on PolicyMic
Alina Tsui I'm really interested in this trial since this topic kind of meshes with my thesis (far-right extremism). Any idea where I can get more details on the case online?
Alina Tsui Interesting article! Pixie cuts is a really cute hairstyle. For some odd reason, I've always equated this hairstyle with imaginary creatures, like fairies (like Tinkerbell). But the Pixie do that Emma Watson is rocking, I think looks best on young-ish women. Since it's cut fairly close to the head. I wish I could rock something like this, but my head is too big and it would look weird...
Alina Tsui I guess one rationale for the financially-strapped parents would be, to give their kids one memorable night. I mean, other than proms, weddings is the other major event where parents get to lavish insane amounts on their kids. Maybe it's like the parents realize that the kids didn't get a lot of material things growing up and this is one way to repair the damage? Graduations is the other big event too, but I don't know what the stats are on the low-income parents.
Alina Tsui I understand. There are things beyond your control. It would be great if different topic areas could be featured and not just the trending topics....Anyways, looking forward to the site being rebuilded.
Alina Tsui Thanks for responding..... I was originally in the bootcamp program and the first thing that we were taught, were the "hook." Basically, why should readers want to read the article, but what about all the un-interesting articles? For me, I think I've read more than I wanted to know about rapes, football and guns. That's just me. I'm much more interested in say, rising extremism in other countries for example. This of course would be relevant in the European context but for readers in the US, might not be at all interesting. That's kind of what I mean.
Alina Tsui Yeah, it's like my brain is operating at a faster speed than my fingers... :) Yes! The second point of "I don't mean you" category is annoying. I'd like to think that those that operate on this level is a small majority but it's unsettling at the same time, considering that it's 2013 and we're supposed to be living in such an advance society with technology streaming out of our fingertips.
Alina Tsui Tom--thanks for weighing in here. In a feedback comment, an editor told me not to write anything longer than 1000 words since it would be difficult to sustain the readers attention. I would think that our readers are a bit smarter than the average person... And, thanks for clarifying the issue of "shareable" content. One issue that I do have (not that I'm hating on PM or anything) but there's this idea that the articles have to have a hook. I'm sure there are topics of interest that aren't being covered by the major news outlets but can still be of interest to some people.
Alina Tsui Oops, I left out *few* : "it's an angle that very few pundits make in the mainstream media". Like there was momentary amnesia or something. Or, another way that people can take it wrongly, as in ----"I don't mean you" . That gets me too. Like there's the "others" and socially acceptable group. I can see why some people prefer the company of pets over homo sapiens.
Alina Tsui What gets me is that PM articles are prized more for "shareable content" than for the quality of an article. I still read mainstream newspaper articles precisely because the issues that are tackled are written well and are in some cases, long reads. I think if a writer is writing a 300-word piece, there's not a lot of room to make your case and to thoughtfully explain the nuances of the opposing side. Therefore, the "angle" to make it hot, viral is overwhelming and this kind of bugs me about PM.
Alina Tsui Terrific article Abdul! You make a lot of relevant points and the intro is mad funny. I never thought about the "shaming" aspect and it's an angle that very pundits make in the mainstream media.
Alina Tsui Thanks for bringing attention to this important issue. In NYC today, there was a pretty big protest in solidarity with our workers overseas. Though, I overheard a merchant (speech was broadcasted with loudspeakers over a popular farmers market area) say that the speeches made were 'annoying'. I wanted to just say something to the effect, that is free speech. Anyways, I think the point that you made on how May Day is closely associated with communist movement is pretty on point. With this issue, I don't know too much about, but I'd say May Day beats Labor Day any day.
Alina Tsui Thanks Darryl! Yes, I agree with your comment. In my opinion, traditional food and meal preparation seems like it's delegated to housewives watching soap operas because it is a time-consuming activity. But for millenia, that's how it was prepared, few could afford to take 'shortcuts'. It's only recently with technology and capitalism that's allowed people to seriously think about whether cooking is worth the time...If not, then the answer would be to order takeout/delivery. But we lose a part of our culture and flavorful food. I think this is why we always gravitate toward's cooking that's done with love by our grandmothers. And Bourdain is really awakening the comatose viewers that's usually associated with CNN....He's like coffee.
Alina Tsui Well, I can see how you feel jaded about celebrities. I mean, just look at Lindsay Lohan or Miley Cyrus...It's no wonder child actors get into some trouble as they get older.
Alina Tsui Yes, well it's hard to find any relevant news source (since this dance is pretty old). I had found a source but that dated back to 2002. Breitbart's source at least, was somewhat recent.
Alina Tsui Yes, well in my view (you may agree with), there are symbols affiliated with negative behavior that some people are offended by and may be overzealous in removing it from everyday life. Although this dance is 30 years old, there must be some reason that this dance is prohibited to this day in some schools, that MTV at one point banned the dance video from being broadcasted. Even though people may like this dance, those in charge may want to prevent the effects that they think it causes. I still think Williams performing this dance was not done in good taste but what's done is done.
Alina Tsui Ed, I agree with you 100% here. The Cuba of today is not the same as it was 50 years ago. It's made some attempts at free-market reform while still keeping its socialist economy. The old Cold War mentality though is something the US is having some trouble reconciling. Also, Cuba was a beneficiary of oil revenue under Chavez's regime and now that he's gone, I'm not sure how that's going to affect (if any) Cuba's economic situation.
Alina Tsui Well, look Cuba is going to be used as an example by some conservative lawmakers as the evil regime because it doesn't conform to our democratic ideals. It has a history of suppressing human rights, etc. Tibet,Tiannamen, Darfur are relevant examples but are situated far away whereas Cuba is 90 miles away from Florida. The US can use its power to shape the outcome whereas we aren't really able to affect or influence issues in Tibet because of China's geographical situation..... I don't think that the embargo is at all effective and it is against the economic interests of the US for this embargo to still be in place. But I was just trying to explain the other side.
Alina Tsui Yes, that's true. But this dance still means something to those in the African American community. To critics, this dance is something of a 'gang sign' like wearing the colors affiliated with gangs. Not to mention that in some schools, this dance is banned. http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Journalism/2012/08/05/ABC-Celebrates-Crip-Walk
Alina Tsui The Crip Walk as I understand it, was based on a dance that the California gang "The Crips" from the '70's. Whether you accept that Serena Williams did it out of sheer joy or, as a political statement to inject some color into what's seen as a very elitist sport where very few people of color "make it" is debatable. Furthermore, while doing the research for this article, I came across a tweet from Snoog Dogg who was very complementary of Ms Williams for performing the C-Walk at this very high caliber event. In addition, this dance is prohibited in some schools for its glorification of gang culture so her doing it, is in a way inflammatory. Saying that Ms Williams was a "irredemable idiot" is a bit harsh.
Alina Tsui I've got an electronic copy of this book but haven't had the chance yet to read it. By the way, this book was published in 2012. Just curious, why are you doing a review now?
Alina Tsui Not saying gov't should be stepping into ban the vices for everyone. I'm saying it isn't a simple issue of just saying yes/no for legalized gambling. The repercussions of those who can't control themselves are then picked up by society.
Alina Tsui Yikes! I was aware of the "farming" of characters but I had no idea that people with money would actually pay others to generate experience points for characters is too much. Although, I had read that something similar happens with the SCOTUS hearings this morning. People paying companies who then dispatch employees to wait hours or days in line in order to secure seats for clients.....Money makes the world go 'round I guess.
Alina Tsui I know the feeling. I let my 6 year old cousin play with my Ipad and downloaded a free game which is ok. But somehow she ended up purchasing one of the additional unicorns or something and next thing I know, this invisible thing that's not even real cost me $7...I found a setting on Itunes where you can disable purchases. I had read that article you're referencing...It's crazy because these virtual toys/accessories are costing real money to "enhance the gaming experience." That's another article idea. And the advice that Apple spokespeople have to put in the security settings is sort of lame. I mean, for those who don't know how to get to settings, how are they supposed to change it? And for those who aren't proficient in English?
Alina Tsui Douglas, I don't know if there are any national organizations that are as well-known as GA that helps compulsive gamblers. According to their website, they don't receive any outside funding and nondenominational. They also have hotlines in all 50 states should people require immediate assistance. From their website: http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/ Gamblers Anonymous would like to indicate that we are not soliciting members. Our intention is to highlight that gambling for certain individuals is an illness called "compulsive gambling." Gamblers Anonymous provides the message that there is an alternative to the destruction of compulsive gambling and this alternative is the Gamblers Anonymous program.
Alina Tsui Thanks Abdul! Yes, I just found it disturbing on several levels: that politicians are pushing for more casinos being built (sadly, I didn't really address it in this article) and with the ease of internet connectivity, compulsive gamblers will be greatly affected. And it isn't just gamblers. I was kind of shocked when I looked at Itunes and a separate category of 'casino' was listed under games. It's like we're peddling this stuff out to kids now. Yay, for free market and capitalism, right? But yeah, the research I cited was super interesting. Compulsive gamblers don't even really care about winning. It's just to escape their lives and problems, etc. The social aspect of playing w/others at the table doesn't even register w/compulsive g.
on PolicyMic
Alina Tsui I'm really interested in this trial since this topic kind of meshes with my thesis (far-right extremism). Any idea where I can get more details on the case online?
Alina Tsui Interesting article! Pixie cuts is a really cute hairstyle. For some odd reason, I've always equated this hairstyle with imaginary creatures, like fairies (like Tinkerbell). But the Pixie do that Emma Watson is rocking, I think looks best on young-ish women. Since it's cut fairly close to the head. I wish I could rock something like this, but my head is too big and it would look weird...
Alina Tsui I guess one rationale for the financially-strapped parents would be, to give their kids one memorable night. I mean, other than proms, weddings is the other major event where parents get to lavish insane amounts on their kids. Maybe it's like the parents realize that the kids didn't get a lot of material things growing up and this is one way to repair the damage? Graduations is the other big event too, but I don't know what the stats are on the low-income parents.
Alina Tsui I understand. There are things beyond your control. It would be great if different topic areas could be featured and not just the trending topics....Anyways, looking forward to the site being rebuilded.
Alina Tsui Thanks for responding..... I was originally in the bootcamp program and the first thing that we were taught, were the "hook." Basically, why should readers want to read the article, but what about all the un-interesting articles? For me, I think I've read more than I wanted to know about rapes, football and guns. That's just me. I'm much more interested in say, rising extremism in other countries for example. This of course would be relevant in the European context but for readers in the US, might not be at all interesting. That's kind of what I mean.
Alina Tsui Yeah, it's like my brain is operating at a faster speed than my fingers... :) Yes! The second point of "I don't mean you" category is annoying. I'd like to think that those that operate on this level is a small majority but it's unsettling at the same time, considering that it's 2013 and we're supposed to be living in such an advance society with technology streaming out of our fingertips.
Alina Tsui Tom--thanks for weighing in here. In a feedback comment, an editor told me not to write anything longer than 1000 words since it would be difficult to sustain the readers attention. I would think that our readers are a bit smarter than the average person... And, thanks for clarifying the issue of "shareable" content. One issue that I do have (not that I'm hating on PM or anything) but there's this idea that the articles have to have a hook. I'm sure there are topics of interest that aren't being covered by the major news outlets but can still be of interest to some people.
Alina Tsui Oops, I left out *few* : "it's an angle that very few pundits make in the mainstream media". Like there was momentary amnesia or something. Or, another way that people can take it wrongly, as in ----"I don't mean you" . That gets me too. Like there's the "others" and socially acceptable group. I can see why some people prefer the company of pets over homo sapiens.
Alina Tsui What gets me is that PM articles are prized more for "shareable content" than for the quality of an article. I still read mainstream newspaper articles precisely because the issues that are tackled are written well and are in some cases, long reads. I think if a writer is writing a 300-word piece, there's not a lot of room to make your case and to thoughtfully explain the nuances of the opposing side. Therefore, the "angle" to make it hot, viral is overwhelming and this kind of bugs me about PM.
Alina Tsui Terrific article Abdul! You make a lot of relevant points and the intro is mad funny. I never thought about the "shaming" aspect and it's an angle that very pundits make in the mainstream media.
Alina Tsui Thanks for bringing attention to this important issue. In NYC today, there was a pretty big protest in solidarity with our workers overseas. Though, I overheard a merchant (speech was broadcasted with loudspeakers over a popular farmers market area) say that the speeches made were 'annoying'. I wanted to just say something to the effect, that is free speech. Anyways, I think the point that you made on how May Day is closely associated with communist movement is pretty on point. With this issue, I don't know too much about, but I'd say May Day beats Labor Day any day.
Alina Tsui Thanks Darryl! Yes, I agree with your comment. In my opinion, traditional food and meal preparation seems like it's delegated to housewives watching soap operas because it is a time-consuming activity. But for millenia, that's how it was prepared, few could afford to take 'shortcuts'. It's only recently with technology and capitalism that's allowed people to seriously think about whether cooking is worth the time...If not, then the answer would be to order takeout/delivery. But we lose a part of our culture and flavorful food. I think this is why we always gravitate toward's cooking that's done with love by our grandmothers. And Bourdain is really awakening the comatose viewers that's usually associated with CNN....He's like coffee.
Alina Tsui Well, I can see how you feel jaded about celebrities. I mean, just look at Lindsay Lohan or Miley Cyrus...It's no wonder child actors get into some trouble as they get older.
Alina Tsui Yes, well it's hard to find any relevant news source (since this dance is pretty old). I had found a source but that dated back to 2002. Breitbart's source at least, was somewhat recent.
Alina Tsui Yes, well in my view (you may agree with), there are symbols affiliated with negative behavior that some people are offended by and may be overzealous in removing it from everyday life. Although this dance is 30 years old, there must be some reason that this dance is prohibited to this day in some schools, that MTV at one point banned the dance video from being broadcasted. Even though people may like this dance, those in charge may want to prevent the effects that they think it causes. I still think Williams performing this dance was not done in good taste but what's done is done.
Alina Tsui Ed, I agree with you 100% here. The Cuba of today is not the same as it was 50 years ago. It's made some attempts at free-market reform while still keeping its socialist economy. The old Cold War mentality though is something the US is having some trouble reconciling. Also, Cuba was a beneficiary of oil revenue under Chavez's regime and now that he's gone, I'm not sure how that's going to affect (if any) Cuba's economic situation.
Alina Tsui Well, look Cuba is going to be used as an example by some conservative lawmakers as the evil regime because it doesn't conform to our democratic ideals. It has a history of suppressing human rights, etc. Tibet,Tiannamen, Darfur are relevant examples but are situated far away whereas Cuba is 90 miles away from Florida. The US can use its power to shape the outcome whereas we aren't really able to affect or influence issues in Tibet because of China's geographical situation..... I don't think that the embargo is at all effective and it is against the economic interests of the US for this embargo to still be in place. But I was just trying to explain the other side.
Alina Tsui Yes, that's true. But this dance still means something to those in the African American community. To critics, this dance is something of a 'gang sign' like wearing the colors affiliated with gangs. Not to mention that in some schools, this dance is banned. http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Journalism/2012/08/05/ABC-Celebrates-Crip-Walk
Alina Tsui The Crip Walk as I understand it, was based on a dance that the California gang "The Crips" from the '70's. Whether you accept that Serena Williams did it out of sheer joy or, as a political statement to inject some color into what's seen as a very elitist sport where very few people of color "make it" is debatable. Furthermore, while doing the research for this article, I came across a tweet from Snoog Dogg who was very complementary of Ms Williams for performing the C-Walk at this very high caliber event. In addition, this dance is prohibited in some schools for its glorification of gang culture so her doing it, is in a way inflammatory. Saying that Ms Williams was a "irredemable idiot" is a bit harsh.
Alina Tsui I've got an electronic copy of this book but haven't had the chance yet to read it. By the way, this book was published in 2012. Just curious, why are you doing a review now?
Alina Tsui Not saying gov't should be stepping into ban the vices for everyone. I'm saying it isn't a simple issue of just saying yes/no for legalized gambling. The repercussions of those who can't control themselves are then picked up by society.
Alina Tsui Yikes! I was aware of the "farming" of characters but I had no idea that people with money would actually pay others to generate experience points for characters is too much. Although, I had read that something similar happens with the SCOTUS hearings this morning. People paying companies who then dispatch employees to wait hours or days in line in order to secure seats for clients.....Money makes the world go 'round I guess.
Alina Tsui I know the feeling. I let my 6 year old cousin play with my Ipad and downloaded a free game which is ok. But somehow she ended up purchasing one of the additional unicorns or something and next thing I know, this invisible thing that's not even real cost me $7...I found a setting on Itunes where you can disable purchases. I had read that article you're referencing...It's crazy because these virtual toys/accessories are costing real money to "enhance the gaming experience." That's another article idea. And the advice that Apple spokespeople have to put in the security settings is sort of lame. I mean, for those who don't know how to get to settings, how are they supposed to change it? And for those who aren't proficient in English?
Alina Tsui Douglas, I don't know if there are any national organizations that are as well-known as GA that helps compulsive gamblers. According to their website, they don't receive any outside funding and nondenominational. They also have hotlines in all 50 states should people require immediate assistance. From their website: http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/ Gamblers Anonymous would like to indicate that we are not soliciting members. Our intention is to highlight that gambling for certain individuals is an illness called "compulsive gambling." Gamblers Anonymous provides the message that there is an alternative to the destruction of compulsive gambling and this alternative is the Gamblers Anonymous program.
Alina Tsui Thanks Abdul! Yes, I just found it disturbing on several levels: that politicians are pushing for more casinos being built (sadly, I didn't really address it in this article) and with the ease of internet connectivity, compulsive gamblers will be greatly affected. And it isn't just gamblers. I was kind of shocked when I looked at Itunes and a separate category of 'casino' was listed under games. It's like we're peddling this stuff out to kids now. Yay, for free market and capitalism, right? But yeah, the research I cited was super interesting. Compulsive gamblers don't even really care about winning. It's just to escape their lives and problems, etc. The social aspect of playing w/others at the table doesn't even register w/compulsive g.