Beauty standards represented in the media have been under attack for a while now. It’s nothing new to hear people comment about overuse of photoshop on models and actresses, perpetuating highly unrealistic and often unhealthy ideals of feminine beauty. But young Madeline Stuart brings a highly refreshing and often overlooked take on the old issue. Madeline, an 18-year-old from Australia is an aspiring model. Models are known for being part of a harsh industry with some of the most strict body ideals. And yet, Madeline is determined to showcase her own beauty, both internal and external, as a champion for all young girls who find themselves defeated for not looking like the girls on the magazine covers. You see, Madeline has Down Syndrome, a condition where the body creates extra chromosomes leading to low muscle tone and mental impairment, among other characteristics. Those with Down Syndrome are not considered to be traditionally beautiful, making Madeline’s courageous efforts all the more impressive. Representation is so important, and the more young people with Down Syndrome have role models like them succeeding in fields thought closed to them, the easier it will be to smash popular belief about their abilities, allowing them chase their own dreams. Here is an article written on A Plus, a media source dedicating to creating positive change: http://acceptance.aplus.com/a/Madeline-Stuart-model-with-down-syndrome?utm_campaign=i102&utm_source=a60146&so=9jF7UNHYGLLpFHRCwXCyHi&ref=ns
Surf, Sand, and Sun! *Serenity Optional*
When you think vacations in Florida, popular assumptions are Orlando, the land of theme parks, or Miami, the posh metropolitan center. You might not think of Santa Rosa Beach, and you would be missing out.
Located in the panhandle of Florida, Santa Rosa is surrounded by the clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico. My family rented a house, through Royal Beach Rentals, right on the beach on highway 30A. Best vacation idea ever. Now, when I say family, I mean my big, fat, Italian family. There were 24 of us under a single roof and surprisingly there was plenty of room for everyone with a master bed/bath, three other bedrooms with queen-sized mattresses, one room with two full beds, and a bunk room with twin bunks and queen bunks for the kids. Including that master bath, there are five full baths and one half, a spacious kitchen and living room, two refrigerators, a washer/dryer, pool, screened-in deck with hightop tables, and private access to the beach that is less than fifty feet from the home. In addition for an extra fee, there is also a guest house with two bedrooms and another kitchen.
That is just the house I’m in. Along our street, there are many rental options and all of them are different. Most look like they can hold a large family or many families. I should mention that there are also options for those who are only traveling with small groups. Across the street from the beach are condos and hotels that offer single rooms. There are some things lost with these options, though, such as the independence of being in your own space.
Another benefit to renting a house is having the convenience of being right on the beach. My family is an active, outdoor bunch. My little cousins are practically fish with how much time they spend in the water, so it’s wonderful being able to eat breakfast and walk down the stairs to the waterfront. Royal Beaches offers chair and umbrella rentals, but the more people the pricier it’ll get. It might be more worth if for your group to pick up beach chairs and umbrellas at the local Wal-Mart (less than 5 miles away) and set them up yourself. You can’t leave them on the beach at night, but you can set them up early in the morning and leave them there throughout the day so you can enjoy the beach and water at your convenience. The water here is crystal clear-a nice change from the murky greenish color that I’m used to at Jones Beach on Long Island. That clarity comes in handy when a pod of dolphins come up next to your kayak. Sports equipment-boogie boards, kayaks, goggles, ect. are not provided so you’ll need to bring your own if you want them. And I’m not sure if the dolphins are always in this area, but as of late summer, they are a constant presence every morning and it is the coolest thing to spot them in the wild.
At night, there are no lights nearby, so sitting on the beach and stargazing is a must, especially if your a city bunch. You won’t get this opportunity in many vacation spots. So a good idea would be to look up celestial events and grab yourself a front row seat and accompany the show with the sounds of the surf. The other night, there was a meteor shower and we had the best view.
Another bonus of the location is the fact that it is so far removed from city distractions. There are shops nearby, local clothing stores and souvenir places in addition to a Publix and Wal-Mart, but not much beyond that. It really forces the family to rely on each other for entertainment. I know in my family, thats where the “peaceful” aspect of the vacation ends and hilarity ensues. From bonding over memories past to making new ones, the quality time is plentiful here.
So before you join the heard of tourists heading to Disney or South Beach, try something a little slower, a little more low key, and a lot more rewarding.
A Little Perspective
This is one of the best articles I’ve read yet on the issue in Gaza. Not because I agree with everything the author has said, but because he clearly took the time to do his research and remain as impartial as possible while keeping perspective. I commend this journalist and hope we get more pieces like this.
I urge everyone to give it a quick read if they have the time in order to center themselves on where they stand with what is happening.
“7 Things to Consider Before Choosing Sides in the Middle East Conflict”
Tales and Tips from Across the Atlantic
The second post…the sequel. Some say it’s even harder than the first, but I’ll give it the old college try. Though I suggest something a little lighter this time; my experiences as an abroad student. I’ll list tips after the experiences, summing up what I’ve learned. If you don’t want to read my whole spiel, at least look at the tips to help prepare yourself if you’re also planning on going overseas.
Spain was never on my bucket list, but I am so glad my study abroad program took me here. Based in Valencia, the third largest city, I get to experience history and culture in an entirely new way. I’ve traveled abroad before, but living in the city for so long allowed me to really immerse myself in the culture.
Thats not to say that everything was easy. Adapting is pretty hard if you’re not open to new experiences. In previous travels, I had been part of an organized group. Activities were planned out for us, and experiencing things away from the group was rare, if not impossible. As an abroad student, we are given as much freedom as a college student would be in the USA. Our day to day activities are not regulated, and so our experience and how we seek it out is entirely up to us. It was my responsibility alone to reach out and make the best out of the opportunity and there is immense satisfaction in being able to do so. Everything is new and so everything is an adventure.
Travel Tip: Rather than look at how things are different, appreciate how they’re unique. Spanish food is something that isn’t popular in the USA. I had never even heard of paella, a very popular rice dish, or gezpacho, cold soup, and will admit that I was very hesitant to try them. Just taking that leap is so worth it. I will lament the loss of paella which is so creamy it could be risotto, and I fully support the idea of cold soup in a climate as hot at southern Spain’s in July. We should have gezpacho in the USA; maybe then I’d eat soup more. There are familiar eateries if you feel unusually homesick like Burger King, McDonalds, and KFC, but try to limit those nights. The traditional food is homemade in many little shops and is so authentic and fresh you will never look at food the same way again.
-Note: Food allergies or restrictions are not easy abroad but with an open mind and attitude you won’t have a problem. Many friends of mine are vegetarian and in an area where Iberian ham is very, very popular, it’s a little off-putting. But there are several vegetarian restaurants and most regular restaurants all have vegetarian options. For those who keep kosher, it’s practically unheard of in Spain, but making substitutions in dishes is not seen as rude, so it’s ok to ask for a bocadillo (sandwich) without the ham or cheese. They know you’re not a native and don’t expect you to eat like one. Also, there will be instances where ham will mysteriously appear on your plate as a garnish. The Spanish really like their ham, so in that case, it’s best to just let a friend who doesn’t keep kosher have it or just leave it off to the side. For those who need to eat Halal, I haven’t seen any so far in Valencia, but in the more southern areas of Spain there are delis and restaurants that advertise as Halal, so I’m sure there are more throughout the country. Try researching on your own or ask your program for help in finding the food you need. If nothing else, the substitution of vegetarian options will work as well.
Something as simple as food shouldn’t be what makes or breaks your trip, but you would be surprised to know how many times I’ve heard people in my program say they can’t wait to get back to the States so they can get some Taco Bell. Be adventurous! Try new things! And don’t limit that adventure just to food.
I am not fluent in Spanish. I passed my classes in high school, even did relatively well, but that knowledge had long since left me. But after my first afternoon, I realized I would have to step up my game. I would have to be adventurous and daring in my attempts at speaking Spanish. There are many people who speak a little English, but it’s easier to meet in the middle than expect them to understand me, the tourist. Also, it’s about respect. I entered a foreign country and should respect their language and culture and make it easier for them to accommodate my shortcomings. And just for me, I wanted to prove that I was not another ignorant tourist but someone who appreciated being in Spain. I’m still not fluent, or anywhere near it, but I can communicate well enough to get my point and needs across while understanding others.
Travel Tip: It really helps to have a friend who is fluent in the language. They will usually be more than happy to help you learn for yourself, and they are lifesavers when pointing and broken grammar won’t cut it, like at a pharmacy or when explaining a food allergy.
The language barrier aside, the culture itself was a tricky beast to tackle. The average day here is so different. Many things only start to operate around nine in the morning then close up in the afternoon for “siesta,” or nap time. People don’t actually nap, but rather take time to enjoy lunch and relax with their families. For a student abroad it can cause a bit of a struggle though, when our only free time between classes to run errands is when everything is closed.
In Valencia, siesta usually ends around 5:30pm, though more traditional cities and towns siesta hard core, ending around 7 or 8pm and open up for the night crowd. With so much down time in the middle of the day, people tend to stay awake later into the night; eating dinner around 9 or 10 and shmoozing until midnight or later.
Travel Tip: If you’re a student, the nightlife will be very tempting. Let’s be real here; the legal drinking age in Spain, and most European countries, is 18 and you’re in college. I don’t have to be good at math to know how that adds up. The clubs are cool and the European vibe is perfect for partying. And thats okay! But be smart. You’re still a *student* abroad. You still have all the responsibilities of a college student. You will have class at nine in the morning, homework, tests, midterms, and finals. Choose what nights to go out wisely and be responsible. You don’t need to drink too much or stay out until the clubs close (which in Valencia is around 6 or 7 am) to have a good time. I don’t want to be a wet blanket, but trust me, you’re not going to appreciate waking up hungover after only three hours of sleep and having to go to class only to realize you didn’t do the assignment and you’re missing you’re wallet.
But the ultimate immersion, the ultimate adventure is to leave your comfort zone. Now, you already did that once by going abroad, but getting too settled into your neighborhood
undermines all that.
My friends and I took a day trip to a park that boasted a waterfall and beautiful nature hike. Others on my program went on a different one, but that was three hours away and we opted for a different one only one hour away. The bus dropped us off in the sleepy city of Buñol, which was undergoing a siesta of epic proportions. Only one shop in the entire town was open and luckily the woman working in the little dive was very nice. After we ordered our food, she gave us directions to the start of the hike. She did fail to mention, however, that those directions would take us on a very sketchy walk along a highway and through the backwoods. Out of my comfort zone? Definitely! But I was with friends and we were smart about how to proceed. At the end of the day we made it to the waterfall, got some amazing pictures, and took in a piece of Spain that is completely removed from the tourist traps and hustle and bustle of city life. Personally, I am not a very assertive person, and I like my comfort zone as it is. I will rarely do something on my own if I’m not 100% sure of myself. But because of a little push, I gave myself the confidence to walk through a foreign county, to take the path less traveled without fear of making a mistake, and when a mistake was made I was able to laugh and learn from it. I know that confidence will go far when I leave another comfort zone later this year, college, and enter the “real world” of being an adult.
Travel Tip: Unless you have a medical reason or the suggestion is dangerous, just say yes! Friends want to go to the beach? Go for it! Foreign beaches are an experience, as is mastering the train and bus system. A hike through the local countryside? Well, when else are you going to see such a gorgeous view? These are the moments that create lasting memories, give confidence, and shape you as a person.
To sum up, adapt and immerse. You will never regret truly experiencing a new place.
To Begin With…Lying in Journalism
My very first post will already test my capability as a blogger. The Middle East and it’s many conflicts are never easy subjects to touch upon, and should never be addressed lightly. But with what has been happening in Israel over the past few weeks, I feel as though a lot of people do see it as an easy and simple subject with just as simple a solution.
My main question there is how can an issue be simple, when even getting information about current daily events is difficult? There is so much in question, with faults on both sides and both Israel and Hamas claiming the other is lying, that it is no easy task to assertion the truth.
I will not get into those claims now, that is for another post. What I will focus on is just how misconstrued information can become. The New York Times is a reputable, respected publication with a strong and faithful following. Unlike many online sites with questionable sources, The New York Times is taken for it’s word since it has such good standing.
It is disheartening then to find out that they have lied and have operated under bias when reporting the issues regarding Israel. On Monday, the New York Times published an article that said that Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, remained silent for days after the murder of 16 year old Arab Israeli Mohammed Abu Khdeir by Jewish radicals. Actually, the opposite was true, with Netanyahu immediately condemning the murder when the news broke and continuing to condemn it throughout the search for those responsible. CAMERA, the Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting in America, called The New York Times out on this discrepancy.
This may seem like a small oversight, but the tragedy of the murder was the spark that ignited the most recent round of violence between Israel and Hamas. Hamas, the ruling government of the Gaza Strip and an organization that is recognized by the UN as a terror group, claims that Israel started all this with Khdeir’s murder, as well as with the arrests of 300 Palestinians during the 18 day search for the three missing Israeli boys who were later found dead.
This tragic death was the spark, and by misrepresenting the Israeli leader’s reaction to it, The New York Times effectively skews it’s readers’ opinions of the situation by making it appear as if Netanyahu personally did not condemn it, but rather made the public statement much later as tensions started to rise.
The New York Times has since edited the online article, taking out the sentence that says Netanyahu stayed silent for days, but many have already read it as it was. I am not sure if a public announcement has been made in regards to the change, but in my opinion there should be. News papers and magazines must be held accountable for playing with facts and the public who reads those articles should know whether or not they have been, in essence, lied to.
Now, there is no evidence that this particular case was intentional; however CAMERA has responded to previous articles by The New York Times which skew the facts so that they cast a nicer light on Hamas, the terrorist organization, and put Israel on the hot seat.
In March 2011, the front page of The New York Times was an article about a murdered Pro-Palestinian protester from Italy. According to the original article, Vittorio Arrigoni peacefully fought for justice and Hamas while living in Gaza when he was murdered by a fringe group inspired by Al-Qaeda.
CAMERA responds by saying that Mr. Arrigoni was a radical supporting not so much the Palestinian claims, but rather the extremist views of Hamas, often posting on his blog extreme anti-Israel propaganda.
In this case, a man who supported terrorists was murdered-by other terrorists- and he received a front page article. Not only that, the article was written with such a tone and bias so as to elevate Mr. Arrigoni and cast him in a positive light.
In a later article, the Times mentioned only in passing about the death of a young Israeli. It did not report on the actual attack that lead to his death, a Hamas organized attack on a civilian school bus-clearly marked as such- but only mentioned as part of a larger article about a different investigation that the only passenger on the bus, Daniel Viflic, died from his wounds that Sunday.
It seems strange to me that a trusted American news publication would sympathize with a man who supported extreme terrorists while barely batting an eye at the loss of innocent life.
Here is the link to the article where I found the comparison between what the Times wrote and CAMERA’s response. Now I understand that it is only one sight, but it includes links to the original Times article and also to CAMERA’s site.
Again, this blog post is not to call out who is right in the current situation in Israel, but rather to expose a trusted publication for it’s bias. The New York Times has a responsibility and an obligation to report the facts in a non biased manner. To do anything else would be a violation of the trust so many readers put in them as well as their own ethics as journalists.
The truth will speak for itself, so do not manipulate facts in order to manipulate the readers.
Travels, Tomes, and Tenacious Words 