The Blue Devils 2009 Book Reaches Its Final Chapter

Its been quite a while since I’ve written in this blog and I appologize if anyone was awaiting a new article.
Onto business, two days ago I received my high school yearbook and my autograph pages are near full. Its all quite sad actually, Im already beginning to miss some of my good friends and I have no idea what I will do wthout them come my last day of classes, June 9th.
Fortunately however, my finals start June 10th and I’ll be sure to see many of my friends then. Its extremely disappointing knowing that my journey is coming to an end. I suppose its difficult to close any chapters in our lives; but if we do not close them, we will not progress.
One of my favourite teachers, and a woman who will always be near and dear to my heart once told me “Don’t look back. I know some things were great. But never look back. Always look forward because thats where you’re going.” (M.G.) She’s absolutely correct as well, but I want to reminisce and remember all my high school days because I cannot relive them.
I recently began writing farewell letters to a few teachers and faculty members I will sincerely miss- and I began “tearing.” If Im tearing over a letter, I dont know how i will manage my final day as a Blue Devil on tuesday.
As happy as I am to be rid of the homework and weekly exams, I will cherish them forever because they sculpted me into the young man I am today.
Now that Prom is over, it seems as though the only thing to look forward to is Senior BBQ, Breakfast, Senior Awards, and Graduation. Although, oddly enough, I am not exactly looking forward to graduation. The last day I will ever be in the same room as my 300- and some- odd- number students…
I digress…
On the political realm of things I’d like to adress Sonia Sotomayor and any liberals who are pressuring her confirmation to the US Supreme Court.
1. President Obama SHOULD have been elected our President because he was qualified and because he was the better candidate of the two, objectively.
When I say “objectively<," I mean, not because he is "African- American." I dont beieve Americans should have voted for him solely on his race because thats the same thing as a popularity contest… and although many people will deny this- I believe that may be why he was in fact elected as the 44th President of the United States.
same goes for Sotomayor- her race and gender have nothing to do with her capacity to perform well as a SC Judge. What matters is her intellect and ability to be objective to every case. In her statement where she's quoted as saying that her decisions will be "better" (for lack of direct quote) than a white male is ridiculous. What she is saying is that she will interpret the Constitution based on how SHE sees it (and empathize more heavily onto those of minority and female status). This is discouraging to any emerging American Politician as I find it dreadful that one would feel fine quoting themselves as being racially biased without actually confirming that it is in fact what their statement is.
So by the previous few statements I have made Im sure my opinion on Sonia Sotomayor is clear to you and by no means am I downing her as an individual because I think she's trying to be a hero- but America needs an objective hero- one that will be objective and UNIFY our nation.
Once again, please comment my blog and give me your opinion. I dont know whether or not I should continue writing due to my lack of readers.

Have a great weekend to all!
Sir Ken

Lucky Number 21

With less than a month of high school remaining I’m not sure of what I’m feeling. What I mean is: its “bittersweet.”. I don’t know exactly what the future holds and I’m afraid to say goodbye to some people I hold nearest and dearest to my heart. I’ll also be leaving this institution I’ve called my home away from home for 4 years…. I won’t have the comfort of meeting with my very kind- hearted administrators and nurturing office staff. Ill also become a freshman again. I am now a senior and I find them hysterically annoying so I don’t know what I’ll do aboÙt that…
On the other side of the spectrum, I’m excited to meet new people and get a fresh start at things. A way to start a new slate.
Alas, my final burden: college debt which scares me to death. I’m aware as to how much debt ill find my self in after college, but my goal is to transfer from the school I currently attend and switch over to a school that suits my financial and academic needs. My economics/ constitutional law teacher has told us that: “Never compromise your education,” and that I will never do.
On to more recent events, I’ve taken to Advanced Placement exams as of this afternoon. They include: AP English Lit & Composition, and AP Statistics. I think I did well on the English exam. Stats remains a blur.
Well as my final days of a blue devil approaches me, I’m seeing cliches develop and old friendships crash, fights among friends and disrespect. Its all disgusting and appeasing.
Next week ill be taking my AP Environmental Exam and final… TBP (to be posted).
In the political world the GOP is just being targetted as a result of our current vulnerability. Too bad the democrats can’t fight us when we stand tall…. They’re only strong enough now because we’re currently suffering in membership. Nonetheless we are in the wonderful leader of the free world, and were only as strong as our weakest link. I hate to be rude, but I’ve heard this a lot and it raises a valid point: President Obama has been in office for 100 days and H1N1 has reaped on us all…. Coincidence? Very odd.
Well I’m off for now, but please read my blog and comment
In the meantime, there’s a great video I’d like to recommend; go to YouTube and search for the Did You Know? Video. They’re all basically the same so check ‘em out!
Take care!

Sir Ken

The Final Eight Weeks

Well the bittersweet title above depicts my high school career at the moment.  My years as a Blue Devil are closely approaching and I am going to miss everyone terribly.  I have Advanced Placement Examinations approaching in May, a project due in early June (that I’ve been working on since October).  By the time my examinations approach, school will practically be over (at least for seniors).  And I also found out that it’s too late to intern at either Capitol Hill or the White House, so that’s very depressing.  But if any readers out there have any advice or know of anything, please leave me a comment,  I’d greatly appreciate it! 

In the meantime, I’d prefer to focus on the “now” moment because as I’ve noticed this year: time goes by very fast! Today I was fortunate enough to attend an America’s Promise Alliance training conference in my city.  It was compiled of the other schools in my district and we accomplished quite a bit of work.  Our official meeting to be held in early May should really be interesting and Im certainly looking forward to it.

Is it just me lately or has President Obama been sending “mixed” messages to the people? I mean, one day he appears to be very Liberal- blaming all of America’s issues on Bush (in not so many wordss)- and yet on other days you’d think he was a Right- Winger.  However, and I mean this with a strict HOWEVER- I believe he is attempting to find a balance between liberal and conservative that he can stick to.  It is quite admirable, but I think his advisors should give him some tips on that so he doesn’t come out so “wishy- washy” for lack of a better word at the moment.  Again, I support the President and I believe he is making an effort and I appreciate his efforts to be bipartisan because that’s what we need and if I recall, thats what he promised us….

I definitely have to comment on what I saw on Rachel Maddow’s show recently.  If anyone else saw it I’m sure you know what I am going to be talking about, and from what I’ve heard, Maddow isnt the only “newscaster” who is discussing this.  This just in America, Republicans around the Nation are holding Teabagging Parties!… NOT! I mean she actually made a joke of the Republican Party meeting to make a difference (on behalf of their views, of course) by holding tea parties.  Can she actually get any less mature? Number one: the whole topic is disgusting and 2: its inappropriate and disrespectful to those who actually watch the news for NEWS.  Don’t get me wrong, I do think that there’s time for fun and pleasure- but there is a time, place, and a limit as to how far you’re going to go.  Who knows, maybe her Producers wanted her to rumble on about it- but it was still quite ridiculous for her to spend that amount of time on it.  I give her the benefit of the doubt- because I am that generous and I dont know what happened behind the scenes- so thats enough of that.  

As I mentioned in my previous blog, maybe its time to get a little serious? I mean if you’re hosting a news show, how about broadcasting some news? Well that might take too much time from watching TMZ, eh? Lol just kidding… but seriously, our nation is going through a lot and we’re actually trying to work through some serious issues.  We can definitely make that poossible and do something positive with our time so let’s do it!

On the brighter side of the spectrum, I’d like to say that the weather is great, my prom issue(s) that have unfolded appear to be on the positive side, which is GREAT! And I have some new ideas to propose to my school before my Final 8 Weeks come to an end.  Also, Im going to the Zoo tomorrow! I really love going there and seeing how there are such organizations that inspire people to conserve and make the world a better place- by letting people see what we’re harming by acting in such cruel and uneducated manners so often (i.e. pollution, whether  it be air or water, et al.). 

Well that’s all I’ve gotten on my mind right now, I know I promised a better blog, but I need a little more inspiration.  Perhaps the Zoo will inspire me to write about something…

#4… In a meeting I had recently, someone mentioned how touching Harry Chapin’s, Cat’s In the Cradle’s song is, so in case you have not heard the song, please click here to see the video.  Enjoy the approach of summer and I hope everyone has a great day! As always, thank you for reading my blog! And I certainly appreciate feedback- so feel free to comment.  Thanks.

 

Sir Ken

The Procrastinated Holiday

This week was my Spring Holiday from school, also known as “Spring Break.”  I have to admit that it wasn’t very exciting.  Besides from visiting the university I will soon be attending, getting my schedule for September, and working every single day, I haven’t done much.  I have been so tired and yet I have homework for my AP Statistics and AP Environmental Science classes.  Since I came back from Syracuse last week I’ve been really tired.  If its possible to get jet- lag from a bus, I’ve got it. 

I’m sure you’re wondering why I titled my blog: The Procrastinate Holiday… Well in my own opinion this Spring Holiday took its time getting here, and I’ve spent every single day procrastinating! Recently (last night to be exact), I worked on my AP Environmental Science homework, sending me to bed at 12.30.  It was the least bit difficult (definitions), but it was so time consuming.

For those who know me very well, they’d know that I would have preferred spending my time watching The West Wing or Chuck on- line.  if you’re interesting in catching- up on some Chuck, this will help: Chuck. 

Hmmm… what else has been going on lately? Well disappointingly enough, I didn’t have the opportunity to spend time with my friends this holiday and it appears as though one of my oldest high school friendships is falling.  I’ve done what I can so now its their turn. 

What about something Political?! Well I had the wonderful opportunity of reading Meghan McCain’s piece on The Daily Beast.  I thought it was excellent.  As a teen conservative (or Moderate as my friends call me) I understand where McCain was coming from in her article: “What I Learned From the Democrats.” 

1. If I’m understanding one of her main focus points in the article correctly and what she was discussing in an interview on CNN recently, her point that the GOP is feeling just as “down” as the Democrats were feeling eight years ago when President Bush was in office.  But we certainly cannot allow the Democrats to bring our spirits down.
2. Right now is when the GOP needs to put up a united front.  Nonetheless, work cooperatively and discuss politics and um I don’t know what else- how about more POLITICS.  I think its childish, humiliating, and ridiculous for members of the GOP to waste precious time insulting other GOP members- as a matter of fact, I think that any dedicated, loyal, intelligent GOP member would spend his/ her time utilizing his/ her time generating ideas to improve the American economy and support our Commander- in- Chief regardless of how some may feel towards him. 
3. The United States of America is growing, both in numbers and in technological advances.  There are new ideas out there and I don’t think that the GOP will last much longer if a large majority of its members continue to be so closed- minded.  There is a time to be conservative and value traditions, but there is also time to understand more modern opinions and adapt to them- for the advancement of the people- the American people!
4. Anyone see any issues and have any suggestions? Write it down and submit it to Congress- or better yet, work with others who share the same opinion and get some publicity!

Americans like Ms. McCain bring new refreshing ideas to the GOP.  Not to get rid of the GOP or alter its importance (for lack of a better word at the moment), but to better the GOP and attract more people.  A party is only as strong as its members.  Nonetheless, if any one’s interested in reading Meghan McCain’s contributions to The Daily Beast which are usually very down to earth and engaging (although I have not read them all), please follow this link.

All politics aside I have one final item I’d like to discuss… What’s said about people when news is released (fresh off the Press) on Comedy Central? -I will let that marinate.   According to a recent Tweet from NASA on Twitter, the name of the newest space station module will be released on the Colbert Report! Sure, many people watch the Colbert Report because Colbert has a way of “spicing- up” relevant news, but why are Comedy correspondents presenting such (what I consider) vital information before it hits the Press (real News)?

I have a clue… but I think there are several different reasons.  Regardless, let’s get back to my life…. tonight I anticipate on completing my AP Environmental Science homework and watching the Best Years… Following, a weekend full of relaxation, Prom Tuxedo searching, and AP Stats homework. LOL

I am very sorry to those of you out there who are reading my blog today, I know it is probably extremely boring!  I promise I will have something much more intriguing and engaging within the next few days.  I really like to think about my topics because one voice makes a lot of noise!

#4.  I don’t really have much of an interesting link, but here’s a thought: If a tree falls down in the woods and no ones there to hear it does it make a sound?    Personally, I say no because sound is a perception, and if a perception is not received by a human (or other organism with an ear) sound cannot be determine

Before the Worst…

That’s right.  If the title of this blog sounds familiar, it is.  It comes from one of my favourite songs: Before the Worst by The Script.  They are an awesome band and I think that their music has a way of just soothing the mind… But we will get back to The Script and my favorite songs by them later.

Just recently I was away for three days for a competition in Syracuse.  We stayed at an absolutely AMAZING hotel.  Sure, we had to have roommates, but it wasnt bad at all.  I actually ended up enjoying my last trip for this particular competition and really taking as much as I could from the experience.  In a nutshell I am going to tell you my favorite highlights of the ENTIRE trip:

1. Amazing 5- hour bus ride!

2. Check- in when I saw the coy fish in the pond of the hotel lobby.

3. I actually woke- up on time to get to my competition and I didn’t feel uncomfortable at all!! This year my competition was in the same building as a few peers so I was NOT alone.

4. I met a few people there.  One person in particular… Always good to socialize with other people your own age.

5. I saw my roommate do an excellent job at his competition.  Too bad he didnt win… I am confident he will win next year though!

6. The night of the competition we went out to play laser tag! It was my first time and I ranked #2 on my team in our final round!

7. I swam again… without needing much coaxing by my advisors (I can see that I’m growing- up).

8. Extended curfew until 12: 30 or so.  We had an awesome time the last night and we just talked about random stuff.  I actually almost pulled an all- nighter.  [Meaning I attempted to stay up, but I dozed off a couple of times]

9. The bus ride back: LOL I slept! The funny part is that some people went around the bus taking pics of those who were sleeping… Lol.  I felt part of the crowd.

10. Some of my senior classmates learned more about me and really saw that I wasnt this quiet kid…

LAST: I had an awesome time.  I look forward to being of assistance to the organization in the future when I can…

If felt so weird coming back from Syracuse.  I didn’t even want to come back.  Fortunately, I had the opportunity of checking out my dream college the day after and I have decided that it places #1 in the college I have to go to.  I was already accepted so now all I need to do is straighten out the financial aspects and change my major to PolySci.  I really wanna be a Senator -> President one day… My dream =]

Spring Break starts tomorrow and I have no idea what I’m going to do besides FORCE my self to work- out.  I haven’t been to the gym in months, so I reallllllyyy need to go and get back into shape.  Amazingly, I lost 34 lbs. since I last saw my doctor about 5 months ago.  I’m very proud! But I’ve gotta keep it up!

Prom is still a major stress now-a-days… One reason being that I dont think my date still wants to go with me.  Like I asked her and she said yes, but she’s been really distant lately… idk.  I’m now wishing that I chose to fly solo from the first place… But we’ll see.  We are really close friends so who knows.

One of my friends really made me feel guilty because she asked me to go to her bday party and I said yes.  Only turning her down just 3 hours later about it, really upsetting her and possibly cancelling the entire fiasco even though I told her she’d have seven other people to chill with.  Nonetheless, we both appologized and I now think that she understands why I truly cant go.  I do wish that I would go, but idk.  I hate changing my mind back and forth.

How about some politics before we start discussing The Script?

I just so happened to be watching Larry King Live from Syracuse (at like 2am) when I heard that Michelle Obama, the First Lady touched HM Queen Elizabeth II!  I was absolutely shocked! Anyone in such a high- ranking (notice I didn’t say position) would know that you never touch the Queen.  The Queen represents a religion, a culture, and unity of her realms…. You don’t touch someone like that.

On the other hand, one very liberal woman on television stated that it was fine, because the Queen initiated the touching and at this point England really needs President Obama’s help so she didn’t mind at all.  I took that like a grain of salt.  I mean come on: The Queen did issue a statement that she was fine with the whole ordeal, but YOU are the First Lady of the USA.  YOU should know not to touch the Queen.  I refuse to infulge in what the media wants everyone to talk about so I will end this semi- political discussion with 3 points.

1. The Queen’s statement may be for peacekeeping purposes only.  Being that there are bigger issues at hand.

2. Michelle Obama should’ve known better… regardless.

3. Sure countries are looking to America and our President for guidance in this whole recession, but I dont think they’re that desperate that they’d relax on tradition, values, and respect.  They’re not that desperate.

Here’s what you’ve been anticipating… The Script.

My three favourite songs by them include: Before the Worst, We Cry, and the Man Who Cant Be Moved.  They’re all really powerful songs and they should be publicized more.  Really great vocals and instrumentals.  I can relate to “Before the Worst” being that its about “love” and getting hurt.

So here’s my message/ memo #3: Lyrics from ‘Before the Worst’ by The Script:

It’s been a while since the two of us talked
About a week since the day that you walked
Knowing things would never be the same
With your empty heart and mine full of pain
So explain to me, how it came to this
Take it back to the night we kissed
It was Dublin City on a Friday night
You were vodkas and coke, I was Guinness all night

We were sitting with our backs against the world
Saying things that we thought but never heard
Who would have thought it would end up like this?
Where everything we talked about is gone
And the only chance we have of moving on

Is trying to take it back
Before it all went wrong

Before the worst, before we mend
Before our hearts decide
It’s time to love again
Before too late, before too long
Let’s try to take it back
Before it all went wrong

There was a time that we’d stay up all night
Best friends talking till the daylight
Took the joys alongside the pain
With not much to loose, but so much to gain
Are you hearing me? Cause I don’t wanna miss,
Set you a drift on memory bliss
It was Grafton Street on a rainy night
I was down on one knee and you were mine for life

We we’re thinking we would never be apart
With your name tattooed across my heart
Who would have thought it would end up like this?
Where everything we talked about is gone
And the only chance we have of moving on

Is trying to take it back
Before it all went wrong

Before the worst, before we mend
Before our hearts decide
It’s time to love again
Before too late, before too long
Let’s try to take it back
Before it all went wrong

If the clouds don’t clear
Then we’ll rise above it, we’ll rise above it
Heavens gate is so near
Come walk with me through
Just like we use to, just like we use to

Let’s take it back
Before it all went wrong

Before the worst, before we mend
Before our hearts decide
It’s time to love again
Before too late, before too long
Let’s try to take it back
Before it all went wrong

You can find the video on YouTube here: The Script- Before the Worst

Have a great day and thanks for reading…

Sir Ken

The Day Without Red Bull

We  all know that Red Bull is known to increase perfomance, increase concentration and reaction speed; increase endurance, and stimulate metabolism.  Unfortunately however, I was not one of the many lucky people who had access to Red Bull today, due to the fact that its not sold in school because of its ingredients, and because my school is more interested in selling juices from “Snapple.”  Which are so much better….

Due to the fact that I am a proacrastinator I was forced to stay on the computer until 2:30 this morning.  Needless to say, as a result I woke- up late for school today and ended- up missing my second class (no worries though!).  In addition to my procrastinating habits which result in my having to work on the computer so late (or early I should say) I’ve also become accustomed to going to sleep at 4 a.m. because I decided to stay- up late a few days last week when I’d been sick and couldn’t go to school. 

On the brighter side of things, I have confidence that the Air Pollution lab (the assignment I’d been working on) I submitted for Environmental Technology was actually pretty decent and I expect a grade of roughly a B.  (Let’s hope!)  Usually, I do attempt to do at least a good portion of an assignment and then procrastinate on working on the conclusion… last night however was a rare situation.  

Fortunately, today Iwas able to work on the upcoming Mock Trial for the D.A.’s office which is tomorrow (I was originall told it would be Tuesday); my AP Statistics teacher was absent! and little to no work was done in Environmental Technology lab due to the fact that we watched a movie and because there was a Senior Class assembly.  I’d say it was a smooth day back to school after my week away.  Although, I left school at 5:30 for mock trial practice, I’d say the day was excellent!

Tomorrow however I am worried about how my team (Defense) will do on the Mock Trial.  I am somewhat prepared with my witnesses and I feel ready for my cross- examination and the Summation (Closing Statement) which I will be delivering.  I have to read it over and make any corrections, but I hope I get all the evidence I need tomorrow to show the judge that everything I mentioned in the summation has been shown- otherwise we lose points. 

Its quite odd, two weeks ago I thought that we had no chance at winning the mock trial.  Today however, I think we have a chance.  Although we haven’t practiced a lot, I think that as long as we go in with confidence, familiarize ourselves with objections more, and head- in positive we should do just fine. 

In just a a little over a week and a half I will be going to compete in my annual competition in Syracuse.  Im somewhat excited, but I have to prepare.  So that leaves some work to do…. fun.  Also, I have to start getting ready for prom and get a date (or confirm).  Maybe I’ll find a tuxedo soon from this place recommended by a friend.

P.S. #2: One of my most recent favorite sites is Twitter.  Why not join and ”tweet” a little.  Here’s the link: Twitter.com

Also, here’s a quote I received today: “Hope is like a bird that senses the dawn and carefully starts to sing while it is still dark.” -Anonymous

 

Have a great day and talk to you soon! 

Sir Ken

The Start of A Whole New Chapter #1

Well, today I have decided to go back to Blogging with my new blog: thesirkentimes.wordpress.com
Its a great opportunity for me to connect and just provide you readers with daily information about my life. From the very simple school activities, to what’s on my schedule and the latest politics.
I’m a very random person and I will definitely use this blog to be random. Since this is my last year of high school and I will be graduating in June; there’s no better place to document my final few months as a Blue Devil. So keep tuned as well as on Twitter as well, there’s plenty to come!
Thanks for reading.

Sir Ken

PS. I will also be posting links to my favorite websites, music, etc. So please feel free to get acquainted with my blog =]

#1: One of my all time favourite sites is NASA. They are all about science, technology, and human achievement. I have learned a lot from NASA and I applaud their dedicated work. Visit NASA today at www.NASA.gov