What happen?
I vividly remember Dead Week of last semester, and I recall writing, "Dead Week, the week before finals, will certainly not be dead this year." I thought that was the most overwhelming week of my life until today. Instead of cramming for tests next week I have to work on countless projects. Okay, I'm already tired of whining about next week, so I will just make a calendar now for my own reference:
Friday: Sleep.
Saturday: SAT IIs, ant experiment.
Sunday: Work on everything.
Monday: Finish West with the Night, write two reading logs on it, and make a sketch for the metaphor poster.
Tuesday: ?
Wednesday:
Math Final Part I
Diego Rivera Presentation (turn in project)
West with the NightPresentation (turn in project)
Thursday:
Bio Presentation
Friday:
Math Final Part I
Weekend: Sleep. Work.
Monday: Bio abstract due.
I'm watching Saving Silverman in Webpage design, which is the best thing for me right now. It is making me laugh which takes my mind off the heat (90+ degree weather here) and makes my workload seem lighter.
Wednesday, May 29, 2002
Pepsi One is my soma
I'm exhausted like I was at this time yesterday. Yesterday and today Nathan, Anton, and I did the Bio experiment. We set up plates with different types of food (bread, honey, beef, fruit, and so on) at equal distances from an ant nest and counted how many ants were at each plate every 30 minutes for 3 hours. We did the experiment with two ant nests simultaneously--one in Nathan's front yard and one in the back. It is a very simple experiment, and we got pretty conclusive results--ants like meat and sugar. The idea is that we do this experiment as many times as possible so we can analyze it more thoroughly. Anyway, I hope we aren't doing that tomorrow and definitely not Friday. The SAT II is on Saturday, and since I'm taking it in Newark I'm going to have to wake up early. In order for that to happen, I'll have to go to sleep very, very early on Friday. I'm thinking like 8pm or earlier. I don't want to be asleep while I take the test, and I want to get there on time.
I went to the Mountain View Library on Sunday to get books for my history research paper. The Mountain View Library is so absurdly better than the Main Library. I checked out about ten books on the NAACP and started writing on Sunday at 10 in the morning--I finished by 8pm. All that time and I almost forgot to turn it in, as I made Nathan turn his car around on the way home from school so I could go back and put it in Mr. Cheung's box.
I had a math quiz on Tuesday that I messed up on. I did all the problems in an extremely long way that probably got me the wrong answer. What really, really pissed me off was that today I realized there is a very short way to do each of those problems which I knew, but didn't recognize the problems on the test where I needed to do it. That frustrates me SO much more than if I simply didn't know how to do the problems--which is interesting. The truth appears to be that failing because I don't understand something doesn't make me nearly as angry as failing when I actually do know something. For some reason I have another math quiz on Friday. We finished the pre calc book so we're doing some derivative stuff. Easy, but I don't fully understand it yet. Anyway, I have two math finals next week--one on Wednesday and one on Friday. Other than that I have an English project, the Spanish presentation, and of course the Bio experiment project.
I really regret not practicing more for the SAT IIs, especially for the Writing test. Before I take the SAT IIs I need to make sure I take another math test (or two), at least two more Writing tests, and two Bio tests (the ecology one and the molecular biology one--whichever one I do better on will be the test I choose to take on Saturday).
As for right now I need to write a satirical paper about something. This takes the place of what would have been an essay about Brave New Worldwhich I never got around to reading.
Friday, May 24, 2002
Guacamole
"Oh not again! Who keeps calling? It's like telephone central."
Yes, so Attack of the Clones did live up to my expectations--which is probably the result of seeing Episode I when it came out three years ago. I thought Episode II, like so many others have said, was much better. Not because of the uncomfortable love story between Anakin and Padm� (which I believe was necessary for the development of Anakin's character causing me not to despise it like I despise Jar Jar Binks) but because of the amazing graphics and the gripping storyline. It was a great movie, and there is no way you can notice everything in it by only seeing it once--that would be impossible. There is so much detail in each frame but it somehow isn't overwhelming. The effort that went into it is amazing. Oh yeah, and no matter how much I heard about Yoda's fighting it is still awesome. The only problem with the experience of seeing it for me was the fact that I drank too much Coke and thus had to piss so badly. I would have gone, but I didn't want to miss the movie, more specifically, the Jedi-Driod battle (and Yoda's fight). So immediately after the fight scene I rushed out to go to the bathroom. I came back and the movie ended a few minutes later. The movie itself is great, and I would recommend it (unless you hate Star Wars or something)--I'd pay another 6 bucks to see it again.
Noah - 8:09 PM - 3 comments
Educated people read Swift
AP Bio is much more relaxing nowadays. Instead of going into class and taking notes for sixty minutes we enter the classroom for a few minutes (maybe to turn something in or check something) and then wander off to the computer lab or library to do other things. This is why I'm in the mac lab during Bio--writing about nothing.
My sister came home yesterday. Apparently she is staying here for a week--I'm never informed of these things beforehand so visits like this are surprise visits for me. She cut my hair last night because it was getting rather long. I believe my last 3-4 haircuts were done by her and I don't think I've been to Supercuts in year. She isn't licensed but she has experience in that she cuts other peoples hair... yeah.
I made a deal with Scott that I'll let Triangle--Alia and Scott's cat... don't have the URL to his website handy--stay in my room when they come up here if he buys me a new hacky sack.
The plan for today is to see Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones but I don't know who is going or who is driving. I guess I'll find that out at lunch.
An entire class just entered the mac lab, quite loudly. Hmm, it appears to be Mr. Deggeller's class as he is walking around observing the work of the students. "Music is secondary," he tells Noah. The sophomore Noah. To me, the OTHER Noah. I think that guy was on my soccer team in third grade. The coach always yelled at him and I thought it was me. Damn that was annoying. Almost as annoying as continuously pressing control-A and control-C on this mac. I guess that is what happens when I use a PC for two hours a day, four times a week, and for nine months. Mona, who was sitting next to me just left because she didn't want to use the computer that Mr. Deggeller's class could be using to do the assignment. Ahh yes, I remember doing 3d graphing. Back in the day (last year) though, the entire class used one computer to do the assignment, not 30--and the program was different. I might have Mr. Deggeller next year for AB Calc, which would be good because I know him. Yes, he even greeted Anton and I when he came in.
"Please don't let Noah talk to me about music. He is all elitist," some girl shouts. I almost turned my head but since I just wrote about the other Noah I was aware of his presence.
So I still have to sit through webpage, Spanish, and history. In webpage I work in spurts--when there is something due I will spend 20 minutes working hard to complete it. Other than that I do close to nothing. For Spanish, I would think that Se�ora Stroessner would realize that she didn't tell us how to do something if everyone in the class but one person does it incorrectly. Also, how the *@#$ am I going to get the research paper for history done? I know that I will get it done but I just don't know how.
I HATE when people read outloud what I type.
Noah - 11:11 AM - 5 comments
Tuesday, May 21, 2002
Anyone who is literate has read this little book
You know who I am. Gimmie some candy.
After not getting around to posting anything here yesterday I have lost track of what I have said and what I haven't. Obviously there are more things that I haven't said--and even more that I can't remember. In any case, apparently I'm not literate until I read Brave New World but the problem is that I lost it. I shouldn't care though, but Mrs. Kuiper constantly guilts the class (or maybe just me) making me feel bad for not reading. I have no idea how she has that effect, maybe I just feel sorry for her in her attempts.
And shit, I actually have to do an assignment in Java now. No more degenerate spiral.
Sunday, May 19, 2002
"You guys have it real easy. I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and your going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you."
-Herman Blume (Bill Murray), Rushmore
Great America was better than going to school. Even though I spent a couple hours working on a math problem about the ride Centrifuge (that was actually the only thing we were required to do at the park) I spent the rest of the time walking around with Amanda going on bumper cars, playing air hockey, and so on. We finished working on the problem on Saturday in the library, and I typed it up last night. I think there is something wrong with an equation in it, but I explained everything so thoroughly that I think we will get an A. A for Effort! No wait, that's E for effort--crap.
Since I still have two spaces on my late card for Bio that I never used, I'm going to use one for the Transpiration lab that is due tomorrow and turn it in on Wednesday. I figure that since I already used it once and therefore cannot obtain the extra credit for not using it by the end of the semester, then it would only be logical to use it again and get more time for the lab. Besides, I believe this lab is our last assignment of the year other than the project. So why NOT use it? There is no reason!
The floor in my room is covered with books and papers. I think I'll read West with the Night now so I can write a reading log about it and possibly have time to start my lab. So much time, so little to do. So much to do, so little time.
Thursday, May 16, 2002
Have a seat... it would be easier with a chair
That was not a pleasant math test... which reminds me that because of math I will miss all my normal classes tomorrow. Yes, I'll be going to the place filled with hicks and roller coasters. Won't that be delightful?
Even though Spanish on Tuesday was not unlike jamming sharp objects in your eye, I did accomplish something; I changed the person who I'm doing a project on from Cuauhtemoc (the last of a long line of Emperor's... dying as a hero at the hands of Cortez) to Diego Rivera (the Mexican muralist guy). Also, apparently Anton joined the group of Nathan and I to do the Bio project. We have an idea of what we're going to do so the outline that is due tomorrow won't be too hard... for Nathan to write. There is also a rough draft of the Civil Rights movement research paper due tomorrow. I might even write it and turn it into Mr. Cheung's box in the office before school (because I'll be gone) just for the hell of it. I have an idea and might as well start writing the paper.
Going to school yesterday at 8am was a big mistake. I should have realized that since we just had the Bio AP test, there wouldn't be class. In fact, there won't be any more lectures or tests in Bio because there's no point. Actually, I did realize that it was pointless to go, but my dad insisted that I not be late. Blah! Mr. Nik didn't even check roll (due to no one being there). Sucks for me. I spent the period in the AC disrupting Chris and Mike (Cheng and Pan, respectively) from doing any work. Chris had a Writing SAT II preparation book... I need to get myself one of those. The SAT II is in about 15 days. Ruh roh. Oh well, I guess I'm only taking it because it is a requirement for UCs. Whateva, I'll do what I want.
I can't wake up in the morning anymore. Why did I say "anymore?" I never could. When I get to school I'm barely awake... and eventually I get into the state of half-sleep half-awake like I am now. Sigh. Yawn. Snore. Up next is Bio... I guess I can discuss the experiment with Anton and work on the outline-- what the bell?
There's a hyphen in "Spider-man 2099"
Noah - 8:54 AM - 3 comments
Tuesday, May 14, 2002
The key is to hit really hard... with the bat
I'm in Spanish right now. The Bio AP test ended about two hours ago. I thought I could have been more prepared before the test but now I think I was prepared enough for it. I feel really tired right now. In fact, it feels like Friday. It feels like school is about to end and I get to relax for the weekend. That is not the case because I have to stay after school and review for the math test tomorrow. That is, I have to learn how to do every problem that is going to be on the test. That is what I am going to focus on today at least. Throughout the rest of the week I have to work on projects. This is the most hectic week for me since that one in January that I recall complaining about in a post back then. Sigh.
What I still have left this year:
Several books and projects do complete in English
A math project to do (or get Amanda to do) and a final to study for
A bio project to do
A Spanish presentation to give
A history research paper to write
WHEN WILL THIS PERIOD END? It feels like I've been here for hours.
Wednesday, May 08, 2002
What? Can you repeat the question?
During the Spanish AP test, when the tape was giving the instructions for the speaking part of the test, I thought it said, "If you have a question, please do not ask the recording." So I imagined a person listening to the tape, getting confused, and trying to ask the voice on the tape a question. It is stupid things like these that make me laugh really hard, and I after I thought of it I burst into uncontrollable laughter. Fortunately there was a few minutes in time before we had to record ourselves telling a story about the pictures given to us, so I was able to surpress my laughter. I don't know why it made me laugh so hard.
I think it was similar to how yesterday when Nathan, Jared and I were in the library reviewing for the test, Jared said something about saying something funny for the speaking part of the test, and Nathan reinacted the reaction of the person who would be listening to it and grading it as they say, "WHAT??" The thing is, Nathan held his hand up to his hear making a telephone sign as he spoke. Why would the person grading the tape be holding a telephone??? I started laughing the hardest I have since as long as I can remember which caused him to laugh as well. Yeah, stupidity makes me laugh.
Noah - 3:55 PM - 4 comments
Tuesday, May 07, 2002
Kill you me
The plan today is the same as it was yesterday. Jared, Nathan and I will go to the library for last minute Spanish review for the AP, and then I'll come home and with luck complete my Pride and Prejudiceessay. I started writing it last night but was heavily distracted by the Sharks game, which I'm not frustrated about because it was a great game. I think I was on the right track early this morning before I went to sleep, and hopefully I can remember what I was thinking and start writing again.
Fortunately the math test that was going to be this week will now be on Wednesday of next week, which is after the Bio AP test. That means I can actually study for it by going to the review on Tuesday. The disappointing thing is that all this time that I have actually been working, it has not been in preparation for the Bio AP test but instead for other things. Sigh. I've done NONE of the MUCH needed review for Bio and it is eating me up inside. I feel really, really bad for Dr. Snapp's class, because they have been forced to do a ton of work over the past week. I don't even think it is review either--they are learning new stuff about Ecology and writing craploads of labs. Hmm... I need to be completely focused on Bio from the second I finish the Spanish AP test and until the Bio AP test is over.
Monday, May 06, 2002
It's like there's a knife in my eye and you're twisting it
I accomplished nothing this weekend other than the completion of one, thirty second math problem, and the first, hollow paragraph of my Pride and Prejudiceessay. Tomorrow is STAR testing. I don't try on those damn things anyway, so it doesn't make a difference to me. After school I will go to the library with Nathan as he had planned to do on Sunday yet was unable to because of complications that are unknown to me. Hopefully after studying Spanish, I can write the essay due on Wednesday. I want to get some sleep on Tuesday night so I don't feel exhausted during the Spanish AP, which is Wednesday morning. Time to download MP3s until my heart stops.
Noah - 12:51 AM - 6 comments
Friday, May 03, 2002
"M" is for manic depressive
I know our paths will cross.
I walk tensely excepting to see her,
My heart races with my thoughts,
I know she will be there.
Suddenly I see her in the distance,
My eyes glance back and forth,
Watching her and looking ahead.
As we approach each other time begins to slow,
The voices of others are drowned out by the music of her soul,
We make eye contact and time freezes.
Her eyes pierce my heart,
My eyes reflect back my soul,
The world around us has come to a hault and soon it begins to disappear.
Everything surrounding us,
All the people places and things,
Turns to blackness,
To emptiness.
We are alone in a world of nothing,
And I am there to comfort her in the simplicity of the void.
I will obey her every command,
I will follow her every order,
So that she can rejoice and share her happiness with me,
All the while living in this imaginary void.
Soon the void begins to fill with thoughts and emotions of reality,
And as quickly as it had began,
It ends.
The void is ripped apart by reality,
Everything turns back to normal,
The people around us appear,
Her music disappears as the voices and footsteps of others instantly become loud,
And our comfortably simple world is gone.
We walk in opposite directions,
Following our own paths,
Living our own lives.
Nothing will make me forget moments like these no matter how brief they are.
I know our paths will cross, again.
Noah - 4:02 PM - 2 comments
Thursday, May 02, 2002
Do your lips have a thirst for diamonds?
I am developing a strong feeling of guilt regarding the AP tests and my lack of preparation for them thus far. The Spanish AP test is on the 8th and the Bio AP test is on the 14th. So that is 6 days until the Spanish and 12 until the Bio. I guess the reason why I haven't really done anything is because I really don't know what to do to prepare. I've taken practice tests of the multiple choice sections for both tests, but they haven't really told me anything. For both tests I pretty much missed a portion of each section leaving me bewildered at what I should review or practice in order to do better on the test. As for Spanish, I have pretty much given up hope; I'm not very good at Spanish and I don't think I am capable of doing much to enrich my knowledge of the language in less than a week. For Bio, however, I pretty much have to review everything and most importantly understand it. I have a very negative view of the AP tests right now because I'm worried about them--not knowing how to prepare and all. I definitely need to change my attitude at this point. Moreover, I will try my best at both tests. If I do poorly by other's standards then so be it; I will earn the score I get.
Enough depressive test talk. Yesterday I went to Nathan's to watch the Sharks game which was fun. During the second period we went to pick up Chris to go to Baskin Robins for the free ice cream. We came back to watch the third period and see the Sharks beat the Avs 6-3. Booya!
Mr. Honig is leading a backpacking trip at Point Reyes a week after school ends. I'm debating whether I should go or not. There are many pros and cons and I'm still undecided. Hmm... I don't know.
I talked to Mrs. Kuiper today at lunch because I am having trouble creating a good thesis for my Pride and Prejudiceessay. She has continuously emphasized the fact that the class needs to... I don't know how to say it... basically use evidence from the book while following the plot--not so much making connections to real life but to the text itself. In other words, I think my thesis should have to do with what Jane Austen (the author) is trying to tell the readers about a specific theme. For example, I wanted to do something about first impressions, so I guess I should write about how Austen demonstrates that judging one upon your first impression of them leads to suffering. Then again there are a whole bunch of counter examples in the book like Mr. Collins. Blah! I just have to think about it more.
Noah - 11:13 PM - 3 comments
