[CP] Quickwrite - Cycles of Abuse

Prompt -  Troy turns out to be a reflection of his own father in terms of the harsh treatment he gives his own son, Cory. Are Troy and Cory locked into a cycle of abuse? Why or why not? If so, then do you think Cory will be able to break this cycle in his own future?

       According the Wikipedia, the cycle does match with the relationship between Troy and Cory; therefore my answer will be yes, Troy and Cory are locked into the cycle. The tensions between Troy and Cory were the beginning of the cycle and Troy’s death was the end of that cycle. Personallym I think Cory will be able to break this cycle in his own future.

        In Act II, Scene 4, when Cory and Troy were having an argument, Cory expressed both his and Rose’s fear towards Troy. He also claims that Troy would abuse him and was terrified as a child, but decided to confront his fear; now he’s older, he knows he can overpower Troy. Both Troy and Cory had most likely entered in the second stage at the confrontment during that scene. Cory would usually wouldn’t go against Troy verbally, but in the end he did after Troy couldn’t handle Cory’s absence for baseball. In the third stage of abuse, the Reconcilation, was determined through Troy’s death. His death represents the end of the conflict between them, but doesn’t seem as a sold “reconcilation”. The last stage was in the last scene, Rose suggested to Cory to forget all the past events and conflicts that caused such tension between him and Troy. Letting it go willingly, the “honeymoon” phase was idicated through one of Troy’s songs as Cory sang with  Rayndell.

         Personally, I think Cory will be able to break this cycle in his own future because Cory represents the new generation. Unlike Troy, he was offered a better future at a young age and can go to college with no concern for discrimination. Troy, representing the older generation, faced the hatred by the “Devil” or in this time period, I pressume mainly the KKK. Facing both abuse from his father and the discrimination, Troy has viewed the world as “against the colored”. However, in Cory’s future, segregation was outlawed and his sports opportunity was offered at a young age compared to Troy’s, who began his career around his 40’s. With his strong desire to be different from Troy, Cory would most likely ensure himself to stay away from the cycles of abuse.

[FREE] My Neighbor Totoro (1998)

So, after such a depressing animation film created by Isao Takahata, let’s go for a friendly family film! Well known for it’s cuteness, the spirit name Totoro makes its debut in Miyzaki’s 1988 film, My Neighbor Totoro! Here’s a fan made trailer:

The film follows when two young daughters of a professor move to the country to be near their ailing mother, they have adventures with friendly wood spirits in postwar rural Japan.

This is a great family film of all ages and I highly recommend this film. Not only does it introduces the ever loving Totoro, but also a tale of two sisters as they venture their backyard and befriends the neighbors, the wood spirits. This heartwarming relationship between humans and spirits demonstrate how innocent kids can believe in to the point to be able to see spirits. Despite how their father and the nanny comments of the nature of spirits, this also shows how as you grow up, what you believe in dwindles with knowledge, neglecting such spirituality.

This iconic Totoro is so popular; you can see products based on this loving spirit in stores as fluffy plushie or even in films or episodes such as South Park and Toy Story 3. If you though those little soot sprites are adorable, you can see them again in Spirited Away.

Otherwise, this film has a cute developing relationship between the older sister and her neighbor as you see more image scenes in the ending. This relationship creates a more of a minor relationship that Miyazaki always creates in almost every movie.  

[CE] Ladybug Luck

As I was browsing through the articles, I noticed titled "A cute beetle withstaying power”. I thought it’s pretty strange so I decided to make a post. 

Sixteen-year-old Kylie Copenhagen, of Pleasanton, is an exception. Her project -- a little board game about bugs -- just earned her a nomination for a national award for toy and game design.

As I read this article I thought “Maybe I can get a nomination for a national award for toy and game design as well if I can find anything that I kept”. Unfortunately, that’s not going to happen. Although I did save some of my work when I was a child, I had nothing involved with creating games nor anything based on bugs except help raise a caterpillar into a butterfly.

Impressed by the game's popularity with Kylie's friends, her father, Dan, contacted college buddy Randy Horn, president of the independent game company Zobmondo Entertainment.
Horn liked the concept, and developed the final product, swapping ideas with Kylie until The Ladybug Game hit stores in 2004. Today it retails for $11.95 and has sold close to 1 million copies, including Toys R Us, Walmart, Kmart, Barnes and Noble and Target.

I guess with some creativity and some connections, you may get a chance to be awarded in the future. Personally, I kept a reasonable amount of projects and assignments when I was child, but I highly doubt any of them will give me any future benefits. Or perhaps my African mask my 7^th grade teacher kept. I don’t think I can get it back now. 

 

Even so, at least she has some sort of money resource to be able to fund her college education. Not all of us can think of some creative game when we’re kids and somehow earn 1 million dollars. I would say luck, creativity, and connections have definitely brought someone’s college life to a success. 

Despite the popularity of The Ladybug Game, there are no new game designs on the horizon for her, said Kylie, who plans to use proceeds from the game to fund her college education.

Personally, I’m jealous and impressed that a 10 year old game project turns out to bring benefits for someone around my age group. This shows some promise to our generation as we move onto an age of debt.

[RE] Personal Therapy

I did a response on Lina’s post titled as Personal Therapy. I agree to her quote:

It is so easy to feel overwhelmed at this age, and think the best solution to the hectic world around them is a night of stuffing your body with smoke, drugs, and alcohol.

Overwhelmed by school work, college applications, relationships, or perhaps family problems, anyone of ages 16 and up will most likely drawn to smoke, drugs, and alcohol.  For most adults, including my father, I personally think it’s due to our economic situations. Most of the men in my family are either drinking or smoking their problems away temporarily, both in the United States and in Vietnam to relieve stress. Although it is temporary, this meant they will be even more serious and depress when they are somber with work to support the family. 

As for us adolescents, we may either school, relationship or family problems to deal with. Some people refer to slitting their wrists or commit suicide, but others will resort to temporary relief in smoking, drugs, and alcohol. Once adapted to this addition to their lifestyle, depriving them of any will result to violence or even suicide. But other than to relief temporary depression, we are at the age of experimenting different things and this usually diverts you from your goal or even your lifestyle. Like kids, we like to try something new, even if the means of risking or damaging our lives. 

Even though we receive education on the dangers of smoking, drinking, or even using drugs, it’s really our decision whether we want to lead a life surrounding them or not.  We can’t blame anyone but ourselves when facing our current situation. You only live once; therefore it’s your decision whether you want to live a full life or not.

[ME] Morality in Going for the Look

Every clothing store always display trendy clothing, fit for certain genders or ages. The various styles are usually popular for a brief period of time; therefore companies constantly think of new trends. Cohen explains the increasing competitiveness in the retail world today, the need for effective advertising and representation by hiring an attractive “walking billboard”. Although I do agree with his idea, I would definitely disagree when it comes to morality. Not only does hiring good-looking people creates a slight distinction between them and the customers, but also faces gender, age, disability, and racial discrimination.

Our nation has always had certain racial issues; thus racial discrimination would most likely to appear when attempting to work at a company. Harassment such as degrading comments or gives raises to everyone except for a certain group and would most likely to make up such excuses. Even as job applicants who are “too ethnic” were diverted to a stockroom by the manager rather than the sales floor while anyone else who fits the standards are immediately hired, whether or not he or she had any experience. Whether direct or not, if there are signs of harassment such as when an employer calls an Asian worker out in front of the other employees, scolding him or her for a job the employer considers to be left undone, then it’s definitely the time to start a campaign against the company. If companies were to be critical towards all ethnic employees, this situation would end one big company full of one race and only for that race. There are other cases other than clothing stores have been exposed to racial discrimination. Hotel entrepreneur Ian Scharger settled a $1.08 million settlement when Equal Employment Opportunity Commission accused hotel Mondrian Hotel in West Hollywood after firing 9 employees, 8 were “too ethnic”. Whether they had the experience or rather skilled in a certain expertise is what really counts. Having some random attractive person as a clerk with absolutely no skills and would have a higher chance of delay or other troubles is what managers should have in concern. Having a diversity of different ethnic people not only encourages more customers but also the communication barrier would lessen around the employee and customer.

Age Discrimination is also referred to in job interviews or even continuing employees. In most jobs, companies would most likely lay off anyone who is considered too old and raw the highest salaries. Even when both job applicants have the same criteria, the younger applicant has the highest potential to keep the company image youthful and fresh. Although there are some complications when hiring old people, if they are still in good condition and have much more experience, they have the potential to help out any new employee and have a much more welcome greeting to the eyes of any essential old customer. Younger inexperience employees would take the time to adjust their job and are more prone to cause some issues when someone older can demonstrate their work correctly. It is most certain that an employer cannot use an employee’s age to make decisions about hiring, salary, promotion, or termination unless the employee is not fit to work. That would definitely involve the law in order to maintain public safety. If figured so, the most chance of age discrimination would most likely be in restaurants or cafes. There was a case which the Equal Employment Commission reached a $5000 settlement with 36th Street Food and Drink, a restaurant in St. Joseph, Mo. after accusing it of age discrimination against a 47 year old waitress name Michele Cornell. To have such a sudden image change after renovation does not give reason for firing her. If not fit as waitress, she could still work but in a different position. Marketing such age groups would only just encourage a certain “look” for companies to aim for.

Not everyone is suited for the “look”. Abercombie and Fitch’s “classic American” look is simply marketing “a white-bread, Northern European, thin, wealthy, fashion model look” according to Donna Harper. What if you fit in the criteria except for the wealthy? Would that mean you won’t be chosen? Might as well request models and charge extra money for just standing at some display case. This would just create that barrier between the stores and customers. Just because they fit the “look” doesn’t mean you will fit in the trendy look everyone else is aiming for. To force yourself to adjust in yourself by dying your hair blonde, buy expensive accessories and clothing, and even bleaching your own skin doesn’t mean you will actually fit in with that “blond, blue-eyed and preppy” look. Being yourself is what really matters and you can attract more people with your own look rather than the look that will be popular for a brief amount of time. This certain image would just damage the diversity we all naturally have. If we all have blond hair and blue eyes, will we fit in that “classic American” look? In fact, you can’t even define “classic American” as blonde hair and blue eyes. If I name the look, it’ll be “Hitler’s dream look” as his goal was to create a place whether anyone with that look will be superior to everyone else despite his contrast in looks. A true American isn’t even blonde hair and blue eyes; nor is it black hair and brown eyes or brown hair and green eyes. You can’t just define that “classic American” look and state that when it’s what your look matters the most.

Overall, companies with Cohen’s idea are inevitable, but the morality is controversial. The decision in aiming certain age groups by using “walking billboards” isn’t illegal nor is it unsuccessful. However the specific images companies aim for would just isolate the rest of society and no matter how much people fall for the advertisements, they will never achieve that true look. No matter what situation we are in, from jobs to the educational systems, the morality in any view is never proper.

[FREE] Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

Well I technically lied. A little. I’m a huge fan of Miyazaki’s films but I also love Isao Takahata’s Grave of the Fireflies. This 1988 film is an adaptation of the semi-autobiographical by Akiyuki Nosaka, intended as a personal apology to the author's own sister. When I first watched the film, I was bawling like a baby.  It’s like an animated version of to Steven Spielberg's Schindler's List only set in Japan but same time period. Here’s a trailer:

This animated film was heartwretching for me as it did for Schindler's List, only shorter and setting was at the otherside of the Earth but I cried for 10 minutes after the film. Although both the critics and I did view this film as an anti-war film, Takahata stated that he intended to convey an image of the brother and sister living a failed life due to isolation from the society and invoke sympathy particularly in people in their teens and twenties.

Overall, this film was tale of the relationship between two orphaned children, Seita and his young sister Setsuko as they recalled some of their memories before moving on to the next life. Yes, they died. I cried like crazy when the film ends as the contrast between one family and the orphans’ family after the war ended. It’s like as if that family didn’t even suffer from anything while the orphans had to survive against both the war and their relatives’ neglect. 

Although not as well known to Hayao Miyazaki, both he and Takahata are indeed co-founders of Studio Ghibli. I noticed compared to Takahata, Miyzaki’s films have a lot of adventure and loosely base on novels with his own twist. Although I’m not as certain, it seems like Takahata’s works are more on a realistic level than Miyazaki. Either way, I enjoy both of their works and always look forward to their future projects. If you were deeply moved after watching Schindler's List, this film is for you to watch. There's also a live-action film for you to choose.

[RE] EatReal

       I decided to do a response post to Nathan’s post since I’m recently doing something similar to his account of the event.

To add some community service hours to my resume and to help out people, i decided to participate in the EatReal fest in Jack London. It is always likes these little activities that leads to fun memorable times...Us four worked a greuling 7 hours with minimal break but it was a fun experience. In addition to having a nice time, the staff gave us a schwag bag with random coupons and miscellaneous things, drinks, and chipotle burritos. I guess this is one of example of good intention leads to good things.

This activity reminds me of the Day of the Dead event at Oakland Museum last year. I and 3 other members got to help out set up arts and crafts activities for kids. Although it was a grueling 9 hours of working and I minimal break, I did get to explore the other events, talked to some of my old friends who were also helping out, and managed to sneak in the PIXAR exhibit. I didn’t get as much miscellaneous things as Nathan had, but I did received a bright pink shirt. Although it seems like people thought I was an employee or something and was mistaken as one of the people in charge of the buses. Actually, I do have quite a number or volunteer shirts and it seems like I’m starting a collection, but it’s the memories that matters and the fun I got to experience instead of staying at home.  

Like other people who are aiming for the same idea as Nathan, I’m also doing a community service event. There’s another community service I’m doing is called Reading Partners program, which is a program where you get to do a one on one session with one or two students and helping them improve their reading skills. Not only does this offer you community service hours, but this is great on resumes and it does help the community by helping to improve kids of the future generation.

[CE] Alameda Firefighters now water-rescue team

        One of the problems about budget cuts is that we don’t even have the appropriate jobs for people. Even for a water-rescue team. So what do we do? Train firefighter, that’s what!

The Fire Department bought a boat in June, and nearly 60 firefighters have taken either boat operator or rescue swimmer training. Firefighters have used the boat for about six rescue efforts.

Talk about saving money! Not only will they be called firefighters, but also water-fighters! Or will it be Ocean-fighters? Anyways, although there are some benefits from improving our safety in the waters, I send my regards to Raymond Zack, the man who committed suicide and his family. If we have the power to save people from this event, we can do so in the future. I’m sure that just because of budget cuts, the police and firefighters were unable to catch up to the Zack. To be helpless due to lack of money is frustrating and this account will both improve our general welfare and strengthen the protests against these budget cuts. 

"We're surrounded with water, for crying out loud," she said. "It's necessary that we have something to protect us."

Berry, 84, said her son suffered from depression. "There was no reason for him to die," she said, her voice breaking. "I still can't get over being mad, and I know I shouldn't be. But I can't."

I do agree the fact that we are in fact, surrounded with water so not only do we need protection on land, but also on water. But I know that what I’m saying about protection from the waters is pretty limited, but a plan for this situation would’ve been useful.

        Although I think there was no helping the fact that Zack’s intention of dying, he might’ve changed his views if we were able to rescue him. Suicide is perhaps the solution of today’s society as unemployment rate of our nation gradually increases as our debt continues to increase. I hope that my generation doesn’t have to suffer due to such impact of our lives and fall of our American dream.

To read more, click here

[RE] Random Stuff That Happened to me This Week

Well since I also experienced what you read, I might as well do a response on Alex’s post. Honestly, I regretted reading that webtoon but at l didn’t read it at night like you did.

Have you ever had your online friends that send you a link that mentally disturbed you? Well, it happened to me yesterday. I was playing this game Tora no Tsubasa( TnT for short).
This game is a casual game that has no animation but you can dress up your avatar. Of course all the characters are anime girls. I mostly play this game to shave off my free time and talk to random people around the world. Most people would have some negative views since its all anime girls.

Well I have tried numerous games but not something like this. I kind of expected you would be involved with these kinds of games, Alex. Never have I been sent such a disturbing webtoon. For most people, it doesn’t seem so creepy. However, it’s a short moment horror if you scroll down fast enough to keep up with the short dialogue.

Back to my story, during a mission, my friend told me to check out a link in the forums. So I followed his instructions that led to the link. When I first saw the information, I hesitated. It quoted
Some scary stuff =D
I stared at the smiley face with distraught. I hate people that add stuff like smiley face that contradicts the statement.

Well I would definitely be thinking the same thing. That’s why I don’t trust titles with something added that contradicts the title. Although I never really encountered such titles nowadays, I do understand how Alex thinks about the title. Although it’s something that we wouldn’t take any interest, we just continue because of our curiosity. Unfortunately, “curiosity kills a cat”. Seems like most of our actions will ended up as mistakes and we take them for granted. Although taking a risk is better than not knowing what will happen and you could learn a good lesson from this situation and prepare yourself the next time.

Then I tried to be busy with other task such as homework (well I should get started on my typing my post more... but I hate writing...) but some reason that link keeps popping in my head.

Multitasking isn’t such a good thing when you’re doing something that is completely unrelated to something else. For example, watching television while working on your history homework will definitely mixed up the current news from the television to answer questions about historical events. Other than that, I think I might really regret this if I start having nightmares due to those webtoons. If that’s so, I might as well blame you for any related nightmares.

[CE] Second Rape at St. Mary's

I am back on scandals again. Maybe I should do something about this. So, we have preteen rape by priests, and now, a second sexual assault on college campus. Here’s my reaction in one word: horrifying. Ever since I allowed notifications for college offers through my email account, a portion comes from Saint Mary's College. Now that I read this article, I don’t think I want to risk my safety until the security has been improved.

Officers were called to the campus about 6 p.m. Sunday after college security received a call from the victim, who was on her way to the hospital, Moraga police Chief Robert Priebe said. She told police over the phone that she had been raped by two males -- one a student and one an acquaintance of that student -- at a campus dorm.

In most locations, rape occurs at night, public places, but a campus dorm? What is going on with the security? I know now that there might be a lack of security in the streets but now in public areas such as campus dorm? This will definitely reduce the college’s reputation, ten- folds now that this is a second rape. 

 "This is the second one in two weeks, which is pretty disturbing," Priebe said.

 No kidding. I highly doubt anyone would try and get a dorm room now that there is a second sex assault. Unfortunately, this kind of incident is hard to reach to the end as most sex assaults were never reported or almost never had any actual arrests. 

Police continue to investigate the suspected sexual assault of another female student in a campus dorm room the morning of Sept. 11. An 18-year-old male student was arrested on suspicion of rape and has been released from custody pending the results of forensic tests, Priebe said.

See what I mean? Frankly, this is utterly disgusting. Girls can’t even have safety as well as privacy at a college dorm, where there should be tons of people around, giving the less chance to be assaulted. Yet again I received another email from St. Mary’s College. Sorry, but I am definitely not going to think of this college as an option as long as there is such a high risk in my safety. 


To read the article click here

[BC] Loyalty

As a child, I was raised within a busy yet loving family. Despite my parents leaving me in a day care while they work, I knew their motivation to persevere through their hard work was to grant me a better future. What I didn’t know is that their marriage was falling apart, yet they continue to live together in effort of raising me. Whenever I come across one of their arguments, I would blame one or the other and accuse of them to have an unloving family. I realize that I was completely wrong as I grew up in this fragile family life.

When I entered middle school, I noticed the tensions growing by each day. Once I knew how most other families grew apart due to divorce or separation, I wake up every day, fearing for my parents’ decision to divorce or separate.  Little did I know did my parents continue to live together despite their differences in order to provide me a safe environment. After one of their usual arguments, I asked both my parents their reason for staying despite their threats to leave the household. They more or less stated “other than for you, loyalty is essential for this relationship to continue on”.

Once we moved to Alameda in 2007, their arguments were so rare that I thought they either had a compromise or were on an affair. One night as they were in a heated argument, the police arrived and I was certain that this family won’t last afterwards; however, my mother supported and defended my father as the police continued to question my father as if he committed a crime. I questioned my mother why she defended my father despite how she continuously stated how much she abhors my father. She stated that no matter how much negative comments she brings upon my father, he never did anything to spite her and supported her actions no matter how much he disagreed with her.

As I talked to my aunt and uncle-in law about my parents’ odd relationship, I also questioned whether either would leave one another for someone else. My aunt and uncle stated that if they were ever to separate, whether due to their relationship issues or economic situations, they would never remarry. I knew their answers were honest because they had been together for 30 years.  I always thought loyalty is easy to break apart whenever I see couples breaking up in schools.

Despite my parents’ unusual relationship, both my parents and my aunt and uncle-in law demonstrate a strong-willed loyalty that never broke, not even their empty threats reached each other. One day, I want to learn the true value of loyalty and hope to entrust both it and trust with someone in the future. I know that loyalty is a common trait that anyone can interpret as to apply only in relationships, but I as of now, interpret it as friendship. My loyalty and trust to my few most trusted friends helped me develop a true meaning of best friends.   

[FREE] Castle in the Sky (1986)

 I’m going back in proper order so here’s another movie review: Laputa: Castle in the Sky or Castle in the Sky (1986) in the English version. Yes, I am still in my Ghibli frenzy mode and will be until I have no more movies to review (which hopefully will last the rest of the school year but I highly doubt it).   Here’s your typical trailer! 

Hayao Miyazaki's fantasy adventure Castle in the Sky begins with a chase scene through a flying ship, where all the passengers are after the young girl, Sheeta . Going overboard to avoid capture, Sheeta is rescued by her powerful crystal necklace which floats her down to safety. She's recovered by Pazu , a young resourceful boy who works in a small mining town. Sharing a common desire to see Laputa, the castle in the sky, Pazu and Sheeta team up to outrun the pirates and the military. Led by hard-bitten matriarch Dola , the pirates are a rowdy yet dimwitted group of brothers who are after Laputa's treasure. Led by the greedy yet civilized Muska , the military is after Laputa's secret powers. Everyone races to get to the abandoned castle of Laputa, which has been overgrown with vines and plant life. Its only inhabitants are the animals and robots who protect a magical garden. As the different parties fight over who gets to control Laputa, it's up to Sheeta to use her ancient knowledge to save it from ultimate destruction

Summary courtesy of Fandango.

The theme is somewhat different from Nausicaäof the Valley of the Wind and Princess Mononoke but they all have something related to Mother Nature. Interestingly, the title is also metaphor for a dream or goal, most usually an unobtainable one. I agree with this because no one would think about a floating castle hidden in the hurricane clouds now would you? Also, in search for such an impossible thing would definitely suit the title. This film also centers on Sheeta as one of the main characters, but not so much as the earlier films I reviewed about. I admire Sheeta for her bravery and courage to self improvement to go on an amazing adventure as in search for a floating that could help her discover more of her family’s past.  I guess this somewhat encourages girls out there to have courage, whether you are some typical girl who takes care of her sheep in the mountains. 

              I recommend this adventure film to every one of all ages. It might be not as violent as a typical American action films such as The Dark Knight, but it has a heartwarming event that you would enjoy.  In fact, I will say this to the other previous and future Miyazaki’s films I will review on: watch them!

[CE] Fukushima - the worst nuclear disaster?

        We all know by now of the Japan earthquake and tsunami in March 2011. But what about the how much radiation from Japan's Fukushima nuclear plant leakage? Here’s the video clip for more information of Japan’s condition.

Experts say that the total amount of radiation leaked will exceed amounts released from Chernobyl, making Fukushima the worst nuclear disaster in history.

The fear of knowing that there is a risk of exposure from radiation could increase risk of illnesses such as cancer to even young innocent children. To those who could try to move away from exposure, cannot due to financial reasons. In hopes there is a method to reduce or to evacuate those who have a high risk in exposure or perhaps have some sort of protection from the radiation. We all are living in a slowly improving economy, so why not plan something?

          Also, in this situation, shouldn’t the government be involved? The government’s function is to serve for the people or at least provide protection, whether it’s from invaders or nuclear leakage. This is Japan’s responsibility to help restore order and peace for it’s population. Japan has suffered enough through it’s history, from the atomic bombs to WWII, and now an earthquake and tsunami. There should be at least be something to help alert and prevent exposure from radiation otherwise not only do the older generations will suffer, but the future generations to come. From what knowledge we gained over the years of cancer, I’m sure no one wants to undergo any treatment at such a young age and the risks of death are still high. All I know is complaining and I’m sure it’s much more difficult than it seems to resolve this situation, but my thoughts will always for Japan’s safety.

[FREE] Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)

        Until I run out of Studio Ghibli films to review, the reign of Ghibli remains! So for this week’s movie review, is another one of Miyazaki’s works, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984). Although this movie was created before Studio Ghibli was founded, it’s still considered to be a Ghibli film. Anyways, what’s it about? Here’s a fan-made trailer since I can’t find an original one and it’s not in English but you get the gist of it.


Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is an animated post-apocalyptic fantasy adventure film Miyazaki’s manga of the same name. The film tells the story of Nausicaä, a young princess of the Valley of the Wind who gets involved into a struggle with Tolmekia, a kingdom who tries to use a warrior to fend off the Ohms. Nausicaä must stop the Tolmekians from killing these insects.

          One of the reasons I decided to review this film was because it’s similar to my previous review, Princess Mononoke (2001). Despite some of the differences in the animation, you’ll definitely enjoy this film just as much as Princess Mononoke. Instead of the destruction of the bond between humans and nature, this is pretty much about the aftermath of that bond between humans and insects, which are the reasons for the near extinction of the human race. Nausicaä, a young princess of small kingdom, the Valley of the Wind, demonstrates courage, integrity, and love for the insects despite the disapprovals. Her kindness towards everyone, even if one that is considered coldhearted to one who the rest of the human race despises, Nausicaä opens her arms in welcome and only wants to bring both the bond between nature and humans back into balance.

        Perhaps some of those things such as a lake full of acid or a poisonous jungle will spread and kill thousands of people might happen to us, especially what we dump everyday with our trash. This film does in a way appreciate nature and what it has to offer us. If you like Princess Mononoke, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is a great film to follow up, with similar ideas, but different plots, and a different heroine character. Once again, it’s a family film like the rest of the films I reviewed before (except Princess Mononoke is a tiny bit gruesome with severed limbs) so all ages will definitely enjoy.

[RE] The plague of school . dun dun dun.

Well it seems like someone’s still not adjusting to school. Well according to Nathan Wong’s post:

School has many affects on you mentally and physically except for those that make you a less ignorant person. First I will talk about the physical illnesses that we as students acquire. After 3 days of school, i realized that my weight started decreasing at a unexpected rate.

That is a little terrifying; three weeks in school and your weight started decreasing. Personally, I’m a bit jealous because I definitely to lose weight but I’m not the only one who’s thinking about that. Also, I think you’re exaggerating this ‘illness’ you claim that’s spreading throughout the school. Although I’m not adjusting with school after summer prep classes, at least I still look lively, now right?

This can be because of the lack of food or lack of sleep. We no longer have the freedom to eat whenever we want in any class, we might not even have time to eat breakfast. Lack of sleep ends up giving us panda eyes, which makes us look like sleep walking zombies. 

Ok I actually laughed at this statement. You say that now, but once it’s AP prep week, you’ll see tons of zombies. And it’s not like we no longer have the freedom to do whatever we want like the summer, it’s a choice that’s given to us for a better future. It’s something that everyone in school had to accept, ever since we took out first step into school. Honestly, we’re pretty lucky; schools in other countries (try China) are stricter and people go to cram schools or extra prep classes afterschool. Some students from other school in order to attain a better education, such as an international school, where you learn everything from a public school, but in English to improve both your English skills and learning the curriculum.  

Our ability of pursuit of happiness is somewhat taken away because of homework. 

Might I add projects and tests? Unfortunately, our pursuit for happiness lies in our education, which are based on our grades.

We no longer have the time to do stuff we enjoyed during the summer. Since the summer gave us a surge of happiness and now we have very little happiness, this is a fast transition.

I agree; however people usually take advantage of the summer by taking extracurricular activities, summer jobs, or prep classes for upcoming AP class in community colleges. So whether we like or not, some people don’t have the time to do something they enjoy. Although I also can’t bear the long hours of school and prep classes, I got no choice. I’m guessing to most other students, summer is a time where you can actually have some fun in between more work.  

I made this post for fun and it is also expressing how much I miss the summer of 2011. Time sure flies.

I definitely agree on this. This summer sucked for me because of the prep classes, but hopefully, I’ll make it up on the next summer. Just going to look forward for Summer of 2012!

[CE] How holy is this?

Just when you think there’s enough forms of abuse, there’s sexual abuse by priests! If you want to read click here

An international group for victims of sexual abuse by Catholic priests has asked the International Criminal Court to prosecute Pope Benedict XVI and three other senior Vatican officials for crimes against humanity.

Despite how there’s only the prosecution of Pope Benedict XVI and three other senior Vatican officials that are being investigated, I’m pretty sure this lasted for years, even the previous centuries. This will definitely be a major blow for the Roman Catholic Church. Such a scandal will definitely lose the people’s trust to walk into a church with no insecurities.

But this is the first time the sexual-abuse scandal has been brought to an international jurisdiction, marking a new approach by victims and rights groups.

This is definitely confirms what I stated before.  Just like other reportings of abuse from other cases, similar scandals are always covered up in some way or no one would believe the claim. I don’t go to some form of church myself, but a scandal like this can cause other people who do go doubt in and lost their trust in what they believe. And I’m pretty sure priests in every religion aren’t allowed to be in a relationship; moreover, are allowed to take part in some scandal such as this.

The three other Vatican officials the group is asking that they be investigated are Tarcisio Bertone, the cardinal secretary of state; Angelo Sodano, his predecessor; and William Levada, a US cardinal.

Well, good luck with getting out of this situation guys.

The Roman Catholic Church is struggling to deal with rising anger and a string of lawsuits after thousands of child abuse claims in Europe and the US.

Well this event wouldn’t end as soon as most scandals. In fact, it’ll last for a pretty long period of time, especially when Xenophon, an Australian senator, reported a similar scandal 50 years ago.

             

       Well now this scandal has been reported, I do wonder if anyone will be trustworthy enough to continue to attend church, or even take part of any religious holidays. Who knows, the people could even convert to a different religion. I’m pretty disgusted of how all these abuses were covered up as much as fifty years and how these priests can continue to live on and practice what they pretty much soiled. Is there really anyone we know we can trust?

[BC] Draft (of Horror)

      Throughout my childhood, I constantly earned praises from my mother for every little accomplishment, from reading a difficult chapter book to award certificates from good behavior in school. Her warm smile and joyful eyes were always worthwhile whenever I worked hard on accomplishing my goal. Although I knew that I would need to work harder after elementary school, I wasn’t fully aware that one day, my efforts were not enough to lose her smile.
      At the beginning of middle school, her praises were still frequent, but she continuously warned not the “let down my guard” and work harder. When I received my first failing grade on a test, my mother and I had a conversation and she suddenly recalled how difficult her life back in her home country, Vietnam. As she tells her tale of her perseverance in effort to take care of her siblings and getting an education, she motivated me to work harder. She was my role model, no matter how unsuccessful the life she now lives, as she continues to work in a business she knew wouldn’t earned a lot of money, living with my father who doesn’t take part of any household duties other than working and picking me up from the day care.
      My mother’s characteristics were part of my goal, my future. She was a role model to her younger siblings, despite how little success she gained over the past twenty years. She sacrificed her education in effort to take care of me, took up a job she knew that the money that was earned will be towards the bills, but made effort to save up for my college funds. She also was independent; never did she asked anyone for help in paperwork unless necessary or asked her family or friends for money. She never stray her path to a life under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The scars on her arms, the strain on her muscles, and the bags under her eyes are all what remain for the rest of her life. However, after all these years, she still maintains her warm smile whenever she praises me.
        As I was growing up, I became involved with school clubs that motivated me to more active community services and interacted with other teachers for career advice. I immersed myself with volunteer work by tutoring elementary kids in order to improve my efforts to become a role model for my younger brother. I sacrificed my effort in getting a summer job in order to take care of my brother while my parents work. I endured one of my most emotional moments of my life that could’ve changed my life: losing my mother.
        Whatever it may be for her future, I want to continue her efforts. I want to improve both my and her lifestyles and give her something she deserved to have after all these years. I may gave a career that is different from what she wanted me to have, or a lifestyle she may disapprove at first, but I know she’ll be proud of my efforts. Although my goals aren’t fully determined, but I want to live my life knowing that I can do anything on my own.