I am following up on the Evergreen Valley High incident, as promised. Luckily, nothing has happened in the past week or so, so hopefully things will stay that way.
It's a relief to know that all of the students, faculty, and staff are safe, but it's also frustrating to know that there are students out there who have nothing better to do than to frighten and wreak havoc in society. It's not easy for parents to send their children to school while knowing that there is a possible imminent danger, nor is it easy for the police to simply leave their regular duties to come and spend several hours at a high school as security guards. I applaud EVHS and the authorities for all their efforts and faith.
Let's hope that nothing like this happens again!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Bring Out the Nukes
North Korea. When you hear those two words, all you can think of is another important word - communism. Until now, several attempts have been made on North Korea's part to build its very own nuclear weapons. Though they have claimed that several successful nuclear weapons have been made in the past, it was in October of 2006 that N.Korea had its first public nuclear test; it was a failure.
But now, after two and a half years, North Korea is at it again. Satellite images have been reported by the Institute for Science and International Security of the rocket launcher North Korea has worked so hard to create. Are they trying to start World War III, testing out their nuclear capabilities, or attempting to join the rest of the world powers with nuclear weaponry. Who knows? President Kim Jong-Il does - or should I say Dictator Kim Jong-Il.
At the end of World War II, Korea was split into two separate nation at the 38th parallel. To this day, it has remained thus so. Many of the younger generations of South Korea claim they want to rejoin their "brothers and sisters" in North Korea, to join the two nations together once again. Yet we know that this can never happen, and it's best if it doesn't. With my own family in South Korea, it would be devastating to never be allowed to see them since North Korea, today, has already implemented strict rules that no one is to enter or leave the country without government approval. To live in North Korea is to live in a brain-washed world of conformity. It is illegal to dress in any clothing other than the common uniform distributed to the mass population, illegal to listen to South Korean music, and illegal to do anything that the government has not specifically stated as legal. What kind of world is that?
Yet we, as members of the global community, have no say in this matter because it is not our position to forcefully change the wills of others. Perhaps, in time, North Korea will develop its own democracy and abandon its communist regime; we can only hope.
Reporters say that the expected launch (if successful) will occur in the next month. So for the time being, keep an eye out for any bombings from North Korea - their rocket may actually work this time.
But now, after two and a half years, North Korea is at it again. Satellite images have been reported by the Institute for Science and International Security of the rocket launcher North Korea has worked so hard to create. Are they trying to start World War III, testing out their nuclear capabilities, or attempting to join the rest of the world powers with nuclear weaponry. Who knows? President Kim Jong-Il does - or should I say Dictator Kim Jong-Il.
At the end of World War II, Korea was split into two separate nation at the 38th parallel. To this day, it has remained thus so. Many of the younger generations of South Korea claim they want to rejoin their "brothers and sisters" in North Korea, to join the two nations together once again. Yet we know that this can never happen, and it's best if it doesn't. With my own family in South Korea, it would be devastating to never be allowed to see them since North Korea, today, has already implemented strict rules that no one is to enter or leave the country without government approval. To live in North Korea is to live in a brain-washed world of conformity. It is illegal to dress in any clothing other than the common uniform distributed to the mass population, illegal to listen to South Korean music, and illegal to do anything that the government has not specifically stated as legal. What kind of world is that?
Yet we, as members of the global community, have no say in this matter because it is not our position to forcefully change the wills of others. Perhaps, in time, North Korea will develop its own democracy and abandon its communist regime; we can only hope.
Reporters say that the expected launch (if successful) will occur in the next month. So for the time being, keep an eye out for any bombings from North Korea - their rocket may actually work this time.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
UC System - Racist Against Asians?
As a high school student, I know that there are several standardized tests that some colleges require for admission - e.g. ACT, SAT I, SAT IIs. Around this time of the year, many juniors can be seen cramming for their SAT Is or SAT IIs as college applications are due in several months. Though the SAT I is required for several different colleges, the UC system requires two standardized subject tests (SATII)...until now. As of this year, the class of 2012 and onwards will not be required to take the SATII for any University of California school.
When I first heard this rumor at the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year, I was pretty upset because my graduating high school class of 2011 would be the last class required to take the extra subject tests. How unfair that it would be removed from the requirements just as I graduated!
Yet as I was sitting at Starbucks Saturday morning, a San Jose Mercury News front-page article caught my eye - the removal of the SATII. According to SJMN, this gives white students a better chance of entering the university. This move has upset the Asian-American community because a significant percentage of UC schools consist of Asian/Asian-Americans; the increase of white students would only lead to a decrease in admissions for Asian students. "Under the new policy, according to UC's own estimate, the proportion of Asian admissions would drop as much as 7 percent, while admissions of whites could rise by up to 10 percent." - Lisa M. Krieger of the Mercury News.
After viewing this article and several similar others, I did not think that I was so unlucky after all; perhaps the class of 2012 and the graduates after will be the unlucky ones. Not only will the Asian students be at a disadvantage when applying for a UC school, but also students in general will not have as much of an opportunity to experience a diverse college campus life.
Will the UC school system follow through to apply this new admissions policy, or will the outcries of the Asian-American society be enough to change the school board's minds? One can only imagine, but I sincerely hope the California university boards will change their minds!!
Power to the Asians.
When I first heard this rumor at the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year, I was pretty upset because my graduating high school class of 2011 would be the last class required to take the extra subject tests. How unfair that it would be removed from the requirements just as I graduated!
Yet as I was sitting at Starbucks Saturday morning, a San Jose Mercury News front-page article caught my eye - the removal of the SATII. According to SJMN, this gives white students a better chance of entering the university. This move has upset the Asian-American community because a significant percentage of UC schools consist of Asian/Asian-Americans; the increase of white students would only lead to a decrease in admissions for Asian students. "Under the new policy, according to UC's own estimate, the proportion of Asian admissions would drop as much as 7 percent, while admissions of whites could rise by up to 10 percent." - Lisa M. Krieger of the Mercury News.
After viewing this article and several similar others, I did not think that I was so unlucky after all; perhaps the class of 2012 and the graduates after will be the unlucky ones. Not only will the Asian students be at a disadvantage when applying for a UC school, but also students in general will not have as much of an opportunity to experience a diverse college campus life.
Will the UC school system follow through to apply this new admissions policy, or will the outcries of the Asian-American society be enough to change the school board's minds? One can only imagine, but I sincerely hope the California university boards will change their minds!!
Power to the Asians.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Down with the Dollar
Reading a report from The Financial Times (online), China has proposed a new global currency to replace the ever-dropping dollar. The reasoning behind this proposal is to have a currency that will remain stable throughout the course of the constant-fluctuations of the global economy.
With the recession at hand and the stock market plummeting, the United States is at a point where several other countries who trade with the U.S. may be worried for their own economic safeties. Zhou Xiaochuan, China's central bank governor, brought up the idea of special drawing rights. "Special drawing rights are assets and liabilities of the Fund provided to each member in proportion to its quota share in the institution. A member receiving SDR can transfer some or all of its allocation to another member country and receive credit in a convertible currency to spend on its domestic or international needs," - Ted Truman of the Financial Times.
These "SDR"s are supposedly the solution to the global recession.
If they are such effective solutions, why are they not put into action immediately?
I honestly don't know, but the G20 will. The G20 consists of 19 of the world's largest economies and the European Union; matters of global economic importance and matters pertaining to the international finance system are discussed at this meeting.
There will surely be much to discuss at the G20 meeting this year, in April.
Be sure to check back in April to see the resulting decisions of the G20.
With the recession at hand and the stock market plummeting, the United States is at a point where several other countries who trade with the U.S. may be worried for their own economic safeties. Zhou Xiaochuan, China's central bank governor, brought up the idea of special drawing rights. "Special drawing rights are assets and liabilities of the Fund provided to each member in proportion to its quota share in the institution. A member receiving SDR can transfer some or all of its allocation to another member country and receive credit in a convertible currency to spend on its domestic or international needs," - Ted Truman of the Financial Times.
These "SDR"s are supposedly the solution to the global recession.
If they are such effective solutions, why are they not put into action immediately?
I honestly don't know, but the G20 will. The G20 consists of 19 of the world's largest economies and the European Union; matters of global economic importance and matters pertaining to the international finance system are discussed at this meeting.
There will surely be much to discuss at the G20 meeting this year, in April.
Be sure to check back in April to see the resulting decisions of the G20.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Breaking News: Another Columbine?
Evergreen Valley High School of the East Side Union High School District has received several threats concerning Neo-Naxi signs and guns. A 20-ft long swastika was painted into the grass, according to EVHS student sources, and anthrax (later discovered to only be baby powder) was spread around the campus.
Luckily, I had a chance to have interview Brandon Johnston, current sophomore at EVHS, and learn about the incident firsthand.
WWatcher: So when did these threats occur approximately?
Johnston: It all started with the Swastika. We kinda noticed it today; we saw a pattern.
WWatcher: Besides the fake anthrax and the cut-down trees, were there any other signs of hostility? Were there police officers, or anything of the sort?
Johnston: No, not really, none that I noticed or anything. Well, there was one guard when the anthrax thing came in.
WWatcher: Oh, I see. Well, what are your overall feelings about this whole situation?
Johnston: I'm a little scared, but I mean I almost disbelieve it. Not to the point of jinxing myself, but I'm ready if something happens.
The question is: Will EVHS students go to school today? Brandon and several others have decided that they will attend school because they refuse to cower away from these threats. I commend the students for their bravery and school pride, but will their courage have detrimental consequences? We'll have to wait and see. Check back for another interview tomorrow with Brandon, again.
My thoughts and prayers are with you EVHS.
More Sources: EVHS Student Blog
For even more information of Neo-Naxism, read the post below from a few days ago.
Luckily, I had a chance to have interview Brandon Johnston, current sophomore at EVHS, and learn about the incident firsthand.
WWatcher: So when did these threats occur approximately?
Johnston: It all started with the Swastika. We kinda noticed it today; we saw a pattern.
WWatcher: Besides the fake anthrax and the cut-down trees, were there any other signs of hostility? Were there police officers, or anything of the sort?
Johnston: No, not really, none that I noticed or anything. Well, there was one guard when the anthrax thing came in.
WWatcher: Oh, I see. Well, what are your overall feelings about this whole situation?
Johnston: I'm a little scared, but I mean I almost disbelieve it. Not to the point of jinxing myself, but I'm ready if something happens.
The question is: Will EVHS students go to school today? Brandon and several others have decided that they will attend school because they refuse to cower away from these threats. I commend the students for their bravery and school pride, but will their courage have detrimental consequences? We'll have to wait and see. Check back for another interview tomorrow with Brandon, again.
My thoughts and prayers are with you EVHS.
More Sources: EVHS Student Blog
For even more information of Neo-Naxism, read the post below from a few days ago.
"Arrogance, Incompetence, and Greed" - Rep. Paul Hodes (D-N.H.)
AIG (American International Group) is a public insurance group that been around since the early 20th century.
Since 2008, AIG has been having severe difficulties after its liquidity crisis in September. Americans depend on AIG to such an extent that the U.S. Federal Reserve decided to bail the major insurance group out of its financial crisis - $122.8 billion worth of loans.
In October, it was reported that AIG executives $86,000 on a hunting trip; ABC News then reported in November that a luxurious trip was taken, costing $343,000. With its debts and losses, AIG executives should be working to re-construct the company to save it from this whirlpool of financial loss.
Yet, as of March 18, 2009, according to FoxNews.com, Congress is faced with the issue of re-collecting the $165 million in bonuses given to AIG employees. A large percentage of U.S. taxpayer's money has already gone into the bailout of AIG, and now the insurance group wants to give out bonuses?
Where is the money coming from? Out of the pockets of millions of hardworking Americans.
Although President Obama claims that he and the U.S. Congress will work to retract the bonus-distribution; who knows what will happen?
AIG, where is all that money going?
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Sieg Heil! Sieg Heil...?
"Seig Heil" was actually the expression used during WWII and Nazi era by Germans to call together mass meetings. Will our 21st century teenagers soon be shouting this infamous German phrase?
After WWI, anti-Semitism rose as a critical social and racial issue in the early 20th century; thus the Zionist movement began, leading to the establishment of present-day Israel. Pushing for a nation-state of their own, hundreds and thousands of Jews were discriminated and harshly mistreated (i.e. the Holocaust). Are these anti-Semitic feelings stirring up again?
According to a German study by its government, there has been a rise in anti-Semitic crimes in the last year in Germany. Reuters India says that, "Roughly one in twenty 15-year-old German males is a member of a neo-Nazi group." From 2007 to 2008, several neo-Nazi signs (e.g. stickers, music) have been appearing among German teens.
Though it seems absurd, this issue has even caught the attention of German Interior Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble. "He [Schaeuble] would push for the creation of more sports clubs in regions with social problems," reports Reuters, in response to the reports.
So, my question to you is: Is this just a superifical rumor due to paranoia, or will the old resentments and hatred fuel another Holocaust?
You decide.
After WWI, anti-Semitism rose as a critical social and racial issue in the early 20th century; thus the Zionist movement began, leading to the establishment of present-day Israel. Pushing for a nation-state of their own, hundreds and thousands of Jews were discriminated and harshly mistreated (i.e. the Holocaust). Are these anti-Semitic feelings stirring up again?
According to a German study by its government, there has been a rise in anti-Semitic crimes in the last year in Germany. Reuters India says that, "Roughly one in twenty 15-year-old German males is a member of a neo-Nazi group." From 2007 to 2008, several neo-Nazi signs (e.g. stickers, music) have been appearing among German teens.
Though it seems absurd, this issue has even caught the attention of German Interior Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble. "He [Schaeuble] would push for the creation of more sports clubs in regions with social problems," reports Reuters, in response to the reports.
So, my question to you is: Is this just a superifical rumor due to paranoia, or will the old resentments and hatred fuel another Holocaust?
You decide.
Monday, March 16, 2009
MMM Obama Fingers...
Photo Credit: PoliWorldWindow.blogspot.com (compiling the pictures)Well munch on an OBAMA FINGER.
This phenomenon is sweeping across parts of Germany. Sprehe, a frozen-food company, has announced its new product - Obama Fingers!
Instead of your typical Michael Phelps or William Sisters on that box of cereal, imagine President Obama's face plastered all over your average chicken-finger box? Perhaps the frozen-food industry is aiming for a more political look instead of athletic.
Another special addition to this delicious meal is a curry dip - I don't know any other frozen food that offers curry dip, do you?
But some wonder, is this idea of Obama Fingers "racially insensitive" to Americans or is it just an acknowledgment towards the new U.S. President?
You decide.
Ireland: End of the Rainbow?
When you think of Ireland, you're reminded of potatoes and intriguing folklore - rainbows, pots of golds, leprechauns, those devious faeries and pixies.
But is Ireland really the end of the rainbow, or is there trouble in fairyland?
As I was listening to Fox News on the way to school today, I discovered that Ireland is suffering from the largest budget deficit in the Euro-area. In 2008, Ireland's budget deficit was at 12.714 billion euros ($17.7 billion) according to Forbes.com.
Ireland has looked to the U.S. to make deals to pull itself out of its budget deficit.
Interestingly enough, Irish Cork-based Premium Golf Brands (PGB) has established a partnership with Calvin Klein to expand its business. Will golfer fashion boost the economy?
Fashionistas, bring out your golfing designs - save Ireland!
Photo Credit: Vpnupnorth.com
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Batman's "Joker" Character Taken Too Far?
We all know that the 2008 release of Batman, with the all-too-famous Joker (played by Heath Ledger), was a big summer hit. Everywhere you turned, you could hear a "Why so serious?". Well, while the movie itself was very popular and the characters were well-played, is the Joker character taken TOO seriously?
It has been reported that a Fort Eustis soldier was killed last Sunday.
Army Spc. Christopher Lanum was killed by police after a long chase. Lanum's girlfriend, Patsy Ann Marie Montowski, escaped with injuries. Montowski is said to have helped Lanum stab fellow soldier Spc. Mitchell Stone.
Montwoski says that her boyfriend had always idolized the Joker, ever since the premier of Batman, and when police searched Lanum's room, face paint and pictures and clips of the Joker were all over the walls; an online search for sleeping gas was on Lanum's computer screen. When found at the scene of his death, Lanum was said to have been dressed in a green vest and black pants.
Was Lanum's obsession merely just a fanatical obsession or did he take it a little too far?
With a dead soldier and two injured, my question to you now is...Why so serious?
Photo Credit: AllThingsFanGirl
Minister in London Attacked
Known for his disputes with Muslims on his Gospel show, Christian Reverend Noble Samuel was attacked by 3 men while he was on his way to his show.
They drove a car in front of him, asking for directions, and when he rolled down the window a man grabbed his hair in an attempt to smash Mr. Samuel's head against the steering wheel.
Some claim these three men were Asian, and the Metropolitan Police are on the lookout.
Mr. Samuel and his family now fear for their lives; police have tried to reassure them, but have given them warning to future assaults.
What has our world come to? Is it so wrong to have different religious/political views?
Will we resort to violence, once again, to dissolve our differences?
They drove a car in front of him, asking for directions, and when he rolled down the window a man grabbed his hair in an attempt to smash Mr. Samuel's head against the steering wheel.
Some claim these three men were Asian, and the Metropolitan Police are on the lookout.
Mr. Samuel and his family now fear for their lives; police have tried to reassure them, but have given them warning to future assaults.
What has our world come to? Is it so wrong to have different religious/political views?
Will we resort to violence, once again, to dissolve our differences?
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Recession Leaves Students With No Other Choice
With the recession officially beginning in last December (2007) according to the International Herald Tribune, students are looking to careers in the funeral business? True or False?
Apparently, the answer is TRUE. It seems that there has been an influx in the students attending Funeral-Education schools such as the American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Education.
With the 21st century demographics showing that there is a substantial increase in population over the past decades - approximately 2 billion - the mortality rate increases since the birth rate is obviously increasing (otherwise we'd have an overpopulation to the point where there would be several times more people alive than dead).
Does this mean that the funeral industry is attracting more young people to go into the funeral business?
According to a reporter from from Newsday.com some people can make $50,000 after living at the funeral home for a year. This pay would appeal to many as the average American makes anywhere from $10,000 to $40,000 (or less depending on one's living circumstances).
So, looking for a summer job? Try a funeral home, you never know where it might get you.
Click on the links above for more information.
Apparently, the answer is TRUE. It seems that there has been an influx in the students attending Funeral-Education schools such as the American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Education.
With the 21st century demographics showing that there is a substantial increase in population over the past decades - approximately 2 billion - the mortality rate increases since the birth rate is obviously increasing (otherwise we'd have an overpopulation to the point where there would be several times more people alive than dead).
Does this mean that the funeral industry is attracting more young people to go into the funeral business?
According to a reporter from from Newsday.com some people can make $50,000 after living at the funeral home for a year. This pay would appeal to many as the average American makes anywhere from $10,000 to $40,000 (or less depending on one's living circumstances).
So, looking for a summer job? Try a funeral home, you never know where it might get you.
Click on the links above for more information.
Russia Hunts for Military Bases
Latest News as of March 14, 2009:
Russia searches for military bases, particularly in Cuba and Venezuela, for Russian bombers to land aircrafts, etc. It has been reported that Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez offered an island as a temporary base for Russia.
As of late, Russia has been re-establishing strong ties with Cuba and Venezuela, as Russian and Venezuelan presidents have been meeting.
Both Latin American nations are a bit close to the United States, but U.S. officials refrain from making any direct comments besides the warning of "crossing the line". Is the United States in potential danger?
Does President Obama have another "Cuban Missile Crisis" on his hands, or is this just mere talk? We'll just have to wait and see what unfolds in the next few weeks.
For more information, go to:
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.9776268a25e75ad5b44b4d87e8a32a02.4a1&show_article=1
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/15/world/europe/15russia.html?ref=americas
Russia searches for military bases, particularly in Cuba and Venezuela, for Russian bombers to land aircrafts, etc. It has been reported that Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez offered an island as a temporary base for Russia.
As of late, Russia has been re-establishing strong ties with Cuba and Venezuela, as Russian and Venezuelan presidents have been meeting.
Both Latin American nations are a bit close to the United States, but U.S. officials refrain from making any direct comments besides the warning of "crossing the line". Is the United States in potential danger?
Does President Obama have another "Cuban Missile Crisis" on his hands, or is this just mere talk? We'll just have to wait and see what unfolds in the next few weeks.
For more information, go to:
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.9776268a25e75ad5b44b4d87e8a32a02.4a1&show_article=1
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/15/world/europe/15russia.html?ref=americas
