Invasion of Privacy

Hollie Toups

According to an article called, "Hollie Toups Leads Women In Revenge Porn Class Action Lawsuit Against Texxxan.com, GoDaddy," published by Meredith Bennett-Smith in The Huffington Post, there is a new website that allows males to post private nude pictures of their ex-girlfriends as "revenge." Also, these pictures are linked to the women's personal information, like their Facebook pages. However, these females are now aware of this website, due to strangers approaching and confronting them about their pictures.  Therefore, Texan women are now taking the initiative to sue the man who owns Texxxan.com, for posting pictures of them without any sort of permission or consent. From these group of women, Hollie Toups has signed a lawsuit not only against the porn site, but also the host GoDaddy. When Hollie Toups discovered her photos, she began to panic. She quickly demanded the site to delete her pictures; but they responded by stating they needed her credit card information first. This is a scam that numerous porn sites use on their viewers. The attorney, John Morgan, of the Texan women has sworn to sue the operators of Texxxan.com. Presently, a variety of lawyers are dealing with cases similar to this, "with other potential claims including invasion of privacy and emotional distress."

Nature

I sit in my balcony watching the cars pass before me. However, then I look further into nature and try my best to ignore not only the noises made from these engines that produce byproducts which are extremely toxic to our environment; but also the middle school across the street which is usually filled with kids running around screaming and playing with one another. Furthermore, I comply to gravity and tilt my head back to  focus on the creatures that fly in the blue sky above me, making it seem as though they are feathers gliding across what serves to be a boundless ocean for the few lucky organisms that posses the gift of defying gravity. If only I too could be able to escape from this world that revolves around technology to a world that is totally unknown. Yes, traveling on an airplane may be considered a situation in which a human unites with nature and the clouds; however, to be separated by a barrier which exists due to machines running off of greed, makes it much more difficult for one to fully connect with the heavens. During this observation, I had the need to close my eyes and allow myself to surrender to nature as its soothing energy ran through my body. Disassociating myself from reality and the world around me only for merely a few seconds mirrored a vacation that one cannot purchase with money, but can only be experienced when one acquiesces with nature and its meditating powers.

Are Berries the New Lifesavers?

Strawberries? Blueberries? Does the thought of these two fruits make you salivate uncontrollably? According to "Strawberries And Blueberries Could Decrease Women's Heart Attack Risk: Study" in The Huffington Post, women now have a new reason to indulge themselves with berries! Studies show that during an experiment, women who ate the most strawberries were found to have a 32% lower heart attack risk, than those who were known to eat these vegetables once a month or not at all! Researchers have found that both strawberries and blueberries contain high levels of flavanoids which is responsible for preventing plaque buildup. Also, women who eat diets that include antioxidant-rich foods, could lower their chances of having heart disease. Henceforth, in 2012 a study was conducted which proved that females who possessed a diet with antioxidants, and who consumed approximately seven servings of fruits and vegetables a day, were less likely to have heart attacks during a ten year period.

Is There Extraterrestrial Life?

According to "Earth Bacteria On Mars? Serretia Liquefaciens Could Survive On Red Planet, Study Suggests" written by Irene Klotz on The Huffington Post, scientists have found an extraordinary discovery! A bacteria called Serretia liquefaciens, which is commonly found on Earth, more specifically, in human hair, human skin and lungs and also in fish, aquatic systems, plant leaves, and plant roots is found to even exist in Mars's unusual atmospheric conditions. Furthermore, when this bacteria was relocated to a surrounding that resembled Mars's low-pressure atmosphere that is rich with carbon dioxide, it was found to posses adaptive characteristics. Schuerger, declared his amazement when he stated that this specific bacteria usually evolves at sea level; consequently, when the bacteria was able to grow in a chamber with reduce pressure, it was looked upon as a groundbreaking discovery. This experiment has lead to a controversial theory: is there truly life outside of Earth? However, scientists have realized that in order for an organism to survive on Mars, it must be shielded to protect itself from the ultraviolet radiation. Also, living organism must have access to water, organic carbon and nitrogen. I have never doubted the fact that extraterrestrial life exists. Earth cannot be the only planet that contains living creatures and animals, and to believe such a statement is a clear sign of ignorance.

Independent Reading

This week was fully dedicated to us students to present our books that we had read throughout the winter vacation. It is normal for me to state that I did not find all of these autobiographies and memoirs worthy enough to read. For example, Kristine's book Ambulance Girl: How I Saved Myself by Becoming an EMT by Jane Stern was based on a woman who had joined the medical field to help others in need.
As Kristine was discussing about her book, I did not feel emotionally attached or provoked. After reading my memoir Lucky by Alice Sebold, I have realized that I respect those authors who focus on topics that can be considered taboo or embarrassing to most. Also, Kristine's book possessed a happy ending that will bring many readers satisfaction and relief; however, life does not always end with the cliche quote "happily ever after." Therefore, I cannot see myself reading a book that I know will not introduce me to emotions that I have never felt or even known. It may sound unusual, but I long to feel the pain of the author as I read their book. After reading books similar to Alice Sebold's, I cannot stop but feel as though I had gained a new experience in life, even if I did not live through it firsthand. Furthermore, the book that I wish to read in the near future is Anna's book Fat Girl: A True Story by Judith Moore. It appeared to be a book that will bring its readers sadness and a clearer insight of reality. Anna admitted that after reading the book, she was taught a lesson to not judge before actually knowing the person. However, most importantly the book concludes with the author expressing her feelings and emotions that were never quelled or understood. My reasoning behind my decisions may make me seem as a sadist  but I wish to branch away from stories that end with a cheesy "happily ever after" ending. It is time for individuals to face reality and to comprehend the fact that happiness, love, and joy come with a dark side: sadness, pain, and remorse.