Self-Centered Nurturing- Banner Midterm Blog

Mothers are probably the most selfless people in the world. Every day they sacrifice their time, energy and resources for the sake of their children. However the recent news of Nadya Suleman, otherwise known as “octo-mom,” seems to paint a picture of a mother who is anything but sacrificial. Calling the woman “irresponsible”, “selfish” and “unconventional,” the public and media have made their opinions on the matter rather obvious. The questions asked by journalists and broadcasters seem to be simply loaded and often beg the question.

With the current economic crises plaguing our nation and a financial bailout in process, it seems that most headlines and discussion regarding the “octo-mom” are based, by and large, on government support that she has been and (most likely) will continue to receive. Probably the most alarming fact is that, by the mother’s own admission, she could not afford the six children she had before the recent set of octuplets was born.

Suleman and her six children have been living off of food stamps and government disability checks for quite some time now. Due to the fact that Nadya Suleman is also unemployed and unable to care for the children, they have been living with their grandmother. In addition, Suleman’s current 3-bedroom, Los Angeles home (which is owned by her mother) is reportedly up for foreclosure.(BreitBart.com) And yet Nadya Suleman has reportedly spent thousands of dollars on lip and breast enhancements and on the in vitro fertilization processes that resulted in the 14 children she now has.

In an interview with NBC’s Ann Curry, Nadya Suleman admitted, “That was always a dream of mine, to have a large family, a huge family, and -- I just longed for certain connections and attachments with another person that I really lacked, I believe, growing up." It seems to me that what we see in Suleman is nothing but a case of, what I like to call, “There was an old woman who lived in a shoe” syndrome.

The large problem is that she is focused on satisfying and gratifying her own wants and needs while disregarding the impact that her actions have on others. As “Dr. Phil” McGraw said in an interview with US Weekly, “I see somebody that has such a Pollyanna disconnect with real-world realities, and what she’s getting ready to face, it’s like she’s on a Disney ride.” While she claims to be a loving mother who only wants to have and provide for her children, the situation in which she has placed them is anything but nurturing.
There are many reasons why the circumstances surrounding the children are unloving. First, the in vitro fertilization process, especially when involving multiple embryos, often results in high-risk pregnancies, premature births and result children who suffer from birth defects. (LA Times) Although the actual reasons are unknown at this time, this could begin to explain why three of Suleman’s six children are on disability.
Second, Suleman knowingly had herself impregnated knowing she could not give the children the quality of living that they deserve or that any loving mother would wish for her children.
Probably most interesting and disturbing is how she expects to pay for the children. Suleman has stated that she plans to finish school and then write a book about raising the children to help pay for them. Obviously this woman has no clue the time and energy commitment that true parenting requires ( and in addition book writing)! It seems that she has created a problem and plans to solve it by telling the world about her problem!

Unfortunately, the self-centeredness we see in the case of the “octo-mom” is simply indicative of the rampant selfish attitude of the American culture at large. It’s alarming that people like the Nadya Suleman would be willing to place so many people in grave danger just because of their own selfish desires.

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.5f9ab18938112215feac75a26e212daf.31&show_article=1
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29038814/
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-octuplets28-2009jan28,0,2834198.story
http://www.usmagazine.com/news/octuplet-mom-big-family-was-always-a-dream-of-mine

How to Choose a Great Wedding Photographer!- Yearbook Midterm Blog

As a little girl, you probably began planning your wedding the instant you became aware of the fact that such an event existed. I do not even remember how I found out about weddings, but I DO know that after I did Barbie and Ken instantaneously got married and began their lives of "happily ever after" in a state of eternal bliss! You have been waiting for this moment your entire life and now (FINALLY!) it has come and you will want to recapture it for years to come. Obviously, it is an event that will forever live in your memory, but you will want to be able to look back to show your grand kids the day you married their grandfather.

With that in mind, the selection of a wedding photographer becomes crucial to the planning and process of your wedding. So, here are some tips and tricks from a romantic who also happens to be a wedding photographer.

1. Ask around. No doubt you have friends and family around that may know of a good photographer; they can refer you to the good and steer you away from the bad. Social networks like Facebook and MySpace are also good places to find photographers.

2. Check out photographers portfolios to find a style that you like. A good, up-to-date photographer will have an established website that looks professional. If they don't have a website with a gallery, they probably aren't worth your time.

3. Get pricing estimates. You should budget about 10% of what you plan on spending for the entire wedding on photography. Make sure to ask about rights to the photos, albums, prints, editing and if they hire second shooters.

4. If at all possible, set up a meeting with the photographer in person. A photographer may be genius at their work, but if you don't feel at ease and like you can work with them, you might want to consider looking elsewhere.

5. Repeat step 4. You do not have to book the first photographer you find, however, good photographers do get booked fast so, don't wait too long.

6. Book your photographer. If at all possible, try to book your photographer at least eight months before your wedding. Some photographers require a down payment so ask about that.

7. If you want any particular shots, now is the time to ask. Some photographers appreciate knowing what kind of photos like, so ask if they are willing to let you show them clippings from magazines.

8. Wait for your magical day!