So, UB was pretty cool. BUT, that's all in my UB blog: bowdoinub08.blogspot.com
Well, school starts soon. I'm so sad that I only get like a week and a half before school, but whatever. UB is worth the sacrifice, in my opinion.
My schedule is as such:
Semester 1, Quarters 1+2:
AP U.S. History
Algebra II
Local & Global Awareness
Honors English IV
Semester 2, Quarters 3+4:
AP U.S. History
Film & Film making (Qt. 3) / You Talk (Qt. 4)
Modern Middle Eastern Studies (Qt. 3) / Printmaking (Qt. 4)
Honors Lab Physics
Homeroom: 114
Note: For non-CHS students, our schedule works so that we have the same core classes every day for one semester, and then we're done with them. The exceptions are most electives, which last one quarter, and AP classes, which are every day for the entire school year.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Friday, June 20, 2008
Woke up this morning...
So I woke up this morning... as you can guess, it was 8:23. I was immediately struck by the desire - perhaps "urge" is a better word - to begin Upward Bound packing. So, I dug my suitcase out of my closet, cleaned it out from the last time I used it, and began to pack. So far, I have been able to keep six weeks worth of clothes, toiletries and school supplies in one medium-sized bag, a small suitcase, and a backpack. My fan will not be packed, as there's no good reason to pack it.I know I thought last week's entry would be my last, but I figured there's no reason to completely end a blog just because I leave for the summer. I can maintain two blogs I suppose. It's just the other one will be more in-depth. Truth be told, I just really wanted to use this picture of my alarm clock. It the alarm wasn't so loud, I would take it instead of my old alarm. BUT, I'm happy with my old alarm. Last year my suite mates enjoyed the feature where you can project the time onto the wall. It was convenient whenever we stayed up talking. Rather than squint to see the time on a regular clock, we could see it in large numerals up on the wall. Definitely a plus.
As UB comes closer, now down to 40-some hours from now, I am becoming anxious. Not only to see old friends, but also to meet the new people. But I don't want to make this entry TOO long. I'm going to go find something to do... hoping the thunder I heard doesn't necessarily mean a downpour is coming.
Friday, June 13, 2008
ACTs, Summer Plans
Tomorrow are the ACTs. I'm pretty anxious to take them, actually. I mean, I have to go to Ashland, but whatever ... it'll be worth it. Considering I only got a 1640 on my SATs, which is good but not great, I'm really hoping to come away with an ACT composite of 28-31. I doubt I'll get a 31, but a 28 would be good. Most colleges ask for ACTs in the 22+ range, so I feel a 28 would be fairly impressive.
So far, I've discovered about half of the people have taken them, and half have never heard of them. Maine is one of the majority of states where SATs are more common than ACTs, while states like Indiana and Missouri have an ACT prominence. Maybe after I take them I'll understand why some states like them and some states don't. Until tomorrow afternoon, I really can't form an opinion. All I can say is that the SATs are overhyped by people. They're really not that bad.
So far, I've discovered about half of the people have taken them, and half have never heard of them. Maine is one of the majority of states where SATs are more common than ACTs, while states like Indiana and Missouri have an ACT prominence. Maybe after I take them I'll understand why some states like them and some states don't. Until tomorrow afternoon, I really can't form an opinion. All I can say is that the SATs are overhyped by people. They're really not that bad.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other than ACT news, I really don't have much to say. This weekend it's ACTs, next weekend I'm departing for Brunswick. Within a few weeks I will be actively involved in UB '08, and my excitement is high. Last year was amazing, and with some good people returning from last year, this summer is sure to be good. Not to mention all the good first years.
Oh well, should be good. If you want to read up on my Bowdoin excitement, my Bowdoin blog will be located at the weblink below. I won't be posting on here during the summer, most likely, so make sure to catch up with me there. Have a great summer (Elisha, lol), and I'll resume Truthiness9009 this fall.
http://bowdoinub08.blogspot.com
Thursday, May 29, 2008
www.umfk.maine.edu
So today was yet another college tour, bringing the total number of colleges I have seen my Junior year of high school to eight: (U Maine Orono, NESCOM, Husson, U of New England, St. Joseph's of Maine, U Maine Presque Isle, N. Maine Comm. College, and U Maine Fort Kent).
All in all, UMFK (affectionately called UM-FuK or UM-FoKt by myself) was a decent school. The fact that the campus is LITERALLY 20 feet from my current school makes me dislike it a little bit, but eh ... what can you do? It's cheap as heck, with a total year's worth of financing around $12,000 or so (depending).
It's definately worth it, but I want to venture out somewhere. Colby is still my #1, but making a surprise grab at my #2 spot is University of New England in Biddeford. Since Colby will not accept me (most likely) given my 3.2 GPA and lack of extracurriculars (only on maybe 5 clubs overall), I am doubtful. SO, with a 70% acceptance rate, I look toward UNE. I mean ... it's at a beach.
At #3 is my beloved Earlham, a small Quaker school in Richmond, Indiana. I like everything about this school ... well, i mean it IS in Indiana. But hey, whatever. In #4 is Northeastern in Boston, and at #5 is Western New England in Springfield. My #6 is a great little college called Furman in Greenville, SC. Most of my colleges happen to be small, private, liberal arts schools that have low acceptance rates. Jeez ... hopefully I get in somewhere.
Aside from the college scare, as I call it, I've had a good week - mostly. Geometry has brought on nightmares I can't even begin to explain, but I'm happy that after a zero grade on a homework assignment (didn't pass it in) and a 73 on a test (juniors missed the review for our "FUN DAY"), I didn't go down - maintaining my shameful, disgraceful 80. To anyone with a lower grade than 80, im sure you're not as upset as i am with my grade. but i recently realized, if colleges don't like my GPA, they're not good enough for me. that's a neat spin on things.
But ya, Iron Man was a good movie overall, maybe even close to GREAT. So that pretty much sums everything up. Tomorrow we start Trigonometry, and only Jehovah knows what horrors that entails.
[Author's Note]: The use of the term Jehovah above was not for comedic affect. Though I am not a Jehovah's Witness - several of whom I have met and know, and whose religion I am very fond - I use the term Jehovah with the utmost respect. If ever I use "Jehovah" in school, it is not to be offensive or rude - it is to indicate my belief that Lord God has a name, and it is Jehovah. In case you're curious, Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew Yahweh*, which is the name of God. In fact, Yahweh is so sacred a word, it cannot be said aloud - only written. Also in Judaism, they do not write God the way most of us do, but rather as such: G-d. They are very respectful. As such, I believe in Jehovah, but I do call Him God more often, mostly from habit, having been raised by Pentecostal parents who do not accept any other name than God.
*spelling may be incorrect
All in all, UMFK (affectionately called UM-FuK or UM-FoKt by myself) was a decent school. The fact that the campus is LITERALLY 20 feet from my current school makes me dislike it a little bit, but eh ... what can you do? It's cheap as heck, with a total year's worth of financing around $12,000 or so (depending).
It's definately worth it, but I want to venture out somewhere. Colby is still my #1, but making a surprise grab at my #2 spot is University of New England in Biddeford. Since Colby will not accept me (most likely) given my 3.2 GPA and lack of extracurriculars (only on maybe 5 clubs overall), I am doubtful. SO, with a 70% acceptance rate, I look toward UNE. I mean ... it's at a beach.
At #3 is my beloved Earlham, a small Quaker school in Richmond, Indiana. I like everything about this school ... well, i mean it IS in Indiana. But hey, whatever. In #4 is Northeastern in Boston, and at #5 is Western New England in Springfield. My #6 is a great little college called Furman in Greenville, SC. Most of my colleges happen to be small, private, liberal arts schools that have low acceptance rates. Jeez ... hopefully I get in somewhere.
Aside from the college scare, as I call it, I've had a good week - mostly. Geometry has brought on nightmares I can't even begin to explain, but I'm happy that after a zero grade on a homework assignment (didn't pass it in) and a 73 on a test (juniors missed the review for our "FUN DAY"), I didn't go down - maintaining my shameful, disgraceful 80. To anyone with a lower grade than 80, im sure you're not as upset as i am with my grade. but i recently realized, if colleges don't like my GPA, they're not good enough for me. that's a neat spin on things.
But ya, Iron Man was a good movie overall, maybe even close to GREAT. So that pretty much sums everything up. Tomorrow we start Trigonometry, and only Jehovah knows what horrors that entails.
[Author's Note]: The use of the term Jehovah above was not for comedic affect. Though I am not a Jehovah's Witness - several of whom I have met and know, and whose religion I am very fond - I use the term Jehovah with the utmost respect. If ever I use "Jehovah" in school, it is not to be offensive or rude - it is to indicate my belief that Lord God has a name, and it is Jehovah. In case you're curious, Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew Yahweh*, which is the name of God. In fact, Yahweh is so sacred a word, it cannot be said aloud - only written. Also in Judaism, they do not write God the way most of us do, but rather as such: G-d. They are very respectful. As such, I believe in Jehovah, but I do call Him God more often, mostly from habit, having been raised by Pentecostal parents who do not accept any other name than God.
*spelling may be incorrect
Saturday, May 17, 2008
SATs and stuff
Today was the SATs. ARGH!
I got up at 6, which I usually do, and left around 6:40. I got to Fort Kent around 7:20, and when I saw no one at the school, went for a ride down pleasant, over to market, up main, and back to the school ... half the loop, lol.
By then, there were two or three people who had arrived. I went in, and pretty soon everyone started arriving - together. It was so weird. Fort Kent people - I don't get you sometimes.
So anyway, it was 10 sections long, and boring as hell. The essay was sort of neat, but everything else kinda sucked. ESPECIALLY math. I hate math. I think I did decent on it though.
Now I've just got to wait to see what I got. My scores are getting sent to some of my college choices, so maybe they'll be impressed. Lol. Anyway, I'm focusing on taking the ACTs next month. I think those will be a LOT, LOT, LOT, LOT better.
So ya ... that's it. What's up?
I got up at 6, which I usually do, and left around 6:40. I got to Fort Kent around 7:20, and when I saw no one at the school, went for a ride down pleasant, over to market, up main, and back to the school ... half the loop, lol.
By then, there were two or three people who had arrived. I went in, and pretty soon everyone started arriving - together. It was so weird. Fort Kent people - I don't get you sometimes.
So anyway, it was 10 sections long, and boring as hell. The essay was sort of neat, but everything else kinda sucked. ESPECIALLY math. I hate math. I think I did decent on it though.
Now I've just got to wait to see what I got. My scores are getting sent to some of my college choices, so maybe they'll be impressed. Lol. Anyway, I'm focusing on taking the ACTs next month. I think those will be a LOT, LOT, LOT, LOT better.
So ya ... that's it. What's up?
Monday, May 12, 2008
I'm writing in Georgia today. Why? It's my new favorite font. Why? Who knows? Yes, I did answer your question with a question.
So, tomorrow's college fair in Presque Isle just makes me realize that college is rapidly approaching. In a little more than six months, most of us will already have applied and/or been accepted to schools. For me, as long as I'm accepted into one of the following five, I won't be disappointed:Earlham College, Richmond, Indiana
Colby College, Waterville, Maine
University of New England, Biddeford, MaineUniversity of New Haven, New Haven, Connecticut
Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts
Tomorrow's college fair will be good, as Colby, UNE and UNH will all be there. Of course, so will like 1000 other kids who have no interest in going to any of the schools in attendance. Even worse, a lot of kids with like D-averages trying to get Colby or Bowdoin information. I almost want to grab them and say, "HEY - don't even bother!" Sounds mean, but they're just in the way of those of us who may actually have a shot. I say that with a B-average ... knowing Colby and/or Bowdoin would both reject me.
I really don't have much else to say. I wanted to write a normal blog, just detailing my day, but this just came out of my ... hands. lol. So anyway, have a good week everybody.
So, tomorrow's college fair in Presque Isle just makes me realize that college is rapidly approaching. In a little more than six months, most of us will already have applied and/or been accepted to schools. For me, as long as I'm accepted into one of the following five, I won't be disappointed:Earlham College, Richmond, Indiana
Colby College, Waterville, Maine
University of New England, Biddeford, MaineUniversity of New Haven, New Haven, Connecticut
Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts
Tomorrow's college fair will be good, as Colby, UNE and UNH will all be there. Of course, so will like 1000 other kids who have no interest in going to any of the schools in attendance. Even worse, a lot of kids with like D-averages trying to get Colby or Bowdoin information. I almost want to grab them and say, "HEY - don't even bother!" Sounds mean, but they're just in the way of those of us who may actually have a shot. I say that with a B-average ... knowing Colby and/or Bowdoin would both reject me.
I really don't have much else to say. I wanted to write a normal blog, just detailing my day, but this just came out of my ... hands. lol. So anyway, have a good week everybody.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Wednesday's Just Alright
So today was Wednesday.
What some may call "Hump Day" has always sort of just been an irritent to me. We've completed the first three days of the week, which is good, but there are still two more, long days to go. However, tomorrow night I will be singing praise that the following day is Friday. Never mind that it will mean I am just a week away from a book test I have not read for, and a little more than a week away from the SAT's - which may or may not decide my very future. With my Upward Bound requirement to take them twice - and my plans to take the ACTs this June - I can be more chill than most. I will, of course, taken them seriously nonetheless.
So today, I discovered that my Bowdoin College water bottle - which is awesome - is a Nalgene bottle. Those are insanely popular right now, which shocks me, given their simplicity. However, I take pride in knowing I've had mine for almost a year - while many people are just NOW getting theirs. However, I cannot use it yet. Somehow, after sitting away in a cupboard for nearly a year, has several small brown spots on the inside. I researched, and before I can begin using my beloved water bottle, I must first soak it in bleach and water overnight. GROSS. Have you ever smelt bleach and water? We used it a lot in First Aid as a disinfectant, and it is DISGUSTING. What's worst is that the smell refuses to leave your hands. No doubt, I will need to soak it in soapy water overnight afterward just to eliminate the smell of the bleach. BUT, claims the Nalgene website, my bottle will then be clean. :)
Some controversy has developed with the Nalgene bottles, with groups claiming that a chemical called BPA (Bisphenol-A), which is present in the plastic, can cause organ failure or something. But given America's desire to stay trendy, I doubt this will make much of a difference. I do not plan on throwing away mine - even it is may be dangerous. Why? Because society says Nalgene bottles are cool, and I am always looking to be cool.
In all seriousness, they seem like a decent product. But if I begin to feel sick, I may stop using it. Until that day, GO Nalgene.
Well alright. Thanks for reading, and have a good week everybody.
What some may call "Hump Day" has always sort of just been an irritent to me. We've completed the first three days of the week, which is good, but there are still two more, long days to go. However, tomorrow night I will be singing praise that the following day is Friday. Never mind that it will mean I am just a week away from a book test I have not read for, and a little more than a week away from the SAT's - which may or may not decide my very future. With my Upward Bound requirement to take them twice - and my plans to take the ACTs this June - I can be more chill than most. I will, of course, taken them seriously nonetheless.
So today, I discovered that my Bowdoin College water bottle - which is awesome - is a Nalgene bottle. Those are insanely popular right now, which shocks me, given their simplicity. However, I take pride in knowing I've had mine for almost a year - while many people are just NOW getting theirs. However, I cannot use it yet. Somehow, after sitting away in a cupboard for nearly a year, has several small brown spots on the inside. I researched, and before I can begin using my beloved water bottle, I must first soak it in bleach and water overnight. GROSS. Have you ever smelt bleach and water? We used it a lot in First Aid as a disinfectant, and it is DISGUSTING. What's worst is that the smell refuses to leave your hands. No doubt, I will need to soak it in soapy water overnight afterward just to eliminate the smell of the bleach. BUT, claims the Nalgene website, my bottle will then be clean. :)
Some controversy has developed with the Nalgene bottles, with groups claiming that a chemical called BPA (Bisphenol-A), which is present in the plastic, can cause organ failure or something. But given America's desire to stay trendy, I doubt this will make much of a difference. I do not plan on throwing away mine - even it is may be dangerous. Why? Because society says Nalgene bottles are cool, and I am always looking to be cool.
In all seriousness, they seem like a decent product. But if I begin to feel sick, I may stop using it. Until that day, GO Nalgene.
Well alright. Thanks for reading, and have a good week everybody.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Liberal Christendom? What's that?
So it seems that in modern society, plagued by the likes of Ann Coulter and John McCain (however Liberal we all know he really is), Christianity has gotten a bad reputation. As a Christian - recently rediscovering it after a month of time invested in the Baha'i Faith (see article below) - I am saddened by this. Conservatism has become the majority when it comes to what political fraction Christians should turn to. My opinion is that Christians, even devout ones, can turn to Liberalism and not face eternal damnation.
Take for example the Christian perspective on homosexuality. I mention this topic because it seems to be one of the most dividing of all. On one side of Christendom, you have the Evangelicals and other Conservatives who say Leviticus 18:22 ("Man shall not lie with mankind as with womankind; it is abomination") bans homosexuality. However, you have others who say that this does nothing of the sort. Instead, they claim, it simply discourages certain sexual acts. Citing the fact that the Bible also uses the word "abomination" - a very strong word indeed - to condemn the consumption of certain foods and other smaller items. Add to it the fact that homosexuality is only mentioned two or three times total in the Bible, and soon you have a strong argument against a ban on homosexuality.
Whatever end of the spectrum you choose to side with, that is not important. I was recently sitting around on a day off from school, and it suddenly hit me while deep in thought - Evangelicals are the biggest hypocrites in the world! They mention this sin of homosexuality, yet they don't realize the sin they THEMSELVES are comitting. By advocating a ban on gay marriage, they are intending to act as judges and discriminators. However, the Bible condemns such activity MANY more times than it condemns homosexuality - if in fact it does at all. So, by acting as God - the Supreme Judge - they are comitting a sin greater than sodomy. Do they not realize this? The sad thing is - they do not.
It's quite simple: discrimination and judgment is prohibited by the Bible. We've all heard in our lives "Judge not lest ye be judged." Well, that comes directly from the Bible. Yet, Evangelicals cower behind their Bibles, condemning those who disagree with them. It is ironic that they can claim to be the true followers of Christ when they are dirtying his name and changing His will. What the Evangelicals ought to do is this: shut up. Even if they are against homosexuality, it is not their right to act as God and judge and condemn. If they truly believe this is wrong, let them remain quiet and if God is truly upset by this behavior, He - and only He - will be allowed to judge. Until that time, we need some damage control for the Evangelicals - who by the way are turning out more gay Conservative politicians than any other religious sect in the world.
Aside from homosexuality, we have issues such as abortion, stem cell research, drug use, and many other sensitive topics. I hold similar beliefs for all these topics: shut up! You claim to be doing God's will, yet His will is that you do not try and do His job. He is the Supreme Judge, not you. That being said, it is easy to call your acts hypocritical, sinful, and immoral. Of course, morals have long ago fled from any Evangelical mindset - despite what they might want you to believe.
I do not condemn all Evangelicals, holding many Evangelical beliefs myself. I believe in baptism, I believe in the second coming of Christ, I believe in no sex before marriage, I believe in no drug or alcohol use, and I even believe in the Rapture. That being said, not everyone thinks like me, and I most certainly don't plan on taking on God's role any time soon.
Take for example the Christian perspective on homosexuality. I mention this topic because it seems to be one of the most dividing of all. On one side of Christendom, you have the Evangelicals and other Conservatives who say Leviticus 18:22 ("Man shall not lie with mankind as with womankind; it is abomination") bans homosexuality. However, you have others who say that this does nothing of the sort. Instead, they claim, it simply discourages certain sexual acts. Citing the fact that the Bible also uses the word "abomination" - a very strong word indeed - to condemn the consumption of certain foods and other smaller items. Add to it the fact that homosexuality is only mentioned two or three times total in the Bible, and soon you have a strong argument against a ban on homosexuality.
Whatever end of the spectrum you choose to side with, that is not important. I was recently sitting around on a day off from school, and it suddenly hit me while deep in thought - Evangelicals are the biggest hypocrites in the world! They mention this sin of homosexuality, yet they don't realize the sin they THEMSELVES are comitting. By advocating a ban on gay marriage, they are intending to act as judges and discriminators. However, the Bible condemns such activity MANY more times than it condemns homosexuality - if in fact it does at all. So, by acting as God - the Supreme Judge - they are comitting a sin greater than sodomy. Do they not realize this? The sad thing is - they do not.
It's quite simple: discrimination and judgment is prohibited by the Bible. We've all heard in our lives "Judge not lest ye be judged." Well, that comes directly from the Bible. Yet, Evangelicals cower behind their Bibles, condemning those who disagree with them. It is ironic that they can claim to be the true followers of Christ when they are dirtying his name and changing His will. What the Evangelicals ought to do is this: shut up. Even if they are against homosexuality, it is not their right to act as God and judge and condemn. If they truly believe this is wrong, let them remain quiet and if God is truly upset by this behavior, He - and only He - will be allowed to judge. Until that time, we need some damage control for the Evangelicals - who by the way are turning out more gay Conservative politicians than any other religious sect in the world.
Aside from homosexuality, we have issues such as abortion, stem cell research, drug use, and many other sensitive topics. I hold similar beliefs for all these topics: shut up! You claim to be doing God's will, yet His will is that you do not try and do His job. He is the Supreme Judge, not you. That being said, it is easy to call your acts hypocritical, sinful, and immoral. Of course, morals have long ago fled from any Evangelical mindset - despite what they might want you to believe.
I do not condemn all Evangelicals, holding many Evangelical beliefs myself. I believe in baptism, I believe in the second coming of Christ, I believe in no sex before marriage, I believe in no drug or alcohol use, and I even believe in the Rapture. That being said, not everyone thinks like me, and I most certainly don't plan on taking on God's role any time soon.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Now I'm Back
I took a month off, mostly because I felt this blog was dead. Which it is. BUT, I've decided to blog for ME - good writing practice. So if I get readers, GREAT - if not, oh well.
I dont have much to discuss today, except to say - I am back from vacation.
I dont have much to discuss today, except to say - I am back from vacation.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Interesting Religions
Today, I bring you information about the Baha'i faith, founded by Baha'u'llah more than 130 years ago.
• The purpose of life is to know and worship God, to acquire virtues, to promote the oneness of humankind and to carry forward an ever-advancing civilization
• All humanity was created by one God and is part of one human race
• Work performed in the spirit of service is a form of worship
• The soul, created at the moment of conception, is destined by God to reach the afterlife, where it will continue to progress until it attains the presence of God
Baha'is practice:
• Daily prayer and communion with God
• High moral principles, including trustworthiness, chastity and honesty
• Independent investigation of truth
• A life dedicated to the service of humanity
• Fellowship with the followers of all religions
• Avoidance of excessive materialism, partisan politics, backbiting, alcohol, drugs and gambling
Social principles include:
• Equality of women and men
• The harmony of science and religion as two complementary systems of knowledge that must work together to advance the well being and progress of humanity
• The elimination of prejudice
• The establishment of a world commonwealth of nations
• Recognition of the common origin and fundamental unity of purpose of all religions
• Spiritual solutions to economic problems and the removal of economic barriers and restrictions
• The abolition of extremes of poverty and wealth
• The adoption of a world auxiliary language, a world script, and a uniform and universal system of currency and weights and measures
Core Beliefs
• The principle of the oneness of humankind is the pivot around which all the teachings of Baha'u'llah revolve.
• Baha'u'llah taught that humanity, after a long and turbulent adolescence, is at last reaching a stage of maturity in which unity in a global and just society finally can be established.
• To this end, the Baha'i Faith prescribes laws of personal morality and behavior, as well as social laws and principles, to establish the oneness of humanity.
• The purpose of life is to know and worship God, to acquire virtues, to promote the oneness of humankind and to carry forward an ever-advancing civilization
• All humanity was created by one God and is part of one human race
• Work performed in the spirit of service is a form of worship
• The soul, created at the moment of conception, is destined by God to reach the afterlife, where it will continue to progress until it attains the presence of God
Baha'is practice:
• Daily prayer and communion with God
• High moral principles, including trustworthiness, chastity and honesty
• Independent investigation of truth
• A life dedicated to the service of humanity
• Fellowship with the followers of all religions
• Avoidance of excessive materialism, partisan politics, backbiting, alcohol, drugs and gambling
Social principles include:
• Equality of women and men
• The harmony of science and religion as two complementary systems of knowledge that must work together to advance the well being and progress of humanity
• The elimination of prejudice
• The establishment of a world commonwealth of nations
• Recognition of the common origin and fundamental unity of purpose of all religions
• Spiritual solutions to economic problems and the removal of economic barriers and restrictions
• The abolition of extremes of poverty and wealth
• The adoption of a world auxiliary language, a world script, and a uniform and universal system of currency and weights and measures
Thursday, February 28, 2008
The Stresses We Create for Ourselves
For the past few months, I've been thinking only of college-related things.
Will I get into my number one? Will my SAT/ACT scores be high enough to even impress my top college choices?
Truth be told, it's all sickening. It brings with it panick and fear, and it's not something I should be this worried about. I should definately be academically preparing myself for college, which I believe I have during my high school career. I'm not taking SATs until April or May, and ACTs are in June. So, if I'm going to worry, I should at least wait awhile.
I of course still want desperately to attend Colby College, but I've also recently expanded my list of top choices. Thanks to College Board, I've received nearly two dozen letters from colleges nationwide - all offering amazing curriculum and extracurricular opportunities. As such, three of my Top 5 colleges were only recently introduced to me. Before that, I had no idea these schools even existed. Now, they seem very appealing,
My top 5 colleges are:
Will I get into my number one? Will my SAT/ACT scores be high enough to even impress my top college choices?
Truth be told, it's all sickening. It brings with it panick and fear, and it's not something I should be this worried about. I should definately be academically preparing myself for college, which I believe I have during my high school career. I'm not taking SATs until April or May, and ACTs are in June. So, if I'm going to worry, I should at least wait awhile.
I of course still want desperately to attend Colby College, but I've also recently expanded my list of top choices. Thanks to College Board, I've received nearly two dozen letters from colleges nationwide - all offering amazing curriculum and extracurricular opportunities. As such, three of my Top 5 colleges were only recently introduced to me. Before that, I had no idea these schools even existed. Now, they seem very appealing,
My top 5 colleges are:
- Colby College
Waterville, Maine
Private, liberal arts - Saint Joseph's College
Standish, Maine
Private, liberal arts - Thomas College
Waterville, Maine
Private, independent - Western New England College
Springfield, Massachusetts
Private, independent - Daniel Webster College
Nashua, New Hampshire
Independent
With any luck, I can get into a few of these. But I've decided to sort of relax about it. After all, I've got until November before the Early Decision applications are due at Colby. As you can probably tell, I want to go to a liberal arts school or some other type of private college. I also just noticed they're all "colleges", not universities. That's coincidental.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
The Greatest Story Ever Told
So there's this movie online one of my friends had me watch. Broken into 3 pieces, the movie exmaines religion, 9/11, and the IRS. Somewhere about halfway through the religion section, I abandoned my Christian faith. Is this a permanent revelation? Who knows. All I know is that something about the Christ kool aid doesn't smell right anymore. I've looked into Judaism once again, but then again, that takes a lot of time and committment. I'm not sure if I question the existence of God per se, but I definately have changed my views of the world.
I know the response to this is usually something like, "Well, you fell for what they were saying! How reliable is this source?" To respond, all I can do is ask you to committ yourself for about two hours to watch the movie - the link is at the bottom of this entry.
As far as the 9/11 part goes, I've suspected it was rigged by the government since watching "Loose Change" on youtube. This video just adds to my certainty that the towers were demolished by bombs, not planes. Thousands of lives were taken, and we'll probably never have a clear, concise answer as to why.
And with the IRS, all I can say is that Americans have been saying for a long time that it is unconstitutional. Well, it actually is. Income taxes are illegal, and the government is committing a crime every year. I strongly urge all people to stop filing their income taxes. It's illegal for them to do that, and we need to stop the oppressor before She increases his tyranny against us. By She, I of course mean "Lady Liberty".
I know the response to this is usually something like, "Well, you fell for what they were saying! How reliable is this source?" To respond, all I can do is ask you to committ yourself for about two hours to watch the movie - the link is at the bottom of this entry.
As far as the 9/11 part goes, I've suspected it was rigged by the government since watching "Loose Change" on youtube. This video just adds to my certainty that the towers were demolished by bombs, not planes. Thousands of lives were taken, and we'll probably never have a clear, concise answer as to why.
And with the IRS, all I can say is that Americans have been saying for a long time that it is unconstitutional. Well, it actually is. Income taxes are illegal, and the government is committing a crime every year. I strongly urge all people to stop filing their income taxes. It's illegal for them to do that, and we need to stop the oppressor before She increases his tyranny against us. By She, I of course mean "Lady Liberty".
Well alright, the video can be viewed at:
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Why Democrats Are Just Better
So Tuesday is SUPER TUESDAY in the U.S. If you're a Republican (aside from having no soul), you're picking between McCain, Romney, Huckabee, and Paul. Those are OKAY candidates.
But if you're a Democrat, you are LUCKY this year. With Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton both averaging in the mid-40s in polls, it's hard to tell who will win. We have such awesome candidates this year, and the Democrats will take back the White House.
We sort of have no right to complain about the past 8 years. Al Gore and John Kerry... what the hell were we thinking? It's time to get a Democrat elected, and either one of these two powerhouse candidates will do it. Both would make an amazing President, but only one can get elected. I can't make up my mind (although i miss election day by 24 hours). But it'll be an awesome election either way.
But if you're a Democrat, you are LUCKY this year. With Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton both averaging in the mid-40s in polls, it's hard to tell who will win. We have such awesome candidates this year, and the Democrats will take back the White House.
We sort of have no right to complain about the past 8 years. Al Gore and John Kerry... what the hell were we thinking? It's time to get a Democrat elected, and either one of these two powerhouse candidates will do it. Both would make an amazing President, but only one can get elected. I can't make up my mind (although i miss election day by 24 hours). But it'll be an awesome election either way.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Why Canada's Just Better ... at some things
I'm a proud American, don't get me wrong. But Canada has definately put us to shame with many of their policies and advances. Canada is known to be a less-discriminatory nation that is friendly to its poor and actually tries to help them. This is something America doesn't believe in.
But really, Canada is better for one reason: it is one of the most Socialist-like democracies in the world. And, Socialism is the greatest political ideology ever created. For that reason, I name Canada the nation that was the best in 2007.
Haha, wow ... I'll actually make a list of the Top 5 countries of 2007.
1) Canada
Semi-Socialist agenda, one of the lowest crime rates
2) Iceland
Named the happiest country in the world, low crime rate
3) Mozambique
Awesome name, never making the news, low crime rate
4) Norway
Very low crime rate, has not adopted the Euro or joined the EU
5) Ghana
One of Africa's most stable economies, moderate crime rate, English-speaking
But really, Canada is better for one reason: it is one of the most Socialist-like democracies in the world. And, Socialism is the greatest political ideology ever created. For that reason, I name Canada the nation that was the best in 2007.
Haha, wow ... I'll actually make a list of the Top 5 countries of 2007.
1) Canada
Semi-Socialist agenda, one of the lowest crime rates
2) Iceland
Named the happiest country in the world, low crime rate
3) Mozambique
Awesome name, never making the news, low crime rate
4) Norway
Very low crime rate, has not adopted the Euro or joined the EU
5) Ghana
One of Africa's most stable economies, moderate crime rate, English-speaking
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Hillary Clinton for President
So, with victories in the New Hampshire and Nevada primaries (or maybe Nevada is a caucus), Hillary Clinton is starting to look like an early leader over biggest challenger Barack Obama. Personally, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are interchangable. Their beliefs and goals are so similar that it doesn't matter who wins; as long as a Democrat does.
I'm sick of people making the following statements:
"Hillary Clinton will ruin this country..."
"No one will let a black man be President..."
Here are my responses:
1) How could Hillary Clinton destroy this country any more than her predecessor?
2) America may be historically racist, but we need a strong leader. More people will vote FOR change than vote against it for racist, biggoted reasons.
I have been a Clinton supporter for a long time. She really will make a great President. It's too bad, however, that we'll have to wait for a monumental nomination. With only Democrats having the guts to nominate either an African American or a woman, it seems we'll have to wait until 2016, after Hillary has served for 2 terms, for an African American nominee. I'm sure Barack, who will only be in his 50s, will make a great Presidential candidate in 2016. It will help him being the first African American Vice President ... hopefully.
I'm sick of people making the following statements:
"Hillary Clinton will ruin this country..."
"No one will let a black man be President..."
Here are my responses:
1) How could Hillary Clinton destroy this country any more than her predecessor?
2) America may be historically racist, but we need a strong leader. More people will vote FOR change than vote against it for racist, biggoted reasons.
I have been a Clinton supporter for a long time. She really will make a great President. It's too bad, however, that we'll have to wait for a monumental nomination. With only Democrats having the guts to nominate either an African American or a woman, it seems we'll have to wait until 2016, after Hillary has served for 2 terms, for an African American nominee. I'm sure Barack, who will only be in his 50s, will make a great Presidential candidate in 2016. It will help him being the first African American Vice President ... hopefully.
Clinton/Obama, 2008
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Actually, I have more
For some reason, that last post 2 minutes ago put me in the mood to share some more stuff. Please stay with me as I share 2 very interesting and powerful Bible passages [sic?]. I have started to read it lately, and I find it is actually full of useful information.
Such as:
Psalm 1:
Also, Ecclesiastes 3:1-8:
Such as:
Psalm 1:
Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.
The ungodly are not so,
But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.
Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment,
Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
For the LORD knows the way of the righteous,
But the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Also, Ecclesiastes 3:1-8:
To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven:
A time to be born, And a time to die;
A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted;
A time to kill, And a time to heal;
A time to break down, And a time to build up;
A time to weep, And a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, And a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to gain, And a time to lose;
A time to keep, And a time to throw away;
A time to tear, And a time to sew;
A time to keep silence, And a time to speak;
A time to love, And a time to hate;
A time of war, And a time of peace.
Nous Parlons Francais
Don't really have anything new to say. So, here's a poem I like:
Do not stand by my grave and weep.
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am a diamond glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle Autumn rain.
When you awake in the morning hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft star shine at night.
Do not stand by my grave and cry.
I am not there − I did not die.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
I Am Legend
WARNING: Contains some spoilers of the movie
So on January 4 I went with a couple friends to see 'I Am Legend' starring Will Smith. Initially I expected it to be the generic human vs. creature movie ... good guy finds creatures, they fight, good guy wins in the end and everything gets better. While I won't give away too much from the movie (in case you decide to buy or pirate it), but it definately did not follow that typical path.
We're introduced to Smith's character, who is living alone with his dog Sam in NYC. Through flashbacks at various points in the movie, we learn about his family and find out what happened to them. We also find out how he came into posession of the only surviving normal canine in NYC. He behaves in many ways how most people might. He drives really nice vehicles around, he goes and gets CDs and DVDs from a local store to play on his TV (which he probably didn't buy), and just tries to get through his life, to find a cure for a disease that has left him one of the sole survivors of a genetic holocaust.
Basically it's broken down this way: there were 6 billion people on the earth, and about 3/4 instantly died from the disease. Then out of those remaining, more than 500 million became these nighttime creatures that fed off of many of the remaining 12 million normal humans. In the end we discover that some of these statistics are flawed, but I won't give away too much.
Overall I would give it an 8 out of 10. I thought the storyline was unique and interesting, but the script was weak. At only an hour and forty minutes, it sort of seems like they feared going too long. I would have sat through a two hour movie of the same storyline if was a little more interesting. Also, if you don't like "crappy" endings, you probably won't like this movie's ending. Despite this, I say the film as a whole was good.
So on January 4 I went with a couple friends to see 'I Am Legend' starring Will Smith. Initially I expected it to be the generic human vs. creature movie ... good guy finds creatures, they fight, good guy wins in the end and everything gets better. While I won't give away too much from the movie (in case you decide to buy or pirate it), but it definately did not follow that typical path.
We're introduced to Smith's character, who is living alone with his dog Sam in NYC. Through flashbacks at various points in the movie, we learn about his family and find out what happened to them. We also find out how he came into posession of the only surviving normal canine in NYC. He behaves in many ways how most people might. He drives really nice vehicles around, he goes and gets CDs and DVDs from a local store to play on his TV (which he probably didn't buy), and just tries to get through his life, to find a cure for a disease that has left him one of the sole survivors of a genetic holocaust.
Basically it's broken down this way: there were 6 billion people on the earth, and about 3/4 instantly died from the disease. Then out of those remaining, more than 500 million became these nighttime creatures that fed off of many of the remaining 12 million normal humans. In the end we discover that some of these statistics are flawed, but I won't give away too much.
Overall I would give it an 8 out of 10. I thought the storyline was unique and interesting, but the script was weak. At only an hour and forty minutes, it sort of seems like they feared going too long. I would have sat through a two hour movie of the same storyline if was a little more interesting. Also, if you don't like "crappy" endings, you probably won't like this movie's ending. Despite this, I say the film as a whole was good.
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