Human Behavior Driven By Fear

Some could say fear is the touchstone for all growth, and a powerful motivator. Some could say fear is a liability and refuse to acknowledge its importance and vitality. But for some, fear only exists as a result of short term crisis, and they choose to abandoned it. And some, recognize fear, primarily, as a tool and a necessity for life. While fear has its place in the chain of human emotions. Many, including myself, tend to run from it as if it were the plague. Fear of failure, which is one of the biggest fears, naturally clamps its teeth into many, even the ambitious. Comfort, which could be considered fear’s natural enemy, is what many of us cling to as if it were a life preserver, and we were the drowning. Although, as much satisfaction we feel with comfort, it has its drawbacks, and can subtly lead us to complacency. Complacency can be a trap, and many may never completely step out of complacency. So these are things to think about when fear dominates our mindset. There are those who embrace fear as a necessity for life, and choose to face it. This mindset reinforces that failure is an option and can work to our advantage when facing the things we fear the most. Failure can lead us to the truth and gives us better perspective on self evaluation and where we need improvement. When practiced consistently, facing fears becomes a strength and failures become logical building blocks for evolving. I believe in this, but it's also easier said than done. Stepping out of my shell and into the unknown, is an uncomfortable place because it’s foreign, and not what I’m used to. But in writing this essay, and allowing the words to come from my heart, I realize my fears can become my allies and can strengthen my resolve in moving forward in life no matter what the crisis or circumstances. Then we evaluate the ones that give fear ultimate power, and stay stuck (wherever that might be). Fears can paralyze us, and never allow for true ability, passion, potential, and triumph to be experienced in life. This is so sad, because so many people are debilitated by this way of living and in many cases (no fault of their own) have been programmed this way since childhood. To stay in that safe zone and never really give failure, discomfort, humiliation, rejection, heartbreak, loss, or disappointment a fair chance at helping with life assessment and overcoming challenges. I too, have been sidelined in life by these restraints and have allowed fear to dictate future outcomes. I think most of us would be liars if we couldn’t admitted to this at one point in time or another. When we consider all human emotions, we naturally pay homage to what feels good and not what is considered “necessary” for building character and growing as a human being. Sometimes growth hurts, and our fears can stand by the wayside, so we can allow for the necessary changes to happen naturally and organically as intended without interference. Not only do I believe fear interferes with growth, but I also believe fear gives perspective as to what it is we aren’t willing to face head on. In a way, fear opens our minds to what is actually real, if we decide to keep things in perspective and not give fear ultimate power.

Can't get images??

Well, I've tried everything. I cant get images to my blog!!! Share, embed, copy, copy image address.... I give up. Anyway, maybe its my computer. I turned it off, rebooted and still.......FAIL. I really wanted to get some sweet pictures of sinkholes. There are so many from the California floods!!

Sink Holes

How about the torrential rain that california has been getting? Man, I was just watching a show on sink holes in Florida and was amazed about how much of a hazard it really is! Underground limestone, sandstone or any other type of porous rock contain eroded cavities that are filled with acidic water below grade. When water passes through these cavities or when water evacuates these cavities they are subject to collapse. As a result of california's consistent and record rainfall, sinkholes are forming in multiple locations!

Magic Land By The Sea

Back to the Future Part 2

So, to my dismay, the night before surgery I got sick. Needless to say, Doc said I was healthy enough to proceed. Anyway.......... Shockingly, one of my twins got sick and she happily got to stay home Friday and recover with her dad. We watched Back To The Future 2 and again was vintage 80's. I noticed sequentially being part 2 it had a lot to do with space/time/and probability with the outcome of the characters. The "Events" which contributed to all the possible outcomes was particularly ironic

considering all math I've been doing lately. Anyhow, well written, great acting, great movie, and fantastic second part of a classic trilogy!

The 80's

Everyone in this class is too young to remember the 80's but while trying to get comfortable after hernia surgery yesterday, my six year old twin girls and I decided to watch "Back To The Future". We watched the digital remastered version that came out of The Trilogy Box Set. So...... I forgot how ridiculously well put together this movie was and had to contain any and all laughter because of all the new sutures in my lower abdomen (well, not to mention the new mesh wall inside). Marty Mcfly, the Doc, and the animated storyline was classic 80's style that I vividly remember appreciating when I was a youngster. My girls loved it and I felt (although I was in pain) nothing but love all around!

Fun Times

Anyone ever had hernia surgery? Well, just a little over 24 hours from a lower inguinal hernia surgery and honestly wasn't ready for this type of recovery. Oh well, too late now! I'm gonna have to grit this one out and dig deep. In the past, I've had surgeries and this one definitely tops the charts for pain. Again, too late now! Had an issue with the pharmacy yesterday (don't really care to get into it) and haven't  felt comfortable since being home. Medication is brutal, and thoughts are scattered! FUN TIMES!

Trump and Mexican American Border

Wednesday, President Trump signed a new executive directive to build a wall at the Mexican/American border. Trump has always maintained transparency with his objective to seal the borders and is following through with his promise. This is Trump's latest effort to discourage illegal immigration and has expressed his intent to immediately commence construction. Trump also intends to have Mexico pay back the US 100% for the costs of the wall.

    

Trump Closing the Borders

https://nyti.ms/2jGLX0N

Trump's signs an executive order and blocks all refugees worldwide from entering the US for the next 120 days. Simultaneously, part of this order suspends entry from all seven predominantly Muslim countries that are linked to terrorism for 90 days; Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, and Yemen. The primary cause cited for this recent executive order is the ongoing threat of radical Islamic terrorists entering our country. Trump made it clear, he has no plans on backing down from the issue, and the order imposes additional screening to those applying for admission into the US.

Diplomacy Between the US and China at a Crossroad

http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/trump-departs-one-china-policy-speaks-taiwan-s-president-n691391

http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/trump-departs-one-china-policy-speaks-taiwan-s-president-n691391

 http://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/video/exclusive-chinese-official-draws-line-on-one-china-policy-and-island-sovereignty-861927491869
           
          President Trump has made it clear that he has no plans in honoring China or the "One-China Policy" which was an agreement between the US and China that the US cut off all diplomatic relations with Taiwan back in 1979. Furthermore, recently appointed Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson expressed during his confirmation hearing that the US would block China's access to the disputed Asian Islands in an effort to send China a message in shutting down China's military expansion. However, it looks like China is standing its ground with the prospect of fortifying the disputed islands in the South China Sea per Lu Kang's comments, a senior official with the Chinese Foreign Ministry, to NBC news in an exclusive interview on Tuesday that China views this as China's Sovereign territory.

Classroom Age Average

😊😊Math!

What is the "mean" average age of our classmates?

Enter Age: 

Community

What community are YOU a part of????????????

Skateboarding

Jumping back on Skateboard (well after surgery)!!!! Even thinking about building a ramp in my backyard soon!

Falcons vs...........?

Well People, Falcons it is!!!!!!

Guess their opponent ? Steelers or Patriots? Clock starts ticking now!!!!

Laundry

Who's in love with laundry? I am. I can't think of anything else better to do on a Sunday while watching football.

2017 Mission

2017 Mission: Finish HS Diploma, complete GED, change careers. What is yours???? And GO!

Math

Anyone have a Math Module 1 Test with Kevin's class not available????

Change

Sometimes change is painful, and one would say, the more pain........ The more GROWTH.

Thoughts?????

Can a zero be rectified?

Well, it's obviously important to stay balanced and allow equal study time for each subject. I got a zero on this assignment for blog sentences and topics. I am trying to reconcile this...... Thoughts? Anyone?

Play-offs

Since our defeat to Atlanta, How many Hawks fans are rooting for them?

MLK & Stevie Wonder: Civil Rights Activists

MLK and Stevie Wonder are two iconic figures in cultural history that will permanently be recognized (in many ways) as two of the most influential political activists and humanitarians of their generation. The late Dr. Martin Luther King and Stevie Wonder were both staunch supporters of African American Civil Rights. They both shared similar political views, just had two different ways of expressing their cause.

         Dr. Martin Luther King, born 21 years the senior of Stevie Wonder, grew up in a similar but much harsher period culturally. MLK was one of the first civil rights activists in a time when it was unheard of for African American's to exercise their First Amendment rights. Dr. Martin Luther King achieved and overcame this through vast amounts of education at an early age, maintaining his faith, and drawing inspiration as a Baptist Minister. MLK was an incredible public speaker and expressed the necessity for equal rights, not only for blacks, but for all races and ethnicities. MLK was active in the NAACP and helped spearhead the Montgomery Bus Boycott following the 1955 Rosa Parks refusal to adhere to the Jim Crow Laws and give up her bus seat (segregation in Montgomery was lifted November 13, 1956). In 1963 MLK delivered the prolific "I have a Dream Speech" which will be remembered and replayed throughout history due to its overwhelming message of change and equality. MLK believed in peaceful demonstrations without violence. His approach was affective and drew the masses of all races, colors, and ethnicities.

         Stevie Wonder is a blind musical prodigy and also a civil rights activist, in support of equal rights, especially for African Americans. He also believes in peaceful demonstrations without violence. Stevie Wonder is also a passionate supporter of  MLK's cause. His music reflects that in many ways. Many of his songs and messages directly associate with civil rights, such as "Black Man" from the 1976 Key of Life album, "Living for the City" from his Inversions album, and his 1981 "Happy Birthday" tribute in support of MLK's birthday as a National Holiday. Stevie Wonder's inspirational music and song writing transcends cultural boundaries, a lot like Dr. Martin Luther Kings message of equality, peace, and social justice for all people. Although, MLK's era sparked social reform supporting civil rights and inspired the masses, Stevie Wonders formative years were laden with social injustice. Needless to say, racial equality was in its infancy, and this country was in desperate need, calling upon Civil Rights leadership for years to come.
        
        Even though MLK and Stevie Wonder shared the same political ideology, they differed in their approach. MLK's life was dedicated to civil rights activism. He was a crusader, a talented public speaker, with one vision, a vision of change, hope, and equality for all races. He had fervor, he was charismatic, and he was a wordsmith of his time. Stevie Wonder was a talented blind musical prodigy who used his music as a platform for not only civil rights but for many other causes. His causes range from his support of The Better Vision for Children Foundation, unemployment/career support, Aids/HIV, domestic violence, education, at risk disadvantaged youths, disaster relief, health, environment, the list goes on. Stevie Wonder's message is primarily transmitted through his music. Even though he has been more vocal lately with the Black Lives Matter movement, his real message will always be heard through his song writing.

        In conclusion, MLK and Stevie Wonder are both greats, both visionaries, and both iconic in their own right. They have reached our households as household names (and not because they stood down). They both stood for the same thing, but had unique ways of conveying their message. MLK through his relentless drive in political activism, speeches, work with the NAACP, and social programs. Stevie Wonder with his influential spoken word through his lyrics and song writing which spilled over into movies, books, and programs that inspire people to better to each other, be fair, and thoroughly raise the bar for social, political, and racial progress.