Hey, Stroud, I just wanted to let you know that I thought you did a great job with our class this year. Though, admittedly, we did have our share of challenges, I think it's safe to say that on the whole we all had a good time and learned a lot. Hell, even Max loved the class.
Almost all of my classes I've had this year have been similarly good; even if I didn't do particularly well (here's to you, AP stat) the teachers and form have been relatively responsive and skilled. I think I can owe my passing may of my classes to the motivation I got from them (the teachers) and I can't imagine the hell that this year would have been were it any other way.
I learned a lot; I know much more about myself now; and I think I'm prepared for college now. Much thanks to you and all of your fellow educators.
Dom out.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Senior reflection: how i've changed
I've actually matured and grown a great deal in the span of my senior year. I've learned to become accountable for my actions in every way, and I rarely make silly excuses anymore. I procrastinate... slightly less. I turn much more of my work in now, because I understand that it's actually, like, a big part of my grade (homework, that is.) I follow through in group work more. I'm more consistent in my work output; i no longer half-ass many of my assignments (he said as he halfassed his blog post).
Personally, I've become a lot less abrasive and cynical, and a much happier person overall. I have learned to shrug off most of my stress. Not getting into west point was great for me- it allowed me to relax and slow down the pace of my work.
On the whole? I've grown a lot for the better.
Personally, I've become a lot less abrasive and cynical, and a much happier person overall. I have learned to shrug off most of my stress. Not getting into west point was great for me- it allowed me to relax and slow down the pace of my work.
On the whole? I've grown a lot for the better.
Reflection: Things I regret about high school
1. Ever, ever even considering taking AP music theory. The biggest mistake I have ever made, extracurricular wise. I didn't know the subject material, I expected more help from the instructor, and i grossly overestimated my own competence in the matter. Furthermore, I ignored the advice of my parents to avoid the class. I passed the class with a B; I failed the AP exam. Live and learn.
2. AP statistics. Not a bad class by definition; simply out of my league. I thought I needed the extra boost in math to increase my chances of getting into a good college, but as it turns out it was totally unnecessary after all. Most of the other people in my class feel the same way. I think that they should require taking Prob Stat before AP stat, so one has at least some idea of what they're getting into, and a basic understanding of the core formulae.
3. Not something I could have changed, but regardless: Kristina Rudolph. You've heard us talk, you know why. The incompetent.
That's it though. A learning experience, and a good one.
2. AP statistics. Not a bad class by definition; simply out of my league. I thought I needed the extra boost in math to increase my chances of getting into a good college, but as it turns out it was totally unnecessary after all. Most of the other people in my class feel the same way. I think that they should require taking Prob Stat before AP stat, so one has at least some idea of what they're getting into, and a basic understanding of the core formulae.
3. Not something I could have changed, but regardless: Kristina Rudolph. You've heard us talk, you know why. The incompetent.
That's it though. A learning experience, and a good one.
Final Current Event II: Weed
http://www.cnn.com/2012/06/06/opinion/jeffries-marijuana-law/index.html?hpt=hp_c3
Apparently (and I did not know this) New York basically decriminalized marijuana possession in 1977. However showing it in public is a misdemeanor. NY cops have been using this loophole to get many thousands of young people booked on misdemeanor charges, because they use stop and frisk policies to allow officers to order a person to empty their pockets, bringing the weed into public view and making it a misdemeanor.
Don't get me wrong; I don't smoke, and this isn't going to be some lame-ass stoner post. I'd simply like to state with my distaste for the character of the new york laws in question, and my broad approval of the Cuomo government's action against it. prohibitive marijuana laws and overactive sentencing are a shame the America's justice system and a major reason why our jails are so crowded. Therein lies what I think is the most convincing argument for legalization; most current laws are nonsensical and fiscally irresponsible. Hopefully the new trend towards legalization continues.
Apparently (and I did not know this) New York basically decriminalized marijuana possession in 1977. However showing it in public is a misdemeanor. NY cops have been using this loophole to get many thousands of young people booked on misdemeanor charges, because they use stop and frisk policies to allow officers to order a person to empty their pockets, bringing the weed into public view and making it a misdemeanor.
Don't get me wrong; I don't smoke, and this isn't going to be some lame-ass stoner post. I'd simply like to state with my distaste for the character of the new york laws in question, and my broad approval of the Cuomo government's action against it. prohibitive marijuana laws and overactive sentencing are a shame the America's justice system and a major reason why our jails are so crowded. Therein lies what I think is the most convincing argument for legalization; most current laws are nonsensical and fiscally irresponsible. Hopefully the new trend towards legalization continues.
Final Current Event I: Vatican v. Nuns
http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2012/06/05/vatican-intensifying-crackdown-on-american-nuns/?iref=obnetwork
This is... heh... this... hehehehe.
THIS IS GREAT. Apparently the Vatican doesn't approve of the way that American nuns have been handling themselves in recent years. They recently censured an American nun for endorsing, ah, "handling" oneself in a book on christian sexuality. They've gone further in putting various pressures on the convent for not being as forcible in their convictions about various unchristian activities, like homosexuality and abortion.
The Vatican is, in my view, a thing of the past. When nuns in the roman catholic church get reprimanded for even the slightest hint of christian Progressivism and are willing to just keep on doing it there may be some signs of stress in the church's power structure.
It doesn't help the Vatican that there has been a steady loss of churchgoing people in america and a rise in agnosticism; even practicing Catholics (indeed, many religious people) are moving away from extreme conservatism to a moderate progressiveness, which is a big step for the most resolutely anachronistic, stubborn institution of the western world. Just my two cents.
This is... heh... this... hehehehe.
THIS IS GREAT. Apparently the Vatican doesn't approve of the way that American nuns have been handling themselves in recent years. They recently censured an American nun for endorsing, ah, "handling" oneself in a book on christian sexuality. They've gone further in putting various pressures on the convent for not being as forcible in their convictions about various unchristian activities, like homosexuality and abortion.
The Vatican is, in my view, a thing of the past. When nuns in the roman catholic church get reprimanded for even the slightest hint of christian Progressivism and are willing to just keep on doing it there may be some signs of stress in the church's power structure.
It doesn't help the Vatican that there has been a steady loss of churchgoing people in america and a rise in agnosticism; even practicing Catholics (indeed, many religious people) are moving away from extreme conservatism to a moderate progressiveness, which is a big step for the most resolutely anachronistic, stubborn institution of the western world. Just my two cents.
Monday, February 27, 2012
CEIV: The Iranian Deterrent
Iran's military has taken to considering themselves an offensive force. If they see Iran's interests are threatened, according to one Gen. Hejazi, they will not hesitate to strike at the "aggressors".
The fun thing about this standpoint is that is insane. A smaller nation such as Iran would have to attack a larger, more powerful nation such as America. Herein lies point 1: superiority. any offensive action by conventional Iranian forces would almost definitely be headed off at the pass by US forces, and buried quietly behind a toolshed somewhere. Iran is, quite simply, not a strategic power yet. They have no means to project power overseas, very limited Air Forces, and a navy composed mostly of missile patrol boats and a few destroyers. I'm not being overconfident; i'm being factual. One US Carrier Air Group would pose serious trouble to the state of Iran; two would be unbearable; and three would encourage a very quick sprint to the bargaining table.
Think for yourself, though. I'm not your mommy.
http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/21/world/meast/iran-warning/index.html
The fun thing about this standpoint is that is insane. A smaller nation such as Iran would have to attack a larger, more powerful nation such as America. Herein lies point 1: superiority. any offensive action by conventional Iranian forces would almost definitely be headed off at the pass by US forces, and buried quietly behind a toolshed somewhere. Iran is, quite simply, not a strategic power yet. They have no means to project power overseas, very limited Air Forces, and a navy composed mostly of missile patrol boats and a few destroyers. I'm not being overconfident; i'm being factual. One US Carrier Air Group would pose serious trouble to the state of Iran; two would be unbearable; and three would encourage a very quick sprint to the bargaining table.
Think for yourself, though. I'm not your mommy.
http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/21/world/meast/iran-warning/index.html
Current Event III (3): Iranium
Just putting it out there: they're probably making bombs.
Iran has, despite international regulations and agreements not to, stepped up uranium enrichment processes that could either give them a) very efficient reactor fuel or b) some interesting bombs, with unusual destructive capabilities deriving from the power of the atom.
You're getting this, right? Good.
The IAEA has reported that they (The Iranians) are unwilling to curtail their production of nuclear fuel. It's all starting to take on a certain... confrontational feel. Is that JP-40 on the wind? A faint whiff of burning oil well? We shall see.
http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/24/world/meast/iran-nuclear/index.html?iref=allsearch
Iran has, despite international regulations and agreements not to, stepped up uranium enrichment processes that could either give them a) very efficient reactor fuel or b) some interesting bombs, with unusual destructive capabilities deriving from the power of the atom.
You're getting this, right? Good.
The IAEA has reported that they (The Iranians) are unwilling to curtail their production of nuclear fuel. It's all starting to take on a certain... confrontational feel. Is that JP-40 on the wind? A faint whiff of burning oil well? We shall see.
http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/24/world/meast/iran-nuclear/index.html?iref=allsearch
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