Technology Hurting Us

Introduction

       Computers, Phones, and many more advancements of technology have taken place in the past century. They help us to connect with each other, capture memories, and keep us updated on news. Perfectly harmless, right? Things like that are amazing. However, advancements in technology could be harming us.

Opinion

      Maybe advancements in technology aren't the best thing ever. Computers and social networking sites are outlets for bullying. Cyber bullying can be more harmful than physical bullying since it will last forever. Phones are giving us distractions due to the amount of applications added on today. E-mail makes sending messages to faraway people more insincere. Distancing people from the ones closest (literally) to them. So, technology is somewhat of a blessing and a curse. Helping and Hurting.

Final Thoughts

      So, what are your thought on technology? You already know mine so let me know yours! Answer in the comments below.

Scented Products

Introduction

     Shampoo, body wash, lotions, and especially perfume usually contain synthetic fragrance. To keep trade secrets safe, producers of fragrance are enabled to withhold the ingredients. So, you cannot depend on the labels to tell you what is in the scent. However, this can mean bad news for consumers. It means that anything could make up that addicting floral scent of your shampoo. 

Opinion

      Synthetic fragrance is not good. It can be made up of hundreds or even thousands of chemicals. Even if a label says fragrance-free it could still have fragrance to cover up chemical scents. The health problems it can bring about is also bad. Chemicals in the fragrance, like phtalates, can cause allergies, birth defects, and cancer.

Final Thoughts

      Why risk it? Try to avoid fragrances. Something as simple as reading the label can help you keep away from the dangerous scents. What are your thoughts on synthetic fragrance? Answer in the comments below.

Sources

• http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/toxic-perfumes-and-colognes/
• http://www.mariasfarmcountrykitchen.com/five-must-knows-on-the-dangers-of-synthetic-fragrance/

Dangerous Hand Sanitizer?

Introduction

    Hand sanitizer. We find ourselves using it when in not so clean situations and having no sink or soap available. However, could it be harming you? Well, yes. Specific ingredients in hand sanitizer, that is. Ingredients like triclosan, parabens, and fragrance. All can be harmful. Want to find out how? Just read on.

Opinion

    Some hand sanitizers are okay to use, in a pinch, others are not. Ones with triclosan aren't okay to use. Even though it is supposed to prevent bacteria growth, it might end up making some bacteria unaffected by antibiotics. Parabens aren't a good ingredient either. Even if it is the safest synthetic preservative, it is best to stay away from them. For fragrance, you don't know what is in it. It could be one or it could be hundreds of chemicals. Those chemicals could cause allergies, respiratory distress, and other things. 

Final Thoughts

    It's better to use soap and water than hand sanitizers. Your hands are still dirty after you use hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizers with 60% alcohol are good at killing bacterial viruses. So, what are your thoughts on hand sanitizer? Answer in the comments below.

Myth News Article!!!

Below is a link to a myth news article I created with another blogger. Check it out, if you want.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cRRlV8Jk6W9qHPinOalNwjrNX7qBR-s_9GpY6IHj0bs/edit#

Butterflies, In Danger

Introduction

   From the title, you tell this is going to be about butterflies. More specifically Monarch butterflies. Research from the WWF  tells that fewer of these butterflies migrated, last year, than in any years since the records started 20 years ago. You see, their population has been decreasing due to more than a few things. Less milkweed in many places, climate, and having their homes disappear.

Opinion

      I think that this is not good. Monarch butterflies pollinate plants. Milkweed and other plants are being cut down to make space for building projects. The thing is, milkweed is essential to a monarch butterflies life. They lay their eggs on only milkweed and eat only milkweed. With it being cleared, it's no wonder why monarch butterfly population is lessening. Deforestation clears their home. The weather has played a role in this, too. Heavy rain and very cold temperatures could kill them during their long migration. 

Final Thoughts

     What do you think about butterflies? Answer in the comments below.

 

Eros

Introduction

    Eros. Also known as Cupid in Roman myths. The god of love. He is the son of Aphrodite and possibly Ares. Eros fell in love with a mortal, Psyche, that he was supposed to punish when he grazed himself with his own arrow. He had two types of arrows. One type awakened love while the other brought on indifference.  Some of Eros' characteristics are romantic, mischievous, and handsome. Eros was respected because love holds great power that he could control.

Opinion

      I chose this god for a blog post because I didn't know anything about Eros. Now that I know more about him, I see that he is one of my favorites. Very loyal to his mother and having the ability to forgive his love after she doubted him. I would probably respect and fear Eros. Respect because of his loyalty to his mother and having forgiveness. Fear because Eros basically controls your love life. Scary. His greatest strength are his looks and inspiring. His greatest weakness is his sudden mood changes.

Final Thoughts

What are your thoughts on Eros? Would you fear him, respect him, or both? Answer in the comments below.

Mothers

Introduction

      Imagine this, having a job to do all year, 24/7. You have absolutely no pay or vacation days. All the cooking, cleaning, shopping, and everything you do provides no living. During holidays, your job is twice as hard. Instead of earning money, you loose it. You are a maid, driver, shopper, cook, etc. You are everything. Sometimes, you want to quit, but you accepted responsibility and care too much to leave. What job is this? It is being a mom.  

Opinion

        Moms are like the strongest people, ever. They make great sacrifices to raise their kids well. Good moms at least. Without moms, we would be nothing. For all the work they do, there isn't a price you can put on it. The only thing to do is to pay them back with love and kindness. You really can't replace them. If you tried, you probably wouldn't find one. Seriously, don't even try. Just please, don't.

Final Thoughts

         This post was for Mother's Day. Moms should be acknowledged for their hard work. What are your thoughts on moms? Answer in the comments below.  

Down A Dark Hall: Overview

Introduction

      The story follows a girl named Kit. Her mother and Dan, her stepfather who just married to her mother, applied Kit to a school, Blackwood. Upon arriving, she was amazed at the school's appearance. However, as they explored she started to feel it was, evil. A mysterious series of events follows, and Kit finds herself unable to settle into the boarding school. She only finds herself wanting to leave. However, someone or something doesn't want her to leave. What will Kit do? 

Opinion

        I think the book is wonderful. I have never read anything like it, but I plan to read more. The book kept me hooked with its unique style. I would recommend this to a friend. The reason for this being it is very well executed. Like the fact that it doesn't only carry utterly simple sentences throughout the whole book. I am also a sucker for suspense and mystery. Though, the horror aspect might not be for everyone I know. 

Final Thoughts

     This particular style of book is Gothic. I have never read a Gothic book before in my short lifetime. Would you read this book based on this information? Have you? If yes, what were your feelings on it?

 

Dangerous Sunscreen, Again?!

Introduction

     This is going to be a kind of branch off/follow up to a previous blog post. Vitamin A. One of those vitamins that our bodies need to function. Well, sunscreen companies have started to add a form of Vitamin A and not just a little, a lot of them. They did this because they believed it would help to slow skin aging like sunscreen already does. However, it can be dangerous when you use it on skin that's open to sunlight. Though there is debate on whether this is true or not.

Opinion

      When I look at all the research done I think," Man, I'm so confused." The EWG believes it is bad. A federal research of the vitamin's carcinogenic properties heighten the fact that this vitamin might make cancer tumors grow faster and all that bad stuff. However, another thing I read says that it is only for beauty purposes. Also, an FDA study mentioned in the article used more Vitamin A in its sample. Like, a lot more than the amount in today's. Some doctors and other researchers say that Vitamin A does not harm our health. More studies need to be done on sunscreen. For now, people are pretty much divided on if it is dangerous or not.

Final Thoughts

     Since nothing is set in stone, use whatever sunscreen you want. I, personally, would steer clear of it anyways. Better to be safe than sorry. To get effective sun protection you want a sunscreen of at least spf 15 with broad spectrum and/or UVA and UVB protection. What are you thoughts on this controversial topic? Answer in the comments below.

Sources:

• http://www.sunscreensafety.info/?page_id=18
• http://www.ewg.org/2013sunscreen/the-problem-with-vitamin-a/

 

Edgar Allan Poe

Introduction

      Edgar Allan Poe was born on January 19, 1809 and died on October 7, 1849. Edgar Allan Poe was born in Boston as one of David and Elizabeth Poe's three children. Poe's writings are inspired by his tragic life, the portion of time he lived in, and his brain. Something that a lot of people probably do not know about him is, after his mother and father separated, he was adopted by John and Frances Allan. The not (well) known fact is, he was disowned by John when he went to West Point. Another is he loved cats. He owned a very loyal one named Caterina. When he was away, she was depressed and died only two weeks after Poe's death.

Poem

Annabel Lee

It was many and many a year ago,
In a kingdom by the sea,
That a maiden there lived whom you may know
By the name of ANNABEL LEE;
And this maiden she lived with no other thought
Than to love and be loved by me.

I was a child and she was a child,
In this kingdom by the sea;
But we loved with a love that was more than love-
I and my Annabel Lee;
With a love that the winged seraphs of heaven
Coveted her and me.

And this was the reason that, long ago,
In this kingdom by the sea,
A wind blew out of a cloud, chilling
My beautiful Annabel Lee;
So that her highborn kinsman came
And bore her away from me,
To shut her up in a sepulchre
In this kingdom by the sea.

The angels, not half so happy in heaven,
Went envying her and me-
Yes!- that was the reason (as all men know,
In this kingdom by the sea)
That the wind came out of the cloud by night,
Chilling and killing my Annabel Lee.

But our love it was stronger by far than the love
Of those who were older than we-
Of many far wiser than we-
And neither the angels in heaven above,
Nor the demons down under the sea,
Can ever dissever my soul from the soul
Of the beautiful Annabel Lee.

For the moon never beams without bringing me dreams
Of the beautiful Annabel Lee;
And the stars never rise but I feel the bright eyes
Of the beautiful Annabel Lee;
And so, all the night-tide, I lie down by the side
Of my darling- my darling- my life and my bride,
In the sepulchre there by the sea,
In her tomb by the sounding sea. 

        I believe this poem is about the theme of love. It is delivering the impression that love never dies. I chose this poem to include because the title caught my eyes. I do not usually come across poem under the name of a person. It was different, in a good way. The poem turned out to have a wonderful message. I can't relate to this poem. I haven't experienced the death of  a loved one, yet. I wonder what  will happen when I do. I think Poe was quite the sad person. Reading a fragment of his life's story has revealed the tragedy in it. I don't  think he would have been able to stay happy for too long. h

Evaluation

     Alliteration-sounding sea, demons down, who were, cloud, chilling

     Personification-A wind blew out,  the wind came out of the cloud, our love it was stronger
     Repetition-kingdom by the sea, beautiful Annabel Lee
     Style- mostly free verse with a few rhymes here and there

    These elements do make the poem more interesting. If it were devoid of them, the message would not have as much impact. The overall mood is an happy sadness with them in there. In my mind, while reading it I would've called it extremely boring without them to add difference. A bit of variety to be interesting. I like it.

Final Thoughts

         I dare you to read more poems from Poe. See what you think of him. You could go to http://www.poemhunter.com/edgar-allan-poe/. What do you think of the poem featured in the post? Answer in the comments below.

Sources

• http://www.personal.psu.edu/kmb5425/Assignment3.html
• http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lynn-cullen/11-things-you-didnt-know-_1_b_4059140.html
• http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/annabel-lee/

Formaldehyde

Introduction

     Ever heard of this ingredients? Formaldehyde. It also goes by the name methanal, and has been mentioned very briefly in a past post. Yes, before parabens came this ingredient for preserving things. So far, it has been used less in everyday products and companies will, hopefully, never look back. However, you can still find it in many, many places. It can catch fire, doesn't have color, and has a strong smell. It has been grouped as a carcinogen for people. Right now I am just shaking my head in disbelief, how many are there! Want to find out more about this terrible thing? Just read on.

Opinion

     I hate formaldehyde with a passion, and am kind of scared of it. It can cause cancer, and I'm sure nobody wants that. The thing is, people usually recognize formaldehyde, but not its other name. Methanal. That is quite un-notable compared to formaldehyde. It can be found in anything from nail polish to your home through urea-formaldehyde foam insulation. If your open to 10-20 ppm of this stuff, you could have eye irritation and burning sensations in the nose and throat. Studies have proposed that there is a link between being exposed to methanal and roughly seven types of cancer.

Final Thoughts

    I forgot to mention, formaldehyde is also used to embalm dead bodies. Yeah, I would seriously avoid it. That is just gross. So,  what is your opinion on this chemical? Answer in the comments below.

Sources

•  http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/formaldehyde

• http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/idlh/50000.HTML

Uh...So Many Bad ingredients

Introduction

     Okay, unless you have it sulfate free, look at the ingredients list on your shampoo bottle. A bunch of what is there probably looks like gibberish, if you don't have the most "safe" and "natural" shampoo. There are two ingredients in particular this post will focus on, sodium laureth sulfate and its relative known as sodium lauryl sulfate. The immediate difference is the -eth and -yl. The shampoo label thing in the beginning is because these two ingredients are quite common in shampoo. However, they may be contaminated with ethylene oxide. It has been noted has being a, not possible, but known carcinogen for people. That is not good not an variety of levels. Want to learn more? Just keep reading.

Opinion

      I basically hate these two ingredients. They are also found in household cleaning products, dish soap, cosmetics, and a load of other things. They are foaming agents. What irks me the most about them is, almost every shampoo will have them, and they're dangerous. I mean, the ethylene oxide it can have could harm your nervous system, and the California Environmental Protection Agency categorized it as a potential developmental toxin for the reason that  it has the possibility to disrupt development in people. SLS( sodium lauryl sulfate) is able to irritate your skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. I don't want to chance any bad things happening to me because of these sulfates. Going for sulfate-free products is a pretty good way to avoid these things.

Final Thoughts

      Sulfates can also dry out, strip, and damage your skin. Remember, for every thing you buy there will always be a downside, nothing is perfect. Just be the opposite of careless. So, what's your view on sulfates? Answer in the comments below.

Sources

• http://davidsuzuki.org/issues/health/science/toxics/chemicals-in-your-cosmetics---sodium-laureth-sulfate/
• http://www.natural-health-information-centre.com/sodium-laureth-sulfate.html#axzz2y3DwP0AC

A Preservative

Introduction

      Do you own any lotions or creams? If you do, check the ingredients list. There are probably a lot of ingredients, but there is one in particular that I will be talking about. Parabens. The most used types are methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, isobutylparaben, butylparaben, and benzylparaben. Quite the mouthful. The point is, they all end with paraben. There has been some controversy on whether or not parabens are safe. It is true that things can be preserved naturally by rosemary extract and other things. However, there has been no way to naturally preserve lotins or creams, yet. Who knows? By the time you read this the information could be out of date. If it is not, read on.

   

Opinion

    I have to admit, I had a really bad opinion on parabens before doing my research. They are in a literal ton of things. Though, the preservative before the paraben was much worse. Formaldehyde. Parabens are much safer than synthetic preservatives before it. They are found in anything from sunscreens to shampoos. I guess I don't mind though. The FDA and European Union figure, after testing, that they are safe. Avoid them if you can, though. Synthetic preservatives aren't the safest thing ever.

Final Thoughts

   The source for the information is http://www.care2.com/greenliving/parabens-easy-greening.html. Be careful when choosing a product for personal care. Learn the good and bad ingredients, and try to avoid the worst ones. So, how do you feel about parabens? Good? Evil? Angel? Demon? Answer in the comments below.

Technology Overload

 Introduction

      Did you know that too much use of technology can affect our ability to store information? Kind of shocking. There have been some arguments on whether or not technology is helping or hurting us. I think all our devices are hurting us because kids are choosing technology instead of friends, it keeps us from focusing on the task at hand, and keeping us from relationships in our own homes.

Paragraphs

        Most kids now are using more time to surf the web or listen to music on their iPod than hanging out with their friends. This is definitely not good. It has actually happened to me before, and the end result was not pretty. This can weaken the bond with your friend significantly. Sure, computers and social networks can allow us to stay in touch with friends across the the country. However, they can also push your friend that lives next door to you away. Your friends on Facebook might not even be friends. You can't really get to know all 1,000 of them very well. They could even be someone else, just faking their identity. At least you really know who your friends are because you have met them in person.

        Think about it, if you are trying to do math homework while watching the newest episode of Glee, are you really focusing on your homework? Probably not. Though, this is the case for most kids, having to multitask to no end. It causes us to usually not do  our very best work, and it could become quite the problem. Grades could start to drop because you can't focus on the assignment. Our brains could be affected negatively because of this multitasking. It could leave us only able to focus on tasks for short amounts of time. That is terrible with the standardized tests that we have which take more than 15 minutes to do.

       Spending time in your room surfing on the internet instead of eating with your family is not exactly good. It could even weaken the bonds within your family. Technology could distance you quite a bit from your family.  Words could even become insincere, sending a text instead of talking or even giving a call. The little things show you care. Taking time to listen and talk with each other is bonding right there. Your cell phone breaks these hard to earn relationships.  

Closing

     Technology isn't the best thing ever because it keeps us from our friends, keeps us from focusing, and keeps us from relationships. I feel this way due to the fact that all of my technology has been affecting me in a bad way. It is an outlet for my procrastinating and overall laziness. I have to get over it. I don't want other people to have the same problems. So, how do you handle technology? If you handle to much, try to unplug for a while.

     

Animal Shelters

Introduction

    Dogs, cats, and more. Plenty of animals end up in shelters every year. Fortunately, they have a place to stay before someone comes to take them to a new home. Unfortunately, not all will  be adopted. Older dogs, cats, etc. usually stay there until they die or are put down. Why? The answer is quite simple. People want "cute" and young puppies or kittens. However, people do still adopt adult or senior dogs and cats. Stories are different for other animals. The thing is, more and more older dogs are being put in shelters. Eventually, there gets to be too many dogs or cats and the oldest ones (often times) are first to be put down. Though, this is quite unfair. Want to learn more, read on.

Opinion

     Animal shelters are both good and bad places, is what I think. They do give salvation to dogs or cats that have been abused or worse. However, for most dogs and cats in shelters they stay there for the rest of their lives. People buy from puppy mills, places where dogs are raised in horrible conditions, pet stores or breeders. Getting a shelter pet is saving a life because some shelters kill the pets there. The pets in shelters will die in a cage with no one wanting them if people continue to not even consider getting one. This is the sad truth. So give them a chance at a new life! You'd be surprised at how they can still trust even though someone betrayed them.

Final Thoughts

     I'm pretty happy with how many animals are being saved. Not so happy with how many are being adopted. Though, baby steps right? Would you adopt a shelter pet? Why? Answer in the comments below.

 

Dangerous Sunscreen....?

Introduction

       Sunscreen. We all use it to protect form the sun's harmful rays. However, did you know that you sunscreen may actually be harming your skin? Most sunscreens do protect your skin, but not without using dangerous ingredients. One is oxybenzone, not to be misread for avobenzone. It is a chemical sunscreen ingredient. Oxybenzone is supposed to absorb ultraviolet light, but some research shows something else. I t can absorbed through the skin. The EWG labeled oxybenzone as a hormone disrupter. That is definitely not good. Want to learn moreabout this ingredient? Read on. 

Opinion

      I feel that oxybenzone is kind of confusing. Even though it is in chemical sunscreen, it is found in flower colorant and has been able to eliminate cancer cells in some lab research. There are sunscreens that are physical sunscreens, using zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. There are benefits and disadvantages to both sunscreens. Physical sunblock is known to be "safe." You only have to reapply every four, six, or even eight hours. The downfall is that it wears down unevenly and can give a white cast to the skin. Oxybenzone and chemical sunblock has controversy on safety. However, it does wear down evenly and isnot known for a white cast. You have to reapply every two hours.

Final Thoughts

    Honestly, it is your choice on which to use. I would probably use physical sunscreen. What do you think? Answer in the comments below.

Sources

• http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/16/health/sunscreen-report/
• http://www.winonadailynews.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/healthful-hint-oxybenzone-not-dangerous-in-sunscreens/article_2649f3b0-c25f-11e1-8af9-0019bb2963f4.html
• http://www.totalbeauty.com/content/gallery/dangerous-ingredients-in-cosmetics/p133552/page2

Horrible, Though Not Known

Introduction

    If you look in someone's house, you'll probably find some Vaseline or petroleum jelly. Petroleum jelly has been known to treat anything from diaper rash to chapped lips. Basically a cure all. You might be thinking that since it helps so much, petroleum jelly is perfectly harmless. Petroleum jelly is actually leftovers after oil drilling. If you put it on the lips you probably will end up eating it. THAT is like ingesting gas. Nope,that is totally harmless. Not. If you want to hear more about this secret danger, read on. 

Opinion

     After making this blog, I will probably never use petroleum jelly. Never again. The European Union has actually outlawed petroleum jelly and products similar to it. It doesn't even add moisture to your skin. It just seals in dirt, chokes pores, and is smoke and mirrors. Vaseline is hard to clean your skin of it. If your face is dirty and you apply it, the dirt is going to be hard to clean. Petroleum jelly creates this sort of seal or barrier on your skin. Your pores can breath because it keeps out the air. This substance actually just makes your skin look hydrated. The barrier actually dries it out. It does that exact opposite.

Final Thoughts

   I will probably not use the dangerous substance for the rest of my life. You can actually make substitutes for petroleum jelly using only a few ingredients. Just avoid anything with mineral oil. That is just as dangerous. So, what do you think of Vaseline? Answer in the comments below.

Sources

• http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/price-beauty?page=2
• http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/21/vaseline-petroleum-jelly_n_4136226.html#slide=3030379

Abraham Lincoln

Introduction

      Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12,1809 in a log cabin. His father was Thomas Lincoln, who later married Sarah Bush Johnston after his wife died, Nancy Hanks, people know only a bit of her. He had very little classic education, he tutored himself by reading and rereading a minuscule supply of books. Lincoln had four sons, only one that lived beyond 18, and was married to Mary Ann Todd. His sons by the names of Edward, Tad,and Willie all died at the age of 18 or younger. Only Robert lived past that age. He was able to become the sixteenth president, help the Union during the Civil War, and make the choice to initiate war to prevent the split of America. President Lincoln is also a quite interesting person. He is included in the Wrestling Hall of Fame. Members of a gang tried to steal his dead body. They were caught be the Secret Service. His eldest son was even rescued by his assassin's brother!

Opinion

President Lincoln was known for many famous quotes. One that he is known for is ,"Be sure you put your feet in the write place, then stand firm." I think this indicates that Lincoln believed that you had to choose what you feel is right, and when you find it, then fight for it. Don't just go with anything. An additional quote from him is,"No man has a good enough memory to make a successful liar." This most likely means that it is impossible to be a good liar. Lincoln was quite honest because the truth comes out, eventually. One more quote for Lincoln is,"A house divided against itself  cannot stand." He was probably referring to America at the time. This means that a team or united group can't remain if  they are against each other. Everything will fall apart.

A Paragraph

      Abraham Lincoln's accomplishments impacted the world. He was an inspiration for many people, including me, when he became president. He ran for elections, for different things, before becoming president and lost more than he won. His determination has given people the will to never give up. The effect of Lincoln helping the Union during the war was the freeing of slaves. People are grateful of him because if he did not help the Union during the war, many people could still be slaves and suffering. It inspired me to fight only for the things I truly believe in. President Lincoln making the choice of engaging in war was a hard one, but it saved America. He tried to make peace without bloodshed, but it did not work. This made me respect him because the hard decisions he made ended up preventing the division of America.  

Websites Used to Obtain Information

• www.infoplease.com
• www.brainyquote.com
• www.quotationspage.com
• www.history.com
• www.nps.gov

Ah, Music

Introduction

Music. One of the many, many ways people are able to express themselves. Whether it is through making their own, playing an instrument, or just listening to it on your laptop music is a form of  expression. There are all kinds of music that people listen to. Rock, pop, country, emo, goth, blues, the list goes on and on. It is also a way to speak without words. Music can understood even if it is from a country that is on the other side of the world.  

Opinion

I simply love music.It can make you feel happy, sad, angry, calm, and every emotion not mentioned here. Music can be quite meaningful. Music can be quite stupid. music can be anything that you want. You never know how it will turn out. Music has been around since ancient times. It is even used for religious purposes. It can be made using anything. Music is beautiful.

Final Thoughts

I think music is awesome. It is very versatile. Music is anything. What do you feel about it? Answer this in the comments.

Poems, So Many of Them

Introduction

  My favorite type of writings are poems. The way words are arranged to make something beautiful. Sound beautiful, at least. They are meant for entertainment, enjoyment, and other things. To read them makes me feel the emotions of the poet. It allows me to look through the eyes of the other person. That feeling is amazing. It can also be quite interesting. All throughout history people have written poems, too. They can tell a story with fewer words.  

Opinion

    Poems are important. They can move you experience emotions. Poems inspire me. They can move you to laugh, cry,  and shout in joy. Poetry is one of the most beautiful things on Earth. They can be anything you want. There are even different styles like Haiku, usually about nature. This writing type helps you to express your emotions. Whether it is anger, joy, happiness, or even depression poetry is a way to show it. A person's views on the world, life, etc. are bared through this writing style.

Final Thoughts

I find poetry to be enchanting. It just interests me. No, it captures my attention.  So, how do you see poems?Good?Bad?Interesting?Boring? Answer in the comments below.

Stress Is Evil

Introduction

I'm pretty sure that most people have heard that being stressed out is bad for you. Well, it can also be dangerous! Higher blood pressure, headaches, the list goes on and on. Having a schedule that allows only a small amount of free time with family and friends can also impact relationships. No time to spend time together eventually makes bonds disappear. If you want to find the story of stress, read on. 

Opinion

Just, don't get stressed. It is usually something you control. If you can, clear time in your schedule to relax. If don't relax  in the place where you work, you can be given the "gift" of higher chance of getting heart attacks, disorders, etc. Who wants that? No one. So, why be stressed can you can find a balance of work and free time. Not trying to mange stress can even grant you mental and/or bodily predicaments.(heart disease, infections, sickness, etc.) Why risk it? It's better to figure out why you're stressed and find a way to lessen it. Don't just let it drag on. Ignoring problems doesn't make them magically go away. It, most of the time, just makes them worse.

Conclusion

Stress is a horrible, inescapable, vile thing. Everyone's lives would be better without it. Fortunately, there are ways to beat it. So, what are your views on stress? Answer in the comments section below.

These were used to obtain some in formation:

http://www.healtheducation.uci.edu/stress/quickfacts.aspx

http://www.stress.org/workplace-stress/

Books, Books, Books

Introduction

      Books, books, and more books! They are awesome! I love how you learn new things from them. I love how they capture my attention. I love everything about them! Books and all kinds of writings have been around since history started. They were used to record history, for entertainment, information etc. Without books, we would all be lost. If the past was forgotten, we wouldn't be able to really do anything. Most people forgot about the past, but books will always be here.
 

Opinion

Books are tons important. If we replaced all of our books with e-books, it would be chaos. Sure, e-books are more friendly to the environment, but technology isn't the most reliable thing. I have had a nook for a year, and I'm still trying to figure it out. Also, what if the battery runs out? Books don't need batteries or electricity. E-books and technology do. I'm pretty sure books are better. 

Final Thoughts

Books are the most awesome thing in the world. No matter how much technology is made, no matter how many years pass by, books are here to stay. What do you think of books? Answer in the comments below.

What is the Matter with Pollution!?

Introduction

Oil spills, smoke from factories, and litter. These are all forms of pollution. Not only does it effect us, but the animals too. Thousands of water birds can fly because of oil spills. They also die because trash suffocates them. We can't eat fish due to the amounts of mercury. Even the ozone layer is thinning. The thing is, it is our fault that this is happening. It is us that are killing the environment. Sometimes, without even knowing it

Opinion

Pollution is wrong. Seriously, why would anyone want to destroy the place they love. Why would anyone want to destroy their home? Pollution also kills. On dosomething.org it states,"Pollution is one of the biggest global killers, affecting over 100 million people. That’s comparable to global diseases like malaria and HIV." It is bad enough that pollution destroys everything, but it's even worse that we also get killed by our own actions. Have you ever heard about pollution in our water? The thing is, there is only so much we can drink. However, it can harm us,too. Livescience.com states"Worldwide, more than 500 million people drink water that could be harmful to their health." Surprising,right? Even though we need water to live, it can hurt us.

Final Thoughts

I hate pollution. I just don't believe it is right. Killing ourselves and other things is not cool. What do you think? Answer this in the comments below.

Happiness, What About It?

Introduction

This picture shows happiness, is rare. It really is but eventually, you will be
able to find it.

I choose the topic of happiness because I find happiness interesting. I mean, what is really happiness? What is it caused by? These questions rang through my head for days, but still no answer. But the reason for all this was pure curiosity. This topic is very important to me because I want to find what makes me happiest before I die. I actually think that everyone is looking for happiness. I wonder, what else is there to happiness?  To find out, read on.

Opinion 

My opinion of happiness is that it is a warm, bubbly feeling that you feel inside yourself. However, there are many ways of describing it. Some people may just feel giddy or have a smile on their face.(without knowing) There are also benefits to being so happy. Huffingtontonpost.com states,"Could a positive outlook be the key to a healthier ticker? Maybe so, according to a 2012 scientific review published in the journal Psychological Bulletin."    I knew that being happy was good for you, but I had no idea it could even help your heart. Happiness also can not be bought. Davidweedmark.com states,"Money does not buy happiness. After having your basic material needs met, additional money does not have any impact on your levels of happiness." This, as many know, is quite true. Once you have everything that you need, buying more stuff will not make you happier.

Final Words

Overall, I am pretty happy with what I found. With all the information gathered, I might just be able to answer some questions on my mind. So, what makes you happy? Answer in the comments below