Just a Quick Comment on Protons

I just want to ask, how many times are we going to learn about the existence of protons that make up atoms? I remember first learning about them somewhere in middle school, like 6th or 7th grade maybe. Perhaps even earlier.

But then they were reintroduced to me my freshman year of high school in biology. Oh yeah, and chemistry sophomore year. Ah, and we learned the same things about then again in Chem II. And in Biology II, just in case we forgot.

And I was just reading in my geology text book; there is a section devoted to protons in there too. Protons, neutrons, electrons, seriously. After freshman year of high school, they should be fair game.

Bill Nye the Science Guy, I miss you. Where did he go? That guy is great.

And I'm becoming addicted to the song "Blackout" by Lovedrug. So, go listen to it.

I'm Not Going to Lie; Using BYU Internet Makes Me Paranoid

Seriously, it does. I always feel like there is someone in OIT monitoring everything that I am doing on the internet, as if he is paid to make sure I "hold to the rod." And every time I attempt to access a page that is blocked by BYU servers, whether I am aware it was or not, I feel like an additional flag goes by my name to tell that worker, "Heads up! This student maybe be deviating!"

I was getting on my computer tonight, of course to access the internet, and for some reason I was signed off of the internet. To use BYU internet, you have to sign in first so they know you're a student (and so they know who you are and what you're looking at). It was weird because normally I do not have to sign back in if my computer was just in sleep mode. Anyway, I went to sign in, and Firefox (that I have just recently converted to) warned me something about how I was trying to access one server, but another one was in the way (BYU). And then it said that "this server may be trying to intercept the information that you are transferring" or something. Basically, it was warning me that BYU could intercept anything that was going through my computer. And that creeps me out.

And ugh, AOL is extremely slow now. I used it to get passed the filter for MySpace and YouTube, but I guess they figured that the only way to stop AOL considering the way it works was by making it impossible to use. Ridiculous. Sorry for wanting to network with my friends back home or watch a YouTube video of stand-up or maybe dance.

Anyway, BYU has a few different filters. There is one for violence, sexual content, and then "Custom Block List." The last one is absolutely ridiculous. Those are the websites that BYU deems immoral for its students, but the rest of the world uses. Such websites are MySpace and YouTube. But wait, those sites might have PORN on them. Maybe, just maybe you'll stumble upon them and become addicted! Because no other website in the entire world will have an ad on it with something scandalous that BYU hasn't missed.

BYU is all-powerful in cyberspace, didn't you know? I feel excessively spiritual when I use the internet, as if President Samuelson himself was looking over my shoulder and approving each website I visited.

I think this censoring of the internet and everything we view does not make the world our campus, as BYU's slogan implies. Rather, it blocks out the real world. The bubble that is BYU campus does not help the students learn to cope in the real world; it numbs them to it, so they won't know what to do when they leave.

I am convinced, and I would totally invest in this TV show if it were considered, that I have a good idea for TV. I think there should be a reality show that follows Molly Mormons or Peter Priesthoods after they leave BYU to move into a larger city. New York, Los Angeles, New Orleans, or any sizeable city with enough stuff that doesn't meet the Honor Code to make their hair stand on ends. There could even be a portion to bet whether they can assimilate into the real world or if they move back to the Happy Valley! That show would make bank. MTV, where are you?

Cynical, yes. But realistic, too.

I Know I Had a Typo in My Previous Title, But Whatever

Yeah, I forgot the 's' in 'reason.' But, whatever. You probably didn't notice it anyway.

I would like to strongly recommend a movie - The Great Debaters. It is a fantastic film about an African American debate team in the 1930's in Texas working its way to greatness. They have to fight against prejudice, of course, and their own internal struggles.

I know what you're thinking, "not another Remember the Titans." This one is different. The Great Debaters discusses even broader ideas than Civil Rights, and that is not necessarily the main focus. It is historical, intellectual, and enjoyable.

So, if you live up here in Provo, get your four quarters and head over to the Dollar Movie. That's where I just saw it.

I do not recommend movies that often, especially on a blog. So, this must be a big deal. Do it.

For Some Reaon, Brand New Makes Me Artsy. Oh, and I Don't Like American Idol

Well, they put me in an artistic mood. I started a new painting a few days ago, and I'm pretty excited about it. I'm not sure if any of you have seen pictures of some of my art, but it's kinda like the one with the little pebbles and stuff. Yeah, you have no idea what I'm talking about.

Later I'll put some pictures on here maybe. I just get paranoid that sometimes someone will find them, put them on another page, and claims that they are his work. Stupid jerk.

Anyway, I am here to tell you I do not really like American Idol. I don't like how they are so mean to the contestants in the beginning, especially Temptress! If you saw the openning episode for this season, she was the really big black girl that played football for her high school with the ill mother and stuff. I hated watching that because she was such a sweet girl giving her all, and they shot her down. And everyone around me laughed. UGH! I want to see you get up there and sing for Simon, and then later cry yourself to sleep.

Not bitter at all ;P

Anyway, here is a clip of Wanda Sykes talking about why she loves American Idol. Love her.




They makes the losers sing!