"Low voter turnout here hurts all over"
By: Cathleen Decker
Source: LA Times
12/7/14, California section, page AA2
One is given a chance to voice his or her concerns. One rejects the aforementioned right bestowed upon him or her. Such was the case with fifty-eight percent of registered voters in California during the recent November elections. As the official results and statistics have been released, it has been revealed that a mere thirty-one percent of eligible Californians actually partook in the elections.It was especially saddening for this number (thirty-one percent) to be the same for registered Los Angelino voters. The turnout was a disappointing one for the country as a whole. "The nation tumbled to a new low for voting in November, the lowest since 1942, when many had a rather compelling excuse for not showing up at the polls: World War Two" (Decker, AA2). States like Colorado, Alaska, and Maine held an impressive fifty to sixty percent turnout. There were states, on the other hand, who had low numbers similar to California. However, in the case of the "Golden State" the apathy regarding civic engagement leaves an feasible impact, as California boasts a whooping number of registered voters at 17.8 million. The Angelino apathy, according to political scientist Michael McDonald, is assumed to be a result of residents who do not feel deeply connected to where they live and not culturally or socially pressured to vote. "And then there is Los Angeles, suffused with immigrants, the young, renters, students, people on the move literally and figuratively-- those for whom the area is a welcome entry point but not necessarily a life-long or even election-cycle-long residence" (Decker, AA2).
These statistics are truly startling ones. It is crucial that people partake in "politics", demanding the change they wish to see. The low turnout in Los Angeles is particularly disappointing. Contrary to Decker's opinion on the groups that generally inhabit this city, Los Angeles is composed of diversity, a safe unstable haven that provides lasting comfort and stability. Its eclectic groups have plenty to say, especially in the face of recent injustice (including those originating in cities from their own). Voting is an excellent outlet to insert the spark of brilliant minds and mend a somewhat broken city and an aggrieved country.
Sunday, December 7, 2014
Sunday, November 23, 2014
I Want to be (Under the Sea)
“Ancient
Settlement Discovered Off Greek Island of Delos”
By:
Macrina Cooper-White
Source:
Huffington Post
There are times when marvels are
hidden beneath one’s feet, right at one’s fingertips. One may suspect the
presence of such marvels, all the while remaining ignorant on the full scope of
that which is to be discovered. Researchers and historians were aware of the
presence of what they believed to be an old port, submerged underwater off the
coast of the Greek island of Delos. However, they recently discovered that the
submerged structures composed an ancient settlement from the first century B.C.
“Divers from the National Hellenic Research Foundation and the Greek Ministry
of Culture discovered large stones, columns, clay pots, and the remnants of
a kiln at a depth of just six feet” (Cooper-White, 1).
Delos is an important island for
multiple reasons. It was a key area in Greek mythology, as it was believed to
be the birthplace of the Greek gods Artemis and Apollo. From the eighth to the
first centuries B.C it also served as a notable cultural center. This discovery
possesses profound significance as it will pave the way for further information
on the island and its history and the people that once inhabited it. It may
answer the mystery surrounding its abandonment in the sixth century A.D. Discoveries
of this sort leave the masses wondering what awaits them in places far beyond their
reach, such as the immense, mystifying expanse of the universe. Curiosity plays
an integral role in the advance of humans. It is an integral part of human
nature.
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Instant Karma (gonna get you)
"Pope reassigns conservative American cardinal"
By: Mariano Castillo
Source: CNN
http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/09/world/europe/pope-francis-reassigns-conservative-cardinal/index.html?c=homepage-tPope Francis of Rome recently demoted Cardinal Raymond Burke within the Catholic Church hierarchy. This demotion was not explained by the Vatican, however, its reasons are understood. The American Cardinal was extremely conservative and spoke out against the new Pope's more liberal approaches, especially in regards to his acceptance of homosexuals. His new position of Patron of the Order of Malta is said to be a "symbolic" one with "almost no responsibilities" (Castillo, 1). At the same time, more moderate church officials have been promoted. Burke reported that he presaged this occurrence.
This news is important, because it shows the new, more liberal direction the Catholic Church/ Vatican is taking. This openness to groups previously looked down upon (notably homosexuals) promotes greater peace, love, and acceptance (as should be the natural promotions of well-intentioned religious people). This article also demonstrates that this change is not accepted by all. There are still conservatives that remain in the Church who oppose the path Pope Francis is following. The demotion of one such individual goes to show the unwavering decisiveness with which this new approach is being persecuted. It may not be entirely fair or democratic for one to discriminate against people who do not share the same beliefs with him or her. This is paradoxical however, because these conservative cardinals discriminate against homosexuals. Therefore, it can be concluded that the demotion is just and will serve as an example to others.
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Simple as This
The year is 2035. This is not the
dystopian future many once predicted. Life is the same as it was in 2014. School
is not the same as it once was, however. Therefore, life is not that unaltered
after all. The children still flock to school buildings, but they do so with
content faces of glee, with the exception of the occasional Monday blues.
Children only attend to this traditional way of schooling four times a week.
During these days, teachers are not restricted to the oppressive bell
schedules; those no longer exist within scholastic institutions. Classrooms no
longer contain orderly rows of desks; students are encouraged to sit where they
please. Classes read books which are of interest to students, be they
intriguing with complex narratives or simple and light-hearted. Technology has
certainly advanced and made its way into the classroom, but it is not a
dominating force. The relationship between teachers and students is forged through
human interaction and a mutual desire to learn. Besides the subjects once
taught in schools, students are also guided in more practical skills and are
taken on field trips on a weekly basis. Their academic success is no longer
determined by trivial grades or standardized tests. Because of the stress-free
environment, students are allotted the time and energy to discover the world
around them and look into that which interests them.
The year is 2035. Bombs are not
dropped on innocent civilians. War is a taboo. Peace is synonymous with the
pleasant change in air that embraces the present. The world has learned. I am a
teacher (just like everybody else).
A Change in the Air
“$3
gas is here and expected to stay for a while”
By:
Gregory Wallace
Source:
CNN
money.cnn.com/2014/11/02/news/economy/three-dollar-gas/index.html
An artist by the name of Morley once
said to, “Resist the allure of fashionable cynicism.” What better time to form
this resistance than now, with gas prices at an all time low within the past
four years? Throughout the United States of America, most Americans are reaping
the benefits of these relatively cheap gas prices of three dollars a gallon.
This price varies across states and stations and is still expected to drop an
additional fifteen cents in select areas. There still remain the heavily
populated cities of San Francisco and New York City whose prices are an average
forty-one cents higher than the rest of the country, along with the more
isolated states of Alaska and Hawaii. The latter are especially troubled with
gas prices at four dollars or more per gallon. The reasons behind this price
drop in gas prices in a great portion of the country include, but are not
limited to, a decrease in demand for gas and an increase in production in
America.
It is important for one to be aware
of what is taking place within the economy of his or her country. This is
especially crucial for those who make blind, cynical remarks about the horrid
state of the economy and other factors that are easily spoken about but seldom understood.
It is a decisive step to stow away pessimism in favor of optimistic rejoicing
in news such as this one. While this gesture is of immense necessity, it is
also ideal to ask questions and try to uncover the reasons behind changes in
the economy, changes in the weather, changes in people. At other times it is
best to not question changes and let them be.
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Saving People / Hunting Things
Reading has different connotations
for different people. Mentioning “books” may light up the eyes of many book
worms in a room, or it may serve to bring about a grimace of disgust in others.
In the article “Superman and Me”, the author and speaker of the piece, Sherman
Alexie, describes the impact of reading on his life. The occasion of the work
is 1998 and its immediate audience is the readers of the LA Times in which it was published, as well as the Native American
people. Its purpose is to inform its readers, and to imbue those who are in
need of inspiration. The subject of the piece is the impact of reading on
Alexie’s life. The tone of “Superman and Me” is reminiscent, calm, and assured
simultaneously.
The “SOAPST” of “Superman and Me” is
useful in building ethos. It also allows readers to go through the piece with
more insight and understanding. It helps the audience grasp the initial purpose
of the author, while allowing the freedom the judge whether or not this was
done successfully.
This piece is effective as it
successfully puts to use the appeal of pathos. It has the capacity to affect
its intended audience of Native Americans, but one does not need to belong to
this group to feel the striking effects of Alexie’s piece. Though a great deal
of his article involves personal anecdotes, a firm connection is made between
his projected words and the audience. The conclusion emits hope, a hope that
even those who seem to have given up on their lives have someone looking out
for them.
Kingpins vs. Florida Mom
“Aaron
Paul Calls Out Toys R Us for Pulling ‘Breaking Bad’ Figures”
By:
Christine D’zurilla
Source:
LA Times
On Wednesday, October twenty-two,
the famous toy company, Toys R Us, recalled its line of action figures of
characters from the acclaimed five season show ‘Breaking Bad’. This action was
taken as a result of a petition initiated by a Florida mom, Susan Shrijver. The
petition managed to collect an approximate ten-thousand signatures from people
who opposed Toys R Us’ "decision to sell a Breaking Bad doll, complete
with a detachable sack of cash and a bag of meth,” because it “alongside
children's toys, is a dangerous deviation from their family-friendly values"
(D’zurilla, 1). A new petition with nearly thirty-thousand signatures has
formed, but this one opposes the toy company’s recent action. Stars of the show
such as Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul voiced their enmity of the withdrawal,
the latter tweeting, “Wait, so @ToysRUs pulled all of the Breaking Bad figures
from their shelves and still sells Barbie? Hmmmm...I wonder what is more
damaging?” (D’zurilla, 1) . The opposition’s main argument centers around the
hypocrisy expressed by the company, as the company continues to carry toys that
promote violence and unrealistic beauty standards for children. Another argument
is that the Breaking Bad figures are marked as “15+” and are found in the adult
section of the store.
Though this is not the most
important of news, it should not be dismissed as trivial. Whether or not one
believes the toys should have been removed off of Toys R Us’ shelves, the
hypocritical nature of the company’s actions should be understood. Toy stores
should not be hypocritically selective in what they remove off their shelves.
If they exerted the efforts necessary to remove toys suggestive of drugs in the
adult section of the store, then they should not hesitate in removing toys that
involve guns or other promotions of violence. They are also warranted to wipe
their shelves clean of Barbies and other toys which promote unrealistic “beauty”
standards for young children, as these are highly detrimental to their psyche, as science has proven.
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