Religious Holiday blog #10

Just last week in the Christian Religion, Lent started. I read a website giving information and insight on Lent and what it means. Lent is a 40 day period before Easter when we commemorate the Resurrection of Jesus. We are spiritually disciplining ourselves, just like Jesus did before he died. Within this time, we celebrate Ash Wednesday, when ashes are place on our forhead, reminding us "we are dust and to dust we shall return". For me, Lent is a time to relflect and focus on my faith. This year is the first year that my faith is in my hands and is becoming more important to me. Lent is an important and meaningful time for the Christian religion and many take it very seriously.

Collins, Ken. "The Season of Lent." 3 Mar 2009 .

Bollywood Blog #9

Recently, Bollywood actors have been taking the U.S. at full force. They are taking home Golden Globes, BAFTAs and even Oscars because of their talent and success. A huge cause of this is the movie Slumdog Millionaire, by Danny Boyle. This movie bmade India's talent in the film making industry apparent to the world, and especially the U.S., and the most famous film making place, Los Angeles. I think it's good for International actors to be making so much money and fame over here, but overall, they should stay in Bollywood. If their film industry is as good as they say it is, they shouldn't be hostile towards us or challenge us to win as many international awards as they did,they should just stay in their Bollywood area. I think their success and trials to make it big are great, but bitterness is unnecessary.

"Hollywood hooked on the Indian film awards." Bollywood Hungama. 1 Mar 2009. 1 Mar 2009

Culture Blog #8

One of the many cultures we have in this world is the arts. It's very broad and vague, but has so many options within it to go from. The music industry has been a success for many people for ages, including U2. They are one of the only bands that have stuck together for over 30 years and are still selling millions of copies of their albums, putting them at the top of the charts. So many people in this world, especially America, depend on music and the inspiration that comes from it. I thing U2 has created a standard and molded the music culture around the world. They really make an impact on every place they go and every album they come out with. Even famous bands like Coldplay and The Killers look up to them, they go by the U2 music style and singing style.

Parelles, Jon. "Last Gang in Town." The New York Times. 24 Feb 2009. 24 Feb 2009 .

Change Blog #7

One great website or article about change is called changeforthechildren.org. It's an organization started by the Jonas Brothers to get kids to help other kids in need. Whether their dealing with diabetes, hospitalization, diseases, or just need donations, the Jonas Brothers have created this site to donate and make a difference. They wrote on the front page about how they want to inspire and motivate children to face their fears, rather that run away from them. I agree with this, and having a huge name like the Jonas Brothers saying they support these children helps a lot. The most important part of this is that the children of the world right now are the future. Changing our habits and generosity now will change our future for the better.

Jonas, Nick. "The Mission." Change for the Children Foundation. Jonas Brothers, Bayer. 22 Feb 2009 .

Hope Blog # 6

Today, I read an article about a chimpanzee who attacked and killed a woman in her Connecticut home. He was about 12 years old, and for some reason pounced on his owner. The police think it was because she got a drastic hair cut, so he didn't know who she was. To get him off the lady, the police had to shoot the chimp until it was dead. He was very talented, and able to do many things like normal people. I chose his article for the hope category because I think it gives other people hope for the future and what it holds for them. It shows that life can end 10 times faster than it starts, and you only get one shot. Hope can bring you through any situation, and keep you looking forward to the future.

Gallman, Stephanie. "Chimp attack 911 call: 'He's ripping her apart'." CNN. 17 Feb 2009. 17 Feb 2009 .

Religion blog #5

The article I read today was about Bishop Richard Williamson and his doubts of the Holocaust. He believed the Nazi's didn't use gas chambers, and said this on a radio broadcast. This is a crime in Germany, to publicly doubt the Nazi's ways. He tried to stop the radio from broadcasting it, but he was too late. The Pope said he could no longer do his priest duties after jail until he retracts what he said, which he has yet to do. I think this shows religious leaders and other Christian officials are looked upon very highly in Germany and England. It also shows that this religion takes their rules and laws seriously. They respect each other, but only if you do no wrong. 

"Holocaust-denying bishop loses court battle." CNN. 9 Feb 2009. 15 Feb 2009 .

Gender Blog #4

The article I just read is about Michelle Obama, the first lady. It shows her achievements and occupations. I think having her as a first lady is very important. She's not just the president's wife, but she's also successful herself. She went to Princeton, Harvard, became a lawyer, and then served in her community for many years. She is the prime example of a powerful woman in this day and age. Still, women are put down, not as much as before, but it happens. We aren't taken as seriously as men and sometimes aren't given the appropriate jobs because of our gender. I think gender is a huge factor in our society as to how far up you are, how much money you make, and how well you're treated.

"First Lady Michelle Obama." The Administration. 10 Feb 2009 .