Emma Watson – One Young World

November 7, 2017

Emma Watson’s speech on the 2016 Ottawa Summit for One Young world; gave the audience a view of her last two years as an activist. In those years she found herself surrounded by standing ovations but also critiques.  For her it was just like “a baptism by fire” that made even more shocking when she started reading the applications for The One Young World Scholarship.

One Young World is a not-for-profit organization based in the UK that unites young leaders around the world. Their goal is to look for solutions for current global issues. They stage annual summits in different parts of the world where delegates of charities, NGOs and universities join world leaders to work as One Young World counselors.

She explained how amazed she was when realizing the overlap with her thinking and the thinking of others. The notes, themes, struggles.  She explained “the truth is, it had never been about being an activist; it was about the choice to make myself visible and the choices that you made to do that too.”

Her speech continued with a remark on how in two years many significant advances have been made towards a world with gender equality. One where both feminine and masculine forces work together, and forget about individualities. Building together an “unstoppable current, for which we need ripples of hope from every age, race, ability, walk of life, every human experience.”

After this she made seven statements:

I am willing to be seen.

I am willing to speak up.

I am willing to keep going.

I am willing to listen to what others have to say.

I am willing to go forward even when I feel alone.

I am willing to go to bed each night, at peace with myself.

I am willing to be my biggest, best-est, most powerful self.

These as she explained “scare the absolute shit out of me. But I know that they are at the crux of it all.” These are her foundation to live her life.

Emma Watson is a British actress, model and activist. Mostly known for her work in the Harry Potter franchise, The perks of being a Wall Flower, and The Beauty and the Beast. Between 2011 and 2014 she put a pause on her career to continue her education earning a bachelor’s degree in Brown university for English literature. In 2014 she was appointed as an UN Women Goodwill Ambassador and participated in the launch for the campaign HeForShe, calling men to advocate for gender equality.

 

 

 


Revised Article #2: Morningside’s Theater Department. What Comes Next?

November 2, 2017

The Morningside Theater department is currently working on improving the campus shows and student productions. After the cut of the major the students and faculty are keen on reinforcing the student involvement.

Theater professor Taylor Clemens explained “We don’t have the major anymore but there’s still  dedication to strengthen the theatre, getting students, and community involved”. Now the department will start building around the student produced shows. These shows will be held in collaboration with APO (Alpha Psi Omega) the national theater honor society on campus.

Brock Bourek APO president wants to keep theatre present in the everyday life of Morningside students. As he explained “a movie night once a month, doing improvisation or theatre spotlight nights, and even an open mic night.” His goal is to extend the involvement even further than just the shows. Hoping that this will bring the interest of students; encouraging them to participate and become more than just the audience.

To help this transition APO is creating a new position: a student liaison for productions. Amy Carothers is the one in charge to help students prepare their proposal for the play and guide them in every aspect.

The first show following this structure was Love, Sex and the I.R.S. The cast, crew and production team was completely students. The only faculty involved was Taylor Clemens as a theatrical consulter.

Luis Seijas who is not a theater major but has participated in the past said “I am happily surprised because I’ve watched many other shows in Morningside before; and I though this was the best production that I’ve seen so far” He also explained that the dedication of the students was highly visible with the set lights, props, acting. Overall an impressive achievement for a student produced show.

The students who want to be involved with the theater will still be able to take diverse theater classes and maybe major until the class of 2021 is graduated; the Department will continue to provide the major until the class of 2021 is graduated.

Prof. Clemens also explained the whole process of eliminating the major. A year ago, Morningside started a taskforce to look into future problems and how to solve them. All of the majors were put into consideration. Depending on their score the majors would end in the top or bottom 50 percent. The ones in the bottom the President of the college John Reynders would have to decide on whether eliminate or keeping them.

After the decision was made, a reasonable concern was shown by faculty and students. But as Prof. Clemens explained the truth is that the department had been struggling for the last decade. From administration issues to a very small group of students enrolled in the major; the major was not on the best place.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


News Comment: Kevin Spacey

November 2, 2017

Articles from the New York Times:

Kevin Spacey Criticized for Using Apology to Anthony Rapp to Come Out

This articles deal with the recent story about Kevin Spacey in summary Spacey was accused last Sunday by Anthony Rapp  to have made sexual advances on him when he was 14 years old. after all this a huge debate started mostly because spacey’s sexuality had been of public interest for many years but it had never been cleared out. after this accusation was made Spacey made a public statement saying that he does not remember the incident but if he did it he feels terrible and extends an apology to Rapp.  after saying that he expressed his sexuality saying that the recent events mad him think and now he wants the world to know he is gay.

after this there was huge media backlash on Spacey for his timing to come out. with many artists saying he was only coming out to take away the fact that he tried to have sex with a child.  as Dan Savage said on twitter “Nope to Kevin Spacey’s statement. Nope. There’s no amount of drunk or closeted that excuses or explains away assaulting a 14-year-old child.” and Billy Eichner “Kevin Spacey has just invented something that has never existed before: a bad time to come out.”

My opinion:

Yes this a sensible subject, we are in a moment when a lot of old issues are coming out of the shadows. and it’s a good thing 30 years ago there was not twitter or internet at least not in the way we know it today. so many horrible thing happened and no one knew or people just made the blind eye. So this exposing that is happening right now is in many way a good thing.

I wasn’t sure if Kevin Spacey did it or not but thanks to his declaration I’m almost certain he did it. this is a clear example of a diversion that went horribly wrong. For me this is just him trying to calm things down by throwing a more juicier thing to the press. Honestly I’m glad that didn’t work. And I say this with a broken heart because Kevin Spacey has always been a big role model for me in theater and acting (I have broken heart because he tried to make a diversion instead of assuming the blame not because he’s gay) Now I’m happy that the media din’t fell into the trap and actually covered the whole spacey advancing on a 14 year old.

Good way to remind people that in these days nothing is secret. This is definitely a double edge sword.


News Comment: “Amazon’s Latest Way Into Your Life Is Through the Front Door”

October 26, 2017

NY Times Article:  “Amazon’s Latest Way Into Your Life Is Through the Front Door”

 

This article deals with Amazon’s new service. Delivering stuff into your house even when you are not home! yes this would involve a special kit that brings an electronic lock and a camera. With this Amazon drivers can come into the house and leave the packages in order to avoid leaving then in front of the door (with the possibility of being stolen, which according to the article is a big issue). The article also talks about how amazon and experts believe the only problem they find with this is pets. In the possibility of  a big dog attacking the driver or a per escaping.

I find this article very interesting. Every day technology just starts becoming more of a new part of humans. I’m sure that in a couple years kids will be born with a smartphone and a snapchat account (just a joke… or is it?). This brings a very sensible issue that the article avoids to tackle. A STRANGER IS GOING INTO YOUR HOUSE! that’s the inner conservative dad in the back of my head screaming. It really is a matter of how much can you trust amazon promises to be completely responsible to anything that is stolen from your house. I’m guessing the drivers for this will have to go through really in depth background search to even get a job there. I believe is possible; in a world where is ok to getting into a stranger’s car because an app says it’s fine I don’t see people getting into your house very crazy.

The real problem here is very simple. How secure is this electronic lock? If hackers can steal anyone’s information in a matter of seconds; what says that they wont just hack their way into you house. for me that would be the real issue here. Of course, I’m pretty sure amazon would be keen in making the system as secure as possible. but, these days there is never enough security with this type of issues.


Class Exercise

October 25, 2017

Local woman was shot by her husband right after their wedding. The groom’s whereabouts are still unknown.

Richard Brunson shot his wife Laurette Brunson in the abdomen. The shooting took place in six one seven Black Street at five P.M, only three hours after the wedding. The incident occurred after the bride threw a plate of salad to the groom.

Walter Corse one of the guests in the wedding explained what he heard – play recording—

After the shooting a neighbor called the police. By the time they arrived the groom was gone.

Marilyn Corse saw the groom escaping and said — play recording –

Laurette Brunson was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital and is currently in satisfactory conditions


News Comment

October 19, 2017

NY Times Article: “A Chance to Defuse the Catalonia Crisis”

 

This opinion article deals with the confusing times the people of Spain are going through right now. with Catalonia looking for independence by vote ( in the election 90% of the voters were in favor of the independence, but only 40% of all voters actually participated). The Government of Spain keeps placing borders to prevent the independence. for now is on hold and both governments are looking for dialogue ( well at least Catalonia is).

The truth is that the leadership of Catalonia got to a point that no one thought they could. On the verge of separation and they decided to declare independence but to postpone it until further dialogue takes place. I agree with the writer, the government needs more focus and a stringer leadership if Catalonia has demonstrated anything is that they are unsure 0f what they are doing. This hesitation comes mostly from the economical impact the independence would have. Already many businesses  have decided to leave, making their own economy just weaker.

This is a battle that has been taking place for many years; it’s just taking more news coverage . This is not the first time an election happens where all the voter want to separate from Spain but again not all the voter participate. at this point the leaders of Catalonia must decide if they want to shut everything down or go with it and face the consequences. probably Catalonia will be weaker at first but with a strong economical plan they should be fine


Article #2: Morningside Theatre Department. What Comes Next?

October 17, 2017

Morningside’s theater department won’t be offering any major or minor starting next semester. Now the department’s main focus will be the shows and the student involvement.

As theater professor Taylor Clemens explained “We don’t have the major anymore but there’s still the dedication to strengthen the theatre, getting students and community involved”. Now the department will start building around the student produced shows.

These students produced shows will be held in collaboration with APO (Alpha Psi Omega) the national theater honor society on campus (started in 1927, is one of the oldest societies on campus). Which is fully directed by students and is focused in making theatre stronger on campus.

To help this transition APO is creating a new position: a student liaison for productions. Amy Carothers is the one in charge to help students prepare their proposal for the play and guide them in every aspect.

The first show following this structure was Love, Sex and the I.R.S. Having a full cast, crew, and production team of students. The only faculty involved was Taylor Clemens as a theatrical consulter.

Brock Bourek APO president wants the society to keep the students and community invested.

He said “a movie night once a month, doing improvisation or theatre spotlight nights. Maybe even an open mic night.”

Luis Seijas who is not a theater major but has participated in the past said “I witnessed the great material the department has, but I’m not surprised of the cut thank to it’s lack students”. Many students like him are sad to see the major go mostly for the tools and potential it had to grow.

The Department will continue to provide the majors classes to the current enrolled students. Until the class of 2021 is graduated. Students for this class and before have until October 13th to declare the major. After this the academic department will be creating a detailed plan for every student that declared the major.

Prof. Clemens also explained the whole process of eliminating the major. A year ago, Morningside started a taskforce to look into future problems and how to solve them. All of the majors were put into consideration. Depending on their score the majors would end in the top or bottom 50 percent. The ones in the bottom The President of the college John Reynders would have to decide on whether eliminate or keeping them.

After the decision was made, a reasonable concern was shown by faculty and students. But the truth is that the department has been struggling for the last decade. From administration issues to a very small group of students enrolled in the major; the major was not on the best place.

 


News Broadcast Exercise

October 17, 2017

Love, empathy, and kindness are not just for humans.

As Stephanie Preston from Science magazine explains: the fundamental traits of humans are shared with other species; in both form and function. Monkeys, rodents, sheep, and dogs all share our mechanisms for: bonding, protecting and supporting acts of kindness.

Thanks to Oxytocin (aux-see-toe-cin) also known as “the trust hormone”. Approaching individuals becomes less scary and more rewarding when is valuable to the individual. The hormone is secreted and projected to regions rich in oxytocin(aux-see-toe-cin) receptors when the individuals are monogamous.

For mates and offspring, the hormone facilitates approach, helps memory, and reinforces the bond. Causing the same reaction of drugs, sexual experiences and chocolate.


Article #2 draft

October 10, 2017

This year Morningside College has gone through multiple changes. In those changes the Theatre department was affected. Starting next semester Theatre won’t be a major or minor available for new students. Theatre classes will continue for creative expression and art.

The Department will continue to give the major to the current enrolled students; until the class of 2021 is graduated. Students for this class and before have until October 13th to declare the major. After this the academic department will be creating a detailed plan for every student that declared the major.

For now, the theater department is focused on giving its best. With continuing the traditional productions every semester; the department will look into building a stronger base for their student produced shows. These will become the main focus for maintain a strong presence of theater in the college.

This student produced will be held in collaboration with APO (Alpha Psi Omega) the national theater honor society on campus (started in 1927, is one of the oldest societies on campus). Which is fully directed by students and is focused in making theatre stronger on campus.

As Taylor Clemens Head of the Theatre department explained “We don’t have the major anymore but there’s still the dedication to strengthen the theatre, getting students and community involved” His only concern comes down to what will happen after the class of 2021 graduates. Still he seems very optimistic with APO and the involvement of other major in the productions.

One students that is not a theater major but has participated in the past Luis Seijas gave his opinion saying “I witnessed the great material the department has, but I’m not surprised of the cut thank to it’s lack students”. Many students like him are sad to see the major go mostly for the tools and potential it had to grow.

Taylor also explained the whole process of eliminating the major. A year ago, Morningside started a taskforce to look into future problems and how to solve them. All the majors where put into consideration and a rubric was sent to all the faculty staff. Depending on their score the majors would end in the top or bottom 50 percent. The ones in the bottom The President of the college John Reynders would have to decide on whether eliminating or keeping them.

After the decision was taken, a reasonable concern was shown by faculty and students. But the truth is that the department has been struggling for the last decade. From administration issues to a very small group of students enrolled in the major; the major was not on the best place.

 

 

 

 

 


News Comment 7: When Do We Get to Call Someone a Terrorist?

October 5, 2017

The Atlantic Article: “When Do We Get to Call Someone a Terrorist?”

The Guardian Article: “What’s a ‘lone wolf’? It’s the special name we give white terrorists”

The article (guardian) deals with a very alarming and recent subject; terrorism and how we define it. Starting with explaining the events occurred in Las Vegas. the short information we have on the shooter leaves the public with a question should this be counted as terrorism or just someone with a mental problem?

An interesting wave of debate has been born thanks to the horrible events that happened in Las Vegas. Some claim that he was just a lonely wolf and can’t be categorized as a terrorist and other say he fits every definition of terrorist except being a muslim.

I believe we live in confusing times when it comes to definition. We are in the middle of a search for definition that our society is just not accepting yet. We claim to be so progressive and modern but the American society still tries to hold onto old believes that lead to social problems (racism, homophobia, xenophobia, etc.)

The American people have declared a war against terrorism but only if it’s muslim not american. As soon as information comes out that the man was white terrorism was out of the table.

as the article form the guardian explains “when asked at a press conference in Las Vegas if the shooting was an act of terrorism, Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo replied: “No. Not at this point. We believe it’s a local individual. He resides here locally,” suggesting that all terrorism is foreign in nature.”

nowadays college students are more likely to be killed in a school gun shoot that for a natural disaster. Everybody needs to open their minds and go beyond cultural significance in order to progress.