My Views on Education

Tonight, while I was working on my articles for homework, I asked my mom what she thought about not having a choice on where I went to school. We have a choice if we want to pay for a private school or something along the lines of that. She said she really didn't know what she thought. I told her that we are basically bound by our zip code. She knew this to be true. I think that it didn't matter to her because she has been happy with where I have been going to school. If the school doesn't challenge me, I challenge myself. She knows I have high standards for myself and if I was doing horrible at any school, she would know that something is wrong with the teachers.
I also recently read a post by Cheyanne and what she thought about education and I agree with her 100%. She talks about how our work ethic all starts at home. Parents need to care more about what their children are learning and need to learn to be more involved in their child's life. My parent's were a big help and encouragement to me throughout my education, well until I got to a level where my expectations were higher than theirs and they didn't know how to help me. It makes me so sad to hear that some parents don't care about their child. These are also the parents who complain that their child is doing horrible in school. Maybe the parents need to set it up in caring for their child and then maybe their child will care enough to do well in school. I don't think that money is the issue either. You can learn with just a paper and pencil. Back when students truly cared about their education, they didn't have all the technology we have now, but they still learned. I just think it all really starts with how a child is raised. I know that I cared about school even before I started kindergarten because I watched my brother and I saw all that he was learning and I wanted to do the same thing. I was jealous. Parents just need to realize this and motivate their children to learn.

Protesters in Libya

Protesters hit by hail of gunfire in Libya march. Paul Schemm and Bassem Mroue. Associated Press. Yahoo News. February 25, 2011.

Militias opened fire during a protest in Libya. One protester shared that 7 people died all within 100 yards from him.These men where everywhere, including building tops.

The New Way to Propose

Ohio man runs a commercial to propose to his girlfriend. Brett Michael Dykes. Yahoo News. U.S. News. The Lookout. February 25, 2011.

A commercial producer tells his girlfriend Dee that he is going to be a superhero in a commercial. She was working in her hair salon when she saw her boyfriend of the t.v. After the commercial was played, news reporters and her boyfriend came to see her reaction and he got down on one knee to propose to her in person. This is definitely a memorable proposal.

Bible Studies in Schools

Non Devotional Bible Study Moves Beyond Texas. Tony Dokoupil. Newsweek. October 17, 2010.

Interesting article about bringing the Bible back to classrooms nationwide. Devotional studies have been prohibited in public schools. Right now Texas has more than 100 schools using the textbook, The Bible and Its Influence.

No More Anti- Gay

Gov't drops defense of anti-gay marriage law. Pete Yost. Associated Press. Yahoo News. February 23, 2011.

This article made me very upset. The Obama administration has  decided to no longer support the idea of a "one man, one woman" marriage. This reminds me what the Bible says about the end times. We will go back to the days of Soddam and Gomorrah, and with this happening, we are doing exactly that.

Church Bus Crash

Driver Killed, Dozens Hurt in Bus Crash Near Lake Arrowhead. Lynette Romero. KTLA News. February 22, 2011.

This article really hit home for me. This is about a church bus coming home from a retreat in Twin Peaks crashing and sliding 20 feet into poles and trees. This last weekend I was at a church retreat at Green Valley Lake, just a few miles away from this accident.

New Zealand Earthquake

Dozens trapped by New Zealand quake that killed 65. Joe Morgan. Associated Press. Yahoo News. February 22, 2011.

This article is about the tragedy in New Zealand. Hundreds of people have been trapped in buildings. Some of them have been able to get out without any injury, but some needed to have a limb amputated before they could even get out. It made me sad that mothers were calling their children and telling them goodbye.

Class Discussion Response

This class discussion was VERY interesting! I was a little bummed out that only 2 people were against the mosque being built at the very beginning of the discussion. I felt so alone trying to defend what I know is right. The Bible talks about a time where many are to be deceived, and I think this is one of those times. People are so blind to what is right in front of them. The Bible also never talks about America or anything that seems like there would be an America in the end times. If this mosque is really built, I think it can easily be the end of America. As some of the research I found said, mosques are a battleground for Muslims and it shows power. If there is a mosque in the place where employees of the Twin Towers died, it shows that we don't care if we are going to be taken over. This is also a huge slap in the face to the families of the victims. The Bible also talks about how people will tolerate things a lot more and will consider and fulfill a one world government and religion. We are definitely on the right track for this. I was happy that 1 other person decided to be on the against side when the discussion was over, but I still think people are deceived on what the world tells us what is right. We are to listen to God, not man.

No Mosque

Why There Shouldn't Be a Mosque at Ground Zero. Pamela Geller. Human Events. September 4, 2011.

Pamela Geller makes some great points about why there shouldn't be a mosque at ground zero. She explains that not building the mosque will keep America safe.

1st African American Fire Chief

LA Co. names 1st African- American fire chief. Los Angeles News. February 9, 2011.

On Tuesday, it became official from the board of supervisors that Daryl Osby will become the leader of the LA County fire department. He has been a veteran for 27 years and he most definitely deserves this opportunity.

Cities of Love

Best American cities to find love. ABC 7. Daily Best. February 9, 2011.

Fun slide show that shows which cities in America are the best to find love. It was interesting to see that Riverside, California was ranked #7. The best place to look is Long Beach, California.

Pharmacist makes fatal error

Pregnant Colorado Woman Reportedly Given Abortion Drug in Error. Fox News. February 8, 2011.

A lady by the name of Mareena Silver was given abortion drugs which caused a miscarriage and birth defects. The pills really belonged to a lady named Maria Silver.

OOOOOPS!

Christina Aguilera goofs up the National Anthem. Doug Farrar. Yahoo Sports. February 6, 2011.

The big topic right now is how badly Christina Aguilera messed up the National Anthem. She missed a whole line and tried to mix in other words to get back to her place. She claims she was in the heat of the moment and lost her place. She loves this country.

Where is the Love?

Will.i.am. changes lyrics to send message to Obama. Chris Chase. Yahoo Sports. February 6, 2011.

Short article and video of the Super Bowl's halftime show. Will.i.am changed the lyrics of "Where is the Love" to send a message to Obama. This is what was said, " In American we need to get things straight/ Obama, let's get these kids educated/ Create jobs so the country stays stimulated."

What mosque Imam says about gays

'Gay people probably abused as children,' says Ground Zero mosque's new imam. Daily Mail Reporter. Mail Online. January 31, 2011.

This article is very interesting because it shows the ignorance of some of the Muslim people. The mosque's imam claims that people are gay because they were sexually, violently, or emotionally abused. He also believes that if people leave the Islamic religion for another religion they should be jailed.

Amazing Birthday Continued....

So today my two best friends Alyssa and Kaylee picked me up from school (12:30)  and we went to Del Taco  for a small lunch. When I got home my kitchen was decorated like a spa. I was told that they were going to give me a pedicure, a manicure, a facial, and do my hair and make up. We were then going to get all dressed up and go have appetizers at TGIFridays.Then a main course at California Pizza Kitchen and finally a dessert at Cold Stone. At CPK we met a nice waiter named Ricky, who was often flirtatious with me. We shared God's amazing  gift of eternal life with him and how to receive it and he wanted to accept. It is very possible he will be at church on Tuesday night. We were all just so excited we are going to have a rain check on going to Cold Stone (it was already almost 10PM by the time we finished dinner and talking to Ricky). We then went to Forever 21 and shopped for the last hour it was open. It was so nice not having to go home at curfew. This has by far been the best birthday I have had and I am still celebrating the next two days =) I have to give so many thanks to those who made it so special!

What is Happening in Egypt

Turmoil in Egypt rages: Key Questions and Answers. Steve Clemons. Yahoo News. February 3, 2011.

This is a very informative article about what is going on in Egypt. It answers questions such as: What can the United States do to influence Murbarak and the situation within Egypt? Who is behind the attacks on journalists and anti-Murbarak protesters?

Mark Kelly to be Commander??

NASA to make announcement about space shuttle commander. CNN Wire Staff. February 4, 2011.

This is a short article about who is going to be the commander of the space shuttle Endeavour. Mark Kelly is the husband of Gabby Giffords who was shot in January and he was the scheduled commander before this tragic moment happened. The announcement is suppose to be made up on Friday.

My 18th Birthday

So I have finally settled down at home. Today was a great start to an ongoing birthday :) I left school extra early today to go shopping and hang out with my mom. She brought me home balloons.  I came home for a little bit after shopping and my dad came home with 18 carnations and a balloon. I opened my family present and I got a 22" flat screen for my room :) We then went out to eat at my favorite restaurant, Wood Ranch. They gave me a nice ice cream sundae :) After that we went to church and everyone sang Happy Birthday to me. We also had some cake. My two best friends pulled me off to the side and gave me 2 balloons attached to a razor and a clue card. The clue said "Shave your legs." They told me I would figure out what that means tomorrow. Sooo that means I get to hang out with my best friends tomorrow after Christian Club (12:30). My teacher Ms. Duong is also going to take me to Starbucks before school tomorrow morning :)  Then on Saturday I am going shopping with my cousin and having lunch. And on Sunday we are having a Super Bowl/ Birthday Party :) This has already started being the best birthday I have had. Today I also got the great news that I am on the valedictorian list for graduation :) That has been my life long dream and I am so excited!!! I am so thankful to everyone who made my birthday so special! :)

Pittsburgh High School Threat

Pittsburgh area high school evacuated following threat. Daniel Lovering. Yahoo News. February 2, 2011.

A public high school near Pittsburgh evacuated because of bomb threats, but police found no explosives. The person who called the threat said there were 6 pipe bombs planted around the high school. About 15 to 20 students were involed and 6 were arrested on charges of assault and disorderly conduct.

Church in Israel

1,500-year-old church found in Israel. Matti Friedman. Yahoo News. February 2, 2011.

In Israel, archaeologists found a old church in the Judean hills. It looks like it would have been built during the 5th century A.D. Right now they are covering it back up until there is enough money to make the church into a tourist site.

State of the Union Project

1) Invest: By investing in clean energy technology, my generation will have new jobs. This will also keep our planet safe; this is important to me.
2) Technology: The new technology will provide our country with stricter security.
3) Money: Money and the way we spend it is talked about throughout Obama's speech. Money will always be a big factor in the spending choices I make in the future.
4) Power: After reading the speech and watching it, I realized how much power our President has over big decisions.
5) Education: Education is very important to me because, as Obama said, most jobs/careers in the next 10 years require a higher education.
6) Hard work: I believe it must have taken a lof ot hard work to write the State of the Union speech. It also takes hard work to get anywhere in life.
7) Discipline: Having self-discipline also helps pursue our goals. It is taking a lot self disipline to finish reading the speech and finish this project in the first few days its due.
8) Success: Being successful in like is important so that I may help other people. From this speech, it seems like Obama has done the same.
9) Learning: It is important to be focused with learning in school. We are expected to learn more and more, so it is important to take school seriously.
10) Standards: Republicans and Democrats have raised the standard of learning for students. I do think this is fair because most Americans are lazy and need that extra push.
11) Teacher: In the speech, Obama talks about if you want to make a difference, becaome a teacher. This is significant to me because I wanted to be a teacher for the longest time because of my love for helping people.
12) Student: As a student, I am open to anything that will help me advance in my education.
13) College: I was very happy to read that tuition for college students shouldn't be as high as before. This is very important to me because I will be a college student in the Fall of 2011 and I don't have much money to spend on my tuition.
14) Years: Obama uses the word years many times in his speech. This tells me that we won't start seeing progress for over a year.
15) Progress: With Obama, we have heard of some progress in our economy. This is something that my generation is looking forward to.
16) Health: I do my best to stay healthy and I think it is good that Obama is really trying his best to keep a healthy American with his health care reform.
17) Solution: It is hard to believe that we will ever have a bipartisan solution for anything, but we need to. No one every agrees on anything, especially this generation.
18) Compromise: Spiritual compromise is never a good thing for me, but in politics, a little bit of compromise between Republicans and Democrats can furthur our nation.
19) Future: President Obama constantly talks about the future. I hope for his solutions to actually help us in the future.
20) Responsibility: Unfortunately, I feel that there is not enought responsible people in this world. We need to be able to trust those we vote into office.
21) Moral: We all have different morals, but as a country, we need to shine out the best of American people.
22) Freedom: Now that I am turning 18, freedom is big in my mind. In this country everyone yearns to keep our nation free and we need to keep that, as Obama has stated.
23) Troops: I am very excited for the idea of bringing our tropps out of Iraq. It has been way too long, but we had to do what we had to do.
24) Pray: Prayer is a big asepct of my life. It truely changes things, including the health of Gabby Giffords.
25) Beliefs: I have very strong beliefs in my faith and I believe it is good to fight for them even if it means creating bigger differences between political parties.
26) Family: Without my family, I don't know where I would be in my life right now. I have always stayed faithful to my family and we should all stay faithful to our American family.
27) Faith: Obama is 100% correct when he says we can find every kind of faith in this country. The difference is, that people like me are more bold about our faith.
28) Paychecks: I have yet to see a paycheck in my life, but when I get one, I am happy to know that it will be bigger than they are now.
29) Republicans: I am curious to know what the Republicans think about Obama's solutions and ideas.
30) Job: I really need a job and I hope Obama's plans will help my generation get jobs easier.
31) Kids: I often think about my future and what this country will be like for my kids. Hopefully some of these ideas will start making a difference for our kids.
32) Entrepreneurs: My goals in life revolve around the business world. Entrepreneurs is what helps drive our country in a direction of productivity.
33) Deficit: Our country's deficit is a big topic between our polictical leaders. I agree that we need to learn how to control our spending to stop the increase of our deficit.
34) Difficult: I think that writing the State of the Union Address Speech must have been difficult.
35) Economy: Economics was a class I really enjoyed. I care a lot more about what is going on in our economy and I believe it is important for politicans to make decisions that will help our economy grow in a positive direction.
36) Politicians: This whole speech reminded me of all the important decision politicans have to make even with heated political rhetoric.
37) Coverage: I am always doing things online on my laptop where I need wireless connections and I am happy to hear that in the next generation, about 98% of Americans will be covered.
38) Savings: Lately, saving my money for college has been a major factor in my life and America also needs to be in the habit of saving more than spending.
39) Goal: My goal for completing my State of the Union project is February 2nd, and I am positive I will make this goal.
40) Possible: I believe solvng all our deficit problems is not possible. Our deficit is way too high.
41) Financial: Being a future accountant, I think about finances all the time. We need to do all we can to prevent financial crisis as Obama said.
42) Affordable: I am a big fan of keeping things affordable and I appreciate the willingness of Obama to speak with anyone about making health insurance affordable for everyone.
43) Relationship: It scares me that Obama is allowing relationships with Russia, Asia, and India to become so strong. Usually relationships are a good thing, but a lot of times there is always someone who goes behind the back of the other.
44) Christian: As a Christian, I wish for more Christians who are strong in their faith to be voted into office.
45) Love: I believe our country will prosper if people learned how to love others as much as themselves.
46) Earth: I agree with Obama when he says that no American will trade places for another nation on this Earth. Our Earth is very diverse, but only in America is there true freedom and democracy.
47) Graduates: I was shocked with the quote in Obama's speech about how some students don't come from a family of college graduates, but will be the first to get a degree in their family. This is the same for me in my family.
48) Hopeful: During this speech, I became hopeful of my future and my future in college and in my career. It seems like things should get better.
49) God: When listening to the speech, all I could think about is, if everyone had a strong and genuine faith in God, we would have a perfect nation.
50) Bless: I feel that God has truely blessed our country because even though we are a corrupt country, God has been merciful in allowing us to keep our freedom.