Nature

I am born and raised in the city of Los Angeles, California. A sun-soaked concrete jungle filled to brim with diverse people from all background. Nothing is more interesting than that, but i have to write about a once in a lifetime trip with nature. As mentioned before, i'm a self proclaimed "city boy" and my experiences with nature are few and far between. I would like to visit Yellowstone National Park and stray away from the tourist friendly path. To get to Yellowstone, i'd prefer to hitchhike, only because of the interesting people i will meet along the way. Once I arrive at Yellowstone, I'd purchase a map and any other supplies I would need, even in the event of an emergency, so as to avoid having my Yellowstone adventure turn into a Chris McCandless train wreck. It would be nice to look at all the wonders this beautiful piece of American land has to offer. I honestly would not know what to do because I have never been in a forest before, so it would be an interesting, probably regrettable and life threatening adventure i will remember for the rest of my life if i survive, which I assume I would because I would not stray THAT far from the tour path.

Execution looms over Boston bomber

"What's net for Dzhokhar Tsarnaev"
By: Dana Ford and Ann O'Neill
Source: CNN
http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/08/us/dzhokhar-tsarnaev-next/
iid=ob_article_topstories_pool&iref=obnetwork

Dzhokar Tsarnaev, one of the two perpetrator behind the Boston Marathon Bombing was found guilty of all thirty charges against him. Seventeen of those charges were capital offenses meaning young terrorist, Tsarnaev meets the requirements for the death penalty. When the trial arrives at the next phase, jurors will be expected to render a decision as to whether or not 21 year old Dzhokhar will be executed for terrorism. Tsarnaev's defense attorney, Judy Clarke, whom is famous for representing a number of notorious criminals and successfully getting them off of the death penalty, has been trying to persuade the jury that Dzhokhar was not worthy of the death penalty because he was only following his older 26 year old brothers lead, whom was killed in a shootout with the police shortly after the Boston Marathon Bombing. According to CNN political analyst, Paul Callan, prosecution will argue that Tsarnaev was acting on behalf of a military organization attacking the United States, fueled by radical Islamist beliefs, and the attack was so carefully planned that civilians would die. The date of the next phase of the trial has not been announced yet.

What happened during the Boston Bombing was truly tragic. I trust the American Justice System and the jury appointed to the case will make the right decision in regards to the State executing Tsarnaev. If the two options are going to prison for the rest of your life, quite possibly in solitary confinement, or execution, the latter would be preferable.

Pregnant woman horribly attacked

"Police praise pregnant woman in Craigslist attack"

By: Andreas Preuss and Ed Payne

Source: CNN

http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/22/us/colorado-police-stabbed-woman-response/index.html

In a recent gruesome attack, seven months pregnant Longmont, Colorado woman Michelle Wilkins was stabbed and had her fetus ripped from her stomach. Responding officers, Billy Sawyer and Phil Piotrowski were completely unprepared for what they saw. Wilkins was covered from head to toe in blood. The attack took place after Wilkins replied to a Craigslist ad selling used baby clothes. After she was stabbed, Wilkins dialed 911 for help. The scene was too overwhelming for Officer Piotrowski whom had to step out for a minute to collect himself. The officer was impressed by Wilkins endurance, saying "she is probably one of the most strongest people I've ever had the pleasure to meet." The suspect was 34 year old former nurse aide, Dynel Lane. She has been arrested, under $2 million dollar bail. There is a pending murder charge on her, depending on if her killing the seven month old female fetus constituted murder. Wilkins family thanks the brave first responders whom saved Michelle's life. 

What happened in Longmont, Colorado and to the Wilkins family was an absolute tragedy. The unnecessary taking of life is unfathomable and it is hard to imagine what the Wilkins family, and especially Michelle are going through right now. I believe the American justice system will dispense a fair punishment on Dynel Lane for the crime she committed. I hope, that with time, Michelle Wilkins will be able to cope with what happened on that day.

Gender roles in society

           Today's world is more open minded than it used to be. For the most part, the issue of gay and lesbian rights has been tackled in most developed countries, but gender is still a controversial topic. In the world today, men are usually the more dominant sex. Men are expected to be both the protector and provider while women are expected to rear children and take care of the household. This mentality dates back to when males and females were defined as hunters and gatherers. One consequence of today's world being more open minded is that many people are speaking out about their feelings and what gender they define themselves as. One may be born in a male body, but considers himself a female, or vice versa. Society dictates that men are the strong protectors, while females take care of the home. Any deviation from this perceived stereotype will result in pain and ridicule. Instead of being more accepting, people who identify themselves as the opposite gender or maybe ambiguous are forced to conform to society's idea of gender. Biologically there are only two sexes; male and female. Mentally there many. People and society should understand that there are seven billion identical people on this planet. The world does not have to cater to every single person's beliefs or identity, but instead, at the very least, be understanding or tolerant of it. This is a new world. Only 20 years ago people were forced to hide the fact that they were homosexual. Today people have to be careful of what gender they identify themselves as, and this should change.

Another fatal shooting

"Wisconsin man killed by officer was not armed, police say"
By: Ralph Ellis, Joe Sutton, and Greg Bothelo
Source: CNN
http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/08/us/wisconsin-protests/index.html

             Another African American has been shot and killed by police, this time in the university town of Madison, Wisconsin. The victim was unarmed nineteen year old Tony Robinson. The responding officer, Matt Kenny was a 12 year veteran of the force with one other incident of lethal force on his record in which he killed a man in 2007. According to officials, Officer Kenny was responding to a disturbance call out of a Madison residence. At the scene, it was reported that Robinson attacked Kenny forcing him to use lethal force. Officer Kenny had a blow to the head. Responding paramedics attempted to use CPR on the dying Robinson, but to no avail. Nineteen year old Tony Robinson died a few short hours later at the hospital. Upon learning of the fatal shooting, protesters hit the streets chanting "Black lives matter". Madison Police Chief Mike Koval urged protesters to remain calm, while also acknowledging that Robinson's death and following protests were reminiscent to the Ferguson and Staten Island events. The town of Madison is devastated and continues to mourn the loss of Tony Robinson.

            This shooting was an unfortunate event. Tony Robinson was only nineteen years old and most importantly, he was unarmed throughout the entire encounter. Him attacking the officer was wrong in every way, but did his actions constitute lethal force on the officer's part? There is no footage of the altercation so it is impossible to tell the severity of Robinson's attack. Officer Kenny did have a blow to the head, but was killing an unarmed teen necessary?

Satire Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfq7mF9-ndA

In this satirical video, Stephen Colbert makes fun of the GOP for their short sighted and ignorant views on climate change. Although the cause of climate change is being debated, whether it is caused by man or forces of nature, the rapid warming of the globe is a fact. The GOP's denial of this environmental crisis detrimental of the nation's environmental policy and extremely counter productive. Stephen Colbert uses much irony and satire to make fun of the Republican's point of view by discussing multiple perspectives, and including videos from several sources, for example the Fox news program, Fox With Friends. Stephen Colbert's intelligent and witty humor convince people to join his side and battle the GOP on their ignorant outdated point of view. Even today, many Republicans still believe that Climate Change is a lie made by the government, and others believe that the Earth is actually becoming colder. Nonetheless Global Warming is a real issue, and Stephen Colbert understands this by satirizing the ignorant GOP member's. Even if Global warming was a lie, which is unlikely, what is wrong with cleaning the world to make it a better place to live? The logic of the GOP makes no sense, and they have to change their point of view, as subtly suggested by Colbert's humor.

News

"The Pros and Cons of Vaccinating Children"

Source: The Onion

http://www.theonion.com/articles/the-pros-and-cons-of-vaccinating-children,35731/

The war on vaccinating and immunizing young children from deadly and contagious diseases continues to rage on as the anti-vaccination movement grows larger day-by-day. Countless organizations and known public figures are trying to convince parents of the danger of vaccinating. The pros of vaccinating your children include helping out the pharmaceutical industry and the small mom and pop syringe stores, the opportunity to puncture a child with a sharp needle, children become used to the pain of existence, healthier children will become future friendly Chili's waiters, and most importantly, vaccinating children could save a few million children's lives. Cons of vaccinating children include having to go to a place for the process, 100% chance of developing autism, vaccinating children against deadly diseases means they will not suffer them making them into pampered softies, the free lollipops afterwards make unhealthy eating habits, and parents are forced into conforming with research backed actions.

This article is mocking the ridiculous arguments made by supporters of the anti-vaccination movement. The article emphasizes it satire by placing ridiculous arguments in both the pros and con section. The con section truly shows the ignorance of those who are against the vaccinating their children against extremely dangerous diseases. Anti-vaccination is counter productive and dangerous to everyone involved. 

"Obama's Proposal for Free Community College: Reconnecting Education with Aspiration"

By: John Hope Bryant

Source: Huffington Post

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-hope-bryant/obamas-proposal-for-free-_b_6533436.html

In President Barrack Obama's recent State of the Union Address that he gave to Congress and the American people on January 20, 2015, he mentioned free tuition to community colleges. He reignited the dream that the American Dream CAN be achieved through hard work and dedication, despite one's socioeconomic background. President Obama's 60-billion dollar plan to give everyone two year's of tuition free college is good news for those who come from poor backgrounds. In 10 year's the Federal Government would spend $60 billion dollars, with the Government paying 75% of it and the State's paying 25%. Tuition has long been a huge factor in who can graduate, and who can't. 

This is an important piece of legislation because everyone should have a chance to go to college. For so long, people from poor area's have not been able to attend college because they simply cannot afford it. In a country with 30% high school drop out rate, we have to make sure every student gets to college, so that one day, earning a College Degree would be seen as the norm. Free tuition would mean that many more kids will join attend college, and one day make something of themselves. More people will be living the American Dream like they deserve to. 

Gatsby Quote

"The truth was that Jay Gatsby, of West Egg, Long Island, sprang from his Platonic conception of himself. He was a son of God—a phrase which, if it means anything, means just that—and he must be about His Father’s business, the service of a vast, vulgar, and meretricious beauty. So he invented just the sort of Jay Gatsby that a seventeen year old boy would be likely to invent, and to this conception he was faithful to the end." (Fitzgerald, 104)

      This quote was a comparison made by Nick Carraway between Gatsby's and Jesus's similarities in the sense that they both made names for themselves. This quote is not exactly important, and does not serve as a main theme in the story. He was young once, like Jesus, but managed to achieve his dreams and the American Dream through hard work and dedication despite the many obstacles that the world threw in his way. Jay Gatsby made his persona; his wealth, appearance, and personality, so that he could eventually win back Daisy's love. This is important because Gatsby did all of this for one girl, the girl that he loved. His whole life, his motivations, and everything he did was built upon the love and devotion he had for one woman.

Los Angeles Party

My party will take place in Los Angeles, California, the entertainment capital of the World. My guests will include top politicians, businessmen, celebrities and wealthy individuals who will be flown in from around the world with Bombardier Global Express private jets. Upon arrival at Los Angeles International Airport, guests will be transported to the luxurious Ritz-Carlton hotel in Downtown via a fleet of black Jaguar XJ's where they will spend the night. The next day, at approximately 6 pm, the guests will be chauffeured to the iconic Hollywood hotel, Chateau Marmont, where a party will be held in its sprawling outdoor patio. Entertainment will include a live DJ, a dance floor, access to the pool and hot tub, and free drinks at the iconic Chateau Marmont bar, Bar Marmont. Food will be catered by a collaboration team including world renowned celebrity chefs, Austrian-American Wolfgang Puck and Spanish Ferran Adria. Guests will be served hors d'oeuvres and the finest bottled Champagne by tuxedo clad waiters. Once the hors d'oeuvres have finished, dinner will be served at a buffet type table including dishes like Sushi, and ginger sides. There is no specific theme to the party, but the whole patio will be lit up by fires rather than lights. The party officially concludes at around 2 am, at which point guests will be transported back to the Ritz-Carlton in Downtown. The next two days guests are free to choose which activity's around the city they wish to partake in, all expenses paid, when finally being flown back home.

First time warning shots are fired from an aircraft

"For first time, helicopter fires on suspected smuggling boat"

By: Tony Perry

Source: Los Angeles Times

http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln--panga-helo-20150119-story.html

A panga boat believed to be smuggling bales of marijuana just off the coast of Santa Catalina Island was fired upon by a Customs and Border Protection Blackhawk helicopter. The boat was initially spotted by a Coast Guard C-130 aircraft just 24 miles off the La Jolla coast. Shortly thereafter the boat was being pursued by both Coast Guard and Custom and Border Protection aircraft and interceptor boats. Around 11 P.M. a Customs and Border Protection helicopter arrived on the scene and flew close to the panga boat. Law enforcement agents repeatedly asked the panga boat to stop, but to no avail. Finally the Blackhawk helicopter fired warning shots across the bow of the boat, stopping the boat. This incident marks the first time warning shots have been fired from an aircraft. Three men were arrested and transferred to Border Patrol. The panga boat was also seized by officials. 

This is a somewhat important event because it marks the very first time warning shots have been fired from an aircraft in an attempt to stop suspects. The Customs and Border Protection Blackhawk helicopter managed to stop the boat in a safe manner in which no one was hurt. The boat refused to stop after repeated requests and law enforcement individuals handled it well.

Slain Muslim Officer is proud to be Muslim

"Charlie Hebdo: Slain Muslim was proud to be policeman, says brother"

By: Patrick J. McDonnell

Source: Los Angeles Times

http://www.latimes.com/world/europe/la-fg-france-slain-policeman-20150111-story.html

             On the eve of the Charlie Hebdo massacred, the nation of France is still mourning, along with the world. During the search for the suspects of this heinous crime, the victims are often overlooked. Forty two year old, Ahmed Merabet was an eight year veteran of the Parisian police force. While responding to the scene where the two suspects were reported, Ahmed was wounded, and then shortly fatally shot in the head by one of the assailants. Ahmed was a devout Algerian Muslim. On the site of his slaying, a makeshift monument was made featuring candles, flowers, and handwritten tributes. Ahmed's brother, Malek Merabet, called the suspects "false Muslims". He also added that he was proud of his brother, who he said proudly represented the police force, and the integral values of the nation. He concluded his speech calling for peace, saying that violence will not bring back the dead, and solve the problems gripping France. 

   The Charlie Hebdo attacks was a tragedy that not only affected France, but the whole world. The entire world came together to defend the basic human right of free speech. This tragedy must always serve as an example that freedom of speech cannot be stopped, and the victims of this unfortunate attack will never be forgotten in the hearts of the French people. 

Organized Crime during the Roaring 20's

     On the dawn of the era forever known by history as the Roaring 20's, the United States Congress passed the 18th Amendment, also known as Prohibition. This historic piece of legislation, passed on November 18, 1918, banned the sale, production, importation and transportation of alcoholic beverages. Passed with the good intention of strengthening America's moral fiber, and lowering crime, the Eighteenth Amendment did the contrary, spawning a new wave of gangsters who would dominate the American crime world. One of those said gangsters was the infamous Al Capone, whose headquarters and home were found in the fifth floor suite of the Lexington hotel. He is forever known as America's most infamous gangster, and was nicknamed "Scarface". Fellow gangster Charlie "Lucky" Luciano used this new form of legislation to his advantage as well, and with his associate, Meyer Lansky, rose the ranks of the Italian mafia and eventually formed the National Crime Syndicate. Countless other names and stories all culminated to form the vast mosaic filled with the rich history of Organized Crime in the United States. All these gangsters, albeit rivals, were alike in many ways. From bribing local to federal politicians, to forming international alliances to transport a wider variety of alcohol throughout America, these gangsters used a law hated by the masses to turn a profit and fund their luxurious tastes.
 The Roaring 20's was a time of luxury, opulence, excess, and sin. Fueled by greed, American gangsters took a law that was meant to better America and its people, and turned it into their driving force to make a profit. Crime rose rapidly, and America's streets were a war-zone between rival bootlegging gangs. Prohibition was repealed by Congress on December 5, 1933. By that time, organized crime had become involved in the illegal narcotics trade as well.

Sources:

http://www.albany.edu/~wm731882/organized_crime1_final.html

http://www.chicagohs.org/history/capone.html