Another Best Day of My Life

I was in Mass Communications & Society this morning when a classmate mentioned a movie she'd recently watched on TV. The Navy must have sponsored it, because she said it was inundated with Navy clips and commercials. While she was talking, my friend Tyler leaned over to whisper something.

Tyler: Join the Navy.
Me *half-whispering, half-singing*: See the world!
Tyler: . . . You've been brainwashed. Stop digging those trenches and get out of that bunker.

And then, later Tyler was referring to our professor as "an army of one," for various reasons. So I told him that, "It's 'Army Strong,' now. You need to update your slogans."

Also, I'd like to mention that I'm truly batting a thousand in that class. Today we handed in our media experience papers. We had to attend media events (which included watching movies with friends) and then write papers on audience reactions and elements of style. My first paper was about "The Bank Job," which was fairly easy since it was all about sex and action and heists and all that jazz. I wrote about "An American Carol" for my second essay.

I'd like to mention that this post is going to be absolutely random in terms of content, and I'm also so incredibly ecstatic that I have the feeling that nothing I write past this point will make any sense.

I started writing the above after I returned to my dorm (around 11:00), and within the hour and a half that's passed since then, I've been making all sorts of calls because . . . I'm going to go to NYC tomorrow to the filming of the Glenn Beck program! Floyd (who organized the tea party two weeks ago) called me to ask if I wanted to go (of course I wanted to go!) and then I had to call my parents to get a ride home, and then Floyd asked if my dad wanted to go, and then I had to rush my thesis off to my Women in the Middle East professor, and now I've got to pack because my mom is picking me up at 3:30, right after Chinese. Wow. I think I might die of happiness. Or nervousness. Or both. I seriously could not stop smiling the entire time I walked to my professor's office.

Pandemic Level 5!

I woke up today with stiff joints and major body aches, and I bet it's not because I went to the gym yesterday for only the second time this whole semester. I probably have the flu. And not just any flu. Swine flu. And I've also been slightly nauseous and my throat's been a bit sore. It's probably not from drainage due to allergies. It's probably swine flu.

The WHO vamped up the alert level to five, "meaning that it believes a global outbreak of the disease is imminent" (MSNBC). And, "'all countries should immediately now activate their pandemic preparedness plans,' [WHO Director General Margaret] Chan told reporters in Geneva. 'It really is all of humanity that is under threat in a pandemic.'" In a press conference, Chan said that "'it is important to take this very seriously' . . . but for the average person, the term 'pandemic' doesn't mean they're suddenly at greater risk.'"

Just how seriously have people been taking this swine flu? "Britain closed a school after a 12-year-old girl was found to have the disease. Egypt slaughtered all its pigs and the central African nation of Gabon became the latest nation to ban pork imports. . . . Cuba [is blocking] flights coming in from Mexico. And Asian nations greeted returning airport travelers with teams of medical workers and carts of disinfectants."
On a more personal level, this afternoon my college's dean sent an e-mail regarding precautionary measures and what not, and there's information about hand washing at each table in the caf. And to think that my friends and I have been joking about this all along. I do understand the need to be concerned since so many are dying and the disease has spread, but no one seems to mention the fact that many of the people who have been diagnosed are getting better. It's not as though thousands of people die from the flu every year, after all.

(By the way, I don't have swine flu.)

Forgetting 9/11

President Obama has asked for an internal investigation of a photo-op featuring the presidential jet that sent thousands of New Yorkers running for their lives. . . .

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said Tuesday Obama was "furious" when he heard about the incident and has ordered a deputy chief of staff [to] find out "why that decision was made and to ensure that it never happens again."

Many New Yorkers, too, were asking why the administration would authorize an Air Force One backup plane to fly over the Manhattan skyline for photos capturing the presidential plane with the Statue of Liberty in the background -- without assuring the public in advance that there was no cause for alarm.

The 747 plane, with an F-16 escort following close behind, circled the Statue of Liberty and the skyline near the World Trade Center site for about a half-hour. Offices were evacuated. Emergency call centers were inundated. Witnesses reported that the planes were flying dangerously low. . . .

One White House official told FOX News that all future photo-ops with the Air Force One backup plane have been banned, but another White House official would not confirm to FOX News that a reported flyover of Washington, D.C., with the U.S. Capitol as a backdrop scheduled for May 5-6 had been scrubbed. . . .

Others in the White House say the flyover served as a dual photo-op and training hour, explaining the pilots needed flight hours and they wanted the pictures.

According to WCBSTV as quoted on GatewayPundit, "a memo obtained by CBS 2 HD the Federal Aviation Administration's James Johnston said the agency was aware of 'the possibility of public concern regarding DOD (Department of Defense) aircraft flying at low altitudes' in an around New York City. But they demanded total secrecy from the NYPD, the Secret Service, the FBI and even the mayor's office and threatened federal sanctions if the secret got out."

The sheer stupidity involved in approving the flyover is beyond my understanding. If the pilots need flight hours, let them log their hours somewhere else. The US has over 3.5 million square miles of land. Pick an area. To even consider repeating this over the White House is more than ridiculous. People in the administration may have forgotten what happened on September 11, 2001, but I assure you that New Yorkers have not.

Whatever You Do, Don't Freak Out!

This was the homepage image that greeted me this morning when I signed on MSN. I especially love the first bullet, and the fact that it follows headlines of "alert," "outbreak spreads," "death toll rises," and "more US cases."

Epic Fail

Normally, I reserve the phrase "epic fail" for such things as taking the wrong notebook to class, tripping over flat surfaces, and running into walls or door frames. However, I do believe the above clip, originally found on HotAirPundit, is not only an epic fail, but also an example of a poor excuse for a leader. Despite the fact that George W. Bush was no great orator (or scholar of the English language), I believe that he was able to speak frankly with the people. I realize that Obama is more technically-savvy than many of his counterparts (remember Biden's question about the Internet number?) or competitors (I'll never forget the third debate between legal tablet-wielding McCain and Blackberry-brandishing Obama), but I feel that he tends to use TOTUS as more of a crutch than an assist. Maybe he'll have all of the technical difficulties worked out before everyone dies of swine flu (which is what he was addressing).

Operation Mend

Despite suffering severe, appearance-altering injuries after his Humvee was blown up by a bomb, 32-year-old Sgt. Darron Mikeworth refuses to dwell on the past. "'I could have just flipped out,' he says. 'But I looked into the mirror and said, all right, there's no changing it. I just have to deal with it. This is me now'" (FNC). "'I have no reason to feel sorry for myself. I could be in a box underground somewhere,' he says. 'Every day above ground is a GOOD day'" (FNC). "Mikeworth's road to recovery has been part medical marvel, part profile in courage -- the stalwart soldier who rebuilds his confidence as doctors rebuild his face" (FNC).
With the help of Operation Mend, "a one-of-kind partnership between the UCLA Medical Center and Brooke, the program provides reconstructive surgery to members of the military who've been severely disfigured in Iraq and Afghanistan. So far, 24 men and women have been treated" (FNC).
"Sgt. Mikeworth hopes to join an Army unit by summer. He's on medical hold while he looks for a suitable slot. He's thinking about military intelligence or becoming an instructor" (FNC).

Those who forget history . . .

According to the Times of London, "the world's intelligence agencies and defense experts are quietly acknowledging that North Korea has become a fully fledged nuclear power with the capacity to wipe out entire cities in Japan and South Korea" (FNC). Even though North Korea has been testing nuclear devices for a few years, they were deemed unwieldy and unable to be mounted on missiles. "Now North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong Il, has the potential to kill millions in Japan as well as the South, and to lay waste U.S. bases and airfields in both countries. It will force military strategists to rethink plans for war in Korea and significantly increase the potential costs of any intervention in a future Korean war" (FNC).

I was just thinking of a time when I was in line for the Kalahari River Rapid ride in the Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World. My sister (who is of Chinese descent) and I were standing behind two Asian men when the older of the two looked at me and said, "Hey, lady, are you Korean?" I was slightly taken aback by his forwardness, but I replied that, yes, I was Korean. He immediately recognized my sister as being Chinese, and then informed us that he and his son were Hmong. For the rest of the forty-five minute wait, I listened to the man talk about Asian unity and how Asians would be so strong if only there wasn't the language barrier, if only they'd set aside their differences and unite, because Asians are Asians. If only I'd have recorded that conversation. I could have shipped it off to North Korea.

Strength Through Unity

Remember the GIVE Act I mentioned a while ago? Yesterday, Obama signed legislation that "will expand AmeriCorps positions to as many as 250,000 by 2017 from 75,000 today" (Yahoo!).

Alan Solomont, the chairman of the Corporation for National and Community Service, said that expanding the programs fit a demand as more Americans, especially young people, were seeking service jobs through AmeriCorps, the Peace Corps and short-term teaching programs.

"This upcoming generation has grown up in a country affected by 9-11, by (Hurricane) Katrina, by the current economic crisis," he said. "These are things that tend to bring people together. They are much more diverse than any generation before. They're more practical and less ideological." More online communication has boosted volunteer organizing efforts, too.

Solomont also recognizes an "Obama effect" of younger Americans being drawn to the president's call for service. From November, when Obama was elected, to March, AmeriCorps received 48,520 online applications, more than triple the number of online applications during the same period the year before.

. . . The "Obama effect?" And to think I could have been the 48,521 applicant. I still need a summer job, though. . . .

Left-Wing Extremism

"Daniel Andreas San Diego, a 31-year-old computer specialist from Berkeley, Calif., is wanted for the 2003 bombings of two corporate offices in California. Authorities describe San Diego as an animal rights activist who turned to bomb attacks. . . . San Diego would be the 24th person on the ["Most Wanted" terrorist] list, and the only domestic terror suspect. . . . The move to add a domestic, left-wing terrorist to the list comes only days after the Obama administration was criticized for internal reports suggesting some military veterans could be susceptible to right-wing extremist recruiters or commit lone acts of violence. . . . An arrest warrant was issued for San Diego after the 2003 bombings in northern California of the corporate offices of Chiron Corp., a biotechnology firm, and at Shaklee Corp., a nutrition and cosmetics company. The explosions caused minor damage and no injuries. . . . 'Revolutionary Cells' took responsibility for the blasts, telling followers . . . that Chiron and Shaklee had been targeted for their ties to a research company that conducted drug and chemical experiments on animals" (FNC).

What a coincidence . . . a right-wing extremism report and a left-wing extremist placed on the "Most Wanted" terror list!

Western Diplomats Walk Out on Ahmadinejad Speech on Racism

There are no words for this (which I first came across via HotAirPundit). I applaud all of the diplomats who had the strength, dignity and honor to stand up and leave.

Westboro Baptist Church & The Laramie Project

Last night, I learned that the Westboro Baptist Church (http://www.westborobaptistchurch.com/) will be coming to my college campus to protest.

If you've never heard of the WBC, it was founded by Fred Phelps and is based in Topeka, Kansas. According to the WBC's website, they "adhere to the teachings of the Bible, preach against all forms of sin (e.g., fornication, adultery [including divorce and remarriage], sodomy), and insist that the sovereignty of God and the doctrines of grace be taught and expounded publicly to all men. These doctrines of grace were well summed up by John Calvin in his 5 points of Calvinism: Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, and Perseverance of the Saints. . . . Even though the Arminian lies that 'God loves everyone' and 'Jesus died for everyone' are being taught from nearly every pulpit in this generation, this hasn't always been the case. If you are in a church that supposedly believes the Bible, and you are hearing these lies, then your church doesn't teach what the Bible teaches.

WBC engages in daily peaceful sidewalk demonstrations opposing the homosexual lifestyle of soul-damning, nation-destroying filth. We display large, colorful signs containing Bible words and sentiments, including: GOD HATES FAGS, FAGS HATE GOD, AIDS CURES FAGS, THANK GOD FOR AIDS, FAGS BURN IN HELL, GOD IS NOT MOCKED, FAGS ARE NATURE FREAKS, GOD GAVE FAGS UP, NO SPECIAL LAWS FOR FAGS, FAGS DOOM NATIONS, THANK GOD FOR DEAD SOLDIERS, FAG TROOPS, GOD BLEW UP THE TROOPS, GOD HATES AMERICA, AMERICA IS DOOMED, THE WORLD IS DOOMED, etc."

Also, they do not believe that God forgives everyone, they do not "pray for the salvation of those who [they] feel are condemned," "Jesus died only for His sheep," and "the Bible preaches hate."

The WBC is protesting Judy Shepard's appearance on campus to speak, and the theatre department's performance of "The Laramie Project" the following night. A Facebook Event has been created, of which I am an administrator (contact me for more information). The event, "Stand Up For Love," will feature a silent, peaceful counter-protest/human chain near the chapel where Judy Shepard will be speaking, as well as a human chain around the theatre.

Personally, I do not agree with the homosexual lifestyle. However, many of my friends are homosexual (and many of the students on my liberal arts campus are also homosexual), and I love them, regardless. I will support them. I do not believe in the WBC's message of hate.

I and over 100 others (not including the presence of Public Safety) will be there to spread our silent message of love. I would like to ask for prayer over those two days (April 30 & May 1), as violence has been known to occur whenever the WBC appears, and I am certain that emotions will be running high. Although we've been policing ourselves and repeatedly reminding everyone to remain silent (or not to come at all if they feel they will be unable to control themselves), I do worry about people not from our group who may come to protest the WBC.

I would like to request prayer for strength, for solidarity, for self-discipline, for success of our counter-protest. Or, if you are not inclined to prayer, we would appreciate good vibes/thoughts those days.

I knew there was a reason why PSU was my very last resort.

I saw this video on melvin_udall @ livejournal.

Many thanks to former Penn State student (and former ADF Center for Academic Freedom client) A. J. Fluehr, who alerted me to a Penn State University video — part of its "worrisome student behaviors" educational series. It has to be seen to be believed, but is a virtual carnival fun house of leftist academic stereotypes. The well-meaning and completely unbiased anti-war professor? Check. The smiling, wise administrator who cares for his students and is committed to protecting the safety of his teachers? Check. And, of course, we have the scowling, angry veteran with the vaguely threatening demeanor who needs to "get help."

This is a disturbing account of profiling which is being disseminated among Penn State's faculty (and no doubt, its students). Although only once have a veteran and I shared a class, the young man was courteous and respectful. Despite the blatant anti-war opinions that were shared over the course of the class (which was a political science course), he always remained tolerant and accepting of other views.

Things I've Learned About Journalism

Next time, I need to make sure to ask for names after taking photos. Although I knew most of my subjects' names, I have some photos with nameless people.

Invest in a tripod. I used Mr. Ritter's, which worked wonderfully.

Buy a newer digital camera. My Sony Cybershot is four or so years old, and even though it still takes great photos, sometimes the setting switches for no apparent reason, and I missed some really good shots yesterday because of that.

I need more pockets. Or something. I had a digital camera in my front and back pants pockets, a digital recorder in my other front pocket, a cell phone clipped to my jeans, and a Sony Handycam strapped to my hand.

Don't doubt the importance of a notebook and a pen. I left mine in my backpack most of the day, and then when I needed it, it was in my Jeep, and so I conducted my interviews and took notes with my Handycam.

The Susquehanna Tea Party

The sound and my lips are not aligned, which is odd, because everything was peachy when I recorded it this morning. . . .



I went to Soldiers' Park (which, semi-surprisingly, does not have an American flag anywhere in sight) around 10:00. A Vietnam Veteran by the name of Frank was already there, and shortly after, my dad arrived, so they chatted and I mostly listened and nodded. After Floyd arrived, the men raised a flag which Floyd provided. Two other men and I taped various political and patriotic quotes to the bridge where those who had gathered later dumped tea into the river (with the permission of the PA Fish & Game Commission).

Around 65 people of all ages gathered for the tea party, bearing home-made signs, wearing patriotic garb and armed with knowledge. After three speakers addressed the crowd, everyone marched to the bridge to dump tea into the river. I had a lot of fun taking pictures and interviewing people, and it was incredibly encouraging to hear people honk their horns in support as they drove by. Everyone was rather courteous and it was simply a very friendly atmosphere -- and I made a few new friends, too!

The only downside was that I had left my backpack (with my laptop and all sorts of other expensive technologies) in the park when everyone went to the bridge. My dad picked it up for me, and then told me he was going to put it in my Jeep. Not thinking, I continued snapping pictures and filming for a good fifteen or twenty minutes before I realized that my car keys were in my backpack. So, I was stuck in the sun for another half hour while I waited for Dad to come back and unlock my car for me.

Also, as I was filming people walking to the bridge, a man passed me and said, "你好!" Not certain whether I'd heard him correctly, I said, "I'm sorry?" He then said, "You're Chinese, aren't you?" My next response? "Yes, yes I am." That's one of those facepalm moments. He then asked how I was, ["你好吗?"] to which I responded, "I'm very well, thank you. And you?" ["我很好， 谢谢。 你呢?"] The only way I can think to redeem myself is to blame my answer on either the fact that my brain decided that I'm Chinese because I'm learning Chinese, or else the sun was getting to me. And no, I didn't correct myself. That would have been interesting. "Oh, I'm sorry, I'm actually not Chinese. I forgot for a moment. Just kidding!"

Don't Tread On Me

Texas Gov. Rick Perry fired up an anti-tax "tea party" Wednesday with his stance against the federal government and for states' rights as some in his U.S. flag-waving audience shouted, "Secede!"

An animated Perry told the crowd at Austin City Hall -- one of the three tea parties he was attending across the state -- that officials in Washington have abandoned the country's founding principles of limited government. He said the federal government is strangling Americans with taxation, spending and debt. . . .

Later, answering news reporters' questions, Perry suggested Texans might at some point get so fed up they would want to secede from the union, though he sees no reason why Texas should do that.

"There's a lot of different scenarios," Perry said. "We've got a great union. There's absolutely no reason to dissolve it. But if Washington continues to thumb their nose at the American people, you know, who knows what might come out of that. But Texas is a very unique place, and we're a pretty independent lot to boot."