Monday, May 14, 2007

Are you thirsty?

When you see the Save Sudan shirts around campus, you think “oh, that’s a good cause.” It’s a mighty good thing we Punahou students are doing something to help those in Africa. Spread the word. Donate money. But then, I pick up this current issue of Time that I just got out of the mailbox. The pictures, for one of the first times, aren’t the part of the feature that hit me. It was the way the journalist framed the issue of genocide and overall fighting in Darfur, or anywhere is Africa for that matter, that really hit me. He didn’t nee to use the word “genocide” in his introduction. We all know. I think the issue claimed a feeling of danger instead of pity. In lame man’s terms, I got really scared reading it.

“How to Prevent the Next Darfur. Step one: Get serious about climate change”

Everyone disregards the fact that problems exists here, in Darfur, as a result of the lack of resources. No food, no arable land, and no water. No, allow me to rephrase that. Limited food, limited arable land, and very limited supply of water. How can you expect there to be any peace? Hunger breeds contempt. Farmers and non-farmers are unable to work in collaboration when there is not enough land to share and crop. Forget about the daunting numbers (200,000 people killed in the past 4 years and 2.5 million more refugees). Not to sound shallow, but we hear it all the time. We think, “whoa” but we need to take it one step further.

“Environmental skeptics, including the Bush Administration, dispute the more dire predictions about climate change.” Interesting. Now we’re arguing about whether the climate change will get worse. What about now?

Is it not enough to see that the environmental condition they are in now is already killing them? One farmer at a time, one family at a time. Those people couldn’t care less about global warming. We’re talking about their day to day meals and for god’s sake, water.

Tuesday, May 1, 2007

Nature

Below, people scattered. Cars roamed, palm trees swayed, and the sun glistened. I searched for a familiar face, or house, but everything was unfamiliar. From up here, everything shrunk. Either that, or I grew bigger. I was detached from the world below me, but I didn't feel lonely at all. For some reason, a change of perspective helped me to relax and put petty issues aside.

I stepped back for a moment. Then I reminded myself that, standing atop civilization's mountain, this wasn't the top. I slowly gazed up into the clouds, into the never-ending roof. I guess that's the way with things like this, you never really reach the extreme, top or bottom, of anything. You keep going.

(Maybe doing this in present tense woud sound better. Let's try.)

Below, people scatter. Cars roam, palm trees sway, and the sun glistens. I attempt to search for a familiar face, or house, but all I see is unfamiliar. From up here, everything shrinks. Either that, or I grow bigger. I am detached from the world below me, but I don't feel lonely at all. For some reason, a change of perspective helps me to relax and put petty issues aside.

I step back for a moment. Then I remind myself that, standing atop civilization's mountain, this isn't the top. I slowly gaze up into the clouds, into the never-ending roof. I guess that's the way with something like this; you never reach the extreme, top of bottom. You always keep going.

Thump

(from journal)

If a tree falls to the ground, and no one hears, it there a sound?

I really like the sound of this quote because not only does it sound a little strange, it paints a clear image in your head. It makes me ask questions. Does it even matter that the tree fell, if no one is there to see it? Do things only happen, do you only do things, if someone else will see it? On a more spiritual level (hehe), can you hear/sense something that happened if you weren't there?

This quote envisions expectations, actions, and adds a musical tone to the concept. When I imagine the quote, I hear a thump, and then a reverbrating echo into the forest. A cloud of dirt puffs up and then settles down, as if never even have lift off the ground. The tree is taken away, year by year, by nature. It's gone and no one even knew of its exsistence.

Sunday, April 29, 2007

What? International Dress Code?

I try not to talk about the dress code, but if it makes international news...Once the police said that they were working with the Iranian fashion designers at the fashion show to create the wardrobe within the dress code law, I had to bring it up here.

"Crackdown in Iran over dress code."


"Fashion Police: Tehran police try to encourage women to adopt more conservative dress."

It's not even about showing individuality anymore. It's not even about being fashionable. If we take the situation to the bare bones, true, a dress code doesn't hurt anymore, but at the same time it doesn't help. Forcing someone to wear something, or do anything for that matter, without a benefit for them is questionable. So, we'll turn the table around, and question why the Iranian government is cracking down so hard on women who show hair and men who wear short sleeves. They're forcing taxi drivers not to drive women who were not in dress code. They're even taking people who argue back to court. You could be in prison for showing too much of your forehead in a taxi.

What's really interesting is that the police is even cracking down on the clothes shops who sell non-conservative clothing. The owners have been told that even maniquines have to abide by the dress code law. Imagine having been told that you have to chop off the breasts of the maniquines because they were showing too much in the formal dresses. Well, that's what happened. If they want women to lose their feminity, then they should make them equal to men. And if they don't want women to be equal to men, they at least let them have their feminity.

They want to suppress women. And it's sort of worked. A lot more women in Iran are not leaving the home anymore, because they're afraid of being arrested. They're taking back alleyways to get around to places to avoid being seen. For what purpose again?

I think it's getting absolutely ridiculous. The only practical reason that they bring up is that they are using this topic to distract people from other concerns like the "rising cost of living in Iran and increasing tension with the international community over the nuclear issue." But even then, how pathetic is that they use dress code to do something like that.


"http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6596933.stm"
"http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6213854.stm"

Thursday, April 26, 2007

Cool Nature Pics

__
Another idea is doing something with fire and water... These photos pose interesting questions.


(from journal)

http://www.isp.on.ca/genealogy/images/BentPyramidBerg.jpg



http://www.pc.gc.ca/canada/pn-tfn/images/jfm1.jpg
 
How can both of these scenes be seen on the same earth? Where do we stand when we see these images, figuratively and literally? I guess I could somehow shape it into an essay where I imagine being there, even though I've never reall been. It's tough writing about nature when I find myself always tucked away from it. It's interesting how going out in nature is more of a special trip, than of a normal day to day thing. I would imagine a long ago, it was the complete opposite.

Monday, April 9, 2007

When I Get Old

Continuing with the Sacs in the City blog I wrote previously, I also wanted to highlight one more thing.

At the end of the silent auction, when the benefactors were picking up the items they won, I met this one old lady. She had just won this black suitcase, among many other bags. She was ecstatic. I couldn't help but feel happy for her, even though I knew that she probably paid 5x the value of it. When talking to her, I learned that she came often to these types of events. "Now I can take this to the ball tonight," I remember her saying as she cooed one more time over the silver and gold clutch she also won. "Today's benefit night." I thought she was absolutely adorable.

I titled this blog "When I Get Old" because she made me think about what I would be doing when I was her age. I decided, then and there, that I would want to go to all these benefit dinners and fashion shows when I get old. I'd get to not only have fun, but I also get to give back to the community when it's much needed. How cool is that?

A Smart Idea

On Saturday I attended the Junior League Third Annual Sacs in the City luncheon. Having never heard of it before, I didn't know what to expect. I knew that it was a fashion show and silent auction to benefit some non-profit organization. I was told to dress nicely, so I wore a really cute pink spring dress and matching Sugar flats.

As I waltzed up the escalator of the Hilton Hawaiian Village, I caught glimpse of the hanging fuschia lanterns and bright red catwalk. There was hardly anyone there yet. I was early. I was sent to a conference room, called Iolani V. After I cringed at the sight of the name, I slowly turned the intricately carved doorknob of the oak door. I could hear voices, slightly aggravated, slightly excited, for the event.

Gucci, Coach, and Louis Vuitton. Mac, Shu Uyemura, and Heaven on Earth gift certificates. This was such an amazing event. Trini Kaopuiki hosted, Anna Namba was featured at the fashion show, displaying her 2007 Kimonos and Asian Silks collection. All the auctioned items were donated by individuals and companies, so I guessed that 100% proceeds were to benefit the organization. I found out that the Junior League helps young women "find confidence in themselves" or something cool like that. It was no wonder that about, I would say 99% of the people there were women, older women who donated to organizations like these often. And women who simply loved shopping.

Monday, March 19, 2007

Patience? Ha.

"Bush calls for patience on Iraq"
is the headline for world news today.

It's ironic on two scales. Bush is asking us to be patient with the situation, as if five years is only an introduction. As if it hasn't been long enough. Furthermore, as if he had the patience from the beginning. Did not he just jump right into the war? Did not he just ignore everyone else's suggestions? Did not he just became impatient and took matters into his own hands, hands that proved to become unreliable?

There are anti-Bush riots in Europe, where they have the most history and experience with political leaders. My older sister told me how the entire nation becomes very safe when major world leaders, like Condoleeza Rice, visits as not to incur any problems for future international relations. But, in all of the history, our President is not welcome in Europe. It's embarrasing, I think.

On a lighter note, hopefully, this 2008 election will bring about a new leader who knows his or her stuff, well.

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

YouTube Sued

Did you hear? I thought it was one of the funniest and most interesting lawsuits. So, Viacom is sueing YouTube (and also Google who recently bought Google for a little more than 1 billion) for 1 billion. Apparently, YouTube's successful videos have made owners of MTV and Comedy Central jealous.

They're only now becoming angry with the major company, after they have become one of the most visited websites, only after Google recognized its potential, only after it refused to implement a filter system. It's obvious that Viacom is purely angry at the success of YouTube. In fact, Viacom's marked has dropped substantially since YouTube's fame has risen. Who would have thought two young guys (or 3, I don't quite remember) would be able to start a billion dollar online company? All they wanted to make was a webstie where people could share their travel videos. And what they've started has become so powerful that they are now being sued.

I'm sure Google will either pay them the sum of money, or try to filter their system, but according to the article, Google is sure that they will continue to make the website accessible and successful. At the very end of the article, BBC comments on how they have successfully made deals with the YouTube website giving them the permission to use their videos in hope for more publicity and links to their website.



Like I just did.

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

It's not only them, it's us too.

On another note, take a look at this:



21.3 % of the carbon released is from Road Transport, probably mostly from individual cars. People expend more carbon dioxide outside their homes than inside (15.6%). If we combine the amount used by individuals, that is 36.9% of it released just from doing everyday tasks, that we all think is necessary. It's not the factories that really generate the most pollution. In fact, energy industries make exactly the same amount, 36.9%.

Here are the articles from BBC about the news:

"http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6445613.stm"
"http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/6444145.stm"

Is punishment the way to go?

Britain has just announced a new plan to cut carbon emissions down 60% by 2050 in 5-year intervals. Although this has not the first time a country or state has set goals to reduce carbon emissions, this is the first time a nation has put it into law. In other words, if they don't carry though, then they can be sent to court.

I think it's a great idea that they are taking this more drastic step towards fighting global warming and helping to sustain our world, but is punishment the real way to turn? Have we come to a point where we have to threaten ourselves to do good? Since we were small, we had always been taught to do good, whether or not you get an reward and whether or not you get punished if you don't do it. It seems like these values disappear on an international scale. If you think about WWII, when Hitler refused to follow the Munish Agreement, we see that major figures in international politics are an exception to the rule that we have learned as kids and as students. He stepped over the boundary that they set out for him, looked around and realized that no one could stop him, and so he went on his way to invade Poland. And war begun. More specifically, many nations have failed to reach the agreements in the Kyoto Protocol (like Canada) and have given up. No punishment? No punishment.

Sunday, March 11, 2007

A Pair of Travelling Pants

After watching Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants, you really come to think of how much your friends mean to you. I always wanted to highlight what I love about each of my friends, and I also need to write a blog. Perfect.

(Note: Code letters)

F-She's absolutely adorable. Although she always gets herself in ruts, she can also either laugh it off, or vent off her frustration on her friends or her punching bag. We all count on her smile when we have bad days.

U-She's caring and knows a lot about everything. She's adaptable and brilliant.

N-She works hard at everything she does, and she's so good at it.

K-She's energetic and hyper, and organized. And she's always screaming for joy.

Y-He's there and everywhere, putting his friends before everything.

More to come.

Great Depression

A post I wrote before I figured out how to use the blogger:

I was reading about the Great Depression for AP US class earlier and stumbled upon a couple of readings that could change the way I look at things, despite the time gap. The reading was written by a woman who had to sit in a domestic waiting room for a job with half a dozen other women, every day, desperately waiting for work. I didn’t realize how essential having work was; I guess I had simply taken it for granted. I had also taken a lot of other things for granted. I know, from the movies and lectures we have in class, that people were poor and people were hungry during that time, but the magnitude of it is only clear to me now. I guess, for me, I need to see or read a firsthand account to really put it into a true perspective. The way she described the waiting women, staring blankly at the floor and thirsty and hungry like beasts, ready to work late or early hours to make even thirty cents at whatever work that was available, really made my heart ache.

Friday, March 9, 2007

You are using 91% of your mail quota.

I didn't realize how much email I accumulate until the red warning sign popped up at the corner of my screen. As I went through the 73 pages of email (I know it is ridiculous), it got me kind of sad to see email from the years past. Things, like Ka Punahou, Key Club, Debate mail have their continuous cycles. When I saw the Key Club Car Wash one I sent to Kailee, who used to be the Key Club Advisor, I was just a mere sophomore who didn't really understand the complicated Key Club network and all the work that goes behind it. Now, as an officer of the club, I see everything behind the scenes. Especially since this year I'm beginning to take on leadership positions, I feel older and realize that I'm passing on my knowledge to the freshmen and sophomores, something that I had never thought I would do.

Wednesday, March 7, 2007

No Man's Land

I didn't know a "no-man's land" existed in Hawaii. On the west coast of Oahu, there are many homeless people who live in "the bushes" with animals like pigs, chickens, and barking dogs. It was in the paper today.

I visted a homeless shelter once, for a community service project, and saw the uncertainty and poverty that each of the families had to face everyday. They lived in homes made out of 6 foot by 6 foot carboard, out of material that you would use for a science project. The shampoo bottles and bedsheets sat on the walls, as much as a storage space as protection.

Those that lived in the no man's land...it didn't sound all that bad. It's carefree, with no regulations and you get to be one with nature. I'm pretty sure they, or at least some of them, are thinking the same thing. You wake up everyday to no school, no homework, no exams. I wonder...

Roosevelt

I first thought it was dried blood dripping down the bathroom walls. But I think it was just dried brown paint. Like Mr. Watson had talked about in class, I too noticed the difference between our campus and Roosevelt's, beginning with the bathrooms.

I didn't mean to comment on it, but it came out. I admit saying that they should have painted the walls a different color instead of the discolored patches of "broken rock" that just made the bathroom wall look older. Even the toilet paper was thin and it was only 1-ply, or I think that's what it's called. I really don't want to sound like I'm criticizing. I totally understand that there's just not the money there. I wished we could donate, without anyone knowing of course, and I think someone told me that we did before.

Everytime I walk onto the campus, I'm not sure how I should respond. Should I feel bad? Or not? Maybe it's just different.

Trial Post

Let's see if this works.