Of all natural disasters, the most dangerous and unpredictable is the earthquake. Caused by fault shifting as tectonic plates move, the sheer force of a considerable earthquake is enough to bring down homes and mountainsides. The earthquake in Nepal on Saturday reached a magnitude of 7.8 and has killed over 5,000 people, but injury and death tolls continue to rise. An estimated number of 8 million people have been affected in some way by the earthquake, which adds up to almost a quarter of Nepal’s population.

Relief efforts have been trickling in, but it’s terrifying to see what devastation can occur in a matter of seconds. Homes collapsed, villages destroyed, and people taking their last breaths by matter of the tremors of the Earth- absolutely terrifying. However, I think it’s important to know that differences are being made as people flock in to help. The human idealism of helping each other resonates in my mind the hope of humanity and the peace that we should strive for world-wide. Humans are dependent on one another, it’s important to remember that.

To donate to the RedCross in aiding Nepal, visit:

 Red Cross

To learn more about the situation, visit:

http:/ /www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-32494628

Star Wars is Back

It seems as though all good things come to those who wait. This proverb holds true to the 10 year hiatus that Star Wars fans across the galaxy have been dealing with since the last release of new material (Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith) back in 2005. Finally, the faithful will receive their reward: Star Wars: The Force Awakens. After a buy-out of the Star Wars franchise by Disney in October of 2012, there was worried talk that the new movies wouldn't hold up to their legendary predecessors. However, a release of the first trailer has the internet in a buzz. It shows promise with a diverse cast, a new menace, and old favorites. These old favorites, of course, are the dynamic duo of Chewy and Han Solo, ruffians and smugglers who found sanction with the Rebels of the old films. To see the new trailer, click below.

I am a Star Wars geek (always have been), and nothing gets me more excited than this trailer. It brings me back to my childhood filled with Star Wars movies, action figures, and Legos. I can't wait to see if director J.J. Abrams is able to pull off another classic. The set release date is Christmas of 2015. I have my fingers crossed for some classic space humor, action, and romance. Let's hope Disney is able to handle The Force.

Link to an article that dissects the new trailer:
 http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/20150416-han-solo-is-back-in-star-wars

Gay Conversion Therapy

CNN reporters Kevin Liptak and Sunlen Serfaty have written a stunning article over the controversy of Gay Conversion Therapy. The article states that President Obama is pushing for a ban on such therapeutic practices, as they have been deemed ineffective and in some cases, counterproductive to the point of danger. This article even mentions a teen who committed suicide after attending these "conversion practices". The article goes on to elaborate on the details of the ban and the sessions themselves.

I think this concept of Gay Conversion Therapy is a little sickening. I am all for Gay Rights, and when I see situations like this, where gays are told that there is something wrong with them, I get a little heated. These "conversions" are condescending and demoralizing, and many who go through such programs experience depression and anxiety. They provide no psychological healing, and simply lead to hurt. What bothers me most is that Christian organizations spearhead campaigns such as these. I believe that it is time to get over the past and understand that Gays are just like everyone else, and deserve to be treated like anyone else, not as someone with an issue. The problem isn't with gays, it's with those who oppose them. Gay Rights is currently a highly topical debate in light of the Skutt teacher who openly stated that he was marrying his male partner and is now being declined of a renewal of his contract. Now, understandably, this is beyond Skutt's jurisdiction, as those decisions are made by the Archdiocese. But that's for another blog.

Read the article at: http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/08/politics/white-house-seeks-ban-on-gay-conversion-therapies/index.html

Equality in Afghanistan

According to a CNN article written by Monica Sarkar, there is a dangerous amount of predjudice being held against Afghan women, especially those involved with Women's Rights in the country. There have been many shocking against of brutal attacks against women, including the burning of a 27 year-old activist after being supposedly accused of burning the Quran. New statistics show that since last year, the number of women murdered in Afghanistan has risen by 20%. That statistic alone calls for a great change, but little government assistance can be noted for the protection of these women. Yet in the face of death threats and harassment, the women of Afghanistan continue to fight for equality.

The treatment of women, regardless of country or religion, should hold equivalent relevance to the treatment of men. Afghanistan women are putting their lives in the line in the hopes of gaining their equality. The government needs to put their biases in the past and assist these women in their efforts. All women, but particularly those fighting for their rights, deserve to be treated in a fair and safe way. It is embarrassing for Afghanistan to hold women in such a lowly stature when the majority of western culture acknowledges equality.

Link to article: http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/07/asia/afghanistan-amnesty-report/index.html

Knife to Sweet You

Hello you blog-reading nerd. This is my first post so I'd like to apologize for the fact that I have no idea what I am doing. Firstly, I'd like to say a few things about myself, so buckle up. I was born and bred in Omaha, Nebraska, known for its boring winters and slightly better summers. I have three older brothers and two younger sisters, but that's not important. I attended grade school at Saint Robert Bellarmine and am currently killing it here at Creighton Prep. I've never had a dog, but I've stepped on three on accident in my lifetime. I play soccer for club and am on varsity here at Prep. When my parents aren't home, I usually ride my bike in the street and leave my dishes out. I'm in a band with Brendan Doyle, Sam Tighe, Jim Lindsay, and Ben Steinauer, and I play piano, banjo, and sing. 

This is my band Swim Team and we are sweet.

I usually don't think about breathing but once I start I can't stop. I can swim, but I get really paranoid when Spongebob episodes are set at Goo Lagoon. People usually gives me names like "Money Hands" or "Blitzkrieg" but in all honesty I give them to myself.  Usually I can hit a baseball if it's thrown underhand, but sometimes I forget to open my eyes. Some people think I'm a good guy but other people are sort of scared of me.

                                       

But like it's fine. One time I bought a fish from Petco and Jack Ferris from Central took it out of the bag and lost it in a pile of leaves and we never found it. Usually I just try not to think about it. Okay I'm sorry about how confused you must feel after reading this but just know that all of it is true.