[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.

[FREE] Princess Mononoke (1997)

Since last week’s post was about Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away (2001), might as well post another movie review on his previous works. Whenever I hear the term “epic”, then I’ll pretty much be expecting something amazing. Before I looked up the movie online, I agree that Princess Mononoke (1997) deserves that term. Even in our current time, the film still gained recognition as one of the highest grossing movies until Titanic was released in Japan. It’s also the second longest animation film to this day! And no wonder; this film is definitely worth to watch!
Here's a trailer :

Princess Mononoke is a period drama set specifically in the late Muromachi period of Japan but with numerous fantastical elements. The story concentrates on involvement of the outsider Ashitaka in the struggle between the supernatural guardians of a forest and the humans of the Iron Town who consume its resources. There can be no clear victory, and the hope is that relationship between humans and nature is cyclical.

Want to read more? Here's the link from Wikipedia

Just like Spirited Away, I absolutely recommend watching this amazing animation. This film gives viewers the relationship between man and nature that’s pretty much similar to what we have today. As we continue to advance in technology, our sense in nature also gradually decreases. Despite our petitions to preserve what’s left of Mother Nature, Mother Nature itself is steadily diminishing. The film shows how god-like animals such as the wolf gods continuously defend the Forest as Irontown continues to wage war against both Mother Nature’s creatures and humans.

Although there are some minor inappropriate graphic scenes (severing limbs), I would guess there are some age limits. Other than the plot, this film (and the rest of the Studio Ghibli’s films) has an amazing soundtrack. If you love instrumental soundtracks like me, this film has some great tunes . With both Miyazaki’s and the wonderful music from Joe Hisaishi, this film (along with the rest of the work and future works) demonstrates the true essence in animation originality.

[RE] Being Happy With Love

        Well, it’s not much of a response, but it did brought some interest for me.  This was from Taylor Clark's blog.

 i LOVE the way i can be having the WORST day of my LIFE and simply talking to YOU completely CHANGES my mood 

I think quote was in this post was focusing on love; I can understand this as more of a friend’s view. I can definitely relate to the worst day of my life (or perhaps of the year) so it’s understandable that if you’re talking to someone, it’ll help you feel a lot better.  Sometimes, I do rant too much about my day but if my friend is nice enough, it’ll be acceptable (maybe?).  

        Although people tend to talk to their friends to hopefully a lot better than before, other people also talk to their family. Most of the time, after a bad day, I would talk to my mother (if she isn’t busy) and afterwards, we would talk about our embarrassing moments and laugh at each other. 

   

        There is also the original purpose of the original blog: lover. I’m sure a lot of couples talk to each other about both their good and bad days and will definitely feel better about it at the end. 

  

        The quote can go different ways, whether it’s your friends, family, or lover. Either way,  expressing your feelings about that day will definitely be much better than bottling up all those negative feelings and “blow up”.

Actually, there’s also the case where some people express their bad days in writing, such as in journals or diaries and just talk about to no one. Sometimes expressing your emotions in writing from, such as what I am doing now (not really) is another way to may yourself better. Just hopefully, you’ll keep in appropriate when it comes to blogging.    

[RE] Hmm...Hello again.

Since I can relate with Damien's post (not completely), I’ll start my responsive post about his post. For the most part, I do agree I will be more active in blogging now that I have the same teacher again (which means I can express my love for food again) and that there are a lot of things to worry about now that we’re seniors.

Not only do we have the SATs/ ACTs, but on top of that we need to work on getting our statements for college written and completed soon. Luckily Sutherland will be including the UC personal statements in our assignments

I definitely agree all the above statements. Honestly, I was a bit nervous to be having Sutherland since I need to get serious about UC personal statements for college applications (no offense, Mr. Sutherland) However, I am also grateful for having his class again. Two years ago, I was pretty much of a wreck when it comes to expressing my opinions to others, much less on a blog; however I am (somewhat) more confident whenever I blog. To those who are starting out blogging, it’s a great way to express whatever you like, just be appropriate for the public and your fellow classmates please. (:

I'm just hoping that writing about my problems will help to sort of relieve my stress, like the feeling when it feels like weight has been lifted off your shoulders

I agree with Damien that blogging does in some people’s way, relieve them of stress from our daily lives in school. With rules and school regulations, we cannot regularly express our opinions out in general public due to possible inappropriate language, but posting blogs is a great way to deal with what’s going on with our lives. Writing is basically our everyday freedom use!

[FREE] Spirited Away (2001)

Now that I’m back to blogging, I’m going to blog something I spent my summer rather than getting a job or working on college applications: watching movies! Rather reviewing a typical recent movie from the big screen, Spirited Away will be on the spotlight of my blog for this week.

Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away (2001) tells the story of Chihiro, a sullen ten-year-old girl who, in the process of moving to a new neighborhood, becomes trapped in an alternate reality that is inhabited by spirits and monsters. After her parents are transformed into pigs by the witch Yubaba, Chihiro takes a job working in Yubaba's bathhouse in order to find a way to free herself and her parents and escape back to the human world. Here's the full summary from  Wikipedia

This heartwarming tale reminded of me as a child, where I would either imagine or dream myself in another world, whether it could be an adventure or in my ideal place of comfort. This film also set in a view when a child faces a change in their life, such as moving to a different city, going to a different school, and meeting new friends. In the beginning, Chihiro was brooding over the moving and dislikes change, but after this adventure, she learns that no matter where she is, her friends are always with her and overcoming the new change will be just another step in growing up. I also like how there’s a light romance between Chihiro and the male protagonist, Haku. Like most of Miyazaki’s films, there’s no happy ending that involves the two of them. Even so, I strongly encourage to watch this film, whether young or old!

[CE] Revenge Attacks - Acceptable?

Racism has been around in different forms and in this case, in part of revenge after the 9/11 incident. This is what I conclude after watching this video.



This infamous incident not only caused grief and terror among the people, but caused numerous deaths or injuries due to skin color and religion. I find that these ‘revenge attacks’ horrendous because this is more of a reason for more violence. Rather than accepting the negative emotions and find a better way to ease them in peaceful manner, releasing it through murder on an innocent citizen doesn’t change the fact that your loved one(s) is gone. Also, this displays the wrong account of the United States. How is it that it is acceptable for Americans to launch revenge attacks towards Arab Americans, Muslims, and Sikhs? Will it help ease the people’s grief by murdering those who were not a part of this tragic incident?I know I can’t relate to the same situation as those who suffered, but I do know that violence isn’t going to solve the problem.

Also, I like to congratulate Rana Singh Sodhi’s resolve after his brother’s death. He is one of the many who accepted the truth and relinquished any resort of violence to avenge his brother. Not only did Sodhi strengthen his religious faith, he also received support from thousands of people. Once again, I know I cannot imagine the sorrow from this dreadful event and its effects, but I know that violence will only result in more violence. We live in a world with a rich history from wars and revolutions, so why not create an era where revenge will not be part of a reason for another war? I send my regards to those who are affected from the 9/11 and hope that this will tragedy will end.