Bin Laden May Have Been Killed, but the Threat is Not.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/05/11/eveningnews/main20062040.shtml

Homeland security secretary Janet Napolitano claims that the threat of retaliation is strong. As discussed in class, retaliation seems likely and America should tighten its security. The reports of a planned attack on the railroad system could be an indication of another significant attack on the United States and should be used to prevent such tragedies.

SB 1070 Goes to the Supreme Court

CNN Wire Staff. "Arizona Takes Controversial Immigration Law to Supreme Court." CNN. Web.

After a year of controversy, Arizona finally takes SB 1070 to the Supreme Court, in its hopes that the Supreme Court will "lift the injunction on the state's controversial immigration law." Joe Arpaio has already been found unconstitutional in his raids, but Jan Brewer claims she is confident that America will side with Arizona. It'll be interesting to see how this plays out.

Obama's Facetiousness Reveals Itself

In America's history of presidents, Obama may just be the funniest. Out of all his humor and wittiness--or perhaps his assistants'-- he still manages to maintain seriousness and take care of business in America.

Immigration Discussion Reflection

One reason why I enjoy the class discussions in my class is because of the absence of ignorant comments. I was told that in other classes, many were disturbed by the ignorance. The day after our class discussion, a student in one of my other classes brought up the issue of immigration. The only points he could make were ignorant remarks. Aside from being interrupted constantly, I enjoyed the discussion. Good points were made and it seemed those that were speaking were informed quite well. One thing I enjoyed was the fact that Brigitte and I had the same thoughts and were able to speak alongside each other accordingly. It was nice being able to have someone to finish my thoughts. The entire class is always in some assent--SB1070 is wrong, immigrants are not actually stealing jobs-- and never in discord, which makes the discussions more pleasant. Immigration may be an inflammatory topic, but the class never failed to appease.

Momentum

http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/Canucks+administer+blowout+over+Predators/4693974/story.html

Alex Burrows was the man of Game 7. After having a penalty shot in the playoffs--a rare and suspenseful occasion-- and two goals, he became a father the next day. The Canucks's momentum continued to tonight's game in which they shutout the Nashville Predators. Let's hope this momentum continues to the end.

History Will Be Made

http://video.canucks.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=-6&id=111644

They did it! Overtime in Game 7 is possibly one of the most intense descriptions one could write, engendering the most tension. However, Alex Burrows was the man of the night. Two goals and a penalty shot, Burrows kept the Canucks in the series. Sheer ecstasy.

Anxiety Attack

http://www.vancouversun.com/health/Canucks+coach+Vigneault+declares+Luongo+start+Game+insists+kidding/4672411/story.html

It all comes down to this. Game 7. After giving up a three game lead, the Vancouver Canucks better not disappoint any further. My body trembles at the thought of a loss and if the Canucks do lose tonight, well then I will be extremely depressed the entire day tomorrow. Don't talk to me if they lose. Anyone. Good luck, Canucks.

Take That, Birthers

http://www.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/04/25/birthers.obama.hawaii/index.html?hpt=C2

Here is Obama's birth certificate. Next, they are going to try to get Hawaii to secede.

The Slow Decay of Political Issues...

Something I have noticed is that new political issues are only fugacious for the time they arise and resurface. Immigration is an issue, but it was only during this summer--when SB 1070 was introduced-- that it ignited the political fervor of the nation. The media fails to keep the masses updated with such news. I still do not know what happened to Wisconsin.

This Made My Day

To Make Things Worse...

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-nhl-20110420,0,77781.story

After a stressful day of laboring for AP Literature, I watch the Vancouver Canucks v. Chicago Blackhawks game. It is game four and the Canucks have been leading the series 3-0, one more win and the Blackhawks are eliminated. However, it seems the Canucks have gotten too confident because they were playing the body much more than the puck. Players were playing at an unsatisfactory level when the Blackhawks were excelling. This reminded me of the times when my team would do the same thing. We were too used to winning that when we started losing, we were too upset and started building tension. This tension would explode as we played an intense level of physical contact. I understand the Canucks, but remorsefully hope that they can rectify their errors before the next game and throughout the playoffs.

The Moral Code in Religion

http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2011/04/16/how-easter-killed-my-faith-in-atheism/?mod=google_news_blog

The time has come again when an Atheist asshole like me reads another story about how someone fell back into their faith and reflects on his own firm beliefs. Lee Strobel wrote about being an Atheist while his Agnostic wife converted to Christianity and his quest to find the truth after finding his wife's positive changes in character. He found historic evidence to warrant Christian stories. However, I fail to see the connection between these fiction stories and positive changes in character. I do respect the moral value of religion --sometimes-- but there is an underlying supercilious attachment to Christian faith that nullifies my overall respect towards Christianity. One does not need a religion to have a moral code. I do completely respect, however, the religions such as Buddhism in which no fictional story is needed and everyone loves everyone. Zen be with you all.

Dennis Prager's Ideal Public School

http://www.dennisprager.com/columns.aspx?g=07f08515-be95-4197-955e-327f6a0b98f8

It seems Prager's motives were appropriate but his means were a little misguided. The ethnic groups that he deems as divisive are in reality, unifying. Said groups are not exclusive and provide a cultural center. Anyone can join the clubs and learn more about another ethnicity. It is when people use these clubs exclusively that they become divisive. Also, his formal dress code seems to have an effect only on the appearance of the school. It is more of a pretentious rule rather than an academic one. Without knowledge of basic safety such as what is taught in health class, society will become more risky. We must learn to think for ourselves and be presented with both sides of anything. Prager has a good idea but could work on his method.

Vancouver Canucks, First in the Season

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/canucks-enter-playoffs-confident-in-shored-up-defence/article1981332/

Being from Vancouver, B.C, I cannot express how proud I am of the Vancouver Canucks. I took for granted the pride of being from where I am and when I moved to the states, I found I missed my hometown more and more everyday. Seeing my team win first in the season flared the surge of pride in me and bolstered my confidence in my team. Go Canucks, let's win the Stanley Cup this year!

Arizona Allows Guns on Campus?

Schwartz, David. "Arizona House Passes Law Allowing Guns on Campuses." Reuters. 7 April 2011. Web.

Republicans in Arizona allow the possession of unconcealed guns on campuses for people to "defend yourself against that aggressor." There is missing logic here. Who would attack someone knowing they may have a weapon? The only attack then, would be with another firearm. This not only promotes a civil arms race, but facilitates murder. Come on, Arizona. Think!

"That was too cute!" cont.

And thus, my superingeniousness prevails and is perpetuated!

"That was too cute!"

I asked Arevik, my Lakers-crazed fan girlfriend, to prom today. In light of what I did for the Midwinter, I felt I had to do something big. So I dressed my friend up in a UPS uniform...

...And put this inside the box...

...and delivered it to her in class. I'm awesome.

The S in ASB stands for Sycophants.

What's one thing in school that students take much more seriously than necessary?
School elections.

The only reason I voted was because a close friend of mine was running for a position. Said friend is not one of those ASB students who are so cult-ishly involved and I support that. Other students, however, fawn for the Lazz's favor and the favor of peers. It's a popularity contest. Members honestly do not like each other but are encouraged to emulate an amicable relationship, as confirmed by several members themselves. One candidate for an ASB position spent around $100 on donuts and distributed them among peers in return for a "guaranteed vote." A guaranteed vote? I am utterly speechless at this child's utterly stupid act. I cannot be alone when I say that I would grab a donut and still vote for my friend who is running against him or not vote at all. That is what all the students do, vote for their friends. Handing out candy or other idiotic acts of fawning has little effect. There is $100 wasted that could have been to contribute to my prom fund.

Think about the long term effects. Does anyone care that someone was "ASB President" in the office? No, so shut up and stop losing respect.

Walmart Denies Employees' Basic Human Rights

http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2007/04/30/us-wal-mart-denies-workers-basic-rights

There are millions of Wal-Mart workers and neither of them--not a single worker at Wal-Mart-- is represented by a union. This phenomenon has been found to derive from the corporation's anti-union tactics. Managers are required to report the start of any organization among workers to headquarters which, in response, prompts a meeting that workers are urged to attend. In these meetings, Wal-Mart lectures the dire consequences of forming unions and broadcasts videos dramatizing these consequences. Workers are BRAINWASHED against unions. To further this anti-union tactic, managers create fear of being fired for workers about to organize. Wal-Mart has a history of firing workers illegally for this reason. Surveillance cameras have also been repositioned to eavesdrop and snoop in on workers. Low prices at the expense of human rights. Support the EFCA.

Japan's Death Toll Reaches 10,000

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110325/ap_on_bi_ge/as_japan_earthquake

With attacks from tsunamis, floods, earthquakes, and even a nuclear fallout, Japan's suffering never seems to end. Over half a million households have been wrecked and the death toll just reached ten thousand. The damages exceed three hundred billion. This opens eyes to the things we take for granted.

Education Discussion Reflection

There seemed to be a consensus that there is a problem with the education system and only slight differences on how to tackle this issue. Although everyone seemed to be somewhat in accord with merit-pay, no one offered to explain why, other than it would create competition. I was disappointed that there were no arguments against merit-pay however. The number one issue with education today is the lack of motivation. Students are so occupied with other activities such as sports and music that they devalue education. Other reasons education is not as appreciated is because of the mainstream ideal that "school sucks." Success in this nation is now available by acting stupid and being trashy, manifested in the success of the stars of the popular show Jersey Shore. Because of this, students believe that they do not need school anymore and redirect their attention to partying and appearance. The class was able to agree that parent involvement is a key factor in integrating motivation in children and also that the student himself or herself should also be willing to accept the value of education. America's culture of education is in decline because of these problems in society.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Just because I'm going to see them tonight in a few minutes with my Irish best friend. Kiss me, my band mate is Irish!

"Scott Walker is a Koch Head"

http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20110223/GPG0101/110223190/0/GPG0706/Billionaire-Koch-brothers-criticized-involvement-budget-bill?odyssey=nav|head
Bivins, Larry. "Billionaire Koch brothers criticized for involvement in Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker's budget bill." Green Bay Press Gazette. Gannett. Web.

The way I see it, to reward one of his top conservative funding corporations, Governor Scott Walker is stripping not only Koch Industries' employees, but all of Wisconsin's employees' rights to organize. Without granting collective bargaining rights, those higher on the corporate ladder can set unfair wages and other unjust conditions for the working middle class without any resistance. I thought America was against Fascism...hmm.

This One is for Wisconsin

Never forget who you are.

Punishment: Exposing War Crimes > Committing War Crimes

http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/opinion/2011/03/201139154141620744.html
Benjamin, Media. "War crimes good, exposing them bad." Al Jazeera. Web.

A military officer, Bradley Manning, stationed in Kuwait was outraged at what he saw: his own fellow U.S officials secretly committing immoral acts from child rape to unauthorized bombings. After deciding to leak this information, the government was punished Manning rather than those committing war crimes. "None of the soldiers who carried out that war crime have been punished, nor have any of the high-ranking officials authorised it." "The Obama administration has decided to make Manning's pre-trial existence as torturous as possible." Considering the punishment he is receiving, he might as well have murdered the war criminals. This is why people do not trust the American government. Anarchy!

Michael Scott Leaves Dunder Mifflin

http://www.torontosun.com/entertainment/celebrities/2011/03/08/17541841-wenn-story.html

Actor Steve Carell filmed his last few scenes for the greatest television show The Office. Will Ferrell will be leading the show after. Granted, Ferrell is funny, but it will not be the same without Carell. Forever in our hearts, Michael Scott. We will miss you.

Most Typical Face Revealed

http://cosmiclog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/03/04/6190136-typical-face-is-chinese-for-now

The global population of humans is expected to hit seven billion this year and to acknowledge this, National Geographic generated an visual of the most typical face using an imaging software. The most typical face is a Chinese man. Being a Chinese man, I honestly do not know how I feel about this...

Wisconsin Attempts Ban on Prank Calls

http://newsfeed.time.com/2011/03/02/wisconsin-reps-attempt-to-make-prank-calls-illegal-%E2%80%94-really/

In light of the prank call made to Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, in which Walker revealed too much, it is understandable why Walker may be embarrassed. However, Wisconsin officials may have taken excessive measures when trying to save face by drafting a bill that would make prank calls illegal. The consequence for prank calling is a $1,000 to $10,000 fine. Officials have also made it clear that this bill is not related to the prank call Walker received. Sure...

IBM's Watson, Progression in Technology's Evolution

http://www.informationweek.com/news/hardware/supercomputers/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=229219358&cid=RSSfeed_IWK_All
IBM engineered a supercomputer database named Watson. What separates Watson from other databases is its senses. It can process information, extrapolate this information, and speak information. Although it has some flaws in the system, Watson can significantly alter society as does other technological databases. People may become too dependent on such devices and gradually neglect their own biological database. For an example, Sparknotes has condoned procrastination. As long as our own minds are prioritized correctly, supercomputers such as Watson may be able to coexist with a sophisticated society. Don't be a fool, stay in school!

My Observation on the Condition of the Degeneration of the Current Generation's Education

This is probably invalid as a merit-able post, as it is my response to an assigned question, but I felt too proud of my response and involved with the topic to ignore it as a blog post. I was asked to rate my total education on a scale of one to ten and explain. So:

"Five.
 ***NOTE*** Many in my class cited schools from different cities and even different states. In comparison, they have nothing on my international experiences. However, this rating reflects only the American education I have experienced. Anyways...

My cynicism prompted me to rate the education I have received (or have failed to receive) relatively low. Throughout my school years, it seems I have been mostly assigned to non-passionate teachers, teachers who do not try. The function of a teacher is not to simply lecture, assign problems, and assess our participation, but rather to motivate, guide, and challenge our intellectual capacities. I have come across too many teachers who have this misconception and it reflects on my rating. Said teachers shun the student for not qualifying as a student and continue without qualifying as a teacher.

Reading through other students' responses, I have found some respectable arguments. Both Arevik Martirosyan and Juan Montes have cited the school curriculum as flaws of the education system. Their arguments are, "They just make us learn things that we aren’t really going to use in the real world or when we get our own job", and "Yes, I could have taken more AP classes, but there were none that appealed to what I wanted to do later in life. Why would I need to take AP literature if I want to become a nurse?" However, this is to miss the overall point of the curriculum, to make students think. AP Literature may not apply to most careers, but thinking applies to most aspects of life. Math trains our problem solving capabilities. Science teaches us to question how things works. History teaches us to question authority. English teaches us rhetoric and to question why something was said or written that way. Questions lead to answers and answers improve our life, our community, our society, our nation, our world. (<b>Asyndeton</b>, look it up.)

If education does not reach its full potential, how can the world? It all starts in the classroom: motivate, educate, guide, and assess our thinking capabilities. Not necessarily in that order."

Mosque Discussion Rxn

I was generally pleased with how the discussion turned out. The entire class held a similar stand on the issue: that under the constitution, the Muslims should have the right to build the community center, but under the circumstances, violence may follow and their safety may be threatened. As I have been told, the other classes have not been so amicable in their discussion. Arguments were heated and bloods boiled. It seems fourth period was an appropriate example of how to respect opinions. The polls we took at the beginning of the discussion and the end of the discussion on our viewpoint manifested the slight success of the discussion. Some of those who were on the fence changed to either approving of the community center, or disapproving of the community center. A question that was impressing throughout the discussion was "Why is location so important?" The answer may be that Ground Zero is where most were affected. Although some patriotic Americans will say they were impacted, this impact is not personal. It is mostly those closest to that area that were impacted most. Apparently Americans are not ready for such toleration, toleration towards Islamic freedom and toleration towards learning about their religion. Will time open American minds? Only time will tell.

SOTU Project

1) Beliefs - One of the first things Obama acknowledges is that "we have fought fiercly for our beliefs...That's what sets us apart as a nation"
2) Nation - Twice, Obama addresses "what sets us apart as a nation."
3) Family - The president uses this word to imply a close connection between all Americans.
4) Jobs - A large portion of the speech was dedicated to solving the loss of jobs.
5) Progress - "We are poised for progress." To counter the recession, we must being progress.
6) Economy - The economy has been in a terrible state but Obama is working to fix it for the American people.
7) Together - Obama emphasizes this word to make a subtle request for all Americans to cooperate.
8) Change - Obama acknowledges that times have changed for jobs. Finding one is more difficult than it used to be.
9) Workers - The president addresses the struggle workers have to face.
10) Education - Obama mentioned the essential nature of education.
11) Research - Research and science are two aspects that significantly improved America.
12) Entrepreneurs - Entrepreneurs is another aspect that significantly improved America.
13) Pioneers - Obama cited the first pioneers as America's first innovators.
14) Future - Obama made optimistic and idealistic goals for the future.
15) Responsibility - Obama called on the nation to take responsibility for the deficit.
16) Innovation - Obama acknowledged America's innovative history, including Edison and the Wright brothers.
17) Sputnik - Obama reminded America of the arms race and how America was called to action in research.
18) Goal - Obama set ideal goals for the future of America. One of them challenged Americans to be more energy efficient.
19) Energy - Obama addressed the need for alternative fuel in the country.
20) Investment - The president asked Americans to invest in the future.
21) Reinvent - "That's what Americans have done for over 200 years. Reinvented ourselves."
22) Performance - Obama asks for higher performance in classrooms.
23) School - Education was a major topic in Obama's speech
24) Spending - Obama discussed how he will alter spending.
25) Bipartisan - Obama asked for congress to agree to bipartisan cooperation.
26) Deficit - Obama addressed the deficit problem and proposed his solution.
27) Efficient - Obama declared the start of a more efficient government.
28) Competent - Obama declared the start of a more competent government.
29) Exports - One of the challenges Obama proposed to America was to double the exports.
30) Success - Success means getting into college. Obama asks students to be successful.
31) Government - Obama wants to reform government. Down with the government!
32) Challenge - Obama asks Americans not to be discouraged by plights but rather challenged.
33) START - Obama cited the agreement to mitigate the nuclear weapons manufacturing.
33) Terrorists - al Qaeda was mentioned and its downfall was promised.
34) Constitution - Obama warned Americans not to stray from legislation that would violate the constution.
35) Dream - Obama addressed the American dream and redirected our path towards it.
36) Recession - Obama proposed solutions to the recession and initatives to alleviate it.
37) Revolutions - Obama mentioned how revolutionary the invetion of the internet was.
38) Productive - Students were asked to be more productive in the classroom as well as at home.
39) Security - Obama declared his wish to strengthen social security.
40) Apollo - When discussing energy, he said "we will fund the Apollo projects of our time."
41) Unity - Throughout his speech, Obama called for American unity.
42) Reform - Obama talked about reforming the government and the education system with his "Race to the Top" competition.
43) Teacher - Obama asked any student contemplating his future to consider being a teacher. "Mr. Palo the best one EVER." -Arevik M.
44) Immigration - Obama discussed Illegal Immigration and how if they benefit from our education, why not let them benefit our economy.
45) Infrastructure - Our engineers have graded our own infrastructure a "D."
46) Freeze - Obama said we would freeze spending for five years.
47) Cuts - Obama proposed many budget cuts.
48) Inspired - Obama's request for a more educated America was inspiring.
49) Poignant - In the beginning of the speech, Obama mentioned Giffords which engendered a poignant atmosphere.
50) Iraq - At one point, Obama announced his promise to pull out of Iraq.

Egyptian Authorities Ban Al Jazeera

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/01/30/egypt.al.jazeera/index.html

As tensions increase in Egypt, authorities shut down Al Jazeera, a comprehensive media network. Many are outraged at this ban, especially protesters who believe that both sides should be broadcasted. From the American perspective, this act is a scandal. The very first amendment to the constitution defended the right that was violated by Egyptian officials. Al Jazeera believes that the regime needed to salvage its support and did so by silencing their voices, which spoke objectively. By censoring the media, Egyptian President Mubarak has exhibited his power and his devotion against Democracy.

Health Care Discussion Rxn

During the class discussion on Friday, I was struck with some new insight. One of the most outstanding was the question, "Why do prisoners get more health coverage than citizens do?" by Alex Fino. This strengthened my belief that health coverage should be a right as this would provide a more acceptable leverage than lowering the health care of prisoners. As I have stated in class, "Why should we value health care differently than government services such as the fire department or the police department?" It may be argued that these services are to protect other citizens, but one must take into account that the postal service is another government program. This may be somewhat inaccurate statistics, as I remember being told this, but cannot confirm, but Americans pay less taxes than citizens of other countries. In this respect, Americans should learn to take care of one another financially. It is every citizen that makes this country (at least it should be...) and to neglect another citizen's suffering is to harm America. Not only do Americans need to take care of one another, but also of themselves. I will admit that I am a victim of the fast food appeal, but I balance this out by being active. Other countries, such as China and Japan, rely less on engine transportation, cars and such, and more on physical transportation, bicycles and walking. These countries have a much less obesity rate. With fewer health problems, the health care system can be relieved and universal health care may be more accepted. Eat your fruits and vegetables!

U.S Missionary Assasinated in Mexico

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/americas/01/26/mexico.missionary.shot/index.html


As like during the Boxer Rebellion in China, it seems some are uncomfortable being cultured by Americans. Although the victim has been quoted as a, "nurse, a friend" and a "spiritual advisor," her presence disturbed someone. The motives behind this assassination have not been revealed (yet), but the message is clear: she was not welcomed.

Pratley, Sara. U.S missionary in Mexico fatally shot. CNN World. CNN, 26 January 2011. Web. 26 January 2011.

Flashmob: Pregnant women breakdancing in London

This comedic video shows "pregnant" women, professional dancers wearing pregnancy suits, breakdancing in the presence of confused onlookers. The purpose of this was to highlight the fact that women in many impoverished nations die giving birth due to the lack of secure methods. As tragic as this is, overpopulation is also a threat. I am not advocating the mass death toll, I am advocating awareness and education to solve both issues. Stay in school.

My Problem with Religion

Note: not for the closed-minded*
Warning: may be offensive*

      History has manifested the disgraces of religion. Religion's image of unity and integrity has exonerated it from public scrutiny and caused many to overlook its corruption. The problem with religion is the intolerance towards other religions; unity only exists within a religion, not among religions. From the Crusades during the Middle Ages to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict during present day, the large number of casualties can be attributed to the discord among religions. Religions set guidelines for its followers that may not always be just. For example, Catholics are prevented from using birth control methods, greatly contributing to overpopulation and the war for resources that follows.
     However, there are still some religions that maintain tranquility. Buddhists and Quakers, for instance, tolerate all other religions and advocate a nonviolent society. If there were more religions such as these, the concept of religion would not be so corrupt.



I have nothing to cite.