Day: October 18, 2011

A Blazing Issue

therightliberalLeave a comment

Marijuana; such a taboo to many and such an addiction to many more.

About a week ago, The Federal Government stepped into California’s legal system, going through the state telling medical marijuana dispensaries to close. This came after the Obama administration formerly stated that it would not waste it’s time on prosecuting the medical marijuana industry in California.

I guess now they have so much free time that they can afford to do this. But really, it is just not necessary. I am not upset about a states rights issue here, I have always believed that the Federal Government should have overriding power.

But now we are just battling ignorance. I am not justifying the use of marijuana, nor condemning those who use it. It is a minor drug that should be treated as such. It is no more dangerous than alcohol and quite less dangerous than cigarettes. But the hippies smoked weed so it is obviously bad.

Instead of wasting tax payer money on throwing people in jail for smoking a native plant that just makes you hungry and giggly, how about we go and educate the general population in the hopes that they do not feel the need to use drugs on a regular basis.

America is a prude society and this just shows it. Instead of making millions off of the potential taxes of legalization of marijuana, we throw thousands in jail because they smoke the Devil‘s lettuce.

Open your eyes people. Prohibition does not work! Let us learn from that handy thing called history and realize that we will be a lot better off as a society if we just roll with our capitalist ways and tax the hell out of all sales of permits and paraphernalia.

We as a country should move beyond our fears and judgements and make a rational choice. I say this not because I want to be able to smoke weed, I say this because I want a country which makes smart choices.

We need to at least leave the medical marijuana industry alone. Plus think of this; if we legalize marijuana, imagine what it would do for our food industry!

Worst Person in Sports #3-Scott Williamson

backinphilly3 Comments

Tom Williamson is putting his 2004 World Series ring up for auction. WHAT AN IDIOT! I don’t care how strapped for cash you are. Why would you sell a piece of sports history? That’s like Herb Brooks selling his gold medals from the 1980 Winter Olympic Hockey games. It’s just pure stupidity. Why would that even come to someone’s mind?

Was it guilt because he didn’t play a key role in the Sox’ winning the series? Only this scum knows.

If you are interested in purchasing this wondrous piece of history, here’s a picture of the stones and its ungrateful owner.
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Middle Land

Yourcupatea1 Comment

Midland
Midland or Middle Land, a small school that is defined by its name. It is literally a school that is in the middle of nowhere. Built up of rustic buildings and open grassland, the campus is like walking into a time warp with a few unique changes.

It is a campus that defines the school and it’s principles, seen because it’s battered ancient façade but filled with knowledge and wisdom. As they say with age comes great wisdom and this is definitely the case with this school.

Filled with pride, the school is about teaching who you are. With no personal technology accessible to the students they are really taught to explore who they really are and what the world is really about.

Comparable to a Waldolf Steiner School, Midland really is unique. Although not suitable for everyone it is a place of insight and reflection where one can think about their values and lives.

Deadmau5!!!

r3t5nomLeave a comment

The concert of the year!

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They have some great music and are one of my favorite groups to listen to. Deadmau5 introduces piano into their electronic music and by doing so they make the music more appealing to a larger crowd. They also have an awesome logo and character that represents Deadmau5 and that is a mouse head!

I heard some GREAT news a few weeks ago and that was that Deadmau5 is going to be performing at the Santa Barbara Bowl on October 27th at 1122 N. Milpas St!

You can go and buy tickets HERE!

I think that the coolest thing about a Deadmau5 concert is that it’s really interactive and fun to be at, especially if you have good seating. The DJ wears a Mouse head and makes awesome music, what more could you want at a concert haha!

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WOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!

Times past

venturatrekerLeave a comment


Yesterday I had the chance to go back to a place that had a significant impact on my life, Midland School.

It is lovely to go back there because nothing really ever changes except the faces, but even then we all have something in common because of our shared connection to Midland.

One part that makes it the place that it is, is the communal showers. Yeah it sounds gross and not that great, but after a long day, sharing laughs with all your friends in the shower room is really the best thing there is.

When I went back, after my Football game I showered in the Junior bathroom with all my friends, it felt like nothing had changed.  I do miss Midland and the great innocent fun we had, but I am glad to have moved on and to be able to come back and remember those memories.

9-9-9 = 6-6-6

therightliberalLeave a comment

Herman Cain thinks he has found the solution to all of America’s economic problems; it’s called the 9-9-9 plan.

I guess Herman has not listened to those thousands of people protesting across the country, complaining about the low taxation of the rich and all the corporate tax breaks they receive.

The premise of his plan is fairly simple, a 9% tax on business income, a 9% tax on wages and a 9% Federal income tax.

Estimates by people who understand tax law (which are few) say that this would mean raising taxes for 90% of Americans. Ironically it would also decrease the amount of money that the Federal government takes in from taxes.

Oh that makes so much sense! Lets tax the lower and middle class more, decrease taxes on the wealthy and on businesses and bring in less money.

The 9-9-9 plan is a publicity stunt, and quite a sad one. It sure sounds great until you realize what it would actually be accomplishing (or failing to accomplish). Cain is getting a lot of air time out of this plan, just because of its simplicity.

But there is no such thing as a simple tax policy. The tax codes take up thousands of pages filled with tiny print nowadays and it will not work to just toss those books out the window and just print out a page that says 9-9-9 on it.

Under Cain’s plan, over 23,000 millionaires would be freed from paying taxes. WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO DO THAT?

GOP: Spread the wealth to the wealthy

Cain’s plan is quite frankly stupid. It shows just what a weak candidate he is. At the beginning of the GOP race he was one of the most obscure candidates and it is only due to his boldness that he has gained attention.

If the GOP want to nominate him, go right ahead. I highly doubt he could stand up to Obama, a man who is both intelligent AND possess common sense.

If you are set on putting America in a worse economic position than it is in now (yes it is possible) and ruining all that we have built as a country, vote Herman Cain in 2012!

Camels & Ojai Day!

yrreskrapLeave a comment

Saturday. October 15, 2011.

I woke up early to go on a nice run on the Pi course at Ojai Valley School and went to the gym to do some core exercises.

At around 10:30, my good friend Anni walked in and we decided to take the day off and go celebrate Ojai Day.

We got on the bus at noon and arrived to a bustling scene. There were people everywhere and the air smelled of barbecue. Painters, jewelers, vendors, you name it.

The most memorable part of the trip was the camel ride. Anni and I waited for about 15 minutes behind a line of middle schoolers. I felt a little embarrassed knowing that we were both double their age but equally (if not more) excited to get our turn on the camel. Finally, it was our turn.

At first, it was very awkward for the both of us.

But after a while, we got used to it.


Overall, the camel ride was unforgettable. That ended my day on a perfect note. I had never ridden on a camel before (and Anni hadn’t either) so it was a new experience for the both of us. I can only hope to be able to come to next year’s Ojai Day.

Do good anyway

thehungryrunnergirl1 Comment

What is kindness? Why are you kind to others? Because you want to be treated the same way? Because you want to be recognized as a nice person? Why can’t people express their love and kindness freely without any complicated emotions?

I think true kindness is not seeking anything in return but wishing others happiness from the bottom of your heart.

“People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, People may accuse you of Selfish, Ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful,
you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be Honest and Frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have,
and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you’ve got anyway.
You see, in the final analysis,
it is between you and God;
It was never between you and them anyway.
”

– Mother Teresa

I felt the strength and warmth from this quote.

I feel like a lot of people seek it in return when they did something good to others. But what if you could give love to anyone without expecting them to give it back? Wouldn’t that be nice?

If you think carefully, don’t you feel happy when you’re doing something for someone regardless of the return? Well, I do. When I make someone smile, it just makes me happy.

SO DO GOOD ANYWAY!

Translation:
“Thought” is not visible to anyone.
”Thoughtfulness” is able to be seen.
“Heart” is not visible to anyone.
”Warm-heartedness” is able to be seen.

HUNGRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

yrreskrapLeave a comment

Being away from home, I am constantly craving what I can’t have.

Korean Food.

I think of it day and night. I realized that every year, this appetite for some good home cooking gets worse.

This weekend, I went home and got to enjoy Korean food for the first time in five weeks. Let me tell you, it was amazing and I ate a week’s worth of food.

Korean food isn’t what people think. It’s not just simply rice and kimchi. There is so much more than just Korean BBQ and top ramen. Here are a few of the dishes I savored this weekend.

For lunch on Saturday, I ate Bo Sam (보쌈), Cha Dol Dwenjang Chigae (차돌됀장찌개), and Jap Chae (잡채).

This is Bo Sam.

It is delicious. Roasted slices of pork that you wrap in lettuce. It is simple but fantastic. Gosh, my stomach is growling just looking at the picture of it.

This is Cha Dol Dwenjang Chigae.

It’s main ingredient is made up of the same components that is in miso soup: fermented soy beans. The taste is a lot richer and the broth is a lot thicker. Inside, there are many healthy vegetables such as zucchini, onions, garlic, and more. And of course, pork.

The great thing about the restaurant I went to is that they give you a bowl with vegetables and other dressings so that when you are done with your soup, you can put in the rest of it in the bowl and mix it with rice. So GOOD and healthy too!

This is Jap Chae.

A savory medley of clear, glass noodles, vegetables, beef, and soy sauce. It is a delicate dish. I don’t know if it’s because I was craving Korean food for those five weeks or if it is because the restaurant was fantastic, but I have never had Jap Chae better than the one I ate last Saturday.

I want all of you to try some Korean food sometime soon.

Worst Person #2-Jim Harbaugh

backinphillyLeave a comment

Many NFL fans witnessed the scuffle following the 49ers’ dramatic victory against the Detroit Lions on Sunday. After the game, 49ers’ coach Jim Harbaugh ran out onto the field to shake hands with Lions coach Jim Schwartz when he shoved Schwartz out of the way on his way to the locker room. As of right now, it is unclear what was said between the two. However, Schwartz stated that Harbaugh used an obscenity towards him.

I’m all for being excited following a big win. The Lions were undefeated going into the game, and the 49ers came out victorious. Obviously, Harbaugh was excited. But, C’mon man. Show a little class. Ya, you just won a game. Don’t go and curse out the opposing coach. It’s not like you played the game or anything. Times like these remind me of Rex Ryan saying that HE beat Peyton Manning.

Yes, it’s true that players reflect their coaches. The league can just hope that Harbaugh’s squad has more class than he does.

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