Wanna get your dance on? Wanna find a song that you can't get out of your head? Well it won't be hard with this song that I'm going to tell you about. Like all of my most favorite artists, I come across them by complete accidents. I consider that a blessing. Many artists such as Delta Goodrem, Aimee Allen, TobyMac and Chris Salvatore rank as some of my top favorite artists. And my discovery of them were completely random as well. This band, One Call, is no different. And I'm gonna introduce you to a song that you will be bobbing your head to for some time!
AG Gamlieli, Justin Thorne, Chris Moy and Jose Bordonada make up the band, and I have to say, they are a good and talented bunch. I came across their first single, "Blacklight" while randomly browsing through iTunes. I always click on the songs that are in the Hot section, so after previewing a short bit, I knew it was gonna be an awesome song. I bought it, and I have been listening to it ever since.
"“It’s funny how one call can change your whole life.” remarked Chris Moy, giving name to the new band formed by legendary music executive Johnny Wright." That was found on their Facebook page. It also tells of how Johnny Wright has great success with getting the Jonas Brothers and N*SYNC to fame. So it looks like they are in good hands. And the fact that each one has had a great start before joining together gives them a head start.
"Blacklight" is a song that has you from the beginning. And then the whole song forms together as more things are added. It instantly puts you in a dancing mood, and also gives you the crave to grab someone and head out to the dance floor. The song also gives a provocative sense and just wants you to do something spontaneous and wild. And I am sure that some of you devoted fans have giving in to those urges.
The music video is just as captivating as it has what else, black lights. The dancing is flawless and you may see some people that you may know. I know for a fact that Art from Glee is on there for a brief second. And overall the video wants you to hop in and join. Sadly for me, I have no dancing skills at all.
But "Blacklight" isn't all there is. For the holidays, they sent out free mixtapes from their website. I downloaded it and it is pretty good as well. Some songs are covers from very popular artists and you can't tell the difference on some. So while it is still free, I recommend you get the mixtape now on their website!
So hopefully I don't need to tell you anymore to convince you to buy this song. But who knows, you may already know about it! They seem to already be popular, and their success continues to grow. If you haven't bought "Blacklight", I recommend you do. Come on, it is only $1.29. Go to iTunes here!
So guys, I hope you have enjoyed my review! These guys are really talented and I was more than happy to send them a little fans their way! Can't wait for some more of your work!
-Tyler
Monday, January 31, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Fragile Pt.2
In the Pacific, there is pollution that we have never seen before. Like scientists said, it is “plastic soup”. They also say that it is floating in the Pacific, and it is growing fast! And it covers an area that equals the size of the United States twice. Yes, I am talking about the “Great Pacific Garbage Patch”, as they call it. This waste in the ocean covers 500 miles in the ocean, and is off the California coast.
Charles Moore, the American oceanographer that discovered the garbage patch in 1997, thinks that about 100 million tons of waste is circulating in the region. Marcus Eriksen, research director of the Algalita Marine Research Foundation says, “It is endless for an area that is maybe twice the size as continental United States.” While the majority of the plastic comes from land, a fifth of it comes from ships.
Moore, the heir of an oil industry fortune, sold his business to become an environmental activist. He says, “Unless consumers cut back on their use of disposable plastics, the plastic stew would double in size over the next decade.” With the debris floating in the ocean, millions of seabirds and sea animals consume this waste mistakenly, dying with the plastic still in their stomachs when found. And once again, what the food chain consumes, we will eventually consume.
This next disaster is one I can relate to since it was very recent and just as disastrous as the others. On April 20th, an explosion on the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig caused an oil leak that would later be called the “largest accidental oil spill in history”. It leaked for 86 days, releasing nearly five million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico, surpassing the Ixtoc I in 1979, spilling out 3.3 million barrels. When it hit shore, it drove many fisherman out of business, and tourists out of vacation spots. Finally in September, the leak finally ceased, but left behind a devastated Gulf.
Scientists have said that a 22-mile-long invisible patch of oil is settled below the surface of the Gulf, and it may stay there for a long time. They also worry that it is breaking down at a slow pace, making it a looming threat to the aquatic animals. And when you expect to see big plumes in the water, there isn’t, because the small amounts of oil are too small to be seen with the naked eye, and is odorless. These areas are 3,000 to 4,000 deep, farther below the area where many fish like snapper, tuna and mackerel inhabit. But the problem comes in when smaller animals below that point migrate closer to the surface, going through the oil, and bringing nutrients to larger animals. And once again that returns to the food chain where we are affected. While the source of the problem has stopped, Samantha Joye, from the University of Georgia says, “The full environmental impacts of the spill will thus not be felt for some time.”
Now that I have very briefly went through some events that have brought devastating results on our environment, eventually affecting the human race, you can have a image of what our environment really is like right now. We take things for granted, and abuse the fragile home that we live in. Even though I did not cover every environmental disaster in the world, these five I have talked to you about show that any disaster, no matter the size, can affect our world greatly.
So my earlier observation is correct. We have people that have the power to destroy or severely weaken the world, people that do not take the first step in cleaning up leaks that continue to poison the homes near it, and people that do not try to take steps that could help oceans and animals from the harmful substances that are not degradable. If we try to help as a global movement, it is very possible that we could slowly reverse the pollutants that our environment has had to consume, and create a healthy earth for us to live on, and the other species that inhabit it.
Charles Moore, the American oceanographer that discovered the garbage patch in 1997, thinks that about 100 million tons of waste is circulating in the region. Marcus Eriksen, research director of the Algalita Marine Research Foundation says, “It is endless for an area that is maybe twice the size as continental United States.” While the majority of the plastic comes from land, a fifth of it comes from ships.
Moore, the heir of an oil industry fortune, sold his business to become an environmental activist. He says, “Unless consumers cut back on their use of disposable plastics, the plastic stew would double in size over the next decade.” With the debris floating in the ocean, millions of seabirds and sea animals consume this waste mistakenly, dying with the plastic still in their stomachs when found. And once again, what the food chain consumes, we will eventually consume.
This next disaster is one I can relate to since it was very recent and just as disastrous as the others. On April 20th, an explosion on the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig caused an oil leak that would later be called the “largest accidental oil spill in history”. It leaked for 86 days, releasing nearly five million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico, surpassing the Ixtoc I in 1979, spilling out 3.3 million barrels. When it hit shore, it drove many fisherman out of business, and tourists out of vacation spots. Finally in September, the leak finally ceased, but left behind a devastated Gulf.
Scientists have said that a 22-mile-long invisible patch of oil is settled below the surface of the Gulf, and it may stay there for a long time. They also worry that it is breaking down at a slow pace, making it a looming threat to the aquatic animals. And when you expect to see big plumes in the water, there isn’t, because the small amounts of oil are too small to be seen with the naked eye, and is odorless. These areas are 3,000 to 4,000 deep, farther below the area where many fish like snapper, tuna and mackerel inhabit. But the problem comes in when smaller animals below that point migrate closer to the surface, going through the oil, and bringing nutrients to larger animals. And once again that returns to the food chain where we are affected. While the source of the problem has stopped, Samantha Joye, from the University of Georgia says, “The full environmental impacts of the spill will thus not be felt for some time.”
Now that I have very briefly went through some events that have brought devastating results on our environment, eventually affecting the human race, you can have a image of what our environment really is like right now. We take things for granted, and abuse the fragile home that we live in. Even though I did not cover every environmental disaster in the world, these five I have talked to you about show that any disaster, no matter the size, can affect our world greatly.
So my earlier observation is correct. We have people that have the power to destroy or severely weaken the world, people that do not take the first step in cleaning up leaks that continue to poison the homes near it, and people that do not try to take steps that could help oceans and animals from the harmful substances that are not degradable. If we try to help as a global movement, it is very possible that we could slowly reverse the pollutants that our environment has had to consume, and create a healthy earth for us to live on, and the other species that inhabit it.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Fragile
This is the first part of the final history series. Enjoy!
We look outside our window, and we see a very hostile environment. It did not used be that way though. But now, we are in constant threat to something that affects the environment. And most of those things are creations by man. We hear of cultures being altered and the homes for all species being destroyed by someone’s selfish goals. And the many advances in technology have assisted in effecting our environment greatly. There are numerous amounts of man-made disasters, but today, I want to briefly discuss with you several disastrous events that prove that our environment is being affected by the decisions made by man, and how man’s own actions are affecting them.
We are all very familiar with the atomic bombings of Japan. Hiroshima and Nagasaki were the two cities bombed, and still are reflected by it today. Tens of thousands died during the bombing, and hundreds of thousands died after due to harmful effects from the bombings. Anyone within a four to six mile range was likely to die. The cities took a hard hit from the bombings, receiving massive amounts of debris falling from the sky, and radioactive ash that kept falling an hour after the bombing. The after effects left citizens with radiation poisoning, which is the worst atomic bombing effect. And later on, reports came of cases of cancer, tumors and cysts.
That makes you wonder, what effects would be produced by another atomic bomb was detonated? Scientists say that a nuclear arsenal poses the single largest threat to the environment, and reports say that it could destroy the world’s ecosystems that would leave effects for decades. And only 0.03% of the current nuclear power could create so much soot to block out the sun, and rapidly cool the earth. All of this would result in the death of millions, and the inability to cultivate land. So, the tragedy of Hiroshima and Nagasaki is not as harmful as what could potentially happen, but it puts fear into many that humans have the power to reshape , if not, destroy the environment that we live in today.
At the end of 1972, the United States ended the thirty year use of DDT, a pesticide used to control insects against crops, and diseases such as malaria. Because of Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring, the nation’s eyes were finally open to what DDT was really doing to the environment. It was first developed in War World II to combat the insects, malaria, and other diseases including typhus for the military and citizen population. During that time, the chemical was also starting to be used in the agricultural field. Since its entrance, 675,000 tons of it have been released around the nation, 80 million pounds of it being released in 1959 alone.
According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, “The effects of DDT are present throughout the ecosystem and food chain.” The WHO also reported that DDT can also be seen in microorganism, water-inhabited animals and mammals. Reports also say that DDT causes thinning of bird eggshells, cutting the number of offspring, reducing reproduction rate. Microorganisms, which inhabits the ocean, is affected by DDT. It doesn’t kill the organisms, but infects the very bottom of the food chain, which winds up on our dinner table.
The most frightening is that humans can be affected by it as well. In 1968, it was proven that Americans were once consuming .025 mg of DDT a day. Certain concentrations cause the human body to experience headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion and tremors. And there are also talks that breast cancer is a result of being exposed to DDT. Even though the United States has banned DDT as a method against insects and disease, other countries still use it, continuing to be an enemy against the environment. And as long as the other nations are using it, there will always be a threat of the pesticide reaching in our foods or products that we use.
What happened in Bhopal? That was the question I asked when I came across the topic during my research. And although I have never heard of it, the incident in Bhopal, India was horrific. On December 2nd, 1984, a Union Carbide plant leaked 27 tons of the gas methyl isocyanate, which is used to create another form of pesticide. Over half a million people were exposed to the gas that was leaking, 20,000 people dying as a result later on.
120,000 of the victims continued to suffer from the exposure years after the leak. They experienced symptoms such as blindness, and difficult breathing. It greatly affected the environment when it seeped into soil and water and contaminated it with organochlorines and heavy metals. In 1999, they found mercury levels in water thousands to millions of times more than expected. Since the exposure, research has found mercury and lead in the breast milk of mothers living near the plant. Not only does the leak affect the environment greatly, but it affects the feeding process for infants living in that area. The contaminated area has never been fully cleaned up or stopped, which has resulted in citizens still being poisoned to this day .
To Be Continued...
We look outside our window, and we see a very hostile environment. It did not used be that way though. But now, we are in constant threat to something that affects the environment. And most of those things are creations by man. We hear of cultures being altered and the homes for all species being destroyed by someone’s selfish goals. And the many advances in technology have assisted in effecting our environment greatly. There are numerous amounts of man-made disasters, but today, I want to briefly discuss with you several disastrous events that prove that our environment is being affected by the decisions made by man, and how man’s own actions are affecting them.
We are all very familiar with the atomic bombings of Japan. Hiroshima and Nagasaki were the two cities bombed, and still are reflected by it today. Tens of thousands died during the bombing, and hundreds of thousands died after due to harmful effects from the bombings. Anyone within a four to six mile range was likely to die. The cities took a hard hit from the bombings, receiving massive amounts of debris falling from the sky, and radioactive ash that kept falling an hour after the bombing. The after effects left citizens with radiation poisoning, which is the worst atomic bombing effect. And later on, reports came of cases of cancer, tumors and cysts.
That makes you wonder, what effects would be produced by another atomic bomb was detonated? Scientists say that a nuclear arsenal poses the single largest threat to the environment, and reports say that it could destroy the world’s ecosystems that would leave effects for decades. And only 0.03% of the current nuclear power could create so much soot to block out the sun, and rapidly cool the earth. All of this would result in the death of millions, and the inability to cultivate land. So, the tragedy of Hiroshima and Nagasaki is not as harmful as what could potentially happen, but it puts fear into many that humans have the power to reshape , if not, destroy the environment that we live in today.
At the end of 1972, the United States ended the thirty year use of DDT, a pesticide used to control insects against crops, and diseases such as malaria. Because of Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring, the nation’s eyes were finally open to what DDT was really doing to the environment. It was first developed in War World II to combat the insects, malaria, and other diseases including typhus for the military and citizen population. During that time, the chemical was also starting to be used in the agricultural field. Since its entrance, 675,000 tons of it have been released around the nation, 80 million pounds of it being released in 1959 alone.
According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, “The effects of DDT are present throughout the ecosystem and food chain.” The WHO also reported that DDT can also be seen in microorganism, water-inhabited animals and mammals. Reports also say that DDT causes thinning of bird eggshells, cutting the number of offspring, reducing reproduction rate. Microorganisms, which inhabits the ocean, is affected by DDT. It doesn’t kill the organisms, but infects the very bottom of the food chain, which winds up on our dinner table.
The most frightening is that humans can be affected by it as well. In 1968, it was proven that Americans were once consuming .025 mg of DDT a day. Certain concentrations cause the human body to experience headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion and tremors. And there are also talks that breast cancer is a result of being exposed to DDT. Even though the United States has banned DDT as a method against insects and disease, other countries still use it, continuing to be an enemy against the environment. And as long as the other nations are using it, there will always be a threat of the pesticide reaching in our foods or products that we use.
What happened in Bhopal? That was the question I asked when I came across the topic during my research. And although I have never heard of it, the incident in Bhopal, India was horrific. On December 2nd, 1984, a Union Carbide plant leaked 27 tons of the gas methyl isocyanate, which is used to create another form of pesticide. Over half a million people were exposed to the gas that was leaking, 20,000 people dying as a result later on.
120,000 of the victims continued to suffer from the exposure years after the leak. They experienced symptoms such as blindness, and difficult breathing. It greatly affected the environment when it seeped into soil and water and contaminated it with organochlorines and heavy metals. In 1999, they found mercury levels in water thousands to millions of times more than expected. Since the exposure, research has found mercury and lead in the breast milk of mothers living near the plant. Not only does the leak affect the environment greatly, but it affects the feeding process for infants living in that area. The contaminated area has never been fully cleaned up or stopped, which has resulted in citizens still being poisoned to this day .
To Be Continued...
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Delta's Year
It is now 2011. And since Delta Goodrem spent most of 2010 for her creative skills to write her new album, many Delta fans are more than eager for her to release something. Some fans are even going to say that this year could be, "Delta's Year".
With confirmation from Delta that her album will be released this year, more towards the middle of the year, fans like you are hungry for any news of the official release date of the album, or even news of the first single. In interviews in the past, Delta has said that the album is 90% finished. So by now, shouldn't we have heard some news about estimated time for the album or single? For me, I feel that the single should already should be out, or the news already out in the open. But a part of me thinks that Delta wants every detail of this album set in stone before announcing anything. And who knows...maybe things will go faster after she is proud with the final product.
I am very excited about this album. News that she was going back to an "earthy" and "stripped back" feel makes me excited. It gives me reason to believe that we will be seeing a style from "Innocent Eyes" and the awesome work from the person that help write "Innocent Eyes". For some reason his name cannot come to my mind. But some awesome titles have been floating around such as "Hostage", "Escape", and "Thousand Years". There are tons more, and all seem worthy of Delta's name.
Now, everybody has been speculating about when the album and single will be out. I had my hopes up for a Christmas single. But I knew that if I wouldn't get it then, then I would get it soon these next few months. So when do I think it will come out? Well I think the single will be out hopefully within the next month. Then I hope the album would be out like promised, towards the middle of the year. That would give her plenty of time to promote.
Speaking of that, I think Delta will be very busy this year. With this new album, not only would she releasing it in Australia, but also in the USA, if not also the UK. Which I'm not sure how she will fit it all in because when releasing the single, she would have to promote it in Australia, then the USA, then trying to promote the album in both countries, and then trying to promote afterwards. And that doesn't include things that come up.
The only thing I know of that would work is if she released it in one country, then going to the next months later. I recall the Script doing that for their new album, "Science & Faith". They had to start with Australia and then the UK, then waiting til now to release it in the USA. I think it is obvious that Australia would be the first place that Delta will go to promote. She has the biggest fanbase there and plus it is her home. Unfortunatly that would mean that the USA would have to wait longer for her to come and promote. But it may be the other way around. She may start with the USA, then go to Australia. That makes sense as well because she is currently stationed in LA. And since she has the bigger fanbase in Australia, she may decided to focus on the USA first. But since it has been over 3 years since "Delta" was released there, she also needs to promote good there. Either way, someone will have to wait longer after things gets started! And I hope it isn't me!
Another thing going on is the box collections currently out in some places, and in the process of being released in others. The first box sex is the combination of her 3 albums, with the other one containing 3 DVDs, including "The Visualise Tour" and "The Believe Again Tour". I am very excited about the DVD set since I haven't seen Visualise. I would also like to buy the CD set, but I feel that it is too expensive for the same albums that I already have.
People were not happy with it because it kept getting delayed. My theory on that is because it was to help promote the new album, and the date was constantly pushed back because Delta had still not come out with news for the 4th album. I think they finally just had to go ahead and release it, which is a shame. But that also makes me wonder if the single or even the album was meant for this time right now.
Now for the USA, this box set wouldn't be a bad idea. "Delta" is the only album officially released in the states. I think the box set would help people get more familiar with her music, and then her fanbase would grow by the time her new album arrived. The problem with that though is that I think that there wouldn't be enough hype for people to buy it here. And if nobody bought it, then it really doesn't help. But I have high hopes that she made enough of an impact in 2008 in the states that people would buy it.
Now on to my theory about Delta in America. During her attempt in 2008, she had a semi-successful breakthrough. "In This Life" was #21 on the charts, and "Delta" was #7 on the iTunes pop charts the day it was released. And plus she was on The View and David Letterman. But two years have passed, now going for a third, and now it is a whole different ballgame. You have people like Lady Gaga and the return of Britney Spears to deal with. And plus, there is no guarantee that EVERY person that heard Delta during that time still remembers her.
But I have confidence that her persistance to stick with her same style of music will get her far with this album. Right now, in my opinion, many artists are turning over to the electro/pop/dance era. So it is smart to stay with the classic piano ballads that we expect will be on this new album. And I have a feeling that this album will give a feel of fresh air. And that gives me a reason to believe that this album could be the album that could break her into the USA markets.
So for her strategy for her second attempt into the USA, I would suggest that she returns to the same places that she went to in 2008. They will have a good chance of remembering her, and when they remember how great she was, and her sucess with "ITL", they will really throw her out there. Not only that, but she has many new resources that she can use. She has David Foster and Andrea Bocelli for a start, Foster noticing her during Bocelli's Christmas Tour, and then Bocelli when he invited her to two of his tours, one actually in the USA. Jim Brickman is another source, which he had her featured in his awesome song, "Breathe, Dream, Pray, Love". And then the last one would be her future hubby, Brian McFadden, which is also on the verge of releasing an album in the USA as well, with us hoping that his duet with Delta, "Mistakes" will be on there.
So I would have to agree that this could be "Delta's Year". She has alot on her plate though. And with all of the things that she has going on, she may have to run over into 2012 to fit everything in. Hopefully, that won't be the case!
-Tyler
With confirmation from Delta that her album will be released this year, more towards the middle of the year, fans like you are hungry for any news of the official release date of the album, or even news of the first single. In interviews in the past, Delta has said that the album is 90% finished. So by now, shouldn't we have heard some news about estimated time for the album or single? For me, I feel that the single should already should be out, or the news already out in the open. But a part of me thinks that Delta wants every detail of this album set in stone before announcing anything. And who knows...maybe things will go faster after she is proud with the final product.
I am very excited about this album. News that she was going back to an "earthy" and "stripped back" feel makes me excited. It gives me reason to believe that we will be seeing a style from "Innocent Eyes" and the awesome work from the person that help write "Innocent Eyes". For some reason his name cannot come to my mind. But some awesome titles have been floating around such as "Hostage", "Escape", and "Thousand Years". There are tons more, and all seem worthy of Delta's name.
Now, everybody has been speculating about when the album and single will be out. I had my hopes up for a Christmas single. But I knew that if I wouldn't get it then, then I would get it soon these next few months. So when do I think it will come out? Well I think the single will be out hopefully within the next month. Then I hope the album would be out like promised, towards the middle of the year. That would give her plenty of time to promote.
Speaking of that, I think Delta will be very busy this year. With this new album, not only would she releasing it in Australia, but also in the USA, if not also the UK. Which I'm not sure how she will fit it all in because when releasing the single, she would have to promote it in Australia, then the USA, then trying to promote the album in both countries, and then trying to promote afterwards. And that doesn't include things that come up.
The only thing I know of that would work is if she released it in one country, then going to the next months later. I recall the Script doing that for their new album, "Science & Faith". They had to start with Australia and then the UK, then waiting til now to release it in the USA. I think it is obvious that Australia would be the first place that Delta will go to promote. She has the biggest fanbase there and plus it is her home. Unfortunatly that would mean that the USA would have to wait longer for her to come and promote. But it may be the other way around. She may start with the USA, then go to Australia. That makes sense as well because she is currently stationed in LA. And since she has the bigger fanbase in Australia, she may decided to focus on the USA first. But since it has been over 3 years since "Delta" was released there, she also needs to promote good there. Either way, someone will have to wait longer after things gets started! And I hope it isn't me!
Another thing going on is the box collections currently out in some places, and in the process of being released in others. The first box sex is the combination of her 3 albums, with the other one containing 3 DVDs, including "The Visualise Tour" and "The Believe Again Tour". I am very excited about the DVD set since I haven't seen Visualise. I would also like to buy the CD set, but I feel that it is too expensive for the same albums that I already have.
People were not happy with it because it kept getting delayed. My theory on that is because it was to help promote the new album, and the date was constantly pushed back because Delta had still not come out with news for the 4th album. I think they finally just had to go ahead and release it, which is a shame. But that also makes me wonder if the single or even the album was meant for this time right now.
Now for the USA, this box set wouldn't be a bad idea. "Delta" is the only album officially released in the states. I think the box set would help people get more familiar with her music, and then her fanbase would grow by the time her new album arrived. The problem with that though is that I think that there wouldn't be enough hype for people to buy it here. And if nobody bought it, then it really doesn't help. But I have high hopes that she made enough of an impact in 2008 in the states that people would buy it.
Now on to my theory about Delta in America. During her attempt in 2008, she had a semi-successful breakthrough. "In This Life" was #21 on the charts, and "Delta" was #7 on the iTunes pop charts the day it was released. And plus she was on The View and David Letterman. But two years have passed, now going for a third, and now it is a whole different ballgame. You have people like Lady Gaga and the return of Britney Spears to deal with. And plus, there is no guarantee that EVERY person that heard Delta during that time still remembers her.
But I have confidence that her persistance to stick with her same style of music will get her far with this album. Right now, in my opinion, many artists are turning over to the electro/pop/dance era. So it is smart to stay with the classic piano ballads that we expect will be on this new album. And I have a feeling that this album will give a feel of fresh air. And that gives me a reason to believe that this album could be the album that could break her into the USA markets.
So for her strategy for her second attempt into the USA, I would suggest that she returns to the same places that she went to in 2008. They will have a good chance of remembering her, and when they remember how great she was, and her sucess with "ITL", they will really throw her out there. Not only that, but she has many new resources that she can use. She has David Foster and Andrea Bocelli for a start, Foster noticing her during Bocelli's Christmas Tour, and then Bocelli when he invited her to two of his tours, one actually in the USA. Jim Brickman is another source, which he had her featured in his awesome song, "Breathe, Dream, Pray, Love". And then the last one would be her future hubby, Brian McFadden, which is also on the verge of releasing an album in the USA as well, with us hoping that his duet with Delta, "Mistakes" will be on there.
So I would have to agree that this could be "Delta's Year". She has alot on her plate though. And with all of the things that she has going on, she may have to run over into 2012 to fit everything in. Hopefully, that won't be the case!
-Tyler
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Messy Reform
Who would have known that Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle would raise so many eyebrows during its publication? Who would have known that it would be the first stepping stone to creating a more healthier food system for Americans? Who would have believed that a young, poor, failing writer would create a novel so impactful? Not many did, nor did the publishers that he brought the story to. But Sinclair’s novel would prove them wrong, for it would change the future for the food market industry forever.
Upton Sinclair was born in Maryland in 1878. As a young child, he began writing short novels. As he progressed through the years, he continued to write more novels and produced jokes to help finance his way through college. He joined the socialist party, and started to base his novels around socialistic beliefs. The time then came when he was ready to publish his first novel. It did not sell, neither did the second, third or fourth one.
When Sinclair heard of a meat-packing strike in Chicago, he thought of it as a plot opportunity and headed out to pursue it. During two months of 1904, Sinclair ventured the areas they called “Packingtown”. He spoke with many immigrants about their harsh working conditions in the meat-packing industry. He then saw these conditions first hand with his 12-hour- a-day schedule inside the factories.
After his time in Chicago, he returned to one of his hometowns in Princeton to begin writing his future great novel, The Jungle. He moved into a 18-by-16-foot cabin and then began to write. In later years, Sinclair described the process, “I wrote with tears and anguish, pouring into the pages all the pain that life had meant to me.” He spent three months writing the novel, describing the horrible environment that he worked in.
His main character was known as Jurgis Rudkus, who was an immigrant that worked in one of the Packingtowns. He described one process with, “One by one, they hooked up the hogs, and one by one with a swift stroke they slit their throats.” The story went on to saying more disgusting details such as, “De-vyled” ham was made out of the waste ends of smoked beef that were too small to be sliced by the machines; and also tripe, dyed with chemicals so that it would not show white; and trimmings of hams and corned beef; and potatoes, skins and all; and finally the hard cartilaginous gullets of beef, after the tongues had been cut out.”
After Sinclair’s completion of the novel, he started searching for publishers. His first five publishers turned him down, fearing the plot was too “politically hot” for readers. His 6th attempt was with Doubleday in 1906. They accepted him and started publication. The novel quickly became famous and was referred as the “most revolutionary piece of fiction of the age”.
The Jungle was then compared to the many influential novels such as Uncle Tom’s Cabin. American readers quickly demanded the reform of the food industry. They then sent hundreds of letters a day to President Theodore Roosevelt demanding change. Roosevelt, who received an advanced copy of The Jungle, sent government agents to Chicago to research these claims said by Sinclair. His agents returned, reporting worse evidence than what Sinclair had claimed. Roosevelt had Sinclair brought to the White House to hear his thoughts on how to reform the meat-packing industry.
Congress paid no attention to Sinclair’s socialistic views, and instead paid very close attention to the eight pages of gruesome details that took place in the factories.
At the end of June, Congress passed the Pure Food and Drug Act, sending agents to inspect for unsafe food and medicines. They also passed the Meat Inspection Act to inspect the meat-packing factories. To this day, our food and medicines are protected by these same regulations.
Pleased with Sinclair’s work, Roosevelt gave Sinclair the same term that he gave reformers like Sinclair, “muckrakers”. But with many people, the term was not meant to be a compliment. Sinclair was not pleased with the fame that he received over the book. He was disappointed that his book was now known for its meat-packing controversy instead of its socialistic views. He said later on, “I aimed at the public’s heart, and by accident I hit it in the stomach”.
The Jungle helped lead into the Progressive movement. It changed the style of journalistic and novelist stories into more aggressive writings in order to make an impact in the many reforms occurring during that time. Social commentator Randolph Bourne from that time describes the novel and the time period as, “When a whole people woke up”. The future Prime Minister Winston Churchill said that the novel “Pierces the thickest skull and most leathery heart.” To this day, The Jungle is continually referred to by animal activists and factory workers that demand better working conditions.
So let me ask you, what if the reform that Upton Sinclair started never happened? Do you think that we would be eating in healthy conditions, or the unsanitary, dangerous and potentially deadly conditions? And do you think our medicines would be good to consume if produced in those same conditions? Probably not. But thanks to Sinclair and his accidental attempt at reform, we now feel safer when we choose meat from a local grocery store, and when we pick up our medicine from our pharmacy. His book was just one of many wake up calls that would change the future of American history forever.
Upton Sinclair was born in Maryland in 1878. As a young child, he began writing short novels. As he progressed through the years, he continued to write more novels and produced jokes to help finance his way through college. He joined the socialist party, and started to base his novels around socialistic beliefs. The time then came when he was ready to publish his first novel. It did not sell, neither did the second, third or fourth one.
When Sinclair heard of a meat-packing strike in Chicago, he thought of it as a plot opportunity and headed out to pursue it. During two months of 1904, Sinclair ventured the areas they called “Packingtown”. He spoke with many immigrants about their harsh working conditions in the meat-packing industry. He then saw these conditions first hand with his 12-hour- a-day schedule inside the factories.
After his time in Chicago, he returned to one of his hometowns in Princeton to begin writing his future great novel, The Jungle. He moved into a 18-by-16-foot cabin and then began to write. In later years, Sinclair described the process, “I wrote with tears and anguish, pouring into the pages all the pain that life had meant to me.” He spent three months writing the novel, describing the horrible environment that he worked in.
His main character was known as Jurgis Rudkus, who was an immigrant that worked in one of the Packingtowns. He described one process with, “One by one, they hooked up the hogs, and one by one with a swift stroke they slit their throats.” The story went on to saying more disgusting details such as, “De-vyled” ham was made out of the waste ends of smoked beef that were too small to be sliced by the machines; and also tripe, dyed with chemicals so that it would not show white; and trimmings of hams and corned beef; and potatoes, skins and all; and finally the hard cartilaginous gullets of beef, after the tongues had been cut out.”
After Sinclair’s completion of the novel, he started searching for publishers. His first five publishers turned him down, fearing the plot was too “politically hot” for readers. His 6th attempt was with Doubleday in 1906. They accepted him and started publication. The novel quickly became famous and was referred as the “most revolutionary piece of fiction of the age”.
The Jungle was then compared to the many influential novels such as Uncle Tom’s Cabin. American readers quickly demanded the reform of the food industry. They then sent hundreds of letters a day to President Theodore Roosevelt demanding change. Roosevelt, who received an advanced copy of The Jungle, sent government agents to Chicago to research these claims said by Sinclair. His agents returned, reporting worse evidence than what Sinclair had claimed. Roosevelt had Sinclair brought to the White House to hear his thoughts on how to reform the meat-packing industry.
Congress paid no attention to Sinclair’s socialistic views, and instead paid very close attention to the eight pages of gruesome details that took place in the factories.
At the end of June, Congress passed the Pure Food and Drug Act, sending agents to inspect for unsafe food and medicines. They also passed the Meat Inspection Act to inspect the meat-packing factories. To this day, our food and medicines are protected by these same regulations.
Pleased with Sinclair’s work, Roosevelt gave Sinclair the same term that he gave reformers like Sinclair, “muckrakers”. But with many people, the term was not meant to be a compliment. Sinclair was not pleased with the fame that he received over the book. He was disappointed that his book was now known for its meat-packing controversy instead of its socialistic views. He said later on, “I aimed at the public’s heart, and by accident I hit it in the stomach”.
The Jungle helped lead into the Progressive movement. It changed the style of journalistic and novelist stories into more aggressive writings in order to make an impact in the many reforms occurring during that time. Social commentator Randolph Bourne from that time describes the novel and the time period as, “When a whole people woke up”. The future Prime Minister Winston Churchill said that the novel “Pierces the thickest skull and most leathery heart.” To this day, The Jungle is continually referred to by animal activists and factory workers that demand better working conditions.
So let me ask you, what if the reform that Upton Sinclair started never happened? Do you think that we would be eating in healthy conditions, or the unsanitary, dangerous and potentially deadly conditions? And do you think our medicines would be good to consume if produced in those same conditions? Probably not. But thanks to Sinclair and his accidental attempt at reform, we now feel safer when we choose meat from a local grocery store, and when we pick up our medicine from our pharmacy. His book was just one of many wake up calls that would change the future of American history forever.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Science & Faith
Lots of new great music going on right now. And you probably don't even know some of it. I always enjoy spreading the news of new and exciting songs and artists, because that is how I find out some of the most talented people around!
Let's start out with the new "Science & Faith" CD by The Script. This is a new album that I have been waiting for some time. The new single "For the First Time" has been able to keep my hunger for their music to a minimum. But now the album is now out, and I have been listening to it all day. Very good stuff, and it is all original stuff. You know how some artists seem to repeat themselves. But these guys keep things fresh, and wanting more! Many people will be out to get this album very quickly! So make sure you get a copy!
I am starting to get back into the Contemporary Christian music again. And returning it with TobyMac's latest album is the best choice. I have always been into his old song "Burn For You". But now my new favorite is "City on our Knees". It is the perfect song for anyone that believes in unity. The song has such a great message that Tobymac has even published a book called "City on our Knees". I have already purchased it for my mother. So make sure you get this album as well!
And lastly is a artist that you probably don't know about. Chris Salvatore was one of the artists that I randomly come across on iTunes. And is most popular song "Dirty Love" has caught my attention. It gives a provocative feel and makes you want to just get on the dance floor. Very fun to listen to. I have bought another song by him, but haven't got to listen to it yet. So you need to check him out!
There are so many artists and songs that I could talk about and try to promote, but there isn't enough in the day, nor the space on this one page. Ha, but I plan on posting more, so stay tuned! And make sure you check out these amazing artists!
-Tyler
Let's start out with the new "Science & Faith" CD by The Script. This is a new album that I have been waiting for some time. The new single "For the First Time" has been able to keep my hunger for their music to a minimum. But now the album is now out, and I have been listening to it all day. Very good stuff, and it is all original stuff. You know how some artists seem to repeat themselves. But these guys keep things fresh, and wanting more! Many people will be out to get this album very quickly! So make sure you get a copy!
I am starting to get back into the Contemporary Christian music again. And returning it with TobyMac's latest album is the best choice. I have always been into his old song "Burn For You". But now my new favorite is "City on our Knees". It is the perfect song for anyone that believes in unity. The song has such a great message that Tobymac has even published a book called "City on our Knees". I have already purchased it for my mother. So make sure you get this album as well!
And lastly is a artist that you probably don't know about. Chris Salvatore was one of the artists that I randomly come across on iTunes. And is most popular song "Dirty Love" has caught my attention. It gives a provocative feel and makes you want to just get on the dance floor. Very fun to listen to. I have bought another song by him, but haven't got to listen to it yet. So you need to check him out!
There are so many artists and songs that I could talk about and try to promote, but there isn't enough in the day, nor the space on this one page. Ha, but I plan on posting more, so stay tuned! And make sure you check out these amazing artists!
-Tyler
Monday, January 17, 2011
Feminine Mystique
This is the start of my history paper series. I hope you enjoy!
Many women throughout the years have been vital tools into women equality and rights. While some sought to gain voting rights, some women wanted more than just the “housewife” lifestyle. Betty Friedan recognized this, and set out to reshape the views towards women’s rights. She quickly will become one of the most effective leaders in that movement.
Friedan was born in Peoria, Illinois on February 4th, 1921. As a student, she graduated Smith College with a bachelor’s degree. She studied for psychology at the University of California, but instead went to New York to marry her husband, have three children and write small articles in women’s magazines. Her articles helped contribute to her husband’s income.
After her first child, she returned to work. But according to The Christian Monitor, she, “lost her job when she was pregnant with her second” (Biography). While raising her children, she experienced what she would call the “feminine mystique” (Women’s). Not happy with her suburban life style, she was curious to know if other housewives felt the same way.
In 1957, she put together a series of questions and sent them to her college classmates. She found out that the majority, like her, were not happy with the lifestyle that they were living. After five more years of more research, she put all of her findings into a book she called The Feminine Mystique. She began her book by it as, “the problem that has no name.” She also wrote, “The problem lay buried, unspoken, for many years in the minds of American women. As she made the beds, shopped for groceries…she was afraid to ask even of herself the question—‘Is this all’” (Women’s).
The book quickly became a hit, selling three million copies. It also gained national recognition. It also became one of the most influential non-fiction pieces during that time. And it rebelled against the myth that women wanted to be happy homemakers. It would become the first step in Friedan’s big picture.
In 1966, Friedan co-founded the National Organization for Women (NOW) and she became its first president. The organization was to help work the way to future women’s rights. It was successful in achieving many new advantages for women. It helped with the involvement in the civil rights act. It also helped prevent discrimination against a woman’s marital status and age. It also worked towards the Equal Rights Amendments. It led towards Friedan participating with many other organizations involving women’s rights (Women’s).
Betty Friedan could be considered one of the leading women to help contribute to women’s rights. Her death wasn’t until 2006, so she was able to see her progress up to present rights that women now have. She is known as, “reshaping of American attitudes toward women’s lives and rights”, and, “one of contemporary society’s most effective leaders.” (National) So it makes us wonder where women’s rights would be right now if people like Friedan never took a stand and sought the rights they rightfully deserved.
Many women throughout the years have been vital tools into women equality and rights. While some sought to gain voting rights, some women wanted more than just the “housewife” lifestyle. Betty Friedan recognized this, and set out to reshape the views towards women’s rights. She quickly will become one of the most effective leaders in that movement.
Friedan was born in Peoria, Illinois on February 4th, 1921. As a student, she graduated Smith College with a bachelor’s degree. She studied for psychology at the University of California, but instead went to New York to marry her husband, have three children and write small articles in women’s magazines. Her articles helped contribute to her husband’s income.
After her first child, she returned to work. But according to The Christian Monitor, she, “lost her job when she was pregnant with her second” (Biography). While raising her children, she experienced what she would call the “feminine mystique” (Women’s). Not happy with her suburban life style, she was curious to know if other housewives felt the same way.
In 1957, she put together a series of questions and sent them to her college classmates. She found out that the majority, like her, were not happy with the lifestyle that they were living. After five more years of more research, she put all of her findings into a book she called The Feminine Mystique. She began her book by it as, “the problem that has no name.” She also wrote, “The problem lay buried, unspoken, for many years in the minds of American women. As she made the beds, shopped for groceries…she was afraid to ask even of herself the question—‘Is this all’” (Women’s).
The book quickly became a hit, selling three million copies. It also gained national recognition. It also became one of the most influential non-fiction pieces during that time. And it rebelled against the myth that women wanted to be happy homemakers. It would become the first step in Friedan’s big picture.
In 1966, Friedan co-founded the National Organization for Women (NOW) and she became its first president. The organization was to help work the way to future women’s rights. It was successful in achieving many new advantages for women. It helped with the involvement in the civil rights act. It also helped prevent discrimination against a woman’s marital status and age. It also worked towards the Equal Rights Amendments. It led towards Friedan participating with many other organizations involving women’s rights (Women’s).
Betty Friedan could be considered one of the leading women to help contribute to women’s rights. Her death wasn’t until 2006, so she was able to see her progress up to present rights that women now have. She is known as, “reshaping of American attitudes toward women’s lives and rights”, and, “one of contemporary society’s most effective leaders.” (National) So it makes us wonder where women’s rights would be right now if people like Friedan never took a stand and sought the rights they rightfully deserved.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Return Prohibition
Remember me talking about those papers that I have written for my classes? Well I have more, and I just now thought of posting them on here. And I have come across my history papers that may bring some interesting facts that you would be interested in. But for now, this is Return Prohibition. Remember, I have kept all citations in so that I did credit the author when doing the research.
“When will alcohol stop being the cause of so many accidents and deaths?” I always ask myself that same question when I look on the front page of the paper, or watching the headline news on the television and seeing a new death from alcohol. And my answer always comes to the same conclusion: as long as alcohol is legal, these accidents and deaths will continue to occur. And as long as the government’s lack of involvement continues, the constant problems will be in sight.
Although the deaths and accidents related to drunk driving in 1999 were lower than previous years, 15,786 people died that year due to drunk driving. According to Mothers Against Drunk Drivers, alcohol-related collisions still kill 43 people a day. And according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), alcohol was the cause of the 2.7 million car crashes in 1998. The CDC also says that Americans drink and drive 123 million times a year (“Drunken Driving”).
We also face the threat of underage drinking. Over ten million of the nation’s youth has consumed alcohol year by year, according to the Health and Human services. The University of Michigan says that 30 percent of high school students and 43 percent of college students have been involved in binge drinking. Among college students, 70 percents of campus violence, 58 percent of sexual assaults, 68 percent of school failings, 90 percent of hazing deaths, and half of youth suicides are outcomes due to alcohol (Underage Drinking).
And the numbers continue to look gruesome when you look at how many people actually consume alcohol on a regular basis. Over 52 percent of adults in the nation are regular drinkers with only 13 percent for infrequent drinkers. That means that half of the mature nation is at risk of dying or killing someone of alcohol related events, and also may face alcoholism. With these statistics, we are not surprised to hear that over 37,000 people died from liver disease and other alcohol-induced actions 2007 (Faststats). With those bad numbers, it makes many people wonder why it is all legal.
During of the days of prohibition, when all alcohol products were illegal throughout the nation, consumption dropped drastically, during a time when consumption was more. The United States Brewers’ Association said that consumption fell 30 percent, and hard liquor fell 50 percent. The arrests for drunkenness also fell and all illegal alcohol sales rose higher than what an average citizen could afford. Prohibition caused the majority of the nation to end their drinking days for a moment. But sadly, the prohibition was shortly lived, returning the days with alcohol, and staying until present day (Volstead Act).
But during prohibition, there were as many good qualities as there were bad qualities. During the prohibition age, organized crime was at large, most of it through bootlegging. The speakeasies, which were tied to these groups, sold the goods illegally and brought a nice profit due to the high prices. It was also common to see authority figures on the payroll of these groups including political figures and police. Al Capone, well known for being involved in organized crime, had half of Chicago’s police on his payroll (1920 Prohibition). So you are right, bringing back prohibition methods would surely bring back all of the baggage that the first one contained. But there is a better way that I think could make a future “dry” nation.
I hold the government responsible for not being able to make prohibition successful, as well as not being able to bring it back into law now. Their lack of not enforcing the law well enough led to the rise of crime, which lead to the secret sales of alcohol. And staying in the pockets of the organizers running the bootlegger businesses only helped them sale their merchandise and avoid raids from the few honest Americans that followed the law. It is plain and simple: If government enforced the law, and stayed out of pockets of anyone that opposes the law, then prohibition could be successful.
“When will alcohol stop being the cause of so many accidents and deaths?” I always ask myself that same question when I look on the front page of the paper, or watching the headline news on the television and seeing a new death from alcohol. And my answer always comes to the same conclusion: as long as alcohol is legal, these accidents and deaths will continue to occur. And as long as the government’s lack of involvement continues, the constant problems will be in sight.
Although the deaths and accidents related to drunk driving in 1999 were lower than previous years, 15,786 people died that year due to drunk driving. According to Mothers Against Drunk Drivers, alcohol-related collisions still kill 43 people a day. And according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), alcohol was the cause of the 2.7 million car crashes in 1998. The CDC also says that Americans drink and drive 123 million times a year (“Drunken Driving”).
We also face the threat of underage drinking. Over ten million of the nation’s youth has consumed alcohol year by year, according to the Health and Human services. The University of Michigan says that 30 percent of high school students and 43 percent of college students have been involved in binge drinking. Among college students, 70 percents of campus violence, 58 percent of sexual assaults, 68 percent of school failings, 90 percent of hazing deaths, and half of youth suicides are outcomes due to alcohol (Underage Drinking).
And the numbers continue to look gruesome when you look at how many people actually consume alcohol on a regular basis. Over 52 percent of adults in the nation are regular drinkers with only 13 percent for infrequent drinkers. That means that half of the mature nation is at risk of dying or killing someone of alcohol related events, and also may face alcoholism. With these statistics, we are not surprised to hear that over 37,000 people died from liver disease and other alcohol-induced actions 2007 (Faststats). With those bad numbers, it makes many people wonder why it is all legal.
During of the days of prohibition, when all alcohol products were illegal throughout the nation, consumption dropped drastically, during a time when consumption was more. The United States Brewers’ Association said that consumption fell 30 percent, and hard liquor fell 50 percent. The arrests for drunkenness also fell and all illegal alcohol sales rose higher than what an average citizen could afford. Prohibition caused the majority of the nation to end their drinking days for a moment. But sadly, the prohibition was shortly lived, returning the days with alcohol, and staying until present day (Volstead Act).
But during prohibition, there were as many good qualities as there were bad qualities. During the prohibition age, organized crime was at large, most of it through bootlegging. The speakeasies, which were tied to these groups, sold the goods illegally and brought a nice profit due to the high prices. It was also common to see authority figures on the payroll of these groups including political figures and police. Al Capone, well known for being involved in organized crime, had half of Chicago’s police on his payroll (1920 Prohibition). So you are right, bringing back prohibition methods would surely bring back all of the baggage that the first one contained. But there is a better way that I think could make a future “dry” nation.
I hold the government responsible for not being able to make prohibition successful, as well as not being able to bring it back into law now. Their lack of not enforcing the law well enough led to the rise of crime, which lead to the secret sales of alcohol. And staying in the pockets of the organizers running the bootlegger businesses only helped them sale their merchandise and avoid raids from the few honest Americans that followed the law. It is plain and simple: If government enforced the law, and stayed out of pockets of anyone that opposes the law, then prohibition could be successful.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Verizon iPhone
Great news Verizon subscribers! The iPhone is coming to a store near you! This is something that many of you non-Verizon customers have been waiting for! For years, I have kept my eye on this subject, waiting to see when Verizon would actually get their hands on it. I always told myself that I wouldn't even consider buying it even if it would make it on the shelves, but now that it is coming, I have changed my mind.
My phone's contract, which I have had for over 2 years, has expired. I love my phone, it has been the best one I have had since the 2006 cell phone boom among teens. I really don't want to give it up. But let's face it, it's two years behind on the technology that we have today.
While the iPhone isn't really all that new, the new things that Verizon will add with their iPhone will make it cutting edge. The main thing that has caught my eye is the Hotspot feature that they are offering. It is something their other smartphone devices have. With this device, it can work as a WiFi network. If I have this correctly, any sort of WiFi capable device can run of of this Hotspot. Sounds like a good thing since my iPad doesn't have 3G, and my computers are all WiFi capable.
The next thing is the "Death-Grip" that so many are talking about. I haven't researched much into AT&T's experience with the iPhone. But this "Death-Grip" was a big problem. So Verizon has said that there will be no problem with their iPhone.
So I'm trying to figure out if I want to buy it. The most I would ever pay to have that phone would be $30 a month just like all the other smart phone services. So let me ask you. Will you buy it? And for AT&T customers, do you wish that you waited?
-Tyler
My phone's contract, which I have had for over 2 years, has expired. I love my phone, it has been the best one I have had since the 2006 cell phone boom among teens. I really don't want to give it up. But let's face it, it's two years behind on the technology that we have today.
While the iPhone isn't really all that new, the new things that Verizon will add with their iPhone will make it cutting edge. The main thing that has caught my eye is the Hotspot feature that they are offering. It is something their other smartphone devices have. With this device, it can work as a WiFi network. If I have this correctly, any sort of WiFi capable device can run of of this Hotspot. Sounds like a good thing since my iPad doesn't have 3G, and my computers are all WiFi capable.
The next thing is the "Death-Grip" that so many are talking about. I haven't researched much into AT&T's experience with the iPhone. But this "Death-Grip" was a big problem. So Verizon has said that there will be no problem with their iPhone.
So I'm trying to figure out if I want to buy it. The most I would ever pay to have that phone would be $30 a month just like all the other smart phone services. So let me ask you. Will you buy it? And for AT&T customers, do you wish that you waited?
-Tyler
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Power Balance
How many of you have seen those commercials about the bracelets that help with energy, balance and flexibiltiy? Ring a bell? Well this device I'm referring to is called the Power Balance. And it is something alot of people are talking about, not only for the rumored effectiveness, but also for it's controversey.
According to Wiki, it is said to "use holographic technology" and to "work with your body’s natural energy field". It also says that it, "is based on the idea of optimizing the body’s natural energy flow, similar to concepts behind many Eastern philosophies. The hologram in Power Balance is designed to resonate with and respond to the natural energy field of the body".
I had seen the commercials for some time, and wanted one so bad to try one. And during my trip to Florida, I found them in a hotel gift shop. I was skeptical about purchasing it and wasting my money when possibly finding out it wouldn't work. I know she would have said anything to make a sale, but the saleslady said that she purchased one for $40 when it was first introduced. And althought she didn't feel different with energy or flexibility, she did feel a difference in her balance. I bought it because it was at a cheap price, and I knew I wouldn't find one at home, and I would always wonder about it.
After putting it on, I felt a difference in my arm. It felt heavier. So immediately I thought it was working. But maybe that was what I wanted it to do. I did some more research, and Wiki also says that two experts tested out the bands, and they "concede that simply believing the bands work could actually mean that people believe they notice improvements in their health or performance, a phenomenon known as the placebo effect."
The false claims that the manufactures admitted to didn't help either. They admitted that it wouldn't enhance 500X. So there are many things that make people skeptical about the product. Would you really pay for one?
I still wear mine despite the tests and false claims that have been unearthed. I still sometimes catch myself have alot more energy which causes me to seem stronger in cases. But like the tests say, it may just be the placebo effect. But let me ask you something. If the mind can be tricked into believing that the band works, and creates the effects that you expect to happen, isn't it worth it?
That may even be the secret to this product. But I think that if a person's body can become more energized, and balanced, I think people should use the band whether the band actually works or not. Think about it, it may be useful to you!
-Tyler
According to Wiki, it is said to "use holographic technology" and to "work with your body’s natural energy field". It also says that it, "is based on the idea of optimizing the body’s natural energy flow, similar to concepts behind many Eastern philosophies. The hologram in Power Balance is designed to resonate with and respond to the natural energy field of the body".
I had seen the commercials for some time, and wanted one so bad to try one. And during my trip to Florida, I found them in a hotel gift shop. I was skeptical about purchasing it and wasting my money when possibly finding out it wouldn't work. I know she would have said anything to make a sale, but the saleslady said that she purchased one for $40 when it was first introduced. And althought she didn't feel different with energy or flexibility, she did feel a difference in her balance. I bought it because it was at a cheap price, and I knew I wouldn't find one at home, and I would always wonder about it.
After putting it on, I felt a difference in my arm. It felt heavier. So immediately I thought it was working. But maybe that was what I wanted it to do. I did some more research, and Wiki also says that two experts tested out the bands, and they "concede that simply believing the bands work could actually mean that people believe they notice improvements in their health or performance, a phenomenon known as the placebo effect."
The false claims that the manufactures admitted to didn't help either. They admitted that it wouldn't enhance 500X. So there are many things that make people skeptical about the product. Would you really pay for one?
I still wear mine despite the tests and false claims that have been unearthed. I still sometimes catch myself have alot more energy which causes me to seem stronger in cases. But like the tests say, it may just be the placebo effect. But let me ask you something. If the mind can be tricked into believing that the band works, and creates the effects that you expect to happen, isn't it worth it?
That may even be the secret to this product. But I think that if a person's body can become more energized, and balanced, I think people should use the band whether the band actually works or not. Think about it, it may be useful to you!
-Tyler
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Wizarding World
For this Christmas, I had the pleasure of going down to Florida and visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It has been the place that I have wanted to visit since it's opening last spring. And with my younger sister finally becoming interested in the whole Potter saga, my family thought it would be fun to go down there.
First of all, even though we were in the sunny state, it was still cold. It was windy and I think it was around 38 degrees. Not the best temperature to go venturing in a theme park for several hours. And plus, I was wearing a thin coat which wasn't suited for cold weather.
Heading down there, I was under the impression that the Harry Potter world was located in it's own park which included seperate tickets to get in there. But I was wrong when I found out that it was actually located inside the Universal Islands of Adventure park. It was like the same parks called Suess World and Jerassic Park Land. I was disappointed because I felt the Harry Potter story deserved it's own park.
After getting into the Islands park, we set out towards the Harry Potter Section. We figured that we could walk right through into the park. Think again. This may sound strange to the people who haven't been yet, but there was actually a wait to get into that section of the park. For us, it was a 90 minute wait. I thought that was crazy, but I knew the line would only get longer. So we waited. It was close to 2 before we got in.
When we did get in, it was magical. We were instantly greeted by the Hogwarts Express. And alot of the shops were right by. It looked just like you imagined it, and saw in the movies. But the weird thing was that not every shop was open. They were just for looks. And the ones that were open had hour lines. I know Zonko's and Honeydukes were croweded. The one shop that we did make it into was the Olivander Wand Shop. That was close to an hour wait as well.
We get in, and we enjoy a quick moment in the wand shop. The bad thing was I thought we each would get to have that wand experience where the wand chooses. But no, it was just one person. After that, everybody else would be taken to the next room, which had wands for guests to choose from. You were run over, or you were the person doing the running over in there. I'm not sure which one I was doing. But I got a wand. The Harry Potter one, since I was there for the Harry Potter park. My sister got Herminone's and my other sister got Snapes. All of them was way over priced, but I guess it was worth it.
We then get in line for the rides. Of course, long lines. But when we got to the castle, it said it was a 45 minute wait. Heck, that was the shortest line I was gonna be in for the day I thought. Wrong again, it eventually dragged out to over an hour probably, if not two. But the ride was good. Alot more intense than I thought, but so worth the trip.
But after the 30 minute wait for the Hippogriff ride, I was ready to go. I really wasn't in the mood for the dragon challenge. I even wasn't in the mood for the Three Broomsticks and Boar's Head for dinner. I was just ready to get out of there. 20,000 people stepping on you in the same area was just too much for me. Some of my friends said for me to stop complaining, for I was in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. But you didn't see Harry Potter getting trampled in Diagon Alley did you? All the people just ruined the experience I felt.
Later on, after we returned to Islands, I found out that going there for the 90 minute wait was actually the best decision. Because when we went back, the line was 150 minutes from the standard line, and then a two hour line after that. It was so crazy.
So even thought it wasn't the prized experience that I was hoping for, it was still a pretty good park. I just hope the park realizes that they have a real problem when the whole group of 250,000 people in the park are there just for the Harry Potter section. So let me ask you, have you been? Will you go back after your experience? And from what you have heard, will you continue to make plans to go?
-Tyler
First of all, even though we were in the sunny state, it was still cold. It was windy and I think it was around 38 degrees. Not the best temperature to go venturing in a theme park for several hours. And plus, I was wearing a thin coat which wasn't suited for cold weather.
Heading down there, I was under the impression that the Harry Potter world was located in it's own park which included seperate tickets to get in there. But I was wrong when I found out that it was actually located inside the Universal Islands of Adventure park. It was like the same parks called Suess World and Jerassic Park Land. I was disappointed because I felt the Harry Potter story deserved it's own park.
After getting into the Islands park, we set out towards the Harry Potter Section. We figured that we could walk right through into the park. Think again. This may sound strange to the people who haven't been yet, but there was actually a wait to get into that section of the park. For us, it was a 90 minute wait. I thought that was crazy, but I knew the line would only get longer. So we waited. It was close to 2 before we got in.
When we did get in, it was magical. We were instantly greeted by the Hogwarts Express. And alot of the shops were right by. It looked just like you imagined it, and saw in the movies. But the weird thing was that not every shop was open. They were just for looks. And the ones that were open had hour lines. I know Zonko's and Honeydukes were croweded. The one shop that we did make it into was the Olivander Wand Shop. That was close to an hour wait as well.
We get in, and we enjoy a quick moment in the wand shop. The bad thing was I thought we each would get to have that wand experience where the wand chooses. But no, it was just one person. After that, everybody else would be taken to the next room, which had wands for guests to choose from. You were run over, or you were the person doing the running over in there. I'm not sure which one I was doing. But I got a wand. The Harry Potter one, since I was there for the Harry Potter park. My sister got Herminone's and my other sister got Snapes. All of them was way over priced, but I guess it was worth it.
We then get in line for the rides. Of course, long lines. But when we got to the castle, it said it was a 45 minute wait. Heck, that was the shortest line I was gonna be in for the day I thought. Wrong again, it eventually dragged out to over an hour probably, if not two. But the ride was good. Alot more intense than I thought, but so worth the trip.
But after the 30 minute wait for the Hippogriff ride, I was ready to go. I really wasn't in the mood for the dragon challenge. I even wasn't in the mood for the Three Broomsticks and Boar's Head for dinner. I was just ready to get out of there. 20,000 people stepping on you in the same area was just too much for me. Some of my friends said for me to stop complaining, for I was in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. But you didn't see Harry Potter getting trampled in Diagon Alley did you? All the people just ruined the experience I felt.
Later on, after we returned to Islands, I found out that going there for the 90 minute wait was actually the best decision. Because when we went back, the line was 150 minutes from the standard line, and then a two hour line after that. It was so crazy.
So even thought it wasn't the prized experience that I was hoping for, it was still a pretty good park. I just hope the park realizes that they have a real problem when the whole group of 250,000 people in the park are there just for the Harry Potter section. So let me ask you, have you been? Will you go back after your experience? And from what you have heard, will you continue to make plans to go?
-Tyler
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Celebrate
Yes my friends, it's a time to celebrate! You may think I'm crazy, but the many people I work with will agree with me! We are so excited because our manager is no longer with us. No, he didn't die. He just got fired. YAY!!
Some of you probably are saying that isn't nice at all. But that just means you need to take a look back into my earlier posts. This guy had something against all of us. After he snapped one day, he was never the same, and that caused us to look forward to him leaving or getting fired.
When I found out, I danced my co-worker around. It was later embarrassing when I found out that my shift leaders saw the whole thing, and only laughed. I asked if I was that obvious, and they said of course.
Many things contributed to him getting fired, but the main thing has to do with the birthday party that he screwed up. Not sure if I told you about it, because this one was recent. It was on New Years Eve, and he didn't have anybody working the party, didn't have any cakes prepared, and didn't have any party favors ready either. The guests were furious. He tried to pass it off on some of the other employees, but the guests knew better. What he didn't know was that they had the owner's number on their speed dial. That goes to prove how close they were.
He was gone by Monday morning, after a call from Human Resources, and a very angry call from the owner's wife. And trust me, you never anger the owner's wife. He already had his things packed and was gone before I even found out about anything.
I felt bad about being so excited. Yes, I was rid of the only real problem in my life and I could move on and look forward to the new person that would come in. But I was sad because this was someone's career that was lost. And he was like everybody else in some parts that really pulled on your heart. He was an ex-marine, which meant that he saw alot of stuff, alot of bad stuff probably. And I remember him showing a picture of his cat and saying how it was his everything. I have a cat, and I understand where he came from.
But like many of my co-workers said, if he was even remotely nice to the employees and customers, he would still have a job, and we would be more willing to want him to stay. My pity changed when I found the 100-question test the he prepared before he was getting fired. It was alot of nonsense questions about the building, and word was that he was going to determine our future employeement on that test. I don't think I have ever heard of any sort of manager doing something like that. And if he really was planning on doing that, then he was removed at exactly the right time.
Human Resources is currently in charge, and they actually apologized how bad things got. But it was funny because they actually go onto the shift leaders for not notifying Human Resources about anything. What they don't know is that he was blocking us from contacting them. But you know what, he is gone now, things are getting back to normal, and I look forward returning to work!
-Tyler
After my joyous
Some of you probably are saying that isn't nice at all. But that just means you need to take a look back into my earlier posts. This guy had something against all of us. After he snapped one day, he was never the same, and that caused us to look forward to him leaving or getting fired.
When I found out, I danced my co-worker around. It was later embarrassing when I found out that my shift leaders saw the whole thing, and only laughed. I asked if I was that obvious, and they said of course.
Many things contributed to him getting fired, but the main thing has to do with the birthday party that he screwed up. Not sure if I told you about it, because this one was recent. It was on New Years Eve, and he didn't have anybody working the party, didn't have any cakes prepared, and didn't have any party favors ready either. The guests were furious. He tried to pass it off on some of the other employees, but the guests knew better. What he didn't know was that they had the owner's number on their speed dial. That goes to prove how close they were.
He was gone by Monday morning, after a call from Human Resources, and a very angry call from the owner's wife. And trust me, you never anger the owner's wife. He already had his things packed and was gone before I even found out about anything.
I felt bad about being so excited. Yes, I was rid of the only real problem in my life and I could move on and look forward to the new person that would come in. But I was sad because this was someone's career that was lost. And he was like everybody else in some parts that really pulled on your heart. He was an ex-marine, which meant that he saw alot of stuff, alot of bad stuff probably. And I remember him showing a picture of his cat and saying how it was his everything. I have a cat, and I understand where he came from.
But like many of my co-workers said, if he was even remotely nice to the employees and customers, he would still have a job, and we would be more willing to want him to stay. My pity changed when I found the 100-question test the he prepared before he was getting fired. It was alot of nonsense questions about the building, and word was that he was going to determine our future employeement on that test. I don't think I have ever heard of any sort of manager doing something like that. And if he really was planning on doing that, then he was removed at exactly the right time.
Human Resources is currently in charge, and they actually apologized how bad things got. But it was funny because they actually go onto the shift leaders for not notifying Human Resources about anything. What they don't know is that he was blocking us from contacting them. But you know what, he is gone now, things are getting back to normal, and I look forward returning to work!
-Tyler
After my joyous
Monday, January 3, 2011
Belated New Year
A very happy New Year to you! Actually, I guess you would call it late now. But hey, better late than ever.
How did you spend your new years eve/new years day? For me: Work. Last night was an unplanned work night. I had actually planned on having the night off. But they asked me in, and relunctantly I agreed.
It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. And it was fun too. I got to shut down my station to watch the ball drop, then I got a midnight new year kiss! A great start! Then I was there til one thirty cleaning, then in the parking lot til two just talking with my co-workers.
So far it hasn't been the best year. I have found out that I am angry at a few people. It started with my manager, and then moved on to other people, which I'll tell you about in other posts. Ha but yeah, I officially hate my manager's guts. Me and my coworker were working in our section new year's day. We got there at nine, and worked til after six, and we didn't get a break, lunch, bathroom break, or drink break. It was torture. And he was the only one that went back there, and never even came close to use to say hey, or do you need a break or are you okay, or kiss my ass or anything. By the end of the day, both of us were ready to storm into his office and give him a piece of our minds. Luckily for him, he weasled out of the building before we could get ahold of him.
So yeah, that was my new year start. But the good thing is that I have a new attitude towards things, and that is helping me with dealing with people like my manager. Who knows, I may just tell him what I really think!
-Tyler
How did you spend your new years eve/new years day? For me: Work. Last night was an unplanned work night. I had actually planned on having the night off. But they asked me in, and relunctantly I agreed.
It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. And it was fun too. I got to shut down my station to watch the ball drop, then I got a midnight new year kiss! A great start! Then I was there til one thirty cleaning, then in the parking lot til two just talking with my co-workers.
So far it hasn't been the best year. I have found out that I am angry at a few people. It started with my manager, and then moved on to other people, which I'll tell you about in other posts. Ha but yeah, I officially hate my manager's guts. Me and my coworker were working in our section new year's day. We got there at nine, and worked til after six, and we didn't get a break, lunch, bathroom break, or drink break. It was torture. And he was the only one that went back there, and never even came close to use to say hey, or do you need a break or are you okay, or kiss my ass or anything. By the end of the day, both of us were ready to storm into his office and give him a piece of our minds. Luckily for him, he weasled out of the building before we could get ahold of him.
So yeah, that was my new year start. But the good thing is that I have a new attitude towards things, and that is helping me with dealing with people like my manager. Who knows, I may just tell him what I really think!
-Tyler
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