Wednesday, October 23, 2002 at 07:01 p.m.
Wow! I haven't updated in quite some many days.
I'm so sick of certain people. There's this one person in particular. She's power hungry, and because (unfortunately) she has more power than I do, she always tries to make all these changes -- changes, half of which are completely unncessary. Perhaps I haven't been through Journalism I or classes like that, but I certainly have taken rigorious English classes. I think she makes changes just to make it seem like she has stuff to do, but she could always be more polite.
I'm not naming names. Then, there are those at the school who are so narrow minded. so conservative. They don't give a rip about anyone else...just themselves. Racism and evidence of discrimination is so evident at the high school. Ignorance, even people finding being racist funny, is too old. Racist jokes still exist and are widely spread, online and at school. And we thought it ended with a simple signature on a Civil RIghts Bill. It hasn't. Racism is alive, perputrating the hallways of the HS. To be quite honest, nothing is done because all authorities in charge are white; the majority of students are white. If the majority of students and the people in power don't find anything wrong, they're not going to change an already 'perfect' system, are they? I'm just so sick of it. Of course, they avoid the word 'racist' because, well, being a 'racist' is bad, and I would never be like that! What's worse--we have minorities hating themselves for being different. Ha. To think one of the middle schools got a diversity and celebrating differences grant...the horrors. I stop to wonder some days where it came from...when was it suddenly to joke and pick on those who were different. Then, I realize that school exemplifies it everyday. As I said, all the authorities are white--even within the school itself, we have racism indirectly practiced. I'm sure being in a nearly all white community doesn't help. Some of the comments I've heard are imaginable. When will the injustice stop? Minorities have fought for their rights...ha--let's take a look at our student government...correct me if I'm wrong: all white. Diversity at its finest, for sure. You listen to Chinese music? Well, you little stinker, I can listen to whatever I want. Don't give me that look of disgust. Part of me wants to kick them hard in the stomach, and this other has a slight sympathy. They're so narrowminded; they'll never enjoy the diversity of cultures and what experiences that will bring. Racism is alive and well. The question is not whether to stop it, for it must, but how to stop it. Nothing is being done. School staff went to some training. That obviously didn't help. Its practice is so broad, including this ignorance stuff, I just feel like I'm fighting a losing battle. And it's evident in my closest of friends...which scares me even more. Am I a friend or some 'little Asian' they feel sorry for? Fighting racism...try it...it's hard. When will people realize the serious grievances they are committing? Ai ai ai. Wo bu zhi dao le...I don't know. I hope it's soon, because I feel like this fight's against racism is going to end, and I'm going to be on the losing side. Kudos for now.
Entered by Denny
Thursday, October 10, 2002 at 10:16 p.m. Friday. Night. Next question to ask is what? It would be that question indeed. I can tell my friends have not been updating their own blogs, but don't worry--Denny's Utopia is always up to date for your every needs. Hahaha, that's a good one.
Caroline's been everywhere. Just like that song by Michelle Branch--Everywhere. Maybe I should get her to sing it...hehe.
Okay, so I was yet again stereotyped again in English. People need to understand I'm not always the one who gets the highest grades and there is more to more than just books and editing commas. I am also a human, too, isn't that something odd to realize? I don't mind being the standard, as long as people don't rub it in that they beat the standard. Egh. Problems... Oh well, thanks for coming. Kudos for now.
PS:If you've taken AP Comp or looked up 'kudos,' I'm sure you know that 'kudos for now' doesn't make sense. Oh well...nothing does in the Utopia. Entered by Denny
Tuesday, October 8, 2002 at 04:58 p.m. Ha. Denny's Utopia actually has (to my knowledge) three frequent visitors. I am only typing this for Bauer. I cannot even fathom why in the world he would be reading this. Maybe he's even visited the archive! Wow...Denny's Utopia is over one year old -- so where's the cake and pie?
I can't believe Bush is gaining support on the war. It's one that doesn't need to be fought, and there is simply no need ever for violence. He has not given diplomacy any real chance. Even after talking to the UN, he quickly said things that indicated he would attack Iraq despite what the UN had to say or do.
I haven't felt well at all lately. I had a fever yesterday, but I still managed to wake myself up for school, believe that? The sacrifices I make for school, I tell ya... I guess it was worth it. I was able to talk to Mr. Klemm about taking classes online or something. I want to take Mandarin Chinese, but it looks like it will be somewhat difficult. Scheduling will be a mess. Too many physics lab reports to write, entonces kudos for now.
Entered by Denny
Saturday, October 5, 2002 at 08:01 p.m. Wow...the blog trend has spread like a frenzy. Now, at least five of my friends have them... Yeesh, I don't think ANY of them will be as interesting as Denny's Utopia, your longest serving blog within the "group." Hahahaha, yeah right. Just thought that was interesting. Kudos for now. Entered by Denny
Saturday, October 5, 2002 at 07:51 p.m. Hey everyone...
In recent news, President Bush is gaining support in Congress for a war in Iraq. What the heck, Pres B? No offense, but this is not the way to go. We are still fighting a "War on Terrorism," why split up the forces? How long has he even been considering a war? It seems like diplomacy has not given a chance... The only reason he went to the UN was because he didn't want to look bad, and he wanted to save face. Come on, Bush, think diplomacy. No, instead, he wants to dive into a war... This better not become another Vietnam, and I hope they draft the bad students first, or maybe by then, I'll have secured a professorhip at a university. Kudos for now. Entered by Denny
Friday, October 4, 2002 at 10:11 p.m. Pep Assemblies=Stupid. Entered by Denny
Friday, September 27, 2002 at 07:24 p.m. Okay, hi people. I'm back at the computer, with nothing else to do on those oh-so exciting Friday nights, huh? Well, I'm in one of those "What does life really mean?" blah moods. I'm not even up to describing it. But, I think I can sum it up pretty well in a few words, those being: out of touch, different, abnormal, etc. No need to elaborate--oh, my physics test didn't go so well, either. And that Pre-Calc quizzie: oh my goodness! :( Kudos for now. Entered by Denny
Friday, September 20, 2002 at 09:25 p.m. It's late... Oh well. Back to blogging. Everyone has ditched me for the football game, or at least because they're marching in it. Well, we had our first AP Euro test, and I got a 40/43... He started babbling about how grades weren't important. Yeah, right. Anyways, just wanted to quickly update y'all on the situation. And, what else? School's keeping me mighty busy, but my grades are looking up, so I guess it's good. I've started copy-editing for Blade, and that's been okay, too. All these journalisitic rules to rememember--ugh! Happy Weekend! Kudos for now. Entered by Denny
Saturday, September 7, 2002 at 11:33 p.m. I'm in a blah mood. After seeing some friends today, I am in an ineffable mood. I just can't describe it. It's not awe or fascination--close to the opposite. But it's not exactly the opposite, for I cannot hate my friends. What is it then? Sometimes, I feel so small and alone. No one understands the real me. As Bret reads these words, he will probably be amazed at the directness of this. Oh well. But am I so misunderstood? Just the smart guy lugging around more of those books? Oh, there's the nerd who knows the answer. Let's go bug him. That's not me. And sadly enough, I think most people believe that. Some of my friends, even... The person who knows me the most, I feel at times, does not even know the real me. Do I even know the real me? All these questions. What are my real goals? What do I truly think of my friends? Are they even my friends--or simply people befriending me for one reason or another? What is genuine friendship? What constitues a good friend and a bad? Perspective. So small and so alone. So small and so alone. No one else there. No one anywhere. "Help, I'm drowning." No one to the rescue. The lifeguards turn their heads, and the little kids continue to swim. I am drowning in a sea of thoughts. A sea of emotions. *re-reads entry* Now they really must think I'm a psycho. Kudos for now. Entered by Denny
Tuesday, September 3, 2002 at 06:51 p.m. Interesting thought...I had the most interesting thought when I was walking down the hallways at the HS today... I thought, "When I leave this earth, I just want to know and feel I have somehow, in some way, shape or form, made a positive contribution in someone's life." That's not something everyone thinks about, I guess. It's also kinda gruesome. I mean...it relates to death and all. If only it were possible to be nice to everyone and not worry about anything... "Positive contribution..." Entered by Denny
Tuesday, September 3, 2002 at 06:43 p.m. YES! Just found out today (after talking to the Klemm-man) I'm not ranked fourth after all. Stupid computer error. He said two transcripts were mistakenly ranked extraordinarily higher than they should have been. So that bumps me up to SECOND! AWESOME! Just wanted to add that news brief. Kudos for now. Entered by Denny
Sunday, September 1, 2002 at 01:25 a.m. Ha. It's late! Or early, depending on your definition... So, my first week of school: how'd it go? Frankly, it was okay. I can already see which classes will be the 'tuffies' and which I can slide through easily. CP Physics will be hard, but Mr. Smith seems like a good teacher; Bucs' Blade will also be challenging, and I have no comforts at all about AP Lit. Mr. Query completely did not address my thoughts on the change of tone in Pathedy of Manners on Thursday. Other than that, I got an A on the CP Physics Sig Figs homework. Hehe. Thank goodness for the looong weekend. Who invented Labor Day anyways? Kudos for now. Entered by Denny
Sunday, August 25, 2002 at 06:06 p.m. I'm sure Bret is reading this now... With his Netscape browser programmed to tell him whenever Utopia updates, he'll be one of the first visitors, as soon as there's a post. Well, nothing's happening much over here. I'll be waking up for school in less than 12 hours, unfortunately. I'm sure this first week of school won't be too rigorious, because we only have a four day week (due to Labor Day weekend). Then again, I can't be too sure. Mr. Quick always acts like Pre-Calc is such a different step into math than the oh-so simple Algebra II (which I already barely could handle!). Egh. I'm sure I'll be very eager to blog tomorrow. Kudos for now. Entered by Denny
Friday, August 23, 2002 at 05:22 p.m. Hi everyone. Just wanted to get at least one more post in before the start of school. I'm nervous but excited about this upcoming school year. CP Physics is supposedly one of the "hardest" classes offered at the high school. Egh. But I'm sure I'll have fun with the school newspaper, and I do have a bunch of friends in Pre-Calc. I did finish all that journalism and AP Euro homework; isn't it insane for teachers to give work during SUMMER VACATION? I tell ya, there's no freedom these days. It's great that Emma is turning C239 into a journal on political activities in China. It aught to make for interesting conversation and lively debate. Keep this in mind: With the end of summer comes the beginning of school...a beginning we all dread. Kudos for now. Entered by Denny
Wednesday, August 14, 2002 at 11:51 p.m. DOZENS OF THANKS GO OUT TO BRETABEL.COM. The webmaster, Bret Abel, has recently finished making Denny's Utopia universally viewable on a variety of browsers, and get this: it doesn't even matter how old your browser is! It is extreme dedication and hard work like his which make the Utopia such a wonderful and enjoyable blog. Hehe.
In other news, I got my schedule, and it was no surprise. I had really (and somewhat secretly) hand-picked some of my teachers before summer started. All looks good for the 26th to roll around, except for that Euro homework. Kudos for now. Entered by Denny
Friday, August 9, 2002 at 04:14 p.m. I'm really bored...too lazy to pick up that Occupational Handbook. I guess I might after I finish this entry. Anyways, I'm reporting that the Honor Roll came out in the local newspaper. I was so bored I went ahead and counted the number of 4.0's or higher, denoted by the asterik (*), in my class of 2004. Out of the class of 2004, only SEVEN students received a 4.0 or higher in the fourth marking period. People--we're dealing with a pool of over 500 students. That's less than one percent who got all A's. Goodness...Kudos for now. Entered by Denny
Friday, August 9, 2002 at 02:57 p.m. Hi again. I'm back. Denny's Utopia...being one of the largest watchers of HK, Taiwan, and Mainland news, must express its opinion on the latest news on the Taiwan-China dispute. Taiwanese President Chen Shui-Bian recently has supported a referendum of independence for the island, somewhat like an official declaration of independence. This, of course, infuriated Beijing, which claims the island of over 20 billion as a renegade province. They argue there is only one China. That is true, but there is a separate Taiwan. It cannot be argued that because China and Taiwan share so many traditions and customs, not to even mention languages, that they are to be one country. This argument is invalid. For example, the United States shares many traditions in that with Great Britain, and even our neighbor Canada. Does that mean we are to be one country? Of course not. Besides, I must emphasize the differences between the Mainland and Taiwan. Taiwan's leader is democratically elected through popular vote. While Chinese President Jiang Zemin is also elected, he is only elected by his comrades in the Chinese Communist Party, not by the Chinese people. To claim Taiwan as renegade province is also not true. The CCP (Chinese Communist Party) has never had direct control over the Taiwanese. Chen Shui Bian is not a province governor appointed by the CCP. He is the President of a democractic nation. The sooner the Chinese recognize this, the less damage there will be. There is also a strong difference in human rights. Taiwan is recognized by many as having a much better rights record than the Mainland. Falun Gong is banned in the Mainland (more on that one later), but allowed and practiced freely in Taiwan. The Taiwanese respect freedoms of religion and press. All churches, temples, newspapers and magazines in China must be controlled by the government and are often not very authentic.
That's quite enough of Utopia's Asianwatch. In other news, I checked out the Occupational Handbook 2002-2003 issued by the US Labor Dept. It's a comphrensive look at nearly every job available in the US and includes average salary and prospective job outlook (future demand for the career)--plus much more! I hope it helps me out with all this career-gush whooping through my brain right now. Kudos for now. Entered by Denny
Wednesday, August 7, 2002 at 01:58 p.m. Denny's Utopia officially thanks Bretabel.com and the webmaster Bret Abel. The move to Pitas.com was successful for the most part, but as with any HTML-based transition, there were a few kinks which needed to be tweaked. Bret Abel offered his incredible help at a most urgent time. Without his assistance, Denny's Utopia would definitely have some design problems.
In other news, I'm still on the hunt for the ideal job. I've given some more thoughts and opened a window of opportunities. Teaching is always one. Naturally, I would teach my favorite subject, English, but ever since that AP English class with the one-and-only, I don't think I can look at a book without going, "What's the point?" I've also considered school counselor. Finanical planner (a person who tells ya how to spend your $), author (very unsteady career), translator (haven't done too much research on this yet), and lawyer are also other routes which I've heavily considered. Maybe something to do with the civil service... I've decided no matter what, my job must be meaningful--I have to make a difference. Of course, that always depends on your own definition and interpretation of "meaningful" and "difference." We'll see. Kudos for now. (look below!)
Entered by Denny
Tuesday, August 6, 2002 at 09:06 p.m. It's been a while, everyone. I was on a loooong vacation away from blogging, and I'm back, more opinonated than ever. I've taken down the den.t35.com site and decided to make Pitas my home. If y'all really enjoy reading my opinons and about my life, then I also decided that a layout doesn't matter, and I will be keeping things the way they are. I've really downplayed the role of the blog. No guestbook--you can email me. No links--you can type them in yourself (except to the archive). No music--sorry to some, but hooray for others. You can download it on some mini-Napster. Really, just pure Denny's Utopia at its best! So, it's been a while, let me fill you in on what's happened this rather un-eventful summer.
Thanks again for visiting Denny's Utopia. I apologize for neglecting it so much. This summer has been very "blah." I have not done anything worth mentioning, except getting a temporary job at the library as a book tagger. It pays okay, I guess. And I made a CD with my favorite Chinese Pop songs. Anything else? Not exactly. Of course, I could always bore you with the schoolwork I've been forced to do during the summer. I still haven't done (should do) the AP Euro reading and questions. But the Blade homework is finite-accomplished! Yay! And, I've been catching up on my Chinese studies as well. Starr's Understanding China was boring but informative. Adeline Yen Mah's newest book (title had "growing tree" or something like that) was a severe disappointment. And, been doing some career exploration. Professor? I think I'd have to teach first while taking classes for a PhD, which would be kinda difficult and certainly different. What do you think I should be? Email me. Then again, only people in my address book can. I mean, anyone can email me, but the filter's set on exclusive. So wow--even if you visit the blog and find it stupid, I won't be able to read your complaints if you aren't in the address book. Boohoo. And, I passed my road test. Yes, that's right...I'll be on the road soon. Be scared...very scared.
Hehe--I didn't forget--kudos for now. Entered by Denny
Welcome to Denny's Utopia. I know all of you are frequent vistors, but I thought it would be nice to issue a new, fresh "Welcome!" to my world. This is a domain of my thoughts, feelings and opinions. Frequently, they are quite liberal, but as you can tell, they are also conservative...see below.
So, that is my conclusion for the day. What ever happened to education? When did it become all about "fun?" Yes, yes, yes, I do sound so uptight. Wait, isn't school supposed to be about learning? Guess not the public school system. It's now about making the classroom more creative and exciting, but it's not about singing "Hot in Herre" and drinking some weird tuna concoction. That's not learning. Besides, the lyrics to that song are completely inappropriate for the learning environment. And I could see the smirk on Mr. Kuiper's face, the devil...Kudos for now.