The Blog-a-day Challenge

Official Start Time: 1:30 a.m.
Date: 5/31/09
Official End Time: 2:00 a.m.

So its that time of the month of the month again and I can say that this month has definitely been a stepping stone for the blogs that lay ahead. In the month of April, I felt that the blog needed a major change in pace in terms of content and analysis.

These blogs have definitely set the foundation for what is yet to come. Its not exactly perfect, but the blogs have definitely gotten a lot better. The level of content has shown a striking rise and the stories themselves have shown a greater level of depth as I stop living in my head and express my real beliefs about things that I’ve witnessed without necessarily whining or missing the point completely.

Beyond that, I can’t wait to get started on next months blogs and hope that you will continue to follow me and give me some feedback about what you think and if you can relate at all with what I am doing or expressing.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 1:00 a.m.
Date: 5/30/09
Official End Time: 1:30 a.m.

Today is Jassica’s birthday and I wanted to write her a letter . . hopefully she’ll like it.

Dearest Jassica,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Today you officially turn 19 and its a day of celebration. Birthdays are a big thing and your birthday is no exception. So from the bottom of my heart I'd like to wish you my warmest regard on this wonderful day.

And now, my sincere thoughts . . .

I wanted to write to you an official happy birthday letter to commemorate how special you are to me and probably so many others who wish you the best on this beautiful day: May 30. I've known you for almost a year now and everyday has been remarkable. Talking to you, sharing my views and day, and just seeing your pretty face lets me know that the world is to sweet to give up on. You, Jassica, motivate me to do my best everyday and without you I don't know what I would do.

Some 19 years ago, the world was blessed with your arrival as you graced the Earth with your gentle spirit and kind heart. You entered a world that was still premature and unaware of the goddess that who would bring so much happiness to the people she was able to touch. You've changed and convinced me if not everyone you know that we are so lucky to be alive and that the world is our oyster: ready to be swept away at every whim.

I remember first meeting you on November 2, and how unique you were. I never really looked for love in such a way but you were something different. You embodied everything I looked for in a girlfriend, if not a future wife. You were kind, smart, and bold. You always had something to say which made those long nights even sweeter. Even as I write to you now, I smile at all the great feelings you have bestowed upon me and how magical you have made our relationship.

In many ways, you are the perfect mate that I would have always been to scared to confront. I'm not the boldest guy, but with you I am confident and willing to learn even though I may fail. You're simply stunning in beauty and I sometimes question how I could have been so lucky to have someone like you. You're even smart. Where I come from, beauty and brains along with a great personality are hard to find, but you take those elements and embrace them like no one else. You leave me speechless and tongue tied at times. YOU ARE JUST SO AMAZING! IT MAKES ME CRAZY!!!!!

I know that our future is a turbulent one as college and time push us farther away. Something however you have taught me is that if there is a way, there is a how. The thought of just meeting you makes my head rush and my body quiver as I think about all the great moments we will share and all the found memories we will have to go back with. I have no doubt in my mind that I could one day live by your side as you husband and as your partner. You know me probably better than I know myself and know how crazy I can be when it comes to the people I love. You however are more than just a person, you are my Jassica and I'm willing to venture every corner of the Earth and complete any tasks that brings me closer to being with you. I just love you that much.

To keep it short, you make me happy. You make me believe that the world can be a better place. And you make me try my best and put my best foot forward each and everyday. Today you turn 19 and tomorrow you turn 100. I just want you to know that I will always love you and think of you even if I'm not by your side.

My deepest regards and sincerest love, Hector Guzman


Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 1:00 a.m.
Date: 5/29/09
Official End Time: 1:30 a.m.

So the month of May is almost coming to an end and to capture another interesting idea before I talk about Jassica (tomorrow’s her birthday) and whatever random nonsense comes around next month, I’d like to talk about politics and government and how you should never, ever talk about politics and government with people who you know might take it offensively.

It all kind of started while in class and how we were arguing about the current elections and how there were people still against Obama. I mean the guy was inaugurate just earlier this year and you already want to shove a camera down this throat, jeeesh. The issue we were arguing was if he would accomplish all the things he promised if he was elected. We agreed that it would be hard but not that we should decapitate him if for some reason he failed.

The people in my class are pretty radical and usually it takes the voice of a respectable figure to settle some piece. However, seeing as race always gets involved and there are never any minority teachers in my school, the cynics rise from the dead and accuse the white man for not understanding their struggle and usually around this point is when i drown out.

Never talk politics and government amongst friends, it ends deadly.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 2:00 a.m.
Date: 5/28/09
Official End Time: 3:00 a.m.

Recently, I discovered my old playing cards and it was a walk down memory lane. I never even realized how much playing cards had been a major part of my childhood or how much Japan . . *shudder* . . has been a part of my childhood.

This debate recently came up when I was talking to my brother who was mad at me apparently for watching an episode of a certain anime. The name for a person who is obsessed with anime is “otaku or something like that”. The only person I know who even comes close to being such an anime freak is my Victor.

Besides that, I explained to him that we literally grew up watching anime. I mean Pokemon, Yugioh, and anything else Japan could spit out of its ass and merchandise for five dollars was literally on our tv screens and probably somewhere in our room.

Eventually we do get to the part where I start looking at my old yugioh cards and I pwn my brother and the cycle repeats. Random, I know.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 2:00 a.m.
Date: 5/27/09
Official End Time: 2:30 a.m.

Right around the same corner with culture is ethics. Does culture have a way of affecting the way we think and act? I think my last blog said enough.

Instead of rambling on about that, I’d rather talk about how there are kids who I swear need a beating. Its like really, who told it was ok to jump on people and just randomly attack them. I mean when was I little, I don’t remember randomly attacking people.

It’s hard to say if it’s the parents or the child’s fault. Either way someone needs to be addressed. The world has lost its core when little kids can run around, attack you, and not be corrected whatsoever. I mean there’s a difference between civil liberty and just being a total bastard.

You decide.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 2:00 a.m.
Date: 5/26/09
Official End Time: 2:30 a.m.

The school year is almost coming to an end and the weather is getting nice. Right now the sun is out and it makes you really appreciate nature.

Winter this year wasn’t that bad, but I hate the cold. This afternoon was literally gorgeous with warm summer winds and badminton as far as the eye could see . . . ok, I exaggerate, but you know what I mean.

I spent most of my day playing badminton and just enjoying the sun. The rain season is over and now it just a matter of time till the thermostat goes up and you see people running about till the wee hours of the night. What’s interesting is that during the summer, people usually stay up late and sleep in. Waking up early is amazing at how quiet things are. When I was little I used to read in the morning, now I only plan to wake up early if its an absolutely necessity . . need sleep.

Besides that, I’m going to sleep, it’s been a loooooong day.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 1:00 a.m.
Date: 5/25/09
Official End Time: 1:30 a.m.

Another cool idea has to be language and how if you speak the same language, you’re literally a shoe-in.

Now this isn’t always true (speaking english doesn’t always make you a shoe-in in America, or in any country where the predominant language is spoken), but it does work when you find someone who speaks a language that isn’t prominent in that area.

Being able to communicate with someone in another language that others don’t understand opens a whole new window of ways to connect and share. For some it may mean insides joke while for others it may mean job opportunities and acceptance. How much you’re able to get away with is amazing.

By speaking another language, you could easily get access to a whole underground network of clubs, drugs, jobs, and hook ups that you wouldn’t otherwise know of unless you spoke the same language.

In many ways, race has made language has made it harder for us to accept that we are all different. In our english class alone, we have read about English Only Movements and have witnessed racism even in our classmates, “there’s something about it when you hear it in spanish”. It shouldn’t matter if it was in english, spanish, chinese, or jamaican, say it in a language we can all understand and stop being such a bitch about it.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 1:00 a.m.
Date: 5/24/09
Official End Time: 1:30 a.m.

To continue on my random line of tangents . . . . . education.

Recently I was talking to someone about education and how they felt it was unfair. It’s fair to say that education isn’t a right and that like everything else in life, you need to work hard if you want to succeed. However, doctrines like that basically make it so that only those who have succeed can succeed again. If for some reason you were born less fortunate and you don’t qualify, ooooooh well. But, anyways.

My friend was talking to me about how he feels his whole life has flashed past him and he hasn’t accomplished anything. He’s only a junior but I don’t blame him. You always want to be at the top of your game and sometimes it hard to be both a wiz kid and the kid everyone wants to call when they want to hang out.

Beyond the social dilemma, I told him that there was hope. That it wasn’t till the end of my sophomore year that I really discovered what I wanted to do with my life. Education in my school at least I feel is a little bias. In many ways, I feel they groom the kids who they know have a bright future ahead of them and seem to ignore those who just don’t. I however believe that all students have the ability to succeed and that it is unfair to not give a child the same chance as another student just because they would require more effort or work.

If education is suppose to accomplish anything, its that we should be teaching our students how to be responsible, caring and notable citizens not monsters who value the future of one student over another because of time and money.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 12:30 a.m.
Date: 5/23/09
Official End Time: 1:00 a.m.

Yesterday blog got me thinking more about human nature and made me wonder does it differ from culture to culture? Are we any different because of our race or is it just all in our head.

In many ways you would say yes, as being brought up a certain makes you the person you are which would mean that culture does play a big role in the people we are. Does it necessarily describe the way we should be; of course not. As generations come and go, we mimic our parents and learn to address the wrongs of previous generations. Our minds may contract but we learn to accept different points of view and that sometimes we must sacrifice the greater good for the many; things that as children we would have never imagined saying.

The mixing of cultures is another interesting when you think about today’s current demographics and how there are still many people who blame black/hispanic people for the corruption of today’s youth rather than the ignorance and vanity that runs through their blood. Former generations will always make fun of the ideals today’s youth and we shall be critical of the way others were brought up. Never will perfection exist, only robots.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 2:00 a.m.
Date: 5/22/09
Official End Time: 3:00 a.m.

With so much idle time, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking. In between the course work (school) and the course work on the site, I’ve done a lot of thinking about who I am and who the people I know are. Through the blog-a-day challenge, I’ve learned that human nature in many ways pits us to be the people we are whether we like it or not.

When I first started the blog-a-day competition, my goal was initially to document my life and point of view while trying to understand where I was going in life. In the beginning, probably my biggest fear was deciding if I wanted to be an endocrinologist or a teacher and if I would ever repay the people who have given me so much.

Since that day, I’ve learned that not everything is as black and white as I liked it to be. In my first couple of post, I spent a lot of time living in my head and expressing “hey arnold” thoughts like, “if we we all did our part, we’d all be able to accomplish great things and blah blah blah”. My humanitarian beliefs haven’t faded at but I’ve come a long way and have realized that I need to be more practical and more assertive. I’ve realized that some of these things are human nature and that whether we like it or not, they’re a part of us.

Human nature, in my opinion is what controls our ability to evolve and in many ways socialize. It is human nature that make us so impatient, nervous, timid, and stubborn. It is human nature that makes it hard for us to learn new habits and avoid old ones. And it is human nature that makes us reflect who we/others are.

Through the blog-a-day challenge, I’ve realized that as we grow up, we experience certain phases and events that teach us a little more about who we are and who we would like to be. As we push against the vastness, we learn to regret all the time we’ve wasted and at the same time we learn to be complacent, accepting these circumstances for what they are. It is human nature that has taught us to stand up for what we believe is right and it is human nature that will cripple us for the rest of our lives.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 3:30 a.m.
Date: 5/21/09
Official End Time: 4:30 a.m.

So today we went to Envirothon and boy was it . . . *how would I say* . . intersting.

So last year we had Envirothon, but I wasn’t able to go to the competition because I had an AP exam. This year however, no dice. Throughout the year we went to workshops hosted by the CT Envirothon and prepared a presentation for the current issue: biodiversity.

In the last couple of weeks, it’s been extreme crunch time as we prepare our presentation materials and study for the upcoming quizzes. Out of the four categories: aquatics, forestry, wildlife, and soils, I’d say we have a decent grasp in aquatics and wildlife but have no idea what we’re going to do about forestry and wildlife.

Competition time, we (me and Emmanuel) get to school around 6 and take the bus with Jay, Kenhji, John, Ms. Daly and a couple of students from the senior class. It takes us forever to get to the competition but we finally do make it there when I realize my pump is a piece of shit and that I need to be careful with what I eat, trying to avoid DKA and throwing up.

Throughout the competition, we send out two teams to compete in each of the categories. For us, our first category was aquatics, after that we went to wildlife, forestry, soils, presentations, and home. Our presentation actually went pretty good. So good, they took our picture thinking we had won the competition.

After that, we had lunch and sat through a couple of presentations and awards. We didn’t win any and for my first time I wouldn’t be surprised. The other kids we way more prepared. However, next year will be better and I’m sure if we work hard enough we can accomplish something.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 2:00 a.m.
Date: 5/20/09
Official End Time: 2:30 a.m.

Since we started the social network, I’ve been discovering ways to optimize it and make the user experience even better. So far, we’ve added groups, started discussions, and inspired projects that I hope will motivate students to pursue fields outside of their classroom.

Since then, Ning has come a long way through its interface to the way you can greet and welcome your members. Not everything on Ning is perfect but there are a few things I believe lay ahead in the next couple of months.

In the near future, I believe Ning will copy Facebook with things like pokes and gifts. Its weird, but I feel Ning is doing a great job of helping people start their social network but not really maintain it. I’ve seen a lot of unique sites but far too many seem to fall apart at the hands of their users. Reckless images, displaced text, it all seems too crazy, like there’s no order.

In my experience, I’ve learned that it really takes dedication and some state-of-the-art software to stay ahead in this game. At the moment, the only way I could think of improving Ning would be through a revolution in structure and organization. Where people aren’t just creating social networks for hahas but for real world issues and movements that need the publicity that money can’t afford.

I guess in time.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 1:00 a.m.
Date: 5/19/09
Official End Time: 1:30 a.m.

Since yesterday’s blog was about copyright infringement, today’s blog will be about the Internet and how in a just world, it cannot exist.

I say this because in the real world, it would be hard for the Internet to exist without people being sued and all forms of commerce basically coming to an end. I mean it makes sense that corruption and plagiarism has been around for ages but in the 21st century, it has taken a new form. One that doesn’t cost you an arm and a leg every time you download music or burn a dvd. The Internet has made it possible for information to travel beyond our borders and in many ways has made it impossible for us to control the way we share information. (I guess it’s understandable why countries like China fear the Internet and how in many ways it breaches the amount of control they have on their people)

From any other point of view though, I can understand how one can never be in complete control and that in many ways life is able to flourish when people are giving certain liberties. It’s been said that freedom will be man’s demise but I believe that in the right amounts, we can accomplish whatever we want. Chaos only exist where oppression is prominent. People will always seek freedom, not looking for it would mean take away the purpose of life.

I guess to wrap it up, the Internet is a good thing. It exist so that we can express ourselves and discover that in life, control is only possible when you believe it exist.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 1:00 a.m.
Date: 5/18/09
Official End Time: 1:30 a.m.

You know what really sucks? Copyright infringement.

It wasn’t just a few days ago that I remember uploading a bunch of videos that now seem to have vanished into cyberspace. The reason: copyright infringement. Although I was not directly affiliated to the crime, I do feel its pain as I can no longer share information that provided no commercial gain but just invigorating conversation. Conversation that has an abrupt end because of copyright infringement.

Although copyright infringement protects the rights of the users, in the 21st century it represents a great obstacle for many online communities as things as simple as videos can no longer be shared without copyright infringement being an issue.

YouTube for instance is notorious on calling out copyright infringement. The paradox YouTube presents is that although it is typically home to user generated content, it is also home to millions of users who are use to sharing, and have no real understanding of copyrighted material. Information for the last few years has to been free to everyone but in the last couple of months, it seems like YouTube and several social networking websites across the board have gone through this clensing process that basically eliminates many of the major outlets we use to refer to when we wanted to see free videos and movies.

The new thing is ads, and it seems like our home away from home has started to resemble the idiot box that use to be the reason why today’s students preformed so poorly. It just sad to see us fall after coming so far.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 2:00 a.m.
Date: 5/17/09
Official End Time: 2:30 a.m.

In the last couple of days, the idea of validity has been bouncing around in my head. The idea first started after a class discussion about resources and what made science more valid than plain old human judgement. Through the discussion, we agreed that both ideas are made in speculation and that we can never really know everything, that there will always be reason to doubt what we know.

This phenomenon made me question many of the other sources we take for granted in our everyday lives and if they were valid. Beyond science, how do we distinguish between what is valid and what isn’t? Is there a certain criteria we acknowledge when it comes to addressing the valid and invalid? When do we accept things for the way they are?

This phenomenon really just made me consider how as humans we venture into the vastness and into worlds that I sometimes questions why others haven’t? It’s what has separated us from the animals and yet at the same time has pushed us to be less like the animals as we deny the animal instincts that allow us to reproduce and survive in this world.

I still haven’t come to a conclusion, I guess it’ll just be one of those things you always think about.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 12:30 a.m.
Date: 5/16/09
Official End Time: 1:30 a.m.

If there has been one word that has followed me throughout this year, it has to be the word definition. In context, definition is the way we define a certain word or action. For instance, by definition a car is a vehicle that consumers use to travel from place to another. The same however can be applied to an action such as violence: the physical act of causing someone harm. The issue we are faced with is when definition limits our understanding of a certain situation. By definition, we lack to consider different cultural points of view and the gray area that gives violence life.

I say this as we look at the evil in today’s world and how we are so quick to use definition to point the finger at the things that are wrong and not at the things that could make it better. Half the problem is ignorance, the other half is greed. Combined these elements, at least by definition, make us indestructible; but why? Why should we, as a global society, ignore the actions of our fellow man? Why should we care about the hundreds of people suffering at the hands of poor leaders and situations that many would deem inhumane?

The source leads back to greed and how through ignorance we are allowed the freedom to do as we please without any consent to our fellow man. In America, it would be un-American to kick a pregnant women going into labor out on her back. Because of situations like these, tax payers pay additional taxes to the government so that a women like that can receive the best treatment in her time of need. The issue America has been in, not just today but since probably the creation of welfare, is why should I have to pay for the mistakes of another person?

Is greed enough of a reason to justify a capitalistic society? Do socialistic ideas cripple us as a society or do they promote nationalism? These are the line drawn when it comes to arguing how America should approach thinks like welfare and medicare? For the most part, we are the only country in the world that provides welfare and medicare to people who are incapable of work. We are the only non-socialistic society that focuses so much on providing socialistic ideas to a capitalistic society. These actions are what have made America so powerful. The idea that as an American you are safe and will be protected in your time of need is what has instilled this level of nationalism, but as the 21st century continues to level the playing field, many realize that American isn’t the only nation for future success as global powers like China and Europe continue to grow.

By eliminating welfare and medicare to those who are incapable of work, we are betraying the fundamental institutions by which society stands. Society is formed when a group of people come together in order to survive and prosper. Each member in society plays his/her role and works towards building on the foundation upon which the society was founded. These ideals are socialistic and it is therefore impossible to eliminate them without eliminating the unity that society instills upon each member. These elements are what make it possible for men and women to have children and continue to push the human race forward with the support of a group of individuals who stand in the same position, aiming to strive for a better life in a cruel world.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 12:30 a.m.
Date: 5/15/09
Official End Time: 1:00 a.m.

Recently, I was talking to someone about education in different countries and how dramatically it has changed in the last couple of years. The issue I was presented with wasn’t really about technology but the incentive student’s use to have and how now many believe it is the major source behind our inability to succeed and move on to being doctors, lawyers, etc etc.

Although I agree that incentive is really the judging factor when it comes to future success, I will argue that the success of students in the 21st century cannot be measured in the number of doctors and lawyers who resulted. On the other hand, the 21st century is the only generation where students from all backgrounds and all financial situations were able to venture into uncharted territories in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math through the use of social media. This use of social media has made it possible for anyone with a computer and the ingenuity to pursue their dreams a chance at success. In comparison to previous generations where financial situations where a major factor in the success of a student, students in the 21st century have proven that drive is all you need to succeed.

Although our students may not be pursue careers solely in medicine and law, they are pursuing fields in worlds never before seen and therefore mapping new land for future generations to pursue and therefore redefining the future of today’s students.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 9:45 p.m.
Date: 5/14/09
Official End Time: 10:00p.m.

Probably the biggest thing that excites me about college is the idea of taking liberal arts courses. In the past, there have a been a few liberal arts course offered at my school but to the extent of the teacher and how much the state was willing to pay for them. These course require dedicated teachers and money that for the most part, the board of education is incapable of offering to a community where most students wouldn’t be able to handle such opportunities; but I digress.

The idea itself entices me as the work load provides real satisfaction when one looks back at the wonders they have accomplished. AP courses for the most part introduce students to this new way of thinking but it’s only when you get into college that you really get the chance to whiteness what it means to work hard and understand why you are working so hard.

Although I have never been in college (by age, not by choice), I can say from the stories I have heard from students currently in college, that college is literally a whole new way of life. That everything you do requires a lot more work and a lot more commitment. Contrary to high school, doing the bare minimum doesn’t really cut it anymore. Everything you do needs to be your best because there’s no one there holding your hand; it’s now you who decides where you want to go in life.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 3:15 a.m.
Date: 5/13/09
Official End Time: 3:30 a.m.

Today I took the AP English Language and Composition exam and I think I did pretty good. The exam wasn’t really that hard and I think I might have gotten a 5.

The class wasn’t hard at all and writing essays has gotten easier and easier. I answered about 40 of the 55 multiple choice questions they gave you and my essays were pretty good. I guess all I need to do now is wait until mid July to get my results.

I hope my predictions were right.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 3:00 a.m.
Date: 5/12/09
Official End Time: 3:30 a.m.

For me, the biggest issue I run into is ideals. Ideals, for the most part, are what define our character and our persona. They’re what make us who and what we are. However, when it comes to discussing these ideals, it seems almost impossible to not offend someone. Literally, discussing ideals is like clashing religions together (well duh, the clashing of ideals)

My only advise is only, don’t do it . . . unless your ready to back up your point.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 2:30 a.m.
Date: 5/11/09
Official End Time: 3:00 a.m.

So when it comes to essays and most general works, the big debate is usually quality vs. quantity: how much is good enough? For me, I feel that quality is much more important than quantity.

When you compare quality and quantity, its easy to side with quantity: the more you have of something the better. The quality of the item however is equally if not more important. It wouldn’t make sense to have a thousand shitty computer that don’t work when you can have one that actually does.

Overall, an equal dosage of both sides is key. Having two or three great products is sweet, but only when the quality of these products makes it all worth it.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 1:00 a.m.
Date: 5/10/09
Official End Time: 1:30 a.m.

In the last couple of days, money has becoming an interesting topic. It all started when I found myself in a McDonald’s drive through trying to explain to my brother the profit big companies like McDonald’s make when you buy something from them. In retrospect it doesn’t only pertain to big business. All levels of business make huge amounts of profit on what we believe is an honest price.

As a christian (I’m actually Catholic and am just making a reference to a historical fact), it would make sense to charge exactly what you had to pay for it. However we live in a capitalistic society and making money is key. We take every shortcut we can to get the lowest price so we can offer the best price. For instance, most goods manufactured in China cost less than a dollar and are sold here for 5 even 10 times the amount it cost to make them over there.

In my opinion, I agree with Peter Singer and his belief that we should only consume what is necessary. Of course there are different ways to define what’s necessary for one guy and what’s necessary for another car, but common sense should come to mind when you see a guy driving a car that’s the size of a tank.

Call me (or our world leaders) a socialist, but I believe that we should do more to give everyone an equal chance and the right to information. It shouldn’t matter you financial capabilities, people should come before the dollar.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 1:00 a.m.
Date: 5/9/09
Official End Time: 1:30 a.m.

So today was the CT Expo and it was . . . . interesting. Just let me explain.

So the day starts like a normal school day. I get up and make my way down to the bus stop around 6:30 to catch the city bus to the school. It was raining and I knew that things were only going to get worse from here.

I get to school around 6:45-7:00 and it seems like I’m the only one from our team there. My team members eventually do arrive but the day already makes no sense. We have no t-shirts and we basically make no sense. Our booth consists of stolen posters and whatever we could buy at the local arts and crafts store. The effort we put forward was really divided between in half. You had 3 people who really worked while you had 3 others who didn’t lift a finger.

In the end, we had one team player who came there to seduce men and win prizes, another to do absolutely nothing, two hard workers, and probably the greatest spokesman you have ever met. We didn’t win any awards as a team and I’m not really surprised. We had no organization and basically lived under the radar until this Saturday. Like I said, it was interesting.

On another note, today is Steve’s birthday and there isn’t enough that I can say to express how much Steve means to me and how I wish him the best on this great day.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 10:45 p.m.
Date: 5/8/09
Official End Time: 11:00 p.m.

Today I took my AP US History exam and it was a total bomb! It pisses me off because it wasn’t even that hard even if you read like two pages of the book. That’s what I get for being lazy and not lifting a finger.

I spent all day yesterday reading the review and trying to crunch in as much information as I could but it was no use. They asked us random questions and gave us essays that were vague and gave students who understood the concept a chance to show off while those who didn’t crashed and burned.

There’s no one else to blame but myself however I do thing its fair to say that the conditions under which I was taught were a major factor in why I performed so poorly. For instance, my instructor was never there, we had no review whatsoever, we never took any test, or did any essays. We basically did nothing and now I feel the after shock. I guess the idea was that this is what college is like. Your professor isn’t really gonna teach, there isn’t gonna be a lot of review, and no ones gonna be there to help you catch up. You’re on your own. I guess I just need to try harder the next time and really sit myself down until I realize that if I don’t do it, no one else will.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 10:56 p.m.
Date: 5/7/09
Official End Time: 11:00 p.m.

What would you rather have . . . . brains or beauty?

I’ve been asked this question probably a thousand times and the answer is still a little sketchy. However, my instincts still tell me to go with brains.

Being beautiful, in the mostly manly of ways of course, has always been something I would want more of. I’m not that good looking of a guy but that doesn’t really stop me with my day to day activities. Honestly, it all comes down to what you do with what you have. If you’re drop dead gorgeous but do nothing all day then no one really cares because you really don’t have much to contribute to the conversation. However, if you’re a charismatic person whose a bunch of fun then it doesn’t matter how you look.

Just my two cents.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 10:54 p.m.
Date: 5/6/09
Official Start Time: 11:00 p.m.

What would you rather be . . . . good or bad?

If I could choose between either being good or bad, I would have to say bad. I’ve tried the good part already and I’ve realized that I need more bad in me. There’s nothing wrong in being good but you often lack the confidence that comes with being bad. I’ve realized that the more confidence you have, the more power you have in every aspect of your life. So I think bad would be a nice change in pace.

The idea is just enough to make any goody-two-sues to convert. You wouldn’t have think twice about your actions and you could basically whatever the hell you wanted. I’m not gonna go to much into the definition and shades of gray I’m probably lacking to recognize because it makes me seem like I can never choose.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 10:25 p.m.
Date: 5/5/09
Official End Time: 10:30 p.m.

What would you rather be . . . . the employer or the employee?
It’s hard to answer this question but I would guess the employer. Something I’ve realized in my short but great working experience is that I hate working for places I have no connection to. You can only really give your best work when its something you care about. Giving two shits is a clear sign that you would rather be doing something else.

So far, I’ve had a different “occupation” each year I’ve been in high school. As a freshmen I was a volunteer at the Timexpo: The Timex Museum where I learn what it meant to be earnest. As a sophomore, I worked with Education Connection where I realized my true love for education and making the world a better place. Finally, junior year I became an administrator on the Ningxia Dragon Student Ambassador website and a full partner to New School Student Ambassadors, Inc. thanks to a guy whose crazy as I am about making the world a better place no matter what color, creed or ethnicity you are.

Each experience has provided connections I plan to keep for years to come and has shown me that I rather spear head my own ideas than bend down to the oppressive hands of another.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 10:20 p.m.
Date: 5/4/09
Official End Time: 10:30 p.m.

www.ecrosby.wordpress.com

Visit the URL above an check out what I was able to establish in the last few seconds before our ultimate destruction.

I was able to put away our E-commerce site, creating the business plan (which was soooo painful), the about us page, and a couple other tabs for the judges to look at. I didn’t get add any content until the after 5:00. I was exhausted and discouraged. If our team fails to win any awards I cannot blame anyone else but myself and the bastards who did absolutely nothing.

I need to take some time off. The expo is in 5 days and there’s still a shit load of other stuff I need to worry about.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 10:10 p.m.
Date: 5/3/09
Official End Time: 10:30 p.m.

The last couple of days have been . . . . . . interesting.

I’m running out on time and deadlines are coming in. Tomorrow, E-commerce, needs to be finalized and submitted by 5:00 p.m. if we want to participate in this years CT Expo. This wouldn’t be that big of an issue if we had content and a teacher to supervise our actions, but we don’t. Instead we “have” a team of students who are in charge of creating an E-commerce website that will address climate change and the fight against global warming. We’re competing against kids who are no better at this game then we are. The only real difference is our level of commitment . . . we’re fucked!

I’m currently plugging away whatever information I can acquire but it doesn’t look too pretty. We never really had the chance to go to any of the actual meetings and never really got any equipment or guidance. We were basically the real life example of what the CT Expo wishes to prepare us for: the 21st century.

In the real world it’s all up to us. There’s no longer gonna be a mommy or daddy who will hold our hand and remind us to get the job done. Its basically how committed you are to your goal and completing them.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 9:30 p.m.
Date: 5/2/09
Official End Time: 10:30 p.m.

As a nerd, sometimes it hard to accept the lack of athletic ability we are plagued with. Our vocabulary is stupendous but our athletic ability is disgraceful. We are clumsy and slow in comparison to our fellow athletes. I however believe that the bigger issue is not our athletic ability but the mentality it imposes upon us. It makes us believe that we cannot be good at sports and that there are only two kind of people: the ones who are good at sports and the ones who are not good at sports.

Being a person who is not good at sports, I can easily admit being jealous of those who are good at sports. We come from a heritage where only the strong survive. Those who could kill would go on to establish the new world while those who couldn’t would be left behind. In modern times, this is translated into confidence and man’s ability to step outside his shell and attack. Those who have the ability to attack are quick to strike and establish dominance. They make their fellow man feel like shit and with every right. They see the world in black and white; ignoring the shades of grey that the unathletic worship so much.

The mentality we are plagued with is often plagued by definition. By definition it never changes or adapts to the times. Therefore, it plagues and tarnishes the reputation of the athletic and the unathletic alike as we forget to see the shades of grey that make 3-dimensional. Not all athletes resort to physical strength as their main mode of defense. Many are bright and represent the perfect human: one who is strong and clever enough to survive in troubled times. The same goes towards the unathletic and the belief that they all suck at sports. Definition again limits our ability to see the different shades of gray and realize that many intellectuals are also great athletes who hold a brilliant mind that tackles bigger issues then the ones they face on the field.

So, to reiterate what has already been said the age old battle of brains vs bronze will never be resolved with a simple yes or no answer. Both sides holds benefits and disadvantages that only a perfect being can harness. Definition and our inability to read between lines will push further away from accepting who we are.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman

Official Start Time: 9:00 p.m.
Date: 5/1/09
Official End Time: 9:30 p.m.

Its the beginning of the month and what better way to start the month off than with a controversial debate: men vs. women; whose better, whose stronger, whose smarter? I’ve been down this road before and in no way do I plan to lead this epic battle. I simply wish to open the floor to conversation and express what I believe are the pros and cons to both sexes.

Men
In my opinion, men hold tons of great qualities that women often lack. In some cases, men are great decisions makers. We have the ability to zone in on the situation and pick out the information we deem necessary. Men are also great workers. The reason being men are strong and determined. They have the physical strength that women often lack and the endurance needed to work hard and long. (that didn’t sound wrong right?) Finally, men are passionate. When we want something, we do everything possible to get it. Men act as protectors and servants to this planet and the people they love; combining their strength, diligence, and passion with everything that they do.

Men however are still human and are not perfect. We are often stubborn and difficult to reason with. We lack the ability to see the different shades of grey when it comes to things that don’t run off of zeros and ones. At times we’re lazy and distracted. We like to leave things to the last minute. We don’t really care about detail as long as it works. We run off our left brain and refer to the right brain in dire emergency that could resolve us being happy or unhappy.

Women
In my opinion, women often embellish many of the great qualities men lack. Women are great reasoners. They can see many of the shades of grey that men lack to see when it comes to relationships and other concepts that can’t be measured scientifically or mathematically. Women are also great at expressing their emotions. Interpreting their emotions is another story. FInally, women are perfectionist. Every detail matters and they won’t stop until it is absolutely perfect.

However, just like men, women aren’t perfect. They lack the ability to make decisions quickly. They consider all relevant and irrelevant parts of the situation and therefore make it hard for action to be taken. Their perfectionist attitude also adds to their inferior ability to make decisions. If everything isn’t perfect then the world will come to a sudden end. They run off their right brain and refer to the left bring only when necessary.

The Balance
No matter what way you look at, neither men or women are perfect. Their weaknesses are also what make them unique and therefore different. Neither sex is limited to what described above as typical strengths/weaknesses. Many women are great decisions makers while many men are able to see the shades of grey that require using the right side of your brain. It all depends from what sides you look at it.

Sincerely, Hector Guzman