Wednesday, July 12, 2017
Sunday, February 5, 2017
Do What Is Right
Many times in our lives we are faced with decisions to take a stand. This might have been in the
form of stepping up and speaking your mind or you may have had the opportunity to save someone
from injury but could not act quickly enough. There will be times in our lives that we wish we could go back in time and save a loved one or Mae a better choice. Given that we can't go back and fix the mistakes of the past, it becomes necessary to change the way we view ourselves and try to right the wrongs in the present. In my life, I hade the opportunity to voice my opinion and protect an individual from ridicule but, I choose to stand by and watch.
I was raised to be a person who respects others and protect my family name. My father often told me, "the only thing that you can take with you when you leave this earthly existence, is your good name." I have kept those words imbedded in my mind and have tried to honor my father and my mother. Now that I have a family of my own, I try to teach my children the same principles of respect and honor. It is important to always walk out of your home uprightly and, return the same way. I often recount to my family the decisions (both good and bad), that I have made in my life, that have molded me into the man I am today. My children are taught to respect authority and their elders as well as treating their peers with dignity and class. Although my wish is that my children will always choose the right path, I know that they will face opposition and will make mistakes. Those choices are theirs to make freely, for they will be the choices that will mold them into honorable men and women.
While I was a junior in high school, I was faced with a lot of peer pressure to do what other kids where doing. It was hard for me to fit in and I was the victim of bullying by some. Kids would do mean things, whether it meant hurting someone's pride or teasing an unsuspecting individual for the pleasure of others. One such occasion stands out in my mind to this day and I regret not taking a stand to protect an innocent person from ridicule. There was a young man in my school (we'll call him Mark), who was mentally challenged and loved to talk and wave to everyone. He was often found wondering the hallways before school and during breaks. Some students found it odd that he would look down while he walked, and stop to pick things off of the ground. One of my fellow classmates noticed that Mark was picking up coins that had been discarded. After that discovery, several of my classmates would throw coins at Mark as he walked by, and watch as Mark ran after the coins to snatch them up and put them in his pockets. We would stand back and laugh at Mark, and watch as other kids would throw their coins at him. I've always felt guilty for not stepping in and stopping this teasing from continuing but, I felt that if I did, I would become the new Mark. Mark didn't return to school the following year and I never had the opportunity to apologize to him for my actions. I would venture to say that Mark must have collected a hundred dollars or more, as the year went on.
We may never know the outcome of the decisions we make but, it is important to make a decision. Even if we choose not to, we still have made a choice. My only resolve was to change the way I view people and to protect others from the same torment. Now I choose to stand up for the rights of others and express my feelings. I have had many discussions with school officials and law enforcement about the acts of bullying in schools as my children have also been the victims. It is my hope that others would take the time to think through their decisions before acting upon them because you can't change the outcome once it is completed. We must check our moral compass from time to time in order to stay on the right course. My final words of advice are, just because there are several people are doing it, doesn't make it right.
form of stepping up and speaking your mind or you may have had the opportunity to save someone
from injury but could not act quickly enough. There will be times in our lives that we wish we could go back in time and save a loved one or Mae a better choice. Given that we can't go back and fix the mistakes of the past, it becomes necessary to change the way we view ourselves and try to right the wrongs in the present. In my life, I hade the opportunity to voice my opinion and protect an individual from ridicule but, I choose to stand by and watch.
I was raised to be a person who respects others and protect my family name. My father often told me, "the only thing that you can take with you when you leave this earthly existence, is your good name." I have kept those words imbedded in my mind and have tried to honor my father and my mother. Now that I have a family of my own, I try to teach my children the same principles of respect and honor. It is important to always walk out of your home uprightly and, return the same way. I often recount to my family the decisions (both good and bad), that I have made in my life, that have molded me into the man I am today. My children are taught to respect authority and their elders as well as treating their peers with dignity and class. Although my wish is that my children will always choose the right path, I know that they will face opposition and will make mistakes. Those choices are theirs to make freely, for they will be the choices that will mold them into honorable men and women.
While I was a junior in high school, I was faced with a lot of peer pressure to do what other kids where doing. It was hard for me to fit in and I was the victim of bullying by some. Kids would do mean things, whether it meant hurting someone's pride or teasing an unsuspecting individual for the pleasure of others. One such occasion stands out in my mind to this day and I regret not taking a stand to protect an innocent person from ridicule. There was a young man in my school (we'll call him Mark), who was mentally challenged and loved to talk and wave to everyone. He was often found wondering the hallways before school and during breaks. Some students found it odd that he would look down while he walked, and stop to pick things off of the ground. One of my fellow classmates noticed that Mark was picking up coins that had been discarded. After that discovery, several of my classmates would throw coins at Mark as he walked by, and watch as Mark ran after the coins to snatch them up and put them in his pockets. We would stand back and laugh at Mark, and watch as other kids would throw their coins at him. I've always felt guilty for not stepping in and stopping this teasing from continuing but, I felt that if I did, I would become the new Mark. Mark didn't return to school the following year and I never had the opportunity to apologize to him for my actions. I would venture to say that Mark must have collected a hundred dollars or more, as the year went on.
We may never know the outcome of the decisions we make but, it is important to make a decision. Even if we choose not to, we still have made a choice. My only resolve was to change the way I view people and to protect others from the same torment. Now I choose to stand up for the rights of others and express my feelings. I have had many discussions with school officials and law enforcement about the acts of bullying in schools as my children have also been the victims. It is my hope that others would take the time to think through their decisions before acting upon them because you can't change the outcome once it is completed. We must check our moral compass from time to time in order to stay on the right course. My final words of advice are, just because there are several people are doing it, doesn't make it right.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Hollywood: Lights, Camera, Action
Hollywood is just a small portion of the sprawling metropolis of Los Angeles, but it is a name known worldwide as the film capital.
"And that's what dreams are made of," said Sam Spade, (Humphrey Bogart) in the film "The Maltese Falcon."
These words ring through the ears of those that are seeking fame and fortune, hoping for their big break or standing at the arched gates of Paramount Pictures gazing upon the famous Hollywood sign ready for their close-up.
Hollywood is alive during the daylight hours with people and cars moving and bumping into each other like the blood cells coursing through their arteries.
Tourist from all walks of life, carrying cameras, filter in and out of shops and museums, taking pictures of the star-studded sidewalks and the wannabes who work the sidewalks of fame, hoping to get a glimpse at stardom.
 |
| Tourist have their picture taken next to the star of Muhammed Ali |
The names of famous celebrities, both living and deceased, are immortalize in brass and terrazzo on the sidewalks of Hollywood Boulevard, and Vine Street . Near the grand staircase in the Kodak Theatre mounted on the wall is the star of Mohammed Ali, the only star that does not rest on the sidewalks.
"I heard that he didn't want his star to get walked on," said Ana Martinez, vise president of media relations and the producer of the star ceremonies.
"His star was the only one not created on-site, but at the factory and presented to Ali on an easel."
At night the city morphs into a different animal like a werewolf searching for prey. Music from night clubs that were once hidden away in light, come alive with music that flows out into the streets. Men and women now line the walkways waiting for their turn to be granted access into the clubs. The select few are given passage by the gatekeepers that guard the entrances.
The men are sharply dressed wearing mostly black clothing, standing with women wearing tight black outfits, who are constantly pulling at their clothes up and down to cover their barely-hidden womanhood.
In the early morning hours the air grows still. The heartbeat slows down and allows for a resurgence of vital nutrients that supplies the people with energy. Television and film production trucks move through the quieter city streets to locations unknown.
There's a calming in the morning air while the city sleeps.
"The morning hours are like the breath before the plunge," said Jacob Ontiveros, an employee at the Hollywood and Highland complex.
The shops are empty but the work remains as street cleaners work to clean the city before the giant awakens. People are asleep in their homes and beds, even those that have found a place in the recesses of a building or the ground, who huddle in their sleeping bags or layers of clothing.
 |
| A man and woman sleep on the sidewalk of North Gower St in Hollywood |
Tinseltown is the place where dreams can come true and is also the same place where shattered hopes and despair fill the air like the smell of wet moldy clothes, discarded cigarettes and deteriorating cardboard.
Beyond the glimmer and glamour there is life that struggles everyday to survive with continuing hopes that one day they too will make it in the place called Hollywood.
 |
| The lights of Los Angeles glow bright |
At a glance;
Contact the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce at (323) 469-8311
Or online at www.hollywoodchamber.net/index.php
As of March 2011, there are 2,434 stars on the Walk of Fame, with Director Zuban Mehta being added in February. The stars are made of terrazzo and brass stars are embedded at 6-foot intervals over a combined 2.4 miles. There are five categories of the entertainment industry are, Motion Picture, Television, Recording, Radio and Live Theater.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Defining Bad Drivers and Driving Bad
There are several types of drivers that share the road but they can really be placed in three classes. Good drivers, bad drivers and those that drive bad.
Driving is a privilege that so many people take for granted. From the road to the track there is power that comes from being behind the wheel of any automobile. "With great power comes great responsibility," said Uncle Ben, from the Spider-man comic.
A bad driver is over aggressive and takes risks that put themselves and others in harms way. These are the drivers that will drive too close to the car in front of them not matter what the posted speed limit is.
Don't worry, they will always blame you for being in the way!
Here are some common driver distractions:
Driving is a privilege that so many people take for granted. From the road to the track there is power that comes from being behind the wheel of any automobile. "With great power comes great responsibility," said Uncle Ben, from the Spider-man comic.
A bad driver is over aggressive and takes risks that put themselves and others in harms way. These are the drivers that will drive too close to the car in front of them not matter what the posted speed limit is.
Don't worry, they will always blame you for being in the way!
Here are some common driver distractions:
- Talking on a cell phone
- Sending text messages
- Reaching for a moving object inside the vehicle
- Looking at an object or event outside of the vehicle
- Reading a book
- Eating food
- Applying makeup.
Those that drive bad are ones without experience or over time have lost the skills that driving requires. Young drivers should be taught basic skills in recognition and eye hand coordination. That doesn't included sitting in front of a tv or monitor. Only practice can hone the reflexes and train the eye to see things before they happen.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Where on Campus
Surrounded by green grass fields, it's red color stands out from the background.
The silver roof line blends well with the white rail fence.
The smell of wood and dirt are prominent as you walk through the door way.
The musty smell of wet sweating animals is common and surprisingly inviting.
As you walk away from this somewhat secluded place, the aroma lingers in you nostrils for hours.
The silver roof line blends well with the white rail fence.
The smell of wood and dirt are prominent as you walk through the door way.
The musty smell of wet sweating animals is common and surprisingly inviting.
As you walk away from this somewhat secluded place, the aroma lingers in you nostrils for hours.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Clearwire is not "Clear"
Clearwire announces that "Clear is the first network to provide a true seamless Internet experience wherever you go. We’re committed to giving you a fast, reliable Internet experience with customer service that puts you first"
Is this really what you'll get form Clear or is this just an empty promise?
If you live outside of the 4G range the only equipment that will work is a 4G/3G mobile Wi-Fi unit. The only way it could be sent to me was if I used my work address which is in a 4G area.
I talked to a representative at a the Lancaster mall in Salem, Ore., and got some information about the service plans and costs. Once I was satisfied with the information I received I did some research on the service they provide which led me to believe that this service would be what I was looking for.
I pulled up the Clear website and followed the prompts to call the sales department to order. After placing my order I was then told that if I was not satisfied I could return the Wi-Fi unit within seven days and only have to pay for restocking.
This is the most absurd thing I have ever heard!
I read in Clearwire's agreement that I could return the unit and cancel within 14 days if not satisfied without paying a restocking fee or any penalties.
I’m sure that all the customers will agree with me when I say that Clear has then worst web site of any service provider. The site is set up for sales and is not user friendly to account holders.
I followed the directions to find my account information just as spelled out in the FAQ and from the online help but to no avail. It wasn’t until I clicked on support instead of choosing the drop down menu did I find the option for accounts. Even then I had to select it once more before I could see my information.
Is this really good for customer service?
I found that many of Clearwire's customers are not happy with their service. "Clearwire (aka Clear) Poor Service & Treats Long-Time Customers Poorly," said Scott, a long time customer from Nevada.
The Better Business Bureau gives Clearwire an A+ rating even after having 1537 complaint filed against business.
I discovered that a class action law suit has been filed against Clear for data throttling. I also found that Clearwire's 3G service is provided by Sprint.
Buyer beware! Clearwire is not clear.
Is this really what you'll get form Clear or is this just an empty promise?
If you live outside of the 4G range the only equipment that will work is a 4G/3G mobile Wi-Fi unit. The only way it could be sent to me was if I used my work address which is in a 4G area.
I talked to a representative at a the Lancaster mall in Salem, Ore., and got some information about the service plans and costs. Once I was satisfied with the information I received I did some research on the service they provide which led me to believe that this service would be what I was looking for.
I pulled up the Clear website and followed the prompts to call the sales department to order. After placing my order I was then told that if I was not satisfied I could return the Wi-Fi unit within seven days and only have to pay for restocking.
This is the most absurd thing I have ever heard!
I read in Clearwire's agreement that I could return the unit and cancel within 14 days if not satisfied without paying a restocking fee or any penalties.
I’m sure that all the customers will agree with me when I say that Clear has then worst web site of any service provider. The site is set up for sales and is not user friendly to account holders.
I followed the directions to find my account information just as spelled out in the FAQ and from the online help but to no avail. It wasn’t until I clicked on support instead of choosing the drop down menu did I find the option for accounts. Even then I had to select it once more before I could see my information.
Is this really good for customer service?
I found that many of Clearwire's customers are not happy with their service. "Clearwire (aka Clear) Poor Service & Treats Long-Time Customers Poorly," said Scott, a long time customer from Nevada.
The Better Business Bureau gives Clearwire an A+ rating even after having 1537 complaint filed against business.
I discovered that a class action law suit has been filed against Clear for data throttling. I also found that Clearwire's 3G service is provided by Sprint.
Buyer beware! Clearwire is not clear.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Three Things That I Learned in Feature Writing
What are the three things? Writing is a process that takes creativity, patience and a willingness to get out of your comfort zone and investigate your story ideas. I love to write about things that interest me whether it be about a good movie or a problem that effected me or the community.
Finding a good place to set down and write is very important. You have to get rid of distractions and be comfortable. Schedule some time for yourself in your daily routine and let others know that your not available. If you have children, this doesn't always work out but keep trying.
Research is essential for a great article. The more research that is done, the more information you have to use. Wikipedia might be a good place for story ideas but the information you find is not always correct.
Double check your sources and make sure the facts are just that, facts.
Never forget that what you write whether it be in print or online, people will read it. The internet is world wide and you never know where your stories will end up.
At a Glance
There are several sources you can turn to for help in making your good story great. Attend a class at a community college and visit the college writing center. Writing centers like the one at LBCC are full of people that love to share their knowledge.
Another good source is magazines on writing like the Writer's Digest.
If you are interested in writing screenplays, fiction or news, remember to protect your work. Register your script's with a writers guild.
Finding a good place to set down and write is very important. You have to get rid of distractions and be comfortable. Schedule some time for yourself in your daily routine and let others know that your not available. If you have children, this doesn't always work out but keep trying.
Research is essential for a great article. The more research that is done, the more information you have to use. Wikipedia might be a good place for story ideas but the information you find is not always correct.
Double check your sources and make sure the facts are just that, facts.
Never forget that what you write whether it be in print or online, people will read it. The internet is world wide and you never know where your stories will end up.
At a Glance
There are several sources you can turn to for help in making your good story great. Attend a class at a community college and visit the college writing center. Writing centers like the one at LBCC are full of people that love to share their knowledge.
Another good source is magazines on writing like the Writer's Digest.
If you are interested in writing screenplays, fiction or news, remember to protect your work. Register your script's with a writers guild.
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