Author: Oniken Pereira

08/14/18

James Gunn Firing

 

The recent firing of Guardians of the Galaxy movie director James Gunn had fans, the actors for the movies themselves and Hollywood in a shock. James Gunn had a history of film making in the past with him producing the live action movie for Scooby Doo in 2004, and the reboot for Dawn of the Dead in 2007.

Then a few years later he joined Disney working with Marvel in his upcoming two movies for Guardians of the Galaxy, which became a huge hit for the fans of marvel and another entry in the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) that would mix with the timeline before their encounter with a former member of the Avengers in Avengers: Infinity War.

But with a good life as a director on one of the biggest production companies ever to be seen, heard and talked about lies many consequences. James Gunn had his Twitter account timeline filled with jokes, yes jokes, about pedophilia and rape in the year 2007 and 2008. This was found by Right-Wing conspiracy theorist Mike Cernovich who found them and sent them to Disney as soon as possible. Cernovich also had his timeline filled with “jokes” of pedophilia and rape in his account which stated, “Have you guys ever tried ‘raping’ a girl without using force? Try it. It’s basically impossible.”

Gunn apologized for his mistake and even called his past self a “provocateur.” “Even these many years later, I take full responsibility for the way I conducted myself then. All I can do now, beyond offering my sincere and heartfelt regret, is to be the best human being I can be: accepting, understanding, committed to equality, and far more thoughtful about my public statements and my obligations to our public discourse. To everyone inside my industry and beyond, I again offer my deepest apologies,” Gunn stated as an apology.

The main actors for Guardians of the Galaxy that includes Chris Pratt (Peter Quill/Star Lord), Zoe Saldana (Gamora), Dave Bautista (Drax), Bradley Cooper (Rocket Raccoon) and Vin Diesel (Groot) were in sadness as their long known director and friend has parted ways with them. Recent tweets from the actors break the silence upon his firing: “Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters. Let every person be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger,” Chris Pratt stated.

Zoe Saldana stated, “It’s been a challenging weekend I’m not gonna lie. I’m pausing myself to take everything in before I speak out of term. I just want everyone to know I love ALL members of my GOTG (Guardians of the Galaxy) family. Always will.”

“I will have more to say but for right now all I will say is this..@JamesGunn is one of the most loving, caring, good natured people I have ever met. He’s gentle and kind and cares deeply for people and animals. He’s made mistakes. We all have. I’m NOT ok with what’s happening to him,” Dave Bautista said.

Fans also took it upon themselves to encourage Disney to “bring him back” with a petition in which 300,000 fans already signed and are prepared to send out to Disney. The real downside is that the petition won’t do anything to change their minds over it, although it was a really good effort for everyone that supports Gunn. It was his role that made the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Guardians of the Galaxy a real treat to watch. I agree to that effort since I do enjoy a good movie and watching those movies made me laugh, cry, and just have a good time in general. 

08/14/18

Libraries Are Important

By: Oniken J. Pereira

 

The New York Public libraries are an essential cause. People read books there, and borrow books and movies. Right now libraries are in need of support from patrons of the library branches around the city. The library sends out emails to library card holders that have started their membership, rented with them, or accessed the internet with them using a library card. They are asking to donate to $75,000 for their new English language programs and workbooks, which is a helpful benefit to people who want to learn over the summer.

Libraries are important in communities and neighborhoods. Once you have a book that you want to read and need to study from, libraries will have it for you. Different libraries are sending emails to notify members that they need help coming from us by donating to raise enough money to keep their service going, as well as add some new activities like helping people use technology, providing computers in the library as well as teaching English to non-English speakers. Another email was sent out to members so they can send out a letter to the mayor about how a library can change everybody and how important it is to have them.

Mayor Bill De Blasio then received those letters and wrote an email back to the letter’s sender:

“Thank you for writing to me about New York City’s libraries and the important role they play in your life and in your community. No matter what borough you call home, one of our three outstanding library systems is available to provide a variety of critical support and vital services that can help New Yorkers succeed in school, in their careers, and far beyond. My administration understands just how essential libraries are to people of all ages, and that’s why this year, in partnership with the City Council, $60 million was added to the library’s capital budget for projects that will ensure our libraries can continue to improve their facilities, along with an additional $35 million to support branch-specific needs. This brings my administration’s investment in capital improvements within all three of our library systems to $530 million.”

Jennifer Panicali is the organizer for the donation emails from libraries calling to all members of the NYPL to give them support through the donation, in which you can select what amount to donate and they will give you a gift in return. The possibilities of the gifts would be: library book bags with a color change pencil or a free book of your choice to take with you.