Help us advocate for Syrian refugees

Help us advocate for Syrian refugees

Dear Tracy,

The heart-wrenching images of the Syrian refugee crisis are ingrained in the world's conscience.

We must not forget the lives lost and the millions more who daily struggle for survival in the world's biggest refugee crisis since WWII.

Amnesty has called on the U.S. government to stand up for the thousands of Syrians in search of safety. Thanks to activists like you, the Obama Administration has announced that the U.S. will resettle 10,000 more people fleeing the conflict in Syria.

While this is a first step, the scale of the Syrian refugee crisis is immense, and the United States must do more.

Please make an urgent donation to Amnesty so we can advocate for families who have risked everything regain their safety and rebuild their lives.

September is our Annual Membership Drive. Donate now and your gift will be matched dollar for dollar by a group of generous donors.

Amnesty research teams have been tirelessly working on the front line in Greece, Hungary and Jordan, documenting human rights abuses, inspecting detention centers and pressuring governments - like those of the U.S. and Canada - to do much more.

This crisis is enormous, and the international community's response must match it. To that end, Amnesty is working to:

• Ensure the U.S. government opens its doors to more refugees from this crisis and moves quickly to support the refugees that are resettled.
• Ensure that European countries open safe and legal routes for refugees and provide asylum and resettlement options.
• Investigate human rights abuses and document the situation that refugees face in Europe and around the world.
• Improve humanitarian access for the most vulnerable Syrians.

Unlike many other organizations, we don't accept funding from governments for our work campaigning for human rights - that's why your contribution is so important.

You are already part of a movement of millions of people working for a better world for the people of Syria and all others whose human rights are at risk. Please donate to support this work. Your donation will be matched.
Sincerely,
Sunjeev Bery
Advocacy Director, Middle East North Africa
Amnesty International USA

She waved a banner and now is in jail: Please help

She waved a banner and now is in jail: Please help

Dear Tracy,

If you speak out against corruption in China, you can get thrown into prison for years.

That's what happened to Liu Ping, an activist and mother.

Chinese authorities put her behind bars for six and half years. Her crime? She displayed a banner calling on government officials to reveal their assets publicly. That's it.

Please help Amnesty win her release.

This month is Amnesty's annual Membership Drive - the time of year when people like you stand up for people like Liu Ping. Donate now and your contribution will be matched dollar for dollar by a group of donors until September 30.

Liu Ping's activism began in 2009, when she won compensation for herself and other laid-off factory workers. Then she turned to one of the most politically volatile issues in China today: corruption.

Amnesty is pressing the Chinese government to release her. Please help.

The theme of the Membership Drive is "My Moment. Our Movement." Liu Ping's moment began when she was laid off - and realized that she had to speak out against injustice.

Now, all of us in our movement must work for her release. Please join us. Your contribution will be matched through the end of this month.
Sincerely,
Jasmine Heiss
Senior Campaigner, Individuals & Communities at Risk
Amnesty International USA

Refugee and Migrant Crisis: From Syria to Europe

Refugee and Migrant Crisis: From Syria to Europe, Eliminating Tetanus Globally, September: Focus on Education, Scotiabank Marathon

IN THIS ISSUE From Syria to Europe, Eliminating Tetanus Globally, September: Focus on Education, Scotiabank Marathon

Refugee and Migrant Crisis: From Syria to Europe Refugees fleeing war stricken Syria are facing additional dangers as they embark on the long journey towards more peaceful countries in Europe. In order to get around the Greek islands, they have no choice but to get in flimsy boats and hope for the best. These journeys on the water often take several hours to complete which is a great undertaking for these families who have never navigated a boat before in their lives. “Actually, it was more like a floating balloon. They gave us a fifteen-minute lesson on how to navigate and use the outboard motor. Then they left us to do it ourselves. We were the captains.” Says Naham, a 37-year-old mother of three. Read more »

Tetanus Global Elimination Efforts MNT or maternal and neonatal tetanus is among the most common lethal consequences of unclean delivery and umbilical cord care practices. In 2000, MNT was a serious public health problem in almost 60 countries. Through our determined efforts, we have eliminated MNT in 37 countries in just 15 years. UNICEF Canada is working with partners to immunize more than 3.4 million women of reproductive age to completely eliminate the disease. Join us. Right now, all gifts to the Eliminate program are matched. Help us reach our goal »

September: Focus on Education With so many children living in refugee camps, conflict areas and in disaster zones, back to school time can be a non-event. Helping these children further their education during times of emergency is crucial to the recovery and continued development of the impacted families and communities. The children living in camps and crises are desperate to return to school because they know that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, strife and conflict. (UNICEF’s Executive Director Tony Lake writes) “A generation of children who are denied the chance to reach their own dreams will find it much harder to give their own children a chance at a better future. And the long-term costs of that vicious cycle will be borne by us all” Read more »

Register today for the Scotiabank Marathon 17,000 children die every day from preventable causes. You can change that by signing up to run for UNICEF at the Scotiabank Marathon in Toronto. With your registration, you are ensuring children will receive life-saving vaccinations, clean water and a quality education no matter where they live. Ensure that all children survive and thrive – sign up today at www.unicef.ca/scotiabank!

Raped as punishment? You helped stop this travesty

 

 

Dalit sisters in India are safe for now: Thank you

Dear Tracy,

You - and over half a million Amnesty activists - stood up for two sisters in India who had been ordered raped as punishment.

In July, an unelected all-male village council in Baghpat, northern India, decreed that the sisters should be raped and paraded naked with their faces blackened, as punishment for their brother's relationship with a married woman.

Last week, after the global outcry, India's Supreme Court ordered Delhi police to provide protection for the sisters and their family.

While the family doesn't yet feel safe enough to return to their village, the Court's decision is a welcome one. When and if the family do return, they should be able to do so safely.

The family have told us they are grateful to everyone who signed the petition.

We will continue to work with them to make sure they receive full protection and support to live wherever they choose in safety. We will continue to call for an investigation into abuses that the family say they have been subjected to, and ask local and national officials for reparations for the original order of sexual violence against the women and campaign to ensure it never happens again, to anyone.

Thank you for your support! We will keep you updated on this case and share with you other cases where you can make a real difference.

Sincerely,

Zeke Johnson
Managing Director, Individuals at Risk Program
Amnesty International USA

insurance industry/ "Can you overdeliver?"

Aug. 3 Insurance industry: I have researched a bit into this before.  It was probably at the job fair at the University of Alberta where I picked a brochure about it. 

I cut out this article "Be assured that this industry offers the same security you'll be selling" by Meaghan Greaves (Talent Egg) in the Metro on Apr. 23, 2014:

Before you start a career in any field, it’s important to find out all the major details you should know.

While you’ll learn a lot hands-on, a little bit of research can go a long way in preparing you for the perks and challenges of a particular career.

These five things about insurance can help you get started!

 

It’s inclusive

 

One of the great things about the insurance industry is that you don’t have to have a specific educational background or set of work experiences.

Insurance is all around us and touches virtually everything we do in life and in business!

While there are many insurance diploma programs, certifications and specializations that can offer you a distinct advantage, you can hatch a great career in insurance without necessarily having a background in insurance.

Many top insurance companies assess a potential hire based on their knowledge, skills and previous work experience as it relates to their current needs.

Since insurance is involved in so many different aspects of our lives, that previous knowledge and experience can come from many different areas: cars, business, medical terminology, the law and infrastructure are all excellent examples.

Employers in insurance recognize that some additional training and education is required to ensure you can excel in your insurance career and to round out your knowledge – often, the cost for this training will be picked up by your employer.

Insurance is also inclusive from a demographic perspective! 63% of industry professionals are women and 14% identify as a visible minority, compared to 17% in the general Canadian labour market.

 

It’s exciting

 

Many people see working in insurance as a 9 – 5 desk job that involves working in isolation.

Nothing could be further from the truth!

While many roles do have an element of independence, an insurance career often calls for frequent client interaction, teamwork, networking and professional stewardship.

These activities not only provide variety, they also provide a well-rounded set of experience that can help you find a role or set of responsibilities that matches how you like to work.

 

The roles are highly varied

 

Besides a range of different responsibilities, opportunities for career specialization abound in insurance.

Whether you are a number cruncher, like working with people, can spot trouble before it happens or enjoy research and analysis, there is likely a role for you.

Job opportunities posted on TalentEgg in insurance include: Claims Representative, Underwriter, Insurance Advisor and more!

These positions include tasks like developing strategies and putting policies into place for your clients, understanding the goals and risk tolerance of your clients and being an independent and collaborative worker to meet personal and team goals.

 

There’s lots of opportunity to learn and grow

 

Since the insurance industry welcomes candidates from a diverse range of backgrounds, there’s a heavy emphasis on training and development, both in terms of onboarding and continual learning.

Career development programs and trainee programs are popular training formats for insurance companies to offer new hires. These training programs are designed to get you up to speed, whether you’re taking your first step in the industry or moving into a more senior role.

 

You can specialize in insurance

 

There are lots of college and university programs, specializations, designations, and certifications out there to give your education an edge or specialize your skills to a particular insurance career path.

The same goes for specializing within the industry, as your career evolves you can have the opportunity to develop niche expertise focusing on one area of the sector.

These areas can be as specific as fine wine collections, cyber liability, directors and officers insurance (for corporations, not-for-profits and other groups), or even sports and entertainment insurance.

Essentially, you can build on your education and experience to take you exactly where you want to go.

Even if you aren’t sure where your interests lie just yet, it’s great to know that you can specialize in your chosen field!

http://talentegg.ca/incubator/2014/04/21/5-things-you-should-know-about-insurance/

"What can you offer an insurance industry?" I cut out this article Meaghan Greaves (Talent Egg) in the Metro on Apr. 23, 2014.  However, I can't find it on the internet so I have to type it up:

Communication

Customer service

Teamwork

Professionalism

"Can you over deliver?": I cut out this article "Giving the job your all and then some" by Sidneyeve Matrix (Talent Egg) in the Metro on Apr. 23, 2014:

High-performers can be counted on to deliver value, day in, day out.

In fact, superstar talent tends to exceed expectations regularly, and that’s how they get noticed by the powers-that-be.

The truism, “under promise, over deliver” has merit.

Even if the “promise” part is out of your hands because your position comes with an assigned task-list, it’s always possible to exceed expectations. Here’s how you can practice over-delivering this week to shine at work.

 

Think outside the box

 

Coming up with brand new creative ideas, or fresh combinations of existing ones, adds value to a business, project, or unit.

Think more creatively by getting out of your comfort zone and gaining new perspectives. Strike up conversations with those outside your field or market, ask questions and listen carefully to the responses.

Innovative ideas arise when you shift mindsets and put yourself in the client’s shoes. “Fall in love with your customers’ problems,” not your solutions, advises Andrew King of the University of Virginia, and you’ll be well-positioned to come up with saleable ideas and solutions based on existing needs.

Once you have some fresh new ideas, test them with a bit of research, then practice your pitch for team members, supervisors, or senior management.

 

Be on time

 

For self-starters and entrepreneurial types, consistent punctuality is absolutely essential for communicating to higher-ups that you are trustworthy and prepared to be productive.

To get ahead, business coach Dan Kennedy advises you to “be where you’re supposed to be when you’re supposed to be there, as promised, without exception, without excuse, every time, all the time.”

Managing your schedule properly is part of managing others’ expectations, and it indicates that you can be counted on for higher-stakes projects and critical, time-sensitive tasks. So be on time, and deliver on deadline.

Or better yet, be early. Having work finished ahead of schedule always gets noticed.

 

Volunteer for extras

 

There are some tasks no one puts their hand up for. Be the one to get your hands dirty.

Whether you are an entrepreneur, an intern, a middle manager striving to climb a corporate ladder, or even the CEO, this one’s for you.

“Do the jobs no one else wants to do,” advises LinkedIn author Creel Price, “tackle tough or inglorious tasks without complaint or promise of reward” and you’ll demonstrate your strong work ethic and leadership mindset.

And while you’re at it, stay on alert for the pet projects that come down from the C-suite and grab ahold of those high-visibility opportunities.

 

Step up, own it, stand out

 

Differentiate yourself by delivering exceptional work products and performance, above and beyond expectations.

Too busy or slightly unmotivated?

At those times, the secret to feeling optimistic and inspired at work is adopting what Harvard Business Review author Heidi Grant Halvorson calls a “promotion focus” – a mindset concentrated on racking up the accomplishments and achievements that will get you noticed.

One easy way to find those promotional opportunities is to be on the lookout for tasks or projects you can take ownership of.

Own it, do it, and establish a reputation as the problem solver, “the one your boss associates with getting things done,” advises Tim Murphy.

In the process you’ll increase your value to the organization, and your job security.

http://talentegg.ca/incubator/2014/04/07/can-you-over-deliver-4-ways-to-exceed-expectations-at-work/

crush your interview/ writing/ "Get out there and gab"

Jul. 23 To Crush Your Interview and Avoid Looking Like An Amateur:   I cut out this article

by Tim Ryan in 24 News on Jan. 14, 2013:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Let’s be honest, most people don’t interview particularly well and quite honestly who can blame them? Chances are you don’t go to interviews very often since you’re probably busy with school or actually getting work done. Think about it, if you only picked up a tennis racket or kicked a soccer ball once a year how good would you be? Let me answer that for you - you’d be pretty average, if not terrible.

 The issue is interviewing matters (a lot), while kicking a soccer ball will be more of an afterthought (unless you’re Lionel Messi that is). The need to translate what you know and what you’re capable of is paramount in almost every profession, industry, and role you could imagine.

Given your opportunities to practice actual interviewing will be few and far between, your energy needs to be focused on a few key elements that you can control and that will help you crush your interview and look like a pro.

The devil’s in the details - You should be cognizant of everything and everyone around you the minute you step into the office. That woman next to you in the elevator, she’s the President of the company - say hi to her. Those photos, awards, and advertisements hanging in the lobby or office - the company is proud of those (that’s why they hung them up). Take stock of what they mean and ask your interviewer about them.

Study your interviewer(s) - The goal should be to know everything you can about the person who’s interviewing you and with the resources available today online (and for free) you’ve got no excuse. Where did they go to school? What have they done before? Do you have any common interests? They’ll certainly know a lot about you, be more prepared.

Answer the question - Too often people approach interviews reactively, the best candidates are always proactive. Rather than sitting down and preparing yourself to answer whatever questions they *might* ask you, figure out the answer to the only question that matters: how are you going to solve their problem? When employers hire, it means they have a burning need and void they need to fill - you need to know how to fill it.

http://timoryan.com/post/40181327047/how-to-crush-your-interview-and-avoid-looking-like

Aug. 3 "Writing: A career building block": I cut out this article by Tim Ryan in 24 News on Feb. 21, 2012.  It was about writing, one of my biggest interests, so of course I had to cut it out:

Writing is becoming a lost art, particularly in the business world. The chances are you’ve received either a poorly written email, sat through an inarticulate presentation, listened to an unconvincing speech, or experienced all three. The ability to write clearly and effectively remains one of the central building blocks of our society, yet increasingly the emphasis on writing as a skill seems to be waning.

The irony, of course, is that it’s never been easier (or cheaper) in the history of civilization to disseminate content to the masses. Between blogs, e-publishers, and social media you have a triumvirate of tools to professionally present and share your message – without the need of any third parties.

There’s any number of reasons to explain its decline.  Some argue it’s the influence of social media, which facilitates speed rather than thought, while others suggest schools no longer place the same emphasis on effective writing that they once did.

However, why writing has declined as an art is not nearly as interesting as why it remains such a highly valued skill. The truth is it’s one of the best tools in your career arsenal and something that lets you do the following very well:

Sell – It could be an idea, a product, or a new project but your success will be judged on your ability to sell it. By using clear and concise language you stand a far better chance of effectively selling your pitch.

Influence decision makers – Whether it’s the CEO of your company, your investors, or your clients you can be sure they place a high value on strong writing. If you’re looking to influence these groups, put thought into the structure and tone of your chosen medium (e.g. presentation, discussion, proposal). By communicating effectively, you strengthen your argument.

Stand out – Given fewer take the time to write effectively, polishing your own writing skills is a great way to stand out from everyone. Use it to differentiate yourself in any number of forums, such as a job application or written exchanges with more senior members of your company.

http://timoryan.com/post/17614176737/what-makes-writing-so-important

"Get out there and gab": I cut out this article by Leah Ruehlicke (Talent Egg) in the Metro on Aug. 20, 2014.  It's about networking with some tips:

Putting yourself out there is tough.

Meeting new people is intimidating, networking is exhausting, and you can’t shake the fear that your attempts to meet new people are perceived as annoying.

However, roughly 80% of jobs are never even advertised, which means that creating your own opportunities is a great way to build your career – but where do you start?

How can you successfully master this market and push yourself forward (without being, well, pushy)?

Get the right attitude

 

You wont get anywhere if you’re held back by doubt.

Yes, networking can be awkward, and looking for new opportunities around every corner may make you feel like a creep.

Remember, if you approach each situation in a clear and direct way, no reasonable person will find your requests for information or inquiries off-putting.

Tip: It’s good to be prepared for a certain amount of disinterest. Some people just won’t want to engage with you – and that’s ok!

 

Give as much as you take

 

Leveraging your contacts is a great way to find out about opportunities.

Not only will you benefit from an expanded network, you’ll have a decent chance of a referral or “in” in the form of your connection!

However, you can’t ask for favours without being willing to dish out yourself. Want to take someone for coffee to pick their brain? Have something to offer in return.

Tip: Don’t just blindly suggest lunches to every contact you know. Have a question they can specifically answer, or seek information they in particular can provide you with.

 

Navigate the social job market

 

Building up your social presence will introduce you to others on social who may be able to help you out.

Well-positioned experts in your chosen field usually have a good sense of where hot new opportunities are hiding.

There’s an added benefit here! Employers will look you up online before hiring you for anything. Ensure your social presence is just as notable as your real one.

Tip: Be professional – but let your personality shine through. For example, share articles you find informative, but expand on why it resonated with you in the first place. Twitter is an excellent platform to discover interesting news, build opinions on it and share those with others.

 

Volunteer

Volunteering introduces you to a whole new pool of people. You can be strategic about who these people are (don’t worry).

Interested in pursuing a career in journalism? Try volunteering with a literary magazine or publication who seeks event volunteers.

Volunteering also allows you to stay as far within your comfort levels as you want. You don’t necessarily need to volunteer in positions that require networking, either. Getting involved in your community is a great resume builder and great evidence of your transferable skills.

Tip: Seek out opportunities. If there’s a particular organization you’re interested in working with, get in touch and ask them how to go about volunteering your time with them. Don’t just wait for positions to be advertised publicly!

 

Be proactive

As you explore and learn more, be alert for opportunities where you can create your own experience!

A good friend of mine was struggling to find employment post-graduation. She turned things around by offering to audit her local library’s social media strategy and develop a new plan for them.

This proactive approach was a great way for her to show off her skills, gain experience and build her network. She even managed to stay in her comfort zone. Networking doesn’t have to be a horribly uncomfortable night of small talk – it can simply be a one-on-one conversation that gets you on people’s radar.

Tip: Figure out what you want to do or what skills you want to develop – then get creative in finding opportunities which cater to this.

http://talentegg.ca/incubator/2014/08/18/hidden-job-market/

The Flash TV show pilot review

Sept. 16 The Flash TV show pilot review: I watched this back in fall 2014.  I saw the pilot and I never watched it again.  I could tell that it was like Smallville.  I later went to imdb.com to read the episodes descriptions, and it was like Smallville.  I recently talked to a co-worker who is a woman in her 60s, and my friend Dan L. who saw The Flash and they compared it to Smallville.  Read the review and you try to spot the comparison.

The Flash is a spinoff from the TV show Arrow, which I like.  Here is my review: 

It starts 14 yrs ago.  Barry Allen (Grant Gustin) is a kid and he's running, but these kids get at him.

Barry tells his parents: Those guys were picking on others.  They were bullies and I was standing up for them.

Later his mom is attacked by this red and yellow lightening.

His dad Henry Allen is arrested for the mom's murder.

Present.  Barry is running.  There are bank robbers by the Martin brothers.  Barry is a forensic scientist, CSI.  He looks at tire tracks and knows what is.  He gets a pen from Detective and picks up the fecal matter.

Detective: That pen was from my dad.

Barry works for Detective Joe West (Jesse L. Martin).  He's black.  He has a daughter Iris (Candice Patton).

Barry sees that it's cow manure.

There is a science convention.

Harrison Wells (Tom Cavanagh from the TV show Ed) is a scientist and he talks about advancement in medicine.

Iris and Barry are there.  Iris's laptop gets stolen and it has her dissertation on it.

My opinion: You should save it onto a USB drive, and save drafts onto your email and email it to yourself, so you have multiple copies.

Barry runs after the thief and the thief hits Barry with the laptop.  Barry falls.

The Detective then points gun at the thief.

Barry is at his office.  He has a Wall of Crazy with news articles like "Nora Allen murdered by husband."

Joe and Detective check out barn to look for the Martin brothers.  They find the car and get shot at.  Detective gets shot.

A little plane flies away.

Asian woman news reporter: The particle accelerator at the science convention has malfunctioned because it's raining.

The accelerator explodes throughout the whole city and destroys the plane.

Barry gets zapped and electrocuted.

Barry is rushed into the hospital.

9 months later.

Barry wakes up with a jolt. 

Barry: I have abs?

Cisco (Carlos Valdes): I'm Cisco and this is Kate (Danielle Panabaker).  You are at Star Labs.

Dr. Harrison enters in a wheelchair.

Dr. H: 17 people died.  The accelerator worked and then with the rain, it made lightening.

Barry: Thank you for saving my life.

Barry enters coffee shop and sees Iris working there.  She hugs him.

Someone bumps into the waitress and Barry sees the tray about to drop.

Cut to the bank.

The Robber hands a note.

The Robber then lifts up his hands and the windows shake.

Barry goes to police station.

Barry visits Det. Joe West and Det. Eddie (Rick Cosnett).  Barry learns the other Det. at the beginning of the show died when he got shot on the farm.

A criminal about to get a cop's gun, but Barry gets him.

Barry goes outside and he feels like running.  He runs really fast.

Barry goes to Star Labs and there is track.

Barry: You don't smile.

Kate: My fiancé died, my boss is in a wheelchair.

Cisco: I make the toys.

Barry runs.

Cisco: He passed 200 miles per hour.

Flashback.  Barry thinks about his parents.

Cut to the bank.

Teller: A freak storm appeared.

There is cellphone videos of a storm inside the bank.

Cut to the Star Labs.

Kate: You had a wrist fracture and 3 hrs later, it healed.

Barry: My mom was murdered.  There was a ball of lightening.  I saw a man.

Later.  Barry sees his love interest Iris and Det. Eddie kiss.  Iris sees Barry and he leaves.

Cop car is driving and gets in the way.  Barry pushes Iris out of the way.

Barry runs and enters car with a Martin brother.

Barry moves wheel and the car flips.

Martin lifts his hand and makes storm, clouds, and fog.

Det. Joe comes.

Barry: I saw Martin.  He controlled the weather.

Joe: He can't control the weather.  There is no ball of lightening.  Your dad killed your mom.

Barry leaves.

Eddie comes with sketch artist picture of Martin.

Barry tells Dr. H, Kate, and Cisco: I'm not the only one.

Dr. H: The accelerator released all this anti- matter and affects a lot of people, they're like meta-humans.

Flashback.  11 yr old Barry is at home.  The dad is being dragged away by the cops.  Joe sees Nora's body.  Barry sees the body.

Present:

Barry runs to Starling City to talk to Arrow.  (They have met each other on Arrow.)

Arrow: You can help people.  You can make a difference.  You can inspire people in a flash.

Barry talks to Kate and Cisco.

Barry: Lots of missing people, mysterious deaths.

Cisco shows the Flash costume.

Cut to Joe and Eddie enter barn.

Martin is sitting on a stool.

Martin: When my plane dropped, I am God.

Martin then blows them away with the wind.

A tornado occurs.

Joe sees the Flash.

Barry: What if I unravel it?  I will run around it in the opposite direction.

Kate: You will die.

Barry: I have to try.

Barry falls back.

Dr. H (at the lab): You can stop this.  You can do this.  Now run Barry, run.

Barry runs and his mask falls off.

Martin points gun at Barry.

Martin: I thought there was no one like me.

Barry: You're not anything like me.  You're a murderer.

Joe shoots and kills Martin.

Joe runs to Barry.

Cut to the next day.  The cops are all over barn.

Joe: What you did, was it from the lightening?

Barry: Yes.

Joe: Don't tell Iris what you can do.  I want her to be safe.

Cut to jail.

Barry talks to dad through the Plexiglas.  They pick up the phone.

Barry: I finally got into a fight.

Dad: You won?

Barry: Yeah.  I know you didn't kill mom.  But I think I finally found a way to stop them.

Dad: You have to stop worrying about me, and live your life.

Barry: I feel like I am now.  You said I had to change my name so they don't know you're my dad.  I'm proud to be your son.

Barry cries.  Good acting.

Dr. H goes into a secret room.  He enters and gets out of his wheel chair.  He presses a holograph.

Newspaper: "Flash missing."  There is a picture of the Flash and it's date Apr. 25, 2024.

My opinion:

Comparisons:

A big catastrophic event occurs in the pilot, and it results in "freak of the weeks": It was done on Smallville.  There was meteor shower and then it made all these humans with superpowers.

It was kind of done on Flash Forward in 2009.  It lasted 1 season:

"A special task force in the FBI investigates after every person on Earth simultaneously blackouts and awakens with a short vision of their future."

Everybody blacked out and saw 6 months into the future.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1441135/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

A character has a secret power and/ or life that he can't tell anyone: It's been done on several shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and how she can't tell people she's a vampire slayer.

On Alias it was Sydney being a spy.  A secret life does make the show more interesting because it creates drama, conflict and tension.

Pros:

1. I do like the character Barry.  He is very likeable and nice and wants to help people.

2. All the characters have purposes like the tech guy, the woman doctor, the mentor.

Questions:

1. Who killed Nora Allen and why?

2. Will Barry's dad be released from jail?

3. Why is Dr. H pretending he can't walk?

4. Is Dr. H from the future? 

5. Is Dr. H a bad guy?

I usually end up watching a show to get all my questions answered.  However, the pilot didn't really get me interested.

If you like Smallville, Arrow, superheroes, sci-fi, then you may like this.

Sept. 20: Here are the TV shows debuting this week:

Mon. Sept. 21:

Blindspot

Minority Report

Tues. Sept. 22:

Limitless

Scream Queens

Thurs. Sept. 24:

Heroes Reborn

Sun. Sept. 27:

Quantico

Sept. 21 Limitless: I saw the movie last night on Global.  Global was promoting heavily for their TV show.  I like this movie.  I find it inspirational.