Sunday, November 30, 2014

Violent video games.

In recent years, there has been more of a concern with violent behavior in children and adolescents. Although the rate of serious violent crime committed by juveniles has declined, there have been more school shootings and murders brought to our attention in the media.  Because of this, the public has tried to find a cause for these shootings, putting blame on gun control laws when in fact, they need to blame the person with their mental health and gaming habits.
Adam Lanza, the shooter in the Sandy Hook tragedy, blacked out his room so that when he played Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 on a regular basis, he would feel more involved in the game while trying to get a high body count. Adam Lanza constantly sought out higher-sensation experiences with violence until the real thing was the only way to satisfy his needs. Yes, very little is understood about this phenomenon of school shootings and what causes them to happen.  Psychology, sociology and neurology all contribute to the homicidal mindset and help us come to understand these tragedies. When looking into shooter’s lives, we can see that they were in fact playing these violent games.
I am aware that there are a large number of children who play different types of violent games and go on leading perfectly normal lives. Some use it as a stress reliever and enjoy it as their leisure activity. When children play positive, uplifting games, their behavior improves.
Although there is not a direct correlation between violent videogame play and committing the actual violent crimes, it is clear that a child can become more aggressive through this source of media. When adolescents play violent video games, especially at a young age, they are receiving a form of operant conditioning. 
Recent studies have shown that the relationship between violent videogames and aggression is stronger for individuals who are characteristically aggressive to begin with.  The type of aggression that is being triggered is that of physical aggression, which is more common in boys than girls. That being said, boys are also more prone to increase their aggression by playing video games than by watching TV.

In relation to the negative effects violent videogames has on behavior, those who play may struggle with maintaining normative feelings and capabilities. Adolescents seeking higher-sensation experiences are more likely to play violent video games that contain specific acts of violence (e.g., weapon use).  Research suggests that sensation seeking may also be related to risky behavior at a very young age. Who are we conditioning our children to become?

Sunday, October 5, 2014

LDS General Conference


I invite you to watch this inspiring program to better understand the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You'll be glad you did.



Thursday, October 2, 2014

TED Talk




For one of my classes I watched this amazing video and I thought it would be fun to share and get a few insights from all of you on what you think about this topic of feminism. In no way do I think of myself as feminist. I believe in a woman staying home to be a loving, nurturing, mother while the man goes to work to provide for the family. On top of that, I believe that a man and woman should be equal in their say on raising their family. I feel strongly that men should be very involved as fathers in their children's lives. Here were a few points I picked out from the video. Do you agree or disagree with them?

·      Women are to remain quiet and reserve what you truly think -Disagree
·      Men are best at holding leadership positions -Disagree
·      Positions of power and prestige are to be held by men -Disagree
·      Men the earn money, women don’t -Disagree
·      We should teach boys to be afraid of weakness, vulnerability, etc. -Disagree
·      Men have to prove their masculinity ­-Agree
·      Women can have ambitions but not too much -Disagree
·      Women’s success is a threat to a man -Agree
·      Women are to aspire to marriage, it is the most important thing -Agree
·      Women cannot be sexual beings, men can -Disagree
·      Women should bring back the perfect man for marriage -Agree/Disagree because no one is perfect
·      Women are to do housework  -Agree, but both men and women should.

·      Women must prove their worth –Disagree, we are all sons and daughters of God


Saturday, September 27, 2014

Interior Design.

Take a look at this beautiful photography by Rebekah Westover.
She recently took pictures for the Gatehouse in Orem, where I work.
We design gorgeous spaces for all sorts of people throughout Utah and out of state. If you want to see more of my personal designs, follow me on Instagram @spenceylovesaaron or my design blog http://holeinthewalldesign.weebly.com

Also, head on over here: http://www.rebekahwestover.blogspot.com
and check out Rebekah's amazing photography!
(All furniture courtesy of Gatehouse No.1)

photo credit: Rebekah Westover Photography

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Ray Rice Inspired Makeup Tutorial

I don't know if any of you have seen this, but it is so great.
In the news fairly recently, NFL star Ray Rice is getting off pretty easily for a crime he committed.
Megan MacKay tells this story through a makeup tutorial. It's a must see.
This just goes to show that NFL players along with other celebrities aren't being held at the same standard as normal people, and it's upsetting.


Friday, September 19, 2014

New iPhone, bigger & better than ever?

My husband pre-ordered the iPhone 6 Plus. I'm interested to see just how big it is. Will the phone fit in your pocket still? Will it look like an iPad Mini? Apple is always coming out with newer phones and gadgets. I wonder what they will be coming out with in 50 years from now...
What do you think? Do you like the new iPhones?