Perception Is Everything.

Everything in life is presented to the world for specific reasons. Beau Otto's presentation demonstrates these themes through a series of optical illusions. There are a number of concepts that have been created for many individuals.

To begin with, racism issues have occurred in the past, are still occurring in the present and most likely will in the future. How will discrimination stop if people are just as much judging as they were in the past? Everyone needs to understand that having black or white skin is not very different it’s the love that people share deep inside of them. Whose choice was it to judge people based on their skin color? This is clearly an optical illusion that most people do not recognize.

The media is also changing many lives of young children as Beau Otto reveals. Children are controlled by computers, video games and cell phones nowadays. What will happen in 20 years? Will there be an even greater force which will control our children? The media influences children to change their body types, hair and wardrobes. In our society women want to look flawless and model-like, which influences children to look upon them. Every person is created for a different purpose, to be different and unique but there are many people who don’t signify this.

Therefore it is evident Beau Otto’s presentation demonstrates many concepts are made a certain way to fit our perceptions which creates personal opinions. Individuality is not recognizable in our society anymore due to many optical illusions.

The Book of Negroes

While reading the novel “The Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill, I recognize the quote "Got a slave mama, then you is slave. Got a slave daddy, then you is slave. Amanita is a strong African American woman in this novel. She feels as if she is doesn’t belong anywhere in the world but she still continues to survive for the sake of her long lost family. Everyone treats her as if she is worth nothing at all, but this makes her believe in herself more than ever. Any nigger in you at all, then you is slave as clear as day." (Pg.134) In today's society, this quote is still very powerful as many still believe that if you are of African descent that you are a slave. Many people in North America are still prejudice against African Americans as they accept them to only to be slaves and lower class compared to anyone else. No matter how hard African Americans try to forget the horrifying past; the word "slave" is always going to be a part of them. Although slavery is still practised in other countries it is now diminishing, but hard to forget for those who have survived through it. This quote speaks to me because African Americans are still looked upon poorly, which needs to change. As racism still continues many people still use the slang word "Negro or nigger" in everyday life, but many people do not understand the hardship behind it. The word Negro is another term for slaves. Many African American have families that have suffered through the horrific times being in the slave trade, but everyone in our society need to acknowledge it as something that has happened in the past.

Review

When choosing a cell phone most people will jump to the conclusion of buying a blackberry. Although blackberries are one of the most recognizable and newest of cell phones they are not the best quality. Personally the main reason I bought a blackberry is the excitement of having one of the newest phone technologies. Blackberries can make calls, send text messages, picture messages, surf the internet, send and receive emails just like many other cell phones. The main reason everyone wants the blackberry is because of its big name, the phone itself isn’t the greatest. The keyboard lets everyone send text messages and emails quite fast! Even though many people believe they are in the expensive range for cell phones, this is not completely true. Phone companies can easily discount the phones at their discretion or set you up on the 3-year phone contract which leaves you paying nothing for the phone itself. These contracts seem like excellent ideas but make sure you don’t sign the dotted line without reading the fine print, because this is where phone companies will snatch your money! On top of the phone and bill expenses, there are a few more such as the extended warranties, extra cases, phone screens even the smallest problems turn into big ones with these smart phones. The blackberry ball seems to be the main issue because it gets very dirty and once it’s dirty then it’s very hard to fix this. There are many different blackberries to choose from, starting with the oldest models to the brand new top of the line models. They are made in every color you desire. Blackberries may be the newest form of mobile technology, but there are many disadvantages and advantages of buying them.

Creative Writing

It's been three years since I have graduated from high school. After three years of working at the local grocery store and having enough money to travel, I decide to experience travelling. My ultimate plan is to travel to a third world country such as India. As I arrive in New Delhi, India I see thousands of people running around doing their daily errands. Never in my life have I been able to experience such an intense setting. There are people everywhere running in and out of the buses, going to the nearby temple and even washing clothes outside of their houses. The colorful outfits of many women catch my eye. I see every color in every shade from red, orange and yellow to green, blue and purple. On their wrists I see shiny bangles once again with an assortment of colors and shapes. There is an old man playing the drums while younger children are clapping. The setting makes me realize that even though some people are poor they are rich with love. As I walk further into the villages, I see children who are walking alone. I begin to assume they are orphans. As I thought to myself, everyone in the village treats these children like family. Even though the children are without their parents at such a young age they are fearless. India is a third world country but the people are very accepting and their love amongst everyone.

The Road Less Traveled

A career that you end up with should involve aspects that interest you. Passion is very important when it comes to your career however you must also consider the lifestyle you want. When it comes to a career I believe you should follow your heart and decide to go down a path that is and will remain meaningful to you. The reason for that being is that you will most likely spend a great deal of your life working in that field. If an individual wakes up and looks forward to work I think it helps the motivation going which leads to success. That being said, in the following year I will be attending UBCO for the next 4 years to achieve a Bachelor of Science degree with biology major. After these 4 years if I have the requiring marks I will be eligible to apply for medical school. Following that I am not positive on where I will be going. Health care is very important to me, so a job in the medical field is the most practical. The rewarding outcomes from the health care field are what matter the most. There are many challenges I will face in the near future but I am confident enough to proceed. This will allow me to aid others in the time of need which is very important. Alongside, I will work 5 days a week, which leaves the weekends for my personal life. In my opinion, it is necessary to balance work and a family life. Careers in the health field are very competitive, but this is the field I desire.

I wake up to the blaring music coming from my alarm clock. I thought to myself, I don't remember setting the alarm to 8:00 am? As I keep thinking I recall why I have set my alarm clock to 8:00 am. It was for my morning run, which I have not been following through with. This morning was going to be a change. I rushed to brush my teeth, scarf down a bowl of cereal and strawberries for breakfast and put on a pair of sweat pants with a tee shirt. After 10 minutes my new running shoes were no where to be found. I have looked everywhere; under my bed, in the trunk of my car and on the shoe rack. At last, I look in my closet and there is my brand new pair of Nike running shoes. I slowly tie the laces and walk outside. The sun is shining, the neighbors are gardening and best of all I am ready to run. I start off slow going up the hill and then I start to sprint. The morning breeze is slightly blowing my hair which motivates me to keep running. As I keep running I suddenly get fast as if someone was chasing me. An hour later, I return to my house. I am panting and gasping for air; this run has made me feel good about my myself. My tee shirt is clinging to my body because it is soaking with my sweat. Even though I look very untidy and smell strongly of sweat, I cant help but smile at my successful morning. This run makes me realize I need to get back into shape and exercise regularly.

Top 3 Holidays:

As many people think; holidays can be a relaxing time of the year but alongside quite hectic. Starting with Thanksgiving to the busy Christmas season and of course birthdays!

Thanksgiving is a time of the year where families and friends are grateful for one another! My favourite part about Thanksgiving is the laughter, happiness and excitement within each family member. Getting up very early to help with the preparations for the evening dinner are also quite enjoyable. Thanksgiving brings families closer as they make time to get together and spend quality time together. A lot of family from different cities gather together to experience Thanksgiving together. As well as the turkey and the other marvellous food and beverages expected at Thanksgiving! Millions of people all over the world spend Thanksgiving together, making it a very memorable holiday.

Christmas is one of the most exciting yet very busy times of the year! Although many people are done there Christmas shopping a long time before Christmas approaches, there are a number of last minute shoppers like myself! Gift ideas just don’t seem to click because I never know what my family and my friends would like! I would rather give others gifts than receive because there are so many people in the world who are less fortunate and would require gifts more. Christmas is not about the number of gifts you receive, but how a family connects together through gifts which are acts of kindness. Christmas often ends off the year with a lovely ending, but soon enough the New Year approaches!

Almost everyone enjoys their birthdays, but not so much for some people as they grow older and older! Once again, birthdays are about presents to an extent but more about the love between the people who give you gifts. Each birthday means it’s another year added to the previous birthday, which creates more responsibilities in the future. The candles seem to be covering the birthday cake but you never know when your last blow is for birthday cakes. As you will get older, you will understand that birthdays are not all about the cake, presents and attention; but more about the love between your friends and family.

Celebrating holidays with family and friends are what makes them full of laughter and happiness, which makes everyone look forward to Thanksgiving, Christmas and birthdays!

Top 3 Basketball Players

My top 3 professional basketball players at the momment would be Chris Bosh from the Toronto Raptors, Lebron James from the Cleveland Cavaliers and of course Kobe Bryant from the Los Angeles Lakers. I would compare their postions, years of experience and statistics.

Chris Bosh was selected 4th in the draft class of 2003, by the Toronto Raptors. Now during his 6th year of professional basketball with the Toronto Raptors, he is playing exceptionally well. With his experience, Chris Bosh is becoming a very well respected team leader. In the 2006-2007 regular season, he led the Toronto Raptors to their first division title in the franchise's twelve year history. Throughout his career he has been selected to play in all star game five times. His height is 6'10 and he weighs 104 kg, which makes him a very strong power forward. He can shoot from the perimeter, make almost every jump shot and go hard to the rim. Chris Bosh has been in the top 10 list for most points per game and rebounds per game. For the 2009-2010 basketball season he has 24.5 points per game, 11.4 rebounds per game (offensive and defensive) and 2.3 assists per game. Chris Bosh is one of the best power forwards in the game today.

Lebron James was selected in the same draft class as Chris Bosh, 2003. He was the number 1 draft pick, by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Lebron James has been a strong component for his team. His position is a small forward, but he can play almost every position. In 2007, James led his team to the conference finals for the first time since 1992 and to the NBA finals for the first time in franchise history. He has been selected to play in the allstar game six times. For the 2006 allstar game he got the MVP award, becoming the youngest player in the NBA to recieve this award. James was also the MVP for the 2008 allstar game. Lebron James can make almost every shot; including 3 pointers, free throws, field shots, dunks and jump shots. For the 2009-2010 season, he leads the NBA with the most points per game and is 6th for most assists per game. James has 30.1 points per game, 7.2 rebounds per game (offensive and defensive) and 8.4 assists per game. Overall he is one of the best players in the NBA.

Kobe Bryant has been a phenonomenal player for the past decade. He was selected
13th overall by the Charlotte Hornets, in 1996. Kobe Bryant is the first player to be selected right out of high school into the NBA. On July 1st, 1996 he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. With the help of Shaquille Oneal and Kobe Bryant, the Los Angeles Lakers won the NBA Championship in 2000, 2001 and 2002. Once again the Lakers won the NBA Championship in 2009, where Bryant was the MVP. With his experience today he has became one of the premier shooting guards in the league, earning appearances in the league's All-NBA,[43] All-Star, and All-Defensive teams. He was also the MVP in 2008. He can make any shot; 3 pointers, free throws, go hard to the rim and the basic jump shots. For the 2009-2010 season Kobe Bryant has 28 points per game, 5.3 rebounds per game (offensive and defensive) and 4.6 assists per game.

Therefore it is evident Chris Bosh, Lebron James and Kobe Bryant are the 3 most recognized and well respected players in the NBA. Their love for the game will never die.

Super Powers

If I could have any super power in the world I would want to be able to travel back into time. All the mistakes I have made in the past could possibly be corrected. My grandma passed away when I was very young, so with going back into time I will get the chance to finally meet with her and get to know her. All of the bad decisions I have made in the past, I would be able to change them and think twice before it ever happens again. My school marks have been decent, but I believe I could try even harder to change them now, and get the mark I deserve. Also, I would go back into time to improve my basketball and volleyball skills. Achieving all of my previous goals would be at the top of my list. Out of all the super powers, I would like to be able to travel back into time to meet with people I have never met with and correct bad decisions that I have made.