I Want to be (Under the Sea)

“Ancient Settlement Discovered Off Greek Island of Delos”

By: Macrina Cooper-White

Source: Huffington Post

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/11/23/underwater-pompeii-discovered-greek-island-delos_n_6200484.html

            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. 

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-t

Pope 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. 

Alright, goodnight

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.