The Bench From Heaven

1. My Bench

I visited Gates Park, a park near my house, and walked around to find the perfect bench. I came across many that were just simply in a spot that did not really have an interesting surrounding. Some were by a tennis court, by a tree, or outside a forest. I then came across to what I like calling, “the perfect bench.” I chose this bench because it gave me a very warm and happy feeling, and it had a beautiful surrounding.  It was lying on tiled ground, surrounded by big green bushes, and large trees with red and green leaves. It’s almost like it’s a “summer bench,” the best bench to sit on during the summer due to it providing a great shade and cedar-like scent. As soon as I saw it, I knew that this was my bench.

2. What I see, feel, think, and want          

When I look at this bench, I see good, not bad, and light comes to my mind, not dark. I see the light from Heaven when I look at this bench, and the trees and bushes around it. I feel relief and at peace when I look at this bench, and I feel that it spreads nothing but love and happiness, there is no trace of anger or sadness on this bench. I also feel that this is the bench that defines the word, “Love,” and that it provides a spot where couples can come and express their love to each other. When I look at this bench, I think about good things that make me happy, and it feels like all the bad things in my mind disappear. My family, friends, and all of the other good things like the sun and even God, come to my mind and I think of them as I look at this bench. When my eyes are set on this bench, I want all the bad things to disappear forever, and I want the sun to shine brightly on this bench, for this, I feel, is the bench from heaven. It is like God’s throne, for he who sits on it will feel power.

3. If a bench were dedicated to me

If a bench was dedicated to me, I would like the bench to be in the park that is nearest to my house. I feel that people would think to themselves, “Gee, it was nice that they put the bench dedicated to Amit Dhuga in this park, because he lives just around the corner!” I would like the inscription plate to say, “Suffer and work hard, and in the end you’re suffering will turn to happiness,” and then I would like my name to be on the bottom of the inscription plate, “Amit Dhuga.” My family has always told me, ever since I started elementary school, to work hard so that I can be happy and make everybody who loves me proud. 











4. If I dedicated a bench            

If I dedicated a bench, I would dedicate the bench to seniors at the old folks’ home that is next to Lion’s Gate Hospital. I would like the bench to be right outside the home, in a garden perhaps. I would like the inscription to say, ‘Everybody Is special and Loved.” And then I would have, “Amit Dhuga” on the bottom of the plate. I want the inscription to say this so that any senior who is upset can look at this inscription and realize that they may be old and not feel special or loved anymore, but in fact they are still special and are loved, and they always will be special and loved.

5. My trip to the park            

I walked to Gates Park from my house around noon, in search for the perfect bench that I could have much to write about. As I entered the park, I began to see benches to made me feel a little depressed. They were just simple benches placed in boring areas. I feel that benches have meanings, and to just stick a bench in front of tennis court is quite pathetic. What is the meaning of the bench if it is in front of a tennis court? I think that benches should not be used just to sit on and watch something, but in an area where it is quiet and the person focuses on many things, not just one thing. If a bench is in front of a tennis court, then the person sitting on that bench will only be able to focus on the tennis court, not really anything else. So I continued to walk through the park in search of a bench, until I came across a bench that was surrounded by a big green bush and large trees with pink and green leaves. This bench did not only have a very deep meaning, but it made me feel very peaceful and it gave a somewhat sparkling feeling to my eyes. I felt that this was the bench where couples come and express their love. It’s almost like that this bench is like a vault that holds all the love of couples, and as couples come by it, the vault gets more full. I stared at this bench for almost 5 minutes, because it made me think of all the good things in my life and cleared my mind of all the bad things. I felt that as soon as I looked at this bench, I jumped from the ground, out of reality, and entered through the gates of heaven. I knew that this bench was the one, because it made me feel the happiest, which is quite unexpected! I feel that the bench knows that happiness is the one feeling that is not felt every day, so it wants us to sit on it so it can show us it’s meaning from our own 2 eyes. The meaning of the bench is not a tennis court, but it is the trees, the grass, animals, other people happy, the sun, the sky, and much more. When we see all these things, we feel the thing that is also one of the most important meanings of the bench: Happiness. This all leads down to one thing, the meaning of the bench, is the meaning of life. 

6. The poem that suits my bench            

I chose the poem, “Happiness” by Raymond Carver, because the poem talks about how when something so beautiful is seen, death and love do not come in the picture, just happiness appears unexpectedly. Death and love happen everyday, but sometimes happiness does not happen every day. That is why I feel that just by looking at or resting on my bench, I can clear my mind and escape from all of the things that happen on a daily basis, and just focus on the one thing that does not always happen every day. It is quite unexpected how somebody can feel happiness just by looking at a bench. From what I’ve seen, people feel happiness when they see a bench because they need something to rest on because they feel very tired. But with me, it’s almost like when I sit on my bench, I escape from reality and a calming wave runs through my entire body, acting as a key to the gates of a new world where I see other people happy and the only feeling that exists there, is happiness.

Happiness by Raymond Carver

So early it's still almost dark out. I'm near the window with coffee, and the usual early morning stuff that passes for thought. When I see the boy and his friend walking up the road to deliver the newspaper. They wear caps and sweaters, and one boy has a bag over his shoulder. They are so happy they aren't saying anything, these boys. I think if they could, they would take each other's arm. It’s early in the morning, and they are doing this thing together. They come on, slowly. The sky is taking on light, though the moon still hangs pale over the water. Such beauty that for a minute death and ambition, even love, doesn’t enter into this. Happiness. It comes on unexpectedly. And goes beyond, really, any early morning talk about it.

7. How the poem connects to my philosophy of life

With life, I feel that anger and love are two feelings that are easy to feel, but with happiness, it’s not as easy to feel and it’s not a feeling that one has everyday. Happiness is like a match, when scraped, the fire will appear unexpectedly. Personally, I feel that happiness is not a feeling that somebody feels every day, but feels it when it is unexpected. Examples could include a surprise, good news, or a surprise kiss. I think that the only time somebody may wake up with the feeling of happiness is if it’s their favorite day of the week, favorite weather, or if they know that something fun and/or exciting is happening that day. In a manner of speaking, I feel that happiness is not the definition of life, but it is one of the key factors of life because we need it to make our life better. It is not always there, but it does appear in time unexpectedly. I feel that the poem connects to my philosophy of life because the speaker, too, is saying that happiness comes unexpectedly and when it does, no other feelings are felt. And also when somebody actually feels happiness, it has a lot more meaning than just simply talking about it.

8. My thoughts about parks

From what I have seen and experienced as a young child, a park is one of the most favorite places of children. They go there to have some fun and have a nice time, enjoy the weather, or even try new things (such as playing in a sandbox for the first time, or sliding down a slide for the first time). The purpose of a park is for not only children, but for adults to enjoy themselves too. Whether it’s a family picnic, a sports game, playing in a playground, or simply just taking a walk, a park is for people to just relax and take a break from any work, stress, or boredom. And an even more important purpose of a park is it makes people happy. Whether a person is alone or with others, the park provides enjoyment to anybody because anybody is free to do whatever they want at a park. My thoughts about parks is it is a good way to just let loose of any troubles. I feel that parks provide us with an escape from anything that makes us upset or angry. Unlike us, parks always feel happiness, and they want us to visit so that they could spread their happiness around us so we too, contain happiness. The park’s happiness is still there even when it is a rainy day. But it is the people who do not feel happiness at a park on a rainy day because majority of people prefer the park on a sunny day because it is the park on a sunny day that gives people happiness. However, just because the person does not feel happiness at a park, it does not mean that a park does not hold happiness. Another way of saying it is, just because a certain person does not feel happiness at a park, it does not mean that other people do not feel happiness at a park. To be honest, I think that children feel more happiness at a park than adults do. With adults, the park is a place where they can relax and have fun by playing games or spending time with family. But with children, parks are almost like a new world for them. Children get excited because they are in an area where there is way too much to do. One example could be that some children are not allowed to run around in the house, but when they are at a park, they can run around wherever they want and whenever they want. Every child enjoys playing with toys and do not get bored of it, but when they visit a park, it is a new experience for them to be climbing on monkey bars or swinging down a pole, rather than sit at home with toys. There is always something to do at a park for adults and children, but I feel it is a bigger and better experience for children because it gives them a chance to do things they’ve never done before, or even see things they’ve seen before. From what I have experienced, adults may not like some parks and only prefer certain parks, but children, however, seem to like all parks! I think that it is wrong for some adults to not take their children to a certain park just because the adult does not like that park. I personally feel that parks are more for children than for adults. From what I’ve seen, most parks may have a table or bench so adults can sit and watch their children or so that adults can have picnics. But the parks always have more than one playing area for children. Examples could be swing sets, slides, sprinkler systems, rocks, and tree houses. I think the reason that parks have multiple play areas is to let children try new things and for adults to let their children enjoy their new experiences. The adults have had their enjoyment as children already, so now they are giving this chance to their children. I also think that the park allows children to start to start taking different challenges while they are young. Because as they get older, they will face many challenges, so by trying new things at a park, they will realize that not everything is easy and that some things need a lot of practice in order to master. I have personally experienced and even continue to experience being happy when I have mastered something that was hard to me at first. And this all falls down to just one thing, a parent wants nothing more than for their son or daughter to be happy. Happiness is not a feeling that is felt or shown all the time, however, it is still within us and will always be within us.

9. My poem

I am going to write a Free Verse poem on my impending high school graduation.

Words cannot describe what it feels like to be graduating. I still remember my tour of Sutherland Secondary when I was a grade 7 student at Queensbury Elementary. I was very overwhelmed when I stepped foot in Sutherland because I knew that in the next school year, I will become a student at Sutherland Secondary. As soon as I knew it, it was my first day of grade 8. I was a little scared to be honest, because I was not used to a new surrounding, new people, new classes, and most of all, lockers. I even felt a little ‘weak’ because I was so used to being in the top grade at elementary school, but now I am in the bottom grade at high school. I was a mouse among many large bears. However, I began to feel more comfortable with the surroundings and classes when I started grade 9. Grade 9 was a different year for me because I felt better that I was not in the bottom grade anymore. Grade 10 was an even better year because I knew that I was already half way through my high school life, and it was the first year where I received an academic award: The Honorable Mention Certificate. Grade 11 was a great year because I began to make more friends, I was in the second highest grade at school, and I received the Honorable Mention Certificate once again. Now, to be in grade 12, it was a difficult time because it was filled with many responsibilities I had to complete in order to graduate. I had to peel off the slices to get to the middle of the onion. That being said, back when I was in grade 8, I pictured grade 12 to be a very difficult grade. Already I have almost completed my final year at Sutherland, so grade 12 was not as difficult at all, mostly due to me being a very hard worker and responsible person. Grade 12 was an amazing year, filled with great classes and events that I found to be quite enjoyable. But time has flown by way too fast, and graduation is right around the corner, literally. It is quite amazing how 5 years can just go by. As I walk across that stage at graduation, I will feel very proud of myself knowing that I have succeeded in my education. Then, as I walk out of Sutherland Secondary on the last day of school before Summer vacation, I will think about all the changes that will occur when I step foot out of the school, and I will reflect upon all the great people and memories of events and of my friends at Sutherland Secondary, for I will never forget any of them.

           

                             My Bench at Gates Park in Port Coquitlam

Bollywood Superstar Sanjay Dutt Arrested

 Star Sanjay Dutt surrendered before a Mumbai court Thursday to begin serving time in jail due to a weapons conviction linked to a deadly terror attack in the city in 1993. Supreme Court sentenced Dutt to five years in prison in March for illegal possession of weapons that were supplied by mafia bosses that were linked to the attack, where 257 people were killed in the Indian financial capital. The 53-year-old actor served 18 months in jail before being released on bail in the year 2007 pending an appeal, so he is forced to spend the next 3 1/2 years behind bars. His prison sentence was been changed to 5 years rather than 6 years from the Supreme Court. Earlier this month, Dutt’s plea seeking review of its judgment on his jail term was rejected by the court. He was arrested for possession of an automatic rifle and a pistol that were supplied to him by men subsequently involved in the Mumbai bombings. Dutt arrived in court on Thursday with his wife, Manyata, and filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt. Several close friends of his also stood by him at court. Many cameramen, photographers and fans crowded outside his house and the courtroom. At the court, Dutt was forced to stay in his car before arriving to ask the crowds to move.Despite the long-drawn trial over the bombings, Dutt’s Bollywood career has largely expanded over the past 20 years. He gained enormous popularity for a series of Hindi films in which he played the role of a reformed thug who follows the teachings of Mohandas Gandhi, who believed in nonviolence. Currently, Dutt is involved in projects worth at least $20 million, according to estimates of industry.Dutt has stated that he knew nothing about the bombing plot and that he requested the guns so he could protect his family — his mother was Muslim and his father Hindu — after receiving threats during the religious riots that occurred before the bombings. At the time, the bombings were seen as the world's worst terrorist attack, with 13 bombs exploding all over Mumbai in just 2 hours, and explosives were even packed in cars. In addition to the deceased, over 720 people were injured in the terrorist attack.

I, personally, have remorse for Sanjay Dutt. Not only is he one of the top actors in Bollywood, but he has also gone through some tough times throughout his life. I must say that it was wrong of him to do drugs while he was in high school, and he just got worse after his mother died, but he decided to change himself after that and go to rehab, where he met his future wife. They had a child before his wife died of a brain tumour, and he lost custody of his daughter due to some conflict with his in-laws. He then returned to Bollywood in the 90's, and married another woman but then got divorced. After spending 18 months in jail, he married his longtime girlfriend in the year 2008 and became the father of twins 2 years later. I do feel upset because Sanjay Dutt has not experienced the happiest life, there have been many deaths in his life. All he wanted to do was protect his family so there would not be any death, but apparently it's wrong if he is trying to do that. I can understand the cops' side of thinking that he is possibly linked with the terrorists by him having guns, but I feel they should not be so hard on him when he is telling the truth. I feel this is wrong treatment, he never wanted to hurt anyone and he never meant to hurt anyone. Is there any harm in doing whatever you can to protect your family and to make sure that they are safe at a dangerous time? I don't think so, but I will admit there are better ways of protection than possessing illegal weapons.

Sanjay Dutt

Sanjay Dutt calling off the crowd and cameras

Article Sources:

http://www.theepochtimes.com/n3/59753-bollywood-actor-linked-with-terror-attack-surrender/

"Bollywood Actor Linked with Terror Attack Surrenders for Jail Term" by Associated Press, May 17, 2013, Epoch Times

Photo Sources:

http://www.theepochtimes.com/n3/59753-bollywood-actor-linked-with-terror-attack-surrender/

http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1899&bih=968&q=sanjy+dutt&oq=sanjy+dutt&gs_l=img.3..0l10.1058.2776.0.2934.10.9.0.1.1.0.71.396.8.8.0...0.0...1ac.1.15.img.b6gt96_2OcE#hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=sanjay+dutt&oq=sanjay+dutt&gs_l=img.3...5050.5050.0.5137.1.1.0.0.0.0.0.0..0.0...0.0...1c.1.15.img.xUefOTFtcDw&bav=on.2,or.r_cp.r_qf.&bvm=bv.47380653,d.cGE&fp=90f8565c8c5db8ca&biw=1899&bih=968&facrc=_&imgrc=i2VJd_Sc3dTqWM%3A%3BC6teB3m4zOfh8M%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.kollywoodtoday.net%252Fwp-content%252Fuploads%252F2013%252F01%252Fsanjay-dutt-chennai.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.hindustantimes.com%252FEntertainment%252FCelebrity%252FSanjay-Dutt%252FCID-894291.aspx%3B280%3B350

Other Sources:

http://in.reuters.com/article/2013/05/17/sanjay-dutt-bollywood-jail-idINDEE94907H20130517

Fast Five = Hit, Fast Six = SUCCESS, Fast Seven = ???

The last two films have seen Diesel and the gang gunning their engines all across the globe, but according to the star, he’s keen to see the franchise return to its roots for part seven. "I told the Universal people there was no way we were not having a Los Angeles premiere,” stated Diesel of the sixth Fast and Furious film. Diesel also stated, “One other thing: for Fast & Furious 7, we are bringing it back to Los Angeles!” Reporters do not know much about what the plot will be for the seventh film, but they do know that there will be a new antagonist, who apparently was a character in the previous film. The last two films have seen Diesel and the gang riding all across the globe, but according to the Diesel himself, he is anxious to see the franchise return to its roots for Fast and Furious 7. Justin Lin, director of Fast and Furious 3, 4, 5, and 6, will not be returning to direct the seventh film, unfortunately.  However, he will be replaced by James Wan, director of Insidious, to direct Fast and Furious 7. The film will release in the United States on July 2014.

I feel that the series is getting better and better! I am a big fan of the Fast and Furious films and I believe that the film is not complete with the main man himself, Vin Diesel. Although Diesel was born to play the role of Dominic Toretto, the addition of Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson in Fast Five is just the icing on the cake for me. The series began to get more popular after the release of Fast and Furious 4 in the year 2009. And due to the success of Fast and Furious 4, Fast Five was released in 2011, which was also a hit. Now, from what I've heard, Fast and Furious 6 is the best film of the series and has blown away the box office, beating "The Hangover: Part III." I have yet to see Fast and Furious 6 and to be honest, I am very eager to go watch it! I feel that if the series keeps getting better with every new release, Fast and Furious 7 will blow us away. That being said, however, I feel that they should end the series sometime soon. Not only with the Fast and Furious series, but with every film series; after every success of one film, a sequel is already being planned. Yes I will agree that some of the film series tend to get better and more popular due to every release, but I feel that at one point the series should just end so that the film series does not become a television series! The first Fast and Furious film was released in 2001, and from 2001 till now, technology and special effects have improved a lot, but it has also been a series that has run for 12 years. I believe that maybe Fast and Furious 7 could deliver the best performance out of all the films, so that there could be no more sequels that could match up to the highly possible success of the seventh film in the series.

 Scene of Vin Diesel and Paul Walker from Fast and Furious 6

Article Source:

http://www.totalfilm.com/news/vin-diesel-says-fast-furious-7-will-take-place-in-la

"Vin Diesel says Fast & Furious 7 will take place in LA" by George Wales,  May 23, 2013, Total Film: The Modern Guide To Movies

Photo Source:

http://www.totalfilm.com/news/vin-diesel-says-fast-furious-7-will-take-place-in-la

Amanda Bynes Arrested!?

Former Nickelodeon star Amanda Bynes was arrested by police for reckless endangerment after throwing a bong out of the window of her 36th floor New York apartment. The incident took place after police arrived to talk to the troubled actress about her marijuana use on Thursday night. She was then taken to a hospital for a psychiatric evaluation before being booked at the police station for possession of marijuana, reckless endangerment and messing around with evidence. In NBC news in New York, sources told that police were called by the doorman on Thursday night, who stated that Bynes was smoking marijuana in the lobby of her building on West 47th Street. Officers responding to the call went to Bynes' apartment where sources explained that they noted a 'heavy smell of marijuana and smoke'. The officers were allowed inside the room by the actress and when they noticed a bong, Bynes quickly grabbed it and threw it out of the high-rise window in full view of the policemen. This action of her's led to the further charges, which was reckless endangerment. Reckless endangerment occurs when a person creates a substantial risk of serious physical injury to another person. Thankfully, however, nobody was injured by the falling bong. Following her treatment at Roosevelt Hospital, Bynes was then taken to a Midtown police station where she is to remain until a Friday court appearance.

After I read this article, all I could say was, "Wow." What is happening to children's stars these days? Do they not realize that some of them are role models to young kids? An example is Jamie Lynn Spears appearing on a kid's show, and then decides to get pregnant and have a baby with her boyfriend. Now Amanda Bynes has been arrested for possession of marijuana?! I used to watch the classic Nickelodeon television series, "The Amanda Show," with my cousins and brother when I was very small. The show was a hit and was aimed towards young children's feelings and sense of humour. But it seems to me that these so called, "children's stars," are smart when they are young, and then as they grow up they tend to make stupid life decisions. I was shocked when I heard about this article because I could never picture Amanda Bynes being arrested, I thought she would have at least some brains. I highly doubt that people will look at her the same way they used to now. I, for one, am quite disappointed that she just decided to cross the line and screw up her life. Does she have problems? Does she think it's cool? I don't know. All I know is that there is time for her to change because she is still young, but whether she decides to change or not, that's her choice. It's her life.

How we all remember Amanda Bynes

Ladies and Gentlemen....the new Amanda Bynes

Amanda being arrested by a police officer after the bong incident

Article Source:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2330073/Police-arrest-Amanda-Bynes-alleged-possession-marijuana-New-York-City-apartment.html

"Amanda Bynes taken away in handcuffs wearing bizarre wig after throwing bong out window of high rise apartment during marijuana arrest" by Daily Mail Reporter, May 24, 2013, Mail Online

Photo Sources:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2330073/Police-arrest-Amanda-Bynes-alleged-possession-marijuana-New-York-City-apartment.html

Man Opens Gym for Gangsters To Let Off Some Steam

Frank Hendricks, a 65 year old bodybuilder, decided to open a gym in the suburb of Rusthof for gangsters so that they could 'pump out' all their frustrations. The suburb of Rusthof is a place that is surrounded by poverty, unemployment and almost ­perpetual violence. A devastating event led to Frank opening his gym in the year 2008. Hendricks's son was in his 20s when he tried to protect a girl from being harassed by a gang known as the School Boys. They stabbed him 12 times, leaving him bleeding at the side of the road. Hendricks accompanied his son in the hospital rather than laying charges. Franks stated, "My son said to me: 'Don't send those boys to jail, Daddy,' and I did what he asked." As he was sitting by his son's bed side, the idea came to Frank to open up a gym so young gangsters can get rid of any frustrations. Most people at the gym seem to have a story of hardship and a want to change the life offered by the streets, to become someone better. The journey needs self-control and discipline – main skills that are learnt at the gym. Frank managed to get word out to the School Boys' gang leader that he wanted to see him. Shortly afterwards he saw the gang consisting of 30 memebers coming towards his house. "People said: 'Today you are going to die'," states Hendricks. "And I told them, no, that won't happen." Instead, he requested his wife to bake some cakes for them. "I organised a beach braai, and after we had eaten we spoke about life and why the boys ended up hurting others. Many of them cried," states Frank. Gaining their confidence little by little, Hendricks had finally got his wish and he opened a gym in the back yard of his house. "Don't worry about the money," he explained to potential members. "Just come." Since the day Frank has opened his gym, he has sent many young men to the Western Province Bodybuilding Championships.


Really? Is this a joke? I am quite surprised that a bodybuilding father instead opens up a gym for ruthless gangsters to come and let off steam, than pressing charges for what certain gangsters have done to his son. I will admit I am a weightlifter and have been weightlifting for almost 3 years now, and I really do let off steam when I am in the gym, and it feels terrific. But it's almost like these gangsters cause havoc, then go to Frank's gym and let off steam, and then cause havoc again. What is the point? I can understand Frank's theory about having these gangsters take a load off their back, but if these gangsters really need help (which they obviously do), shouldn't they talk to a therapist or a police officer or something, rather than go to the gym? Personally, I feel that Frank is just wasting his time showing compassion for these youngsters, especially since they put his son in the hospital. These youngsters need proper guidance or serious therapy. If I was Frank, I would seek justice to these youngsters by sending them off to jail. But it seems that Frank has the spirit of an angel under his brawny body.

A normal day at Frank's gym






Article Source:
http://mg.co.za/article/2013-05-24-00-cape-town-working-it-out-at-frankies

"Cape Town: Working it out at Frankie's" by Olivia Gibbs, May 24, 2013, Mail and Guardian: Africa's Best Read

Photo Source:
http://mg.co.za/article/2013-05-24-00-cape-town-working-it-out-at-frankies

Teenage Girl Threatened to be Killed If She does not Marry

 A UK teenager explained that if she refused to force marry a man, she would be taken to Pakistan and would be killed. According to the report, the 16-year-old girl came to a police station in the United Kingdom on her wedding night and informed police that she had been forced to marry a man she had only met once. Hearing this case, Luton County Court was told that the girl stated to police that “she would be shot and everybody back home would be told it was suicide," if she refused to marry the man. The Daily Mail report described that the girl fled her wedding reception, which around 1,000 guests attended, and arrived at a police station “in her pyjamas and in a distressed state.” The report had also revealed that death threats had previously been made against the bride if she refused to marry the man. Two women were accused in the case of forcing the girl to marry, and court orders issued banning any arranged wedding. However, counsels that were representing the accused women, denied the accusations. Further news about the 16 year old girl or the family is unknown and is still yet to be revealed. 


I will admit that from what I've seen and heard, arranged marriages and even force marriages are very normal in Indian culture. The most common is a father or mother would want their child to marry the child of a close family friend of the father or mother. But to hear that a daughter would be killed if she refuses to marry the man she does not want to marry, is ridiculous. Personally, I've heard a few people refuse to marry the person they do not want to marry, but I have never heard that that person would be killed if they refused! This news really upsets me because it's basically like the family of the daughter has no care for her feelings whatsoever. Are they doing this for her but she just does not see it? Or are they doing this for their own selfishness? I would not be surprised if the family of the man was a rich family, and that the daughter's family just wants the daughter to marry into that family just so they too could become rich. I am proud of my culture, but these actions of parents and families really upset me, and sadly, these actions are very common in Indian culture.

Are arranged Indian marriages for the sake of the child? Or the parents?










Article Source:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/556024/uk-teen-threatened-to-be-killed-in-pakistan-if-she-refused-to-marry/
"UK teen threatened to be killed in Pakistan if she refused to marry" by Web Desk, May 29, 2013, The Express Tribune: with the International Herald Tribune

Photo Source:
http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1899&bih=968&q=arranged+marriage+indian&oq=arranged+marriage+indian&gs_l=img.3..0i24l5.2063.6723.0.7014.24.17.0.7.7.0.97.690.16.16.0...0.0...1ac.1.15.img.gt5wIl-1bqc#facrc=_&imgrc=L5hIPwtlNSlY6M%3A%3B693gWT5egTm14M%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fvivekvaidya.com%252Fwp-content%252Fuploads%252F2012%252F08%252FWhyDoIndianArrangedMarriagesWork.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fvivekvaidya.com%252Fwhy_do_arranged_marriages_work%252F%3B960%3B720

Cougar Shot Dead in Coquitlam

On Thursday, a cougar was spotted in Coquitlam and had lunged at a woman while she was in her home, thankfully, however, the only thing between her and the cougar was a glass window. The cougar slammed into the glass, and then walked away. It is said that possibly the cougar was also stalking an 8 year old girl from her backyard. And for these 2 reasons, the cougar was killed rather than being relocated, according to conservation officer Don Stahl. Stahl speculated that the cougar was looking at humans as a source of food, and stated, "The risk was too great because it had lost all fear of people and had taken it an extra step by lunging at a person and being stopped only by the window." Due to the female cougar apparently being too aggressive, a Coquitlam park was forced to be closed by authorities. The cougar was killed as it was climbing into a tree in the backyard of a home on River Drive after 8 am. However, Al Martin, director of strategic initiatives for the B.C. Wildlife Federation, stated, "It was in a populated area with a lot of children, so there was a risk to public health and safety. It certainly sounds like it was exhibiting aggressive behaviour, (so) they had few other options. They could just be transplanting the problem (if the cougar was relocated). Martin also explained that fatal attacks by cougars are relatively rare, and stated, "About 25 in the last 100 years in North America, (and) about 100 attacks," but also explained that encounters between humans and cougars are becoming more frequent as development encroaches on wildlife habitat.


First off, I am shocked to hear that there was a cougar in the area where I live, and second, I am even more shocked to hear that it was killed. I feel that it was wrong to kill the cougar, rather than relocate it. It was a cougar that was trapped in an unknown environment, it is obviously going to be afraid and/or confused. I feel that it certainly take it an extra step by lunging at a woman, because it has no idea who the woman is, so it is highly possible that it felt threatened and tried to defend itself. The same goes for when she was stalking the girl, it is highly possible that she was observing the girl's movements because the cougar felt threatened or scared. So if the girl did anything that the cougar would assume to be a threat of some sort, it could act on time.  But instead of thinking clearly, police decide to kill the animal because this all leads to one thing: the HUMANS felt threatened, they could not care less that perhaps the cougar felt threatened. So they think that killing the animal will all lead to satisfaction. And I know that I am not the only person in the world who feels that's not true and that this action by police disgusts me.

Shot of the dead cougar

Sign indicating to be cautious due to cougar sighting











Article Source:
 "Cougar killed in Coquitlam after approaching homes, forcing park to close" by Brian Mortonand and Tiffany Crawford, May 30, 2013, Vancouver Sun

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Cougar+killed+Coquitlam+after+approaching+homes+forcing+park/8455577/story.html

Photo Source:
http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1899&bih=968&q=cougar+killed+in+coquitlam&oq=cougar+killed+in+coquitlam&gs_l=img.3...1227.6366.0.7435.26.13.0.13.13.0.141.625.12j1.13.0...0.0...1ac.1.15.img.sYxJgishQ20#facrc=_&imgrc=k1KatNKoKTrzdM%3A%3BgS233bayIUWgBM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.calgaryherald.com%252Fcms%252Fbinary%252F8455970.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.calgaryherald.com%252Fnews%252FCougar%252Bkilled%252Bafter%252Bapproaching%252Bhomes%252Bforcing%252Bpark%252Bclose%252F8456189%252Fstory.html%3B620%3B400

http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1899&bih=968&q=cougar+killed+in+coquitlam&oq=cougar+killed+in+coquitlam&gs_l=img.3...1227.6366.0.7435.26.13.0.13.13.0.141.625.12j1.13.0...0.0...1ac.1.15.img.sYxJgishQ20#facrc=_&imgrc=7pPycXdZblsE4M%3A%3B0C1u1_eFKy1jUM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.vancouversun.com%252Fcms%252Fbinary%252F8455985.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.vancouversun.com%252Fnews%252FCougar%252Bkilled%252BCoquitlam%252Bafter%252Bapproaching%252Bhomes%252Bforcing%252Bpark%252Bclose%252F8455577%252Fstory.html%3B620%3B400

Old Couple Murdered and 2 Year Old Great Granddaughter Raped By Man

A man has been charged in Anchorage, Alaska for murdering a couple both in their 70's, and for raping  the couple's 2 year old great granddaughter. Sorn Sreap, 71, and his wife Touch Chea, 73, were babysitting their 2 year old great granddaughter while the toddler's parents, who are in their mid 20's, took their older child, a 4 year old son, to the movies on Saturday night. The toddler's parents, the toddler, the 4 year old son, and their own 90 year old great grandmother, lived in the same apartment as Sreap and Chea, according to police. When the parents and the son returned home, it appeared that the front door was locked from the inside. So they told police that they forced their way into the apartment through the window, only to find that both Sreap and Chea had been murdered. The parents said that a man in his 20's, was naked in a bedroom with their daughter. The man managed to put boxers on and run out of the apartment when he realized the parents have arrived. He was arrested that Saturday night as he fled the East Anchorage homicide scene, and police said he was wearing nothing but boxer shorts and socks. In an announcement, police said Sreap and Chea suffered injuries from a blunt object, and Chea had been sexually assaulted. Spokeswoman Anita Shell of the police department said that investigators were greatly affected by not only the cruelty, but also the ages of the victims. Anita also stated, "They said this was the worst thing they had ever seen in their lives, and these are seasoned detectives." Just before 8 pm, Police took a 911 call and dispatchers could hear shrieking and a woman said that a man broke into her home and killed her grandmother, Chea. The suspect was caught just a block away from the apartment and according to Anita Shell, the suspect was arraigned Sunday.


Words cannot describe how disgusted I am when I read what kind of people there are in the world. How can somebody even think about murdering an innocent old couple and raping a toddler, let alone doing it. I wonder what went through this man's mind as he caused this whole incident to occur? Was he even sober? Was he troubled? Either way, what he did was not right at all, and he should be punished by receiving very brutal treatment. I feel great remorse for the parents and the 4 year old son, I cannot imagine how they are feeling right now. But I am sure that they will take justice towards this man, and make sure that he suffers due to his actions, just as he has left them suffering due to them being broken-hearted. What happened to the toddler troubles me dearly because now she has to live with the fact that she was molested by an insane stranger, for the rest of her life. I really hope she is now safe with the stranger being taken away, and I hope something like this never happens to the family again, or to anybody for that matter. However, I do not know what is going to happen in the future. I'm not God.

Article Sources
-http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20130526/us-double-homicide/?utm_hp_ref=politics&ir=politics
"Man Charged in Double Homicide in Anchorage" by Dan Joling, May 26 2013, Huff Post Politics

Photo Sources
None

Spanish Teacher Fired For Referring To Students As 'Negroes' and 'Failures'

Petrona Smith, a 65 year old Spanish teacher, was fired from PS 211, due to her students complaining about her referring to them as 'negroes' and 'failures', and now she is suing the school for her unjust departure. Petrona is a black woman from the West Indies, and stated that her students did not quite understand that she used the word 'negro' to refer to the colour '', while she was teaching the class how to say different colours in Spanish. She explained to her students that it was not a derogatory term due to people whose native language is Spanish, often use the word 'moreno' when referring to a black person. Petrona also addressed another incident involving her calling her students 'failures,' she stated that she asked some of her students who had failed a test, to sit at the back of the classroom. All these complaints about Petrona Smith came from 7th graders, although the parents of one of the students admitted that they lied. And in fact, Petrona herself stated that her students often referred to her as 'f**king monkey', 'cockroach', and 'n**ger'. After this whole incident, Petrona has not been able to find another job, and the Law Department have not reviewed her papers of lawsuit, although they have received them.

Personally, I'm on Petrona's side in this matter. I mean, if the students were referring her to strong curse words, then what right do they have to complain that she 'apparently' referred to them as 'negroes' and failures'? However, I will admit that I feel that sending the students that failed a test to the back of the classroom is pathetic. If I had students that were failing in my class, I would send them to the front of the class so that they could concentrate better. I just feel that this whole incident is one big joke and that Petrona Smith was accused for an action that she never did. There is a difference between teaching students in a Spanish class how to say 'black' in Spanish, than referring to the students as 'negroes'. And there is a difference between sending students who failed a class to another part of the classroom either as a form of punishment or to learn better, than referring to a students as 'failures'. I think that Petrona Smith should be allowed to continue teaching at PS 211, and the students need to be punished since they feel like they are better than Petrona by referring her to whatever word they please.

(PHOTO CREDIT: Creative Commons) Petrona Smith, a Bronx teacher, who was fired for using the word "negro."







Article Sources
- "Fired For Word ‘Negro’: Spanish Teacher Petrona Smith Fired From Bronx School After Slur, Claims Misunderstanding" By Maria G. Valdez, May 24, 2013, The Latin Times

- http://www.latintimes.com/articles/4400/20130524/fired-word-negro-spanish-teacher-petrona-smith-bronx-school.htm

Photo Sources

- http://www.latintimes.com/articles/4400/20130524/fired-word-negro-spanish-teacher-petrona-smith-bronx-school.htm

A Tragedy Instead of a Celebration

“In my 26 years, this is one of the most horrific scenes I’ve ever seen,” says Surrey RCMP Sgt. Dale Carr, in response to a huge tragedy that took place in Surrey, British Columbia on April 28, 2013 at about 11 a.m. A Punjabi man named Gurmit Sachdeva, owner of Sachdeva Sweets & Restaurant (a restaurant on 7500 120 Street 118 in Surrey) was devastated to hear that his wife Reena, five-year-old son Aanish, three-year-old daughter Jessica, sister Neelam Dhingra, and his mother Vidya, were all killed in a brutal car accident, resulting in their Toyota being split in two and unrecognizable by police. The accident took place at a Surrey intersection, where the driver of a white Dodge Caravan ran a red light and violently smashed into the family vehicle, while they were returning from morning prayers at the temple, back home to celebrate the son’s fifth birthday. The encounter of the two vehicles was so strong that wreckage was spread over hundreds of meters. The only survivor of the incident is said to be the driver of the white Dodge Caravan. This whole incident left Gurmit in shambles, and he was forced to close his restaurant down until he feels able to work again. This incident even left ICBC Inspectors unable to comment on the crash’s cause.

I honestly do not know what to say about this. I can never picture something like that happening not only to me, but to anyone. This is said to be the worst accident in 20 years, and I realize why it is. I knew that there were a lot of pathetic drivers out there that don’t pay attention to rules, however, I feel that this driver just took it past the limit. How will that driver be able to live with themselves, knowing that they have killed somebody’s family? All because that driver was being arrogant and thought it was okay to speed through a red light. I wish I could say let this be a lesson to all other drivers who think it’s okay to disobey the rules, but I know that those people are not going to change. If they had changed, accidents like these would not occur on the roads or streets. One quote from Vancouver Sun, “It’s a big tragedy, one family is almost gone,” leaves me quite heartbroken and I think it is very unfair that that happened to an innocent family. But what made me disturbed was when I heard on the news that apparently due to the force and impact of the crash, the son was decapitated. How somebody can live knowing that they have decapitated a 5 year old's head, i do not know. All I know is, I feel great remorse for Mr. Sachdeva, and my heart goes out to him. It stated in the Vancouver Sun that no charges have been laid, but I know they will be laid and I hope the driver suffers greatly for their lack of responsibility, I would not call it a mistake because they knew what they were doing and they were aware of the consequences of speeding. I personally do not know how Mr. Sachdeva will cope with himself. If living without your loved ones is not bad, then I do not know what is.

The condition of the Dodge Caravan after the crash

The deceased victims: Reena Sachdeva, Aanish Sachdeva, Jessica Sachdeva, Neelam Dhingra, and Vidya Sachdeva

Article Sources:

- "Surrey dad 'in shock' after crash that killed five members of his family" by Jessica Barrett and Kelly Sinoski, Vancouver Sun, April 30 2013

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Surrey+shock+after+crash+that+killed+five+members+family+with+video/8307090/story.html

- "‘Horrific’ Surrey crash kills 5 in mid-sized car so badly damaged that police can’t tell its make or model" by Iam Austine, The Province, April 28 2013

http://www.theprovince.com/news/Horrific+Surrey+crash+kills+sized+badly+damaged+that+police+tell+make+model/8307688/story.html

Photo Sources:
- http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1914&bih=974&q=sachdeva+accident&oq=sachdeva+accident&gs_l=img.3...1374.9464.0.9701.17.8.0.9.9.0.45.310.8.8.0...0.0...1ac.1.12.img.HRcRAmj6Oq8#imgrc=FGV_pMjOePra9M%3A%3BWtflthg-I4OF3M%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fi.huffpost.com%252Fgen%252F1111756%252Fthumbs%252Fr-SURREY-CAR-CRASH-large570.jpg%253F15%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.huffingtonpost.ca%252F2013%252F05%252F01%252Fgurmit-sachdeva-surrey-car-crash_n_3193620.html%3B570%3B238

- http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1914&bih=974&q=sachdeva+accident&oq=sachdeva+accident&gs_l=img.3...1374.9464.0.9701.17.8.0.9.9.0.45.310.8.8.0...0.0...1ac.1.12.img.HRcRAmj6Oq8#imgrc=FNGwFhtlg5A9MM%3A%3BPR_1CMTB6zvm7M%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fthelinkpaper.ca%252Fwp-content%252Fuploads%252F2013%252F05%252FIndo-family-dead-crash.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fthelinkpaper.ca%252F%253Fp%253D28812%3B620%3B348