Silver Spring Video

This week, I worked with Kirin on our most recent independent film project. This time, we were instructed to film and edit a 90-second video about what it is like living in our community.  Kirin and I filmed in Downtown Silver Spring, getting shots of places to shop, people walking, and many people describing what they think Silver Spring is like.

 The process was slightly arduous, because Kirin and I had previously filmed another video of the sun rising, but Mr. Mayo wanted us to film a second one. We were only able to film on Saturday evening, and then edit on Sunday. It was really enjoyable but cold filming. I found that approaching people to be interviewed is slightly daunting, and getting them to agree was difficult. Many people didn't want to be on camera, and we actually found a lot of people who were only visiting Silver Spring and didn't feel they could describe it.

All in all, I'n proud of my video and grateful for Kirin's work and I hope you enjoy it!

Food Inc.

Food Inc., made in 2008 by Robert Kenner in an expose into corporate America's meat industry. We follow Eric Schlosser, the author of Fast Food Nation into factories and chicken farms, through grocery stores into offices, uncovering a dirty truth about how meat is manufactured: animals are treated cruelly and health and safety is not a priority. We meet several growers, such as Vince Edwards and Carole Morison, as well as industry insiders such as Troy Roush and Richard Lobb. Kenner explores the subjects of vegetarianism, corporate America, animal rights and cruelty, food production, etc. One aspect of the film that I enjoyed was the great dilemma in the minds of the growers and raisers of animals. They have to make a choice that's balanced between their consciences and the almighty dollar.
Another aspect of the film that I enjoyed was the lifestyle of poverty-stricken families that have to choose less healthy, cheaper fast-food options for their children because of the dollar menu and the money that they make. If it's not possible to afford healthy options, who wouldn't refuse to feed their own children, even if it's constant fast-food?
Another aspect of the film that I enjoyed was the perspective of Maria Andrea Gonzalez, who lost her son to food poisoning from beef from fast-food. Her campaign is inspiring, because of the personal pain involved with losing a child.
I would recommend this documentary for anyone who is either ignorant of where their food comes from or is torn between food options. Although it may be gruesome, it is an ugly truth we have to face in terms of what we eat. This documentary opened my eyes to what really happens to meat used today.

Food Inc., 94 mins., PG.

In Response

I was saddened and sickened by the events that transpired on Friday, December 14, 2012 in Newtown, Connecticut. Words are not easy to use, and I'm not sure how to clearly reflect my deep sorrow. When I found out on Friday, I was moved to tears reading articles and watching coverage online.

Out of this tragedy, there have been tales of heroism and selflessness, such as Victoria Soto, 27, who hid her children in closets, then told Adam Lanza, the gunman, that they were in the gym. He then shot and killed her, but none of her students were harmed. The school principal, Dawn Hochsprung, reportedly lunged at Lanza in an attempt to overtake him, and was killed in the process. It was other adults' and teachers' fast action that kept other students safe and alive.

It is clear that gun control laws are needed especially in light of this tragedy. In his Friday show, Piers Morgan said:
"There are nearly 12,000 murders a year from guns in this country. When are you guys going to focus on that, and stop telling me the answer is more guns? It is not the answer! How many more kids have to die, before you guys say, 'we want less guns, not more?'"

The 1934 National Firearms Act taxes the manufacturing and sale of guns, requires that distributors of guns register then with the Attorney General, and relays sales information.
The 1968 Gun Control Act requires that gun manufacturers and salespeople be federally licensed, and prohibits the interstate sale of guns.
The 1993 Brady Handgun Prevention Act requires background checks for those purchasing firearms who were not already licensed to carry them, and puts two age restrictions on purchasing guns: to buy "long guns", you must be 18; to buy "short guns", you must be 21.
The current laws don't go far enough in terms of gun control.  It's clear we need a change.


I've been trying to imbed two videos, but my computer is glitching, so I'll link them here:

http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/video/tribute-newtowns-fallen-heroes-17993817

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/video/obama-connecticut-school-shooting-hearts-broken-17977068

 

Here Comes the Sun King

I've been in love with The Beatles since I was a little girl, and I'd like to talk for a minute about one of my favorite musical pieces by them. I've had trouble picking my favorite Beatles album. I've gone through my Sgt. Peppers and Revolver phase, and am now stuck between the White Album and Abbey Road. Abbey Road (1969) I really enjoy because of the medley of songs at the end of the album. This was their last recorded album, and there was less pressure because they all knew that they were broken up. They were able to relax and put together some really interesting music. The 16-minute medley, sometimes called the Golden Slumbers Medley, is composed of 8-9 songs: "You Never Give Me Your Money" (McCartney) is one of my favorite songs because of the great and haunting piano track. "Sun King" (Lennon) is one of those chill-out songs that also encompasses Beatles humor in adding hints of other songs into songs, such as in "Glass Onion" on the White Album. "Mean Mr. Mustard" (Lennon)is a god song to sing along to, with it's crazy story, like Maxwell's Silver Hammer or Rocky Raccoon. "Polythene Pam" (Lennon) was originally going to be names Shirley, but was changed to Pam to fit with Mr. Mustard's sister Pam. I adore the british accents in this song with the long "ah" in "Paaahm". "She Came in Through the Bathroom Window" (McCartney) was actually written about a crazed fan who climbed into Paul's house through the bathroom window. "Golden Slumbers", "Carry That Weight" and "The End" (McCartney) are the end of the Medley, not including Her Majesty. Golden Slumbers was based off a 17th century poem and is a truly beautiful song, and the three ending songs show off distinctive band patterns: McCartney playing guitar in a staccato style, Harrison playing guitar in a melodic style, and Lennon playing guitar in a stinging style with much distortion, as well as including Ringo's only drum solo. I can't really go into more4 detail on how much I love these songs because then I'll start fangirling and won't be able to cope. *sigh* Sleep pretty darling, do not cry. And I will sing a lullaby...

Tumblr (That Thing That Ruins Your Life)

In case none of you have heard of it, tumblr.com is another of those social media websites such as facebook or twitter (but tumblr is better). Tumblr is basically a blog that's more picture and gif oriented than text. You follow other peoples' blogs and reblog their posts. I only started tumblr last summer, and it's pretty much taken over my life. I'll admit that I spend about an hour every day on tumblr. I guess what I like about the constant sharing and reblogging is that you can experience and collaborate anonymously. You can share a photo and have no idea who originally posted it, or how many people have reblogged it until you saw it on your dashboard. I love looking through vintage and photography tumblrs, as well as the ones about food, and blogs that express feelings. Some other favorite blogs are here, here, and here. It's really frustrating sometimes because of the layout, but I find that it's worth it when you create a blog you're proud of. Just in case you were wondering, my main tumblr is here and my tights tumblr is here.

A Vegetarian Thanksgiving?

I am a pescaterian and have been since 4th grade. A pescaterian is a person who abstains from eating all meat except for seafood. Throughout my life, I've found that people are very ignorant about vegetarian eating habits. This thought comes up more often as we near Thanksgiving and Christmas, when we finish shoveling down Halloween candy and start carving the Turkey.

 

I became a pescaterian because, first of all, I hate the taste and texture of meat. I've never liked it, unless it's sliced thin and hidden in something else. my least favorite food would probably be a tie between beef and bacon. I do, however, love fish and shellfish, and it would be really hard to give it up.

 

It's assumed by others that if you label yourself as a vegetarian or a type of vegetarian, you have to follow a set of rules. Vegetarianism is a belief, and I believe in not eating meat. If I do eat meat, I haven't broken the law; I'm still considered a vegetarian. It's a personal choice what you eat, unless your family or religion hold you to the rules. It's rude when people act as if I'm breaking a rule if I eat something that has beef sauce on top.

 

People tend to make a big deal about vegetarianism, but, at least for me, it's never a problem. When I am at other people's houses, I'll eat what they give me out of courtesy. I'm not offended by their choices and I don't mind if they serve me meat or - god forbid - eat it in front of me.

 

I've had people serve me meat and be disappointed that I don't like it. "But you'll like my chicken!" Sorry, I don't. It's not you, it's me. And then there are people that act like I'm crazy for not liking meat. I'm not altering my lifestyle enough to upset myself, and I'm certainly not altering theirs. How could it be possible that I hate bacon? But bacon is the best thing that ever happened to this planet, better than sliced bread! Maybe I am crazy, but I can't believe that you don't like some things I do, like brussel sprouts or tuna fish.

 

All in all, I wish people would try to be more informed about the types and lifestyle of vegetarians. I don't expect people to accommodate for me of understand my reasons, I just want to live in a society where we can be free to eat whatever way we find healthy. Why not do some research and try out different meals?

 

So thin Thanksgiving, I'll probably try a bit of gross to-furkey, then give up, and stick to the rest of the meatless meal. Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Why is babysitting the best?

I babysit a boy that lives down the street from me, and it's one of my favorite things to do. I really like kids and babysitting, because it's fun and a great way to get experience for teaching. The job I have is really convenient because he lives down the street from me and I can walk to his house. It's a pretty regular job; I usually work once or twice a week after school.

The kid I babysit is named Owen, and he's 8. He's an adorable, sweet kid who loves dinosaurs and soccer. It's amazing how polite he is considering that most 8 year old boys are really annoying. Owen and I play soccer outside his house and love playing games like Uno, Sorry, and Monopoly (which he cheats terribly at).

I've had some great times hanging out with Owen. It's been an amazing experience, and I encourage anyone and everyone to try to get some babysitting jobs. Babysitting is an easy and fun way to make money. I would recommend getting certified first by the Red Cross, though.

Happy sitting!