The Road less traveled

1) My father is a perfect example of why you should be passionate and love your job. He had the tough choice of having to choose an alternate career, and to this day though he finds his job tolerable, he wishes he had pursued the field he truly found desirable for a career, which was medicine. Due to circumstances and his upbringing in India however, he wasn't able to chase his dreams. Often he tells me how his father had not provided him with the information or opportunities that I possess. Reiterating often that I should seize the advantages I have in choosing a career. Like many Indians that immigrate to Canada in earlier times, he had been an extremely bright student, however upon reaching Canada pressure from his family to work any dead end job he could find in order to provide consumed his career and time. Eventually he became an engineer, but this only happened many, many years later. I've learned from his experiences that education is the only escape from rigorous and burdening times. He's taught me that it's important to pursue this, and that it will lead you along the path to finding and pursuing your passion too. I took away from him that to lead a fulfilling life, one must find something they enjoy to do for the rest of their life for work, and faithfully pursue it.

2) In the future I hope to find a career in Science, preferably in medicine. Since I was young I've also expressed a desire to do something in medicine, although the choice in career has changed often since my youth. Although my reasoning for choosing it was a career has switched from selfish reasons such as financial gains, to sincerely wanting to make a difference in helping people.
I have extensively talked with family members that are in the field or are trying to pursue it as well. This gives me a bit of insight on the difficulties of the field. I also volunteered at the hospital in order to see what the job can be like first hand. I plan to attend University somewhere and attain a Bachelor of Sciences degree, though my major at this point remains a mystery to myself, as who can tell what the future might hold for me. Many careers in sciences are also very competitive in nature, so trying to obtain a job that I'm passionate about could be a struggle, and something I'll have to take very seriously. Currently I plan taking loans, getting scholarships and whatever remains left over for costs I will approach my family for financial assistance, most likely working part time as well.

Taming of the Shrew and 10 things I hate about you

The movie "Ten Things I hate about you" was successful in capturing that essence of "Taming of the Shrew" in a modern context, to a great extent. Most of what made the movie so great was how they portrayed the development of Katherines conforming to what society deemed acceptable. Though done much differently, Patrick (Petruchio) successfully tamed her to the point where by the end of the movie she acted her age, and wasn't so cold any longer. The Bianca in the movie was also done well to contrast the one from the play, in how she acted ditzy and innocent, while the story progressed we saw her truer colors appear. She became more of an individual thinker, her traits becoming a little closer to that of what we saw her sister had. There were differences though, as we saw less suitors such as Gremio being more subtley played  by a character named Bogie, who played no real role in the romance.

The Road

 “You forget what you want to remember, and you remember what you want to forget.” (p 144)

   This quote expresses how as humans we often put negative emotions and memories above positive ones, and empathize them too much. We forget what kept us optimistic once and instead drown ourselves in our bad experiences. I found myself feeling this way many times. I recall an embarassing event or something traumatizing and it overshadows any other thoughts I'm having. But anything that makes me feel joyous lasts for a short while before returning to overthinking any blunders I've committed. Although sometimes it's a good thing we remember what we want to forget, as mistakes would be repeated if not for that. Genocides, for example are something terrifying, but forgetting them would be an insult to the memory of those who suffered through it. Teenagers want to forget many things in their younger years, but they remember and grow mature from them.

  Everyone can sympathize with this quote as they've all been in the position. It's painful, but nessecary to remember those agonizing moments you suffered through. The only way to remedy this is try harder to pull up your better experiences in life and keep it balanced, so not to smother yourself in negativity. In retrospect bad things will always dictate how we think of ourselves. Repeating, “You forget what you want to remember, and you remember what you want to forget," it is evident that this quote can be related to people of any race, culture and class.

Cell phones suck

In the article Public Display of Disaffection written by Anne Kingston with Alex Ballingall, there are three main points to be observed. all three of which pertain to technology and its misuses. First point of mention would be the physical attachment people carry with them that is their cellphone, ignoring actual interaction. Many find it rude to 'conduct a real time conversation while texting someone'. Or to send a thank you note via email, instead of personally. Of course the younger you are the more tolerant you are to things such as this, going as far as 'people under age 25 didn't see anything wrong with texting during sex.' This shows an obvious deterioration in real interaction between people. Secondly, cell phones can be a disruption in public facilities as well. Restaurants find the devices a nuisance as they 'routinely ask people to take loud cell conversations outside.' As well as people being able to carry out intimate conversations loudly easier while on a cell phone than not. They can be a public disturbance in a dangerous nature too, as one woman "[was so] preoccupied with her cell [that] she didn't even notice the sirens flagging her down". Over 6000 deaths and half a million injuries are caused by distracted drivers, which further supports the idea that cell phone users are further disturbing those around them in both an impolite and dangerous way. Finally the  article covers the etiquette of when its deemed proper to pull out by its users. Pamela Eyring has a more extreme view on it, seeing it as that 'the guest of honor has a responsibility to be present in the moment,' making texting or being on your phone at all inexcusable. Further going into detail, it also explains how electronic gadgetry 'connects far-flung virtual communities and irritates the person standing next to you.' But as the University of New York's study believes, there are no accepted standards as 'social networking obliterates etiquette: thumbs drum in rise of multitasking rudeness.'

My personal point of view on all of it is split however. I do believe that cell phones have certainly reduced one-on-one interaction between people, as it is blatantly obvious how there are many kids who find it much easier to carry out a conversation online rather than in person. Also a quote about 'a date [leaving] early because the other person was 'constantly glancing' at their cell' rings especially true, as you look at any group of young people now you will find them doing exactly that. I can also agree with cell phones being a public disturbance to a certain extent, but I feel it varies greatly on the person. I don't see a problem with cell phones being used in a restaurant, although there's an obvious issue if a conversation is being carried out loudly (which I have witnessed before, and it was indeed a disturbance). I also see the problem with distracted drivers, which fittingly in B.C there are now laws in place to prevent that. My belief is that during a public speech, the guest of honor should be present in the moment too, but I don't see what's wrong with using their phone during intervals or appropriate times. I find the use of cell phones very situational in its etiquette, and that some carry out perhaps too serious of a crusade out on it.

There are many instances in which cell phones are acceptable. I don't believe that using one in a restaurant is nearly as bad as it is made out to be seen. You are simply there to be served food, and whether or not you're using a cell phone is none of their concern. I do believe in interaction between server and customer coming first though. For any public speaking occasion I find it unacceptable however. The attention should solely stay on the speaker, as you are there to listen to what they are trying to convey. I don't believe anybody would want to have their audience busy in their own matters whilst the attention is needed. Cell phones are also incredibly use in times of an emergency, and things like cell phones jammers just seems a bit too risky and extreme for the damage it could cause versus its benefits. We have moved towards a society where cell phones dominate our lives in many ways, some still need to get used to this. Others have to tone down their use of technology as it unsettles others. A certain balance has to be found.

Superpower

If I could manage to obtain any superpower I desired, I would choose the ability to stop time. With this power, I would be able to alter events present easily. It practically enables me to be able to change any course of action to favor me. Say I was ever faced with a situation where I was being bullied, and the kids assaulting me were about to thrust my face into a unhygienic urinal, I could prevent myself from having to suffer from this traumatic experience by simply stopping time and changing places with them.

The bullied becomes the bullier.

Of course I become the villain in this case, but whoever said that antagonists don't get superpowers too?

School will become a breeze too, as I can just stop time whenever I choose to, and get answers from my peers. Study no longer! Cafeteria lineups? No longer an existent issue for me. Stop time and cut to the front. If I were feeling especially cunning, I could even take food for free, but I think I'm above that despite my less than righteous ideals I preach.

Of course, I don't think I'd hesitate to steal Krispy Kreme donuts if the situation were to call for it. Glazed to perfection, the sensation of them melting in your mouth is worth stooping to such a pitiful level.

Walter Mitty: Fast and the Furious

After Mrs. Mitty came out of the drugstore, they climbed into their automobile, Walter fastened his seat belt, turned on the windscreen wipers and carefully pulled away from the curb. As they drove out of Waterbury he noticed the car he had been searching for was now in viewing distance. Walter hit the clutch, and sped up, zooming past traffic. However now there were pursuers gaining on him, fast and armed. He avoided the bullets with his precise steering, and kept his eyes focused ahead, where his damsel in distress awaited for rescue. Dodging bullets along the way, Walter kept looking back at his GPS to see where his Pursuers, and the one who he was pursuing, were leading him to. The GPS stated that they were nearing an empty, and deserted lot. The cars internal phone system rang, and Walter quickly answered.

"I have a proposition for you, that could benefit both of us." said a raspy, unclear voice. 


"I'm all ears." answered Walter. 


After the discussion with his target was over, Walter instinctively knew this man was all talk, and no action. He had a huge Achilles heel, and Walter planned on abusing it. Now the cars entered the deserted lot, and Walter began slowing down, parking his car in the center, while the pursuers made a circle around him. Walter Mitty slowly opened his door, and stepped outside with his hands in the air.


"Hmph, you bunch of sorry dunces. I guess every dog has his day." mocked Walter. 


The man behind the car Walter had been chasing finally stepped out. He seemed to be around his 40's. Slowly taking off his shades, he replied, "Same goes for you, Walter Mitty," he scowled, "I guess even a blind squirrel finds an acorn once in awhile."


"You give yourself too much credit, comparing tracking you to a blind squirrel"


"Shut up!" he roared, "Now Walter Mitty, I will extract my revenge. An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth." 


The man raised his gun to Walters forehead. "I came dressed to kill, Mitty." 


Walter knew this was his last chance. He closed his eyes and worked up the courage to place his plan into effect. His lips began slowly moving, but not before he heard the click of the gun, and the loud, sharp noise of the bullet firing. Walter told himself subconsciously that he shouldn't have tempted fate.


A sharp pain suddenly seared in Walter Mitty's cheeks, as he awoke from his imagination startled. He looked over to the passenger seat to see a furious Mrs. Mitty fuming, and lecturing him about veering off the road and nearly causing an accident. Walter set himself straight, and drove his tediously long drive back home in silence, eventually pulling up to the curb of his house. 

Bulls Vs Jazz '98 Finals Game 6

Game 6 of the NBA finals, the Delta Center packed, everyone in the stadium knew he was going to end up with the ball in his hands, no doubts in that matter. The Chicago Bulls knew is just as well, with the ball in the hands of Michael Jordan, a man who only becomes more unstoppable as larger the obstacles he faces become. The Jazz would learn of this in a heart shattering moment, where all the sweat and blood shed the entire season to get here, would be for nothing at a moments notice.

        Michael had dominated the fourth quarter, scoring 16 on his own and carrying the offense for the finals minutes. His supporting players such as Scottie Pippen hampered by injuries, could only watch as he worked his magic on the offensive end. Time winding down quickly, he drove hard to the net scoring layup that made the difference in between catching up or being left behind. The Bulls were quick to return to the defensive, where Karl Malone finally sank under the extreme pressure emitting from Jordan's defense. He had been stripped, and with only seconds remaining in the clock, the Bulls were finally in a position to win.

          The stadium was frozen in awe as they watched Jordan dribble the ball up the court, Jazz defense scurrying back desperately. The opposing team felt panic, everybody in the stadium knew when the ball was in this man's hands, he could spell doom for them. Bryon Russel from the Jazz tried occupying the lane Jordan was heading through. Michael faked towards the basket, Bryon bit, slipping, falling to the floor. Now he could only helplessly watch as time seemed to freeze, and he saw Jordan's body hanging in midair with a flawless form.  The motion of the wrist came, and the 20 footer made its mark. The reality of the situation came crashing down on the Jazz, as they tried helplessly to make a miracle happen with a few seconds left.

          It was all over for the Jazz, and the  man that had lead them to their demise walked off the court nobly, with 45 points under his belt and his sixth Finals MVP, reaffirming his status as the NBA's greatest player.