Stop Militarizing Our Youth!

That's what the single protester's sign read as I drove by yesterday. When former President Bush was in office, at the beginning of the War on Terrorism, large groups of protesters were present all over the U.S. One particular place was on the corner of a street near the large shopping complex near my house. Signs saying "Bring our troops home!" and others such things in regards to the negative aspects of the war could often be seen as upset families and citizens marched up and down the street. As time has passed, the number of these protesters has diminished considerably. I never really thought I'd still see anybody protesting the war until these past few weeks. In particular, yesterday, one lonely protester stood on the corner of the street and held up a large sign saying "Stop Militarizing Our Youth!". I don't quite understand. Although I know how difficult it is for families, relatives, and friends of those who have committed themselves to a life of serving in the United States military and armed forces, I don't see how anybody is "militarizing" these soldiers. There has been no draft to force anyone to join the army. Usually, when people join the military, they know the hard work, dedication, and potential sacrifice they might have to make in the future if their country requires this of them. There is always a choice...isn't there? Or am I missing something.

So, yes, I do sympathize with those who have lost loved ones in the war, or who are suffering without their loved ones near them because they are serving in the war at the moment. However, really, there is no "militarizing" going on right now. So...let's put the cardboard signs away and find something else to protest about...like...pollution?

Knock Knock, Who's There - Terrorists

You see cars and other vehicles almost every day of your life, whether it be on the streets, in garages, or on the highway. Isn't it disturbing to think that one of those cars could contain highly-dangerous explosives that could kill a mass amount of people? This makes me want to stay away from any vans or trucks.

Recently, in the U.S., there have been several reported domestic threats against our national security. I won't be talking about the specifics, because that will just bore you, but you can go to Yahoo! News to get a quick summary of what's been going on. I don't understand this concept of Jihad. I took A.P. World History last year, I've been studying Islam since the 7th grade, and yet, I still don't understand how these religious jihads can be so violent. Dictionary.com defines as "a holy war undertaken as a sacred duty by Muslims." This holy war has been interpreted as many different types of "wars," may it be as radical as sacrificing yourself as a suicide bomber to making subtle protests in the community. Being religious myself, I understand that the religious text (for Muslims, the Koran) and religious practices such as jihad may be very important. Yet why must they take the lives of others in the process? I thought that the very fundamentals of Islam was that they were accepting of all religions; they may not practice or accept them in society, necessarily, but they surely were tolerant. I never thought this holy war concept must be so extreme.

So, why do they keep coming to the United States, seeking revenge? Where will all these innocent deaths get them? Is it for their pride? Their religion? Their hatred of Americans? I don't know, but I really hope that these terrorists keep to themselves and stop scaring us. I don't want to be scared every time I see a deserted van.

A Big Difference

Photo Credit

There is a big difference between having a nuclear power plant for the purpose of generating energy for your country, and having a nuclear power plant to create nuclear weapons to wage war and destroy your enemies. Isn't there?

Yes, there is. According to the United Nations agreement, Iran has broken the international agreement and restrictions/limits on having nuclear reactors. Up until now, we saw President Obama attempt to "negotiate" with Iranian leaders and make "peace". Well, now it's time to stop trying to hold hands around the fire and sing Kumbaya, it's time to act. Now that a secret nuclear facility has been discovered in Iran, President Obama is finally realizing that the threat of nuclear bombs (especially from Iran) is a real threat. Merely shaking your head and saying "tut, tut, tut, you shouldn't have massive nuclear power plants that could possibly make weapons of mass destruction and destroy neighboring countries" is not enough to make a change. When are we going to actually go and do something? Hopefully soon, because I don't want to see any place get blown up with radioactive uranium.

Defense Against the Dark Arts (or maybe just against the Dark Creepers)

It's scary to admit, but there are a lot of strange people in this world - perverts, stalkers, creepers, etc. Sometimes, there are just several misunderstood people who think they have something to prove because they've been so mistreated in their lives - therefore, they see it just to seek revenge by taking innocent lives of others. I don't really try to understand the psyche of these men/women, but what I do try to understand is the feelings of the families who have their sons/daughters kidnapped or murdered. How awful must it feel for a mother or father to live for years without knowing how their child is, or how devastating it must be for a parent to be informed that their college daughter has been murdered in a laboratory - i.e. Yale graduate student Annie Le.

When I go to Google.com and type in the search terms "girl missing," I receive approximately 42,600,000 hits. That, in itself, is horrifying. So many people, especially teenage/young girls, are missing on a regular basis throughout the year. Teenage girls who walk on the streets alone, or walk around college campuses at night, are primary targets. Even being in a parking lot at night, alone, can be an easy target for a predator.

What are some tips, my fellow teenage females?
(I know, I've been doing a lot of tip-oriented blurbs these days.)
1) Don't walk alone, anywhere, especially at night. Take a buddy or two, or three, or four! (Just kidding, that might be a little much). Two females really aren't much of a threat though, so maybe take one of your best guy friends!
2) Don't meet strangers online. If you do somehow manage to chat some "guy" up on IM, don't meet them in real life. Don't give out your personal information either. That "cute guy" could be a registered sex offender...or worse?
3) If you have a MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, etc. don't put your real information! If you do, make it private, or protect it somehow. Don't ever put your age, location, name of school, or anything else like that on there. Even pictures can give away hints. (Remember, even if you put fake information, there are these things called hackers who can find out your information through other means).

So that was more like multiple tips combined into three main tips, so hope that gives you a little insight!

I should probably take up some martial arts classes again...you never know when that might come in handy.

Pigge Flu, Piggie Flu, Go Away...Come Again No Other Day

Swine Flu. Otherwise known as H1N1. A deadly disease that will kill you!

Once again, I am just kidding. Actually, this disease have been know to lead to deaths, but I'm sure that's not the case at my school. This past week, approximately 125 students have been reported ill due to severe flu or, in most cases, Swine Flu. My classes were half empty due to the mass absence of my peers. Some people have begun to wear facial masks to prevent themselves from getting sick; teachers are armed with hand sanitizers, Clorox wipes, and other types of disinfectants.

It all started from one student. One student who had the Swine Flu but did not want to miss school. So he came to school...and got everyone else sick!

We all understand that high school is labor-intense for many of us, but really, if you're sick/not feeling well, please don't come to school. Stay home, get better, then come back! If not, then all your friends and enemies at school will get sick.

There have been rumors that if there are 150 reported absences of students due to Swine Flu, the school may have to shut down for quarantine, but I highly doubt that this is the case. If it is, then that's awful - everything will be put on hold (classes, games, rehearsals). SO, here are some tips for those of you who'd like to prevent yourself from becoming ill this Flu season!

1. Wash your hands with soap and warm water regularly.
2. Please remember that Swine Flu can be transmitted through the air, so if someone's coughing - hold your breath as you walk by and turn your head in the opposite direction.
3. Carry hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes with you! It might be paranoia, but you'll thank me later.
4. Also remember that touching doorknobs, doors, lockers, chairs, tables, desks - all of these things have been touched by another person, so be wary that you don't rub your eye (or any other open body part) in case those items are infected with the germ.
5. If you know someone who's sick, please escort them to the nurse/hospital and get them diagnosed!
6. If you're feeling a headache, sore throat, coughing, runny nose - it could be the flu/Swine flu; go get it checked out!
7. Get vaccinated ASAP! Try and go to the nearest clinic and get a vaccine for the classic flu. It might help!

There you go. So please...stay safe, stay healthy, and stay germ-free this flu season!

Catch Some Z's Please

Wow, that title rhymes. I must be tired.
Lately, I haven't been getting the required amount of sleep (not that I usually do during the school year anyways). So, it prompted me to write a quick blurb to all you teenagers out there: GET SLEEP.
If you have an epic amount of homework, like I do, then I feel your pain. But, really, I've found that when I get that extra hour of sleep I can pay more attention (and even participate) in class, rather than struggling to take notes and stay awake during lectures.
Some Awesome Tips?
1) Sleep in the car. Those extra 15 minute naps seem to power me up.
2) Get your homework done as fast as you can! Close that iTunes, turn off your iPod/mp3, shut off your computer if you don't need it (especially those of you who use Facebook, Twitter, or AIM/Gtalk/other IM services).
3) Eat correctly! Don't skip meals, or eat skimpy meals - food gives you energy. You need energy to function in high school.
4) Get some exercise. Sometimes, even taking a quick 20 minute jog can help you get your blood pumping and keep you fully-concentrated during your homework time.
5) If you're not getting even the super-bare-minimum of 6 hours of sleep, you need to get help with your time management. Ask your parents (I know, scandalous, right? But yes, ask those adults around you to help you out).

That's just my quick little advice for now. Nothing political/new news.

Have a greatttt day at school guys! (Or at least try to.)

Stork Delivery Goes Wrong

When we're young, we always ask our parents where babies come from. Obviously, the magical stork brought each child to its parents. So, if Mr. Stork is consistently bringing cute little babies to happy parent(s), why did he make such an epic mistake?

In North Dakota, a new mother accidentally took home the wrong baby. I don't exactly know why, or how this is possible, but I do know that this is absurd. How can you take the wrong child? Doesn't the hospital have forms to sign when checking out? Isn't it the nurse(s) who bring the child to its mother? And if Mr. Stork is in charge of the entire process, shouldn't he have brought the baby safely to its parent? Though the newborn baby was quickly reunited with its own mother, I'm still appalled that it's even possible to take someone else's son/daughter by accident. What is wrong with our hospital system?

Photo Credit: Click Here.

September 11

It has been 8 years since the 9/11 burning of the twin towers.

Eight years is a pretty long time; I was beginning 3rd grade at the time, and now I'm a junior. To my disappointment, my school did not have a moment of silence or anything in recognition of the tragic event. Though many lives were taken on that day, I think it's important to remember what happened and honor those who did pass away.

This is why it angers me when I hear people say that 9/11 was a planned attack, or that it was a conspiracy that former President George W. Bush and his administration new about, but did nothing to prevent it. Take Obama adviser Van Jones, for instance. The ridiculous petition he signed in 2004 had several prominent names of people who supported the theory that the Bush administration deliberately allowed the terrorists to attack the twin towers and the Pentagon. Now, Jones apologizes by saying that he never truly supported any of those statements and he never meant to offend anyone. So, then, why did he sign the petition? I don't quite understand that. I don't take his apology sincerely, and I'm pretty sure that many others agree with me.

How can anyone disrepect the Bush administration, and more importantly, the people who gave their lives that day - victims and servicemen alike? It's ridiculous that people would actually consider things like this.

For more information, click here.

Help for All?

As I was listening to the radio earlier this week, the talk show hosts were discussing the problems with the lack of clarification in the Obama administration's new health care program. One main issue was that two parts of the proposal were contradictory - the policy that undocumented immigrants would not be treated, and the policy that formal verification of citizenship would not be mandatory when purchasing the health care. I was slightly amused at this discovery of fault in the proposal. However, now that these issues have been cleared up according to Msnbc, I suppose I can stop laughing now.

What really bothers me is the fact that even in emergency situations, the undocumented immigrants (i.e. illegal immigrants) are allowed to be treated, and the hospitals will eventually be refunded by a federal grant program. No, I'm not an inhumane person; I still want these people to somehow be treated, especially if they're in critical condition. However, I don't understand why these illegal immigrants are even allowed to stay in the United States once it's been discovered that they are not legal citizens. What gives them the right to use the people's money so they can go to the hospital? It's all very complicated, in my opinion. I suppose that's why teenagers aren't allowed to be politicans.

mycharity: water

mycharity: water

I've decided to start a campaign in memory of my grandpa, James Ka, who passed away 2 years ago due to Alzheimer's Disease. I thought that it would be great to do something in time for the end of 2009 that would help others. I know he'd like that! So, click on the link above and donate! $1, $5, $20, anything you want! Every cent counts! =]

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The Most Important Thing in the World Is...

MONEY!
No, I'm kidding, it's not. But, from what I can see, Americans adore food. Though our economy is in recession, the popular restaurants in town are continuously packed with lines out the door. For example, here in San Jose, there's a popular outdoor-venue mall called Santana Row. On Friday and weekend nights, the bars, trendy restaurants, and cafes are full of people - the entire parking lot is full! Like tonight, for example, we went to a seafood restaurant near my house called The Boiling Crab. The line was out the door, and the room was packed. This restaurant wasn't exactly McDonald's low-priced either. So as I see large groups of teenagers and college students come in to dine, I ask myself - how on earth are they paying for this? Shouldn't they be saving their money for more important things? It's interesting that though the economy is the way it is, the concept of eating and food is still important. People will always need to eat, and people will always enjoy eating, too.

Similarly, we all still need our Starbucks and coffee in the morning. That's a perfect example! Why is it that many of us spend 1.75 on a Tall sized Decaf Coffee in the morning at Starbucks, when at home, it takes half-an-hour to brew or a few minutes with instant coffee? I have no idea. I can't really say anything, since I, too, enjoy Starbucks hot chocolates quite frequently.

So THIS is where all of our money is going - the food industry.

Blog Update!

Hello readers! Sooo...as the new school semester has begun, I've been adding different features to my blog! Exciting, no? To the left hand side, you will see a SocialVibe box. I've decided to choose charity: water as my charity to help! Every time YOU, the fabulous reader, engage with this gadget, money will be added to the running total that will be donated to donating gallons of water to charity: water! Get your friends, family, or even perfect strangers to come and help this cause!

Good luck to you all - let's see how many gallons we can donate!

For more information about Charity : Water, read this.

Farewell Class of '09

As last year's class of '09 seniors leave for college, I wish them all the best of luck. This past week, I saw many alumni come to visit, and I realize how time flies. I tell myself I have two years, two years, two years - but in reality, that's not a lot of time. Soon, high school will be a thing of the past, and I could be living 3,000 miles away from home.

However, for now, I only think of my dear friends who have graduated, who embark upon their journeys to college and beyond. Many people are staying here in California, but some are traveling to Boston and New York. Wherever they might be headed, I hope that they discover wonderful friends and achieve their goals and dreams. Good luck class of '09!

School: Not a Place for Politics

It was called to my attention just a few moments that President Obama plans to give a speech to students grades K-12 on September 8, 2009 (day after Labor Day). My immediate reaction was, I must admit, annoyance. Why would we be forced to listen to this speech? I didn't really want to be required to do anything related to politics at school. Then, I read into this topic on Yahoo! News, and I sighed in relief. No public (especially private) schools were required to air the speech during school hours; it was strongly "encouraged".

Some quotes from other bloggers were given. One ninth grader seemed quite upset that his school wasn't airing the speech. Many people are outraged, and many are accepting of this idea of President Obama's speech. I, for one, don't see the point of doing this. In my opinion, it seems a bit like President Obama is trying too hard to reach out - are little kindergarteners really going to understand that importance of reforming education? No. Having a little sister in kindergarten, I can assure you that after a few minutes of watching the speech, she would start to fidget and think of what she was going to do at recess, not the complex discussion of why education is necessary in today's society.

Yes, many highschoolers might be eager to watch President Obama because they are still pro-Obama since his campaign days advocating "Change". I would not be one of those highschoolers. Whether it be former President Bush or former President Clinton, I have no desire to do anything politically-related at school if forced. It is my strong belief that political discussions should be saved for club-related activities or chitter-chatter in the halls with peers, not for school-advocated functions.

I do hope that the public schools who are airing the speech during school hours are allowing parents to have the option of keeping their child from watching the speech, if they so choose. It'd be wrong not to leave that option open.

It's Real...Or Is It

On the debate team, constant research is necessary in order to have recent evidence at tournaments. The Number 1 website that we are forbidden from ever using is The Onion. Interestingly enough, the home page calls it, "America's Finest News Source." I find this extremely amusing, because The Onion is infamous for its biased and unreliable sources - yet, it makes great reading for discussions in debate.

The most recent, interesting article released from The Onion discusses Neil Armstrong's landing on the moon. It is claimed that a conspiracy theorist has successfully convinced Armstrong that the lunar landing on the moon was indeed a conspiracy, never really happening. I find this extremely hard to believe. However, this article was very amusing as I sat at my computer at lunch today. I'm not a conspiracy theorist myself, I promise you. But isn't it interesting to consider the possibility that perhaps scientists don't really know everything they say they do? Just like the lunar landing. Do I believe we went to the moon? Yes. However, this article got me thinking of other things that might possibly be over-exaggerated or inaccurate...

Any ideas? E-mail wwatcher21@yahoo.com.