Charity: Water

On December 23, I'm turning 16. At first, this seemed surreal, even daunting. But then I found out that millions of people don't live to see their 5th birthday. And why? Because they didn't have access to clean, safe water. So I'm not scared of turning 16 anymore. In fact, I'm celebrating my birthday like never before. I'm asking for $16 from everyone I know - and every penny of the money raised will go directly to fund freshwater wells in developing nations. Even better, every dollar is "proved" when the projects are complete, and photos and GPS coordinates are posted using Google Earth. My goal is to raise $5,000 by my birthday, December 23. Please consider helping me. Brian Barrett will be turing 17 on December 3rd, he is helping me by collecting 17 dollars from his friends to help make our goal of 5,000. You can donate by visiting my Charity: Water account www.mycharitywater.org/measbirthdayproject where you can find more information on how to get involved. Thanks for your help!

NASA's bombing the moon??!

So NASA has decided that the best way to find out if there is water on the moon is to crash it. Hmmm, thats so interesting. I am sure they have done adequate research on the density of the moon and what not, but what if the ENTIRE moon breaks?? Let's hope not! In other news, President Obama may have won a Nobel Peace Prize??? For his,"Extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples.”. Does the word efforts not bother you? Obama has continuously promised to help stop genocide in Sudan, but has yet to address it. Martin Luther King won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 AFTER his strong plight for equality in America, Mother Theresa in 1979 AFTER leading Missionaries of Charity, Theodore Roosevelt in 1906 AFTER the Russo-Japanese war, Woodrow Wilson in 1919 AFTER the founding of the League of Nations, Jane Addams AFTER the creation of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom. President Obama should not be the exception. He should be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize AFTER success in "international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples". Maybe its in an effort to push him even more? I am not degrading Obama's efforts. They truly are extraordinary! But lets not jump the gun. 

TOMS

Look at those shoes! Aren't they a beauty?

Now, brace yourselves it gets better (I know it's difficult to fathom, but yes its possible).

You ready... they help people! Yes, you read that right.  With TOMS every pair of shoes you purchase another is donated to someone in need. Whether it  be in South America, Asia, or Africa someone in need is being helped! What is better than looking and feeling good, while helping someone in need? Not many things my friend, not many things. And with so many other cool designs you might have to physically stop yourself from buying so many. They have other items as well, like shirts, hats, skate boards! I know you're practically crying with excitement now, so Ill let you know where to get them. Just visit www.tomsshoes.com.

Now go help someone!!!

Oh Nostalgia!

So riding the bus to downtown Silver Spring headed to work today I passed through the good ole White Oak. I saw some old faces that made me smile and laugh. Passing Springbrook I saw the 'typical' White Oak styles and personas that you are completely unaware only exsist in White Oak if you live there. Some good, like the way people greet each other warmly when they see each other no matter whether they haven't seen each other I'm two hours or two weeks. This is definetly a refreshing change from the Sandy Spring/ Olney way. There it's rather unusual to see friends greet each other with hugs if there is no special occasion. Other White Oak ways aren't so... well just say attractive. Like thinking it is okay to talk so excessively loud and do all these extra smacking noises with your gum, oh and don't forget the over zealous hand gestures. If that's to get attention girlie, can I just tell you that it's not cute and it looks like some sort of animal mating call. Despite this being gone for so long, I still some sort of my heart is still there. White Oak do you miss me too?

**Now be warned this is a generalization, this does not mean everyone acts like that. There are certainly anomalies in this problem set.**

Escuela y Musica

Update on my taking four APs: So I'm just taking it one day at a time, making sure to stay way ahead of my assignments,praying EVERY morning for guidance thats the only way I'll make it through the school year.

On a musical note, (haha did you get that?) I have discovered a couple artists that have very unique sounds that very refreshing. I'll allow the music to speck for itself.

A Fine Frenzy

Also check out Almost Lover and Whisper

Francesca Battistelli

Also check out Blue Sky and Behind the Scences

The Song of Peace

Oddly enough I was inspired to write this poem while doing my AP Lang homework. Its about my strong belief that our generation has what it takes to get begin world Peace. Its not just imaginary to me, it achievable with amazing amount of hope we have in our generation. if we just focus our talents we would be more than a force to reckon with. So when I finally got an extra second I decided to finish it and post it here for all of yall to see. Don't you feel lucky? 

The song of peace
She whispers to herself her favorite song.
This is no ordinary song, this song has no war, no hunger.
She sings a song where unity is the chorus, sung by a choir of acceptance.
She thinks no one can hear her but, little does she know she's about to change the World.
This song is not a typical song.

Once it gets into your head it's hard to get out.
The man sitting next to her hears the song and likes the tune so he begins to sing along.
They become a silent force.
Their song is now a wind.
The sweet song echoes in their homes.
Their families like the beat, so they begin to sing too.
The singers are now an army.
The wind is now a soft storm.
The song's rhythm soon spreads to an entire generation.
They are now undefeatable.
The storm has surpassed all expectations.
It has become a hurricane.
All those who refused to so sing along will have no refuge.
They will be wiped out.
There will be no hiding. No running. 

The revolution is inevitable...
And to think, it all started with a whisper.

New School Year!

Ahhh, I can already smell the halls of my, at times, beloved Sherwood High school. Its time of the new school year to begin and for the first time in my life I'm excited, for lack of a better word. I can't wait to begin the hours upon of work, the endless studying, the countless complaints, and the late night study sessions. Truth is I've missed it all. In the midst of all this chaos I can only see the far end. I can only see the far future when God's great destiny for me is reached. I can already see it unfolding. This year I am honored to be the Vice President for Sherwood's chapter of Amnesty International. I am so glad to represent a club a that holds my motto (I am my brother's keeper) dear. I am making this year THE YEAR. No exceptions!