How Heavy is the Baggage You Are Carrying?

        Why do we really hang on to things? Why do we spend our lives buying and storing unnecessary baggage? Is it to impress others or is it to make ourselves happy, fulfilled, and accomplished? All of these questions lead to one important realization: we basically buy things  because they are constantly advertised and are dangled in front of our eyes and make us feel a less of a human being if we did not own the newest and the best models of everything.  In my case, it is a combination of two things: impulsive buying and also buying things to explore new hobbies. When I took an inventory of my house, I discovered many hobbies that became obsolete in my life. Roller skates, roller blades, basketballs, bowling shoes, volleyballs, riding boots, ballet shoes, the flute. Every single one of these items had taken the center stage in my life at one point or another. And now, they are sitting in the attic, collecting dust to no end. Then, I came across a lot of items that have been made antiquated  by technological advancements, such as Nintendo DS, DVDs and CDs that are no longer relevant. All I need to replace these items is a tablet or a laptop, through which,  I can easily watch movies, play games, listen to music, and many more. The next time I purchase a new gadget in my life, I am going to have to find out the real reason why I am buying it.

How High Can They Fly and How Low Can They Go?

By Victoria Gill
bbc.com
March 26, 2014
"Scientists Film Inside a Flying Insect"

         British and Swiss scientists, in a combined effort, have managed to film inside an insect’s body as it flies. As a result of these snapshots, they have prepared a 3D reconstruction of how these blowflies use their muscles and hinges to fly. Researchers hope to use this knowledge to design micro-air vehicles. Dr. Simon Walker of the University of Oxford used extremely fast, intense X-rays to record the blowflies’ rapid movements. These insects are known to beat their wings fifty times in the time that it takes a human to blink once. In order to conduct this experiment, the scientists tethered the tiny fly to a vertical mount, which was rotated as the insect was X-rayed. They also had a small air blower around the insect to continually stimulate the fly to proceed beating its wings as they filmed inside its body. One of the most amazing discoveries was how small the steering muscles were and the rapid changes it made to the direction of the flight. Scientists hope to design a micro-air vehicle that would replicate the insect’s flight. These tiny, flying vehicles could be used to navigate through the smallest crevices to locate survivors and aid in rescue efforts during natural disasters.

Lose Your Gun & Lose Your Freedom?

          Gun control in America has always been a controversial topic
and recent mass shootings have wedged a deeper divide between the two sides.   The Daily
Show has masterfully satired how gun industries in the United States are
refusing to let Americans pass gun control legislations, despite the fact that
Australia has managed successfully and in a short period of time to implement
gun control legislation and  has avoided
a single mass shooting since 1996. The satire shows how similar the two
societies are  in that they were both
former British colonies with a frontier that were settled by brave men who
believed in equality for all of mankind. However, the Americans claimed that
they were very different from the Australians and that gun control would never
work in America. This comparison proves the opposite and shows how comical and
ludicrous the idea of hanging on to guns in America is, where mass shootings
happen if not daily at least on a weekly basis. I believe that The Daily Show has taken the pro-gun
slogan that, “Guns are not the problem; people are the problem” and has proved
the fact that some gun manufacturing and profit hungry people are responsible
for these mass shootings and ultimately are the problem in America.

What Was Your Name Again?

"12-Year-Old Couldn’t Begin To Guess Name Of Friend Whose House He Visits To Play Xbox"

    Twelve year-old Michael Cutler spent eight out of the last ten days at his classmate’s house playing Xbox. However, when asked the name of his classmate, he was at a loss for words. He could not simply remember his name. On the contrary, he had no problem remembering every snack in his classmate’s pantry or naming each of the twenty-one games in his house. This amusing article satires decreasing social skills among children who are addicted to playing video games. Soon, these Xbox playing and video game mastering teenagers are going to be in their twenties with the social skills of a twelve year old. They are not going to know how to make friends, talk to girls, or hang out. Even though playing video games could be beneficial to kids if played moderately, however, Xbox has invaded their entire lives. They are so addicted to playing video games, that they are becoming socially isolated, and are losing touch with reality. Instead of interacting with the real world, they prefer their “virtual” and “fantastic” world. Over the last thirty years, we have allowed technology to take over our lives and make us less social and communicative instead of using technology like a tool to learn skills such as hand –eye coordination, accuracy, and problem solving.

How High is the Cost of Your Education?

        The economy plays a role in the lives of every generation. When my parents went to college, they were fortunate enough for their parents to pay for their education and they never had to worry about putting a dent in their retirement account or never dreamed of working to put themselves through university. All they had to do was to concentrate on their studies. However, in today’s economy, things are very different for our generation. It is expected of every teenager to seriously think about their future and how they are going to afford higher education. I, like everybody else, am facing the same dilemma. Even though I want to pursue higher education in the best universities, however, do I want to burden my parents with this cost because the economy is not what it used to be or should I work and help pay for my education? If I let my parents pay for my higher education, am I endangering their economic future? I do not want my parents to retire later than usual just because of my education. These questions are more specific to our generation than to any other generation. Life expectancy has also skyrocketed and many people outlive their retirement plans. This is something I do not wish upon my parents.

Can Economic Stress Bring Success?

By Yojana Sharma
bbc.com
October 22, 2013
"Asia's Parents Suffering Education Fever"

          In recent decades, Asia has been suffering an educational fever that may last for years to come.  Economic studies show that Asian families spend most   of their income on education and less on vacations, entertainment, and even healthcare. Some people have been resorted to selling their apartments and homes in order for their children to attend prestigious colleges and universities. Asia has been suffering with this “fever” throughout their culture.  Traditionally, Asian families firmly believe that there is no other way to achieve success without a noteworthy degree from a renowned university. Therefore, Asian families go deep into debt just to send their children to receive a higher education. However, most middle class and working class families cannot afford to pay back the debt and end up spending their lifetime savings to pay back the student loans. Even though parents are the greatest contributors to their children’s education, grandparents have also gotten involved in this endeavor. China, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore are the main countries that have high levels of education spending. Experts suggest that the solution to this problem could be to give university entrance exams early so parents do not have to pay extra money for high school or college tuitions. Students would have to go to school at an earlier age rather than the average age. Even though this “educational fever” has affected the Asian economy all the way down to their personal health and wealth, there is no end to this since the culture strongly believes in an educated mind.

How Tense Are Your Senses?

          As soon as I stepped outside, I felt a sudden rush of heat strike against my face, almost throwing me off my gentle balance. Squinting my eyes tightly, trying to shield them from the strong glare of the Sun, I worked my way up the garden, towards my favorite corner by the sea of Star Jasmines, that have taken over the fence. I placed myself on the warm brick wall, which separated the hill from the verdant, plush grass. The chirping sound of the carefree birds on the pomegranate tree mixed with the discordant sound of the pool pump, created an unusual symphony of harmony and dissonance which was not too unpleasant to hear. All of a sudden, the intoxicating smell of the Star Jasmines took over all my senses. All I could see, taste, hear, and feel was the heavenly, sweet, and warm smell of this exotic plant that took over my mind and soul. Suddenly, I was jolted back to reality by the intense heat of the Sun piercing through my skull, trying to drill its way towards the most protected, sacred center of my brain. I tried to protect myself from the aggressive and scorching rays by placing my hands over my head. Seconds later, the overpowering antagonist burned its way through the layers of my skin, once again reaching and drilling viciously towards my brain. I desperately tried to seek refuge by looking for a shaded spot. It was too late. This powerful invader had taken over my entire garden and was shining its intense rays down upon the garden, with all its might. I had to leave. I had to get away.

 

Can You Really Have a Heart -To- Heart With Fido?

By Rebecca Morelle
February 20, 2014
bbc.com

            Man’s best friend is always there to comfort and protect its owner. Is this instinct or do they really understand human emotions?  Through a series of experiments, the Hungarian Academy of Science found that the canine brain reacts to voices the same way that the human brain does. That explains why most dogs comfort their owners when they feel their owner is sick or upset. Researchers at the university conducted MRI scans on both dogs and humans. The dogs were placed on an MRI scanner and were played 200 different sounds, ranging from environmental noises, such as cars and whistles, to human sounds, such as crying or laughter. The researchers conducted the same experiment with human volunteers. The results were astounding. They showed that the temporal lobe was immediately activated by the sounds in both dogs and the human volunteers the same way. Many researchers claim, “it is the first time we have seen this in a non-primate.” However, the results only showed that dogs and humans react the same way when it comes to sounds. What about words? The scientists at the Hungarian university are hoping to conduct another similar experiment except with words. If the dogs react the same way to the words, then this will create a true understanding between the man and his best friend.

How Connected Are You?

              Moral values are the most important values in society. These values give us our sense of individuality and, simultaneously, how to socially behave in a community.  Even though I have been following a separate individual life that suits my special culture and personality, however, because of my upbringing and culture, I have always felt a sense of responsibility to give back to my community.   Volunteering my time at the hospital has made me realize that I am contributing to my community. I look forward to making a difference, no matter how small of a contribution it is. Whether it is registering new patients, giving them a warm blanket, or delivering diapers to new moms, I do whatever the nursing or administrative staff needs. I have also realized how small our daily obstacles and problems are in comparison to the patients who come in with life-threatening diseases and injuries. This is how I feel a part of my community, I serve this community, and how I am connected to this community. However, I see a lot of people who are disconnected from their communities and feel isolated, following an individualistic life. Fortunately, the solution is so simple and accessible that anyone can feel a part of their community by volunteering their time, supporting a special cause, or engaging in activities in relation to their religion, occupation, and athletic interests.

Is Beauty in the Mind of the Beholder?

By James Gallagher
bbc.com
"Mathematics: Why the brain sees math as beauty"
February 12, 2014

         Exquisite, beautifully crafted, and magnificent mathematical formulas. Can formulas be truly described in this manner? According to researchers at the University College of London, mathematical formulas can evoke the same sense of beauty as artistic masterpieces and music from the greatest composers. These researchers have conducted experiments where mathematicians were shown equations while in a brain scanner. Results showed that the same emotional brain centers, used to appreciate art, were being activated by “beautiful” formulas. Therefore, it was concluded that there may be a neurobiological basis to beauty. This means that when mathematicians consider a formula beautiful, their medial orbito-frontal cortex is activated. Strangely enough, this same part of the brain is activated when the mathematicians were admiring artistic masterpieces like music and paintings. To the untrained eye, there may not be much beauty in e^i∏+ 1= 0, but in the study, it was the formula of choice for mathematicians. When the mathematicians were asked why they chose this particular formula, there were various explanations; “It is simple to look at and yet incredibly profound”, “It accompanies the five most important mathematical constants: zero, one, e, and pi”, “It also contains the three most basic arithmetic operations: addition, multiplication, and exponentiation.” This beauty of math has been missing from schools. The children have been trained to think that there is no beauty in math.

How Great Was Luhrmann's Gatsby?

         Visually dazzling, spectacular over-the -top parties, and an unforgettable soundtrack fills the mind of the viewer for the first half of the movie. These fantasy filled, money-no-object parties blended into each other, creating a world like no other. This paled in comparison to the parties and festivities described in the first half of the book. However, when the main characters actually meet for the second time and the story begins to unravel, there is a huge letdown for the audience. The movie becomes focused on two characters that had limited chemistry between them. Even though Gatsby focused on proving his worthiness to Daisy, however, Daisy is unmoved by all of it and does not care what Gatsby actually feels. She is self-centered and absorbed in her own world. Although the movie stayed true to the book, yet, it was a world away from the actual book. The only thing really connecting it to the creative work of Fitzgerald were his actual words depicted on the movie screen. Even though this movie was entertaining and exciting in the beginning, however, it managed to show the bittersweet, tragic characters going towards their inevitable fate. The movie was entertaining yet dragged out towards the end.   

How Funny is Zimbabwe's Money?

By Brian Hungwe

February 5, 2014

bbc.com

"Zimbabwe's Confusion"

        Zimbabwe’s economy is in an intensive care unit (ICU). For the past year, Zimbabwe has stopped using their currency because of a hyper-inflation. Instead, they have been using U.S dollars, British pound, Japanese yen, Chinese yuan, Indian rupees, and a few other currencies. Chaos and long lines have become the norm. This has caused huge confusion for the cashiers who are trying to deal with many different exchange rates simultaneously. To add insult to injury, Zimbabwe does not have a coin currency either. Instead, people are handed candy and pens as change. Although some people find this system acceptable, many are frustrated and long to have their own Zimbabwean currency back. These people believe the Chinese currency has taken over their economy completely. The Chinese are taking money out of Zimbabwe but they are not investing in the country. Many believe this is a new form of colonization. However, Zimbabwe’s President, Robert Mugabe, unmitigatedly opposes the idea of bringing back the Zimbabwean currency. He believes it would lead to the return of hyper-inflation, which in turn could lead to the destruction of their almost nonexistent economy. There may be a light at the end of the tunnel if Zimbabwe can somehow attract investors to their country, in order to revive their lifeless manufacturing industries.

 

 

Who's in Charge of Cleaning Up the Earth??

By Ella Davies
January 31, 2014
bbc.com
"Seven Surprising Facts"

          Ugly, bald, and morbid creatures, yet they are crucial to our ecosystem. Perhaps they should be respected not dejected by mankind. They feast upon the carcasses left behind by wild animals, stopping the spread of diseases and also limiting the population of other scavengers. However, these important creatures now face endangerment in India, Nepal, and Pakistan. Elephant and tiger poachers kill vultures by the dozens so they do not alert the authorities to the whereabouts of the poachers.  The population of vultures has plummeted ninety five percent in these countries. Vultures are the infection control agents of the ecosystem. They also have some unique qualities that most animals do not possess. Vultures are known to have a huge appetite. Regular hunting animals consume thirty percent of their prey while vultures clean up the rest. These creatures also have a dirty little secret; they urinate on their legs every time after a good meal.  The urine of a vulture consists of acids that sterilize the bird’s legs after standing in rotting flesh.  The most unique characteristic yet of a vulture is its ability to eat anything. The stomach of a vulture is known to contain strong stomach acids that dissolve anything from bones of a wild animal to destroying bacteria such as cholera, anthrax, and also preventing them from getting ill off of a diseased carcass. Vultures deserve at least a little respect for what they do because without them, the Earth would be filled with disease and putrefying carcasses.

Are You Coming?!?

               Unlimited funds. Excellent friends. Great weather. Why not?   I am going to throw a “small” intimate get together for some of my closest friends to celebrate life. This party will take place on February 8, 2014 at the Chenonceau Palance in France (I will make arrangements to fly you out on my private jet February 6).  The party will begin at 5 P.M on Saturday February 8 and will last until Monday noon.  Boy, what I have in store for you. My personal chef and food connoisseur, Geoffrey Zakarian, who has just returned from Yerevan, where he was exploring the unique art of Armenian cuisine, which he will incorporate into his scrumptious food, will prepare for you only the best. Some of the highlights include Beluga Caviar with imported goat cheese and White Truffle Pudding, which would be flown from Yerevan for your enjoyment. For the main course, Chef Zakarian will prepare for us Warm Lobster in Summer Preparation, his signature dish, and Samundari Khazana. Now, for dessert, we are going to have a choice of Madagascar chocolate, Frozen Haute Chocolate Ice Cream with a Dansuke Watermelon, Jackfruit, and Armenian Pomegranate parfait and many more. For entertainment, we will have   Andrea Bocelli performing in the rose garden, Alan Hovhaness, performing his Guitar Concerto No. 1, renowned Armenian singer Charles Aznavour singing everybody’s favorite, La Boheme, LMFAO, and Pitbull will also be at hand to play for those who would like to dance the night away in the Crystal Ballroom. There will also be a polo match with the one and only Prince William and Prince Harry. We will also have Cirque de Soleil performing on the last evening. To close this spectacular event, there will be fireworks while the Los Angeles Philharmonic will perform its finest music. To remember this magnificent party, all the guests will have a choice of taking home with them a Ferrari, Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin,   Tiffany’s Pink Diamond Collection, or De Beer’s Coloured Diamond Collection.  The guest list includes Hovannes Adamian, the inventor of the color TV, Emil Artin, one of the founding fathers of algebra, Bill Gates, the philanthropist, Oprah Winfrey, Anne Hathaway, J.K Rowling, and many more.

 

 

 

Does This Sound Fishy?

By Stephanie Smith
January 18, 2014
cnn.com
"He's going to get better than he was before"

What if taking a few grams of fish oil could wake someone up from a coma? The NorthShore Neurological Institute in Evanston, Illinois has discovered that feeding people fish oil after sustaining a severe brain injury can actually cause the brain to heal and to begin functioning once again. The brain’s cell wall is composed of omega- 3 fatty acids, which is found in abundance in fish oil.  By simply giving the patient a substantial dosage of the fish oil, we provide the brain with the foundation to repair itself. The omega-3 acids also reduce inflammation in the brain, which becomes unstoppable after a serious head trauma. However, there are only seven miraculous cases of fish oil bringing patients back from deep comas that are recorded in medical literature.  There was the case of a teenager named Bobby Ghassemi who nearly died in a car accident before getting a large infusion of fish oil. A couple of months later, after receiving high doses of fish oil, he attended his high school graduation. In another incident, sixteen year old Grant Virgin, who suffered an in repairable brain injury during an accident, was awakened from a deep coma by receiving the fish oil treatment. Unfortunately, we are years away from just taking fish oil and curing brain injuries since we need more extensive studies done.

How Smart is Your Basketball?

www.usatoday.com/story/tech/...smart-basketball.../3435703

            How can you go from a zero to a hero? This is for all the bench warmers out there.  CES has introduced the 94Fifty smart basketball. This basketball is made of an indoor/outdoor synthetic leather, which has nine sensors hidden inside it. The sensors communicate with a companion app on the iPhone or the iPad. It can easily measure the amount of force applied to the ball, the speed of a person’s dominant hand versus the speed of the weak hand, count the number of dribbles, detect when a person has lost control of the ball, and much more.  As the player dribbles or throws the shots, the app provides instant visual and audio feedback to the player, measuring how fast the player makes the shots, the kind of backspin he/she might have, and the kind of arc the player has when they throw the ball towards the hoop. The ball is activated by simply bouncing it four times against the ground and it goes to sleep when it is not being used. Now, any bench warming, nonathletic, disco ordinated person can own a smart basketball with a mere price of $300 and work their way up to become a sleek, fast-moving, slam-dunking heck of a player.

She's Wearing What??

www.vintageallies.com
mens-fashion.lovetoknow.com

Short Skirts, bob hair, new attitudes, oh my! Women in the 1920s, after gaining their rights in the nineteenth amendment, began setting themselves free by shocking the older generations with their new style of clothing. After years of being hidden under heavy fabrics and tight corsets, women let loose by lowering their waistlines to the hips, raising their hemlines to the knees, and wearing silk stockings rolled just above the knees. These young women, who were called Flappers, sometimes were arrested for indecent exposures, since these type of clothes were considered “skimpy beach wear.”  These new clothes were blamed on WWI, women’s suffrage, jazz, and Prohibition. Nevertheless, these free-spirited flappers had an immense impact on the fashion of the future generations. During the decade of the 20s, there were even a few fashion savvy women, who dared to wear pantsuits.  However, the footwear of these daring women was quite simple. Their shoes included a variety of pumps with no ankle straps, the Mary Janes, and the T-shaped shoes with heels between two –three inches.  On the contrary, men did not undergo a major change in fashion. They still wore suits, however, the fabrics and colors were lighter and brighter and jackets were unpadded and slim.