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.

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        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.

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      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.