Fab 5

As the years go on the Olympics popularity increases as well. Gold medalists are held at high standards and really admired by those who follow the Olympics. In past years as well as this summer’s Olympics in London, Michael Phelps has always had pressure on him to be the best. However, I would argue that this year the “Fab Five” gymnasts really stole the spotlight and influenced girls all over the country. 

            There were five girls competing on the U.S team this year and all of them under 21. Not only were they excellent gymnasts all of their personalities really came out in their performances. First there is the talented Gabby Douglas who was quite chirpy, and quirky but full of charisma. Douglas became the first African American to win gold in the individual all-around event. She also won a team gold medal at the age of 16. During the Olympics an announcer even said"Her unique blend of power, flexibility, body alignment and form has led her to be compared with three-time Olympian Dominique Dawes."

            Jordyn Wieber also only 16 was another shining star this summer and it incredible watching her routines. According to her stats, At just 7 years old, Wieber qualified to the 2002 National TOP 7-8-Year-Old Diamond Team. Then the next year, Jordyn competed at the 2003 Early State Championships, and won vault, bars, beam, floor and all-around. In 2004, Wieber participated in the Michigan State Championships and placed second all-around. By the time she was 10, Wieber had already qualified to Level 10, the highest level in the Junior Olympic program, and a year later she qualified to the international elite level. So it is no wonder that she was a front-runner in this year ‘s Olympics.  Even though she did not receive an individual medal as expected she still shone and stood out. Another strong teammate was Aly Daisman who is just 17 and started gymnastics almost immediately after learning to walk and by age 14 she began to complete the elite level. So it is no surprise she ended up taking home an individual medal. McKayla Maroney and Kyla Ross were also on the American team and worked really hard as well and really helped push the team to the top.

            I would argue that the “fab five” really positively influences a lot fo young girls all around the world. They are a perfect picture of what hard work can accomplish and that you are only as strong as your team. The girls were constantly supporting each other and the way they interacted with each other was very inspiring. For example when best friends Jordyn and Aly had to compete against one another and Jordyn ended up losing it was clear that despite the heartbreak and disappointment she still was very supportive of Aly. It was very humbling to watch. I also think fans really followed and supported the girls because not only was it amazing to watch their routines but they were also very entertaining and put on a great show. The Fab Five definitely made America proud!

Bacchus Wine Bar and Restaurant

Every college student counts down the months, days and minutes until their twenty first birthday and I was no different. When my boyfriend asked me where I wanted to go I really had to do my research because I have been living in buffalo for four years and have been to countless restaurants. I wanted to go somewhere new, different and more grown up where I could enjoy a nice atmosphere as well as great food.  I stumbled upon a restaurant called Bacchus Wine Bar and Restaurant on Chippewa Street. The website was very well laid out and very simple to use and had some great reviews so we decided to give it a try and I am so glad that we did.

I got to Bacchus at about eight o’clock and was expecting to have to search for fifteen minutes for a parking space because parking downtown is known to be horrendous. However, I was pleasantly surprised when we pulled up and was greeted by a valet. When I first walked into the restaurant my eyes were immediately drawn to the elegant and simple décor. It is everything you would expect from a wine bar. The whole front of the restaurant is windows with beautiful tapestry and the rest of it was brick, which really gives it a warm and cozy feel. The lighting is dim but there are lots of candles, which added to its warm effect. The bar itself is off towards the back of the place which I enjoyed because you didn’t feel like you could over hear everyone’s conversations and you had some privacy. There is nothing worse than not being able to hear the person sitting across from you on a date. I really think it was smart of the owners to pay so much attention to detail while designing their restaurant because it makes you more willing to pay the higher end prices. Another great aspect of Bacchus was the service was excellent. When we arrived at the restaurant a very friendly hostess escorted us to a candle lit table and went over the menus with us. Our waiter was also great! I really appreciated his honesty with his recommendations, as he did not pick the most expensive meals but ones that he truly did enjoy. For dinner I had a balsamic chicken with blanched spinach, caramelized onion mashed potatoes and a delicious tomato salad. I can honestly say that it was one of the most delicious meals I have ever had out. The chicken was cooked absolutely perfectly and literally fell right off of the bone. The wine recommendation our waiter made was delicious and I really enjoyed it. Another plus was that the menu was limited to few items so each dinner was made with very high quality food. The only negative was that it was a pricey meal and a place that is definitely more for special occasions as opposed to a regular night out. However, I think the price was well worth it and would go back in a heartbeat.

Divorce Trend

For better or worse, until death do us part? This is a line that everyone has heard at least once in his or her lives. Marriage vows are said right before the legal bond of marriage is made here in the United States. I often wonder how seriously these vows are taken during this most recent decade as it seems more people are divorced than not.  The divorce rates are certainly high since this most recent recession but one has to wonder if that’s accurate and if so, why?

Throughout the history of the United States, marriage was viewed in a lot of cases as a binding agreement. You married for life and not just until you grew bored of each other. When looking deeper into the subject I think it has a lot to do with people are a lot more open to the idea. Back in the day a woman who was divorced was looked down upon. Now if a woman or man is unhappy in a relationship they have the freedom to make the choice to leave.

Sept 10 Article Reflection

For the past few hundred years the United States has been a big player in world affairs. It prides itself with its democratic values and the fact that its people have such a large say in who leads the country. However it is true that you really have to wonder how the rest of the world views the United States. The United States only contributes to about 5% of the world but at the same time has a large upper hand in world affairs.

            I found these articles really interesting because it made me think of my own perspective as a distant observer in world news and wars over seas. The two articles really demonstrate how much media affects how people view certain things, which can have a really big effect on the stability of a country. In the Brazil article it goes into detail about how they view the United States as a Bully. According to the article “Bullies are quick to make a person feel two emotions: fear of what they might do and anger over what they have done.” At first when reading that first line my first instinct as an American was think, not my country the land of the free, home of the brave and all that jazz. I decided to put myself in the position of the other countries and really thought about it. When I thought about it made me think of what is the All American Bully, so instantly I thought of the bully on the Simpson’s, Nelson. He is always holding you down, trying to take (borrow) your money and even though he doesn’t outwardly say it want to be strategic and have the most control. However, when all is said and done I don’t view America like that but I can understand why other countries do. Brazil’s media really did give the United States the appearance of going completely against the United Nations for their own person gain. In the article I have to disagree with the way it was written. It very adamantly described how Brazil thought that the United States was being “domineering” and just invading Iraq for its own gain and take control over the oil. The missed a key point, that being that nearly 3,000 people died on September 11, 2001 and it was becoming a matter of national security. I can only imagine the Brazilian media’s coverage on that tragedy.

            It was also interesting to read on the perspective of the Chinese especially taking into account that they haven’t always had extensive media coverage. It kind of surprised me how any country could view war as a “game” but I guess when you are that far from it and also trying to keep your countries best interest in mind it is just best to stay out of it and remain neutral on the topic. The main idea though that these articles have in common is that in the end each country is heavily influenced by the media and in the end will believe whatever puts their country in the best and brightest light.

My Memoir

It’s been over three years, but I still remember the sound of his voice or the feel of his sweaters when he hugged me and I will never forget the smell of Sunday dinners. It’s strange how the ones we love the most never really leave us. It’s as if their memories are holding their place while they are gone. I will never forget my Papa Louie. He was one of the people who had one of the biggest influences on my life. Not everyone got along with my grandfather, he was a stubborn, strong willed man and held very true to what he thought was right. However, In my eyes Papa could do no wrong. He inspired my loved of cooking and bringing your family together around the dinner table. He showed me that family always came first.

            It was a Monday evening, the week before I was to graduate high school and my phone alerted me that I had a voicemail. I pressed play to hear my papa’s voice on the other end, “Hi sweetheart it’s papa I just wanted to tell you that I got your beautiful invitation for your graduation and I just wanted to tell you that I wouldn’t miss it for the world, call me back.” I called him back and chit chatted for a few minutes before saying our goodbyes, little did I know but that was the last time I was going to hear his voice.

            I walked into my house and within minutes I knew that something was wrong, and it was. My Papa woke up early Wednesday morning to go to the firehouse like he did every morning. He has a massive heart attack that took his life and my world away from me.

            This event in my life taught me how fleeting life can be, how quickly the ones we love can be gone forever. I have carried this with me all through college. I am now graduating this spring from college and plan to live a life as full and completely as my grandfather would want for me.

Response to Article

I found the article “Iranians and Media Coverage of the War in Iraq: Rhetoric, Propaganda, and Contradiction,” very interesting. I think there is a lot to be said about the medias influence on war and big events. A country is only as strong as it's people and media has a really big influence on its people. So if the people are thinking that are tens of thousand of deaths their opinions on the war are going to be very different than if deaths have been kept to a minimum. This article really made me think about the media coverage on September 11^th more than anything because I remember watching it. The only information that we have access to is delivered by the media. What if our news castings had been censored like those in the west, would we have different opinions on those horrific events? I think it really is so wrong that people are being misinformed on something so big. It hard to make clear, rational opinions when all the facts are being skewed.  It is clear that Saddam was a cowardly man and did everything in his power to make sure that the people in Iraq felt negatively towards Americans and the war so he could have the ultimate control.

Questions

1. Are the assignments due on the date they are posted or is it due the following day?
2. What will we be putting on the discussion board on UBlearns?

Introduction

Hi guys!
My name is Melissa, I am a senior at UB and a Health and Human Services major. After I graduate I plan on going to nursing school so I am really excited to graduate! I'm a sucker for a good book and love to read. :)