H1N1 Aka Swine Flu

H1N1 is an airborne virus that has the potential to leave someone in a fatal condition. If you follow the media one would believe that everyone is in danger of either death or serious injury from the virus. The media reports suggest that H1N1 virus is more serious than any other flu virus and we are facing the next pandemic. During the past few days we have all seen the news reports where hundreds of people were waiting in lines up to four hours long for the H1N1 vaccine. The Public Health departments are putting full page ads in the newspapers and flyers in the mail to warn everyone about the risks of the virus. I am not a medical expert but I am starting to think that the H1N1 virus is getting much unnecessary hype. When the virus first appeared last year in Mexico everyone was scared but that seem to settle down quickly and millions of people didn’t die. However, following the tragic death of a 13 year old boy in Etobicoke everyone seems scared almost to the point of paranoid. Initially, I was frightened and considered lining up for the vaccine, but then I had to stop and think. The flu virus has been around forever, more people have died from the regular seasonal flu than the H1N1 virus. Most healthy people do not die from the flu so what’s all the fear about? It seems that the media attention is making the drug companies who make the vaccine rich and the companies that make hand sanitizers. So lets calm down and look at the facts before we panic. Remember SARS and the Bird flu they were all supposed to the be the next pandemic but that never happened.

Judging a Book by its Cover

You’ve probably heard the phrase “don’t judge a book by its cover.” As a black male teen, this phrase occurs to me more often than not. As a black teen, adults, especially seniors tend to judge us by the way we look and dress. It’s most common for me to be judged by non-black adults. Toronto is supposed to be a multi-cultural society so you would think people would be used to, or accepting of other races by now. Not so. Everyday I see a person of a certain race being judged by their “cover” (skin). A perfect example would be how “brown people” are viewed at airports since September 11, 2001. At an airport people tend to see “brown” people as terrorists and treat them noticeably different.

The negative practice of judging a book by its cover is extremely evident towards black males almost anywhere in the world. We are seen as criminals, thieves, uneducated and extremely dangerous. As a black male with two earring and braids, I often hear the comment “you’re a thug” by others. Teachers are even surprised when they find out that I’m of above-average intelligence or when they hear that I play so-called “white sports” and sometimes listen to rock. Too many people think that blacks only play two -- sports basketball or football. When I enter a store this prejudiced mindset is even more evident in that the store clerk stares me down the entire time. It’s actually quite funny when I’m witnessing a non-black ripping them off while the clerk is consumed with watching my every move.

Some stereotypes can actually be a positive thing for some races. For example, Asians are viewed by most as intelligent and respectful human beings. People are also judged by their financial status. I see this when someone dressed up is treated special because people see them as rich. Females suffer from this misjudging, too. If she dresses a certain way she is sees as a prostitute. This pre-judging can also explain racial profiling by the police or other authorities. And why do people always assume anyone black is either from Africa or Jamaica?! Why don’t you get to know me first before making any assumptions?

Millionaires

I want to be a millionaire. I’m pretty sure everyone else does, too. The one thing most millionaires have in common is that they are stingy. If you’re a millionaire, maybe you can help me understand how a person, who was once ‘normal’ and possessed common sense, comes into a ton of money and becomes a fool. For example, buying 50 chains or 30 cars or -- get this one -- 5000 pairs of shoes. You are only one person with two feet! Or how can you justify waking up in a house large enough for a family of 30 when you live alone? Most families are cram-packed into a house built for three when it’s the six of them. Why do you people act like this?

The stingy part is they expect the rest of us to give to charity or suggest that they don’t have enough money to give generously. They think it’s up to the world’s billionaires to do the giving. If you haven’t said it, you’ve at least heard it -- “it’s only one million. It doesn’t go as far as it used to.” It’s as though we’re supposed to feel sorry for you because with only a million dollars, you’re still poor. Give me a break! What you’re worth, especially after investments (if you’re smart), could end poverty in some countries.

Remember that the one thing money can’t buy is life. Life is where the secret to happiness lies. Remain selfish and you’ll only be buying yourself a life filled with problems and loneliness. Once you’ve bought all your fancy gadgets, what else is left? The real problem is that you’re all overpaid. As a young black male, I, too, hope to one day be as overpaid as you. The one big difference is, people will remember me for making a positive difference with it. What will people remember you for? Tell me. Tell all of us. Send in your comments. Post them below. Let’s hear it from all you millionaires out there. Are you making a difference in that mansion of yours?

World Vision

World Vision is a wonderful organization, however I am quite skeptical about it. For those of you that recall my position on cancer research, I view mass collection as a scam. Please don’t get me wrong; I think giving to those in need a great thing to do. After all, it’s what Jesus, himself, did. In fact, if I had the money, I would fly into these countries myself. That way, I’d know for certain that my money was going directly to them and not mostly for the high cost of the administration. My parents and grandparents both sponsor kids from World Vision and I always tell them that I don’t think they should because their sponsored children are not the ones benefiting from their generosity.

It seems like these kids that we see on television looking feeble and hungry never seem to change over the years -- despite the millions that have been sent to their countries over the years in financial and humanitarian aid. “For just pennies a day, you can feed a village.” This is what we’re told. Trillions of pennies have been sent in just my generation, yet, nothing’s changed. Even when I see an updated photo of the kids my family sponsor, they appear to look the same as they did before. I strongly believe that World Vision should be targeting the government and the super rich instead of mainly the middle class. The world governments should be forced to put pressure on the governments of these impoverished nations to stand up and do something for their citizens rather than just begging other nations for financial assistance.

For what one first-world nation spends in a day on war, we could end poverty and debt in these countries. Until the governments of the world make it their business, people will have to sponsor generations of malnourished children. I hope you agree. Even if you don’t, I want to hear why. Please post your comments below and share your opinions with me.

Cancer Research

Everyday people give and collect for cancer research. It’s been how many years now and they still haven’t found a cure for cancer?! To me this seems to be a ‘cash cow’ for the researchers that work behind all this, because billions of dollars have gone into this over the years and we’re no closer to a cure than we were when we began.

Whenever I see someone collecting for cancer, I just shake my head. I shake my head at the collector and the giver because I see this as a scam. Cancer is very simple to comprehend; it is just a mutation of your cells that multiply rapidly. If you can’t find a cure after all the money that has been donated by individuals, businesses and governments, there’s definitely something wrong! I’m convinced that there is either no cure for cancer or they already have one but don’t want to risk losing the millions in money and job creation that searching for this cure rakes in year after year. Cancer research is a scam because this disease is only one God can cure. If you have comments, bring it on. Please post them below -- for or against the collection of these so-called research dollars.

Smoking Weed

Many would argue that marijuana, or ‘weed’ as it is commonly known, is a harmful substance. Some, especially those who like to consume it, would argue that weed doesn’t do you any harm expect give you a short ‘buzz’ or “high.” There has been a number of articles written, with supporting statistics, to illustrate both sides of the argument. When I was younger I thought weed was terrible and believed that weed smokers were only setting themselves up for failure. As I got older and realized how many people I knew smoked weed, it seemed as though there was no negative effect; if anything, I even saw some (weed smokers) as successful in other areas of their lives.

Mike Tyson, Ronaldinho and Michael Vick are all very successful athletes who smoke, or have smoked, weed. It doesn’t appear to have had an effect on them or slow them down in any way. However, others suggest it stops them from reaching their full potential. Another successful weed smoker is Lil Wayne. He’s a very intelligent recording artist who is also known for his ability to articulate himself well in public. He, too, is a heavy weed smoker. Another successful and well-known recording artist, Jay- Z, often referred to by those in his circle as ‘the greatest rapper alive’ and ‘entrepreneur extraordinaire’, is a also known weed smoker. With so many famous people smoking weed, icons in their field, it would work to disprove many of the supporting arguments for anti-(weed) smoking. It might even lend to people experimenting with hardcore drugs. The one real and indisputable drawback is the relatively heavy financial cost of addiction to weed.

As a black male that doesn’t smoke weed it’s a struggle everyday to say no to peer pressure. When my friends ask me why not, I don’t have a good reason for them; but as a faithful person, and out of respect for my mother, I continue to decline the offers. To those of you who believe smoking is bad, you might want to think twice before judging those who do. To those who are already addicted, I doubt you’ll rush to quit after reading this. Or will you? Tell me what you’re going to do or not do. Post your comments below.

suspensions

Suspensions, have you ever been suspended from school for reasons as insignificant as being a little late for class? How about you Catholic school students who may have been sent home for improper uniform? Anyone who has been a high school student within the past five years would probably answer ‘yes’ to those questions. I can personally attest to having been suspended for those same reasons and a few more (not that I’m proud or bragging). After being suspended so many times and hearing about others in the same position for the oddest reasons, I’ve come to the conclusion that teachers and principles are just suspending students because they can’t (or don’t want to) think of any other consequence to give that student and they are just trying to rid the school of the so-called “bad” kids. Principles at every school need to find a better solution than the tried and true consequence of suspension. For some, it’s just a vacation -- especially those who don’t like or want to attend school in the first place.

Suspensions no longer have the same sting for a lot of high school students because when they go home they end up staying home alone, getting the whole day to themselves to do ‘whatever’. This may be a great “punishment” for students who have a parent at home to watch them but in today’s society both parents usually work so students end up getting some “me” time. Having just come off of this so-called punishment, I realized how pointless it was; teachers gave me all the work and they promised when I got back I would be caught up and my marks wouldn’t be affected. I got sleep in and do my work when I wanted -- with no one bothering me and stayed up late each night that I was on ‘punishment’. The administrators in Peel schools need to come up with a better and more creative way to punish the “bad” kids because all suspensions are proving is that they’re a very stupid consequence.

What do you think?

Dogs

For all you dog-lovers out there, I have to tell you that you guys are selfish idiots! Dogs are animals and dog-lovers put these animals above human beings and sometimes even their own kids. There are people in the world that wouldn’t give a dollar to a homeless person or by their son or daughter a new toy but would quickly spend money on dog food, collars, shirts, grooming and every other expense that comes with dog ownership. To me, this is absolutely ridiculous and outrageous. It’s becoming more and more of a problem. Some people will spend all kinds of money on a dog and will put them in warm housing with everything they need to live a comfortable life. Fair enough, dogs are animals with the ability to and instinct to survive in the wild but yet they have a home when millions starving and abused children around the world do not. I don’t think dog-lovers realize but what that is -- pure stupidity and selfishness.

People do have a choice on what to spend their money on. I get that and spending it on a dog is fine, I guess. But what about locking up a man for two 2 years for dog fighting and issuing the same (or less) punishment to a drunk driver who kills innocent human beings with his vehicle? Is that fine? Or less time for a child molester or rapist? Is that fine? As they say on Sesame Street “something’s wrong with this picture?” It seems as though dogs are getting more attention and rights than people. There’s a problem with that. Is there nothing or no one better that you could spend your money and energy on? I’m sure there’s a lot of you out there that have something to say about this. Bring it on. Let’s hear it. Dog-lovers, your comments are welcome.

NBA 2K10: PS3

The video game basketball fans have been waiting for is officially here. Released on October 6, 2009, the anticipated NBA 2K10 has been sold out ever since (I blog as of October 15). NBA 2K10 is, by far, the best simulated basketball game ever created for the Play-station 3. Many new additional features such as NBA Today, My Player mode and Living Rosters with modes that enhance the game are sure to give the gamer their money’s worth. As many die-hard video game fans already know, the 2K series has surpassed the live series since 2007. You have to agree (NBA Live fans) that they took it to a whole new level. New and improved graphics over last year’s version was really necessary -- (only reason why Live had edge over 2K) and the virtual realism of the game play, game modes such as My player mode allow one to create the ultimate NBA player and guide his every “career” move. Gamespot under-rated the game, in my opinion, only giving it an 8.5 out of 10. This is clearly the Number One game of 2009 (as it shows on the case) and, as such, deserves a straight 10! Not only is the game play exceptional in the 2K series with exhilarating features, there is fantastic online play as well. Since PS3 allows free online, one can enjoy the ability to challenge and compete with their friends all year-round with the tap of a button. For only 69.99 you can buy a copy of NBA 2K10 and be filled with enjoyment from now until the next year’s 2K11. Come on basketball gamers, you agree don’t you? You have to if you consider yourself a real fan. Either way, I want to hear from my supporters.

Recession Time: Finding a Job

As everyone knows we are in a recession This means the economy is down and people are spending less. In North America alone, millions have (and continue to) lost their jobs or are suffering from severe pay cuts. Part-timers are working less hours and full-timers are working more hours without additional pay.

Sometimes I find it hard to believe Canada is in a recession because every mall in the Greater Toronto Area seems to be full on a daily basis. Parking spaces are hard to find as customer service is decreasing (as if they didn’t need our money). Despite this, finding a job is very difficult, even as a teenager. As you might know from my previous blogs, I am 16 and restricted to only the glamourous jobs such as flipping burgers and asking if the customer wants fries with their order. Since I'm male there is very little chance of me being a cashier or doing anything that isn’t physical (pushing in grocery carts or unloading trucks. Although these jobs are only pay minimum wage it is still close to impossible to find one. Impossible to find a job at a place that has yet to feel the effects of this recession such as Wal-Mart and McDonalds? Believe it. I’ve tried.

What hope does that leave me or others for finding a decent paying job or at a formerly strong company who may now be suffering during this economic downturn. I've been looking for a job since the beginning of 2008 and I still haven’t found a job. I applied at over 60 different places in my city, sometimes even twice. For me finding a job seems like finding a needle in a haystack and I’m sure there are those of you that understand where I’m coming from. Regardless of full parking spaces and poor customer service, my job search has proved to me that we are in a recession. If it’s this hard in Canada, the last country to in the first world to enter the recession, I don’t even want to imagine how hard things would be for me if I lived in the US where the hit has been much harder. They are losing close to half a million jobs a month!

I consider myself blessed that I only want a job -- I don’t need one. If I did, like millions out there, my stress levels would be through the roof. My job search has taught me that I want to find a secure job in a field that is recession-proof. For example, the medical field. There will always be sick people. The longer this recession lasts, the more sick people we’ll have -- sick from stress and anxiety. What do you think? Similar experience? Worse? Planning on entering a recession-proof industry? Do you know a place that’s hiring? I want to hear it all! Please comment below.

Rhetorical Devices and Print Ads

The first print ad of chopped carrots on a chopped cutting board is an example of the rhetorical device called hyperbole.The picture shows that the knife can not only cut the carrots precisely but it is also sharp enough to cut through wood which no other knife of that type can do. This is an exaggeration of what the knife can actually do and the term hyperbole is used for an exaggeration of a word or idea. Therefore, this method is used to help sell these knives to prove that it is the sharpest on the market.

The second picture of the the tomatoes shaped in the form of a ketchup bottle is an example of a metaphor. This print ad shows that Heinz ketchup is just a bottle of fresh tomatoes cut up with nothing added to it and this is a metaphor showing the relation between tomatoes and Heinz’s ketchup. Implying that Heinz is the product to buy because it is as real as real can be.

The third print ad is an example of a rhetorical question; in the print ad it says “give up my 16 Meg download speeds with Comcast for AT&T’s slower DSL?” By rhetorical, a question is being asked where the answer is obvious. It’s clearly obvious or reasonable to expect that the answer would be that no one would give up something better for something worst.

The final print ad shows an example of a simile. The vending machine depicted sells guns with a sign displayed above which reads: “this is how easy it is to get a gun in South Africa.” The meaning of simile of is a comparison between two things that are not alike but have similarities comparing like or as. This ad is basically using exaggeration by suggesting that one could buy a gun from a vending machine in South Africa as easily as candy -- it’s just that easy!

Comments? Questions? Concerns? Agree? Disagree? Let me know by posting your comments below. What do you think? I want to know.

Violence among Teens

What ever happened to the good old one on one fight that ended with a handshake? A “beef” with someone then consisted only between two. In today’s society violence among teens is out of control. Brampton, once a safe community, has drastically changed. Young people are now in fear walking home because of youth violence. Defending yourself is not the smart thing to do, it’s now foolish to risk getting hurt just for your Ipod, cellular phone or wallet. Many of these youths are not less fortunate or stealing for survival.

Brampton, once a safe community, has now become very dangerous. In some communities, you can’t even wear certain colours. If you fight one off today tomorrow you might have to face a gang. Teens seem willing to hurt each other over simple issues; For example, being “disrespected.” Teens today have very little concern for each other among and even less for other people’s property. Unfortunately much of the violence is happening in the black community.

It would appear as though teens are angry about something and the media’s influence, through music, movies and television is making it worse. We need more positive role models. People should remember that what goes around comes around. Maybe your sister or kid brother might be the next to get robbed by a gang of angry teens. You might want to remember that the next time you decide to hurt someone or overreact to being dissed. Jail isn’t worth it. Agree or disagree? Let’s hear it. Put your comments below.

Friends

There are many different definitions of the term friend. For example, a person who is well known and fond of by another; an intimate associate/close acquaintance, a confident on the same side in a struggle; one who is not an enemy or foe; ally, and, lastly, one regarded with affection and trust. My personal definition is someone who I can trust and is there for me whenever I need them.

Have you ever asked yourself if someone you were “close” to was really your friend? Would this person jump in if you were in a fight? Some would answer “yes,” but then ask yourself if they would snitch on you to the police if it meant saving their own skin. Would this person tell you if your girlfriend was cheating on you? Your honest answers to these questions might give you a different perspective on friendships. How about if money were involved? That’s when you really see who you can trust -- and where their priorities lye.

As a high school student, I have found very few people that have lived up to my definition of friend. I have faced betrayal by those who have called me their friend. I’ve been “sold out” for someone more popular, more affluent, cooler, etc. This has even happened to me by lifelong “friends.”. I declare 2009 the year that we remove the word ‘friend’ from our vocabularies and replace it with the word ‘snake.’ If you can describe a friend that fits the true definition of a friend please inform me by writing a comment underneath. I want to be informed if you have an example of a friend-turned-snake as well. So all those who claim to have at least 1200 Facebook friends and or 400 contacts on MSN ask yourself are these contacts really friends.

Money

Money makes the world go ‘round -- a common saying used by many. Have you asked yourself why money has become so important? Have you questioned or wondered why there are those that would even kill, yes, take a life, for it? Are there even answers for why some would back-stab their family and “friends” or even sell themselves, and/or do the most humiliating and vile things for the greenback? Money’s value has increased because of the value humankind has placed on it. I have to admit, I am a lover of money myself. The good news is that, the more problems it causes in my life, the less it is beginning to mean to me. I am starting to see it for what it is -- paper. Paper which can tear or burn. You can’t take it with you; another cliche that bears much truth. Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, had millions. Now that he’s gone, his family has made it their mission in life to fight over it. All his life’s work is now someone else’s gain. Drug dealers spend their entire criminal careers looking over their shoulders. For what, I ask? To end up in jail with their funds and assets frozen or seized by police and law enforcement? Money is nothing more than a means to an end. If you have another opinion of it, send me your response. If you agree with me, post it. I want to know what all the fuss is about.

THe Downfalls of Fall

As you know from my previous blog named “Why I Blog” I explained that my passion was questioning and criticizing life and society and today I asked myself what’s so great about Fall or Autumn. As, I walked home in the cold while it was raining I came to the conclusion that Summer is really over and no matter how much I deny it Fall is here. Fall officially arrived on September twenty-first and at first I didn’t really notice because the weather had been sunny and warm and i was in denial. But, today, I noticed that Summer is definitely over and I have decided that I hate Fall. It is the one season that I don’t look forward too, because we all know what is coming next. Further, every other season has something to look forward too, like spring you know that the days will get longer, sunnier and then summer is here. I can even say some positive things about winter, its the season of Christmas, snowball fights and skating and this winter the olympics. But, in Fall the only thing to look forward to are the colourful leaves , but with comes the racking and unless your between the ages of two and ten you may get some enjoyment out of jumping in the leaves but otherwise its more work to clean up. What else can I say about the Fall, oh yes, the sun goes down earlier at night and when you get up in the morning it’s dark and cool. My nightly basketball games now end at six o’clock, and don’t forget having to wear a sweater or coat everyday sometimes even mitts. However, I think the most frustration thing about Fall is that this is when the school work starts to pile up as you get closer to midterm and the nightly homework increases. Although, I love Canada when Fall arrives I start to dream of warm sunshines and the sandy beaches of Jamaica.

Same Beat different lyrics

The songs Dutty Angela by Vybz Kartel and Michael Jackson’s Dirty Diana have the same beat and melody and the message and the themes are similar. Both songs are discussing a females Diana and Angela who are only interested in them for their money and fame. Kartel’s song Dutty Angela is about a girl by the name of Angela who is only interested in Vybz Kartel for his money, she is trying to seduce him and destroy his future, but she does not care about him. In the song Vybz writes, “She use to beg mi things, she a real parasite” In Michael Jackson’s Dirty Diana, Diana is a woman who is at every concert trying to get attention and making herself available to the celebrities and she attempts to seduce everyone around her, but Michael is trying to avoid her, “You seduce every man this time you won’t seduce”. The chorus and melodies are almost identical in both songs and similar words are used. In Michael Jackson’s version of the song the chorus is “Dirty Diana, ah ah” which is similar to Vybz’s Kartel’s chorus which is “Dutty Angela oh oh”.

Dirty Diana/Dutty Angela: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4H6WQaRd8c

Why I blog

Why I blog? at first it was not a choice, but a request from my teacher and since I want a good mark I did what my teacher asked. The idea of blogging was frustrating for me but then I realized that blogging is about expressing your thoughts and feelings with others. I initially struggled with writing my first blog because, I find it easier to express myself verbally , but I am learning that blogging is another way to express yourself. In the article “Why I blog”, Andrew Sullivan states, “Blogging is to writing what extreme sports are to athletics more free-form, more accident=prone less formal, more alive Blogging is writing out loud. “. I now understand the meaning of this statement as a new blogger and I have concluded that blogging for some people is a passion especially those who enjoy writing. I have decided to blog almost everyday not only because my teacher said so but to express my passion to the world which is criticizing and questioning the things that are occur our Society. I enjoy critiquing and questioning the events that happen. For an example one day I might blog about the death of Michael Jackson, or why gas prices are so high. I find questioning and commenting on life to be fun but it also gets me to think about things from different perspectives and to learn new things. God only knows the kind of world we would have if no one questioned things. Therefore since I have so many questions about life and I want a good mark in Grade eleven english I might as well share my thoughts with the world and maybe blogging will become one of my passions.

The Remake of Ayo Technology

The Ayo Technology (2009) song by country singer Milow is a remake version of 50 Cent and Justin Timberlake’s original song of the same name, which was released in 2007. When I listen to the original version of “Avo Technology” many different thoughts and feelings occur. The first thing I think about is being in at the club sitting at the bar looking for a sexy girl that can move her body exotically. As I continue to listen to the lyrics and beat of the tune I start to feel the need to go find a girl(who can dance exotically) and go dance with her and maybe share a drink. Continuing to listen I suddenly feel the need to just be with a female in a general. Although the melody of the song is mellow, I get that club feeling, that I want to dance and move. Every time I listen to the original a feeling of being at a party always comes to my mind and I can feel the music and the beat through my body. There are several messages for me in this song, one was that someone was looking for a female maybe a stripper/dancer or something of that sort, who they had an imagine off, but was far away physically so the only method of seeing her was through technology. Another message, was that the girl dancing was teasing the man behind the “technology”, with the shape of her body and the way she was moving it, hence in the lines “She knows how to move and seduce you” and “She works it girl, she works the pole, she’s fine as hell and she’s about the dough”. These lyrics almost confirm that girl in the song is a stripper. I finally concluded that the feelings between the man and the woman were mutual because many times in the song the lyrics “she wants it” is repeated over and over, so to me it is implied that that she wanted him as much as he wanted her. In the Milow version of Ayo Technology ,the lyrics are the same but the themes and feelings are different. When I listened to this version the song sent a message of feeling stressed over a beautiful girl and that he was singing about a ex-girlfriend. Milow’s version also made me feel tired and depressed while listening to the song.. The message as well changes in this version and the girl in the songs is portrayed here is not a dancer/stripper but the girl of his dreams. She is more of a fantasy girl that can do everything for you and “knows how to seduce you” , which are the same lines but due to the tone and melody of the song the mean seems to be different. Also when this artist talks about technology I believe he is using it as a metaphor to mean that she is out of this world because she’ll provide for your every need, she’ll even work the “pole”. Although the lyrics are the same in both versions of the song the tone and the message gives the listener two different feelings which after analyzing both archetypes occur in literature.

URL for Hip Hop Version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Na4x2Uwflmg

URL for County Version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DE9IchvpOPk