The Importance of Proof-Reading

I am now sitting in Tasha-Baby's class while she goes over point-by-point what she has written down in her little clipboard. She went over basically every little bit she could think and chastised us about it. One point was the importance of proof-reading. She went on for a good 2 minutes about how important it is to proof-read. How she shouldn't be impeded in her reading by checking off stupid little mistakes. Now as she rambles I remember watching another video of Taylor Mali and the Importance of Proof-Reading. So here goes another blog about english. Enjoy...

Funny Commercials... Priceless

Mastercard is a multinational credit card corporation based in New York.



It was originally called Master Charge but in the late 70s it became known as Mastercard. Now the name has become almost synonymous with the "Priceless" commercials. A number of them have left a distinct impression on us more than others. But the reason why i'm writing this blog is because of a particular commercial that never made it to our television screens. I still don't know why, maybe you can clue me in.

Loyalty is only skin deep

National Georaphic's - Taboo is a learning program that it shows you the many cultures of the world and introduces you to the idea of new and what may seem bizarre to us, but defines their history and their identity. For example, a tribe in Africa has a ritual initiation they repeat every year. When boys become of age, all the adult males of the village come and cut the childs entire body with razors. This experience is supposed to be one of humility and a test of strength. The entire process lasts a few weeks and it is one the would humble even the mightiest of men. The once boys now men feel that the process is an essential one that helps them become a new man.

This clip did not really disturb me. Such initiations have occured throughout history, whether it be a right of passage or initiation into a club. It did not surprise me that these activities take place even today. The ideal behind it is golden, making the boys humble and faithful men. Of course, the whole mutilation thing kind of turns me off. That's where the whole practice loses face to the eyes of people of western philosophy. And because of this ignorance, such cultures are looked down upon and are overlooked. If only people could open up their eyes a bit.

A little closer to home...

Cuba may not be at the top of the list for current human rights violators, but it is still one that affects my love ones aswell as myself. I am a Cuban-American that has been exiled from his home because of one of the last standing dictators around. Fidel Catro was a revolutionary hero that promised to return Cuba to it's former prowess, but all he brought instead has been death and the total decline of a countries economic standings. Cuba was once a lush country that all loved. Life was not luxurious but it was one that people enjoyed and were contempt with. All this changed when an authoritarian leader called Batista came into power. He stole from a country in which he ran and as a result created diversion and resentment among his people. Soon an uprising ensued, one led by Castro. Castro was a hero, the robin hood for Cuba. He promised so much but in the end took away even more. This man has killed countless, destroyed families, and has plundered homes and estates all for himself. Now that this dicrepit old man is teetering back and forth from the brink of death many economists and world leaders wonder how Cuba will fare in the modern day world. It is a future that all Cubans hope will bring hope to many families.


Best Thing That Castro Ever Did

America's gotten SOFT

Watch Carlos Mencia's stand up and his take on "American" issues regarding race, education and parenting. Post your blog about what he is saying, who he's addressing, is he successful, is he right, do you agree, disagree, are you offended or l.y.a.o.?

As I sat teary eyed and gasping for breath, listening to Carlos Mencia's standup routine, I couldn't help and think that this man has basically voiced my thoughts on several key problems America is having, regarding race, education, and parenting. The first video I saw was, "Not for the easily offended". This was insanely funny and I couldn't stop laughing, partly because of his physical humour, but also because I agree or have experienced what he was talking about, first hand. I think America has lowered the standards for education way too much. I mean he gets a little harsh with the whole ADD, ADHD, and mental retardation but even so, I think he makes a valid point. The ADD and ADHD, I think is a joke for the most part. Only in extreme cases do those two symptoms make valid arguments in the imparement of learning. And well retardation, it's a given. He hit home when he started speaking about how parents force or interfere with the education process when their kids get in trouble or left behind by the school. I detest the fact that parents are so intrusive and biased when it comes to their own childs, for lack of a better word, idiocies. When they 'butt-in' and try to get their child out of trouble or when they try and force the teacher to change a grade because of bullshit reasons like, "Oh, I was away all weekend in Orlando and I couldn't complete the assignment." I mean take responsibility for your actions!

Now for the second standup routine it was more of a stab on society and how everyone gets so offended. I agree with him on some points, like how everyone gets so easily offended at every little thing said by anyone. Other than that, there is really nothing else I can say about it.

Here is Spoken Word Poem by Taylor Mali that pretty much sums up America's failing intelligence.

What Teachers Make?

I'm a big fan of Spoken Word Poetry. It all started because of my friend, Tommy, who is a big music buff, introduced me to Def Poetry Jam, an HBO show hosted by Mos Def. I have watched a lot of the Spoken Word Poems that have been presented on this show and I hold this one to a higher platform then the others. This poem is not only true, it also is filled with meaning and force, and is able to reach out to many people.

Taylor Mali has become more well known because of this poem and has done a number of new ones that all point have some truth in them. If you want to see more of his works just go on Youtube and type hi name up. You are sure to get a few hits. Also a lot of Def Poetry Jam sessions are Youtube, so check it out!

Miss Dummy From Carolina

I had not actually seen what happened with the Miss USA pageant and was embarrassed to say the least at what I heard come out of that airheads mouth. She absolutely had no idea how to answer the question, hell I don't even think she knew where the United States was on the map. I'm also pretty sure she said "Die Iraq". If this moron could complete a coherent sentence without reading it from a script and having about 10 minutes to figure out what she just read, then I will be suprised beyond all reason. All this girl is, is a pair of tits with blonde hair. I mean the only reason she came on the Today show was the same reason Ashley Simpson showed her face after her SNL incident. The sad thing is I was cringing in embarrassment at what I was hearing. Stupidity is rampid in South Carolina.