Titanic - "I'm Flying" Scene

the swap.

*Disclaimer, this is an extremely personal and touchy story that I do not like to discuss much with people that I am not extremely close with, with that being said, any distribution or re-posting without the expressed consent of I, Matthew Powers, is strictly prohibited*

     

       To fully understand the gratitude of my uncomfortable-ness, we need to take a ride for a blast from the past. I started dating my girlfriend when we were 16 in high school. Our entire first year of dating was centered around our parents driving us to see each other. This created a burning desire to see each other more, until we could not go a day without seeing each other, and go a minute (not me)
without texting or snapchatting one another. We continued this path even when we both had our licenses, and all the way until after senior year of high school and into the beginning of freshman year college.

      We were inseparable, we had plans for our future together, destinations we wanted to reach, and goals we both wanted to attain together.

      Okay, now you have the gist of that relationship, you are about to hear another one including a good friend. We were never ones to hangout alone, but in groups we had great times. We played soccer and baseball together growing up, we were as close as you can get without being close. Well he had a girlfriend that he dated since like 7th grade or something like that, and they were always off and on, in middle school, during period changes the hallways were always filled with 4 minutes of whispering and chaos of drama between them.

      Well, LONG story, both couples broke up 2 weeks after my birthday. LOL. Anyway, this is where it gets more juicy than the spread of people magazine. Get ready to sink your teeth into your lips. We swapped romantic interests. However at the time me and my friend did not hangout anymore. But it
was weird ya know? The weirdest thing was, I hooked up with this girl already freshman year of high school, and my girl had talked to my friend in the past. So i guess you can say we were in a love square lol.

     This little fling of mine lasted about 3 weeks, before we both decided to end it. She got back with her EX easily.. but me, it was a long egregious process. After an extremely long month and half of trying to amend the bridges burned (I was kind of  DB to my EX when I was flinging with the other) I finally succeeding in wooing my ex girl back to me.

   

      I won't deny, the entire process was very uncomfortable.. every last detail and little motion. EVEN till this day, writing this I am uncomfortable, but the best thing to do about insecurities and things we are uncomfortable about is to share them. Once everyone knows, you no longer are hiding it and can no longer feel like you should.
 (DESPITE THIS PARAGRAPH^^^^^^^ MY DISCLAIMER STILL APPLIES STRICTLY)

Just to finish this love story, me and my girl from high school are still together, and have been ever since I got her back to me in this story. It will be our 4th year on December 29.

Technology Takeover

*1960's*
[Phone Ringing]
"Honey can you get the phone" - wife
"Of course sweetie" - Husband


*Husband picks up phone and begins with a clean and crisp, "Hello, may I ask who is speaking?"

Notice how this seems as though a normal scenario to explain, however the husband in this scenario picked up the phone to talk to whomever was calling despite not knowing who is talking. What I am getting at is, due to the advancement of technology our society is changing in the way we speak to each other, and the decisions we make on when to communicate with certain people. Take the same scenario as above and impliment it into reality in today's world, and you will see exactly what I am honing in on.

*Present day*
[iPhone Ringing]
"Honey who is calling my cell?" - wife
"Your sister Ashley, want me to pick it up?" - husband
"No that bitch has been nasty to me all week, let it ring."- wife

                                                                                                   

This small difference in both scenarios is an example of a larger issue. Technology such as caller id, is not in any way bad, it just changed the way we communicated. Technology as a whole has been rapidly expanding and growing to new depths, and revolutionizing our society along the way. Nowadays the younger generations are using social media more and more. This may not seem like a bad thing, and it is not, but the internet and social media has created a space for people to present themselves to the world in the way they want to be seen. While this is a truly fascinating thing, which I encourage to only expand more and more, it has created a gap in living in the moment and experiencing life to the fullest. Constantly having our phones buzzing with notifications, emails, texts, phone calls, instagram notifications, snapchats, it all takes it toll. 

In my own experiences, I have noticed a more heavy use of social media since I have arrived in college. I love social media such as Instagram, snapchat, and facebook, and I would find it extremely hard to live without them. It is almost as giving up an image of yourself, your online social interactions are an external self image of yourself. The problem with this however is, we put ourselves out there for everyone to see, whether or not we want people to see it, once it is out there it is out there for good no matter how strong your password is and whether or not your accounts are private.

The problem with all of this, is people are beginning to become obsessed with their social media, and the self image they portray on such sites. No longer, can you go out and expect none of your friends to tweet, snapchat, facebook, or instagram about it. Not saying this is bad, but it is becoming a norm. In my own experiences, I have witnessed people and admittedly myself sometimes, put something out on social media that I am doing something, when I am really not, just to boost my image on social media so I seem cooler, or in the loop more than I actually am. This poses a scary portrait, with future generations who are growing up with these social media sites.

Will internet self image, become more important than actual real life self images? These are the questions that our current technological takeover society puts before us.

Lost and found, literally

First off, certain names of people affiliated with this story have been changed to protect their identity for protection. This is a true story carried out by professionals, and should not be tried at home to be replicated.

So let me tell you about the night that me and my best bud got lost in the middle of New Brunswick at 3 am. It all started with our friend from another school surprising us for the weekend. You see, me and my 2 friends are on the club basketball team here at Rutgers, we don't play because we suck, but when it comes to mixers we're in there like swimwear. This is where the night takes a turn for the worst. After an elaborate pre-game at my friend Cody's apartment that included copious amounts of alcohol consumption, we left for the mixer. At this point, I had no clue that I would eventually end up lost in the middle of the city at 3 am.

Anyway, we get to the party around 10:30 pm and it is only the guys. We were patiently waiting for the girls club lacrosse team to enter the premises. All off a sudden, our social chair got the text.. they have arrived!!! The entire basketball team went bonkers, I mean we seriously were scary with how excited we got. Honestly, you think of cave men discovering fire, you think of that.

This party was awesome, we had a great DJ, everyone was dancing around and enjoying themselves. All my friends were hooking up with lax chicks, I was destroying noobs in pong like it was the US in the last olympics. However, all great things must come to an end. As the party was winding down, my best friend Mike left with some girl to her house. Im thinking wonderful this man is stepping up in life, WRONG. This kid left his phone at the party, don't ask me how you can lose your phone at a party and not realize, but he did.

It's around 2;30 am now and I look like spongebob delivering the crusty crab pizza, searching for my friend. His phone in hand, and wearing nothing but a skimpy cut-off tee with short shorts, high socks, and a head band. If the look wasn't bad enough for people to laugh, the fact it was about 20 degrees out that night was. After about 30 minutes of searching and coming up with nothing, I found a clue like national treasure... His headband on a porch of a house. I swear I felts like Nicholas Cage in that moment.

Eventually he would come out and we would begin our dreadful walk home. However we got lost for an hour, hoped 3 fences, got poison ivy, attempted to hitchhike home (highly do not recommend in the middle of New Brunswick. Long story short, we made it home. The  journey felt like the scene from Day after Tomorrow when they were traveling through the massive storm, it was that cold and we were not clothed properly.

Moral of the story, don't go looking for your friend when they are in need of help. Do not attempt to discover treasure like Nicholas Cage, cause all it leads to is a slight case of hypothermia, poison ivy, and a shit in your pants for how scared you were in the middle of New Brunswick. Oh to cap this story off, the next day Kennth Cop of rutgers emailed us saying there was a shooting of some sort, on the same street we were on at the same time!!!!!! We could have been toast, for real.

Obsessed

My obsession in life has turned into a bit of a lifestyle. The funny thing is, I did not give a hoot about, or even know anything in the slightest about this thing until I was introduced. And from there, forget about it. I am so obsessed that I changed my lifestyle to fit perfectly so I can eventually hold a position of public office. 

You see the funny thing is, I cannot remember exactly when I became obsessed with politics. However, there is one thing that had definitely got me rolling in the right direction. Binge watching House of Cards on netflix late at night rolled in my blankets like a little burrito. Man did i love that show, as it displayed the immense power one can achieve through public office. Watching a corrupt politician scheme his way through lies and deception all the way to the Oval was so enticing to me, it for the first time opened my eyes widely to politics. 

Politics is the first thing I think of when I wake up, and that might sound extremely geeky, but hey we all are obsessed with something. I am attracted to the pure skill of politics, getting people to do what you want when you want. It's a game, and you have to be a master at it to truly feel the adverse effects. I almost feel as though it is my divine reason for being on this earth. I want and will someday run for public office, and hopefully master the game and became an effective politician working hard for the american people. Scratch that all politicians do is just lie, I want to be an effective public servant working hard for the american people. That sounds much better. 

 

Many people are completely clueless when it comes to politics. This is why I also stay unbiased to the point where I do not make up my mind on an issue until I have heard all possible arguments for either way. However holding myself to this has caused me to become obsessed. Rolling over at 2 am to my phone buzzing, notifying me that President Trump has tweeted. Waking up with a few dozen news articles I will read to start my day. Often I find myself watching videos, netflix shows, reading actual bills proposed by congress, anything I can get my hands on that has anything to do with politics or government. I also find myself in full burrito form often, still, re-watching house of cards late at night. 

 

This obsession, however has caused debates in my house with my mother and step-father. We would argue about countless things, agree on some, and really spar on others. This satisfied my needs for informing others and hearing feedback so I can learn even more on issues. I feel as though my obsession for politics truly reflects my motives in life. I want to be remembered, I want to get my name in history books. My crave for power and capability to run our country is too big for me not to geek out about. Politics is my obsession and I WOULD NEVER GIVE THAT UP!!!

How To: Win the Presidency

(I do not support nor dislike President Trump, and have the utmost respect for his victory and the movement he spearheaded in American politics, this is merely a satire of the events that occurred to land him in the Oval)

The first step to winning the presidency is getting your name out there. The American public is much like high schoolers voting on prom king and queen, if they don't know enough about you, you ain't got their vote. Luckily in this case, we received a "small loan" of one-million dollars from our father and have built a billion dollar real estate empire. Golden arch's of McDonalds does not compare to hoisting the golden letters TRUMP all over various hotels throughout the world.

Timing your announcement for your candidacy is crucial, as is the way you do it. You want the media to catch you ascending down from the heavens (really just an elevator ride down) on your way to begin the war to win the west wing. Spewing controversial comments about certain group of people will help spark the media to give you more attention that LeBron James gets on ESPN. Hey, all press is good press right?

With everyone knowing your name, now you will announce your various positrons on certain issues. Make sure to rally behind building that wall, penalizing doctors and women who seek out and perform abortions, and do not stop until every Walmart across America will sell guns to anyone who wants one.

Hold on, HOLD ON.. it seems like we are forgetting something here... oh yeah a rallying cry! Something the people can get behind.. something to replace "remember the alamo" I got it!! 'Make America Great Again!" Be sure not to specify when America was great however, this might make certain people feel uncomfortable.

Of course, we still need to actually win the GOP primary to become the official candidate for the Republican party for president. Assuming you win this and get all the way to becoming the candidate versus the democratic candidate , the fight now truly begins.

It is now the time to send out a message that resonates with the majority of people regardless of strict party line voters. Issues such as job security and putting America first and stopping at nothing to bring back American jobs as well as protect our borders. Repealing Obamacare and deporting criminal aliens is a must to make America Safe Again.

The American public is so over this whole PC (political correctness) movement. Exploit this in anyway you can by talking just like every regular citizen does. This  is a fight on the corrupt and unfair media that we call FAKE NEWS. This movement is unlike any you have ever seen before, believe me, I love it more than anyone else. Pressing your fingers against the keyboard of your phone at 3 am while on the toilet is a very effective mode of communication do not forget this. Twitter will allow you to communicate to millions of people for free, weather or not you are being 100% accurate does not matter cause once they see it they believe it.

Hiring the grim reaper (Steve Bannon) to be chief strategist for your campaign is perfect. Allowing the leader of the so-called Alt-Right into mainstream politics presents no threats whatsoever. His message for America is built off the anger and fear that lives inside Americans from all over the country. They do not want a politician this time around, they want a self indulgent, arrogant, cocky, billionaire, oompa loompa to lead them to Make America Great Again.

If you talk about all of this and implement it, the path to 270 electoral votes is inevitable. Just look at your opponent, she is as crooked as crooked can be. The popular vote does not matter, just go for the 270 electoral votes that each state is apportioned to. Now that you have read this, watch yourself propel in american politics and land yourself in the Oval Office. BUILD THAT WALL!!!!!!!

A Brunswick State Of Mind

New Brunswick is a place where there is constant movement. Thousands of students roaming around the city like zombies on their way to class, but all rushing to catch that fateful bus. College ave, the place to be, the hot spot, the catalyst for always having something to do. The rush for excitement antagonizes the souls of many, swallows you up, and spits you back out the night before an exam and before you know it, you are smacking your head against a textbook at 2 am considering whether or not to drop out and become a garbage man or stripper. Despite telling yourself you'll never procrastinate this badly again and you will refuse the temptation to party three nights in a row, you find yourself in the exact same position the next weekend. 

Often I find myself quoting Ferris Buehler saying, "life moves pretty fast, if you don't stop and look around once a while, you could miss it." 

Ever since moving to New Brunswick I have found myself constantly on the move whether it is hanging out with friends, playing sports, or throwing elbows like an MMA fighter just to get on a bus. This city is overflowing with friendships to be made, hearts to be broken, livers to be tested, and brains to be busted. This city provides everything you could need and want for a college student, it is all about whether or not you embrace it. I have opened my arms wider than a grandma on Christmas that hasn't seen her grandchildren in a minute. The aftershock of this massive squeeze has caused a change in my lifestyle and attitude. 

New Brunswick has essentially turned me into Donnie from The Wild Thornberry's. 

Running back and forth from class like faster than Usain Bolt, studying longer and harder than Josh Peck, and having a better social life than Drake Bell really takes a toll on someone. However, I wouldn't want it any other way, because I truly feel New Brunswick has helped develop me into the person I was always waiting to become. I used to be introverted and shy back in my hometown due to having hardly any friends. Now, I have a solid group of friends here at Rutgers and have been having the time of my life here in New Brunswick. Always on the go, always having somewhere to be or someone to meet, it is amazing. The thrill of never having a dull moment or never being lazy and bored, it the equivalent to me going down King da Ka ten times over. 

My lifestyle is that of the cities. Hectic, crazy, energetic, and exciting. A roller coaster of highs and lows, however, always with a positive outlook. Always ready to embrace something new, always looking forward to challenge myself as a person by experiencing something new, just as the city is always experiencing something and someone new. 

New Brunswick is my home. This city and I are the same. If this city was a person, we would be best friends, that I am sure of. I still have two and half years to go, and I cant wait to spend it with my best-friend, the city of New Brunswick. 

The Division of Family

ME: From one child of a mixed family to another, have you ever wished that your parents are still together or we're still together at any point in your life?

DAN: I cannot say that I wish they were still together because I care for their individual happiness. However I do admit that I think my life would be different in a positive way if my family were happily a whole

ME: If any at all, which parent do you favor and or spend most of your time with or is it equal?

If you have a favorite, or enjoy being with either parent more, who is it and why

DAN: Definitely my mother, because she stops at nothing to ensure my happiness and a bright future. And also she's damn cool, I try to be as cool as her everyday.

ME: Interesting, I can say the same about my mom and my current situation as well..

Have either of your parents been in long term relationships since their split?

DAN: Both of them, that opens a cookie jar for me. To be blunt, my stepdad despite faults is a very fun man and my stepmom is the bane of my existence. Maybe that's dramatic

ME: This may be a little personal but it is the case for me, does it almost feel like you have to make an effort to see your dad and spend time with him, or does it come natural?

DAN: Thats definitely partially accurate, but I would consider it to take more effort to enjoy my time spent with him.  We always struggle to meaningfully communicate

ME: If you have any siblings do they feel the same way or differently towards either parent in anyway?

DAN: I have 2 step siblings and a very young half brother.  My stepsister and stepbrother decide which parent they like based on which one spoils them more.  Kind of a sad situation, if they ask I didn’t say that

ME: I can honestly say the same.. my step siblings, sister and brother, definitely favor their mom more than my step dad because their mom spoils the shit out of them

ME: Something I find curious is how you deal with seeing both parents for holidays? Do you rotate each year or do you see both parents on the same holiday ?

DAN: Its a rotation yes, but I know that overtime I will have a family of my own and will be spending less and less time with my parents. When this happens I will prioritize my mom more and spend more holidays with her

ME: I can definitely see the parallels between us in terms of our family situation. If you can think back, what was your earliest most happy moment you can recollect with each your mom and dad

DAN: Mom: Going the Liberty Science Center as a child

Dad: watching the 07 giants Super Bowl

ME: Wow what a catch. Enough said

ME: Not to bring the seriousness of this conversation back, but if you had a choice would you have your parents together and never not been together? Or do you like the way it is now and have no thought of changing your family circumstances

DAN: I prefer it the way it is, I think that their problems were too great.  If they were to be together now, their divorce would have just caused a bigger implosion.  Plus 2 Christmases, 2 birthdays, parents fighting over you.  It's not the worst thing ever

ME: Lol! Yes the attention is most definitely there, I assume because they feel bad for not being together so they try to make it up anyway they can.

ME: Okay, the final part of this interview is a fire round of questioning, here we go.. on 3 name your favorite dinosaur, don’t even think about it just say it.. 1,2,3

DAN: Velociraptor!

ME: Velociraptor!

ME: Okay, favorite non-pornographic magazine to jerk off to..

DAN: Good house keeping!

DAN: Good house keeping!

ME: If you were a chick, who would be the guy you sleep with…

DAN: John Stamos!

ME: John Stamos!

DAN: What!

ME: Did we just become best friends?

DAN: YUP!

ME: Do you want to go do karate in the garage?

DAN: YUP!