Assignment 6:Create Your Own Adventure

What interests you? What is your point of exigence? What's on your mind?  What do you want to chat about? Rant about? Learn about?

'Cause really, isn't it all about you? <wink wink nudge nudge>

This week, create three writing prompts that you find most intriguing. Then, choose one prompt and respond to it.

Note:
Please don't make the other prompts "dummy" prompts - I'll be revisiting these options later next semester.

Ready...

Go!

Due Sunday, October 5th at 11:59 pm

For the Love and Hate of TV—Gabriel Molina

I don’t watch too much television. I watch some for sure, but I can hardly name my favorite show or movie if you ask. I mainly enjoy watching movies or television simply for being in community. I love just getting to spend time with the people that I’m with. The reason I don’t really watch tv much is not because I intentionally avoid it or I have some scientific theory about why it’s bad for you. I don’t watch much because I really don’t have much of a need for entertainment. I don’t need something to distract me. Because honestly, there is nothing more exciting, adventurous, and thrilling than following Jesus. I don’t have to watch characters on a screen experience something that captures their attention, because all day every day I can choose to live in the fullness of the adventure God has for my life.

Some people say God is boring. But if you think God is boring, you don’t know Him.

For the Love and Hate of TV- Caroline Totty

               I really don’t watch that much TV. I honestly just do not have time to sit down and watch TV. Most of the time I just watch Netflix, but I don’t even use that that often. TV is a good form of entertainment though. When you watch a series, as stupid as it may sound, you get invested in the characters and the plot. I enjoy TV shows ranging from Modern Family to Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia to Lost to Criminal Minds to The Carrie Diaries. TV shows can make you laugh or cry or be scared and they just get people’s emotions going. They are just like a shorter version of a movie. I think TV is sort of a waste of time but when you are bored it is a good time filler. I don’t hate TV my life just doesn’t revolve around always getting to watch the newest episode on time. I watch TV when I have time, but even then it is not my number one choice of something to do.

For the Love and Hate of TV- Emily Chavez

I don't watch television a lot; there are only a few I keep up with. My favorite is Scandal, mostly because I love the drama of politics. Another one I always watch is Modern Family because it's really funny and gives me some comic relief. I watch TV because it's entertaining, but I see why some people do not like TV.

It's very time consuming and sometimes we put a little more value on it than it's actually worth. For example: Gossip Girl. People who watch Gossip Girl talk about Gossip Girl whenever they get the chance. Chuck Bass. The upper-east side. Blair and Serena. It's like they have forgotten that it's a fictional television series. Perhaps that's the goal of all creators: to create a show that takes people out of their reality. But maybe that takes entertainment too far.

I think TV is great when you need a little break and like to escape into a fictional world for 45 minutes. But I think we must enjoy the screen sparingly, and remember it's for entertainment only. 

For the Love and Hate of Television - Caleb Combs

Television in our society today is one of the major forms of entertainment.  Whatever your style, whatever you like or dislike, there is bound to be something that you can relate to.  I feel like television is adaptable to the needs of any consumer, which directly leads to its huge success.  I spend a relatively large amount of time watching television series',  my favorite of which being the hit AMC drama Breaking Bad.  This hit series had a of the perfect blend of action, suspense, and comedic relief, keeping the viewer engaged and interested throughout.  There was never an episode that I though was there just to add length to each season.  Every episode contained something of importance, along with a very hollow sense of humor.  I am also greatly looking forward to the return of AMC's The Walking Dead this fall, a horror series taking place in a post-apocalyptic world.  While television contains shows such as these that I really enjoy,  it also has shows for people of other interests such as food, sports, lifestyle; the possibilities are endless.  This adaptability is what makes television such a huge part of our society today.

For The Love of TV- Zachary Whitehouse

I love TV, I watch it all the time. TV can be a distractor from more important activities or responsibilities but it provides more positives than negatives. TV can be used for news, sports, entertainment, or just to pass time. I, and most people use it for all of those reasons. TV allows access to news otherwise impossible to find I most often use TV to wwatch sports and sports shows. I love keeping up with the latest injuries, stats, and scores in sports and TV allows me to achieve this at the flick of a channel. I love watching Sportscenter, Mike and Mike in the morning, SportsNation and many other sports shows. I often also watch TV for entertainment. I like watching comedies and family shows like Modern Family, Spongebob, Key and Peele and The Office. I also enjoy watching crime shows like Criminal Minds, one of my favorite shows.
I think it is right and makes sense that the Emmy's are such a big and extravagant event, buy I believe the Noble Prize awards should be a bigger event on TV seeing as they are a big deal in the grand scheme of our country.

For The Love and Hate of Television - Kate Sommer

   I probably watch too much tv. I spend a large amount of my free time watching Netflix. Which is so convenient for people like me who have a lot of homework and don't have time to keep up with new episodes of shows. So instead I binge watch on netflix. I'd like to say I watch television because it's an easy break from things and I don't have to think much about it, but that's not true. I tend to watch dramas and other shows with complicated plot lines.  I think I watch tv because I'm such a visual person. I love reading and I love having the ability to picture the story how I want but I also like television because it takes care of that part for you. All you have to do is sit and watch and laugh. Like I said, I tend to watch shows with complicated plots. These include Doctor Who which is just ridiculously complicated to follow, Bones which is a murder crime-solving drama, and Grey's Anatomy which is a medical drama.

For the Love and Hate of Television- Andrew Collins

I haven't sat down and watched T.V. at my house since the Olympics. For me, there are very few reasons for me to sit down and watch television.

My primary reason is a lack of content. I've never had cable at my house, (my dad says "I'd have too much to watch, I'd just watch TV all the time.") so there hasn't really been much that interests me on TV since I grew out of PBS programs. I get any news I might need from other sources like the internet, and my schedule doesn't allow me to sit down and watch a show at the same time every week (and I don't have a DVR since I don't have cable). With the arrival of a Netflix Streaming subscription a few years ago, I have no need to turn to live television for my entertainment. Its not a hard decision to watch what I want, when I want, with no ads, over a random show that is half advertising.

The best part of Netflix is the ability to watch some of the best shows TV has/had to offer in their entirety, from start to finish, with zero interruptions. Because of this ability, I have watched some of my favorite shows, such as Malcolm in the Middle, The Office, Psych, and Scrubs in their entirety or close to it.

Television does have some positives, however. Sometimes, ads can be a good thing. I know many people (including myself) who have sat for hours on end watching their favorite shows on Netflix. Advertisements on TV tend to create a shorter attention span, which means less time spent inactive on your couch. TV is also the undisputed source for live events, such as sports games and special events like the Olympics or the Emmy's. And of course, great comedies such as the Office wouldn't have even been a thought without the huge amount of financial support provided by advertising. I will always turn to my Television for a Sunday night football game or the greatest of Olympic events.

For the Love and Hate of TV- Anne Russell

Don't get me wrong, I definitely watch my fair share of tv in my spare time. I definitely think it can be a positive source of entertainment whether it be a good old laugh-out-loud wipeout episode, an informational How It's Made, a random cooking show, some DIY home improvement show, etc. Not to mention, some can have real value if you have an interest in learning about a certain job, or shows like Mythbusters which teach real science concepts. Plus, shows like Downton Abbey give you a different perspective on life in different time periods. Clearly, tv has its positives.

But tv also has its negatives. Filling your mind with trashy reality tv is not exactly a healthy practice. Every now and then it can be okay, but when abused, it can have negative effects on your life. And all these dramatic soap opera-esque shows that are out right surely aren't harmless either. As much as we hate to admit it, we are affected by the people we hang out with, the music we listen to, and the shows and images we fill our minds with. And with all the bad media that's out there, sometimes watching tv is an accident waiting to happen. 

And then there's the idea of tv as a waste of time. If watched excessively, the tv can definitely become an idol that rules your life and prevents you from being productive. But personally I don't see anything wrong with taking a little break from reality after a long day of school work.

Basically, tv is whatever you make it to be. It can be a time waster, a source of entertainment, a harmless pastime, a negative influence, however you let it function in your life is how it will be.

A World In Pictures - Isabel Jenkins

Tragedy can drastically impact a nation, but so can discovery.

On May 19, 2005, NASA's Rover Spirit captured a picture of this sunset. On Mars.  At first glance, many would struggle to identify this location. The sun is a little smaller, and martian dust particles give the air a bluish tint, but there isn't anything mindblowingly different from Earth.

This picture was widely distributed among the scientific community, but it also had an impact on the common citizen. It's amazing that we now have the technology to view the sun from another perspective, another planet. The sunset on Mars proves not to be so different than a sunset here on Earth, and this same Rover also found evidence of lakes. Is eventual life on Mars possible?

For The Love of TV - Julia Wilson

I watch TV to be entertained, and I think if you asked anyone why they watched TV that would be their answer. My favorite shows are all the variations of The Bachelor, Orange is the New Black, Pretty Little Liars and Grey's Anatomy.

TV is a great form of entertainment because it allows people with creative ideas and stories to make them a reality and share them with the world.  Of course, just like anything else, spending too much time watching TV can cause harmful effects to your productivity and maybe some of your brain cells, but in moderation I think it's a very nice thing to have.

The fact that there's a lot more glamour and attention given to the Emmy's as opposed to the Nobel Prizes shouldn't be a surprise to anyone. Television networks have to keep their audience in mind and the fact of the matter is not a lot of people care too much about the Nobel Prizes. It's not very entertaining. And it is 2014, so I'm sure that those who DO care about the Nobel Prize can find a stream of it somewhere.

For the Love and Hate of Television-Leah Noble

When I watch TV it is almost always for entertainment purposes only. I usually don't watch an episode when it first airs because it never seems to come on when I am able to watch it, so I end up waiting the next day to watch it online on my tablet. If I do watch a show at the time it airs, it is usually a premiere or finale. Genres I enjoy are crime/mystery shows and the occasional medical drama or reality show. I hate sitcoms and most 30 minute shows, with the exception of game shows. Because I don't use a streaming service, like Netflix or Hulu, I watch shows from the network sites (CBS, NBC, etc.) and tend to watch new shows or episodes of shows I have never seen before. Therefore, I don't have many shows that I watch regularly that I could claim as my favorites. A few shows  that I do love and keep up with, however, are NCIS: Los Angeles, Once Upon a Time, and The Blacklist. I try to keep my TV watching to a minimum with 7-8 episodes a week, or about one a night. Overall, I think TV is a good source of entertainment and is a good way to pass time (or waste it), but when over-watched, can be very harmful physically and mentally.

For the Love and Hate of Television - Anthony Tamasi

 I've never been a huge TV watcher, but I do every now and then. When I do watch TV it's usually one of a few shows, between The League, Jeopardy, or the Big Bang Theory. 

 Despite my sub-average TV watching, I do believe that television is a great form of entertainment. It's what many people go to when they're bored, tired, or maybe when they just want to stay in for the night with that special someone. 

 I don't believe that television is JUST a convenient outlet for advertisers, however that is a large function of it. Whether we really realize it or not, we see hundreds of advertisements a week, just from TV. Most Americans have several televisions in their homes, too, so it's easy for advertisers to reach the people. And with increased surveying, they can reach their specific targeted audience as well, by just viewing that TV owner's history.

 I'm not saying TV is a bad thing, but too many people watch it an insane amount of time. In fact, the average American over 2 years of age spends about 34 hours a week (according to the NY daily news) staring at that electronic box we all so dearly need. 

For the Love and Hate of Television- Noah Welch

       I do not have a strong opinion about TV one way or the other. I have never watched a full television series, but I do enjoy watching football and a movie every now and again. I do not watch a lot of TV because, I do not have a lot of spare time and the spare time that I do have I spend reading. What this question boils down to is a matter of perspective. What do you feel is a waste of time?  Is it wrong to watch two hours or more of TV after you have completed all of your other tasks? I personally think TV is harmless unless you let it rule your life.  Watching TV occasionally, usually, doesn’t hurt anyone.  It is a pastime that people use to have fun and enjoy themselves. However, TV becomes a problem when people watch it obsessively.  TV can be like drugs that suck people into an endless loop of sorrow and procrastination. I also think airing TV awards on TV just makes sense. The noble prize is a prestigious award and it is above TV. The Nobel Prize isn’t a popularity contest. It has different worth and value than the Emmys.

For the Love and Hate of TV - Emily Cashman

I watch TV- not all the time, but there are a few shows I watch every week. If I have some spare time, I might find myself turning on the TV as a source of easy entertainment. I think there are both positive and negative effects of TV. For example, if someone watches way too much TV, that can be bad for their mind and it can also end up sucking the day away from them. On the positive side, watching TV can help people stay up to date with what is happening on in the world around them with programs like the news or the Emmy's. I think it's somewhat sad that everyone knows who won the Emmy's or the Golden Globe's yet not many people could tell you who won the most recent Nobel Prize off the top of their head. A possible reason for this is because it's easier for everyday people to relate to the Emmy's because they watch those shows and have a better understanding of what's happening. Whereas the Nobel Prize is a more detached award reserved for the most accomplished scientists, psychologists, etc. Normal people don't keep up with that type of news, so it isn't necessarily important for them to know who won the Nobel Prize.

For the Love and Hate of Television- Amelia Rogers

I watch TV usually for entertainment, but there are a lot of shows out there that I refuse to watch. I love to watch 19 Kids and Counting with my mom. It's our show, and we watch it together on Tuesday nights. Other than that, I usually watch the most TV on the weekends, especially during football season. 

I think TV can provide a good form of entertainment, but it also can be a waste of time. There are a lot of worthless shows out there, but even good shows can be a waste of time. There are a lot of good things to do, and TV accomplishes nothing. I like to watch TV when I don't want to think about other things, which is exactly why I don't want to watch too much TV. I think this is why the Emmy's are much more popular on television— they provide a mindless form of entertainment. 

Love and Hate of TV-McKenna Elliott

I, personally, watch little to no TV at all. I believe that television is full of useless crap that takes up time that could be spent doing things more useful and beneficial to your life or someone else's life. While you're sitting on your couch watching teenagers get pregnant and ruin their lives, you could be productive and efficient doing chores, homework, getting fit, and building relationships with others.

TV used to be all that I did, but there comes a time when one realizes that all you need to know in life is not encompassed on a screen full of people you know but will never meet. I used to watch 3-4 hours of television a night, and now I watch about 1-2 hours every couple of weeks or so. Since I have decreased the amount of time spent on this useless activity, I have seen an increase in my grades, improvement in my fitness and relationships with others, and my overall knowledge because the TV is no longer killing my brain cells.

Television is stupid and corrupt and everyone should decrease the amount of time they're spending in front of the TV screen.

Come to the dark side, Luke-Kaitlyn Nunnelley

I believe in good and evil. But I don't believe that its a clear cut division. I think there is a gray area between the two opposites where sometimes good people do bad things, and bad people do good things. I think evil is doing very bad things for the wrong or bad reasons. For example, killing someone just to kill someone is evil. But killing someone to defend your family that is in imminent danger isn't evil. Good is doing good things that benefit yourselves or others. For example, volunteering at a soup kitchen to feed the homeless is good, saving puppies from a burning building is good, and even just taking the time out of your day to smile and wave at someone is good. Good versus evil is not as clear cut as Harry Potter versus Voldemort. Some people doing evil things may believe what they are doing is good. I don't think one can eliminate the other for good. There will always be good and bad. All people wont always get along with each other so there will always be differing opinions on what is classified as good and evil.

Assignment 2: iwrite; Kaitlyn Nunnelley

Technology has affected me in a majorly positive way. It has given me an easier way to communicate with my friends and family, and make new friends. With my phone I can easily check up with my parents and keep them updated. We can make lunch or dinner plans without having to be together. If there was an emergency, and I needed to contact my parents or the police, I am able to quickly. I can make plans with my friends easily and I don't have to be sitting right there with them. We can arrange to meet somewhere or go somewhere together. I can casually talk with my friends over text, or over the phone. This helps keep us connected and updated in each other's lives. Through social networking sites, such as Twitter or Instagram, I have met new friends and kept updated with my old ones. I am able to meet friends from other schools that I wouldn't be able to normally.

A World In Pictures - Caleb Combs

On December 14, 2012, America was shocked by the tragic events that occurred in Newtown, Connecticut.  On this day, 20 year old Adam Lanza broke into Sandy Hook Elementary School and opened fire on the people within.  When the smoke cleared, it was discovered that 26 people had been killed, 20 students and 6 staff members, all before Lanza took his own life.  It is unbelievable to think that anyone could be so heartless as to open fire on a group of children.  This picture shows a mother/staff member placing a call to the emergency hotline.  She is clearly so visibly shaken that she can hardly get out what she is trying to say.  Our country was turned upside down by this tradgedy, and this picture perfectly captures the pain and agony felt by the people of the Newtown community as well as everyone else living in America today.

Love or Hate Television- Will Mathews

I personally watch a decent amount of television; it’s one of my favorite things to do. The reasons for watching TV vary, I usually watch an episode of something after school while I do my homework as a way to relax after a long day of school and practice, or simple to distract me from the monotonous homework I am so often given. I then will often watch TV for an hour or so before bed just as something to do because it’s a school night and I have nothing better to do.

Netflix has a monopoly on my TV watching, unless there is some sporting event on I want to watch I am a Netflix only guy, this gives me many options of shows with no commercials. I prefer comedy shows but I also greatly enjoy mystery or crime type shows that I can think about while I watch them. The only shows I cannot stand are reality TV or those types of shows, the ones you feel a bit dumber after watching. So in my life I greatly enjoy TV it’s a way to have relaxing entertainment.

A world in pictures- Will Mathews

I chose to use a picture that was not as life world changing as 9/11 but something that changed the way football was played. As many people know Lawrence Taylor was one of the best football players of all time he changed the game of football forever when in 1985 he blindsided Joe Thiesmann, which ended Thiemann’s career. Now football and football players have changed their thinking, they have focused more heavily on protecting their quarterbacks so that play like that would never again befall football. They invested more in their offensive tackles to protect the quarterback. All of this information the way football is played can come down to that picture, the signal image, where you can see Taylor coming for the Thiesmann and totally unsuspected he is brutally taken down and with him football changes and evolves. All this based on the single moment that picture of time.

Assignment 5: For the Love and Hate of Television

The Emmy Awards (aired about a month ago) are kind of a big deal. Not a big deal in that life-altering-kind-of-way, but a big deal in the sense that a lot of celebrities dress up, that a lot of companies pay more money in advertisements, and a lot of people stop watching reruns.

The Emmys are not the only award extravaganza of the season though. During the first week of October, without the advertising, paparazzi, or celebrities, the Nobel Prizes are announced. But how many people are listening? With the Emmys comes television's fall lineup, but what does the common person get after the announcement of the Nobel Prize in physics?

So, what are your thoughts? Choose one or two or all of the following prompts:

Why do you watch TV? Why do you not? What shows do you love or hate?

Does TV provide a good form of entertainment? Is it just a convenient delivery system for advertisers to send their messages to the masses? Is it an inane use of time? Can it be all three?

What does it say about our society that the Emmy's have so much glitz and attention and the Nobel Prizes are quietly announced in the news? Is this bad? Good? Appropriate?

Check out these sites for more information:

Turn off your TV

Television and Health

Positive Benefits of TV on Toddlers and Children

Due Sunday September 28th at 11:59 pm 

A Word In Pictures- Zach Whitehouse

Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon, on July 20th, 1969. Neil, an American, represented a sense of patriotism and unity in America but also a nee found hope and asoirations world wide. The moment Neil took his first step on the moon, the Space Race began. Countries world wide began to build up their space programs to lamd their own on the moon. Before this picture was took not many people knew what the moon looked like and they definitely had never seen a man on the moon. Also in the picture you see an American flag. Neil jousted the American flag into the moon to suooort his country and show Americas supremacy in Space. This picture was seen world wode and represented the Space Age. In the picture Neil had just became the first person to ever step foot on the moon. He alson had just out the American flag in the moon. This picture caised great jubilation  across our country as our space program became the first to actually land a human safely on the moon.

A World in Pictures- Emily Chavez

I have decided to take this assignment on in a more positive light, rather than show a disaster or tragedy. Below is a picture of Figo, a Kentucky police dog, placing his paw on the tomb of is human police partner, Jason Ellis.

Officer Ellis was killed in an ambush 5 days before this was taken. This photo shows the unconditional love a dog has for his human. The death of Officer Ellis was by no means something we should look at in a positive light, but the respect and love that his K-9 partner has and still has for him should be. Figo knew what a great man Officer Ellis was and was heartbroken at the loss of him.

I think we can all take a lesson of love form Figo and this photo captures it perfectly. It's incredibly powerful to see an animal, who can't even speak, have love for a man and to see the intelligence Figo has in knowing what has happening. 

They say dog is a man's best friend and I'm sure Officer Ellis stands by that notion, even today.

A World in Pictures - Emily Cashman

On Monday, August 29^th, 2005, Hurricane Katrina struck southeast Louisiana. This category 5 hurricane caused severe destruction and took the lives of over 1,800 people. Just a week before this disastrous event, one could easily travel to New Orleans and enjoy some delicious beignets whilst taking a stroll through the upbeat  French Quarter. But if one ventured there in early September, no traces of those previous activities could be found. Over 80% of the city was inundated, and thousands of people were without basic necessities like food and shelter. It took the state of Louisiana a long time to recover from this hurricane; it changed the state, and specifically New Orleans, forever. Even today, there are smaller communities that still see the effects of Hurricane Katrina in their daily lives. The disaster caused the displacement of over one million people in the US and had lasting economic and environmental effects.

A World In Pictures- Andrew Collins

This photo depicts the podium of one of the events in the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City. The first and third place medalists are Americans Tommie Smith and John Carlos, giving the black power salute. Australian Peter Norman stands on the 2nd place podium, wearing an Olympic Project for Human Rights (OPHR) badge in support of their actions.

This iconic photo was taken in the midst of the Civil rights movement in America, and it appeared in headlines across the globe after it was taken. The two Americans were kicked out of the games after they made the gesture, showing the tentative state of civil rights movements across the globe at the time.

Similarly to Americans of the time, South Africans were rallying against Apartheid. The salute was meant to be a gesture of solidarity to the participants of both country's civil rights movements. The gesture was met with much criticism from the audience, who actually booed them off the podium.

The two African-Americans were not only making a gesture for the Civil rights movement. They were also barefoot, to protest poverty, wearing beads, to protest lynchings, and wearing buttons that said OPHR on them. These two men were doing much more than winning medals at this Olympic games.

A World in Pictures—Gabriel Molina

This is a picture of the explosion of the atomic bomb “Fat Man” over Nagasaki, Japan. It was estimated to have killed 40,000 people on impact, plus thousands more later from burns and radiation sickness. The bomb devastated the city. A surprising fact about this photo is that it was taken 20 minutes after the bomb exploded, and it looks as if it was just dropped.

Just before this photograph was taken, the bomb was dropped by a U.S. airplane, and about 40,000 people were instantly killed.

If you look towards the bottom right of the photo you will see three people standing, no doubt breathless at what had just happened. I can’t even imagine what they must be feeling.

I know it can become a topic of debate about whether we should’ve dropped the bomb or not, but regardless of the circumstances of the war, the devastation of this bomb makes me sick to my stomach. And my heart breaks for everyone who was affected.

A World in Pictures - Kate Sommer

On August 28th, 2005 one of the most destructive hurricanes to hit the United States struck in the gulf areas of America. Hurricane Katrina wiped entire neighborhoods off the map and took nearly 2,000 lives. The picture above is of the I-10/610 split in New Orleans, Louisiana headed to Metairie, Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina hit. Personally, this photo and all of the ones of this area mean a lot to me because my grandparents and some other family members live in Metairie/New Orleans.

I believe this event changed the way a lot of people think because the disaster was so close to all of us (in America). People realized that the US wasn't resistant to natural disasters. People all over the country pulled together to help New Orleans and other cities affected by Katrina rebuild. People had to completely rebuild their lives and Americans were there to help out fellow Americans. For example, my elementary school raised $3000 for Katrina relief.

The ability of a country to come together and stand strong in a time of disaster is inspiring to me. I've visited New Orleans numerous times since Katrina hit. It's been 9 years and they're still rebuilding certain parts of the city. But believe me when I say that every bit of money and help given was needed and appreciated by so many.

A World in Pictures- Caroline Totty

This is a picture has oftentimes been described as "an image of hope" after the terrifying and heartbreaking 9/11 attacks. After the planes took down the twin towers people truly thought the world was ending. Thousands of loved ones were lost on that fatal day. America was chaotic to say the least. Nobody wanted to fly anymore, but people did not want to stay in New York either. People were desperately hoping to find their missing family members and friends. This picture is of three firefighters covered in dust raising the American flag after the 9/11 attacks. This is often seen as "an image of hope" because it shows that even through that tough time America, as a country, can get through it. Nothing can take down America. The firefighters are covered in dust and have been in burning buildings all mornings trying to save people, risking their own lives, yet they are still raising the flag because no matter what they are proud to be an American. The flag will always fly even through the toughest of times.

A World in Pictures-McKenna Elliott

This photo was taken on June 8, 1972 when a bomb was dropped on Trang Bang, Vietnam. It depicts several children fleeing from harm's way, one of which is a young girl who is naked because her clothes, as well as some layers of skin, were melted off by the heat radiating from the bomb. 

This photo shocked the world due to the depiction of innocent children during wartime and how confused they were without their parents. Later on, the girl was identified as Kim Phuc, although to most others who did not live in her village, she was a victim with no name, and she surprisingly survived this attack with serious third degree burns all over her body, except her face which was untouched.  This picture was landmark due to the horrors of the war that it showed to the world, and helped to end one of the most divisive wars in American history. It shocked not only a nation, but the world. 

A World in Pictures-Noah Welch

 “A day that will live in infamy”, a moment that will drag the U.S into World War, a dastardly and unprovoked attack; occurred in the sleepy little area called Pearl Harbor. This sneak attack by Imperial Japan truly changed the way Americans lived. The bombing of Pearl Harbor spawned hatred, fear and desire for vengeance in hundreds of thousands of Americans. It led to Japanese holding camps in which thousands of Japanese Americans were evicted from their homes, mistreated and locked up in Internment camps. However Pearl Harbor also gave birth to a new era of patriotism, talent and progression in America.  America rallied out of its Depression and became a true superpower. The country united and thrived because of this sneak attack.  The U.S also developed new technologies, advancements, and strategies because of Pearl Harbor.  These advancements however, did lead to the threat of nuclear war and the atomic bombing of Japan. The bombing of Pearl Harbor was a truly terrible event that forced America into the realities of the modern era. It was a new age and came with new realities that occurred because of the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

A World in Pictures- Anne Russell

 

On April 15, 2013, the explosion of two bombs drastically changed the atmosphere of the Boston Marathon. What should have been a time of celebration for those who persevered and endured the whole race became a terrifying scramble to save lives. What should have been a fond memory became a grave one. What should have been a time of joy and relief became one of anxiety and panic.

3 were killed and around 264 others were injured. No one could have predicted this tragic turn of events.

But what I think really defines tragedies like these is the aftermath: a community full of people surrounding one another with needed support and prayers. Brave firefighters and policemen rushing to action to minimize casualties. News coverage galore to spread the word around the country and increase the support and prayers.

While the picture depicts a time of catastrophe and misfortune, it foreshadows a time of community where people draw near after times of crisis. Never is a community closer than when they must work together to ensure hardships.

A World in Pictures-Leah Noble

This picture is of the raising of the American flag on the island of Iwo Jima during World War II. Just before this picture was taken, the United States had captured Iwo Jima, a Japanese controlled island. The six marines are raising the American flag atop Mt. Suribachi even in the midst of nearby Japanese troops. This picture evokes a deep sense of American pride and patriotism. It gave our nation a hope that we could emerge victorious in the war. It made the citizens of America feel proud to be an American because of the strength and bravery we proved to have through this picture. This raising of the stars and stripes showed that around the world America was powerful and united and would stop at nothing to make everyone know that it was in control.

A World In Pictures - Julia Wilson

(Note: Because I mentioned a school shooting in my last post it would seem that i'm obsessed with school shootings. I'm not, it just happened to work out this way.)

This is a picture of a group of students being led out of Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14th, 2012, the day Adam Lanza broke into the school and shot and killed 20 children, 6 adults, and himself. This was one of the first pictures released at the time of the shooting (or at least one of the first ones I remember seeing), shocking and deeply saddening the nation. In the picture you can see panic, fear, and sadness on all the faces, and it gives you a sense of just how terrifying the situation must have been. Outside the frame of the picture it's safe to assume that it was very chaotic and that everyone on the scene (concerned parents, teachers, police, medics etc.) was scared.

A World In Pictures - Anthony Tamasi

 On August 28th, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous "I Have A Dream" speech to hundreds of thousands of civil rights supporters during the March on Washington in Washington, DC. The March was intended for people to show their support for civil rights legislation. 

 This speech was a defining moment of the Civil Rights Movement during the late 1950s and 1960's in America. 

 From the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, it seems only fitting that he first references the Emancipation Proclamation saying that, "one hundred years later, the Negro is still not free."  

 This speech shows the passion that some people held for the advancement of rights for African Americans. During the speech, Mahalia Jackson (African-American gospel singer) cries out "Tell them about the dream, Martin!" This prompts Reverend King to "preach" and begin listing off his dreams for America, deviating from his prepared speech. This is the moment of his speech that has become most famous, and pivotal in our remembrance of the Civil Rights Movement.

 Pieces of legislation concerning the African-Americans and their rights were passed later on in the 1960s, as the speech had mobilized people to fight (nonviolently, of course) for racial equality. 

A World in Pictures- Amelia Rogers

On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong became the first human to ever walk on the moon. Armstrong, along with Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins, accomplished what had never been done before: they successfully completed a mission to the moon and back. It was a mission previously thought impossible, unimaginable. In Armstrong's famous words, it was "one giant leap for mankind."

This moment impacted America as a country. It empowered our nation because we did it. We were the first people to ever set foot on the moon. It didn't matter that only two men actually walked there– every American then, and every American now feels a special connection to this moment, as though we ourselves walked on the moon with them. This moment changed everything for space exploration. If we could reach the moon, how much more could we accomplish? 

This moment is inspirational. This moment is pride. This moment is adventure. 

This moment is reaching out into all the impossible things that just might be possible. 

Assignment 4: A World in Pictures

On Monday morning, you could have stood on the top level and witnessed the beautiful eccentrics of New York city. On Tuesday morning, you would have run in horror.The two tallest buildings in New York City fell on Tuesday, September 11, 2001 and because of the consequential pain and destruction, America would forever be changed.

On September 11, the majority of the nation watched in horrific silence as they saw the pictures of chaos.

This picture from New York Magazine marked the start of a new era for America.

Pictures show us what we cannot know first-hand. They can make a statement or argument. They can educate on the reality of the world. They can change how a person thinks about an idea or event. This week, find a picture that shocked, comforted, or changed a nation or community of people (falling of Berlin wall, JFK assassination, etc.)

Include your picture, a description of it, and what it provokes you to think about in your blog.

If you're facing writer's block, consider the following:
What happened just before the photograph was taken?
How do the people in the photograph feel?
What is happening outside the frame of this photograph?

Due Sunday, September 21st at 11:59 pm.

Come to the Dark Side, Luke - Caleb Combs

The is a very fine line between what is good and evil.  It varies from person to person on whether something is considered right or wrong.  Personally, I believe that there is good in everyone.  Everyone starts out as a good person, but at a young age, people are innocent, and highly impressionable.  The background in which someone is raised is what shapes who they are as a person and the direction in which their lives will head.  I believe that there is good in everyone, but the certain decisions may not be considered ideal.  Negative aspects in the world can be changed by the good intentions of good people.  Many unfortunate people rely on the kindness of strangers just to get by in life.  Good people live life by their conscience.  Leah is a great example of this.  Anyone would be ecstatic about having that much money at their disposal.  The difference between good and bad people is that a good person refuses to live with this on their conscience.  Bad ones don't bother to consider any other factor that the fact that they have found some money.  In conclusion, there is no way to avoid the bad things in our society.  All we can do is try to make each generation of people more and more pure of heart, a try to make the good outweigh the bad.

Come to the Dark Side, Luke- Amelia Rogers

            Imagine that you are in a room that is darker than the night. Everything is black, and you can’t see your hand an inch in front of your face. You don’t know who or what is in the room with you. There is nothing but darkness.

            But then, in an instant, there is light. Bright and white and glowing and illuminating everything around you.

            You can see.

            There are people there with you, all kinds of people. There are beautiful things and opportunities. There is life.

            I believe that there is an absolute evil and an absolute good, and it is as clear as darkness against the light. Darkness is simply the absence of light. In the darkness, we are lost, confused, defeated. But there is an easy way out– you just need a source of light. In the presence of light, there is no more darkness.

            Evil is the absence of good. In the darkness of evil we are lost, confused, defeated. But there is an easy way out- you just need a source of good. In the presence of pure goodness, there is no more evil.

            God is the light, the absolute epitome of good. Satan is the dark, the absolute epitome of evil. There is an exact line between good and evil, in black and white. However, no one can live perfectly. No human can be wholly good, no matter how hard they try. There is only one person who has ever lived a perfectly good life– Jesus Christ. People who are living in the light make mistakes. People who are living in the dark, whether openly or unknowingly, can do good things. People can cross from good to evil, from light to dark. But there is still no gray area. Good is defined in the pattern of life God has planned for anyone who will choose Him. Evil is defined in the absence of God and the absence of a lifestyle that attempts to reflect Him.

            I can’t be the judge of good actions and bad actions. Only God can judge that. What I can do is try to live in the light, to live a life of good that God has laid out for me. I am convinced that a life under His pure goodness is the only way to have a beautiful life here and after here, because I also believe good is the winning side. I believe that one day good will eliminate evil, and God’s pure and holy goodness will be revealed to everyone.

            In the human side of me, I want to say that this is just my opinion. But I cannot deny what I know is true– God is living and God is good.

For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. ~2 Corinthians 4:6

Come to the Dark Side, Luke—Gabriel Molina

My answer to the first question is yes, I do believe in absolute good and evil. I am a Christian, and I believe God is absolutely and completely good. Yet, although He created the universe and everything in it and said it was all good (Genesis 1:31a), this world clearly does not represent total good. I don’t think anyone would describe the ISIS beheadings, for example, as good. So obviously and undeniably, there is a battle between good and evil. The bible says that God is absolutely good, and satan (also referred to as the evil one, the accuser, the thief, among others) is absolutely evil.

As for humans, we were originally created in God’s image: good (Genesis 1:27). Though that was our original design, we chose sin. We choose evil, not because we are forced to, but because the evil one convinces us to doubt the goodness of God. The battle between good versus evil is seen in this world mainly in how the evil one tempts us to choose sin, and therefore be separated from God.

The bad news is, we have all sinned. We’ve all given into this temptation and chosen evil. Romans 3:23 says “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” I don’t think a single person can say that they have never done wrong. The best news is that through receiving Jesus, we can be made right with God, and be pure in His sight. If you receive Jesus, all your past, present, and future sins no longer define you. You instead become defined by Christ and His good. Romans 3:22 says, “We are made right in God's sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, no matter who we are or what we have done.”

Now can good or evil eliminate the other once and for all? The answer is this: Jesus Christ defeated sin, death, and all evil when He died on the cross and rose from the dead. All we have to do is receive His victory and through His grace we take part in it.

I am more than willing to talk to anyone who might want to ask anything about what I have said here!

Come to the Dark Side, Luke-Emily Cashman

I don’t think the world is as clear-cut as Harry Potter vs. Voldemort, meaning, I don’t think anyone is entirely good, or entirely bad. Regular people are not like the superheroes in movies who are 100% just and right, and they also aren’t like the fairytale villains who have 100% evil intentions. I believe each person is, for the most part, good, but there are still things about he or she that could be classified as “bad”. So, I guess I believe in the grey area where good people can sometimes do bad things. For instance, I don’t think someone who cheats on a test once should be forever labeled as a cheater and therefore “bad”. I don’t think either can be eliminated completely because both are somewhat necessary for the world to continue functioning. I know that sounds weird and doesn’t really make sense but I think both good and evil have to be present in our lives, even if we don’t want them.