TOP 3: Disabilities
My very first post I wrote about how this blog would be my outlet. After this week I am extremely glad I do have that privilege, considering the fact that writing has always been a way for me to heal and overcome adversity. Today, I want to discuss the Top 3: Disadvantages to having a disability and the lessons I have learned from it.
For the majority of my childhood I’ve had to cope with the negative affects and effects of having epilepsy due to a brain injury I received while I was at the skating rink when I was young. I have not had a seizure for at least 6 years know nor have I had to take medication for epilepsy. I haven’t really discussed the disability I once had, but sometimes I feel as if I am still coping with having once had a disability. Through it all I most consistently remind myself of these three things below when problems arise.
1.) Remembering the important things in life - More than one time this week I’ve had experiences that have brought me to tears. I had been upset with myself for misplacing items that would have cost more money to replace. So, I cried from being so upset and frustrated with myself for not remembering important things. At my age, I should have no problem remembering.The hardest part is not knowing. Not knowing why I forget things as much as I do. Not knowing the effects of the many seizures I had while I was a child. And not knowing whether the medication I had been given by doctors has caused long-term effects that I still have to cope with today.
The lesson I have learned is: To take things slow. While somethings may be harder for me at times, I have to remind myself to just take things slow and my circumstances will get better.
2.) Basic and Simple task - Tasks that are simple and easy to do are things I have trouble with at times. As a journalist, this especially becomes a problem. Basic information is crucial to every story. If journalist cannot get the basic information in a story than more than likely his/her career becomes short lived. The other day, I was just reminded by an editor to try and remember to include the basic information in a story, and I immediately came down on myself for forgetting to include that information. I’m pretty sure it crossed my mind to include the information he was asking for in the story, but I became so involved in the story itself and all the details I wanted to include to make it a good story that I forgot about the basic information. In spite of him saying that I did a good job on the story, in my mind I didn’t. I always strive to do my best, so it is very disappointing to know that my best is not good enough.
The second lesson I have learned is: Never be too critical of yourself. It’s never easy to cope a disability nor is it easy to overcome. But if you keep trying to achieve your goals, eventually you will succeed. Persistence pays off.
3.) Equality - I’ve never been one to think of myself as having a disability, but the reality is I did have a disability. I believe most people who have a disability want to be treated as an equal. The ironic thing is, as much as you want to be treated equal, there are some situations when you placed on an unequal playing field due to a disability and necessary accommodations may need to be made. In spite of adversity, I strongly believe in the adage, you can do anything you put your mind to just like anyone else. Even if you have to accomplish things in a different manner, the only thing that matters is that you believe in yourself.
The third lesson I have learned is: Remember the positive things more than the negative. When you have bad days, deal with them accordingly, but don’t dwell on the negative. Cherish all the positive moments in life. Celebrate every victory, even if it is small. Smile in the face of adversity.
TOp 3: Historical Events in Oklahoma
Compared to many states in nation Oklahoma is young state. In spite of Oklahoma being relatively young its residents have had cope with many tragedies. As a result, I want discuss the Top 3: Historical Events in Oklahoma.
1. Murrah Federal Bombing April 19, 1995 – Before 9/11 many Americans were too comfortable with the notion terrorism was something that often happened overseas. The aftermath of acts of terrorism were too often only seen through the portrayal of media in nations that were at war or under the leadership of a dictator.The OKC federal bombing had been one of the first major terrorist attacks in the U.S. since Pearl Harbor. And it all too quickly changed the lives of many Oklahomans. Many Oklahomans today still are affected by the aftermath of this terrorist attack.
Video posted by AssociatedPress at youtube.com
2. May 3 Tornado – When an F5 hit Missouri, many Oklahomans already understood what it was like to go through such a severe storm. Several cities in Oklahoma were devastated including areas close to neighborhood I used to live in. Out of this tragedy came so many stories of survival and a sense of what a community is supposed to be.
Video posted by GualdAnubis at youtube.com
3. 2007 ice storm – This is the first time, I truly understood what life would be like without all the modern gadgets and invention we enjoy today. For, at least two days we were without electricity and heat. There were no working phones. And for those who lived in the country and drew water from wells, many did not have running water due to frozen pipes.
video by briandjin2 at youtube.com
TOP 3: Historical Events
Through journalism, I have acquired a great interest in historical events. As a result, I would like to discuss the TOP 3: Most Significant Historical Events in the history of the United States.
With a rich history of a little more than 230 years, the TOP 3 events isn’t an easy task, but why not go for challenge?
The single most important event in U.S. history is:
1.) The Declaration of Independence in 1776
Without the Declaration of Independence, the U.S.A. — as it exist today– probably would have never been… I would dare to say that this was the time when Democracy existed in its purest form. Not that Democracy doesn’t exist today, but I strongly believe the nation has strayed far from democracy and what the “founding fathers” intended it to be.
2.) The Civil War
The Civil War should be in any list about historical events considering the fact that it was the Civil War that United the States. Without the War The USA may have easily been known as the DSA – The Divided States of America.
I wonder if the U.S. would be like N. Korea and S. Korea today?
Many people believe the Civil War happened as a result of slavery. However, The Civil war was no more than a power struggle between two competing economies, two competing viewpoints and two competing presidents who wanted to be on top…For the record, the Emancipation Proclamation did not free all states in South. In my opinion, the slaves became free because the war devastated the South leaving them with very few means to continue to enforce slavery to the same degree they had before the Civil war.
3.) The Civil Rights Movement
I shutter to think about what the America we know today would be like without the Civil Rights movement. In spite of what many may think the Civil Rights was not about race. It was about obtaining the very rights that were sought for all citizens of the “new world.” The “unalienable Rights” of “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness,” as stated in the Declaration of Independence. Those unalienable rights were sought for every U.S. citizen regardless of gender, race, religion, creed, etc.
P.S. Its hard to analyze events that have occurred within the last 20-30 years or so because I don’t think we can even begin to grasp the magnitude of just how those events may have changed American History. So I did not include any events that occurred within that decade.
Other events that I thought about choosing from include: WWI, WWII, Pearl Harbor, the Womens Rights Movement, the assassination of former president Kennedy, the Louisiana Purchase, the Moonwalk, the Industrial Revolution, the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl,the Vietnam War, the Mexican American war…there’s so many events that could be listed here this list is by no means exhaustive.
TOP 3: Extranormal
There are very few things I can say that I love, love, love. One thing that I just can’t get enough of is Xtranormal. Below are my TOP 3 : Xtranormal Dance Videos
My #3 pick: Personally, I would love to see a presidential dance-off rather than a mouth off anytime. And if Xtranormal is the only way to make that happen than so be it.
My #2 pick: I always like this commercial, but it simply can’t be number one. Once you get to number one you’ll understand why.
The Winner is: This is my favorite not because I created it, but because it brings back so many good memories of my time in DC and the SIWJ 2010 Summer Crew…P.S. the video is unlisted so going through this link is the only way to find it. Enjoy:)
TOP3: Google Trends
Today, I feel like doing something random, which led me to check out the top Google trends of the day. And, the TOP 3: Google Trends I’ve been digging are.
1.) Glenn Campbell – Campbell recently announced the recording of his up and coming album as his last due to him having Alzheimer’s disease. I could only imagine how frustrating it is to have a disease that literally, changes life as you know it to be…I used to have epilepsy, which some doctors believe cause long-term memory loss. I think back to all the times I’ve been frustrated and upset with myself for forgetting important events or misplacing things and not remember where I’ve put them and can’t help but feel sorry for people with Alzheimer’s.
2.) The Federal Reserve – Apparently, the feds will be ending a “$600-billion program to buy U.S. Treasury bonds.” I don’t know exactly what affects this will have on the U.S. economy, but I bet it does nothing to increase constituents confidence in the government when it comes to economic polices or the economy itself.
3.) Minot North Dakota – As many as 12,000 had to be informed of immediate evacuations due to the rising of the Souris River. It may be one of the worst floods in the area’s history.
TOP 3: Oklahoma Politicians Behaving Badly
Since I last posted about TOP 3: Politicians behaving badly, I figured why not checkout the home front to see what comes to light…After listening to Oklahoma’s House of Representative half of this legislative session I had somewhat of an idea who would make this list so any of the names below don’t come as a surprise.
And the #1 politician’s behaving badly spot goes to:
Oklahoma Rep. Sally Kern has often been a controversial politician who has received national attention due to comments made on hot topic issues.
1.) State Rep. Sally Kern- On more than one occasion, Kern’s slip of the tongue has offended many people across the nation. First, with her homophobic remarks. Then with her remarks about women and minorities. Kern has been reprimanded for her remarks. I believe the single most important thing that can be taken away from Kern and the hurtful comments she has made is, just because you have the right to say something, it does not mean that something should be said.
2.) State Rep. Randy Terrill – While Terrill may seem like a passionate politician, his actions and behavior have been called in question. Terrill is currently being investigated for questionable election activity. He has also been reprimanded for “threatening” the speaker of the House Kris Steele. Terrill has also made accusations of other politicians engaging in illicit activity such as having sex and drinking activity while on the job.
3.) As for number 3…it seems as if most other politicians who have behaving badly has managed to keep their deeds under raps. So, I’ll leave the number three nomination up for grabs. There may be someone you feel is most deserving of a TOP 3 nomination under this category.
TOP 3: Politicians Behaving Badly
Just by reading the title, you probably already know what this is about. It’s always hilarious to see how politicians who “get caught” misconducting themselves react. Fortunately for my top 3 they have not been scrutinized in the media.
My number one pick today is…drum roll please…Rep. Roy Blunt. Anthony Weiner could have easily been a number my number 1 pick but (a) There are politicians who have done worse than sexting (b) His name has been in the news too much so I’ll give him a break. Back to my Number 1 pick.
1.) Rep. Pete Visclosky – As if earmarks are hard enough on taxpayers since they are being misused, Visclosky must have thought it would be a good idea to bribe clients with them. As a matter of fact, I’ll just upgrade Visclosky to number 1 on my list for this.
Illustration of Rep. Pete Visclosky by CREW
2.) Rep. Roy Blunt - To be blunt about it, Blunt is accused corruption and abuse of power to financially benefit his family.
Illustration of Rep. Roy Blunt by CREW
3.) Sen. Lisa Murkowski - According to CREW, Murkowski purchased land in Alaska for a price below market value. Also, citizens are questioning her financial situation due to inaccurate disclosure as required by law.
Illustration of Sen. Murkowski by CREW
Hey this topic is so special, I thought I should include and Honorable mention…and the prize goes to.
Honorable mention – Sen. David Vitter – if Weiner had to go why not Vitter?
It pays to be informed. Check out Citizens for responsibility and ethics in Washington most corrupt for more politicians behaving badly.
Top 3: TV Series
Hey all,
This time I thought I’d list the TOP 3: TV series I thought I wouldn’t like, but found out were pretty interesting after I’d actually taken time to sit down and watch them.
1. Hot in Cleveland - All the actresses are pretty hilarious in this hot new comedy
2. Criminal Minds -If only it were this easy to solve crimes in real life. The bonus for many fans is it stars Shemar Moore. Check out his character Morgan in real life.
3. House – Hey in his defense House may sound like a self -righteous, moronic doctor but that’s part of what makes this show interesting.
Since its entire website is interesting, I’ll link to to its page below.
Is there a doctor in the House?
P.S. sorry about the links instead of the actual video in the post. I haven’t figured out how to insert them yet.
-Tiffany
TOP 3
Do I really have to?, may have been the first line that popped into my head as we—as in we the 2011 summer interns of the Oklahoma Publishing Company—sat through orientation and were informed about blogs. On second thought, that may not have been the exact line. Who knows…I surely don’t. In my mind, I quote, “IN MY MIND” it seems like a great first line to break the ice. Although in this scorching Oklahoma heat there is not much ice to break.
My plan this summer is to blog about all the TOP 3 “things” on my invisible list. All that I will write about (please don’t make me sign a contract, please don’t make me sign a contract) has everything to do with much ado about nothing. No pun intended.
On a serious note, blogging will more than likely provide an outlet for me to de-stress and have fun since I will be working in NewsOk’s Watchdog department, which is part of their investigative team.
To kick of the 1st of what I hope are many blog post I would like to share with you, my TOP 3: Things I hope to accomplish at OPUBCO.
1.) I hope to walk away with 10 new articles for my portfolio.
2.) I want to learn a new skill to enhance my marketability as a multimedia journalist.
3.) I want to learn the basics of SEO. (In my defense, everything presented in orientation that one time was too complicated at that moment. Since I’ve mentally prepared myself, it should be easier next time around if I ever get to it.)
-Tiffany Brown
