Assignment Eight

 If there is one thing that I have an absolutely strong opinion on, it's about the legalization of same-sex mariages. I honestly don't understand why it's an issue when it should be a right. There are so many important things for the United States to work on and discuss, but they chose this topic--a topic that shouldn't even be an issue. I'm appalled by the reaction of people because of Ellen Degeneres's appearance on commercials for JC Penney. People are in an uproar and claim that because she's featured on TV, that children are being given a negative message. I don't understand that one bit. If a child see's her on TV, what are they going to be influenced to do? She's not on TV advocating same sex marriage, she's simply on a commercial for a department store. Children won't even know about her sexual preference, and if they did, it wouldn't harm them because it's not a bad thing. A group of one million moms is claiming the department sore is "jumping on the pro-gay bandwagon." I think it's amusing that parents accept violent tv shows and video games for their children, but are fearing that a woman on a commercial, which probably wont' even be paid attention to by kids, is going to harm them. The CEO of jc penney says the reaction "proves we have more work to do as a country to become more tolerant." I agree completely, because those who aren't in support of same-sex marriage aren't even satisfied that it's not legal for them to marry, instead they're angered by an appearance on TV. I think that non supporters believe if they rid this "problem" of the public and media, they can make it disappear completely. 


http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505263_162-57373794/jcpenney-ceo-on-ellen-degeneres-controversy/


http://finance.yahoo.com/blogs/daily-ticker/ellen-degeneres-only-choice-jc-penney-ceo-says-221440378.html

Assignment Seven

  A few months ago I heard a song by Lana Del Rey. The title of the song is Video Games, though it has nothing to do with video games at all, really. I enjoy the sound of Lana Del Rey's voice because it's unique in my opinion. She doesn't sound like most of the songs you'd hear on the radio. Her voice has different tones. She has strengths as a singer and she should receive more credit from the public than she does. Because of a performance she had on SNL, people were more or less shocked by what they heard. There were many opinions on her performance. Some said she did a terrible job while others praised her for her unique voice. Personally, I think she did okay. From the comments people are making, one would predict something much worse than her actual performance. It was a decent job, even though at some points in her song her pitch wasn't exactly on point. Maybe she was trying to do something different with the song, or maybe it was just nerves. Her performances other than SNL are perfect. She is a talented artist. Listeners who haven't heard of Lana Del Rey make their judgment of her off of one live performance and don't give her a chance to prove her talent, which she definitely has. If people were to listen to her songs, they could gain an appreciation of her music. She has a variety of songs and her voice ranges from high to low. Maybe people don't know what to think of her music, and because of that, just have a negative opinion on her. If I were to compare her to other artists, I would have to say that she has a level of talent that not many have. She's different and her music isn't all upbeat and fast like most famous artists today. People should open up their ears and minds to her music and realize that not all music has to be the same; it can be different, and should be different, but still be good.

Assignment Six

The thing that annoys me most are closed minded people. They right away ignore the other persons point of view and opinion, not taking it into consideration at all, and just stick to their own way. They feel it is the only answer that is right and won't listen to any reasoning. They are quick to judge and already have their thoughts about the given topic without opening up their mind to other solutions. It frustrates me more than I can even describe when I'm trying to give my opinion about something, but they won't listen. I listen to other people's opinions without judging and I expect the same. I don't think it's too much to be treated the way I treat others--I listen to their opinions, they should do the same for me. It's okay not to have the same opinion, but you should be open to other possible ideas. When one is close minded, it almost in a way makes them oblivious for only thinking one way without any exception.

The best food in the are can seriously be found at my house. I think I've earned bragging rights about this just because of how amazing my mom is at cooking. She was born and Italy along with the rest of my family, and let's be honest, Italian food is the best. My nonna, aka grandmother in italian, taught her and my aunts how to cook food from scratch. I never go a night without a home cooked meal and I ask myself constantly what I'd do if I weren't Italian-- I can't imagine missing out on this amazing food. It drives me nuts when people talk about olive garden and say that it's real Italian food, because that's the farthest you couldn't possibly get from italian. I actually feel bad for people who think it's Italian food....no offense. Whenever company is at my house, they leave about five pounds heavier just because my mom keeps giving them food, even if they're full..it's juts the Italian way. So, the best food in the area is definitely at my house.

A famous person today that I can't stand is Renee Zellweger. Honestly, I'm the most accepting person ever, but I can't get over the look she always has on her face. For all I know she could be the nicest person on the planet, but I can't get past the fact that it constantly looks like she just ate a lemon. It's so distracting that even if she were talking, I wouldn't be able to listen just because I'd be struck by her sour pus face. Plus, I never really enjoyed her acting, so that doesn't help. To be honest, I don't even understand why she's famous. I watched her in Bridget Jone's Diary and it may have been a good movie, but with her in it, the movie just automatically failed.