My Generation and the Future

In the end, I am both nervous as well as excited. My generation in the future will have many serious challenges to face, yet also many wonderful and exciting things as well! Here are some personal thoughts about the cons and pros (save the best for last!) about my generation and our future! Please note, I am not a scientist and the following are just opinions. I was just bored and wanted something to do...

Negative Future

• Environment: Devastation of forests, greenhouse gasses, pollution, toxic chemicals, etc... contribute negatively to the world
• Privacy: Computers and social connections, government internet tracking and more in such a digitalized world will privacy almost instinct!
• Handwriting extinct: The skills of handwriting is sadly a dying art as phones, computers and other technologies take over our lives. Now we must only speak and technology such as Apple's Siri can write for us.
• Social skills: Less physical interaction with people can take away social skills and even produce more anxiety and depression due to isolation.
• Healthcare crisis: The baby boomers will be reaching the age where heal care is needed in daily life. The Canadian healthcare system is already stressed without a generation of boomers to worry about

Positive Future

• Improved medicine/ technology in healthcare: Possible lengthened lifespan from new medicine and medical practices
• More green energy development: Hopefully, the world will move towards a higher usage of renewable energies such as wind and solar
• Space: Development of the commercial and private sectors will make space travel available to a higher number of people than ever before
• Transportation: Easier means of transportation. From new, more efficient cars to better aircraft and cleaner boats
• Politics: Possible that our generation is a lot more proactive and accepting than generations before

Disney's Frozen

The Digital Cast of Frozen. (From: Disney)

One of the most talked about and popular movies amongst my age group at the moment remains to be the Disney movie 'Frozen'. While it has been out since late 2013 and is soon to be released on Blue Ray, DVD, etc... The film continues to capture the hearts of kids, teenagers and young adults everywhere. Possibly the most notable impact is amongst young women due to the general idea of sisterhood, being yourself and growing up. However it also had a large effect for those around my generation that were raised with the magic of Disney movies, and continue to look forward for more heartwarming productions from the studio. Today, I am going to go over what made it special for me (both as a person and as a guy) and explain why I actually liked the film.

Besides the fact that most of my friends, both male and female like the film, I wasn't really interested in the trailers and what-not. I was skeptical and didn't necessarily have high hopes for the film. That's how I was, well, until after I saw it. From the fun references to other classic childhood disney movies to the beautiful soundtrack and Oscar winning song "Let It Go", the movie was a refreshing move from Disney.

---Spoiler Warning(s)! You have been warned! ---

All of us young adults, male, female, black, white, purple, young, old, short, tall, straight, gay, fit, fat, etc... We all are different people with our own unique gifts. That is what makes the world such a wonderful place. Elsa, the older sister in the movie, has special ice powers (that through a series of events and an accident regarding her "normal" sister, Anna) is forced to hide her powers from everyone else and make sure she controls and assimilates herself to be a "perfect queen" for her kingdom. Eventually when they grow up, her power overwhelms her and accidentally shows her powers off in front of everyone. This forces her to flee her home and become an exile in the tall, lonely mountains. While being exiled, Elsa discovers that she could now be herself, release anything holding her back from being not herself and learning to "Let It Go" (As one can possibly tell, this is where the famous song comes in with a very epic feeling to it). This is a very iconic moment and pivotal part in the story. This gives a real personal view with the themes of "staying true to yourself" and "Love yourself". Many, many young adults have these pressures in the real world today. From social media, family issues to body image, youth today are continuously assaulted with images and thoughts of the ideal person. Filled with fear and regret, many people never stay true to themselves and learn to resent their natural gifts. they hold themselves hostage within their own body. Not until they let it out, and learn to take their fear and societal conventions and "Let It Go", will they learn of true happiness and joy.

The next most iconic part of the film was that Disney actually did something new! Yes, they actually added a twist to this film! While just like other Disney stories such as Cinderella , there is a love interest involved. Anna, looking for her sister, accidentally has her heart "Frozen" (movie title!) by her sister's fear. While only true love can save her, another protagonist, tries to save her with his love for her, but surprisingly he is too late and to the viewers sadness, Anna is Frozen forever, that is, until a love even more powerful appears. Elsa cries for her fallen sister and gives her a warm hug, in term de-frosting her and saving the day. For once, the "stereotypical prince" didn't save the day but instead, the love of two sisters.

In the end, Frozen is a well produced, marketed and overall great joy to have experienced. While ending it perfectly, I was satisfied, among millions of others with it's loveable characters, themes and story. I am no longer skeptical, and have learned to keep an open mind! All of us have been reminded the important lesson of taking our fears and the past, and learning to let it go.

First time at Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)

The other day, I was invited by my friend Kyle to his mixed martial arts club called "Empire MMA". While being a little nervous, I decided to accept his invitation to this new adventure.

As I stepped into the building, I was greeted by a tough, heavily tattooed man, yet he had an honest smile as he greeted all kids, teens and adults to the class. As I met up with my friend Kyle, the class began. I was surprised to see around thirty people already doing some kind of wrestling in the ring. They were all seniors practicing Jui-jit-sui.  As the seniors cleared out and we and our fellow beginners entered, our class began our intense warm up, and then proceeded to Muay Thai, otherwise known as traditional "kick boxing". 

Kyle was an excellent peer, as well as teacher. As the entire class practice it's movements and tactics, Kyle and I went over every single detail and scenario, he taught me both persuasion and form. The next few days that proceeded were full of body pains from stretched muscles that I never knew I had! It was a very positive experience for me, and just goes to show what fun can be had when you are spontaneous and try new things.