Saturday, April 18, 2015

Together

Hello all,

This last post is very special to me. Today as I was watching the walking dead with relatives, there was a quote one of the characters, Glenn, had said, "If we want to get through all of this, we have to get through it together." This is not a direct and verbatim quote but it's something that stuck with me. The group this far in the season is continuing on their journey, but lacking vital resources to their lives, food and water. While noticing others were struggling with their remaining strength, they manage to pull together and work around situations while being smart to conserve their energy.

With Glen's words in mind, they remind me that I'm not alone out her in my first year of college. I've made many friends and acquaintances, family members and loved ones that push me every single day to help bring the best out in me. There are days where I feel lonely in my dorm room, and days where I feel like everything around me is going by so fast. But its the moments where I have friends and family that help me get through each day one day at a time. Without their encouragement, I myself would not have the courage to move forward with my life. With everything going on, I take a step back and breathe, taking the time to relax myself and be there for myself, knowing that I don't have to go through everything alone.

The walking dead may just be a television show, but it does show very relatable situations regarding family, and knowing how to protect what you have left from the dangers of the world. And I think that those moments within the show are very important to take out and apply with my life.

Thanks :)

-Brandy Bondoc

Nuclear Waste

Hello all,

Nuclear waste, by Richard Miller

Muller's essay shows his fears of storing nuclear waste in the Yucca Mountains and the possibility of radioactive particles contaminating the water supply. Muller explains his viewpoints on how the waste should be disposed of and supports his own claim by using data and explanations of radioactive decay. He uses a professional and informative tone throughout the essay while using langue and examples that are easy to understand and follow. Muller persuade his audience that radioactive waste can be contained safely and effectively while posing no threat to the population or environment. This essay is meant to analyze his arguments in order to examine his rhetorical strategies.

I find that the structure of his essay is very well written out and has a fluid feel to his vocabulary and grammar. He uses plenty of examples and data to help support his claim, and brings in counter arguments that emphasize his side of the situation even more. I found this very enjoyable to read and will use some of his writing ideas within my own paper.

Thanks! Brandy B.

Sunday, April 5, 2015

Corruption Case Hits San Ramon Police Department

Hello all!

http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Cop-Corruption-Case-Spills-Into-San-Ramon-PD-121288054.html

Within this article, it states that a local officer within the city of San Ramon is facing charges of alleged drug dealing and conspiracy acts. There is a video within the article of a local news women reporting said crime.

This makes me worried to know that the police force within my own hometown could possibly be corrupt. It makes me scared to trust my local police force and worried for those around me. But it also gives me hope due to the fact that he was able to be landed within custody and is receiving proper punishment for his crimes. I'm not sure as to whether or not I feel fully comfortable with the police force back home now, but all I can hope is that everything works out for the best.

Thanks for tuning in!
-Brandy B

Does Social Media Increase Bullying?

Hello all!

So does social media increase bullying?

http://blogs.brandeis.edu/samgajewski/2011/11/09/social-media-cyber-bullying-and-teen-suicide/

According to this article I've found, there are many statistical reasons as to how effective social media and bullying really is. There are many examples given within the article, and although it is old, it is still going on today. It shows us that cyber bullying within social media is on the rise and is a high risk for many teenagers around the world.

In regards to this article and topic, I find it to be very interesting to read about how extensive bullying can get. It can go from a small joke you can laugh at, or as far as ruining a reputation or suicide. I find that with extensive research, there is so much that has developed over the years and can help be a worth while topic to further study. These actions that many people take only because they think their self esteem will be boosted, will only lower the emotions of others. Be aware of your surroundings online, and stand up to those who are in need of help. I enjoy researching this topic and find it to be a possible topic for my next paper.

Thanks for tuning in!
-Brandy B.

Saturday, March 21, 2015

Are we Together or Alone?

Hello All!

Going off of the video from Turkle from the show "Ted", she brings up a good point that technology causes us to be together, but in reality we really are alone. We may be sitting together, in each others presence, but in reality, we are really alone because of the fact that we direct our attention to our electronic devices. Technology has given us the ability to take control of what we are doing in real time. Some may say that they are together when it comes to hanging out or sitting through a meeting. But if you think about it, we end up going straight to our phones and listen to only what we want to hear and what we think is important. Technology has become such a huge part of our lives that Turkle believes that it will replace human physical contact with a robot like figure to give us the contact and attention that we want.

After watching this video, I have a feeling that what she is saying is true. I've never really noticed as to how easily distracted we get when it comes to having our phone at hand. Sometimes I don't even notice that I'll take my phone out and just turn it on to see if I have a new notification or to see what the time is, but it's at a constant rate! I acknowledge the fact that technology can be a huge part of our lives, but every now and then I decide to hide my phone from myself just so I can pay attention to my loved ones and friends that much more closely. After seeing Turkle and acknowledging as to what she said, it makes me that much more attentive to put the electronics away and to actually talk to those around me, instead of plugging myself into my headphones and getting lost in my own world.

Thanks for tuning in!
-Brandy B.

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Hayao Miyazaki

Hello all!

This blog post is about the famous author, director and producer named Hayao Miyazaki. Some of you may or may not know him but he is famous for many films such as "My neighbor Totoro", "Princess Mononoke" and "Ponyo". Many have been produced along side with Disney, which is a reason why some of his work is very well known.

The reason why I am choosing to blog about him is because I've recently watched a huge marathon regarding his movies. They're about 2- 3 hours long, I've watched about only a third of his total twenty six movies and short films this past weekend, and they do bring a nostalgic feel. My favorite movies that I've seen are the same that are listed above. They bring out the traditional feel of Japanese anime, but in turn, expands the mind of the beholder and the creator.

Hayao Miyazaki is a major influence in the Japanese entertainment world. He's brought about so many different perspectives regarding tradition, religion and imagination, that he's become such a huge influence to myself and many others that I know.

If interested or possible, take a step into watching something new and possibly breathe taking, as Hayao Miyazaki unravels the extent of your imagination.

1. 1979 The Castle of Cagliostro
2. 1984 NausicaƤ of the Valley of the Wind
3. 1986 Castle in the Sky
4. 1988 My Neighbor Totoro
5. 1989 Kiki's Delivery Service
6. 1991 Only Yesterday 
7. 1992 Porco Rosso
8. 1994 Pom Poko 
9. 1995 Whisper of the Heart
10. On Your Mark
11. 1997 Princess Mononoke
12. 2001 Spirited Away
13. Whale Hunt Yes Yes Short film
14. 2002 Koro's Big Day Out
15. Mei and the Kittenbus
16. Imaginary Flying Machines
17. The Cat Returns 
18. 2004 Howl's Moving Castle
19. 2006 Monmon the Water Spider
20. House-hunting
21. The Day I Harvested a Planet
22.2008 Ponyo
23. 2010 Mr. Dough and the Egg Princess
24. The Secret World of Arrietty 
25. 2011 From Up on Poppy Hill
26. 2013 The Wind Rises

Thanks!
-Brandy B

Fresh Off the Boat

Hello All!

There has been a television show that has recently been aired on ABC, and its called "Fresh Off the Boat".

Fresh Off the Boat is a comedy series starring Randall Park, Constance Wu, Ian Chen, Hudson Yang, and Forrest Wheeler[4][5][6] that is inspired by the life of chef and food personality Eddie Huang and his book Fresh Off the Boat: A Memoir.

The story follows the course of Eddie Huang's Taiwanese family as they make their way from Washington, D.C. to Orlando, Florida to open up a steak restaurant during the mid-to-late 1990s (with the first season being set between 1995 and 1997).[11][12] His mother struggles with culture clash of having to move from D.C. to Orlando,[13] his father embraces the "American Dream", and Eddie and his brothers struggle with assimilating into school.

I find that I can relate to this show because there are a lot of big and little things that I have experienced throughout my life as I grew up. Although they may bring up a lot of Asian stereotypes, they still keep it pg when it comes to bringing them out and keep it very funny.

Growing up, I was one of the only Asian kids in my elementary school, just like the main character. All of the hardships like the things I liked and the food I ate, they were all judged by my friends and family. Although I may have gone through all of the same hardships as the main character, they are what define us as Asian Americans. I won't spoil any more of the show but it brings out a lot of things that I can relate to and I enjoy seeing it from another point of view.

Thanks!

-Brandy B