For You

In February 2007 my family and I lost a big part of my family. My Grandma passed away on February 18, 2007, and from that day nothing has ever been the same. Throughout my life she was always the one to lean on through adversity in my family. No matter what anyone needed she would always be there. I have never had a closer relationship with anyone besides my grandma, ever. A few weeks before she passed my grandma and I took a little walk to the local market. During that walk I remember my grandma would talk about her grandchildren and how before she could pass she wanted to be able to watch all her grand kids graduate from college. Being her oldest grandchild I knew I was gonna be her first one to see walk. When she passed I was absolutely devastated. Just two weeks before we had that conversation and I thought that her wishes would be granted to see us all walk. I remember at her funeral I gave a speech about how wonderful she was and about the last great walk we had together. That day I made a promise, a promise to finish the job for her. She wanted to see my graduation one day and I promised I would do that for her. I pursue my education with the motivation of her in my head. Everyday I live is with a sole purpose to get it all done for her. This is FOR YOU.

Trailer of Baywatch

I recently saw the trailer of the upcoming summer hit of Baywatch. The movie was starring Dwayne Johnson, Zac Efron, and many more to cast as the stars of Baywatch. As far as the history of Bay watch I have never seen the original but know that it is a classical hit. Being a California native I understand the whole by the water scene and being from a nice area like Southern California. The movie stars Dwayne Johnson who plays as the head lifeguard of his team. With conflict seem to be arising about a local resident along the water Johnson seems interested in finding out what the deal is with his house and why it is bringing such brutality to the beach he oversees. Through the trailer I could tell through a few scenes that the movie might be a little cheesy but is probably worth the watch. My entire life I've been a Dwayne Johnson fan, from his wrestling days fighting in the WWF to his acting days now in Hollywood. This comedy seems to be a hit with a lot of advertisement behind how funny it should be. So I want my moneys worth because this summer I'll be headed to the movies to watch this comedy.

Social Media Takeover

Through the course of this semester I've been able to understand the takeover that the social media scheme takeover is effecting schoolwork. I've been even affected by the takeover at times but its a topic I'd like to discuss. Throughout classes not only this year but of previous years of college I was able to see the impact social media is taking on students. The want of wanting to use your phone in class just to look at social media because you don't want to listen to some boring lecture by your professor. It has become a great effect not only in the classroom but throughout the everyday lives of some people. I walk through the halls of the dorms and see fellow peers in their rooms sitting down not doing a single thing. Mainly what they'll be doing is swiping up and down on their social media feeds constantly for long period of times allowing hours of the day to just breeze right by when work could be getting done instead. Its ludicrous to see the impact it has on some of the kids nowadays. Don't get me wrong I myself have been one to argue because I have done it myself at one point in my life but I've managed to just ignore it majority of my time. It becomes old and you realize its also a waste of time to even be on there. All it is about gossip, someone posting something about what they may be doing at that particular time of the day, like big WHOOP! Social Media has definitely become a takeover for kids and all I have to say is at some point if your one that gets caught up with it 24/7, its time for a reality check.

Narcos

A Netflix original series I just started to get into watching was the show called, "Narcos." For those who love action, violence, and learning how the historical Pablo Escobar was hunted and found, well then this is definitely the show for you. Pablo Escobar for those who may not know who he is is one of the most powerful and feared drug lord cartels to ever live. From Medellin, Colombia he set out to rule the entire country at some point in his life and would do corruptly by all means. He sets out to take over the country with his power he has over others and at one point in time was so rich that he offered to pay off the entire nations debt. With his corruption and involvement in majority of the drug smuggling that would occur during the 1980s, Escobar quickly became a wanted man in America. Law enforcement would do everything and anything to capture Escobar. With half way through the first season I have a better glimpse of how Escobar manipulated many wealthy people in Colombia to get his way around the country. Everyone knew how corrupt he was but yet in the eyes of the people it was like he was a god to them. With the DEA on the look for Escobar I look forward to watching the rest of the season and being able to witness how Pablo Escobar was eventually caught.

The Office

During your time in college, with the festivities that go on and events that everyone wants to attend at some point you just want to stay in and just catch up on some Netflix. Well with not so good variety on Netflix one show that I would highly recommend, is the comedy "The Office." This comedy series is a documentary about a typical 9-5 office job in America but with a funny side to it. A few of the main characters in it involve none other than Michael Scott who plays the regional manager of the business, with his coworkers of Jim Halpert, Pam Beasley, Dwight Schrute, Kevin Malone (my personal favorite) and many more comedy stars. In every episode comes with a plot about how Michael Scott can create an ordinary office day into a more enjoyable type of environment place to work in. With his antics Michael at times finds ways to put his job in Jeopardy by personal affairs within the office, spreading rumors, or just out right being unsafe in the office area he always finds ways to amuse everyone around him. To me personally Michael Scott's character is one of my all time favorite TV show characters and The Office is definitely a show I highly recommend for anyone to watch. 

He Got Game

The movie "He Got Game" is an instant classic when it comes to the game of basketball. With the movie including NBA future hall of famer playing the main character as Jesus Shuttlesworth. Jesus Shuttlesworth is the son of Jake Shuttlesworth, and being the number one ranked high school basketball player Jesus is faced with one of the toughest decisions of his life. With Division 1 schools offering Jesus he is left with a dilemma. Having to choose where he will playing at the next four years of his basketball career, or if he wants to declare straight for the NBA draft right out of high school. Well the plot twist of the movie is Jesus's dad, Jake Shuttlesworth who is in jail for the accident killing of his wife, has the opportunity to lower his sentencing. Being that the warden is an alumni of Big State University he wants Jake to find a way to convince his son Jesus to sign a letter of intent to play at Big State. With a deadline to meet to persuade Jesus, his father has to find a way to have his son sign the NLI before signing day. Will Jesus sign to help the sentencing of his father?

Miracle

As studying is the main priority this weekend for finals at some point everyone needs a break from it. Last night I took a quick break from it all and decided to watch the movie Miracle. Miracle is about the 1980 US hockey team and its triumph they had through the 1980 Winter Olympic Games. Herb Brooks is the head coach of the team and looks to lead his team as underdogs of the Winter games that year. As the team is only strictly made of college players and amateurs they stand no chance when it comes to facing the best team in the world, the Soviet Union. The Soviet's are made of world class players that have played together for at least a decade. With a tune up game against the Soviet's before the Olympic Games actually begins, the Soviet's demolish the US national team 10-3. As a wake up call to what they are getting themselves into Herb Brooks puts the team through blood, sweat, and tears to have them understand what type of team they need to be heading into the games. As the hard work they put in to prepare for the games pays off in the pool play rounds, the US go on to go 3-0 in pool play and eventually are met in the Semi finals with the Soviets once again. With the nation behind their back the US team surprisingly play toe to toe with the Goliath of a team, the Soviets. As they go back and forth with the score tied in the last period, the US score a late goal in which led them to victory over the Soviet Union. Based on a true story, the upset was remembered as the biggest upset in sports history and will forever be remembered. 

Home Alone

Christmas time of the year always calls for a good tradition of favorite Christmas movie. My favorite movie definitely without a doubt has to be Home Alone. The movie involves a young boy named, Kevin Mccalister, who comes from a family of 16 total people in one entire household. Assembled by his parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings, and parents Kevin seems to be treated the most poorly when it comes to Christmas time. Constantly teased upon for being the youngest and always getting into fights with his older brother Buzz. Through the conflicts, their comes one night before bed he wishes upon being alone for an entire Christmas. The next morning his wish is granted but although his family didn't really vanish it just happened to be that the entire family woke up late for a flight for their annual family vacation during Christmas time and were all in a rush to make their flight. As they headed to the airport they forgot Kevin and didn't even realize it. While alone for the holidays Kevin's becomes a hit for a pair of holiday burglars to rob. Thinking the home is empty they plan on hitting the house one night and Kevin prepares to defend his home on his own. Will Kevin defend his home?

Intro to DMA Flashback Part. 2

Another moment in this past semester of work in Intro to DMA was the perspectives that we all had about the Presidential election that happened this past November. Although we mainly agreed upon the fact that the candidates, Donald Trump and Hilary Clinton, were absolute jokes throughout their campaigns everyone had a voice about both. During our class session it was clever to see everyone voice their reason and opinions about each candidate. This post is not about speaking about election night and whether or not I support with either candidate, it's about that during this class day when we all spoke about it, I enjoyed hearing everyone's comments about it. Granite that not everyone agrees with others input about politics, everyone is entitled to a say in whatever it is they want to speak of. That is what I enjoy most is being able to hear everyone's story about themselves and what they believe. Its clever to hear that everyone has a story and the backgrounds they have explain a lot about what type of person they are. Understanding that you can't judge someone by their cover, their are stories behind who they are. I stand firmly behind the saying of, "never judge a book by its cover, their is always a story inside of it."

Intro to DMA Flashback Part. 1

Through the semester in Intro to DMA their were a few films and lectures that stood out to me the most. One film we watched one morning that really had me give a good flashback to my childhood was Geri's game. This film had me go back to a moment as if I were in my childhood game. When the film was shown in class I remembered right away that I used to watch that short film pop up in a few Pixar VHS movies I used to own. As a kid I would constantly see the film come up and just be so amused by it that it would always give me a good laugh. What was even more amusing about it was the fact that as a kid you don't understand what is going on but still found it funny.  What I like most about the game is, Geri, the old man was just looking for a game of chess. He couldn't find one after a long period of time so he said screw it, I'll play myself. He continuously kept playing the role of both sides and would even play it off through his face expressions that he was surprised by the moves the other opponent was putting on him, but in reality it was just himself. Geri's game is definitely a classic for kids and even though being a short film.

Views through Finals

With the thought of finals coming this week, one thing that is getting me through the days of studying is my music. Music has a way to work for me when it comes to getting things done. One album that has been on constant repeat throughout the last couple days is Drake's latest album, called Views. I've listened to this album from start to finish an estimate of about six times in the last 48 hours. I can relate this to others because at some point majority of us have to turn to music to be a sort of therapy for our mind. Music is a gift that is highly underrated nowadays, especially when it comes to therapeutic purposes. It allows yourself to get away from the stress of whatever may be bothering you and just listen to quality lyrics to get your mind through. Music is a gift that is highly underrated nowadays, especially when it comes to therapeutic purposes. This album is a mixture of upbeat and sentimental tunes that can have you relate to in so many ways. Personally on an all time top 10 for myself. Being a Drake fan I may be a bit biased about it but if you have not yet listened to, its time to witness greatness for yourself.

Oakland Raiders

As the NFL regular season is coming to a close end and the playoffs are near I just want to acknowledge how well the Oakland Raiders are playing. Despite this past Thursday Night Football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, as a fan you can truly say now that the Oakland Raiders are back and on the rise. Growing up my whole life, my entire family my whole life have always been die hard Raider fans, and have stayed true to them even through this playoff drought they have been on for the past decade and a half. But this season being a fan of them or not it is safe to say that that drought looks to end this season. Sitting in 2nd place with a 10-3 record, behind the Chiefs in the division the Raiders hopes of returning to the postseason is looking fairly good at this point. This year has been the turnaround season for the black and silver, and I expect nothing less than a Super Bowl Title and bringing the Lombardi Trophy back to Oaktown. Led by QB Derek Carr and Khalil Mack be on the watch every Sunday of the young group that this group is and their explosive offense. GO RAIDERS!

Fab Five

If you are a big basketball fan, whether it be college basketball or NBA, you might have all heard of the Fab five of Michigan in the 90s well then you understand how dominant this group of freshman were their college career together. The Fab five goes down as one of the best starting 5 players on any college basketball team ever assembled. What made these guys so memorable was their first year in college together they all started as freshman for head coach Steve Fisher at the University of Michigan. The Fab Five was assembled of Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Juman Howard, Jimmy King, and Ray Jackson. The force these five played with was unstoppable for the entire College Basketball universe and their opponents knew it. As Freshman they were living up to the hype they were given and were exciting to watch. The downfall about these five was their Freshman and Sophomore seasons together they made it to the NCAA Championship but could never seal the deal and bring the title back home. In the 1992 title game losing to Duke, and the following year losing to North Carolina. The E:60 documentary called, "The Fab 5" explains their story well and how they dealt with adversity throughout their time at The University of Michigan.

Lets take a look back.

Third year of college is half way over and home stretch is upon us. Only a few more days and I'll be headed back home to gorgeous Southern California. Being a first year student here at Huntington University, transferring from a Junior College in California, has definitely been a change of culture and climate for myself. First thing first, is understanding the culture behind the town of Huntington and what it represents. Huntington is a Christian town that I've got to learn about during my time here so far.  It's a big difference of pace of lifestyle compared to where I come from because in California it feels that time is rushed and everyone is consistently in a hurry. Here in Huntington the pace of life is real mellow and laid back and one of the reasons why I've loved it here so far.  The Christian culture in the beginning was hard to adapt to because of how hard it was pressed upon students here on campus. I didn't grow up in a Christian family so it was difficult to understand it and adapt to it all together. As a student here, I've had to filter my personality differently from ways that I would normally act in certain situations but I've come to a point in the school year that I've learned how to cope with the culture change for me. Along with the cold weather here in the Midwest is definitely a factor that is kicking my behind pretty good. Never have I ever experienced snowfall and cold weather of 20 or below, so expect me to be walking around campus with numbers of layers wrapped around me just to stay warm. But I look forward to continuing out the rest of my years here and making memories while doing so.

Drake aka Drizzy.

Music my entire life has been a big influence for myself and it always was a way to just escape from emotions and anything stressful going on. During physical activities I always used music as a motivation to get after it. The emotions and sensation of music just gives goosebumps especially when you have the right song going for your situation. Personally I'm more into the rap and R&B genres of music, for example Drake, Chris Brown, The Weeknd, and the list goes on. But for most favorite I've got to go with my guy Drake. The lyrics he expresses and the beats that go along with his music is what grows my interest more towards his music. For myself what draws my attention the most is what type of beat a song has right from the jump. I'm the type of person to listen to a song for the first 30 seconds of it and already know I'm not going to enjoy it. It doesn't take me to listen to the entire song to enjoy it. I feel that music is definitely a source that allows people to be themselves for a short period of time during the duration of the song playing. It definitely says something about a person based off of what type of music you enjoy listening to and I'm a firm believer of that.
So, what type of music you enjoy listening to?

2K

As of late there have been plenty of discussions about video games. Video games for me are great to have during your college years. Depending on what type of games you're interested in can engage in friendly competitiveness among each other. Personally I enjoy playing the 2k sports series. Typically the NBA series. Throughout my entire life I've owned a game system, from PS2, Nintendo 64, Xbox 360, you name it I probably have had it. But majority of memories with friends growing up were involvement with video games. Playing NBA 2k was the norm where I grew up. Everyone and anyone had the game and you could probably play it at any household you were at. Including today while in school those childhood match ups against friends have continued to pile on to today. I typically don't play just on any free time I have majority of time during the week is devoted to school and baseball but I love to use video games as breaks from homework and long study sessions.

FINALS

Best time of the school year is here ladies and gents. Were onto the home stretch of the semester and the clear motivation for most is to head home for the holidays. At least for myself it is. Exams, final papers, presentations, all the above that give us endless headaches and most importantly short hours of sleep. Being my third year of college I can fairly say that I'm a seasoned vet towards these situations. Or probably not! For first time college students, don't let the pressure overwhelm you along with just wanting to give up. It is fairly easy to just throw in the towel and say screw it. Majority come across the thought but its the ones who are resilient that don't allow it to get the best of themselves. It sucks, this time of the semester is definitely a pain, but the greater outcome in the end is the real reward. For myself, I can see it already, getting to the airport, throwing on headphones and headed home sweet home. First things first, the grueling process of FINALS.

Almost Christmas

Holiday cheer is here and what better way to get in the mood than Christmas music and movies. Personally myself I enjoy sitting back on the couch with loved ones and just running through a course of Christmas movies. Although I am stuck for another week here before I head home for Christmas, I recently watched "Almost Christmas", a Christmas movie about the Meyer family, that has a total of four children, in which throughout the years this time of the year is always the happiest for them. With their Mother's cooking and traditional home made sweet potato pie the holidays couldn't be a more happier time for the family. Now with the children being grown and all living their own separate lives they are impacted with the passing of their mother. With their father at home alone trying to carry the weight around the family home he gets the children together for the holidays for a traditional celebration. With the different personalities they engage with continuous arguments and jealousy of each other in which all their father wants to do is have them enjoy their time together. With the bickering going on continuously around the children, Walter Myers, their father understands that if they could spend one whole week under the same roof for Christmas, will definitely take a Christmas Miracle. 

Blood brothers

Last week we watched a short film about young teens that are dealing with troublesome and adversity in their life that have to go through rehab to help cope with their emotions. Watching this film in class had me relate to one of the key characters in the film. His name was Mark, and the reason I say he was a key character in the film is because of the emotions of aggression he emphasized about himself and in some sort of way, whether if it were a small or big impact on yourself, you kind of were able to feel his pain as a teenager. Although his situation might be a bit different than others, especially the way he let it all out on the rap song he made about his father, really hit the nail on the coffin for myself and the emotions I've always felt towards my older brother. Growing up my older brother and I were close and did absolutely everything together. We had a bond that was inseparable and nothing could ever phase us as brothers. He had my back and I had his. But growing up as half brothers my older brother's dad was never in his life. My dad was the one to fill in that void for him. I am forever grateful for what my dad has done for us, but my whole life I could always see in my brother's eyes that he has always found the thought of his biological father a very dark place for him. It sucks to hear, "why didn't my father want me?", coming out of his mouth. It has definitely effected his life in so many ways that has lead him in the wrong direction. And although I know that it will always be a gray cloud over his head, as a brother you could only wish you could heal the pain in any way. At times you feel the pain of rock bottom he has felt because of it all. Understanding to love and appreciate those closest to you are valuable in this life we live. I've seen the pain first hand to know what it's like to not have a parent their your entire life. The only thing that keeps you sane is curiosities that don't end up turning out well. Many people have it worst than others, we may think we face adversity at times but their are others who deal with way worse than we can imagine. But as for my brother I will be their for him through his struggles til he gets to his days of triumph. In my family, their is no term "half brothers", the only phrase we know is, "blood brothers."

Holiday Wishes

When I was two years old my parents split, and from then on it has always been about spending equal amount of time with both. Growing up I went through constant traveling back and forth with my parents. For my entire life I've lived with my dad and although my parents weren't that far apart from each other I was still able to spend a great amount of time with my mom. Especially during the holiday season I have always had to decide who I want to spend which holiday with. One aspect I struggled with personally as a kid is learning to cope with the holiday season. I personally love this time of the year. Besides having to buy all the Christmas gifts for everyone and run up the bank account being the downfall its still a great part of the year in which everyone loves celebrating with family. But every year there has been a gift I have continuously asked for year after year, and that being the reuniting of my family. That's what the holiday season is about, the gathering of family and enjoy the time you cherish together. Its the memories that last forever and ever. My entire life I've never enjoyed what I do every year at this time of the year but I've learned that its the only way I can balance the two. Sometimes the cards aren't dealt the way we want them, so you live through it. For everyone else, enjoy these moments. Enjoy the happiness with everyone and spread the holiday cheer to uplift someones day. These moments only come once a year and I would kill to have the memories made the way I envision them. But I am grateful and will not dream small about my wishes every Christmas for one day I hope those wishes are granted.