Come next week, the Ojai Valley School varsity baseball team will play their final game against the hated Cate Rams. It’s been an eventful season to say the least and today we could have, probably should have, but came damn close to beating Dunn school. They’re playoff bound folks, they’re good. We went up there today and gave them a hell of a battle and showed resiliency and heart. I think our team is worth watching. We have a lot of talent invested in the future and we are gaining respect from teams around the league, the exact teams that once mercied us are now struggling for wins, or for their lives. So that’s Wednesday. Don’t worry, we’re at home, you don’t have to move.
Immediately following that game, I hop on a plane to NY to watch my sister get married. Mary Stevenson and Hari Mahedev are a great couple that I have known for years now. They’re both Ivy League graduates, they’ve both become doctors and they’re in love. Besides I’ll get to see most of my family again, I’ll be able to rock my new threads, I’ll get to witness a very happy moment, and maybe I’ll meet a few brides maids who I like. You never know but it’ll be great.
I’ve celebrated the end of AP exams (I took 3 in 4 days) with a healthy diet of South Park cartoons and Dominos Pizza. Plus I’ve enjoyed my guitar lately. I’m really making it sound good.
That’s my current life. What’s yours?
School and Freedom
Just now, a freshman girl from China interviewed me about freedom at OVS. It was fascinating for me to have a citizen of a communist country pay attention to my insights about such “forbidden” topic, freedom.
The questions were pretty straightforward. Here are some: What can you do to improve freedom at OVS? Do you think OVS has a lot of freedom? What do you do during your freedom at OVS? What is your first impression of OVS?
Our school try to provide the students with many opportunities even if some might disagree.
But, are we given with the right amount of freedom?
Yes, we are given with a lot of free time. So, does that necessarily mean we possess the rights to our freedom?
Pondering for a brief moment, I found myself caught in the conflict between individuality and society.
Balancing out these two is crucial. And, here I relate these thoughts to OVS.
Integrity. Individuality. Utilitarian society. Liberty. Morals. Coercion. Censorship.
If I were to list these words to describe OVS in a certain order of relevancy, I would have to weigh out a lot of OVS student handbook regulations, American societal standard, and realistic circumstances where all these regulations would be implicated. To that end, I am not going to organize them here anyway.
What if, a girl or a boy student decides to wear a plain shirt with a single word, “gay” or “lesbian”, printed?
Would this behavior be interpreted as an act of rebellion, a violation to the profession as a student, or nothing?
Just wondering.
Avi Buffalo
I’ve been to about 30 concerts in my life. From seeing the Rhianna to Michael Franti, I’ve made my way around the different genres and different venues. This last Saturday I was lucky enough to see Avi Buffalo at the Getty Museum.
I had never been to the Getty before and didn’t have much of an idea of what to expect. I’ve always driven down the 405 and wondered what that white tram led to and what wonders were inside the museum itself. All that I can say is that it’s magnificent. Every single molecule in that museum is beautiful.
From to the different exhibits, to the perfectly mowed lawns, to the magnificent water gardens, and to the city views, it’s simply the most beautiful place that I have ever been to. I plan on returning there as soon as possible to spend my day exploring all the parts that I didn’t even have time to see. But that wasn’t even the best part of my day.
My friends and I were walking to use the restroom when Charlie (pictures above) stopped dead in her tracks and said “That’s him!”[The lead singer of Avi Buffalo] We followed him down in order to get a picture or two with him and watched him walk through the crowd without being noticed. It’s so strange to watch someone so talented and known not be recognized by the mass majority of a crowd. Though after the show he was a lot more popular.
It’s also needless to say that the show was amazing. The band only has one album out, but on set they played several songs that hadn’t been heard yet and many that the crowd was yearning to hear. We were all in the front row and we couldn’t have been happier. The energy feeding off the stage mixed with the flashing colored lights, sounds of the crowd, and the smell of inscents made the prefect mixture that was blissful.
If you haven’t heard of them, please go look them up now. You can download their album here for free, and believe me, it’s well worth it. But if you can, do try to support them! They aren’t too big yet, so they could always use the money from music sales. I hope that you like them! Oh and go visit the Getty if you haven’t already as well. You won’t regret it!
May 8th
Happy birthday Jack! Let’s recount what happened today.
1. The Lakers. They managed to completely fall apart today, giving Coach Jackson a terrible last game. Not only did the Lakers play a frustrating game 4, but two of the players, Odom and Bynum, managed to get thrown out. While this loss does mark an end to a great Lakers era, it also marks the end of the long career of Phil Jackson. For Jackson to go out in suck a bad way was very upsetting.
2. Aboriginal boxer Lionel Rose died today. Rose held the world bantamweight title for defeating Masahiko “Fighting” Harada in February of 1968. Rose was an idol to all Australians, because he was one of the only Australians (an Aboriginal at that) to achieve world fame.
3. My birthday fell on Mother’s day again. It’s all ways a bummer when this happens, because a number of things happen. Firstly, all of the restaurants are packed. It’s all ways hard to find anywhere decent to eat. Most people are busy on the day as well.
Apart from these things, I had a good day. It was relaxing and nice. I just can’t help but think about what the Lakers will do next year…
Sorry Mum.
Dearest Mum, I’m writing to apologize for being sick on mother’s day. Spending all day in bed is what you should be doing while I bring you tea and cook you meals but no it’s the reverse. I truly hope the gift made up for it.
I guess this shows what a dedicated and thoughtful mum you are and I’m sorry I cannot repay you for kindness on a day like today. I acknowledge the favors that you have done for the whole of my life and I thank you for the time you have spent in raising me.
The countless times you went searching for my favorite teddy and cared for me when I was sick. All those occasions when you brought me hot soup and lemon and honey and took the time to make sure I was ok I will never forget. The countless birthday cakes you have created depending on my interests at the time and our walks to school when I was little will always be stuck in my memory.
I know that family has been your priority since you were 23 and I appreciate the time you have put in to raise me and Bex. I’m sorry that I don’t always show it but I do care and respect you a lot. I love how we have great things in common including our sense of humor, love for Vampire Diaries and sweet tooth, but I do often feel sorry for Dad because of our stubbornness and argumentative sides.
Although it seems strange the best thing is when we argue because we both come up with the stupidest comebacks. Seeing your face as and you try desperately not to laugh paired with mine in the same position makes my day. Arguing is fun with you.
So the message in this blog is thank you. I love you and I’m sorry I’m too sick to look after you on your day, I guess I should really make it a regular habit, being nicer that is.
I love you.
Sick Humor
Osama Bin Laden is dead.
Glorify, celebrate, and embrace this moment of relief says the media. True. He had been the most wanted man in the world. He had put people in an absolute horror and unrecoverable remorse. He had brilliant ideas to cause further worldly destruction. He had killed the lives of millions and planned for even greater number. He had committed, multiple times, the most horrendous sin among mankind, murder. He had maddened the world. Now, he is gone, for good.
Extensive comments and articles about the details and expressions of relief and joy are, thus, understandable. However, people are having a hard time containing themselves as they make sick black humor out of this man’s demise. He, despite of his nearly unforgivable deeds, is a mankind.
A man. A father of six children. A husband of two wife.
Here, I question. “Do you think those children chose to share the disgraceful blood with this sick-minded man hated by the billions alive?”
But, sympathy is not the suitable wording of this case–apparently, those fancy and domineering religions have failed to deliver their grand message, forgiveness.
I am not an American citizen, but have friends, and relatives who suffer from the 9/11 catastrophe and the days since then. Maybe, my nauseating reactions to these comments are abnormal.
However, I know. I know, that some comments displayed online have exceeded the borderline of appropriateness.
An eye for an eye.
Is that it?
Angus & Julia Stone
Although the sun has currently disappeared in South California the summer sun will once again return in the next couple of weeks, we hope. The grey days may sadden many but this doesn’t mean it’s time to put on some heavy metal; instead we should listen to those summer songs that make us feel happy once again.
The music of Angus & Julia Stone is the definition of great summer music. Their rustic tones and acoustic sounds paired with simple lyrics such as and rhythms make for music that is truly great.A brother and sister combo from New Port, Australia the pair have astonished many with their paired talent and unique sounds.
Growing up with a strong love for music the siblings decided to give the profession a go releasing their first EP “Chocolates and Cigarettes” in 2006. This followed on to the release of a second EP in 2007 titled “Heart Full of Wine” and the later album “A Book Like This.” Their first album went platinum in their home country following on to its release across the world.
At the beginning of last year the group released the album “Down the Way,” which reaped much success. Featuring songs like “Big Jet Plane” and “Hold On” the album won numerous awards with many of the group’s song featuring on TV shows across the globe.
The pair create great music which is simple but great, proving that often simplicity is often the key. If you need to get in the mood for summer blast out some Angus & Julia Stone and I assure you it will make you feel better.
Champions!!! (sort of)
Today Manchester United beat Chelsea FC, almost certainly giving them their 19th Premier League title.
While I was busy taking an AP Statistics final, Manchester United was pulling off a 2-1 victory. United looked the better team by far (I recorded the game) and throughly deserved the win. Chelsea fans may complain about the refereeing of Howard Webb but I do not think those complaints are valid. United created many more chances, finished well and defended even better.
Now United are six points clear with two games left. All they need is a tie in one of those games (which are against Blackpool and Blackburn) and they will go home with the trophy.
It has been a very interesting season. At the beginning I will admit I had little hope. Chelsea started so strongly that I wondered if we had a chance.
I credit Sir Alex for his genius in leading United to their 19th League title, which will be a record.
I am now looking forward to the Champions League Final against Barcelona at Wembley Stadium on May 28th. That will certainly be United’s biggest challenge of the year.
Young Girl Longs To Meet Heartthrob Justin Bieber, Settles with Barack Obama Instead
Just a few months ago, fourteen-year-old Payton Wall wrote a letter to President Obama.
Rather than writing a letter as a homework assignment in her history class, Payton wrote to share a very personal story.
In this letter, Payton talked about her father’s death in the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Centers, and did not forget to state her love for teen pop-star Justin Bieber.
“Justin Bieber inspired me to share my story,” said Payton, “I wrote a letter to the president a few months ago. I talked about how I lost my dad on 9/11 and how I like Justin Bieber.”
This past Monday, May 2nd, was the first time Obama saw this letter, as he read through the stacks of envelopes that piled higher and higher throughout the weeks.
And although Obama may not be able to schedule Justin Bieber’s tour, he did the best he could in giving her an amazing experience, and acknowledging her hardships and her strength.
Is it over?
The Lakers. What happened? This is one of the only years that I have had doubts about the Lakers. Well, after the last game, those doubts were confirmed. Usually, when the Lakers lose, it’s because of a lack of energy. This time, it was because of a lack of talent.
Now I cannot really speak for the last game, because I did not see it. From what I heard, the team did, in fact, play hard. The Mavericks were just better than them.
And I hate to say that, but Dallas is just straight out better than the Lakers. Kobe (oh God am I really about to say this?) is getting old, Bynum is very inconsistent, and Gasol cannot stay focused. It will all be decided tomorrow, but I doubt we can come back from a 3-0 series. If we don’t, then Marc Gasol will be the last Gasol standing.
The Lakers are going to have to get it together if they want to have a good season next year. Magic Johnson recently said that the team has to be completely rearranged. We need new people, as well as getting a new coach.
Finally, what a way for Coach to go out. Last game was the only time I have ever seen him lose his cool. He was so frustrated with Gasol, that he was pounding on his chest. But hey, as long as Boston or Miami don’t win, I’m fine with anything. 
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