Ding Dong, Bin Laden is Dead

Yesterday on May 1, 2011, I found out that the man responsible for taking thousands of innocent lives on Sept. 11 is officially dead. Obama has said that the United States has "kept its commitment to justice," saying the death of al-Qaida leader Osama Bin Laden was a "good day for America."

As I watched the news last night, I saw hundreds of people gather near the White House celebrating the death of a terrorist. 9/11 is a day that I have not forgotten and even though thousands of lives were lost on that tragic day, I do not know how to react to this accomplishment. Does the death of one man really satisfy the hunger of justice?

Understandably, people have reacted positively to this because many of there loved ones were taken away from them on that day. Even though there the rest of us may have not lost anyone in that event, what was stolen from us was our sense of security in the world. On that day we truly learned how much hatred was and is against us.

In Obama's speech last night, he made an interesting statement that I had never thought about. He talked about the images post 9/11 that were not seen such as the "empty seat at the dinner table" and children being "forced to grow up without their mother or father" and "parents not being able have the embrace of their child." In difficult instances such as these, I can see why people are so quick to celebrate the death of a hateful, intolerant and ignorant human being.

However, I do not see this so much as a celebratory matter. Yes Bin Laden is dead but he was not the only person responsible for this. No one does anything by themselves. There are many out there who believe in what he believed in. My concern is that this is not over. Sure it has been said that the world will be a safer place now that he is gone but there will always be someone to take another persons place. Bin Laden may be the start but he has surely not the end.

I actually feel sad that this all had to occur in the first place. From an objective point of view the whole thing is tragic in the fact that the people who taught Bin Laden all of these misguided beliefs and twisted point of views to the people blowing themselves up for martyrdom to the loss of American lives military and civilian to discrimination and hatred on both sides and everything else the devil has spewed up to tear everyone apart.

I do not feel anything towards the taking of Bin Laden's life. As the Bible says, a man who kills by the sword will be killed by the sword so it is not really a surprise. How Bin Laden thought he could get away with this is beyond me. No one gets away with anything thing and now he is being held accountable for all the things that he has done. I hope he realizes that selling his soul to the devil was a tragic mistake and now he will be paying for it for the rest of his eternal life.

In my view, the taking of one man's life will not bring back the lives lost on that tragic day nor the lives lost in the war. They say that this is justice but true justice is only enacted by God not by our standards of justice because we are flawed human beings. Sure Bin Laden is taken out of the picture, however, he is only a speck in the desert of problems within human nature.

Due to his death, the U.S. Government has beefed up security because of the potentiality of retaliation, which should tell us that this is not over. All we can do now is sit, watch, pray and not go into crowded places.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42859770/ns/world_news-death_of_bin_laden/?GT1=43001

The show must go on

For the past couple of months, Charlie Sheen has been in the spotlight in a negative way. Unlike other celebrities that have crashed and burned on their own, Sheen has had the ability make everyone else suffer the consequences of his irresponsible actions.

In the entertainment industry, time is money and everything for the most part is business not personal. Even though Sheen is a veteran in this industry he has merged the two which has resulted in disastrous results.

Due to his unhealthy habits he has been in and out of rehab. Even though health is an important aspect to maintain, all of his actions are self-induced and are preventable. No one made him throw that fit in the New York hotel room or claim to be a warlock. His actions are not only affecting himself but the people around him as well.

One of the problems with certain celebrities is that they believe that they make the show/ production and that it can only survive as long as they are there. An actor should not have this type of power because it causes them to be egotistical and arrogant. To be in the entertainment industry is a hard career to get into, so when one does accomplish such a career it should be a humble experience not an attitude of being owed something. Unfortunately, Sheen does not seem to have these qualities.

What is truly bothersome is how the show "Two and Half Men" had to cancel the final four episodes of the season because he does not have act together. It is great that the hard working actors were able to get paid for all their hard work because it not fair to them that production had to be stopped for one person that has caused so many problems.

If Sheen had a serious health issue that was not self-induced and production had to be post-poned then it probably would not be an issue. The issue is that he is throwing a diva fit (he launched a rant against one of the producers), therefore this is bigger than just health issues.

Since the show is not doing well, it should be cancelled to show that Sheen does not make the show. What makes the show is everyone: his cast mates, producers, writers, designers and so on. He needs to be shown that he does not have the power. Plus it is time, they had a good run but it has taken its course. Most comedies that are drawn out for too long tend to not do well anyways. There can only be so many stories for one show before ideas start to go down in quality. If they are having problems now, when will it stop?


He is like a lost sheep that has been lured away from his purpose in life. He has been blessed with the talent to act, however it just seems that he has thrown it away. He needs to deal with those demons and live for God so that he can live a purposeful and meaningful life. It must be terrible and scary to live a life that is lost and meaningless with no guidance. He needs to love and respect himself not hate himself by destroying his life. Everyone is important and special but unfortunately I don't think he has realized that.

It is really sad to see a person whether they are a celebrity or not to throw their life away and live a destructive lifestyle. Instead of doing something positive and being an agent for change, he has let it all go to crap.

Sheen really needs help before it is too late. It is really not about his problems with the show but with his life. Hopefully he can get help and improve his life for the better especially for his children. He needs to step back and evaluate his life before it is cut short from his destructive actions.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41908787/ns/business-consumer_news/

Bath salts are the new cocaine?!

Last year's trend in drugs were nutmeg, salvia and over the counter drugs. Now this year's latest craze is bath salts. Bath salts have two synthetic chemicals called mephedrone and methylendioxpyrovalerone or MDPV that have the same potent effect as cocaine and methamphetamine (meth). It comes in powder and tablet form and they are ingested by snorting, injecting, smoking and sometimes by atomizer. Users experience an intense high, euphoria, extreme energy, hallucinations and insomnia.

Can you believe it, because I can't? If it is not one thing it is another and it is getting annoying. How people take the time to take something that was intended for good and turn into something bad is beyond me. There are major problems in this world, especially the happenings in Egypt. Apparently, some people do not know what real problems are. When will this stop? Obtaining ordinary substances and converting it into drugs is not only wrong but setting a very bad example for the youth. According to the nonprofit organization No Drugs America, children experiment with drugs as young as eight years old.

The question now remains how can the federal government regulate such substances if they are not illegal?

Currently, the synthetic drugs are banned in the European Union, Australia, Israel and Canada. In terms of the U.S., Florida, Louisiana and North Dakota have joined the "ban" wagon as well.

New York Senator Charles Schumer proposes a bill that would make the synthetic stimulants into federally controlled substances meaning it would be banned.

The proposal and bans from these other countries are an effective means to end this trend. By banning the stimulants, bath salt can be used the way it was intended to be used.

Due to the fact the country has faced the Great Recession, it seems that people who used to buy high quality drugs can no longer afford them so instead they are looking for ways to get that inexpensive high without going to jail. I think that is why there are so many reports about legal substances turned into drugs, because people are staying at home more therefore they are turning to their cabinets.

However my concern is that when one drug trend is exposed another substance is already in the works. Bath salts are the trend for now, but because the feds have taken the reins something else will be made into the next substance that is not illegal.

In the meantime, the government's plan to ban is a smart move and they should keep regulating and prevent any more damage from occuring.

Here is the link to read the full story: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/wire/sns-ap-us-dangerous-bath-salts-ny,0,3607160.story

Don't spice up your life

Teenagers find alternatives to get high without having to go to drug dealers. The trend of using whippets, sharpies and cold medicine are long gone, instead they use nutmeg, which is a holiday spice.

Instead of doing homework or playing a sport, kids reach into their kitchen cabinets and get high. Nutmeg can either be snorted like cocaine or smoked like cigarettes.

This trend has concerned Oklahoma law enforcement when they noticed instructional videos on how to make nutmeg cigarettes.

Nutmeg has a volatile oil that crosses into the central nervous system in which can cause hallucinations. The effects can start within 15-20 minutes and last for several hours depending on the dose. Who needs cocaine or heroin when there is nutmeg?

People are able to get away with this because there is nothing illegal about using nutmeg. What is concerning is what it can lead to.

A couple of months ago, commercials talked about how kids could get high by using prescription and over the counter drugs and within that stores such as CVS and Target card people to make sure they over 18 when purchasing cold medicines.

Since the jig is up, they have found another way to still maintain that hallucinogenic feeling by obtaining a product that is insusceptible, nutmeg.

What's next pencils, hair gel, grass? Where will it stop if these people are using household items?

Overall this is really disgraceful, how is it cool to be high and out of control? There is nothing interesting about being a shell of a body. Perhaps these people need to go to a third world country and see what hardship is really about. Let's see if they would want to reach for that nutmeg again, I think not.

Just because it is not illegal, does not make it okay. Drugs are drugs and unless it is to cure some ailment, it should not be used to escape one's problems. If they have a problem then they need to talk to an adult that they can trust or a counselor, not a holiday spice.

This is not just a problem in Oklahoma, these alternatives to getting high is a serious problem in the United States. Even though these methods are not illegal, serious consequences will occur due to the physical and mental effects.

Soon the government will have to implement more regulations because what was intended for good has been twisted into something bad.

Now that Christmas is upon us with the smells of cinnamon, chocolate and nutmeg, spread the word. By bringing awareness we can save lives and have new legislation implemented to regulate such activities.

For now it is nutmeg but in the future who knows what other innocent household items can be used to bring physical destruction. When it comes to drug attics, it does not just stop with one drug, they keep looking for that high to the point they die whether it is from an drug overdoes, murder or a car accident. If you have or know any impressionable youngsters, take preventative measures and talk to them.

http://www.news9.com/Global/story.asp?S=13592515

No Mosque

The proposed Mosque near ground zero in New York has been quite the controversy. This topic is controversial, because preventing the Mosque from being built is a violation against the First Amendment in the Constitution. However at the same time, the extremist beliefs from the Muslim religion that became the root to the terrorist attacks on 9/11 and having that reminder near Ground Zero is seen as disrespect.

This is a gray area because if we dictate and prevent people from building their church or temple, where will it stop? It would not just end with the Muslims, this issue can lead on to other religions as well. It is understandable to be upset and insulted that the very religion that encouraged that terrible event is to be near the very place it occurred. As for the ones who want to build the mosque near Ground Zero does not make sense. Why they would want to face that much protest is incomprehensible.

After the terrorist attacks, some people were very intolerant of Muslims. There was slander, defamation and vandalism against those who have the Muslim faith. American Muslims received the but-end of the intolerance of their beliefs because of the terrorist attacks. The same thing happened with the Japanese in Pearl Harbor. After the attack, Japanese Americans were taken to concentration camps, because they were seen as a threat even though they weren't. The attacks from Japan had nothing to do with Japanese Americans, but people did not see it that way because they were blinded from anger, resentment and shock. It is the same with the Muslims, those terrorists have nothing to do with Muslim Americans, but like WWII some Americans won't be able to see that for a while.

I once saw a documentary on 30 Days about a Christian living with American Muslims for 30 days. When the family explained their beliefs to the Christian man, they said that their faith is about peace and good will. They also said that the terrorist attacks are not apart of their faith but instead it is taken to the extreme. An analogy would be like the extremism in Christianity with hypocrisy and legalism.

The people who want to build the Mosque near Ground Zero should consider the feelings the victims of 9/11 and realize that America will probably not accept the Mosque near the place where tragedy arose due to the Muslim faith. At this angle it is seen as adding an insult to injury.

This is hard topic to tackle because in the legal sense they have the right to practice their religion and establish a place of worship. However in the moral sense, they should not be able to have it near ground zero. If they built their Mosque somewhere else in New York, I don't think it would be such an uproar because there are Mosques all over the country.

For the sack of safety, it would probably be best not to build a Mosque near Ground Zero, because if they do there will probably be more protests, violence or riots due to intolerance. In the sense of the big picture, can Americans tell other religions what they can or cannot do when the Constitution says they have that right? Wouldn't it be hypocritical to attack one religion but practice whatever religion they choose without protest? Where would the line be drawn? This incident will not stop at the Muslim faith, but instead spread to other aspects in our daily lives.

Cheating celebrity husbands giving men a bad name

These past couple of years have been strange with the recession, celebrity deaths and earth quakes. Now on the rise is husbands cheating on their wives. Jon Gosselin, Jesse James, Tiger Woods, David Lettermen and now Larry King. Affairs have been around since the Bible, but in this particular time it seems as if celebrities are being excessively exposed for their wrong doings. No one would care if these cheating husbands were single like George Clooney, because people can respect a bachelor. However, no one can respect married men cheating on their wife.The public is upset, because these men took the vows. Taking vows requires a serious commitment and if these men could not uphold their part of the covenant, then they should had never gotten married in the first place. Celebrities need to seriously watch their behavior, because the media is waiting to pounce on them like hungry cheetahs. What these cheating celebrities need to realize is that not everything is about them. What they do influences the public. Whether they acknowledge it or not they are role models. What happen to the sanctity of marriage? In today's time, marriage is not held to the utmost respect and commitment. My parents have been married for almost 21 years. They have been through the good and the bad times. Whenever they hit a rough patch, they always worked it out. My parents say that marriage is tough, but you have to stick it out. Marriages are not going to be perfect. When the going gets tough make lemonade. If marriage is based off of lust then it is not going to last long. If people can not go for the long haul in spending the rest of their lives with their soul mate, then they should not get married. It is more respectable to a George Clooney than to be a Tiger Woods. Just because these celebrities have a lot of money does not mean they can whatever they want. Self control is what these scandalous celebrities have to learn. With all this media coverage on cheating husbands, comes negative consequences. Unfortunately, men are starting to get a bad name. With all these cheating husbands and no self respecting mistresses, some people may become influenced to not want to get married. During the Great Depression, marriages declined because men felt they couldn't provide for their families so they left. In this time of recession, it seems as if the trend is coming back. However, there is always a positive to a negative. With this happening, people will actually take their time to get know their significant other and not base everything on lust. Plus the scrutinizing and attacks on these men with hopefully influence non celebrity cheating husbands and boyfriends to stop messing around, because no one has a tolerance for this behavior.

Alice in Wonderland

Tim Burton's creative interpretation of "Alice of Wonderland" was executed very well. Unlike the other versions of "Alice in Wonderland," Burton provided explanations of the characters and their purpose in the movie. I appreciate the fact that Burton took the time to explain characters and their stories. He is well known for characters having flashbacks from their childhood or a previous time in their lives.


In contrast to Walt Disney's tame version, Burton gives a sense of completion in this film and he provided answers that were not addressed in the cartoon. What made the film even more interesting is that the setting takes place when Alice is 19 years old. Since the plot takes place during the 19th century, Alice has been set up for an arranged marriage and her betrothed is a brown-nosing dream killer named Hamish. Alice, who is unaware of this arrangement arrives to the garden party with her mother but it is really an engagement party.


Trapped in a world of proper etiquette and high expectations from the party guests that she accepts the proposal, Alice doesn't give Hamish an answer. Instead she follows a white rabbit wearing a waist coat and holding a pocket watch. While following the rabbit, she ends up at an old tree with a huge hole next to it and falls into it. At the bottom of the hole, she lands into a strange room with a key, a drink that decreases her size and a cake that increases her size. After getting the right size, Alice arrives in the garden and is reunited with her childhood friends: the White Rabbit, the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, Dormouse the Caterpillar, Tweedledee and Tweedledum. However, unlike her childhood experience, she does not remember who they are and thinks that all that is occurring is just a dream.



Alice embarks on a journey in which she fulfills her destiny and rediscovers who she is. Throughout her experience in Wonderland, she also learns that she can make her own decisions and that she does not have to live up the expectations of society.



The book by Lewis Carroll is at times grim and dark so this was naturally a match for Burton. His trademarks of pale makeup, dark colors and eccentric characters are throughout this film. This movie has many metaphors and a lot of the things that occur are applicable to real life. For instance, it is crucial to never lose your sense of self. If you do, people who surround you have the power to take over your life and sometimes it turns out to be negative. Everyone has the opportunity to make their own decisions for themselves and that everyone has a destiny that has to be fulfilled. The people in Wonderland were similar to the people in Alice's reality. Since the movie has just been released, it would be wrong to give away the juicy details.



Another important factor that Burton addressed in the film was good versus evil. The good always conquers evil, no matter how much power the evil side might have. Alice also learned that sometimes when you stand for what's right, you stand alone.


Moreover, it teaches to beware of who you surround yourself with. The people that the Red Queen surrounded herself turned out to unreliable and fake. Additionally, the Red Queen felt that she deserved the power to reign because she is the eldest, however, it just comes to show that just because one can have power doesn't mean that they deserve it. Overall, the film was well written and there was never a dull moment. Johhny Depp and Mia Wasikowska did an excellent job. Normally, I do not care for the story of "Alice in Wonderland" because it a dark story, however after viewing film, it is definitely a must see.