothers part of Indonesia, kills 15"
By: Kathy Quiano and Mark Morgenstien
Source: CNN News
http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/01/world/asia/indonesia-volcano/index.html?hpt=wo_c1
Mount Singabug has been causing devastating debris in Jakarta, Indonesia. The volcanic eruption's main source of destruction has been the soot, suffocating fifteen unlucky victims. An excess amount of ash ejected a mile into the sky reaching up to 700 degrees in temperature, later speeding toward the ground in minutes. The Jakarta Post reported that this is the first time in history that Mount Singabug has ever caused deaths. For 400 years Mount Sinabug has been inactive, erupting for the first time in 2010. With the eruption instigating more activity, the volcano has been emitting gas since September. The English-language Jakarta Post said that thirty one people died from eruption-related illnesses, such as asthma and hypertension. Unfortunately, the most recent volcanic activity has caused sixteen villages to evacuate, with a minimum of 30,000 people having to temporarily evacuate and being housed in one of forty-two evacuation centers. Many government agencies and nongovernmental humanitarian groups were at the destruction site on Sunday helping those affected, such as World Vision, whom of which were helping children with their trauma and hygiene. Hopefully the ashes will subside to a complete stop and the city of Jakarta will be back at its normal state.
By: Kathy Quiano and Mark Morgenstien
Source: CNN News
http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/01/world/asia/indonesia-volcano/index.html?hpt=wo_c1
Mount Singabug has been causing devastating debris in Jakarta, Indonesia. The volcanic eruption's main source of destruction has been the soot, suffocating fifteen unlucky victims. An excess amount of ash ejected a mile into the sky reaching up to 700 degrees in temperature, later speeding toward the ground in minutes. The Jakarta Post reported that this is the first time in history that Mount Singabug has ever caused deaths. For 400 years Mount Sinabug has been inactive, erupting for the first time in 2010. With the eruption instigating more activity, the volcano has been emitting gas since September. The English-language Jakarta Post said that thirty one people died from eruption-related illnesses, such as asthma and hypertension. Unfortunately, the most recent volcanic activity has caused sixteen villages to evacuate, with a minimum of 30,000 people having to temporarily evacuate and being housed in one of forty-two evacuation centers. Many government agencies and nongovernmental humanitarian groups were at the destruction site on Sunday helping those affected, such as World Vision, whom of which were helping children with their trauma and hygiene. Hopefully the ashes will subside to a complete stop and the city of Jakarta will be back at its normal state.
Sunday, January 19, 2014
SoCal Air Becoming Unsafe *Cough Cough*
"Exceptional dryness brings the hazy days of winter"
By: Tony Barboza
Source: The Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/science/la-me-winter-air-20140120,0,6110749.story#axzz2qtd67NsI
California is known for having plenty of air pollution, but never this bad. Without recent rainfall in the past few months, the current air's condition has trapped many particles from the ground leaving a relatively thick smog in the air. This haze in the atmosphere is affecting people's health greatly with clinics recording more patients coming in for reasons such as trouble breathing, tightness in their chest, itchy eyes and runny noses. Dr. Sunil Saini said he normally sees patients with these problems decline starting at around December and said, "This year we haven't seen that decrease." Every year Southern California has a few rain storms that take care of the air pollution problem, except for this year. To make matters even worse, weather forecasters have not predicting rainfall in the upcoming week and multiple wildfires have released a thick, black smoke into the air causing the Southern California citizen's health in a graver danger. In the San Joaquin Valley the haze has been so severe that the pollution-trapping conditions are more than triple the federal standard. Outdoor high school events have been cancelled or postponed because of the set Level 5 advisories, highest on the scale. Hopefully Southern California can soon escape from the dry curse and return to the normal pollution conditions.
By: Tony Barboza
Source: The Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/science/la-me-winter-air-20140120,0,6110749.story#axzz2qtd67NsI
California is known for having plenty of air pollution, but never this bad. Without recent rainfall in the past few months, the current air's condition has trapped many particles from the ground leaving a relatively thick smog in the air. This haze in the atmosphere is affecting people's health greatly with clinics recording more patients coming in for reasons such as trouble breathing, tightness in their chest, itchy eyes and runny noses. Dr. Sunil Saini said he normally sees patients with these problems decline starting at around December and said, "This year we haven't seen that decrease." Every year Southern California has a few rain storms that take care of the air pollution problem, except for this year. To make matters even worse, weather forecasters have not predicting rainfall in the upcoming week and multiple wildfires have released a thick, black smoke into the air causing the Southern California citizen's health in a graver danger. In the San Joaquin Valley the haze has been so severe that the pollution-trapping conditions are more than triple the federal standard. Outdoor high school events have been cancelled or postponed because of the set Level 5 advisories, highest on the scale. Hopefully Southern California can soon escape from the dry curse and return to the normal pollution conditions.
Great Gatsby? More Like Great Kazazian
Jay Gatsby used his tremendous wealth to show off to his guests at parties by buying Rolls Royces, hiring bands, and hosting parties every weekend. With that much money in my hands, I would not attempt to show off my wealth to my guests but to make sure that the party would be the one everyone would remember. The ideal party would be during the summer in a beach house mansion in the Southern California coast. I would buy out the entire beach as well and have open bars with multiple tropical themed decorations on the shore. There is no need to dress fancy, for the party will shift from the mansion to the beach shore as the night progresses. Men will be wearing swimming trunks while women wear bikinis as they dance to the upbeat Spanish and party music, with special invites from famous Latino singers. Surfboards will also be available along with a special section to swim with my unique bottlenose dolphins and observe the beautiful Chilean Flamingos bought directly from Chile. Those who wish to remain inside the mansion or in the mansion backyard may also enjoy themselves with an infinity pool and a variety of drinks that would make their taste buds crave it, including a famous Chilean classic named Pisco Sour. There will be butlers walking around with mouth watering Chilean seafoods such as ceviche and avocado slices with shrimp on it and other hunger satisfying appetizers. There will be no major dishes being served because of the fact that the party is to have a great time and dance, not eat. People will be allowed to enter the party but will be inspected upon arrival, not wanting any problems occurring. The minimum age for the party will be 21, allowing no underage drinking. For those willing to attend, they have to make sure to bring trunks and bikinis for females, and the enthusiasm to party until dawn.
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Print and Eat
"The Chef Jet 3D Printer Prints Dessert, And Yes, It's Really Good"
By: Timothy Stenovec
Source: Huffington Post
Who would have thought that a machine used to place writing on paper would be created edible desserts, surprisingly made in 3D! There are a variety of dessert types that can be generated such as printing sugar, chocolate, or candy in whichever shape or form that comes to mind. The secret to how the printer works is that a rolling pin lays a fine layer of powder onto the surface that will be used. Then an inkjet sprays a thin stream of water, drawing the design wanted by the programmed set. Whenever the water touches the powder the rolling pin has set the powder automatically hardens. This process is repeated layer by layer, adding a vertical inch per hour. The final result becomes a complex pastry with twists and turns that will amaze with how it is truly made.
The ChefJet will be premier around the first half of the year, but it is not recommended for one's home. The starting price will be "under $5,000", directed for the use of professional bakers, pastry chefs, restauranteurs and chocolatiers. A larger version is also available called the ChefJet Pro can add color to the confections, which will be at "under $10,000". The founder Von Hasseln came up across the idea with her husband, in which both are trained architects, by hacking a 3D printer with the intentions of making a unique birthday cake for a friend. The experiment came out successful which began their company The Sugar Lab.
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Not So Good Amendment
"1920's Prohibition"
http://www.1920-30.com/prohibition/
The idea of prohibiting any item is to have its consumption reduced. As the 18th Amendment went into action the government believed the families would be protected by the alcohol abuse being eliminated with the new law. With the alcohol sale put to an end, it was the nascent of completely new alcohol sales. Alcohol was famously sold at "speakeasies" and underground alcohol manufacturers. As the years went by, the more speakeasies would come about. Police would shut down one, and two other venues would appear. It also enhanced smuggling with Canada and the creation of moonshine, in home alcohol making. The prohibition also created new alliances which are currently the mafia. They would be the ones to smuggle the alcohol and sell it to the speakeasies and even run it, indicating the beginning of the future mob/mafia. To some extent the prohibition was affecting the country because of the unprofessional alcohol makers. Without any expertise in the field of the making, many received alcohol poisoning. The alcohol made people want to party and celebrate, with the excitement of breaking the law drinking alcohol. The 1920's era was the indication of the beginning of a new time for the United States, the era of Modernism.
http://www.1920-30.com/prohibition/
The idea of prohibiting any item is to have its consumption reduced. As the 18th Amendment went into action the government believed the families would be protected by the alcohol abuse being eliminated with the new law. With the alcohol sale put to an end, it was the nascent of completely new alcohol sales. Alcohol was famously sold at "speakeasies" and underground alcohol manufacturers. As the years went by, the more speakeasies would come about. Police would shut down one, and two other venues would appear. It also enhanced smuggling with Canada and the creation of moonshine, in home alcohol making. The prohibition also created new alliances which are currently the mafia. They would be the ones to smuggle the alcohol and sell it to the speakeasies and even run it, indicating the beginning of the future mob/mafia. To some extent the prohibition was affecting the country because of the unprofessional alcohol makers. Without any expertise in the field of the making, many received alcohol poisoning. The alcohol made people want to party and celebrate, with the excitement of breaking the law drinking alcohol. The 1920's era was the indication of the beginning of a new time for the United States, the era of Modernism.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)