There are a few must have things in your emergency backpack, in this blog post you will find a list of items that will make you feel prepared in case of an emergency. There will also be a few recommendations for locations to keep emergency backpack(s).
As this piece is being written, some major seismic activity is happening in Puerto Rico and there are some major wildfires happening in Australia. These fires have claimed 25 human lives, about 500 thousand animal lives, and more than 2,000 homes have been destroyed. Authorities are concerned this will turn into a ‘mega blaze’.
Meteorologists in Puerto Rico are urging the public to be prepared and equip their emergency backpack with essential items.
With that being said, feel free to customize this list and add whatever you deem necessary.
“The people already fired you, it’s time for you to recognize it and leave.” Was the quote that resonated through social media. Members of the previous generation admit that they have never seen the people of Puerto Rico more unified in protest towards a particular goal.
The protests have lasted more than most people ever imagined. People of Puerto Rico and other parts of the world are outraged at the hate speech expressed in the 889 page Telegram chat published by Puerto Rico’s Center for Investigative Journalism. (more information here)
Misogyny, homophobia, and violence, evident in the leaked chats, are the ongoing fuel for the desire to impeach Governor Ricardo Rosselló-Nevares.
On July 22, 2019, Puerto Ricans made history blocking the main highways of the territory’s metropolitan areas and some other areas including the South and West.
When arriving, the air smelled like sunblock and excitement, people were prepared for anything, Puerto Rico’s raging sun, or the cool rain.
From little groups to the crowd that felt like everyone in the island made their way up to the highways, the demonstrators were from all generations, and uniting for the same cause.
As one reached the bulk of the crowd, songs and chants were what elevated the desire to keep going. Dancing and contagious laughter filled the air with joy.
The signs and other art evidenced the marchers’ creativity and resilience.
The making of compost was “one of the most creative ways to protest”. The food transforms and so can the people.
With more than half a million people demonstrating, Puerto Rican history keeps changing, last week about 500,000 but the crowds keep multiplying when the information is shared. The public is now understanding the importance of knowledge and communications.
“The amount of stuttering shows the patterns of a man who knows he’s in danger.” Reads one of the video’s comments.
Governor Ricardo Rosselló-Nevares stated in the interview that he will not seek re-election and said he has apologized for everything, including the profanity laced messages.
After more than ten days of demonstrations, the people still have hope and their energy is contagious, they motivate each other. The youth’s presence was undeniable, completely destroying the stereotype that teenagers don’t like politics. This new generation is resilient and this fact provokes peace and hope to the previous generations; this new generation will provoke one of the biggest changes in history. We are ready.
Every community was represented, the political affiliations didn’t matter, everyone just aimed at one bullseye.
The rally was expected to start at 5:00 p.m. from the Capitolio to the Plaza del Quinto Centenario, in Old San Juan, where thousands of people were expected to congregate. Protesters arrived early. Other protests took place in New York, Florida, Spain and the Netherlands, among others. Rosselló-Nevares, for his part, has reiterated that he does not intend to leave his position.
The whole territory has unified for a cause that is “bigger than parties or communities”.
Police fired tear gas into crowds of protesters who wanted the Governor of Puerto Rico, Ricardo Rosselló-Nevares, to resign after the scandal surrounding leaked chats from his inner circle that included homophobic, anti-female, and violent sentiments.
“This is even worse than Scandal.” Reads trending tagline in social media.
The government of Puerto Rico is facing one of the most incredible scandals in the territory’s history. A political crisis has emerged in Puerto Rico throughout the past week. The Governor Ricardo Rosselló-Nevares is no longer supported by the leaders of his own party and currently finds himself isolated in his office.
The present Governor’s administration is trembling and seems to be crumbling because of the publication of a “private chat” with derisive messages sent by the governor and some of his cabinet members and top aides on the messaging app Telegram. The messages mocked political foes and allies alike, with profanity.
Warning: Minor spoilers ahead. You probably know them.
On May 23, 2019, the people of Puerto Rico were excited to witness for the first time the live-action remake of many people’s favorite childhood Disney movie. The city of Ponce’s mall, Plaza del Caribe’s movie theater, Caribbean Cinemas, was filled with families for the premiering of the live action film. Public of all ages visited the movie theater at 11:50 to acquire the first look of the movie they’ve been waiting for “since live-actions started to be a thing”. Almost everyone in the audience was wearing a piece of Aladdin or Disney merchandise, appearing proud and prepared to watch Aladdin. This straightforward remake captured the audience’s attention with its bright colors and intricate choreography.
The movie Aladdin captures the story of a poor young man that steals to eat, survive, and feed his monkey pal Abu. After he meets Princess Jasmine, who is disguised and tells him she is Dalia, her handmaid, Aladdin decides to go to the palace and after he meets her again, he is encountered with the story’s evil figure, Jafar, the Grand Vizier of Agrabah, the Sultan’s most trusted advisor. Jafar kidnaps him “politely” and tells him that he will help him if he accepts the quest that he has for him: be the diamond in the rough that enters the cave of wonders. He accepts and then embarks on a magical adventure after finding a lamp that releases a wisecracking genie who will grant him three wishes. The wishes exclude making someone fall in love or bringing back someone from the dead.
The public had different expectations, some expected to be blown away because of the cast and some to be disappointed by the adaptation and musical numbers. Generally speaking, the audience was impressed. There were minor details changed in the live action remake but the story felt more intricate and possible. The onscreen chemistry between Naomi Scott and Mena Massoud was undeniable. The integration of both protagonists’ background in the narrative helps the audience understand the plot. Another story presented is the Genie’s (Will Smith), of how he bonds with Aladdin (Mena Massoud) and tries to secure his freedom without breaking any genie/master rules. Another is about the princess, Jasmine (Naomi Scott), who’s not just a spirited feminist who can be found disguising herself as a peasant and hanging with the commoners, but seems ready to agitate for representative democracy if the opportunity presents itself. These were moved away from the spotlight rather quickly but they played an important role when deciphering the character’s personality. The musical numbers were amazing.
“It’s amazing! I didn’t even wanna see it, but now it’s one of my faves.” Said Twitter user CarolinaVOPP.
On the downside, others were upset that Jafar (Marwan Kenzari) did not sang at all. The sinister and scary character from the original Aladdin (1992), was portrayed like a greedy Grand Vizier, he was sinister but his most evident quality was greed. There was a scene that was completely eliminated and replaced by a better scene for 2019; but the fact that Jafar didn’t sing the Prince Ali (reprise), in which he embarrasses Aladdin in front of Jasmine disappointed, since that scene was one of the saddest and creepiest ones from the animated motion picture.
“Jafar never once sings in the remake, and that’s a huge letdown. Disney clearly put so much time into finding the perfect Aladdin and Jasmine that it feels like they just played it safe with Jafar.” Said Kristen Acuna from Insider.
Disney decided to change a few scenes and lyrics of the songs because of the original movie’s criticism, making the movie prudent, socially conscious, and tactful. They responded to the audience criticism in the best way: taking action.
Sometime this week I’ll be posting an in depth analysis of the changes of the more “politically correct” Aladdin. It will be about how the changes reflect the time (and its differences) between the creation of both movies. It is evident that social movements matter and are powerful enough to make changes.
This review and event coverage was an assignment for one of the first communications classes in the University. It was one of the first events I truly felt like a journalist, using all of my senses to capture the moment.
“The people already fired you, it’s time for you to recognize it and leave.” Was the quote that resonated through social media. Members of the previous generation admit that they have never seen the people of Puerto Rico more unified in protest towards a particular goal.
Veronica Journ 