Blocking the Hallways

Have you ever been late for the class or rushing in the washroom felling like your bladder is going to explode and this massive peoples blocking the hallway is in your way, well not really blocking but standing, chatting, hanging around the hallway. This kind of stuff get on my nerves.

                There is a time that I have to say excuse me because the way is completely blocked. At lease they will say sorry but later that day they are it again. One time when my friends and I are walking in the hallway we encountered this two school staff talking in the middle of the hallway. Yes, school staffs, and the other one was with the guy on the wheel chair that block large piece of hallway. Why don’t they talk in the small free space near them so the other can pass through them smoothly?

                People are doing this maybe because they think hanging out on the hallways are cool? Or maybe they just simply don’t care about the others. This also happens in the stairs and doors not only in the hallways. Sometimes even me and my friends hangout in the hallways, but we are making sure that there is enough space for people to pass through. I am encouraging people to not do this, if you can’t avoid doing this please make sure there is a space for people to pass through because some people are easily pissed and you don’t know what is going to happen next.

The Complaint Box - Crimes against gaming

As the digital age rises, the old media lose it's power over the audiences. To regain their influence, they use smear tactics and blaming the digital industries. This article/essay is going to talk about the old media blaming the gaming industry for violence and crimes. Politicians make glorified lies, unsupported blame, and false information against the Gaming industry.

A young industry rises, The video game industry starts to gain a grip on audiences. It's starting to be an influential part of some people's lives. The old media finds this industry easy prey because most old/adult people don't understand what it is and what it does. Due to the Internet being an easier way to find news instead of using the television. The old media tries to smear their opponent down. The United states has a rampant problem of school shootings, murders and all sorts. The old media then takes these problems and blames video games as it's cause.

For years, people blamed video games as a cause of violence instead of finding the root of the problem. Researches have supported evidence that video games isn't the cause but people still don't believe it. Politicians and the old media blame the young industry and smear it's name with lies and atrocities. Gamers are said to be closet psychopaths but that isn't the case. If it was, the world would be in constant chaos because there's millions that play video games. From violent to casual, video games don't cause anger and rage. Gamers are calm and collected not raging brutes. Gamers are just innocent victims of Politicians and the old media. I, the author, played countless video games that are violent most of the time but am I an insane madman? No. I'm calm most of the time unless provoked.

The problem here is clearly the United State's fault. The U.S has countless gun stores that can be easily accessed by minors. Mental health isn't handled properly, most of the time it's just disregarded. In most, if not all, cases of school shootings are caused by mentally unstable people who had access to guns. Most of the guns used are military grade assault rifles, How does one procure that? Clearly, you can easily find one in the United States. Further proof that video games aren't the problem here is South Korea. South Korea's national sport is pretty much Starcraft 2, a science-fiction strategy game. Over the years, from 1996 to 2012, There has been no school shootings in the country.

For almost more than a decade researchers have proven that violent video games don't cause mental instability. There's a large gap between firing a gun using a mouse/keyboard/controller and firing a gun using a trigger. Gamers also proved that gaming helps people relax and unwind, they release their anger in a game instead on real life.

To conclude this rather long article. Please shut up and listen to us, Gamers aren't crazy Psychopaths, We're just like you but  possibly have better problem solving skills.
http://artnexus.weebly.com/13/post/2013/02/the-complaint-box-cerjonah.html

-Want more stuff to look at? Well look no further. Visit the Art Nexus today. http://artnexus.weebly.com/

-This essay is written by : Cerjonah Mateo
-Edited by : Cerjonah, Casey and Sydney.
- Made for: Hainstock's 30s English Class.

Basketball Hoggers!!!!!

One day I was in the gym shooting some hoops. I was having lots and lots of fun. then some girls that I've never met in my life before comes and asks me if she can play b-ball two on two and I said yes. when we started playing it going well, I shot 5 in and they got 4 in, but all of a sudden my partner acting up. she wouldn't pass the ball to me and I got so annoyed but I ignored it. Again I said "over here, I'm open", with my hand signal ready for the ball to be thrown. I was in the open but she just kept going to the basket to score and slam! The girl from the other team knocked the ball out of her hand and I just looked at her so disappointed. This happened at the YMCA gym at 12:45pm. It actually happened last week Saturday, the 16th of February, 2013. The girl was such a ball hogger and that got me so ticked off. When I was asking her to pass me the ball because she was too busy trying to impress some guy at the gym.I spoke to her directly after the first game. I walked up to her and said "Hey, so how did you  think we did?" She was like, "Pretty good, you?" I said, "we did pretty awesome but you need to pass me the ball when I'm open." She was like, "What do you mean?" The whole game." She said, "Sorry about that." I said, "Share the ball next time" and she told me she was going to. She could have done this because she loves basketball so much or she just forgot that I was on her team or she just didn't want to pass the ball to me. Why it causes their behavior of hogging the ball might be because they may not like you, they may not know, maybe they forgot you're playing with them, or they just don't want to pass you the ball.

Haters destroyed my artwork

What would you feel if someone destroys your precious artwork? Would you be mad to that person who destroyed it? Last semester, when i went to my third class which was graphics, I noticed something that was missing, my artwork. I walked around the room to find Voltes V (my artwork) and later on i found it inside a room. I know you would say "it is just an artwork, it could obviously fit in a room" but let me tell you, it is not just an artwork, and it cannot fit in a room. Me and my partner Christian made Voltes V for a month. We spent our spare time and lunch time making it. I made it's head,body, arms, shoulders, and it's accessories. Before we started making the project, I made a blueprint for our guide but after a few days, the blueprint disappeared. I got a little mad because i spent almost an hour doing it. But let's get back to the track, Voltes V was made out of recycled boxes, cardboards, and papers so it could get easily broken meaning, it has to be taken care of. At the end of semester one, Mr. Hill, my graphics teacher, told me that i should take Voltes V home beacause the room needed more space. but there was one big problem, my partner and i cannot take it home because it is too big for both of our houses. Then one day, when we were about to check our project, we found it in a room, with missing parts, broken legs, and a broken shoulder. Now, imagine you were the one who built the artwork for one month. Imagine that you worked hard for it, for a perfect mark and then later on, someone destroys it.Luckily, today, the project is now safe in my T.A.'s classroom.In my opinion and definitely everyone's, people should not destroy other people's work because it is not theirs.

Move! Slowpokes

I really hate it when people walk really slow or block my way when I'm in a real hurry. They pretty much put a lot of my time to waste and worse, they cause me to be late for something. It also annoys me how some people would talk while walking and then they just start to slow down and just come to a complete stop like they wouldn't be able to keep up with each other's stories. I definitely suggest that they stand somewhere or sit down where they wouldn't block other people's way and technically keep their whole conversation to themselves. One more thing, slowing down while talking in a public place pretty much just gives strangers the opportunity to let them know parts or instances of their lives. People shouldn't give strangers these kinds of opportunities because it's not really the best thing to do and some of the conversations I've heard were best to be kept secret.

A lot of times in school I would come to an encounter with people who pretty much think they own a whole big part of a hallway and make it their hangout place. A lot of people including me would be trying their best to get to class on time and just be ready for the next class but some people are just to inconsiderate to actually think about the people around them and how their actions affect other people. I remember there was this one time in grade 10 when I got in trouble for being late for class. I had a project due on that day and I was running late because I had to get my project from my brother's locker from the Seaford side. I was hurrying to get from the Seaford side to the Maples side but the link was being blocked by groups of people. A lot of people were asking them to move in order to get through the large crowd but they just moved a bit and continued with their business. It actually took me around 3 minutes to pass through the link and a few more to get to my class.

I kind of had addressed a few people who do this kind of thing but not really in a serious way. I've asked a few of them to move out of the way and told them off in a calm way that people have to get through their so called "hang out place". I also told them that they cause a few problems like hallway traffic, causing people to be late, and a lot more. I know that it would take more than what I did to actually let people know how they need to start getting their stuff together and start making a difference. I don't really have the courage to confront someone or people regarding this issue and technically any issue because it’s pretty hard for me to just be straight up with things and just tell people what I really think.

I think the reasons why people do this is because they are either lazy to move to another spot and would choose to just stay or because they just think that it's cool and they should do it no matter what. I'm pretty sure that they know that what they're doing is pretty much wrong but they still do it because their friends do it and it's apparently what "cool kids" do. It also seems that they think that they are too cool to care about the people around them and to think that they are being too much of a bother.

I think that the main reason or factor on why people pick up this kind of behavior is because of social pressure or peer pressure. People try hard to look or seem cool even though they are really not. Those kinds of people just seem more like jerks. I suggest that they should start thinking of what they are doing and that it isn't really going to prove something and that they just cause too much trouble to a lot of people as a result. You people have to start changing your ways and make improvements.

Watch your language!

Many people do swearing for getting someone's attention ,when they get suprise or too excited and it could be for fun.They don't even realized that using of those kind of words start to make a bad image of others to you.People using curse words to be fit in their groups, we can say just to be in the flow of trends.They dont care about what other people say about their behaviour and those people around you,such as friends,teachers or even your parents already had a bad impression from you. You can affect other people by influencing them or might copy what you're doing just by saying those expletive words.Some people get really excited or too shocked in unexpected events, even they didn't really meant of what they are saying, you must watch your language before you doing something wrong.Also,there's a lot of teachers watching you,especially in school.If they used to see this kind of behaviour in you,they might probably keep away from you ,because they already found out your attitude.Others doing or saying curse words just to making fun of it.For them it's just a word and don't really mean something about it,but they are wrong ,they don't know how does people around them are actually affected of what they heard.We just ignore it ,but what if those people who are truly getting offended or you might hurt their feelings by just saying your swearword.I had experienced about these kind of attitude. It was a busy week for the upcoming exams for students, I was patiently rushing and really need to go home. I went to my locker and ready to packed up,but then before that , I need to walked in the sink,which is like a bridge that connecting the two buildings in our school.There were a lot of people blocking my way so I need to say "excuse me" before I across their way.I honestly got irritated when a bunch of guys are coming and blocking the stairs up to my locker.He straight forward said an "F" word on my face and I make faced in front of them,it was kind a weird , because I dont know them and they just gave me an impression like that. Instead of giving my way, he just swear and continuing blocking my way,so I decided to go outside and took the other door just to got my stuff in my locker,quickly.Maybe there's many people are aware in this kind of behaviour,and for those people who always doing these thing, they just proving others that they don't have good manners and they're not educated. I did not addressed a person for those who's engaging in this behaviour. They must know that how they really disrespectful by saying curse words.We all know that ,sometimes you can't control of what you're saying ,but you must consider that there's always a consequences for those people dealing with it.It also shows that how your parents make you a good person and what are the things that they taught you, because we all know that our parents are the first person who teached us to be a good person and we learned those things in our home. We should learned a good moral in our parents,and you must think first of what or who are you talking to, not just giving a word that make others feel bad about you.

Unfinished Stories

"Hey I have something to tell you." "Yeah?" "Oh never mind..." I've heard this numerous times and I'm sure you have too. I don't understand why people tell you half a story and not bother to finish the rest. They just leave you hanging and wondering,"What happened next?", or "What was she going to tell me? And why did she change her mind?" If you're going to bring something up, expect yourself to be explaining the whole story, not just a part of it. Whenever someone does this, I feel as if I was reading a good novel, when all of a sudden someone just rips out the last chapter. Pointless. Pointless to even begin.

I remember a few weeks ago I was catching up with a friend of mine at the mall. It was just the two of us shopping, something we haven't done in a while. After walking around a bit we decided to head to the food court. We were enjoying our food and chattering about life, when she excitedly said, "Ooo there's something I have to tell you!" I finished chewing the last bit of food I had in my mouth, "Yeah?" That's when I heard the words that really irked me... "Never mind." I never realized how much those words pushed my buttons. "Why won't you tell me now?", I asked. "Eh its nothing really." 

For a while I had to pretend to forget about it, but really that was the only thing on my mind whenever we stopped talking! I was excited to hear what she had to say. Maybe I just didn't reply fast enough? At the end of the day I ended up confronting her, "So...what was that thing you were going to tell me?" "Still on your mind, huh?" "Hah, yeah..." "I was just going to say that I was over that guy we used to talk about." I just stood there, staring at her with my jaw dropped open. "THAT'S IT?! I don't understand why you couldn't just tell me that in the first place!" 

I'm sure we have all faced a similar situation, where people do not finish their sentences. As to why people do this, I am not sure of. Perhaps their mind Is focused on something else?  Your brain can't actually multitask. What happens is, you can be doing one thing and switch really fast to another thing, but you never really do them at the same time. You just confuse yourself. This is how some people lose their train of thought. 

Distractions, forgetfulness, or even tiredness may be the reason for this behavior. Others may or may not be aware that this issue is bothersome, I guess it depends on how often you are faced in a situation like this. Either way, I don't want to hear half a story, just complete your thought before starting a new one. Whatever the case is, don't bring things up if you're not planning to talk about it! 

Ask, Assume, Annoying

Why ask if you're already reaching for it? By the time I even begin to think yes or no you've already taken what you asked for! Why bother to even ask in the first place? The feeling that anyone can just take things from you and think it's okay because they asked; give me a chance to answer. This habit of just assuming the answer is always yes needs to stop. Last Friday I was sitting across from my friend in class and I see her reach for my binder and ask "Can I have a piece of loose leaf?" I would've gladly said sure but I didn't have a chance to, it seemed like there was no need for me to say anything when you're already writing you're name in the top right corner. It's difficult not to confront the people who demonstrate this behavior, or should I say commit this crime I mean you're technically stealing, it is after all taking without permission. I was studying at my friend's house just the other day and I'm listening to music, in my 'study mode' and out of no where I feel my pen pulled out of my hand and I hear her say "Can I use this for a sec?" I guess the stress and the fact that my patience was wearing thin made me sound kind of rude; I gave her a confused looked and say "uh no." She paused for a second and then laughed. I had to say "just kidding" but she knew what I meant and it was awkward and quiet for a couple of seconds afterwards. I can understand why some people absentmindedly make this a habit when they ask things from close friends, siblings, just someone they know really well enough they feel like the person can't say no. It may seem like no big deal because they usually just take little things or use things really quickly then return it, but can you imagine how awkward it'd be to put back food that was just two inches from your mouth? Not saying anyone would actually say "no give it back" but questions are meant to be answered, permission is meant to be granted and simply asking while you're taking something doesn't cut it. I suggest people be more patient and wait for an answer or the patience of the victim to this behavior will wear thin.

Parents, Are you not aware?

Babies are babies, they can be unpredictable, energetic, loud, silly and yet cute, but seriously, can't you get up for 2 minutes and carry your baby to stop him or her crying? There's people out there who wants a quiet environment where they're able to talk to one another without a baby crying their eyes out. Are you not aware? Are you enjoying your magazine that you cannot shed your 2 minutes? I myself, have a foster baby and I can't stand him crying at all. I'm willing to give up my few minutes to entertain him and he'll be calm for hours. Babies need to be cared. Once, just the usual Saturday at the mall. Here I am, at the cafeteria enjoying company with my family, then 3 tables down, there's a crying baby...how great. Then I thought to myself "The baby must be so hungry" "How long has he'd been sitting there?". The cafeteria is a very loud environment and yet I can hear the baby crying and crying. People are passing by and looking at the child and feeling sorry. While the parent is sitting there eating and slowly pushing and pulling the stroller. Another time and place, my family and I went to church for the Sunday mass. Halfway through the mass , there it is again, another crying baby. Everyone is looking at the baby while the priest is having a hard time concentrating on his lecture. While she's still there carrying the baby in one spot, swirling her body. No one will care if you go out and sacrifices your time for the rest of us to have a peaceful time. Go out and do your job as a wonderful parent. If you're going to bring your baby with you in a public place and the baby starts crying, it is your responsibility. When you have people asking you to care for your baby, don't just stand there bouncing the baby up and down, leave the room and apologize. At least you should have an idea that people are staring and judging you. I'm not telling you how to be a parent but please have some common sense. I get it babies cry, but please don't be ignorant and say "What are you looking at?" " Screw off" . Then again, we should consider that the parent/s must be so tired from the baby. I know there are times where the child cries whenever they don't get what they wanted. Usually with toys, and if you don't give them what they want they just end up crying the entire time. Give them what they want and deal with problem later on. I don't think the people around the child wouldn't enjoy such a situation. But what would i know right? Im just a 16 year old guy. I don't how it feels like to be a parent. I don't know what they're going through. I'm assuming that this behavior leads to parents who can't control their child. Children who don't behave in certain areas and they need to be held. Specially in stores with fragile objects or in an electronics store. I'm not saying you should be controlling your child all the time I mean kids are kids. Theres a place for them to go beyond their imagination and be free. Just please be aware of your child and his/her surroundings.

Are manners becoming extinct?

It is common courtesy for people to say "thank you" when someone goes out of their way to help. Therefore, when someone doesn't; I feel a sense of... Distress. I believe this irritation came from when I was younger where I would get lectured for simply not saying "hi" to someone that came in the room. It would automatically be deemed as being disrespectful. It's one of the first things we teach little children, basic manners that seem as though people can easily fail to remember. Last semester for one of my classes I sat on the seat closest to the door. The teacher preferred the door to be locked so he could keep track of who comes in. It was a big class, people came and left constantly. Of course, due to my seat I was the one to let visitors or locked-out classmates, in. It was a small gesture, not difficult at all. However, when this happens every day, very often, it can get quite irritating when no one bothers to say "thank you". This specific day I was concentrating really hard on a math problem doing calculations and whatnot. Suddenly someone starts knocking obnoxiously on the door demanding me to let them in. This completely throws me off focus and causes me to get confused all over again. With a sigh, I stand up to let them in. Not only did they not say "thank you", but they even gave me a dirty look telling me I took too long! Can you believe that? Once in a blue moon I'd encounter a rare, pleasant, case where a kind hearted soul would appreciate me for my nice gesture and my whole day would be made. I do not believe that being polite should be that uncommon. As for addressing the issue, confrontation isn't something I'm too fond of. The farthest I would go, if I knew them well enough, would be a jokingly "You're welcome!" as they came through the door. To that they would just laugh along. Etiquette should not be one of those things where people are so deprived from it, that no one uses it anymore. On the other hand manners should also not be one of the things that you are exposed to it, to the point where it is no longer noticed. For the most part I think people do this because they forget or just take these small things for granted. No matter what the psychological reasoning for this, I believe certain manners should never be forgotten.

Flush it!

    Everyone of us has that one behaviour of others that really bugs us. It doesn't matter if it is a small or a big thing. As long as it bugs us,it will surely bug us,always.

    Mine is very common to everybody and I am pretty sure that it is also a problem to many-the non-flushers. This behaviour of others really irks me. They are using a public property so, they should have the initiative to maintain its cleanliness after they used it. It's really irritating when you know that there are rooms available but you can't use them because they were left unflushed. Non-flushers waste the time of others,they reduce our patience, and they give other people a bad impression of themselves.

    Imagine, it only takes two steps to do the thing and yet some still can't do this. First,hold the bar then push it down,as easy as that. How come some people can't follow these?

    I still remember that time. It was during our ten minute break between classes when I badly needed to pee. There were two or three people in front of the line but there was an available room,so I went and checked that room and okay,I got it, a non-flusher used it. The reality sank in and I waited for my turn until others finished their business.

    As I was using the toilet, I am thinking that what if I do the same, what if I don't flush the toilet, what if I forgot to do the thing, but no!I don't see any reason why I should not do the simple thing in flushing the toilet. I need to do this. I need to flush the toilet because I don't want other users irk at me.

    I've never addressed any person doing this. Infact, I do not know any particular person who've done this. All I know is that everytime I enter a washroom, there was at least one unflushed toilet left. But if given a chance, I will surely tell that person to stop doing her hobby. I will tell her the reasons why and what are the effects of it to others.

    I hope that this complain regarding non-flushers will serve as an eye opener to them.

    Don't forget to hold the bar, push it down and that's it, you flushed it!

Please Don't Block The Staircase.

     Did you ever experience to get annoyed with just a little matter? Yes, yes I did. Do you all those people who are sitting on and hanging out at the bottom of the staircase? Those kind of people really irks me. They usually sit there to talk, make-outs, or to have fun. Well, there's nothing wrong with just talking and hanging out in there but what really bugs me a lot is that, sometimes they are blocking the way and it's hard for you to pass through. And when you say 'excuse me', they are the one who gets mad at you.

     One sunny day, there were a bunch of guys sitting on the lower steps of the stairs. They were talking and laughing with each other. At that time, my chemistry class was just ended and I need to go t my locker to drop off some stuff. So I took the fastest route possible. As I go down the stairs, I saw these bunch of guys sitting there. I was in a hurry so I told them 'excuse me' because I need to pass. They moved just enough for me to get through. After that, I told them 'thank you'. When I looked back one of them was glaring at me and he was whispering something at his friend's ear. I don't know if he was mad at me or just making fun of me so I just ignored them.

     Well, I really don't care whether he is mad or not. I just need to get pass the stairs and carryon with my life, as usual. I didn't address him because I'm not to sure. If he is really mad or not at that time. I also don't want to start a fight or anything. Well, first of all, it's a staircase and not a couch. It's a place where you can climb up and down and not a place to hang or to make-out.

     I don't know if those people are aware that their behavior is getting on my nerves. I don't know either why they're hanging out in that kind of place where often people pass by. I know it's kind of hard to find a nice place where you can hang out but please don't block the staircase. Try to find a place where you can hang out and that you are not blocking the staircase. If you do that, you will not be a bother to me or to other people. Or at least if you hang out there, try not to take all the space and give us some space so that we can use it.

I promise you the body spray will not run away!!

Body spray/cologne/perfume, it can be a great thing. It saves many people from smelling bad and gives girls a beautiful flowery sent, if you use the proper amounts. Apparently people at Maples Collegiate have NO idea when to stop. It is getting so bad to the point where it's not even the smell anymore, it's the atrocious taste as you walk through the cloudy mist of body spray. 

For example, one morning I was on my way to class on the upstairs Maples side if the school, minding my own business when all of the sudden I could taste, not smell but taste men's axe cologne. As I kept walking down the hallways I continued to smell/taste this awful and over powering spray. It was beyond unbearable. I literally had to run to class with my face covered by my sweater. 

Perhaps the abusers of the body spray do not realize what they are doing, or maybe they just have no sense in smell but this needs to be cut down. It's one of my biggest pet peeves. I have personally approached people about this problem but usually I get a rude response such as "don't like it than leave" or "it's my spray I can do what I want", but obviously these people have killed to many brain cells with these toxic fumes to realize that enough is enough. People using body spray doesn't bother me, it's the amount they use. One or 2 sprays will do the job, you don't need the whole bottle. I already had breakfast, I don't need to digest your smell aswel. 

Based on how many teachers and students this bugs, something needs to be done. Many people now adays have different allergies and one day someone with a severe allergy to body sprays will come to Maples and people will have to stop using the sprays in school due to it. Than all the body spray addicts who go to their locker every chance they get to use this "wonderful smelling" spray will be lost. I garentee I'm not the only one with this exact pet peeve. However, it probably doesn't disturb people the same way as it does me. 

To conclude my complaint, I'd like to offer some wonderful advice that could be helpful. 

Dear Body Spray Abusers, why must you fill the hallways with the fumes of your body spray? I don't mid that you use body spray but one spray is good enough. Not many people want to be around you if you smell bad, I completely understand but not many people will wan to be around you if you REEK of body spray aswel. You're at school, stop trying to over impress people. Yes, it's great to smell pretty or good but you have to learn when to stop. As a suggestion, use one or maybe even 2 sprays, not the whole bottle. I can promise you it will NOT run away. 

Spitting while talking

Well in one way or another everyone likes to talk and some ha a mouth full.
Sometimes they actually do and I don't make it a habit to have my face all wet. You know some people may have friends that talk a lot right? Well it bugs me when some of them spit while they talk.
For example say you do know someone that actually spits while they talk most times people don't mind that it happens once but how about all the time what will you do? Will you ask nicely or just say stop maybe stop seeing them. I'm sure you'll ask nicely right?

Well back in grade 4 at North Memorial school there was this one guy that would always sit beside me of course I didn't mind at all since then. But when he started to talk that's when it got a little wet it seemed to me that the average word that started with the letter s is what made him spit. Which reminds me at lunch time I never thought that he would talk with his mouth full oh man that was the worst. There was was food hitting my face as I was trying to eat at my desk. I never said anything bad to him because I was young and if you remember your mom saying if you don't have anything good to say then don't say it at all right?

But I'm getting off track here so that was the case for me. Anyways I'm pretty sure no one likes saliva on their face right. It you do that's gross.

Be yourself and nobody else

There are millions and millions of people all around the world, and each person is different in their own way, maybe a 6.7ft dark skinned male likes to play piano and sing insted of playing sports like basketball or hockey or even footbal, or maybe a 5.7ft light skinned girl lovesto play sports alike hockey footbal and soccer and hockey,or even if a 4.9ft little boy wants to become a dancer professional when he is older. But the point is, let people be what they wantnto be and don't quit because your to tall, short, big, white or black. Don't let people change What you want to be successful at doing wether it's dancing, singing or playing sports or even a business career, just because your really tall does not mean you have to play basketball or football and just because your short doesnt mean you can play basketball or football and it does not matter if you are white or black or a guy or a girl, you can do what you want and not what people want you to do. That is what really angers me is that people give up there dreams because people told them that they can't or there this color or this size or this sex, it does not matter what you are is what im trying to say, let people be them selfs and don't let your friends or family stop you from doing something you love, you can do anything If you work and do your best.Keep following your dream and don't let nobody stop you even if you start to believe them just keep trying, no one is stopping you from doing anything but yourself so be yourself and nobody else.

Chewing With Your Mouth Open

There many little things on this planet that bug me, but nothing bugs me more then when people chew with their mouths open. I find chewing with your mouth open extremely obnoxious becuase if I wanted to see what you're eating i'd look at the untouched food on your plate, not the saliva covered mush in your mouth. Also the very sound it makes when you don't close your mouth just echoes in my head. All i hear is that discusting sound of saliva, food, and teeth all colliding to make a disgusting squishing sound. A prime example of someone with this horrendous habbit is one of my best friends whom will not be named "cough cough Austin". He's a great person and a awesome friend but I don't know if he doesn't realize he's doing it or if he can't breath out of his nose, regardless whenever he does it i just become infuriated to the point where i feel like choking him. Like this one time I was at his house and we were eating with his family, his dad cook some wonderful steak. As we were all sitting at the table together eating our meals peacefully until austin took the first bite of his steak, I don't know if he was just chewing really loudly or my hearing was exceptional that day but every single bite he took just rattled through my brain. Every bite was just driving me closer and closer to exploding with rage, all I could think about was either leaving or hitting him. Instead of those options I decided to look him directly in the eye, put a big peice of steak in my mouth and chew as loudly and obnoxiously as I could with my mouth open. I did this for a solid 2 minutes his parents were stairing at me, austin seemed confused. Once I was finally done chewing austin asked me "what was that?" and I simply said "close your (enter profanity here) mouth". To this day whenever he chews with his mouth open I do that and it seems to be working because he rarely does it anymore. Im not sure why some people do chew with their mouths open because its not that difficult to jusy close your mouth. I understand that when your sick you can't breathe out of your nose and you have no choice but to do it. But otherwise its just loud and obnoxious, almost all parents taught their children to chew with their mouths closed so why can't some of us just follow that lesson? Its just proper manners. Some people may not realize that they're doing it so if you witness someone doing this just remind them that they're doing it. Together we can deplete the open mouth chewing population one by one.

When people take my belongings without asking

I cannot stress enough how irritating when people use my stuff without asking or when they misplace it. I mean come on if youre going to borrow my things at least put it back where you found it, it's bad enough that you used my things without asking me but now I have to be the one to look for it? It's like this one time when my brother took my iPod charger, I was looking for it for 2 hours and when I asked him where he put it all he said was "I don't know." the iPod charger was in his room the whole time. I was so irritated that I never let him borrow any of my belongings ever again. I remember confronting him about why he takes my things without asking and he said that he just forgot. This went on for several days until eventually I got tired of his reasons and decided that I will never let him use any of my items ever again. I think one of the reasons why people engage in this behavior is because they are lazy or maybe because they forget. But one thing is for certain this behavior is annoying and quite irritating. Yes sometimes I forgive and forget but please do not take it for granted. Patience can only go so far. I do not think that people realize that this attitude and behavior is quite a bothersome mainly because they are stubborn or they are too ignorant. I mean let's be honest how hard is it to return an item where you found it? It literally takes 2 minutes or less. You cannot sacrifice 2 minutes if your day to return an item where you found it? To be honest one factor would be laziness. I say this mainly because it is common, people stemmed naturally lazy but just like everything it can change all it really takes is effort and time. Being lazy is just a habit and whatever the reason is we should know what is different from right to wrong. Another reason why people engage this behavior is because they forget but please if I ask you where it is and you say you forgot please assist me and help me look for it. That would be a lot better than leaving the situation the way it is.

Respect lost!!

I hate when you have respect for someone who doesn't respect you back! What is happening with people?! Hello! I love sleep and when someone makes a lot of noise in the morning, the only thing that I want to do is scream "shut up!". The other day I went to bed at 5:00 a.m and next day someone woke me up at 10:30 a.m. I only slept about five hours and I asked why and the answer that I got was something like "What? It is late!". How is it possible for someone to answer like that? It was late for someone that slept all night but for me it was early, especially if it is a Saturday. Another example that I remember is when my cousins slept at my place the other day and we had school the next. Usually they go to bed at 9:00 p.m. At that time I need to be quiet and try not to make noise. It is a question of respect, I guess. I have one day each week when I start school a little bit later, so I can sleep these mornings. My cousins wake up earlier and make a lot of noise, because they are late or for another reason. This behaviour bugs me because I try have the maximum respect and I try to be careful to not make any kind of noise and when I went to them they didn't listen to what I said. They ignored me. I guess that already solved the problem of Saturday mornings. I made my case and they understood, but the other problem with my cousins is not solved. I guess they don't understand my point. Probably it is necessary try to show them that if they want and like to sleep, I do, too!! People need to have more respect for the people around them!!!

Those Eyeballs need to look Elsewhere!

Why do people stare? Especially in public places, it's not like I'm doing anything to entertain them or bother them.I'm simply minding my own business. One day, I was with my family shopping at a mall in the states. We walked into Macy's and I swear everyone was staring at us. We tried to ignore it, But everywhere we turned there was somebody who felt the need to watch us pick out clothes we liked. This happened on another occasion while my family and I were eating breakfast at Perkins. It was just after we ordered our food and the waitress walked away. The ladies sitting at the table diagonally across from us began to stare at my little sister and I. We told our parents who were faced the opposite too look, and as soon as my parents turned around, they ladies looked away. This continued until my mom finally said enough is enough, she confronted them. When my mom confronted the 2 ladies they claimed that they were staring at the people sitting behind us. We knew that was a lie because the people sitting behind us came in way after the staring happened. It wasn't enough that they were all up in our business, but they tried lieing to our faces also. I think people are just nosy. They literally feel the need to stare people down, maybe to listen to their conversations or maybe they're just jealous. It could plainly be that they're intrigued by beauty, or possibly intrigued by ugliness, I really don't know. There's an easy solution to this problem. Unpretentiously evert your eyeballs elsewhere! How hard is it too keep your eyes off others!? You can look at ground, look at your shoes, look out a window, I don't really care. Just don't look at ME!

Ugly Sportsmanship

Do you play a lot of video games, or sports? If you do, you probably have encountered at least one person that can get on your nerves because of their cocky behaviour. You are playing your best, doing what's right for you and your team and following all the rules. When all of a sudden you lose a life or miss a shot and some person you don't even know, or maybe you do, decides to point out your mistakes in ways that can be insulting. These insults drag on all game, sometimes even after the game. They believe they are the greatest and so much better than you. This behavior really bugs me. One day I was sitting at home playing a game online with my friends and as the match began the chat started flooding with insulting remarks from the opposing team. We knew we had to beat them. The match went on and we were winning, but every mistake we made or every death we got would result into words from the other team calling us "losers". When they began to gain points and kills they continued to brag. However, in the end we were victorious but all they could say was that they did not even try, and continued to make insulting remarks. This is what bugs me most, when they try to keep their pride as much as they can by making insults that don't even make sense, or could be totally different from the conversation. If you begin to talk back to a person who is cocky, they will continue to make their remarks and you just continue to add more fuel to their flame of cockiness. One time I told a person to be quiet and just keep his comments to himself, no one wanted to hear the person complain all game, but his response was "why are you so mad?". This is another example of those come backs that can get people really mad. If people choose to continue to talk back to people like these you can be easily turned into one of them. I honestly think people engage in this behaviour because of their pride, and how they hate losing. If they were ever to make a mistake they want to try and make themselves feel good. They do this by making a big deal out of the opposing teams mistake or even worst, their own team mate just so their mistakes can be forgotten. What can make it so much worst is if the victim is either someone really peaceful, or is completely new to the sport or game. It can lead to them being so afraid of cocky gamers that they learn to adapt their behaviour to keep themselves from being victimized again. Some people might not be aware that it's bothersome, but most people do it for fun. They find it entertaining to get people mad and make themselves feel good. This cocky behaviour, in extreme cases can also be considered as bullying. I think this behaviour can be avoided if people just learn to accept their mistakes. It's not an easy thing to do, but their are so many better things you can do to keep yourself from becoming a cocky person. You can always keep your comments to yourself or just think about what you are about to say before you say it. If something really bothers you and there's nothing good you can say, just keep your comments to yourself and move on. If you ever encounter such awful and cocky gamers don't be persuaded to talk back to them or sink to their level. Try to ignore the person. If he/she continues to talk, just ask them to be quiet or try to find a way to ignore them if they continue. This behaviour is so bothersome to so many people, we all have it, but we need to learn to control it and know where our limits are when we make comments. We can easily say something that can hurt a friend or someone you don't even know. This behaviour bugs alot of people but I know this behaviour can change.

What happened to manners while eating?

Lately I've realized how disgusting and gross the "art" of food really is. Not necessisarily what it looks like on somebody's plate BEFORE they eat it.... but what it looks like when it's sloshing around in their mouth. Dear Middle-aged man sitting at the table beside me at the mall food court.... This one's for you. It was about 12:30pm on a weekday afternoon in a very busy food court. I waited in line for a good 10 or 15 minutes (it felt like FOREVER) just so I could get my usual spinach quiche and fruit salad from my favorite restaurant. As soon as my food was ready, I quickly grabbed my tray and started wandering around the food court looking for a table (preferably a clean one, but I wasn't going to be picky.) I finally found a table and sat down at the table right beside yours. We sat on opposite sides of the table so I could see you for the eternity we both sat there. As I sat there politely eating my spinach quiche and fruit salad, I was forced to watch you devour your double meat, double cheese burrito from Taco Bell. I wanted to look away, I really did.... But I couldn't stop staring. FINALLY after a good 10 minutes hearing And seeing you eat your food... You got up and left. Instead of forcing everybody around you to watch you digest your food because you're too lazy to close your mouth, too focused on talking on your cell phone or plainly because you have no manners whatsoever... I have a simple solution for you. PUT YOUR PHONE DOWN, close your mouth and eat like you have even the slightest bit of manners. Last time I checked.. We're humans, so therefor we should eat like humans and not imbecile cavemen.

Defensive Parents

Why do parents call it talking back when we're simply just answering their question. In todays modern world we teenagers are said to be ill-manners which is somewhat right but not completely true. One Of my biggest issues today with parents is when they ask you a question then you give them an answer, they call it talking back. Now this is the part I don't understand, why would you ask a question if you didn't Want an answer in the first place. For example, I got a phone call home saying I missed dance class which was a misunderstanding. So my mom came up to me asking about the call and I answered, I don't know what your talking about because I sure remembered being there. After saying all of that my mom started arguing with me implying I should'nt use that tone with her but all I did was answer her question. I'm guessing you see the point I'm trying to make. Now in my case I never told my parents about the fact that what they do annoys me because, you know, they're my parents and I was definitely not looking for another argument, nor was I trying to get "grounded". My parents do this because they're obviously trying to be good parents, but sometimes they need understand that not everything we teenagers say is meant to be offensive. The advice I would give my parents is to try to listen to me before getting all defensive and to all those parents raising teenagers just try to listen before getting all snappy because in the end all we did was answer your question.

Making Decisions

People should know what to say or do when it comes down to deciding what to do or say. People should decide before that because when you decide right then and there it's a waste of peoples time. Particularly this irks me when I'm driving. For one your driving a 3000 pound vehicle and deciding before hand is better before you do it because could cause a collision and people can get hurt. I observed this when I was driving on the road I was on Shepard turning on to Leila and the person in front of me decided to not to turn but go straight Through the red light. The cops watched this person do that and gave the person the ticket. Another time this happened when I was at Tim Hortons picking up coffee before I go to work. As I was standing in line the person in front of me couldn't decide weather to pay with cash or debit and she was holding up the line. So I told her to please hurry up because I was going to be late for work. So she paid for her coffee and I ended up being late for work. I really think people are not aware that other people have to be somewhere at a sertain time. It's not just you in this world there are 8 billion other people in this world and they are not going to wait for you to make a decision. Another reason why people engage in this behavior is because it could be a habit for the person to decide right on the spot. I agree sometimes you have to make a decision right on the spot but that's not always the case. Sometimes you can decide before hand like for an example are you going to make lunch for work or are you going to buy something for lunch. That you can decide before it happens. Another example would be to not decide if you want tea or coffee from Tim Hortons when your at the drive through. If your not one of these people who does this then good for you. But if you know somebody that does this encourage them to make decisions before they do or say something. Doing this can benefit you in the long run but also you can save time as well. Now that you have read this I encourage you to start making decisions before hand if they can be made before. But if not the fine they can be made on the spot.

Bubble Popper

People! Please do not pop my bubble, in other words don't get close to me. There are just some people who can't understand that some of us like having personal space. It gives me this uncomfortable feeling of being unsafe. Every second that they are near me, the feeling gets more and more worse. An explosion about to burst if they do not get away. The knowledge of a person being close, about or touching me sends a chill down my spine. It's the worst feeling in the world. A random friend or a strange touching me without having my permission makes me want to scream saying, "get away from me!" Picturing someone I do not know in my space. Scares me to death and I hate being scared. Many times people get into my personal space, but this one time I could remember the most, it was a gathering at my house with my friends. We decided to watch a movie instead because it was cold outside. As the movie goes on, I could feel this sudden uncomfortable feeling. When I looked to my side, my friend was nearly an inch away from my face. Before I knew it, I was freaking out in the inside. An alert was warning everything to change the uncomforting sensation I was feeling. The worst part of the experience was he knows I hate it when people get too close. I have confronted everyone that has been in my bubble. If it was a family member, I tell them to move away or push them if the continue to stay. Strangers, they usually are nice enough to move. When they don't move, I move on my own. My friends, they would do the exact same except one friend of mine. I would have to tell my friend a million times to move away. I tried everything to get him away, saying it nicely, moving away, and physically pushing him away, but most of the incidents are identical. I tell him nicely to get out of my space; he would ignore me because he loves annoying me. He would slowly get closer each and every moment, he's like quick sand, once you're stuck there's no way of getting out. The faster you move, the more it will pull you. Being in my space becoming a habit for him. Generally speaking, this type behavior might have developed because it's something that people got used to. Probably, they were always surrounded by their family and friends, or strangers in whom they got used to it. They think that it's okay to do the same with others, which is one theory I came up with. These people seek attention by doing one of the most hated actions by a human being. Once they found how it becomes a habit, they keep on doing it to get attention. This whole problem would never had happened if people knew how to behave properly. A simple suggestion can solve everything. Explaining the uncomfortness people feel when they get into their bubble. Sometimes, the suggestion is taken, but once the problem becomes a habit, it might take awhile for the message to get through. Also, do not give the reaction they are looking for. Once they realize it's not working, they will slowly stop. All problems can be solved and this might just solve everything. There are no fast ways of getting what you want. Sometimes if we want something done, we have to do our selves.

Should be private

   People who watch my private conversations on the phone or on the Internet makes me angry.    Everyday I chat with people on the phone, Internet,etc and my brother or sometimes my father stand up behind me and see my conversation with someone, most of times it is a private conversation and they still keep looking at it. The worse is when they are watching my conversation and start making questions about it, for example: Who is she? What are you talking about? This kind of questions drives me crazy.    Other similar thing is take my phone without asking and look at my photos, messages, etc.    Most of times that kind of stuff happens at my home, because my friends normally know what's happening, and they don't need to see what am I talking to someone.    I already talk to my brother about it, but he still do that and when he does I have an argument with him. He thinks he is right, he thinks if I don't tell him what is happening he have to know somehow, because we are family.    I haven't told my father that looking at my conversations bothers me yet, because if I do I probably will end it with an argument and argument with my father means that I will be grounded, but my father don't do that a lot and when he does I just go to the home screen and he go away.    Probably is not only my father and brother that have this comportament, I think other people might have the same problem with their parents.    The people who have that attitude do that because they're curious and I can understand that, but I think it is inconvenient keep starring at someone screen while the person is having a private conversation, if It is something they have to know or something that can be shared, the person will know, but when is not, don't keep looking at someone's conversation.    When somebody needs privacy it have to be respected, even if the situation is with someone of your family or someone you are very close to.    If you have this kind of behavior, try to think if somebody do the same with you, would you like?    Stopping with this comportment people will be more comfortable to tell you about their conversation. One thing that you can do is talk with the person who have that behavior and convence them that seen your particular stuff is a bad habit. Nobody like nosy people, so don't be one of them leave the people texting or chatting with their privacy, the person will feel better and you two will have a better relation.

Do you like to tease?

We all know about the type of people who like to tease, maybe not many but at least one person like that, you know, the ones who "poke fun" at you or others. Whether this person is an aquantance, your own family member,or maybe you only know of that person, either way we all know someone who finds humor in teasing. However, in my opinion, teasing is annoying and just a way to jokingly insult someone. I can see how in some cases it could be funny, but you will never know if you may be talking or teasing someone about their insecurities and you could really upset someone this way. I can recall at one family gathering my sister became very upset due to the act of teasing. Her and our cousin would often joke back and forth about her loud voice, and we all found it very amusing. Until one time, when she had just recently broken up with her boyfriend. Our cousin 'jokingly' said, "I bet it was your loud voice that drove him away." She, of course, laughed it off and pretended she didn't care, so I stood up for her and said, "That wasn't funny, I think you upset her." Our cousin ignorantly replied, "Jeez, you can't take a joke." and then walked away. He later apologized, but it did not make my sister feel any better. I find that response very typical when confronting this topic, which is probably what irks me most about the entire situation. Even if you were to get upset and say something about it, you seem like the person who is overreacting. So it feels as if you are forced to laugh and pretend as if you find their teasing funny. Now perhaps you are a person, with teasing as one of your characteristics. I findnthat you tase for one of three reasons. Yu either find it funny, you don't realize your begin insulting, or you enjoy having the luxury of insulting others without having to worry about being confronted. If you do enjoy teasing others, just make sure you speak to them in order to clarify and make sure they know you are joking, or don't mean what you are saying. If you literally are finding a way to insult someone in an effort to be funny, then you need to find another way to be funny. So next time you are about to tease someone think twice about whether or not they know you are joking, and remember you can be funny without being mean.

Congestion Causing Conversations

There are many things about my high school that peeve me, but it is not the lingering odours of sweat, adolescence, and perfume that I must walk through, nor is it the few obnoxious demeanours of the students among me in the halls that bother me the most. Unlike many my age, it is not even having to attend class that I find bothersome - it is having to get there. My patience for all the things mentioned above can last the time it takes me to get to class, but I quickly become intolerant when I am forced to wait behind a group of people having a conversation in the middle of the hall.

The hallways of my high school during the busy periods of the day are analogous to that of a congested sinus of one who has a cold; where those who block the hall serve as the virus of the system and those who care enough to ask them to move are a temporary relief medicine. The keyword in "temporary relief medicine" is "temporary," for as soon as the excused person passes, the congestion in that area immediately resumes.

On one rare occasion, I was stopped in my tracks when a clique of girls my age decided to take a group picture on their way to class. With no way around the five of them (their faces already squished together and posing for the camera), I waited and watched awkwardly as they took the photograph. If angled any higher, the camera may have captured the look of impatience and loathing on my face behind them.

To all those who stop to have a conversation in the midst of a crowd: if you can make the trip from your class to the centre of the hall, you are more than capable of taking a few extra steps to the side. Not only do you make the hallways much more packed than they already are, you also get in the way of students on their way to class.

I believe that the problem comes not from the populous nature of my high school, but from the ignorance of many students who attend it. The issue with these types of people only persists because of their lack of acknowledgment for those around them, and until they realize the obstruction that they themselves place, this dilemma is a cold that will not be going away anytime soon.

Can you let me talk?

There are some people who feel inclined predominating conversations. We all know for a fact that conversations are intended for two or more people to participate in. It is like being in a tennis match; as you hit the ball to your opponent, you expect a response from the offense. Therefore, it is absolutely provoking when only one person is leading it. It does not reckon with the other person to speak their mind.

One night, at a family gathering, I was settled at a dining table, sitting quietly with the adults as the area was encircled by laughter and chattering. There was a familiar face who was seated beside me. I did not know her personally but I remember my mum telling me about her before. She is a year older, but seeing her in person for the first time, she appeared younger than her actual age.

“Hi there” she suddenly accosted.

I was startled; I did not expect her to talk to me at all. Although, I appreciated the fact that she was very friendly because I did not know how to address her.

“Hi” I shyly replied.

She beamed an amiable smile and introduced herself.

I began to ask her questions about her school, her interests, and her social life; just for the purpose of having a topic. She acknowledged the effort I was making and she became more loose-lipped. After a while, as our conversation progressed, I was beginning to feel slightly omitted. Through out the duration, she merely talked about herself. Even if I did not ask, she continued to share all of her stories.

Also, whenever I would interject a comment or a story in the discussion, she seems to disregard it. Her actions showed her lack of interest in what I wanted to say. It is quite irritating because the conversation seems to revolve around her. Her excessive talking is utterly overwhelming. As if the words she had delivered are far too large for my brain to consume and process. I was starting to wonder whether she knew what she was doing or she was purposely trying to shut me up.

However, I did not get a chance to express what I wanted to say or even confront her for her behavior  I did not want to make an assumption that she was being egoistic. It was not her personality that I disliked, but her behavior during that time.

As it was an aggravating experience, there are many reasons why people are so immersed in one-sided conversations. It could perhaps be because of the person’s need to drive the conversation into a direction they want to go to; Or just to seek for more attention. Or for the reason of a person going through something we are not aware of may cause them to act a certain way. 

Yet this kind of conduct solely displays a rude manner to the other person. After all, it is expected for people to contribute equally in conversations. 

"I love you." Oh, REALLY?

We speak of love so casually as though we’re mentioning the norm: the bitterly cold temperature in winter, about what time it is, or perhaps how sleepy we are after a long day of school. We were taught how the word is spelled and pronounced, but not what it truly means. As a result, we feel entitled to look for it. I guess we can find love in strange places. However, only a few of them lasts long – or worse, actually means it. Although, just because you can say it whenever you like, it doesn’t mean you should.

Once during the summer time, I was heading home from my volunteer work when the word “love” first appealed to me. More often than not I shut myself away from the world by listening to music – I go inside the bus, greet the driver, pay the fare, find a place to sit, and put my earphones back on. Although, this time, I escaped the familiarity by pausing the music. I started listening – not to songs, but real voices rather. There were arguments, gossips, and chats. However, there was only one thing that resonated in me the loudest. Two people were sitting in front of me, and I couldn’t help but to overhear their conversation. Both of them seemed really young.  “Hey, listen to me. I love you,” the boy said to the girl sitting next to him. He seemed surprise because of how loud it sounded, so he lowered his voice and the next words came out as a whisper. Still, our distance was enough for me to hear him.  “I know I’ve only known you for a week, but I really do.”

“Really?” the girl responded, her voice mixed with joy. “Uh, I love you too!” 
“I love you more!”

At first I didn’t mind, until my veins went on the verge of exploding as they continued to exchange love confessions during the entire bus trip. I suffered silently. 

Since then, I started questioning what love truly is. Their words, even though weren’t meant for me, lead me to begin asking myself how they could easily be said without the fear that the love might falter the moment after they were spoken. Perhaps I share a different perspective as everyone else, for I have never accepted love, let alone have said the words directly to anybody before. Still, the idea never stopped haunting me and I started hearing the same thing everywhere. It continued for days.

Almost a week after the first encounter, I saw the boy once again. However, the person he was with was different from the last time. I heard him mutter the same words.

In that moment, the word ‘love’ resonated in me, all over, as though the first hit wasn’t enough. Eventually I started doubting the existence of it, until it was only just a word. As I heard it repeatedly, the meaning of love I imprinted to myself started to fade away. As a person who has never embraced love, it's very upsetting how the word ‘love’ has been ruined for me.  We continue to abuse the word by saying it repeatedly, even during the times we mean them the least. Until now I look for what it truly means, but I know someday I may eventually wonder if there will be something left for me to find still.

Love is a very strong word, and it pains me how we toss it around so carelessly. I believe the resonance of the said word ought to be sacred and not spoken all the time – especially when you don’t mean them at all. Two beings that communicate and understand each other through the language of the eyes will never mar the ecstasy of the feeling. Love, if has been said many times, will cause the feeling to diminish eventually.

Perhaps you can do all of us a favor and don't ruin it, please. 
(Also, if you're planning to be all lovey-dovey, just get a room.)

High life

Underage smoking is one of the major health concerns facing our country today. This heinous act not only effects the perpetrator, but also children, men, woman, and the elderly alike. This act only leads to the downfall of any who come into contact with it. As well this addiction is a life long struggle based on the need to fit in that provides no benefit. Outside of the school doors, teenagers anywhere from 14 to 18 years of age spend countless hours smoking cigarettes and marijuana. On several occasions, I have witnessed 14 year old children smoking cigarettes in plain sight. This too during school hours. In one instance, a mother and her four month old baby were walking on the sidewalk. The perpetrators did not consider to move out of the way nor did they halt their activity for a few measly seconds to prevent damage to the baby or as a sign of common courtesy. I have not addressed these individuals as I know they have seen numerous presentations and have been spoken to by administration countless times. Many tactics are used to halt these addictions, but go by unheard to many. The grip nicotine has on many teenagers is too strong to be broken by the early signs of drug abuse. Cigarettes contain over 4000 chemicals in which the majority of them cause cancer. Second hand smoke kills between 1100-7800 innocent Canadians every year. I believe the reason most teenagers decide to take up smoking is to fit in. In high school, there are many cliques. Each with it's own specific requirement. I feel that many whom do not fit this criteria tend to find an alternate source for support. These individuals may understand that it is very dangerous and destructive to smoke but know that if they do not participate, they will be ostracized from the group. I have come to the realization that these underage smokers are around the substance so often that they begin to forget that others are bothered by it's cancer causing toxins. I also think that many smokers fail to realize that they have a filter while the rest of the world does not. The cause of this addiction could be linked to early exposer from parents or older friends and/or siblings. It could also be as simple as the primal need to become accepted by others. A suitable approach to dealing with this epidemic is to create an enjoyable and energetic feel for students at school. This would lead to a more pleasant and inclusive feel for everyone. Along with providing nicotine patches such as nicorette to students whom are attending a support group and are working through cold turkey symptoms. To conclude, Underage smoking adversely effects everyone but with a proper approach that includes everyone and provides support for those involved, this health epidemic can be diverted.

I blame the media

Young girls are growing up with a more negative body image than ever before and this is something I see everywhere, all the time time, but mainly on the Internet and it's ridiculous. Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr and many more sites are filled with hundreds of posts each day by girls who have been hypnotized by the media, complaining and worrying about their weight. When I see posts shared by friends and sometimes even strangers, of photos of what they would want to look like, or Ben an update on how much weight they lost, instantly throws a bunch of negative thoughts into my head. Now I have become hypnotized, I'm complaining, and worrying.I remember scrolling through my twitter feeds one day and coming across a tweet with a picture attached. It was of a girl, possibly a model. By the looks of it I was guessing she was probably, 5 foot nothing, less than 100 pounds, and I'm 110% sure it was a bit photo shopped. But anyway, the picture was to show what their goal is too look like in the near future. I actually cringed when the photo fully uploaded.I've never addressed a person directly about this kind of thing because it's a very touchy subject and I've also never knew anyone well enough to say something. The reply I'd probably get would be to mind my own business but...that's understandable. Although I know even if someone close to me had an issue like this and I gave my opinion or try to give some advice, they wouldn't listen because the media has full control over them, or like I said before, hypnotized.Commercial messages from advertising billboards, television commercials and magazines get inside the girls' brain and tells them they need to be slimmer and prettier. That is why I try to avoid magazines and any websites that involve celebrities.
In a recent research they have found that by the age of seven, 70 percent of girls want to be thinner. By nine, half have been on a diet, and for girls between the ages of 11 to 17, it's their number one wish in life. Maybe if they stopped having so many stick mannequins in every clothing store, and didn't play a Victoria's Secret commercial every commercial break, the percentages would go down. OK...that sounds silly, but you have to admit, it would help. The skinny seen in the media is computer generated. Stop displaying things that aren't real.

Bad Manners

Almost everyday of my life, I always come across and encounter groups of teenagers and some adults who don't have common sense and don't really care about anyone that approaches them whether they're a student or one of the teachers working in the school. They will start to disrespect anyone that comes close to them like they own the spot around the seaford main entrance where they all hangout. Every time I walk pass that area, they're always there giving me the looks, like they want to start a fight or something. I keep telling to myself, "What in the world is wrong with this people.""Don't they anything to do besides standing there like a bunch of outsiders trying to fit in!?" Not a very long time ago, another group of very young teenagers started engaging to this kind behavior. This time it's in the Maples main entrance. They usually block the doors during school breaks, lunch, and after school. It seems like as weeks pass by people with this kind of behavior keeps on adding up like there are no solutions for it to decrease whatsoever. And addressing this issue to them personally, will just make things a whole lot worst because I've seen some people address this issue before and they all fail of doing so. Maybe why people engage to this kind if behavior is that they think no one will care about it and that it's the right thing for them to just stand there and block but in reality thats not the case. With the crowded hallways that we have in this school (Maples Collegiate), many people including me would think that this problem would just add up to an even more bigger problem which needs to be dealt with. The people that are doing this kind of behavior are not completely aware that what they're doing is bothersome to others because if they are then they will stop doing it before this issue starts to arose. I think one of the main factors why people might foster with this kind of behavior are the people itself. Their colleagues might think thats it's appropriate for them to do this kind of behavior so they join them and make things a whole lot worst. People might feel that they don't have to do anything to change this kind of behavior which is the the wrong thing to do because they know that they're bothersome to others and the people around them could say the same thing to them.

Cell Phone users while driving !!

Cell phones users are one of the biggest pet peeves that many people have these days. So many people are either loud or rude on cell phones in public or use them while driving, and why don't some people insist on trying to eat a meal on Plate with a fork while driving too. On the other hand there are some drivers who put the phones on their ears and then drive like "hello Sir, you are not a ninja " and then they forgets to give the directions and met in an accident or end up hitting someone else's car.  A week ago I went out with my cousins and noticed that they were;continuously texting on the phone while driving, one of my cousin who was driving the car was texting and talking over the phone, it was too dangerous, my heart was pumping out as he wasn't driving the way he should , he was completely distracted , even tho his hands were moving but those hands were not being used for driving they were being used for texting , he was completely lost in his phone. I would say cell phones are important, they can even save a person's life when he or she is in trouble but on the other side it can even take a person's life back from it if they keep on texting and calling their buddies while driving.  Nowadays the world is getting more new technology where there are the bluetooth in the cars and a person can talk over the phone without keeping the phone on their ears. People say that's a great idea but I think it's still the same as when a person is driving he or she should concentrate on the roads, the directions but if they are using bluetooth for talking over the phone still they are getting distracted, they are not completely concentrating on driving. I have seen a lot of people texting or talking over the phone while driving , those people are even educated , they even read the newspapers and watch news daily, they even know that most of the accidents occur while driving, they even try to correct the other person but when it comes to themselves they end up talking over the phone or texting and hence becomes uneducated and unknown.