CC 2.1: Irrelevant Decision Making

In an article entitled "The Impact of the Irrelevant on Decision-Making'" posted on The New York Times, Robert H. Frank, an economics professor at the Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University, states that most economists are well aware of the options that they are considering during a day to day basis.


According to Frank, he believes that "most economists are content with a slightly weaker assumption: that people respond in approximately rational ways to the information available to them... [and] even patently false or irrelevant information often affects [their] choices in significant ways." When people choose to set their alarms five minutes early for the morning, the images in their brains trigger information that allow them to effortlessly perform their actions, showing one's sense that does not fool them at all. At the same time, the anxiety in our minds warns us to keep going, making the process to work, keeping us from thinking other wise.


Robert H. Frank also claims in his article that "Although cigarette advertisements, for example, typically portray smokers as young, healthy and attractive, smoking can make people look older and less healthy. Such ads make no explicitly false claims, but that doesn’t make them less misleading, even for informed consumers." Its a distinction without a difference; when those who are addicted to a certain product, the minds of the victims are already set to that specific idea of " I am addicted and I cannot stop". 

The mind works in many various ways. In Franks words, "moral sentiments are extremely powerful drivers of human behavior. People who know they’ll be ridiculed for telling untruths are more likely to show restraint." Knowing that a statement is false, a person does not change it's mind set, making no difference to their opinion. They must be discouraged that the knowledge is, in fact, the truth to make it effective. False or irrelevant information can impact an irrelevant decision. We must encourage ourselves that what we hear or see is factual or else our brains would not trigger at all.  

I think back to the times that I have attempted to trick my mind when it came to getting things done. Such as getting up on time for school. I would routinely set my alarm clock thirty minutes earlier than what I had planned to wake up at, but my body and mind would know that I had thirty more minutes to kill some sleeping time, making it even harder for me to wake up when I had to. My body, laying tirelessly on my bed, would crave for those extra minutes that it can.

Our brains are a lot smarter than we think it is, no matter how hard we try to trick our minds. What we know is settled and that is that. We cannot lie to ourselves when we know the truth!

Frank, Robert H. "The Impact of the Irrelevant on Decision-Making." Nytimes.com.
        New York Times, 29 May 2010. Web. 8 Nov. 2013.                                                                 <http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/30/business/30view.html?_r=1&>.

CC 1:2 Earthquake Safety in California

In a recent article by Ari Bloomekatz in Los Angeles Times news entitled "Millions of Californians to take part in 'ShakeOut' earthquake drills," millions of California residents and students are practicing a "drop, cover, and hold on" drill for future earthquakes in emergency situations.

The article claims, "In Los Angeles, the drill will take place at 10:17 a.m. at Rosemont Elementary School, where students will act as if they've been injured in a quake and emergency crews respond to the scene. " During the drill, firefighters, the volunteers who will help out for the kids, will take part in the act. According to the moving plates on the California lands, there are high risks for major earthquakes to take place anywhere in the mountains, the places where most students and citizens would take place.

Bloomekatz quotes, "Responding to a Los Angeles Times report of structurally vulnerable buildings that could expose thousands to injury or death, Garcetti said he was 'interested in creative ways of making buildings safer.'" Creating buildings that could hold an earthquake could potentially improve the death rates of earthquake victims. Safer buildings will keep the students from getting tumbled on by roofs and other various materials in the schools.

The article also asserts, "Garcetti is facing a tangle of unforeseen political and legal challenges as he grapples with what action the city should take to identify and reinforce hundreds of old concrete buildings that may be at risk of collapse in a major earthquake." The buildings of California, including the schools, are not safe for people to be in when an earthquake takes place. The government in California are taking action by planning on removing the risky buildings and creating better, and more stable architectures.

When I was a little kid in the Philippines, the country that I was born in, I remember experiencing a tiny earthquake. Although it was not very effective, it could have still managed to do some damages. The houses, shacks that were made out of cheap materials, and buildings there were not very stable and could easily fall down since the material that the homes were made of was very loose.

Earthquake safety should be enforced through out the whole world, no matter where the plates are located. It is better to be safe than sorry. Schools all around should practice learning what to do when it occurs. Intellectual education is not the only education that people should study for. Students must also learn how to defend themselves when a predicaments come their way.

CC 1:1 Ole Miss Football Players Yell Gay Slurs

In a recent article by Kim Severson and Alan Blinder in New York Times news entitled "University of Mississippi Investigating Anti-Gay Heckling at Theater Performance," a group of Ole Miss football players were screaming hateful gay slurs during an anti-gay theater play in Oxford, Missouri.

"The two groups of students, about as far apart as any cultural groups on a college campus could be, became linked this week after football players and other freshmen disrupted the play with homophobic heckling." In 1962, the university is still struggling with the horrible integration that resulted in two deaths and dozens of injuries. The play, an act about a bullied homosexual, was a racial healing theme to unify the college together. The actions of the men was immature and unnecessary, although some students disagree.

"Once an investigation of the heckling on Tuesday is concluded, the school will consider disciplinary action, which could range from a public apology to expulsion, Dr. Jones said." With the football players irresponsible action, they are to take a theater appreciation class for the unrespectable gay comments that they interrupted with during the play. Some has even apologized for the slurs to an actor, the main character of the act.

"For the cast members, who gathered in the theater at noon Friday to discuss the episode and listen to encouraging words from administrators and theater faculty, the fact that the play provoked such strong reaction was, in a way, exactly what theater is supposed to do." The play made such an impact on those that watched it. Just as it was supposed to. It sampled how people were judgemental towards the gay community.

There was no need in such hurtful words towards the gay actors while performing such a symbolic play. I personally have homosexual friends who I dearly care about, and although it was a play about a tragic story of a gay man who was brutally judged, beaten, and eventually killed, there should be some respect from the audience. Everyone should be treated equally, no matter what the sexual orientation. Everyday, there is always someone who is bullied for their views on life, and cannot stand for it.

Why judge a person for loving another person of the same sexuality? It is a personal decision, and no one has to deal with it but the person involved. This world is full of hateful and judgmental human beings, and we should have the freedom to love, care, and marry the partner that we desire.

Reflction Time

In our Junior year of English, our teacher, Mrs. Gillmore, has assigned us to use our imaginative mind and create a short story. We are to write about a fictional character using a rising action, conflict, and resolution. With this, we are also to create a scene and plot of what the story is about, leaving a theme for us to learn.

Using techniques that I have recently learned over the years, I was able to quickly think of a character of what I envisioned my story to be. It was a hard process of figuring out what it will be about. Although, the story might not be clear in my mind, it should get easier as I continue on with typing the story and discovering new approaches.

Finding the plot of the story was most difficult, to be honest. I do not have a wondering mind with imaginative stories that could quickly appear in my head, although with the experiences that I've had in my life, I used those memories to create a story line. Before I could write the plot, I had to find a character. A character with a name and meaning. It became frustrating as I sat and sat until I finally found my character.

Let me introduce you to Aphrodite, a girl who was antisocial. During her high school years, all she had was a book in her hands and an a Kindle tucked nicely inside her monochromatic one strapped backpack, which was there just incase she needed it. Although she might seem as if she had no one there to accompany her, there was Jenna, a girl who became friends wih Aphrodite the minute they sat at the very same table in Mrs. Gillmore's first grade class.

The overall story should turn out pretty well. By trying my hardest with strong motivations to finish with an amazing ending line, I should get a decent grade for this story. Writing a story is not always easy. Wish me luck.

CC#4: Braces For Fashion?

In a recent magazine by New York Times, called Upfront, an article entitled "Jonesing for Braces," describes the high demands of teen braces in the Southeast Asian countries.

The article explains, "..braces have become such a fashion and status symbol in Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia that some teens are actually sporting fake braces." Unlike teenagers here in America, asian teens actually want to wear braces; not only for the fun of it, but because it has become a fashion item in their country. American kids dread wearing braces for so many months and years at a time, but not like Asia. It is a blessing and an envy to wear them.

Braces are not cheap. According to the article, it states, "Beauty salons sell them for about $100. Real braces, by contrast, cost about $1,200 in Asia, making them a luxury item for only the rich." The demand to look good is not only high, but expensive too. Here in America, it cost thousands to fix and straighten teeth. Braces in Asia are a form of luxury and it is an item that only the well off can afford.

Fake braces also come with dangers. In the text it says, "Health officials however, are warning teens to stay away from fake braces, since they may contain lead and can be swallowed accidentally." Looking fashionable comes with disadvantages. Like many things, they have warnings and dangerous outcomes. Because some braces are fake, they are not well made. They could loosen and may put you at risks.

Here in America, braces are a teens worse nightmare. As for me, I am deathly afriad of having to wear them. Sadly, I have to very soon. I have no idea why Asians have come to favor such things, but as an Asian myself, I can not stand to wear them, due to the fact that it does not make me look any better, nor do they feel good.

Braces has come to be a trend in the Asian countries around the world. They are not just to fix teeth or improve your smile, they are also a form of accessory that people, in some parts of earth, enjoy wearing. Although, the thought of wanting to wear braces is obsurd, Asians love to look of them. Which is why braces are a high demand in the Southeast Asian countries.

Women of Afghanistan

Since the ruling of Taliban in 1996, women in Afghanistan have struggled to survive and keep the rights that they longed deserved. Afghanistan became male-dominant country, controlling the women of their every move. Their rights were taken from them, and the life that they had before 1996, suddenly was removed and was forced to abide by the laws.

Women were kept from going to school, having an education, leaving the house without a male escort, getting a career, and even having the right to vote. They were forced to wear clothing that covered them from head to toe. If they were spotted from wearing the wrong clothing or seeing an inch of their socks, they were to be beaten and humiliated in public. Women who were once teachers and doctors, had to force themself into prostitution, just to keep food on the table and money in their pockets. The life of an Afghan woman, became hell when practically all their rights were stolen from them.

In many common stories, women were beaten to death and abused by their fathers, husbands, or brothers. Although it was illegal for men to do so, they did nothing to the men that nearly killed their wives. In one story, a women was stabbed multiple times with a knife, was thrown boiling water at her, and was even transmitted a sexual disease. All done by her abusive and heartless husband when she attempted to leave him.

In Afghanistan, women and little girls are treated with no respect; treating them like dogs and controlling their every move. They were born with little to no rights and raised by the power of men. Women were imprisoned, beaten, or killed for their moral crimes, causing them to run away. They are forced to marry men that their father had arranged for them, they fear for their lives, and the violence that they experience had caused their insecurities and scarred them for life. Women have no voice, no opinion on anything they have to say. They are being forced to act in certain ways or horrible things will sure to come. It is either life or death in Afghanistan for women.

Taliban ruled Afghanistan until 2001, but the struggle to get their rights back, is still a slow and frustrating process. The country may not be as horrible as it was back then, but the experiences and abuses, still haunts them every day. The country of American do not know how lucky they are to have such freedom and liberty. While some are complainging about the life of Ameria, there is a child or woman in Afghanistan is struggling to survive.

CC#3: Guns Result in Suicides.

In a recent article by Sabrina Tavernise in New york Times news entitled "To Reduce Suicide Rates, New Focus Turns to Guns," Gun control have been a hot topic for the citizens of America, who is not sure whether or not it is good to have gun rights.

"Nearly 20,000 of the 30,000 deaths from guns in the United States in 2010 were suicides, according to the most recent figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention." According to this, the percentage rate of teenagers across the country have increased, due to the fact that it was easy for them to access guns and weapons. Suicide is the third most common leading death to teenagers.

" The state-level data are too broad to tell whether the deaths were in homes with guns, but a series of individual-level studies since the early 1990s found a direct link. " Researchers believe that keeping guns in the homes of others, have caused the shootings in schools and suicides on teens. Also they believe that keeping guns in your homes is like having a ticking time bomb. Some officials are actually trying to prevent familes from owning their own guns, and keeping them locked up so that children and teenagers cannot have access to it at all.

"Seeking to lower death rates, health departments in Missouri, Wyoming and North Carolina are giving out gunlocks." To lower the risk of another death of a child, state prevention teams in Wyoming have put up signs and warnings to people who own guns, explaining the dangers that it might lead. Wyoming has one of the highest suicide rates in America.

This reminds me of the many teenagers that had died last year in Cave City, Arkansas. There were about 5 students that had died, and some causes of it, were guns. Suicide here in the Batesville are have been high in the last year and a half.

The issue for gun control is still a debate in America. Some say that we should not have guns in our homes to prevent those around us from hurting themselves. We should still have the right to bear arms. It makes us safe and protected. We never know when we need it some day.

BR#1: Before I fall.

Lauren Oliver's Before I fall is a page turning, interesting, entertaining book that will keep you reading for more.

One of the themes in the book is that you are left with many choices in life, but you just have to make the right one. Samantha relives Friday, February 12th seven times. Each day, she makes different choices to try and change the outcome of the day. The third time Sam wakes up on the same day, she chooses to completely rebel. She gets to school late, skips most of her classes, seduces her teacher, and smokes marijuana. The days following, Sam tries to be a better person.

With the author using the main character as the first person, it gives me a real teenage view of how girls look at high school life in this generation. I liked the fact that the author gave real life actions and experiences that teenagers go through, and how the author used slang and updated words that readers can understand. The book was somewhat funny. Parts of it had some humor, but overall, it was a dramatic story. The narrator's voice is stuck up and kind of care free, but during the end of the book, she decides to be a good person and turns her actions around. During the whole book, she repeats the same day of the last day that she will ever live, but each day she makes a better decisions and tries to make things right.

The writer makes me believe that all the characters are real, because the people in the book are the people that I've known all my life. Some of the characters are very rebellious and it makes me wanna grab them by the neck and choke them because of how horrible they act around people. For example, Samantha tries to seduce her teacher by giving him a flirtatious and exposing conversation with him. Samantha was also said to be smoking weed with a girl in the bathroom while skipping class.

I recommend this book to anyone and everyone that loves a great story. I was recommended this by a good friend of mine and I would love everyone to read this because it is a great story!

CC#2: Cougars in Training.

In a recent article by Stephanie Goldberg in CNN news entitled "Cougars in training: Young women dating even younger men," Women, such as famous actresses, have taken more interest in younger men, other than men older, or even their age.

"As the public becomes accustomed to tales of 40- and 50-year-old women who date younger men, 20- and 30-something women who do the same are still regarded as a strange species." Men who date older women, cougars, are labeled to be "pumas." Many people might feel uncomfortable with the idea of dating a much younger man. Others might feel as if it was like dating their own mother, although some might think, dating a younger woman is just the same as dating a younger man.

"In October, London-based video blogger Emily Hartridge, 28, posted a video about the benefits of dating a younger man. The comedic vlog listed reasons such as 'younger guys try harder to please you" and "you get to feel more in charge' among the perks." Some men like women with power and independence. They might feel more taken care of when dating an older woman of their age. I guess some men like the fact of a women being more powerful than they are.

"As more Hollywood actresses and models, such as Eva Longoria, date younger men, the unwarranted stigma surrounding such relationships will fade, matchmaker Patti Stanger said." Many of the famous ladies in Hollywood are getting more into younger men these days. Such as actress Jamie-Lynn Sigler, who annouced her engagement to 23 year old baseball player, Cutter Dykstra; and even Demi Moore, who is currently married to Ashton Kutcher. They are 15 years apart, making Demi a much older woman.

Many of the women that I have known in Batesville are older than their husbands. My third and fifth grade teacher is 10 years older than her husband. This remind me of a show that I recently watched called True life: I'm dating someone older. A reality show of young men who are dating strong and powerful women, who they can not live without.

With more men wanting love and support, some might suggest on dating or marrying an older women due to the fact that they can take care of them instead of taking care of the woman. Dating younger men are becoming a more regular and normal thing.

CC#1: King discovered under parking lot in England.

In a recent article by Bryony Jones in CNN news entitled "Body found under parking lot is King Richard III, scientists prove," Studies show the body that they have discovered had belonged to King Richard III, who was killed during the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1845.

"Experts say other evidence -- including battle wounds and signs of scoliosis, or curvature of the spine -- found during the search and the more than four months of tests since strongly support the DNA findings," King Richard, a man who lived during the Elizabethan period, had a problem with scoliosis, giving him the character of a hunch back in Shakespears stories. The finding of the former king, had been a shock to scientists.

"Archaeologists say their examination of the skeleton shows Richard met a violent death." While searching for more evidence of how the body had been killed, they noticed 8 wounds to the head and 2 on the body. Researchers say that the fatal hear insures might be the cause for his death during his last battles. They also noticed that his hands were tied when he was burried to the ground.

"The initial discovery of the remains provoked much debate in Britain as to what would happen with the body, if it were proven to be that of Richard III, with many calling for a state funeral at Westminster Abbey, and others backing a burial in York Minster, in keeping with the king's heritage as a member of the House of York." King Richard was an annointed Christian King when was alive. They are planning to burry him next to Leicester Cathedral, and a memorial will be held early next year.

This reminds me of the many discoveries in unexpected areas of the world. In an article that I have read in the past year, a man was discovered in an ice block. Some say that it belonged to a mountain man that had drowned many years ago. Remains were still on his body. It was an amazing discovery for many scientists.

Wtth the founding of King Richard's body, it created more research into history that they have longed studied. It forced more research and examination, looking into history more deeply with the new discovery. The skeleton expanded history with better evidence, but more questions to answer.

My American Dream

                We can all remember Martin Luther King, Junior, a man with high hopes and strong beliefs, who gave America one of the most memorable speeches that changed the country forever. He had a dream; a dream that soon came to a reality. This was what gave me the motivation to foresee my own American dream to live life with success and happiness, with the hopes of America improving in the near future.

With a good education and school, I can achieve my goal of graduating with flying colors. I dream of walking down to my teachers as they finally give me that diploma I have worked to receive. After succeeding with high school, I have a dream of getting accepted to Arkansas State University to pursue my dream of becoming a nurse. With the knowledge of high demands for nurses in the next few years, I can be confident that it will not be hard for me to become what I want to be. Even though I think of myself as a very independent person, I hope to one day marry a man who can not only be a partner, but a best friend, who will stick by me till deaths do us apart and raise beautiful children until they are old enough to go off by themselves. This is my personal American dream. I dream of a happy and successful life, but we all know it does not come easy. With hard work, motivation, time, effort, and confidence, I can one day live my life that I have dreamed about since I have been an American.

                One day, this country will change, but for the better. Every day we witness several judgments and bullying, simply because of how we look, what we believe in, and the way we live our life. We all have the right to express ourselves. We have the right to be who we want to be and become what we want to become. Someday, I will walk down the streets of this city and pass by the citizens that we come across, and I will not be judged and looked at wrong, just because I am different. America is the land of the free and home of the brave. I dream of no more judging a book by its cover and peace with others around us.

                A dream is not always just an action. It can be turned into a reality if you strive to achieve  your goals. My American dream is not a fantasy, but a hope of a better future. Someday, I will not call it “my American dream”, but instead “my American life”.