Friday, October 28, 2011

Bonds Forever: The Friends Who Shape Us

     As I sit here, I constantly think about various aspects in my life.  One of the things that jump out is the people I’ve come to known over my twenty-four years.  These people I constantly worry about, hang out with, defend, think of as closest members of my family, and are the ones I can count on the most.  I am referring to those that I am proud, and honored, to call my friends.
     I could go on and on and mention those friends that mean the most to me; but, they know who they are and the list is too long.  Growing up as an only child and constantly being the target of being picked on, I didn't make too many friends.  I don’t know when the change came about.  Actually, it was sometime between sixth and seventh grade.  Seventh grade was kind of the acceptance year (I think because we were all lumped into the auditorium on the first day and we were all scared of junior high).  Anyway, being a friend means so much to many people.  For me, it is something different.
     Being a friend, to me, means knowing what to say or do to calm someone down in case they get too overwhelmed with a problem or situation; it means knowing no matter what, they will always remain positive and work through a situation; it means being there – if needed – at a time when no one else is there; it means giving “tough love” when necessary but never passing judgment on the person or their situation; and, it means understanding the person and still help them to be a better person.
     Ralph Waldo Emerson, yes I am an English major so you better believe I am quoting a writer, once said, “The only way to have a friend is to be one.”  I would hope that I hold the same qualities that I look for in friends. I've been called humble many times.  I don’t consider it being humble; I consider it being a good person.  I hate seeing my friends in any sort of situation that makes them uncomfortable or nervous.  I know we all have our roads to travel, but I firmly believe that we should not walk down that road alone…or at the very least without some guidance along the way so we don’t get lost.
     I am very thankful, and blessed, to have the friends that I do in my life. They mean the world to me and I would gladly do anything and everything in my power to help them out.  I think too often people don’t really know how much a person has an impact on someone else’s life until it is too late.  I think each friend I have challenges me to be not only a better person, but a better friend.  It is one challenge I hope to improve on until my last breath.  After all, that is how long a friendship lasts in my book.
     Please be sure to take a moment in the next few days to reflect on the friends in your life. Think about how they have helped you, influenced you, or even made you laugh.  If they are still living, send them an e-mail or give them a call. Friendships can last a lifetime, but only if the lines of communication do not become terminated. I’m thankful for my friends…are you?

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Another Debate...and they still don't get it

     Last night was certainly a fun night to watch CNN.  With my favorite anchor - Anderson Cooper - moderating the "GOP West Coast Debate" and doing so in a very professional manner, I could only watch the debate in hopes of understanding why the seven candidates should be the next Commander-In-Chief.  Luckily, I understood their positions, the hypocritical remarks, and concluded that none of them should be the next President (the only candidate who could be is Jon Huntsman and he boycotted the Nevada debate - which was a smart move on his part...I hope it pays off).  I don't want to digress too much, but out of all of the GOP candidates, I do like Jon Huntsman (former Utah Governor & former U.S. Ambassador to China).  He is fairly moderate and fairly level-headed.  I personally believe he is running in the wrong party; but, he seems to think he is in the right party to run to become the next POTUS.
     Back to the debate and to discuss those that were there. I like how Mitt Romney went after Herman Cain and his "999" Plan.  Clearly, he hates being second best. I also like the fact that Romney was acting like a child when Perry kept talking over him to get a point across ("It's my turn to talk"...."don't talk over me"...."I talk and then you talk....that is the debate rules....ANDERSON!")  I think one of the things that will be the downfall for Romney is his version of "ObamaCare" - at least according to Republicans.  I further believe that Perry's plan to dig up all of the flaws of Romney from the last presidential election cycle will hurt the former governor of Massachusetts (illegal immigrants working at his residences, ties to wall street, etc).  I have many more things to say about Romney but I'll stop for now.  The next candidate to discuss: Bachmann!
   One of the things I like about Michele Bachmann is that she never ceases to amazing me with her lack of knowledge.  The first thing that rings in my mind is that Bachmann proclaimed that the President has "put troops in Libya and he has put troops in Africa" without thinking about it. I guess she forgot the memo that Libya is in Africa. I am sure they did a quick camera glance at Herman Cain and I believe he was thinking, "I know I have a map of Africa I can sell you for $9.99" and he might even throw in a free pizza. I also like that Bachmann had the ability to know government officials.  I'd like to thank her for confirming that Kathleen Sebelius is in fact the Secretary of Health & Human Services.  I really think she will drop out of the Presidential race sometime after the January 3rd Iowas Caucus.  I know she won the Iowa Straw poll, but she'll loose the Iowa Caucus.  The next candidate to discuss: Herman Cain!
     I am glad that Herman Cain understands his "999" Plan; because no one else does. I think Perry's point of states that have no sales tax will not like a new 9% sales tax.  I know this election will be about the economy and jobs, but Cain needs to start developing positions on the social issues.  The only thing I really know about him is that his personal views will not necessarily dictate his laws as president.  That is to say, if he is against abortion, he will respect those that disagree with him.  I find it funny that he does not like Ron Paul and considers him a threat.  I'm sorry that I can't really say anything more relating to Herman Cain.  I just don't see him as a viable candidate...yet.
     Perry really needed to make up for his lack of debate skills in the previous ones.  I think every time he challenges Romney, and presses him on issues from years ago, helps him.  Some consider the West Coast Debate to be a "make it or break it" for Perry.  I think the New Hampshire primary will be his "make it or break it" moment. At one point in the debate he said he was tough against illegal immigration.  In the last debate, the other Republicans hammered on his signing of a Texas-version of the "Dream Act" which hurt him with standing republicans. All I am going to say is....Bush was from Texas and look what happened; do we really need another Texan in office?  Oh yeah, Houston has the best hospital in the nation apparently.  I guess Rick Perry has never been to Washington, DC, New York, Cleveland, Chicago, Durham, Spartanburg, Boston, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Denver, or Syracuse.
   I like the fact that I can always count on  Rick Santorum making an idiot of himself by acting like a child.  Granted I never went to kindergarten, I can only image that he must have been the loud, obnoxious one in class (and throughout school no doubt).  Santorum has to always bring up family values because that is his base...according to him.  I am glad that he is a Catholic, but it is either "a Catholic teaching," or "Catholocism teaches," and not "Catholic teaches" as he stated in the debate last night.  Maybe the Republicans SHOULD NOT eliminate the Department of Education because it will help their candidates lack of knowledge (Santorum with the English Language & Bachmann with basic geography...and civics for that matter).
    I just want to add that I won't discuss Ron Paul or Newt Gingrich because I don't see them as viable candidates and they will drop out after the Iowa Caucus. The real race will be between: Romney, Cain, and Huntsman (A bold claim but I like the guy haha).

I'll attempt another blog post after I re-watch the debate. For the current moment, I'll just watch the Senate and hope they pass a portion of the President's Jobs Bill.

If you have questions or comments, then e-mail me at timoteohines@gmail.com
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Wednesday, October 12, 2011

In the Defense of Teachers

     Okay, I don't know what the deal is with society and its recent rant against teachers.  I've heard mediocre actors complain about teachers, I've heard stories from many friends - who ironically are teachers, and even elected politicians who complain about teachers.  Have we as a society forgotten that if it were not up to teachers, we would still be living in the dark ages...or at least be speaking a different language like Greek?  Besides, some of the world's greatest individuals were teachers.  Consider Socrates, Aristotle, Da Vinci, Einstein....the list goes on and on!  Also, for those that rely on the Christian religion (which I am not disrespecting by the way)....JESUS WAS A TEACHER!!!
    While the evolution of teaching has been apparent since its inception, it should never be dubbed as "an easy occupation" to have.  In addition to the countless hours they spend making lesson plans (which are subjected to approval by the guidelines set forth by both the state and national governments), gathering supplies for their students, and encounter challenges such as the memorization of countless names, course materials, they have multiple interactions of parents of said students.  Not every family is such a cookie-cutter one.  In fact, there is this weird thing about once a child is born, the parents seem to think that they can do no wrong.  As the kid goes to school, the same belief holds true.  The parent only becomes involved with their child's learning process if the child is challenged to the point that it is not suitable for the parent (and thus make them feel uncomfortable).  In turn, the parent goes and yells at the teacher for daring them to challenge their child.  In case they forgot, that is what school is supposed to do. It is, I repeat, IT IS A LEARNING ENVIRONMENT!!!
     One thing that really bothers me is those individuals who feel that they are entitled to everything and place all of their shortcomings on those that "taught them" or "neglected" them.  While Kristin Stewart DOES come to mind, I will not re-live my rant on this poor, pathetic, not-even-a-real-actress-because-she-can't-act person.  No, I will not do that (but if you want to know what I said, then look me up in Facebook as that is where I posted it...I was a little upset).  Actually, I will bring it up - this "twilight star" decided to blame her former teachers on her short-comings in life.  I'll post an excerpt of my rant:


"Furthermore, if anything - you failed yourself and not blame others for your lack of maturity. How stupid! Seriously, Teachers are under-paid and seriously overworked in the country. They deserve more than enough than some stupid, "teachers failed me even though I'm living in Hollywood making movies and doing less-than-acceptable acting because I have no talent..." Gosh, grow the heck up!


 By the way, usually if someone can't manage their own load they tend to eliminate one thing.....so "the delicate balancing act of managing school, auditions and cinematic roles" was too much then you should have just stuck with school...even though I'm sure you were not that good at even that some chapter in your life...a disappointment to only yourself and your less-than mediocre lifestyle...again, STFU because Teachers are the best thing for this country!

"They didn't want to do the extra work or put packages together so I could keep up while away. My teachers failed me. not one, but all of them. Escuse me you stupid girl.....YOU ARE SUPPOSE to do the WORK!!!!...if you can't manage it then drop the fricking acting; it's not like you can do that anyway.....they aren't there to wipe your butt too! Maybe if you had of shown up to class you would have been able to DO THE WORK YOURSELF!!! again....STFU and get over yourself! " 



     Now I'm sorry if I offended anyone, HOWEVER, I do take Education, Foreign Policy and Healthcare, VERY serious and I will defend ANYONE who attacks a teacher and their job.  It takes a lot as well as a special person to want to educate the next generations of the world.  In addition, I want to be an English teacher.  I know I was not an ideal student.  With that said, I know how to help mitigate the obstacles many students are facing both inside, and outside, the classroom.  As a student of political science, it makes me SOOO MAD that there are politicians who want to eliminate the Department of Education EVEN THOUGH it allowed those politicians who get an education through pell grants and Financial aid.  The only thing I will say is this.....my closest friends are teachers, friends who went to school for education, or even friends who are working in the academic environment.  One part of my philosophy is NEVER GO AFTER my friends because I will defend them no matter what.




     One more thing....if a parent really is so "teachers are the problem" or somehow in that mindset....then please home-school your child and see just how far they will go in life and see how competitive they are.  Now I am not saying all home-school is bad and I am not saying that those who are home-schooled are worse citizens; I am simply stating that if you think you can do such a better job at educating your child than a teacher, then please do so - but personally, I feel that a parent will reap what they sow regarding their child's future.




Friday, October 7, 2011

Project OMG

Well, I am clearly not in the best of moods.  I'll try my hardest to keep it positive.

     As I somehow forgot it was Thurday, I sped home and turned on the TV and flipped it to my number one show (since The West Wing ended its series): Project Runway.  While I am still reeling over the fact that Anthony Ryan is no longer on the show, I am very happy that Joshua McKinley is still on.  I have a confession: I liked Joshua McKinley since I saw his first garment; however, there was something about Anthony Ryan's ability to make nothing into something.  Anyway, I digress. SO everything is going well and I am enjoying the show.  I even get excited when Joshua gets second best, even though it was way better than Anya (sorry Mom, Joshua is my designer and Anya is just not my style).  While I was kinda sad about Viktor not going home - mainly because he whines too much and I can not forgive him over what he has done to Anthony Ryan (or the other designers for that matter) - I was glad that Bert accepted his departure.  I'm thinking the show is over when this "first ever" After The Runway interview happens.  I watch and am enjoying the whole "Anya needs to not be so hypocritical" and loved the outfit that Joshua is wearing.  Suddenly they go to commercials, return from said commercials, and inform the viewer they have a guest.  I can only image.  It is none other than Laura Bennett.
    While she talks to only Bert, Kimberly, and saves Joshua for her final person of interest, she ignores Anya and Viktor.  When she does get to Joshua, she completely insults his intelligence, his designs, and his ability to "get the drama over with" as he is too much into drama.  I think this was the point when I stated...rather loudly, "whoa bitch, whoa" because she thought she had valid points.  She clearly doesn't.
     First of all, she was not even a good designer in her own season (she wore a Chanel dress  - which was not flattering in any way - for her appearance which shows a lack of confidence in her own garments...as Joshua says, "You gotta own it"). Second, she labeled him as a "bully" which is hilarious because she was one in her own season.  Not to mention if anyone does waste their time on her blog they will know that she never has anything nice to say about anyone...even the winners.  For someone who was a finalist and not an actual winner of Project Runway, she should NOT EVER criticize Heidi, Michael, or even Nina; after all, they are at the top of their game while she (Laura Bennett) is mediocre at best - and that is stretching it by far.
     Another thing Ms. Bennett, HOW DARE YOU create drama when you despise it!  What is Joshua's business is not your problem and unless you have a PhD in "solving everyone's problems except your own" and he - or anyone else - asks for your advice then don't offer it....again, leave it to the professionals because clearly you aren't one!  By the way, Joshua is older than I am by a...I think a year...and he has undergone a heck of a lot more than I have (and I've gone through a lot) and he is truly an inspiration.  Being in the mid-twenties is a challenging time in anyone's life even though people say it "is the time of your life"....it's not.  It is stressful, you're trying to be successful and find your niche, living in big cities is hard (I've lived in DC & NY so I have some understanding of this problem), and just trying to figure out what life has in store are enough for anyone to consider getting a martini (or a Ginger Ale & Vodka ~ My drink of choice).
     I have the greatest respect for Joshua McKinley, and Anthony Ryan, and I hope he wins this season of Project Runway.  When I become rooted into my chosen career you better believe I'll contact Joshua to be my designer - I'll also contact Anthony Ryan because they are really good designing together. I hope Joshua will not leave Project Runway and he deserves to win this season.


Now that I have that off my chest, I  just have a quick Grad School update: I submitted my application to ___ and am waiting to hear from them. *fingers crossed*

Sunday, October 2, 2011

October = Fall = Miserable

     Okay, I just want to start by saying that I really hate Fall.  It gets colder, and EVERYONE drives around looking at leaves "changing their colors" because they are so beautiful.  Apparently these same people forgot that this is an annual event.  I'm not trying to be a stick-in-the-mud, but honestly....they are just leaves!  Why waste gas and drive around when I'm sure you have trees, and they probably have leaves on them, in your own backyard.  I've lived in New England and I currently live in the Blue Ridge Mountains....yes we have wonderful fall foliage - this has been known for a while now!  I guess I'm just not interested in the unintelligent "tourists" who come here and are like, "oo how do you keep your leaves so pretty" (Yes, I actually got asked this the other day).  While my response was probably a little rude ("Well, I simply read the manual and make sure they get watered a lot and when I go on vacation, God takes care of them for me"), it just shows that the education system is really flawed, No Child Left Behind needs to be repealed, and thank goodness I want to be a teacher. Granted, I will not be a science teacher but I will teach English (and hopefully political science at a local community college).
     Okay, now that I have that out of my system [and I'm sorry if I offended any leaf-peepers but you guys need to smack the less-intelligent leaf-peepers out there], I recently watched a program about Storm Chasing. It dealt with the Tornado Season of 2010 and I recorded the Season of 2011.  If I were to ever teach science, I would teach meteorology because I love the weather.  More specifically, I love tornadoes. I am still debating whether I want to retire to a European Country or Tornado Alley.  I guess this is just part of my eccentricity or something.  Yes, I do love to read, hang out with friends and do some of the other usual hobbies; but, I love to travel and I love to study storm systems.
     Apparently my eccentricity was confirmed last night when I was hanging out with some of my close friends.  We were sitting around and reading aloud a book titled, The New Astrology which combines the Western Zodiac Sign & the Chinese year sign.  This means that I am an "Aquarius/Cat" because I was born in  1987 (year of the Cat - or rabbit to some people) and I was born on February 8 (which is during the sign of Aquarius).  While reading this, all of my friends kept making sounds and "oh my gosh that is you to a T" and I was just not having any of it. I mean, Apparently I love to obtain knowledge. Who doesn't???? I want to know about how something works and if it is broken then I am sure I can fix it as long as I follow the instructions.  It also stated some jobs ideal for A/C (that's just funny by the way - because I hate being cold) are: "head of state, prime minister, politician, novelist, professor".  Now this information was both funny and kinda caught me off guard.  I mean, I got two degrees in English - Professional Writing & Political Science, I want to pursue teaching, I have ran for political office already, I'm a very political person, etc.  Coincidence???? That's what I thought.
   Anyway, why I'm on the subject of knowledge (or something like that), I am submitting my graduate applications tomorrow! I am excited and I hope everything turns out in a positive manner.  If not, then it will be back to square one.  The song "Maybe" suddenly comes to mind (It is a song by Sick Puppies - odd name for a band I know - but I would google them if you don't know who they are).  While I'm waiting for tomorrow to get here.  I will continue to read this astrology book and I'll try to keep you updated with these new "realizations" that are supposedly me.  Until then, enjoy the day and stay inside - I know I'll be inside drinking hot chocolate (or Spiced Cider) and counting down the days until Summer.