An easy way out or just plain selfish? Teens Accused of Killing Windermere Officer Left Suicide Notes

April 7, 2014 / dbartholf / Leave a comment

We all have heard about suicide stories. While they are heartbreaking, especially for the families affected, there are so many uncertainties that come with such a radical and devastating decision.

Another case of uncertainty deals with two teenagers from Orange County, Florida, who were identified as being involved in the killing of a Windermere police officer on March 23rd. Brandon Goode, 18, and Alexandria “Alex” Hollinghurst, 17, were considered missing and endangered when the cops identified that they had both left behind suicide notes. Additionally, the two had been linked to the fatal shooting of Windermere Police Officer Robert German early Sunday morning—March 23rd.

The police released the contents of the suicide notes days later. In the note to Hollinghurst’s mother, she wrote:

“I could write you for days, but I know nothing would actually make a difference to you.” She goes on to say, “Please understand that when people compare us, I vomit on the inside. If I had stayed another minute I would have painted the walls and stained the carpets with my blood, so you could clean it up.”

Goode, on the other hand, wrote to his parents in more apologetic terms. He wrote, “I am sorry for all the pain and misery that I have brought you both. I love you both so much, I love you with all my heart. Please don’t be sad, this is what I want now, I get to die peacefully with the woman I love, the woman of my dreams, my fiance (Yes we were engaged!).”

Although I usually try to sympathize with those who have feelings of depression that unfortunately lead to suicidal thoughts, I can’t grasp the idea of two teenagers willing to die together…and before doing so killing an innocent person. It just doesn’t add up, and it makes me wonder if this was just an easy way out for the two teens or just plain selfish. I can’t imagine what the families must be going through, as I’m sure this devastating decision side swiped them.

I think it’s imperative that parents look out for their children and be wary of how they behave—physically and emotionally. Sometimes I wonder if it has something to do with dynamic of parental guidance provided to children as they grow, or lack there of. No matter the circumstance, there is always a better way to handle depression than to resort to something so horrible, especially when feelings of worthlessness are only temporary.

http://www.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/bestoftv/2014/03/27/sot-otc-teens-kill-cops-commit-suicide.hln.html
http://www.myfoxorlando.com/story/25056687/officials-teens-accused-of-killing-windermere-police-officer-left-notes
http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/26/justice/florida-officer-teens-killed/

On With The Thrones

April 7, 2014April 7, 2014 / dbartholf / Leave a comment

The return of Game of Thrones has now arrived, as fans eagerly wait around the TV for it to stream. My friends are currently battling poor Wifi to get the show up and running live stream, which is kind of funny to watch since I am not a GOT fanatic.

Characters on HBO’s hit series have a hard time sticking around, as main characters die off one by one, episode by episode, scene by scene. From the “Red Wedding” episode last season, fans of the series look forward to even a lower life expectancy for their favorite characters during season four. Daenerys (Emilia Clarke), as shown in the image above, is fans’ most beloved character, as she will lead her armies and a trio of dragons in endless, ruthless, and gory battles.

I have always been a huge fan of Lord of The Rings, as I see similarities between that and Game of Thrones. However, after only making it through the first season of GOT, for some reason I couldn’t get into it like other devoted fans. Like my friends say, “It’s similar to Lord of The Rings, just more sex, A LOT more sex.” And that’s probably why, along with the exaggerated and gory battle scenes, people rave about the series so much. Women are objectified quite often, and it becomes very redundant. And that, to me, is what the show is essentially about—bloodshed, sex, and scandal.

http://www.cnn.com/2014/04/04/showbiz/game-of-thrones-season-four-preview/

Spring forward in Elon

April 5, 2014 / dbartholf / Leave a comment

After the dramatic snow fall in February, the ice storm that caused damage to trees and even our beloved Belk Pavilion, and the crazy wind weather that caused power outage across campus, I think it’s safe to say Spring has finally arrived. The image above was shot outside of Alamance building during the magic hours it looks like. Here you can see the flower is on the middle and bottom right corner, which applies the rule of thirds nicely. The colors in the flower pop naturally, and the shading around the petals adds a nice touch because they are subtle. I think the green in the grass can be emphasized a little more, as it appears a lot darker than the true colors of the grass. Unless this is the true color of the grass, I think it would look more aesthetically pleasing if the grass was brighter —greener.

It’s amazing to see how much the advertising world has transformed its ethical values that come into play when targeting an audience of consumers. Deceptive advertising has always been a part of how products gain brand awareness and loyalty. But what is so fascinating is that I have noticed recently that many advertising firms are trying to push towards this “True Self” and the “Real Woman” when advertising products. The Dove Campaign for Real Beauty, for example, is another popular campaign that focuses on honesty and being true to yourself.
In this Dermablend Ad, these values parallel to that of Dove and other brands who now try to put emphasis on honesty in products. I feel this is incredibly compelling to viewers, and it works. Although people are honest with the audience, I think this honesty is yet another tactic advertisers are now using more frequently to gain brand loyalty. Why? Because it hits the hearts of every consumer —its emotional, beautiful, honest, and real. It shows that even beautiful people, who appear perfect in photoshopped photos, are just like us—with flaws. It makes me excited for what is going to come next in the world of advertising, as it is not a finite one, but rather infinite when it comes to creating new ideas to capture an audience effectively.