The Reptilian Elite

When researching things to about what to write for the blog assignment, I came across a page that outlined the top 25 most popular conspiracy theories, and having just discussed the Kennedy conspiracy I thought it might be appropriate. I decided to pick the one that seemed the most wacko and I think number 23 takes the cake. This one is called the Reptilian Elite. The main outline of the theory is that anyone throughout history who has ever held a position of power is actually an extraterrestrial being trying to enslave the human race. If that isn't the weirdest thing you've heard today you have a very interesting life. Honestly, I'm kind of weirding myself out reading about this, but it just goes to show how insane these things can be. The theory was popularized by former BBC sports writer David Icke who published the book The Biggest Secret in 1998 outlining the theory. The book actually contains two interviews with two people who claim to be royal family members who attest that they are merely reptiles. However, David Icke for a while insisted on being called "Son of God-head" and wore only turquoise for an extended period of time so not only do I question his theory but his sanity as well. He has since written more books on multiple other theories. Hopefully the Annunaki, which is what the reptiles are called, don't read this post and get offended that I don't believe they exist or I might not be in class tomorrow. I honestly didn't know that this was a real conspiracy theory or that things this unbelievable would be read by a large group of people. Anyways if you're interested Icke has an 8 hour world tour that has sold out in many countries, which not only goes over his reptilian theory, but also his on the holographic universe and the pseudo moon matrix. Interesting dude. However as these theories get more and more outrageous, it goes better to show what they truly are good for: entertainment. I find it hard to believe many people are willing to easily believe in an extraterrestrial reptilian race but I do believe that people are willing to listen to it because this guy has a very complex plot in his theory. Anything that is that intricate and can be explained in depth is interesting and altogether I think I might even be entertained by it as well. Also Its kinda fun to see how crazy other people can get, but anyways, I hope this gives y'all a little taste of how incredible these conspiracies can get.

Sources:
http://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1860871_1860876_1861029,00.html
http://list25.com/top-25-most-popular-conspiracy-theories/2/
http://www.collective-evolution.com/2013/10/17/david-ickes-theory-of-the-reptilian-human-hybrid-apocalypse/

Effects of Poverty on Children

(Image Source)

Nearly 17 percent of children living in the United States live in poverty, but what does this mean for them? Studies have shown that because of their poverty, it will likely cause problems in the future. Poor children are more likely to be exposed to toxins such as lead which could lead to future neurological problems and development. Stress on these children is another important factor, there is a 35% increase of daily problems compared to other children and a dangerous living environments cause more of these children to not perform their best in school. The stress can also come straight from being poor, low income families are five times more likely to be evicted. This could lead many children to stress out about where they’re going to live next or if they’re going to see their friends once they get evicted and move somewhere else. Low income children interact less with their parents and hear less supportive words from their parents causing them to believe to be less accepted. Poverty has a very profound effect on children and their level of cognitive thinking, whether its because of toxins or even less interactions with parents. This doesn't mean that these children will never succeed, there are many example of poor children succeeding, but poor children have a harder time in academic studies due to some of these issues.

Sources: http://thesciencenetwork.org/docs/BrainsRUs/Effetcs%20of%20Poverty_Jensen.pdf

http://www.nccp.org/publications/pub_829.html

Standardized Tests

As the year comes to a close and with us finishing the SBAC test tomorrow, it is relevant to talk about the history of standardized test. Now that our junior year of high school is almost over, many of us have already taken the SAT or ACT, or both, maybe even a couple times. The SAT, or scholastic aptitude test started way back in 1926 by the college board. The original test only lasted ninety minutes and consisted of 315 problems on both math and vocabulary. The test then separated the sections and quickly grew in popularity until high school students pretty much had to take it to go to college by the end of world war two. The original test also included fill in the black analogies like:

blue:sky::____:grass

, and actually still had them until 2005 when the college board removed analogies and added a writing section. The ACT started in 1959 as a competitor to the SAT and focused more on scientific facts and principles.
http://content.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1947019,00.html

Coping with Stress

We've talked a lot in class about stress, what it is, the different kinds of stress, and the effects it has on us. Though many of us found stress to be important, and rather than trying to reduce stressful activities, we should learn how to deal with it ourselves. However, we have not yet discussed on the different ways to cope with it. I've done some research and the main points to think about when dealing with stress are to face it head on and to do things that are healthy.
The first idea mainly deals with approaching your stress and analyzing it. Bottling up everything that is going through your mind will not likely help your stress. The same goes with distracting yourself. This does not fix anything. The best way to approach stress is to find out what is making you stressed, analyze it, then talk to someone about it, decide that it is not worth stressing over, or try to solve the root of your stress.
The second idea is that you should do things that are healthy for you, and allow you to clear your mind in a sense. This includes exercising, eating healthy, and meditating. At times of stress, these things may seem like they will only bring you more stress, but you will likely find yourself feeling better and thanking yourself.



Sources:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/stress/index.shtml
http://www.mayoclinic.org/coping-with-stress/ART-20048369?p=1

NSA, Privacy, the Patriot Act, and Rand Paul

Some sections of the Patriot Act are set to expire on June 1, and Senator Rand Paul recently finished his 10 and a half hour long speech to Congress.  An "NSA filibuster",  Paul hoped to delay any Patriot Act reauthorization by delaying Congressional action.  Rand Paul has support from Sen. Ted Cruz and Sen. Mike Lee, who both support the USA Freedom act, which aims to end bulk collection by the NSA and other agencies and to allow businesses to release information regarding FISA (Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act) requests.  Rand Paul, however, believes that the USA Freedom act does not go far enough, and wants an end to the Patriot Act.

The conflict between privacy and security is not a new one.  Throughout American history, politicians have fought over the proper balance between the two.  Here are several quotes from prolific American figures on the issue:

"I prefer the tumult of liberty to the quiet of servitude" - Thomas Jefferson

"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." - Benjamin Franklin

"Today we take an essential step in defeating terrorism, while protecting the constitutional rights of all Americans" - George W. Bush, Ceremony for the signing of the Patriot act.

"You and I are told increasingly that we have to choose between a left or a right.  Well I'd like to suggest that there is no such thing as a left or right.  There's only an up or down: up to man's age old dream, the ultimate in individual freedom consistent with law and order, or down to the ant heap of totalitarianism.  And regardless of their sincerity, their humanitarian motives, those who would trade our freedom for security have embarked on this downward course" - Ronald Reagan, A Time for Choosing


What are your thoughts on the debate?



Sources:
https://youtu.be/qXBswFfh6AY
https://youtu.be/LtB7SnGL00Q
http://www.nationaljournal.com/tech/rand-paul-filibuster-live-blog-20150520
http://news.yahoo.com/u-senators-try-block-extension-bulk-data-collection-013449084.html

Types of parenting

As there has been a lot of talk about parenting styles in class recently, I thought I'd bring up multiple types of parenting styles, and their results. Source: http://discipline.about.com/od/typesofdiscipline/a/Types-Of-Discipline-Strategies-And-Parenting-Styles.htm

Authoritarian: The classic "Tiger Mom" type of parenting. Children are told the rules, and expected to follow them. There is no negotiating with the parent, and children are supposed to follow the rules without asking why. It ends up making the children develop self-esteem problems, and can make them bitter or angry at their parents for the punishments.

Authoritative: The best type of parenting. The parents will set the rule, but they will discuss the reasons with the children, and will allow some elasticity with the rules. Instead of just punishments or just rewards, they use a flexible system of consequences. This leads to the children being more successful and happy, as they have more responsibility and decision-making skills.

Permissive: The opposite of the "Tiger Mom". Parents do not have many punishments unless there is a real problem. Generally, they will give the children whatever they want, and their children will run the house. These children may have discipline problems as they are not used to following rules or other sorts of structures. They may be spoiled, and become selfish or narcissistic.

Uninvolved: A more neglectful approach to parenting. They do not meet the basic needs for their children, and expect them to fend for their own. This could be due to many factors like work, drugs, mental health issues, or even just a neglectful personality. These children tend to develop self-image problems, have issues with authority and academics, and tend to have a lower ranking in happiness.

Amelia Earheart Celebration Day

83 years ago, Amelia Earheart became the world's first female aviator to cross the British channel alone; when she landed, two farmers who greeted her asked, "Have you flown far?" Her reply: "From America." Although Earheart is famous for her 1932 flight, it's perhaps her disappearance in 1937 while on a circumnavigational flight that has triggered the most interest. At the same time, Earheart has had a profound influence on women in aviation, particularly pilots during World War II. Earheart reportedly inspired 1,000 female pilots of the Women Airforce Service Pilots to help the war effort; as a result of these accomplishments, she is considered a feminist icon, which is further enhanced by her likable, admirable qualities. In fact, when Earheart married publisher George Putnam, she refused to change her last name and instead insisted that her husband be referred to as "Mr. Earheart."To sum it up, I quite admire Amelia Earheart!