4.23.2009
4.21.2009
4.17.2009
AAHHHH - end of the semester is here
Ok so the end of the semester is here. Easter break was of course way too short but it was very nice. My mom came from Mass and we went to a museum and the vineyards over the weekend. It was very relaxing and I always love spending time with my family. We colored eggs and made traditional Greek food and some other Easter food, which was very yummy! Then Tuesday came and the overwhelming amount of work came over me and ever since then I feel like it is non stop homework. Aaahhh, does anyone else just want to scream. Can't wait, only 2 more weeks then summer time!!!
4.07.2009
FAMILY WEEKEND in Mass
This weekend I went home to visit my very best friend who is actually like a sister from another mother. I had such a great time because she just had a baby and he is the cutest little boy ever. His name is Kaden and he will be a week old tomorrow. He was born on April fool's day, which is actually my grandfather's death anniversary. Some may say this is sad but I believe that it is a great day because my grandfather was a great man though his life was shorter than we all had wanted a great little boy was born on a great man's death anniversary. So I believe he will be something extraordinary one day, as my grandfather made a great difference in the world working with persons with disabilities. Anyways, the weekend was great! I enjoyed spending time with my new nephew. Though we are not blood I feel family can be anyone very close to you created by a special connection. I can't wait to watch him grow and spend time with him when I am home in Mass this summer.
3.27.2009
Tattoos && Piercings
My newest tattoo, not yet finished!! I plan to add the words courage and faith ... So I always wonder what makes people like what they like, is it their parents, experiences, school, or peers or all of it put together. I suppose its all of it put together. One of my guilty pleasures and often times impulsive decisions include tattoos and piercings. To many this seems crazy, such a permanent decision is impulsive well to me it gives me a thrill. Most of the time I have been thinking about it for a while and just one day say today is the day. A lot of times I am going through personal hardship and new things like tattoos and piercings really brighten my day. Maybe its the age I live in or maybe its just who I am. Either way I can't help but love em. I can never understand when people dont like things I have a passion for but I always respect their likes and dislikes : )
3.24.2009
ooo Spring ooo
Spring time is my favorite time of year for three reasons – the weather, Easter, and my birthday!!! Though the weather can still be chilly in the early weeks of spring the sun immediately brightens my day when I wake up. Today is one of those days that can be pretty chilly, but the sun is out so that is the positive side of the spectrum. I am sad because tomorrow will be a rainy day of spring, but at the same time I have class all day so I am happy I will not be missing out on a beautiful day. I am very excited for Easter my mom is coming to stay for the weekend all the way from Massachusetts plus its my favorite holiday. This will be the second Easter I have not had in my home, which I grew up in my whole life. That is a bit sad to me, but I'll get over it! I love many things about Easter, but unfortunately this year I will have to miss out on one of my absolute favorites – my aunts pastitseo (a greek pasta dish). I think that I will make up for that by asking my mom to teach me to cook it, although she is not Greek, she knows how to cook some of the food because that's how it is when you marry a Greek. My favorite part of Easter is finding my Easter basket, enjoying the candy, and being forgiven. Finally, the best part of this spring is I turn 21 in May!!!
3.10.2009
ART <3 PHOTOGRAPHY : )
BOB MARLEY EXIBIT *** AMAZING PHOTOGRAPHS BY DAVID BURNETT
http://www.govindagallery.com
http://www.davidburnett.com
3.03.2009
Misunderstood - Part V
"see you’re the type that gets off on getting on other people that’s not good no homo, rather unhuman, I should say I mean giving the fact that humanity were a good humanity rather to me is helping one another no matter your color or race but this guy and people like him, they’d rather speculate before they informate if that’s a word, ha-haahha you know spec before check anyways meaning id much rather you talk to me first and see if you can lend an opinion before you link one just my thought of good humanity... and it doesn’t make you a good person to criticize before you improvise doesn’t necessarily make you a bad person either but the characteristics fall heavily into bads way, ahah but since I am human I am good and bad, as well but I try my hardest to stay good some of the things I do and say may be bad or just not to good but I do try, so with that said I don’t fault you, I mean your only human, good or bad but I also don’t respect you and I don’t care if that’s good or bad" (elyricsworld.com)
This is probably my favorite part of the song because it reminds me of two of my favorite American authors, Henry David Thoreau (Walden) and Ralph Waldo Emerson (Self-Reliacnce). One must be there unique individual self because thats what God intended them to be. We all have flaws, but as long as we try to be good and not judge before we have reasonable evidence and even so helping one another is key. These also lead to a semi - religious connotation of helping one another this was a teaching of Jesus love one another and this is how one will experience god. Lil Wayned goes on to forgive as well saying "I don't fault you," which can be seen as another religious connotation. I love every point he makes here. I absolutelt love the word choice and flow this truly makes the song for me.
This is probably my favorite part of the song because it reminds me of two of my favorite American authors, Henry David Thoreau (Walden) and Ralph Waldo Emerson (Self-Reliacnce). One must be there unique individual self because thats what God intended them to be. We all have flaws, but as long as we try to be good and not judge before we have reasonable evidence and even so helping one another is key. These also lead to a semi - religious connotation of helping one another this was a teaching of Jesus love one another and this is how one will experience god. Lil Wayned goes on to forgive as well saying "I don't fault you," which can be seen as another religious connotation. I love every point he makes here. I absolutelt love the word choice and flow this truly makes the song for me.
2.27.2009
Misunderstood - Part IV
"you know we don't have room in the jail now for the real mothaf**kas, the real criminals sex offenders, rapists serial killers, s**t like thatdon't get scared, don't get scared I know you saw one them sex offenders papers don’t trip he live right on the end of yo block, Mhm yea, that nigga live right down the street from you, sex offender on the level 3 drug, convicted ex-con yea check em out watch you got, you got a daughter, son , what you got.?" elyricsworld.com
I agree with his statement to an extent, however once again my knowledge is limited on jail statistics.I do not beleive drug dealers for that crime a lone should be sittin in jail, because I truly believe drugs should be legal and controlled. I believe if this were the case we would have more room in jail, more jobs and product to help the economy, plus the economy would save money by decreasing the number of persons and jail and the probono lawyers serving the lower class dealers, which tend to have the most arrests according to lil wayne. I realize this statement is very controversial, but the logic in my mind with my experience sees that there are ADDICTS and even with clinics and services to help we still have drugs on the streets. People are going to do them and find them regardless of the laws. Personally I see this as personal choice and again facts could possibly reinforce my opinion. I do not believe more people would do it and I think if its controlled all would go well. I mean why not? Because people will get addicted is one argument - America is land of the free if thats what they want to do, let them. I don't want to hurt anyone nor will I stand by a government that always it, but I do believe the law is a deterrant when it comes to drugs dealers and users. We are just consuming are jails and using a lot of money for drugs but gaining nothing. It's an inevitable situation to me, and cannot be controlled by anyone other than the government. Guns kill people quicker and easier than drugs, but drugs are illegal. It doesn't make sense.
As for sex offenders, recently I learned from a DEA officers daughter, whom researched the topic for about 6 years, that they are unable to get better - EVER EVER EVER! They always relapse. Its proven! Now would you rather a working guy trying to make a little extra money selling to someone who chooses to do drugs live next door or a sex offender who spends time in jail but never has remorse nor gets healed. It truly is a psycological disease that cannot be cured. I would rather a drug dealer provided he doesn't commit any other crimes, just like lil wayne!
I agree with his statement to an extent, however once again my knowledge is limited on jail statistics.I do not beleive drug dealers for that crime a lone should be sittin in jail, because I truly believe drugs should be legal and controlled. I believe if this were the case we would have more room in jail, more jobs and product to help the economy, plus the economy would save money by decreasing the number of persons and jail and the probono lawyers serving the lower class dealers, which tend to have the most arrests according to lil wayne. I realize this statement is very controversial, but the logic in my mind with my experience sees that there are ADDICTS and even with clinics and services to help we still have drugs on the streets. People are going to do them and find them regardless of the laws. Personally I see this as personal choice and again facts could possibly reinforce my opinion. I do not believe more people would do it and I think if its controlled all would go well. I mean why not? Because people will get addicted is one argument - America is land of the free if thats what they want to do, let them. I don't want to hurt anyone nor will I stand by a government that always it, but I do believe the law is a deterrant when it comes to drugs dealers and users. We are just consuming are jails and using a lot of money for drugs but gaining nothing. It's an inevitable situation to me, and cannot be controlled by anyone other than the government. Guns kill people quicker and easier than drugs, but drugs are illegal. It doesn't make sense.
As for sex offenders, recently I learned from a DEA officers daughter, whom researched the topic for about 6 years, that they are unable to get better - EVER EVER EVER! They always relapse. Its proven! Now would you rather a working guy trying to make a little extra money selling to someone who chooses to do drugs live next door or a sex offender who spends time in jail but never has remorse nor gets healed. It truly is a psycological disease that cannot be cured. I would rather a drug dealer provided he doesn't commit any other crimes, just like lil wayne!
2.16.2009
Misunderstood Part III
"would be less to send his or her young ass to college
see, and another thing the white guy was stressing was that
our jails are populated with drug dealers, you know crack/cocaine stuff like that
meaning due to the laws we have on crack/cocaine and regular cocaine
police are only, i don't want to say only right, but shit
only logic by riding around in the hood all day
and not in the suburbs
because crack cocaine is mostly found in the hood
and you know the other thing is mostly found in you know where i'm going
but why bring a mothaf**ka to jail if it's not gon stand up in court
cuz this drug aint that drug, you know level 3, level 4 drug, shit like that
i guess it's all a misunderstanding"(/www.elyricsworld.com)
I will start by describing the classifications of drugs for those who do not know. Drugs are classified based on the effects and use of the drug. Since cocaine and crack cocaine are similar in nature crack cocaine is the much cheaper form, which is sold in poverty areas where there is an overpopulation. As previously discussed, the population density causes an increase for cops opposed to in the suburbs so the chances of getting caught are greater. What many fail to understand is that the world has addicts, they will get drugs one way or another especially if they are addicted to drugs of this sort. So is putting all these dealers in jail really worth it? Though often times drug dealers are involved in other crimes I can see the argument that they should be locked up, but personally I would love to give one an opportunity, a full scholarship to college and see if they could make it or is jail really were they need to be. Ultimately, I believe in second chances and that its hard to establish one self in a crime filled place. However, if one is able to see another environment they may have more motivation than quick easy money, which seems to be a trend among youth in the cities.
see, and another thing the white guy was stressing was that
our jails are populated with drug dealers, you know crack/cocaine stuff like that
meaning due to the laws we have on crack/cocaine and regular cocaine
police are only, i don't want to say only right, but shit
only logic by riding around in the hood all day
and not in the suburbs
because crack cocaine is mostly found in the hood
and you know the other thing is mostly found in you know where i'm going
but why bring a mothaf**ka to jail if it's not gon stand up in court
cuz this drug aint that drug, you know level 3, level 4 drug, shit like that
i guess it's all a misunderstanding"(/www.elyricsworld.com)
I will start by describing the classifications of drugs for those who do not know. Drugs are classified based on the effects and use of the drug. Since cocaine and crack cocaine are similar in nature crack cocaine is the much cheaper form, which is sold in poverty areas where there is an overpopulation. As previously discussed, the population density causes an increase for cops opposed to in the suburbs so the chances of getting caught are greater. What many fail to understand is that the world has addicts, they will get drugs one way or another especially if they are addicted to drugs of this sort. So is putting all these dealers in jail really worth it? Though often times drug dealers are involved in other crimes I can see the argument that they should be locked up, but personally I would love to give one an opportunity, a full scholarship to college and see if they could make it or is jail really were they need to be. Ultimately, I believe in second chances and that its hard to establish one self in a crime filled place. However, if one is able to see another environment they may have more motivation than quick easy money, which seems to be a trend among youth in the cities.
2.14.2009
Misunderstood - Part II
"i sit back and think, you know us young ******* you know that 1 in 9
we probably only selling the crack cocaine because we in the hood
and it's not like in the suburbs, we don't have what you have
why? i really don't wanna know the answer
i guess we just misunderstood hunh" (/www.elyricsworld.com)
From personal experience, meaning people I have been closely associated with I find this statement very true. Young black males from the ghettos see a long hard path to getting out of the terrible environment they were born into. At early ages they are sucked into gangbanging lifestyles, which include violence and drugs. Fortunately, some get caught and get another chance through foster care, where they live far enough away from home to stay outta trouble. Unfortunately, those who get caught and do not receive such opportunity end up going to a detention center and most likely relapsing until they grow out of crime, if ever. While in the suburbs the schools, the houses, safety/crime rates - the entire environment is much better. However there are still drug dealers and violence but the attention is not brought to the suburbs because there are less police due to less people, which leads to less reports. A vicious cycle.
we probably only selling the crack cocaine because we in the hood
and it's not like in the suburbs, we don't have what you have
why? i really don't wanna know the answer
i guess we just misunderstood hunh" (/www.elyricsworld.com)
From personal experience, meaning people I have been closely associated with I find this statement very true. Young black males from the ghettos see a long hard path to getting out of the terrible environment they were born into. At early ages they are sucked into gangbanging lifestyles, which include violence and drugs. Fortunately, some get caught and get another chance through foster care, where they live far enough away from home to stay outta trouble. Unfortunately, those who get caught and do not receive such opportunity end up going to a detention center and most likely relapsing until they grow out of crime, if ever. While in the suburbs the schools, the houses, safety/crime rates - the entire environment is much better. However there are still drug dealers and violence but the attention is not brought to the suburbs because there are less police due to less people, which leads to less reports. A vicious cycle.
2.05.2009
Misunderstood - Part I
"I was watching t.v. the other day right
got this white guy up there talking about black guys
talking about how young black guys are targeted
targeted by who? america
you see one in every 100 americans are locked up
one in every 9 black americans are locked up
that is 11.1%
and see what the white guy was trying to stress was that
the money we spend on sending ... to jail
would be less to send his or her young ass to college
see, and another thing the white guy was stressing was that
our jails are populated with drug dealers, you know crack/cocaine stuff like that
meaning due to the laws we have on crack/cocaine and regular cocaine
police are only, i don't want to say only right, but shit
only logic by riding around in the hood all day
and not in the suburbs
because crack cocaine is mostly found in the hood
and you know the other thing is mostly found in you know where i'm going" (/www.elyricsworld.com)
I have to say that I do not completely agree due to the fact that I do not have sufficient knowledge of the system in which he is referring too in order to shape a logical analysis. My skepticism comes from the idea that more arrests happen in the hood because there are more cops because the hood typically had a dense population due to affordable/cheap living. However, I believe, here he is touching upon the idea of an unjust society, specifically when dealing with criminology and its sub category victimology. My pending opinion believes that the group he talks about are both the criminal and victim - how is that possibly in a fair and just society. Possible yes, but ok no. This is why I hope to pursue my journalism career in the field of social science and crime - it's just soo fascinating.
got this white guy up there talking about black guys
talking about how young black guys are targeted
targeted by who? america
you see one in every 100 americans are locked up
one in every 9 black americans are locked up
that is 11.1%
and see what the white guy was trying to stress was that
the money we spend on sending ... to jail
would be less to send his or her young ass to college
see, and another thing the white guy was stressing was that
our jails are populated with drug dealers, you know crack/cocaine stuff like that
meaning due to the laws we have on crack/cocaine and regular cocaine
police are only, i don't want to say only right, but shit
only logic by riding around in the hood all day
and not in the suburbs
because crack cocaine is mostly found in the hood
and you know the other thing is mostly found in you know where i'm going" (/www.elyricsworld.com)
I have to say that I do not completely agree due to the fact that I do not have sufficient knowledge of the system in which he is referring too in order to shape a logical analysis. My skepticism comes from the idea that more arrests happen in the hood because there are more cops because the hood typically had a dense population due to affordable/cheap living. However, I believe, here he is touching upon the idea of an unjust society, specifically when dealing with criminology and its sub category victimology. My pending opinion believes that the group he talks about are both the criminal and victim - how is that possibly in a fair and just society. Possible yes, but ok no. This is why I hope to pursue my journalism career in the field of social science and crime - it's just soo fascinating.
1.23.2009
Pause *** INAUGURATION
So sorry to delay my analysis of lil wayne and more of an introduction into my passion and blog. Today I will be reflecting on the events of the historical 2009 Inauguration!
GO OBAMA, YES WE CAN!
When his name, his photo, or his words are recognized through sight or ear an overwhelming sense of hope, sincerity, and inspiration enters my body. It is unbelievable how perfect the 2009 inaugural address was crafted to project the same sense of hope, sincerity, and inspiration onto the audience. Of course, it comes natural with his charisma; however, Barrack seems to also walk the talk. Many cynics have judged him for his background, like they have any other politician, thus from the campaign trail to taking the presidential oath he has already changed the attitude of the American public significantly. The sense of unity he brings as he volunteers the day before one of the most historical events in the world as well as in his life, the inauguration. After viewing President Obama watching a NBA game, I couldn't help but think what a wonderful down to earth man. His swag (presence) is peaceful, open, understanding, fun, but most important is what it lacks; it lacks arrogance and greed. I have never been proud than I am today and everyday forward that he is the leader of the United States of America.
Before I conclude, I would like to say that I heard a great story on the radio reported by Hip Hop radio personal Big Tigga. As he was traveling to get to the inauguration via metro there was an accident at a major stop. Someone was injured at the top of the escalator so the operator of the train pleaded for patience from the subway, which hardly had a centimeter of moving space on it. All the people on the train began to shout yes, we can! yes, we can! repeatedly. Amazing how smoothly the whole inauguration went, I am very proud once again to be part of this time and to be an American!
Til next time ; ) Help one another and unite for a more peaceful and respectful world!
1.18.2009
El principe (The beginging) - Coming Soon!
Look forward to the explanation of the importance of Lil Wayne's song. If you have any perspectives on the lyrics and what he is attempting to say, let me know! Also, I will include how this became such a strong passion of mine and when it allllll began about 11 years.
1.16.2009
Hey hey hey!
Welcome to the blog of oooBreath of fresh airooo...
This blog will share many of my personal experiences, ideas, and perspectives on controversial issues (in no particular order). I plan to attach links to other resources, which further support my lens of the world. BE AWARE some of the language in this blog may be too strong for race sensitive audiences. However, it is important to understand that I speak the truth as gentle as I can.
My growing expertise centers around the truth behind the several roles race plays in society yet it is one of the most, if not the most feared subject in society. For me its a puzzle, in which each day I live I find a new piece. I hope to reach anyone concerned with the same issue, because together we may be able to get a little closer to improving PEACE & RESPECT in the world. I love to believe that I was given the gift of a strong voice, though my boyfriend and neighbors may disagree, it has allowed me courage to speak up for the little voices that are not being heard, or as Lil Wayne would say Misunderstood.
Dont Get It (Misunderstood) - Lil Wayne
*** Note: Occasionally I may incorporate some spanish words or other fun facts all from my own memory! Also, understand as Plato and Socrates or Emerson and Thoreau would say a wise man knows that he does not know it all. I will always be open to learning and I never will claim I know everything; as I've stated this is a growing passion based on my individual life experiences, both from traditional (family, academic), and non-traditional (personal choices - friends, intimate relationships, and other life choices) sources. Please excuse any use of wrong vocabulary, and feel free to correct me, ask questions, and/or challenge my thought. New perspectives never hurt the progress of peace and respect for all living, especially the individuals.
This blog will share many of my personal experiences, ideas, and perspectives on controversial issues (in no particular order). I plan to attach links to other resources, which further support my lens of the world. BE AWARE some of the language in this blog may be too strong for race sensitive audiences. However, it is important to understand that I speak the truth as gentle as I can.
My growing expertise centers around the truth behind the several roles race plays in society yet it is one of the most, if not the most feared subject in society. For me its a puzzle, in which each day I live I find a new piece. I hope to reach anyone concerned with the same issue, because together we may be able to get a little closer to improving PEACE & RESPECT in the world. I love to believe that I was given the gift of a strong voice, though my boyfriend and neighbors may disagree, it has allowed me courage to speak up for the little voices that are not being heard, or as Lil Wayne would say Misunderstood.
Dont Get It (Misunderstood) - Lil Wayne
*** Note: Occasionally I may incorporate some spanish words or other fun facts all from my own memory! Also, understand as Plato and Socrates or Emerson and Thoreau would say a wise man knows that he does not know it all. I will always be open to learning and I never will claim I know everything; as I've stated this is a growing passion based on my individual life experiences, both from traditional (family, academic), and non-traditional (personal choices - friends, intimate relationships, and other life choices) sources. Please excuse any use of wrong vocabulary, and feel free to correct me, ask questions, and/or challenge my thought. New perspectives never hurt the progress of peace and respect for all living, especially the individuals.
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