- "Man dressed as woman solicits sex from teen boy, police allege" by Rong-Gong Lin II
- Published on April 27, 2013
- The Los Angeles Times
- http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-man-solicits-sex-teenage-boy-20130427,0,2290287.story
When one is out doing what they enjoy, he or she would least expect to be confronted by someone and be asked for sex, especially if he or she is a teenager. Though, it recently did happen to a fifteen year old boy who had gone out to skateboard in a parking lot. The suspect, who is fifty-two years old, had asked the teenage boy for sex, not only once, but repeatedly. However, even after the boy told the suspect his age, the suspect still gave the boy his phone number. After the boy reported the incident to the cops, one of the police officers called the suspect pretending to be the teenage boy. Having a meeting arranged through the phone, the suspect met the boy at the designated place and was arrested by Simi Valley's cops. They realized afterwards that the suspect was not a woman, but instead a man dressed as one, wearing clothing women would usually wear: skinny pants, tight top, and high heels.
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Years in Prison After Impregnating Eleven Year Old
-"Man who impregnated 11-year-old girl gets 61 years in prison" by Rick Rojas
- Published on April 26, 2013
- The Los Angeles Times
- http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-sexual-assault-20130426,0,7885129.story
For eight years, Mariano Antonio Castro had been sexually assaulting a female relative from his family, since she was eight years old. When the female was eleven years old, she became pregnant by Castro and gave birth to the child at the age of twelve. Without ever telling anyone, she began to attend church, where she confided in her pastor. With reasonable advice and needed encouragement from her pastor, she decided to finally report Castro to the police in 2011. Two years later, and the fifty-eight year old Orange County resident, is now charged with more than two felonies, all including and associating with sexual assault of a child under the age of fourteen. Castro was found guilty in February and now has to serve sixty-one years in prison. Thanks to the pastor, the female did what was right and received justice for what she was put through and had to experience. Castro deserves his punishment and if not should have gotten more years in prison because what he did was just plain wrong.
- Published on April 26, 2013
- The Los Angeles Times
- http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-sexual-assault-20130426,0,7885129.story
For eight years, Mariano Antonio Castro had been sexually assaulting a female relative from his family, since she was eight years old. When the female was eleven years old, she became pregnant by Castro and gave birth to the child at the age of twelve. Without ever telling anyone, she began to attend church, where she confided in her pastor. With reasonable advice and needed encouragement from her pastor, she decided to finally report Castro to the police in 2011. Two years later, and the fifty-eight year old Orange County resident, is now charged with more than two felonies, all including and associating with sexual assault of a child under the age of fourteen. Castro was found guilty in February and now has to serve sixty-one years in prison. Thanks to the pastor, the female did what was right and received justice for what she was put through and had to experience. Castro deserves his punishment and if not should have gotten more years in prison because what he did was just plain wrong.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Drunk Drivers May Have Rights
- "Even drunk drivers have rights" by the Times Editorial Board
- Published on April 21, 2013
- The Los Angeles Times
- http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/editorials/la-ed-blood-warrant-supreme-court-20130421,0,2644302.story
Almost every time when a drunk driver is stopped, they are asked to be searched and carry out seizures that can tell if one is actually drunk or not. Though, just like any other person, drunk drivers also have constitutional rights. One part of these searches and seizures is to draw blood. In 1996, the court had allowed police to draw blood without the need of a search warrant. Reasons for this include not having time to go and get a search warrant and also, if a police were to get a search warrant, then the evidence of one being under the influence might be gone by that time. Due to the recent commotion, police and prosecutors will now be allowed to apply for warrants by the radio or telephone. However, those who refuse in taking a breath or blood test, will still have their licenses taken away, losing them in the process.
- Published on April 21, 2013
- The Los Angeles Times
- http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/editorials/la-ed-blood-warrant-supreme-court-20130421,0,2644302.story
Almost every time when a drunk driver is stopped, they are asked to be searched and carry out seizures that can tell if one is actually drunk or not. Though, just like any other person, drunk drivers also have constitutional rights. One part of these searches and seizures is to draw blood. In 1996, the court had allowed police to draw blood without the need of a search warrant. Reasons for this include not having time to go and get a search warrant and also, if a police were to get a search warrant, then the evidence of one being under the influence might be gone by that time. Due to the recent commotion, police and prosecutors will now be allowed to apply for warrants by the radio or telephone. However, those who refuse in taking a breath or blood test, will still have their licenses taken away, losing them in the process.
Boston Marathon Bombing Suspects
- "Brothers suspected in Boston attack stood apart in U.S" by Molly Hennessy-Fiske, Shashank Bengali, and Matea Gold
- Published on April 19, 2013
- The Los Angeles Times
- http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-boston-bombings-profiles-20130420,0,3806843.story
After Boston's horrible bombing occurred, the two suspects that had caused the scene have been found. Tamerlan Tsarnaev, who is twenty-six years old, and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, who is nineteen years old, came from a family who had ran away to escape the Caucasus region in Russia. Tamerlan was training for a boxing competition that could have had him in the U.S. Olympic team and a citizenship for the United States. However, as much as he wanted to become a citizen of the United States and as hard as he worked to get there, he had no American friends whatsoever or even acted or spent his free time the same way they did, setting himself different from others. Tamerlan's wishes for being in the U.S. Olympic team was cut short as the police killed him on Friday. His brother, Dzhokhar, was taken into custody that same night. Family members of the brothers are shocked at the news. They find it hard to believe that their own relatives would do such a thing and be the cause of three people dying and having over 170 people injured. When his uncle was recently asked why he thought they did the bombing, he said, "Being losers, hatred to those who were able to settle themselves - these are the only reasons I can imagine." Their family believes that the whole bombing was set up, as it is unexpected for it to come from these two brothers, who loved the United States.
- Published on April 19, 2013
- The Los Angeles Times
- http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-boston-bombings-profiles-20130420,0,3806843.story
After Boston's horrible bombing occurred, the two suspects that had caused the scene have been found. Tamerlan Tsarnaev, who is twenty-six years old, and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, who is nineteen years old, came from a family who had ran away to escape the Caucasus region in Russia. Tamerlan was training for a boxing competition that could have had him in the U.S. Olympic team and a citizenship for the United States. However, as much as he wanted to become a citizen of the United States and as hard as he worked to get there, he had no American friends whatsoever or even acted or spent his free time the same way they did, setting himself different from others. Tamerlan's wishes for being in the U.S. Olympic team was cut short as the police killed him on Friday. His brother, Dzhokhar, was taken into custody that same night. Family members of the brothers are shocked at the news. They find it hard to believe that their own relatives would do such a thing and be the cause of three people dying and having over 170 people injured. When his uncle was recently asked why he thought they did the bombing, he said, "Being losers, hatred to those who were able to settle themselves - these are the only reasons I can imagine." Their family believes that the whole bombing was set up, as it is unexpected for it to come from these two brothers, who loved the United States.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Stereotypes
When one thinks of stereotypes, a million thoughts can rush into their mind. They know exactly what it means and probably have a variety of stereotypes that they have heard of throughout their lives. These stereotypes can include from "jocks are dumb" or "the smart people are nerds". Stereotypes are a way that classify and label people into different classifications. Though, most of the time, these classifications are not even close to describing the person for who they really are. Along these lines, the question, "What factors contribute to such prejudice and how?" can help people see what really is the reason for stereotyping and how to stop it. Stereotyping can come from many factors, such as media or society. The media plays a big role in almost everyone's lives. While society can influence lives as well, the media plays a bigger role in the cause for stereotyping. The media has the power of making people think differently or having them act in a way they have not before. It has the power of making people think it is okay for them to do such things, such as hitting someone or insulting a parent. Not only does it implant such actions into people's brains, but it also creates judgmental and stereotypical images for people to catch onto. When people see these stereotypes from the television or hear them on the radio, they begin to think everyone else is actually that way; they begin to think of a culture or race differently and have a different view point on a person when they do not know a fact about them. These stereotypes created from the media, make it seem acceptable to laugh at, humiliate, or disrespect a stranger. With that said, the question, "Is it possible to grow to adulthood without harboring at least some prejudice toward certain groups?" comes into mind. From a young age, children all over the world are being affected by media. They begin to catch onto the things that are said on the television or radio, and act the same way or say the same things they see or hear. This continues onto their adulthood and throughout their lives. It may not seem possible to stop stereotyping people or easily judging them by first glance, but by having children not be surrounded by the media so much, can help subdue or control stereotyping in the near future.
Husband Murders Wife
- "Man suspected of killing wife in Montebello turns himself in to authorities" by Corina Knoll
- Published on Mach 17, 2013
- The Los Angeles Times
- http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2013/03/man-suspected-of-killing-wife-in-montebello-turns-himself-into-authorities.html
Killing your wife would be the least expected thing to do when you get married. Arthur Andrew Andrade was suspected for the death of his twenty four year old wife, until he actually turned himself in. The twenty nine year old shot his wife, Soria Esperenza, many times before she died in the parking lot of where she worked. The married couple, who were going to get divorced, were arguing when Andrade shot his wife. Andrade had been searched for since 8:30 A.M. on Saturday. At 1 A.M., he turned himself in and was immediately taken to Montebello Police Station. He is held in jail with a million dollar bail. Meanwhile, police are still searching for the handgun Andrade used to kill his wife and the vehicle he used to escape. Andrade deserved his punishment and no longer should be classified as a suspect, but as a murderer for killing his own life.
- Published on Mach 17, 2013
- The Los Angeles Times
- http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2013/03/man-suspected-of-killing-wife-in-montebello-turns-himself-into-authorities.html
Killing your wife would be the least expected thing to do when you get married. Arthur Andrew Andrade was suspected for the death of his twenty four year old wife, until he actually turned himself in. The twenty nine year old shot his wife, Soria Esperenza, many times before she died in the parking lot of where she worked. The married couple, who were going to get divorced, were arguing when Andrade shot his wife. Andrade had been searched for since 8:30 A.M. on Saturday. At 1 A.M., he turned himself in and was immediately taken to Montebello Police Station. He is held in jail with a million dollar bail. Meanwhile, police are still searching for the handgun Andrade used to kill his wife and the vehicle he used to escape. Andrade deserved his punishment and no longer should be classified as a suspect, but as a murderer for killing his own life.
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Lion Attack
- "Lion didn't intend to kill young woman, her family believes" by Kate Mather and Diana Marcum
- Published on March 9, 2013
- The Los Angeles Times
- http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2013/03/lion-didnt-intend-to-kill-young-woman-her-family-believes.html#more
From a young age, Diana Hanson had always wanted to work with animals, specifically tigers or lions, since she loved them. Six months ago, her wish came true and she was an intern at Cat Haven, a wildlife conservancy and private zoo located on a hillside near Kings Canyon National park. Last week, while cleaning one of the enclosures at the park, Hanson was attacked by the four year old male lion, Cous Cous. Cous Cous, who had just been fed, had escaped and mauled Hanson. Another worker tried to distract the lion away, but failed to do so. The animal was shot to stop further harming. Hanson had bite marks and scratches from the lion and died from a broken neck. Her family believes that the attack was accidental and that the lion had no intention of actually killing her. Her brother Paul said, "You know, house cats are smart, they can open doors." The twenty four year old died working with the animals she loved. The park closed for awhile for further investigation until reopening again.
- Published on March 9, 2013
- The Los Angeles Times
- http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2013/03/lion-didnt-intend-to-kill-young-woman-her-family-believes.html#more
From a young age, Diana Hanson had always wanted to work with animals, specifically tigers or lions, since she loved them. Six months ago, her wish came true and she was an intern at Cat Haven, a wildlife conservancy and private zoo located on a hillside near Kings Canyon National park. Last week, while cleaning one of the enclosures at the park, Hanson was attacked by the four year old male lion, Cous Cous. Cous Cous, who had just been fed, had escaped and mauled Hanson. Another worker tried to distract the lion away, but failed to do so. The animal was shot to stop further harming. Hanson had bite marks and scratches from the lion and died from a broken neck. Her family believes that the attack was accidental and that the lion had no intention of actually killing her. Her brother Paul said, "You know, house cats are smart, they can open doors." The twenty four year old died working with the animals she loved. The park closed for awhile for further investigation until reopening again.
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Memorial for Animals
- "Memorial planned for animals used in laboratory experiments" by Ann M. Simmons
- Published on March 2, 2013
- The Los Angeles Times
- http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2013/03/memorial-planned-for-animals-killed-in-laboratory-experiments.html#more
The idea of animals being used as experiments in laboratory's is not a new subject, but rather a matter that has been going on for years. There are always two sides and following these two sides, these experiments have their pros and cons. However, even if the use of animals in laboratory's as experiments might help scientists or researchers in some way, it still does not stop the cruelty being put on the animals. Each day, animals suffer and are tortured due to the experiments scientists carry out on them. For the numerous deaths of animals caused, a memorial for the helpless animals will take place on Saturday. In 2010, about 1,000 animals were killed by the University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA). These animals ranged from dogs, cats, rabbits, pigs, rats, chinchillas, and primates. According to the organizers of the memorial, millions of money is being wasted from taxes on these useless experiments, which are not making a change or difference whatsoever. Still, even with all the protests and the poor outcomes, UCLA has pledged to continue with a promising and purposeful outcome that will establish a reliable source in the future.
- Published on March 2, 2013
- The Los Angeles Times
- http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2013/03/memorial-planned-for-animals-killed-in-laboratory-experiments.html#more
The idea of animals being used as experiments in laboratory's is not a new subject, but rather a matter that has been going on for years. There are always two sides and following these two sides, these experiments have their pros and cons. However, even if the use of animals in laboratory's as experiments might help scientists or researchers in some way, it still does not stop the cruelty being put on the animals. Each day, animals suffer and are tortured due to the experiments scientists carry out on them. For the numerous deaths of animals caused, a memorial for the helpless animals will take place on Saturday. In 2010, about 1,000 animals were killed by the University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA). These animals ranged from dogs, cats, rabbits, pigs, rats, chinchillas, and primates. According to the organizers of the memorial, millions of money is being wasted from taxes on these useless experiments, which are not making a change or difference whatsoever. Still, even with all the protests and the poor outcomes, UCLA has pledged to continue with a promising and purposeful outcome that will establish a reliable source in the future.
Bon Voyage!
Having a $100,000 budget to host and plan a party is just enough to go overboard! With that thought, how about a Titanic themed party? The party will take place on a yacht: The FantaSea One, costing $22,500 all together, as it takes a cruise around the Pacific Ocean. The luxurious yacht has four levels: Captain's Lounge, Dining Room, Dance Floor, and the Sky Deck. It is big enough to seat 300 guests, which will be enough to invite all of Rose and Alex Pilibos' High School. If needed, people can bring friends or dates as well. Invitations will be sent out with a ticket to enter the yacht attached to it. If one does not have a ticket, then they cannot enter. Recommended attire for the guests will be to dress formally. The party will take place March 9, 2013 at five o'clock. Guests will meet up in front of the school at four o'clock where four limousines, costing $2,000,will be ready to take them to the destination of the yacht - Marina Del Rey. As the guests enter the yacht, Arka Photography, which costs about $300, will take pictures of the guests and will continue to do so throughout the party in order to keep a memory of the party. Dinner will begin at six and the guests will be led to the second floor of the yacht, the Dining Room, where long tables will fill the room, dim lighting and candles lighting the place. Silverware and expensive china will be placed and the guests will have an eight course meal:
Titanic Last Dinner Party Eight Course Meal Menu
- First Course - Hors D'Oeuvre (Oyster Martinis with Beluga Caviar)
- Second Course - Soups (Cream of Barley Soup)
- Third Course - Fish (Poached Salmon Steaks with Sauce)
- Fourth Course - Entrees (Filet Mignon in Wine)
- Fifth Course - Removes (Sauteed Duck Breasts with Figs and Port, served with white rice and boiled potatoes)
- Sixth Course - Punch or Sorbet (Lemon Sorbet)
- Seventh Course - Roast (Guinea Hen with Raspberries)
- Eight Course - Salad (Mixed Belgian Endive Salad)
This meal, taken from the actual dinner party menu of the Titanic, costs $12,000. While the guests eat, a small orchestra that is hired for $10,000 will play as background music. When the guests finish with their meals, they can either move to the Dance Floor, where they will enjoy their time dancing or by having a few drinks at the Bar. They can also go to the Captain's Deck, where they can smoke hookah, lounge around, watch TV, or again have some drinks. Meanwhile, if the guests wish, they can participate in a maze set up just for them. The maze will be located on the fourth floor of the yacht, the Sky Deck, taking up half of the space. If they are able to complete the maze, one lucky winner will find a $10,000 replica of the Heart of the Ocean diamond necklace to keep, at the end of the maze. As the party comes to an end, the guests will leave with the last song Titanic's Orchestra played, "Nearer, My God, To Thee" by Arthur Sullivan, playing in the background as a farewell. Additional decorations will cost about $5,000. All costs overall will total up to $61,800. Hope you can all make it, after all, we would not want you to miss it!
FantaSea One Yacht
Heart of the Ocean Diamond Necklace
Titanic Last Dinner Party Eight Course Meal Menu Monday, February 18, 2013
Historical Perspective: Clothing
Throughout all these years, fashion and clothing has been a major industry that has changed numerous times. Almost every generation has had its own trend in clothing. Due to society and not wanting to be different, fashion and clothing has influenced many people to go along with the new trend and wear whatever is popular. Our generation today is hugely different than the clothing worn in the 1920's. Today, we wear comfortable clothes when going out and only wear formal attire on special occasions. However, the same could not be said for the clothing worn in the 1920's. During the early 1920's, people would wear formal clothing when going out on a casual day. For parties especially, they would dress extravagantly. Women would dress in dresses with straight bodices and almost all of them had the haircut of a "bobbed" hairstyle. Those who were wealthy, would usually change their dresses for the afternoon or for a simple drink of tea. The same would go for the men, who would always wear suits. The clothing worn in the 1920's ties with the clothing that the characters would wear in The Great Gatsby. First, the novel takes place during the 1920's, therefore they have the same fashion trend. Second, during Gatsby's parties, we are informed how the women dress in their best dresses and have a bob haircut. We are also shown how extravagantly they dress at Gatsby's parties. Thirdly, in one of the scenes, when Myrtle is at her sister, Catherine's house, she changes into a different dress just for the afternoon. We are shown how the women and men dress in The Great Gatsby during the 1920's because of the reputation they have to keep up, especially those who are wealthy. The novel itself shows us the clothing that was worn and how much attention was put onto it, unlike present day today.
Woman Connected to Shooting Her Mother
- "L.A. woman arrested in Oregon in connection with mother's death" by Paul Pringle
- Published on February 16, 2013
- The Los Angeles Times
- http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/
Lately, murders and shootings have increased day by day. People would kill anyone because of one, small argument, but would you ever kill your own mother? Twenty four year old, Laura Purviance was arrested yesterday for the death of her own mother. Her mother, Sue Purviance, who was sixty one years old, was found shot and dead on Thursday night. Laura Purviance was taken into custody and for now is a suspect for the death of her mother. It is ridiculous to think that one's own child has killed their own mother, who once cared and gave them all their love. Today, anything happens. Shootings happen almost on a daily basis, for the most absurd reasons. It has gotten so much, that it has gotten closer to the killings of family and relatives. Whatever the reason was that caused Purviance to shoot her own mother, it is still ridiculous and she should be found guilty.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Colbert Report: One Direction
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ejgq0r0SEU
It takes two minutes and thirty three seconds for Stephen Colbert to satirize and make fun of the famous Irish/British boy band, One Direction. Colbert does not mainly talk about the five boys, but instead targets their number one song, which has won them a variety of awards, "What Makes You Beautiful" and satirizes the lyrics. To him, the song is meaningless and pointless. However, to more than ten million girls all over the world, it is a song that makes them feel beautiful. He begins to isolate and separate the lyrics from each other to show how absurd they actually sound. By using the techniques of sarcasm, verbal irony, and even distortion on the song, he is able to show how the song does not make sense. Colbert talks about this topic with the purpose of bringing common sense with the message to the band's listeners and fans, that the lyrics do not make sense and are foolish. While Colbert may satirize the famous boy band and their song, it is going to take a lot more for him to actually persuade their dedicated fans to not listen to their songs.
It takes two minutes and thirty three seconds for Stephen Colbert to satirize and make fun of the famous Irish/British boy band, One Direction. Colbert does not mainly talk about the five boys, but instead targets their number one song, which has won them a variety of awards, "What Makes You Beautiful" and satirizes the lyrics. To him, the song is meaningless and pointless. However, to more than ten million girls all over the world, it is a song that makes them feel beautiful. He begins to isolate and separate the lyrics from each other to show how absurd they actually sound. By using the techniques of sarcasm, verbal irony, and even distortion on the song, he is able to show how the song does not make sense. Colbert talks about this topic with the purpose of bringing common sense with the message to the band's listeners and fans, that the lyrics do not make sense and are foolish. While Colbert may satirize the famous boy band and their song, it is going to take a lot more for him to actually persuade their dedicated fans to not listen to their songs.
Thirteen Year Old Impregnated
The article "8th Grader Impregnated During Trip to 'March For Life' Event was published on January 25, 2013 in thOnion.com. Thirteen year old, Mallory Pickens, is one of the many people who are against abortion. Chanting, yelling, and fighting for abortion to be illegal, she was oblivious to the fact that a new bundle of life was forming inside of her. The night before the march, which took place on January 25th of 2013, she had joined the group in staying at Holiday Express for the night. The group of protesters had rented a few rooms next to each other for the night at the hotel. That night, Pickens had sexual intercourse with a thirteen year old boy. She marched the next day without knowing that she had been impregnated. Those that are close to Pickens presume that she will no longer attend school, be isolated from both friends and family, and suffer from depression.
http://www.theonion.com/articles/8th-grader-impregnated-during-trip-to-march-for-li,31038/?ref=auto
http://www.theonion.com/articles/8th-grader-impregnated-during-trip-to-march-for-li,31038/?ref=auto
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Craigslist Sex Advertiser
- "Man accused of seeking sex with underage girl on Craigslist" by Alicia Lopez
- Published on January 26, 2013
- The Los Angeles Times
- http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2013/01/sex-underage-girl-craigslist.html
The Internet is a place where we can find help for our homework or jobs, socialize with friends, and a place where we do not know who is on the other side. Fifty-five year old, Carlton Earl Griner was arrested due to many accusations from the felonies he did from his past and the present. However, the main reason for his arrest, was because of what he did on Craigslist: advertise for sex. He later on continued to socialize with a thirteen year old girl, sending sexual emails to her. On January nine, he planned to meet the girl at the shopping center. After he made it to the shopping center, he was arrested by the Huntington Beach police department, who was pretending to be the thirteen year old girl. His previous felonies include attempting to have sexual contact with underage girls. If he is found guilty, he will be registered as a sex offender for the remaining of his life with five years of prison. For now, he is held in jail with the bail of $100,000. The Internet can be a scary place when not paying attention to safety. You can socialize with almost anyone from around the world, and that can either have a great or terrible ending. Therefore, it is important to be careful all the time when using the Internet because anything of yours can go viral and anything can happen.
- Published on January 26, 2013
- The Los Angeles Times
- http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2013/01/sex-underage-girl-craigslist.html
The Internet is a place where we can find help for our homework or jobs, socialize with friends, and a place where we do not know who is on the other side. Fifty-five year old, Carlton Earl Griner was arrested due to many accusations from the felonies he did from his past and the present. However, the main reason for his arrest, was because of what he did on Craigslist: advertise for sex. He later on continued to socialize with a thirteen year old girl, sending sexual emails to her. On January nine, he planned to meet the girl at the shopping center. After he made it to the shopping center, he was arrested by the Huntington Beach police department, who was pretending to be the thirteen year old girl. His previous felonies include attempting to have sexual contact with underage girls. If he is found guilty, he will be registered as a sex offender for the remaining of his life with five years of prison. For now, he is held in jail with the bail of $100,000. The Internet can be a scary place when not paying attention to safety. You can socialize with almost anyone from around the world, and that can either have a great or terrible ending. Therefore, it is important to be careful all the time when using the Internet because anything of yours can go viral and anything can happen.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Nature
On most days, I love to go out or spend time outside. However, if I am not paying attention to my surroundings and only paying attention to my cell phone or the people I am with, I rarely notice all the little parts of life and nature around me. While spending time out at the beach yesterday, I began to feel more peaceful when noticing my surroundings. The night sky was almost like a dark blanket, filled with hundreds of tiny, sparkling stars. The stars scattered everywhere, as a small airplane could be seen from the ground, flying to its destination that holds many awaiting possibilities. Lights snake their way up on the bark of the palm trees, as they sway with the wind. The leaves from the bushes dance with the sound of the wind and the variety of different colored flowers sit on the ground. Thousands of lights surround the side of the ocean, while it continues to bring its crashing waves back and forth, holding billions of water molecules and its own life. The serenity from the inside of the ocean and under the sea is not seen, only the dark side and outside of it is what we are shown. Cars rush by, speeding away to their own destinations. People chatter and huddle closer for warmth. Their laughter fills the atmosphere as they enjoy their short time with their spouses or families. The smell of fresh air, the salty ocean, and fresh fish being cooked wafts around. The tall mountains hide whatever lurks behind it. The small, far away moon provides all the light it has to offer, staring at everyone from above. There is a feeling of peace and tranquility that is felt when noticing nature. Its beauty is a part we can all see, yet we choose not to because of how busy we are looking at all the wrong and superficial parts of life.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Death at Taco Truck
- "Man fatally shot after argument at taco truck" by Jeff Gotlieb
- Published on January 20, 2013
- The Los Angeles Times
- http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2013/01/man-fatally-shot-after-argument-at-taco-truck.html
When one gets hungry, they want to eat. When one goes to eat, they do not expect to die.Yesterday at around 10 p.m., an argument had started between two people by a Taco Truck located in El Sereno. The argument was between Angel Serna Mancilla, who had gone to buy a taco from the taco truck, and another man, who was not identified. Mancilla was shot more than once by the man he was arguing with. The pistol he had used to shoot Mancilla, left him lying on the floor wounded with several bullets. Mancilla died a few hours later after being taken to the hospital. Lately, more and more shootings and killings have been occurring in the United States. They have been very common, especially for the most unimportant and pointless reasons. If two people have an argument, it should not give one of them the right to shoot the other in a way of expressing their anger towards them. They should have completely avoided the problem and continue with their lives. I only hope they find the suspect that killed Mancilla and give him the punishment he deserves.
- Published on January 20, 2013
- The Los Angeles Times
- http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2013/01/man-fatally-shot-after-argument-at-taco-truck.html
When one gets hungry, they want to eat. When one goes to eat, they do not expect to die.Yesterday at around 10 p.m., an argument had started between two people by a Taco Truck located in El Sereno. The argument was between Angel Serna Mancilla, who had gone to buy a taco from the taco truck, and another man, who was not identified. Mancilla was shot more than once by the man he was arguing with. The pistol he had used to shoot Mancilla, left him lying on the floor wounded with several bullets. Mancilla died a few hours later after being taken to the hospital. Lately, more and more shootings and killings have been occurring in the United States. They have been very common, especially for the most unimportant and pointless reasons. If two people have an argument, it should not give one of them the right to shoot the other in a way of expressing their anger towards them. They should have completely avoided the problem and continue with their lives. I only hope they find the suspect that killed Mancilla and give him the punishment he deserves.
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Fashion Island Mall Shooting
- "Man accused of firing shots at Fashion Island mall pleads not guilty" by Lauren Williams
- Published on January 13, 2012
- The Los Angeles Times
- http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2013/01/fashion-island-not-guilty-plea.html#more
After the Sandy Hook shooting, which killed twenty children and six adults, it was as if nothing could get worse. Although, another shooting seemed necessary to Marcos Gurrola. The day after the Sandy Hook shooting, Gurrola fired forty and more shots at Fashion Island mall located in Newport Beach. Fortunately, no one was severely hurt or was hit by the bullets Gurrola carelessly fired. However, due to the panic everyone felt, a woman and her daughter were injured from the rushing shoppers, who were desperate to escape the scene. In his recent court trial, Gurrola pleaded guilty for the charges police had placed on him. As decided, March fifteenth is his new court date. After all the shootings that had taken place in 2012, I am glad to hear that no one got hurt by the shooting and that no one was killed. As more shootings happen, more people tend to think that it is okay to shoot others. Guns should not be given to others lightly and occurrences such as these, should be taken seriously to prevent another shooting to happen again. In my perspective, Gurrola should be found guilty because even if he did not kill anyone, he attempted to do exactly that in the first place. If he is released, then we cannot say that he will not attempt to do another shooting again, since it is very likely for it to happen.
- Published on January 13, 2012
- The Los Angeles Times
- http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2013/01/fashion-island-not-guilty-plea.html#more
After the Sandy Hook shooting, which killed twenty children and six adults, it was as if nothing could get worse. Although, another shooting seemed necessary to Marcos Gurrola. The day after the Sandy Hook shooting, Gurrola fired forty and more shots at Fashion Island mall located in Newport Beach. Fortunately, no one was severely hurt or was hit by the bullets Gurrola carelessly fired. However, due to the panic everyone felt, a woman and her daughter were injured from the rushing shoppers, who were desperate to escape the scene. In his recent court trial, Gurrola pleaded guilty for the charges police had placed on him. As decided, March fifteenth is his new court date. After all the shootings that had taken place in 2012, I am glad to hear that no one got hurt by the shooting and that no one was killed. As more shootings happen, more people tend to think that it is okay to shoot others. Guns should not be given to others lightly and occurrences such as these, should be taken seriously to prevent another shooting to happen again. In my perspective, Gurrola should be found guilty because even if he did not kill anyone, he attempted to do exactly that in the first place. If he is released, then we cannot say that he will not attempt to do another shooting again, since it is very likely for it to happen.
Which Piece of Literature?
There were many interesting pieces of literature presented these past three days. In fact, most of them were books I would one day want to read. If I were to pick a book I would most likely read, it would be Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen. Many people have referred this book to others, which makes me want to read it even more. In addition, from what I have heard or seen about the book, it seemed easy to relate to, which would make it an easy and interesting read. Also, the book is still well known present day, having many positive reviews and a movie created for it. For that reason, I can safely assume it is a good enough book to read and create a movie for. The book I am least likely to read would be, A Child Called It: One's Courage to Survive by David J. Pelzer. I would not read this book because I have already read it once. Instead, I would prefer to spend my time reading books I have not before. However, Pelzer's autobiography was not boring at all, but riveting. It was not hard for me to be engrossed in Pelzer's story of his tough childhood. Although a few of the books seemed more interesting than the others, I would not mind reading them all.
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