Ron Gardenhire and the Twins

Could this be the year the Minnesota Twins win the World Series? I mean, they have all the right players to do it. They just signed Mauer to a Yankee-type contract. They have powerful sluggers like Justin Morneau, Michael Cuddyer, and newly acquired Jim Thome. I truly believe, despite his age, Jim Thome is going to have a big impact on the Twins' season this year, even if he is mainly a pinch hitter. The Twins also got defensive talent with guys like Nick Punto. Plus, the Twins are Piranhas. They can beat you with so many ways with their speed, bunting ability, defense, and new this year is their power to hit home runs. I think the only thing hurting the twins this year in making their World Series Run is Joe Nathan. But, they still have a good looking bull pen with Jon Rausch, Matt Guerrer, Pat Neshek, and Jesse Crain. The starting rotation is one of the youngest in the majors, but guys like Nick Blackburn and Scott Baker stepped up their games last year, and they can be even better this year. Then, do not forget about the coaching staff, especially Ron Gardenhire. This could be potentially his year (finally!!!) that he could win AL mananger of the year. He is a fun coach. He gives everyone on the team a chance to play. He is laid back, but most importantly, he knows how to win ball games. The Twins do not have Metrodome Magic anymore, but they got an awesome new stadium. The fans this year are going to play a huge part in the Twins' success. In conclusion, this is why I strongly, deeply believe the Twins are the team to beat in the American League and possibly all of baseball in 2010.

Timberwolves preparing for next season

After another disappointing season, the timberwolves are looking for changes and additions to the roster for next year. Could next year be the year that Ricky Rubio comes over and takes over point guard? How about John Wall from Kentucky or Evan Turner from Ohio State? The Timberwolves are in a rebuilding mode. With their talent and coaching, I see the T-wolves being a playoff team in 4 or 5 years (maybe 3). Right now, the wolves have the rookie John Flynn from Syracuse making plays at the point. They got Kevin Love doing it all (rebounding, scoring, shooting threes, blocking shots). They got the speedy, high tempo, energetic Corey Brewer leading fast breaks down the floor. But, do not forget about Al Jefferson. Perhaps, the most dynamic and best player in a wolves jersey today. Then, you also have other guys like Ryan Gomes as well making huge contributions. Do not look at the timberwolves 14 wins and 60 losses. Do not look at their 16 game losing streak. If you watched them play for the first time, you would never guess that they have only won 14 games. The Timberwolves play smart basketball. The wolves play as a team. They play as one. Every game, no matter what the record, The Minnesota Timberwolves play with heart.

My passion

What is your passion? I thought my passion was music. Then, I thought it might be math or engineering. Now, I think it might be writing or Spanish. I really do not know where I am headed in life. I have no idea what I want a be. I still have no clue on my major. I am so confused about my future. But, something is tugging on me. Writing is my true passion. I love to write. I write music, stories, research papers, blogs, compositions, letters,... Writing is one thing in my life that I am extremely good at. All my teachers, friends, my parents, and anyone who has read my writing has said what a good writer I am. Since I am extremely shy, writing allows me to express my ideas, values, emotions, thoughts, desires, and wants without having to say a single word. I know I am a very passionate writer. When I write something, I do not hold back. I believe that if I can keep improving my writing, I can truly change the world with what I have to say. Writing is my hope, future, adoration, love, peace, and so much more. Writing relaxes me. Writing makes me feel free and content. It gives me a voice in this dark and lonely world. It gives me a way to communicate with others. Writing is my special talent. I cannot believe it took me so long to figure out. But, I still have a long way to go on my life journey. I live to write.

Disrespect or no?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvpxVE_kQXg

Is this Chicago Blackhawks tradition disrespect for America or is it a true act of patriotism?

How Have You as an Individual been limited by social or cultural expectations?

Social expectations has limited me in the way I dress, talk, and what I do. If my friends expect something of me, I am going to have to live up to that expectation because of peer pressure. It is not socially okay to dress a certain way in front of peers. It is not socially okay to talk a certain way with a certain group of friends. Culture expectations has limited me in the way I dress. I can't wear hats or jackets in school. They have limited me by religion. Culture expects me to marry a Christian because I am a Christian. Culture has limited me by what I can do. Wehn I get married, culture expects me to be the main provider with a stable job. They have limited me by the way I act. Culture expects me to act like an adult all the time with no time for fun.

Lot in Life

There was one event in my life that was outside of my control. This involves one of my family members. My grandmother passed away a couple of years ago. I was real close to my grandma, but it was destiny and fate that she would die some day. There was noting I could do to prevent her death. She had cancer, and there was no way she could survive. She died on a Sunday morning, and I had a final, meaningful talk with her the night before. Just think, if I did not go to see her that night, I would not have been able to say my last goodbye to my grandma. This event has taught me to cherish and love the one that are close to me now because they will not be around forever. This event has taught me to stay close and have communication with the ones I love because everyone has a destiny or fate of death. My grandma gave me a lot of life lessons and advice. She was a big part of my life, and I do not have her anymore. This is my Lot in Life.

Life

What's the meaning of life? What is our purpose of living on this earth? What am I supposed to be doing? Who I am? Can I really make a difference in this world? I dont know if I can. Why is life so difficult?

Cindarella

Butler, a Cindarella? Really? Who would have thought of such a thing? I bet you less than 10% of the nation picked Butler to go to the Final Four. I mean, come on, even Minnesota beat them in the regular season. Where is Butler located anyways? Butler may be a huge underdog. I do like a good underdog story, but I got to say, there story falls short of the national championship game. Go Spartans!!!

My life

This is my life not yours. Don't tell me what to do. I do what I want. I can do whatever I please. I listen to no one. My goals and dreams are mine to accomplish. Don't be a dream assassin. Just leave me alone. No one understands me. I hate life.

How My Friend Helped Me

Has a friend ever helped you in any such way? It's really nice to have a friend there when you need them. Everyone should always have a best friend or a good friend to help out others. If no one had friends, what would this world look like? This would be a world of war and terror. I'm glad I have good friends to help me; otherwise I would be stuck in a hole that would just keep getting bigger.
In the summer of August 2005, I needed a friend's help up at summer camp. That week at summer camp was the first time I ever met my new friend, Matt. It took awhile for us to be come good friends. We found our common interests and started to hang out together up at camp. That was the spark to our new friendship just for a week. We both loved to play sports, so while we were up at camp we would play basketball, soccer, football, and dodgeball together. We would have a blast. Matt and I became such best friends as the week went along that we would hate to leave camp at the end of the week.
On a Wednesday afternoon up at camp, I entered the snack shop during free time to get something to buy like a soda to cool me off. When I came out I heard a buzzing sound in my ear. Then all of a sudden, I screamed, OUCH! I got stung in the arm by a ferocious bee. Then, just a few seconds later, OUCH! I got stung on the back of my left knee twice and plus I lost my snacks to the bees.
Well, when I got stung horribly on the back of my knee, it started to turn red. I was in horrible pain. Luckily,my new friend, Matt was there to help me because when I got stung in the back of the knee twice, it was hard for me to walk. I was limping. So, Matt ended up finding our counselor, Xavier. When Matt found him, he told him about what had happened to me. After that, Matt helped me over to the nurse's cabin which was close by, thankfully. Matt was a really great friend to have. Matt stayed with me through the painful experience of getting the stings treated by the nurse. Matt is clearly a good, helpful friend to have because he took time off during his free time to help me. He could have been swimming, but he chose to be by my side.
Back to the question, has a friend ever helped you in any such way? Well, my friend Matt sure did. He helped me through the painful bee stings while instead he could have been cooling off in the water. Everyone should have a best friend like Matt who can help in the deepest situations. Would the world come to an end without any friends? This world is a peaceful, perfect place in harmony where everyone can have good, helpful friends. Matt has really showed me the way with his helping hand.

Fast Food

I have just landed on this strange planet. It is filled with strange creatures that ride around in strange boxes on wheels. These boxes are everywhere. I do not see anyone outside these boxes walking around or getting exercise on this nice, warm planet. As I walk around this place called Burnsville, I see boxes that are not moving. Creatures are coming from all around and entering these strange looking boxes. One of those is called McDonald’s. There are boxes called Burger King, and Wendy’s too. I see these strange creatures through a window of Sbarro, and they are chewing and munching on these huge, greasy triangles. I look through the window of McDonald’s, and they are stuffing these salty sticks into their mouths. It disgusts me to see them eat like this. This thing the creatures call fast food is ridiculous and idiotic. Plus, it only exists on this planet. Fast food makes these creatures sluggish, it causes their faces to blow up, it makes them appear bigger in size, it will shorten their lives if they keep eating this stuff, and the fast food makes the creatures sick.
I arrive on this strange planet; I realize that everyone was riding around from place to place in these boxes with circles called cars. I rarely see anyone walking around and enjoying the fresh air. I conclude that this indolence was a result from all the fast food they eat each day. The fast food makes these creatures sluggish enough, so they cannot find time to exercise. Instead of walking, they drive off in their cars. Many of the creatures even eat these death patties and salty sticks in their cars as they drive. I see one person pick up his patty, and he brings it up to his mouth and starts chomping on it while he is driving. As this creature eats, I see this blood-like substance, and this yellow goop all over his shirt. After these creatures finish eating their death meals, they have no energy left for the rest of the day. They would lie down on their soft, comfortable couches and be there for hours. Fast food does not only make these creatures sluggish, but it also affects these people in other ways.
I see that this fast food makes their faces blow up like balloons. After watching them eat these salty sticks, and greasy triangles, I realize what it has done to their bodies. More important, what it has done to their faces. After a week of being here on this strange planet, I miss home. I see people with big, red balloons all over their faces. I do not know what they are, why they are there, or how they became of because on my planet, nothing such thing existed. They look so tempting to pop, just like a balloon at a carnival. I figure out that these things on their faces were from the greasy triangles, salty sticks, and the huge patties of death that they eat nearly every day.
This fast food not only affects their faces, but it also affects the rest of their bodies. The more the creatures eat these salty sticks, and greasy patties, I notice that they were bigger. This junk that they eat increased their size. This junk that they eat like the French sticks, and triangles contained so many grams of fat that it caused these creatures, when they eat enough of it, to explode and grow out of their pants in matter of months. These creatures know that it contains tons of grams of fat, yet they continue to eat it! These creatures will become depressed because of what it is doing to their obtuse minds. This useless food is hypnotizing their minds that they do not know what is really happening to their bodies.
This food is what makes a lot of these creatures become sick. I have not actually tried the food myself because this type of food does not exist on my far away planet. It will never exist after what I have witnessed. After people eat this salt, sugar, and fat, it is like their bodies want more salt, sugar, and fat. I do not understand why they keep eating it. It is disgusting and gross to watch. After eating enough of it, the creatures become painfully sick. They feel weaker, they feel like they cannot move, and they are more sluggish than before. Even when their bodies feel sick, they continue to eat the stuff that could have been found in the dumpster a week ago. Eventually, their bodies will quit on them. Their bodies will become sick and tired of this food. Their lives will be short because of eating the salty sticks, the death on a bun, and the cheesy triangles. Fast food is not a healthful practice to be eating every day.
I have come from a far away planet to visit here and report back to my planet, but after seeing people enter through the doors of White Castle, I may never want to come to Earth again. Earth has all this food that is prepared in minutes. The people do not understand that the food prepared fast is not good for them. The creatures are so addicted to the Bacanator at Wendy’s or the Whopper at Burger King because they have tons of salt, sugar, and fat. Eating so much salt, sugar, and fat makes their pathetic bodies want more. When their bodies eat more, their bodies become sluggish and weak. They have a higher chance of catching diseases and dying. Instead of enjoying a nice day outside, they are stuck inside eating a Big Mac in front of the T.V. Fast food is the craziest thing on Earth!

The Miraculous Goal

My favorite subject is soccer. I get to hang out with my friends and meet new people. I remember one of my soccer games, when my team was in the championship. We were up against the toughest team. The field was very tough to play on with all the mud and puddles in the extreme heat. So, there were no goals scored in the first half. The second half went by quickly, and the game was almost over. There still wasn’t a goal scored. The only way to beat this team was to beat them in regulation. We needed a miracle to win. Then, all of a sudden, our team had a free penalty kick. I stepped up to the penalty line, took the shot, and scored. It was exciting for me to score the game’s only goal. So, the game ended with a win, 1-0. Our team did whatever it took to win. I like soccer because it takes a team to win. It is fun when my team won, but whether we win or lose, we show good sportsmanship. Soccer is a tough game to play, but we encouraged each other to keep going, especially on a hot day. Soccer helps me relax and it helps me gain confidence.

El Piano: Cambiar el Mundo

Cuando yo tenía tres años, yo escuché al piano por primera vez por mi abuela. Por eso, mi abuela me inspiraba a tocar el piano cuando yo era muy pequeño. En adición, cuando yo tenía cinco años, yo siempre me encantaba escuchar a la música del piano todos los días. Me interesa la música del piano porque es muy hermosa, divertida, y tranquila. Finalmente, cuando yo tenía siete años, mis padres compraron un piano para mí, yo encontré mi amor para el piano y yo empecé a tomar clases de piano. Por eso, hoy, me fascina tocar el piano. Yo toco este instrumento todos los días con una gran pasión. Me encanta muchísimo el piano porque la música me relaja cuando yo tengo estrés, el piano me ayuda a comunicar con mis amigos y mi familia, y escribir la música del piano me ayuda a expresar mis ideas y valores para lograr mis metas.
Me gusta el piano porque la música del piano me relaja. Cuando yo toco el piano, el estrés desaparece en mi vida. Yo me siento como yo estoy caminando en aire por las nubes. La música del piano me hace sentir contento y libre. El piano me da esperanza para el futuro y tranquilidad en el presente. Cuando llego a mi casa desde la escuela, yo toco el piano porque el piano es una cosa que yo disfruto. Me interesan el jazz y la música clásica. Especialmente, me impresiona la música de Beethoven. El piano es mi pasión, inspiración y corazón. Este instrumento y su música me dan razón para vivir.
Me importa el piano porque yo disfruto a tocar el piano para mis amigos y mi familia. Lo más importante en este mundo es servir, ayudar, y cuidar a otras personas, especialmente los amigos y la familia. Me importa la música porque yo creo que es una manera para traer la felicidad a todo el mundo. Mi meta cuando yo toco el piano es para ayudar a la gente se da cuenta de lo que es más importante en la vida. En mayo de 2009, yo tenía un concierto del piano para mis amigos y mi familia. Yo estaba muy nervioso, pero yo sabía que este concierto fue una gran oportunidad porque una meta en mi vida es inspirar e influir a otras personas. Después del concierto, el público se impresionó con mi esfuerza. Me encanta tocar para mi familia y amigos porque el piano es una manera alternativa a expresar mis opiniones. Puesto que yo soy muy tímido, el piano me ayuda a comunicar mis emociones, sentimientos, y pensamientos. Este instrumento me doy libertad para expresar la verdad sobre mi vida a muchas personas.
Me interesa el piano porque me cae bien escribir la música. Yo empecé a escribir música hace cuatro años. Yo he escrito cinco composiciones. Me importan las teclas del piano Yo tengo muchos pensamientos, pero yo soy tímido. Por eso, yo puedo usar el piano para hacer la música que expresa mis ideas. El año pasado, yo escribí una composición sobre mi abuela porque ella murió en 2007. Esta canción es un ejemplo de expresar mis pensamientos con la música del piano. Mis palabras no pueden transmitir mis emociones como las notas pueden. Me fascina escribir la música porque yo creo que la música puede cambiar el mundo. Me interesa apoyar a otras personas y me hace falta escribir música porque el piano me puede ayudar a lograr esta meta. Hace dos años, escribí una composición sobre la guerra en Iraq por los soldados americanos porque yo quiero a mostrar mi amor y apoyo. Con esta composición, espero que muchos americanos conmemoren y aprecien los hombres y las mujeres en Iraq. Me importa cambiar el mundo. Yo quiero traer esperanza, paz, y amor con el piano.
Para concluir, el piano es mi fuente de inspiración. Yo le doy gracias a Dios todos los días que yo tengo la habilidad a tocar este instrumento maravilloso. Me impresiona esta invención más grande en este mundo. Me cae bien el piano porque tiene una gran influencia en muchas ideas y música. El piano produce la música extravagante y bonita. Porque yo soy tímido, me fascina este instrumento. El piano me da una voz para que yo pueda comunicarme con mis amigos, mi familia, y más personas. Sin el piano, me falta la vida. El piano es tan pacífico. Me encanta todo sobre este instrumento.

Todavía Conmigo

Yo admiro a mi abuela. Ella era muy simpática y cariñosa. Mi abuela es mi heroína especial. Ella siempre hacía reírme y sonreír. Cuando era niño, yo dormía a su casa todos los veranos y ella tomaba mis hermanos y yo al cine en los fines de semana. Yo admiro a mi abuela porque ella luchó por su vida en los años finales, ella extendía la mano a muchas personas todos los días y mi abuela hacía los sacrificios para cuidar las personas en su vida frecuentemente.
Todos los días, ella extendía a la mano a su familia con su tiempo, a sus amigas con su compasión, a su iglesia con su trabaja generosa, y a su la ciudad Edina como un voluntario. Mi abuela crecía en una casa cristiana. Cuando ella era niña, ella siempre decía la verdad, ella siempre decía felicitar a alguien por algo y ella siempre decía palabras amables a otras. Cuando era niña, ella aprendía el valor de extender la mano a muchas personas. Y por eso, mi abuela recibió respeto desde todos. Todos cuidaban a mi abuela.
Yo admiro a mi abuela porque ella hacía los sacrificios para cuidar las personas en su vida cada día. Ella siempre tenía el tiempo para sus nietos. Por ejemplo, yo aprendí montar en bicicleta por ella, ella siempre asistía mis conciertos de piano y ella siempre venía a mis partidos de fútbol. En adición, mi abuela era una música y tocaba el piano mucho para muchas personas. Ella me inspiraba aprender y tocar el piano y el clarinete. También, Mi abuela sacrificaba su tiempo a su iglesia en domingos. Ella enseñaba la escuela de domingo todas las semanas y ella siempre ayudaba los niños cuando ella trabajó a una escuela primaria en Edina por quince años.
Mi abuela era una persona especial a mí porque ella luchó por su vida especialmente en sus años últimos. Ella fumó en sus años jóvenes pero ella dejó de fumar cuando sus nietos nacieron. Ella sabía que sus nietos querían y necesitaban una modela en sus vidas. Ella quería hacer una diferencia grande en las vidas de sus nietos. Sin embargo, en 1998, ella supo que ella tuvo cáncer de pulmón. Era un día muy triste en la familia. Yo no sabía que decir cuando mi padre dijo mi familia las noticias malas. Ella era una heroína en mi opinión. Ella luchó el cáncer por nueve años.
Finalmente, en 2007, ella murió en marzo, una semana antes de domingo de Resurrección. Ella vivió una vida buena porque ella tenía una influencia grande en su familia y sus amigas, especialmente en sus nietos. Yo siempre recordaba sus palabras inspiradas. La noche antes de ella murió, yo miró a mi abuela, mi abuela miró a mí, y yo empecé a llorar porque ella tenía una influencia grande en mí y ella me inspiraba hacer las cosas grandes. Mi abuela siempre es en mis sueños y es en mi vida también. Mi abuela es mi inspiración. Mi abuela es todavía conmigo.

“American Dream” by Casting Crowns

The song I chose is titled “American Dream” by Casting Crowns. I chose this song because after listening to it a few times it truly does reflect my dream. It is about this guy who works all day and night. He has no time for family, and he chases after material possessions for himself. Later in the song, he realizes that life is not about how many items you have because those items do not last forever in this world. Life is about spending time with the ones you love. It says that life is about working hard, but you should still have time for family, friends, and God.

American Dream

My personal American Dream can be contributed to life experiences, parents, friends, and many other influences. My definition of the American Dream is to provide for a loving, Christian family in a proper house, to be successful and happy with my life, to try new things, to learn new ideas, to grow spiritually, to challenge myself consistently, to find a better way of living, and to work hard in everything I do with the opportunities available to me. Part of the American Dream is realizing that dreams do not usually come true. Most people will never reach their dream because of things that happen in their lives. Change happens in life. I realize that my dream may turn out in a way that I did not intend it to be because opportunities are limited.
My first step in achieving my American Dream is to attend the University of Minnesota for four years. I will work hard to achieve my dream. I want to be successful but not necessarily rich. I want a decent car that will get me and my family from place to place. I want to get married and have two kids. I want to be physically fit and healthy my entire life by eating nutritious meals, exercising every day, and getting enough sleep every night. I want a debt-free life. I want to be a money saver not a money borrower. I do not want my life to be centered on credit cards. Part of living a healthy lifestyle includes having a life where there is not too much stress. I want time and energy to go to my kids' baseball and soccer games. I want to live in a safe environment where I know my kids will grow up in a good Christian home to get a good education. I want my kids to have as many opportunities as possible. I want my family to be strongly connected to the Christian church. I want to teach my children the values of Christianity, so someday they can teach their kids the same thing. My American Dream is to not look towards material possessions because the things of this world do not last. I must continue to move forward with my family and friends in the land where anything is possible.

Where I Stand

I am a Minnesotan born and raised. I am a Christian. I am a piano player who practices every day. I am a hard worker. I am a straight A student. I am worried about what the future holds for me. I am a honest person most of the time. I am the shyest person in the dugout, on the sidelines, on the bench, and in the classroom. I am unique.
I like to watch basketball and baseball games and watch the highlights the next day on Sportscenter. I like going to the park and playing baseball with my friends. I like to eat fast food. I like to play soccer in the fall. I like solving math problems. I like spending Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday, watching football and eating tons of delicious food. I like to learn new ideas every day.
I believe that respect is the most important thing. I believe in hard work, and that hard work leads to success. I believe that everyone in this country has freedoms and opportunities to pursue their dream if they work hard. I believe that relationships help me grow and help me figure out who I really am. I believe that people have the right to express their own opinions and be respected for what they say. I believe that quitters never win and winners never quit.
I am tired of hearing about the problems in the U.S. right now. I am tired of hearing about the war in Iraq, the devastating economy, and the swine flu pandemic. I am tire of hearing about lies that other people say about their enemies. I am tired of hearing lame excuses. I am tired of hearing rap music.
I do not care for fitting in. I do not care for dream assassins. I do not care for liars. I do not care for disrespect. I do not care for learning about history. I do not care for cheating and cheaters. I do not care for laziness. I do not care for quitters. I do not care for rap music. I do not care for the patterns of this world. I do not care for fighting and war, but instead I want peace. I do not care for being materialistic.
I am in favor of getting a higher education past high school. I am in favor of being a home owner some day. I am in favor of getting married and having kids. I am in favor of working hard in a career that makes me feel happy. I am in favor of a passionate career. I am in favor of living debt free. I am in favor to finding my purpose in life. I am in favor of caring for animals. I am in favor of taking care of the environment. I am in favor of playing piano for the joy of others. I am in favor of helping others no matter what the circumstance. I am in favor to living my life to the fullest.

Globalization

Globalization is not something we should fear and avoid. Globalization is a process that interconnects ideas, values, beliefs, and cultures, so the multiple identities of the world can work together to solve challenging problems.

Identity

I do not know who I really am. I am still trying to find my identity. I believe having an identity is powerful to have in a world filled with six billion people. I have learne identity is not something I can borrow or share with someone else. Identity is classifying with groups of people. Identity is family, friends, abilities, talents, and ethnic backgrounds. Identity is how I fit in with society. Identity is the traits that define who I am. Identity is like looking in a mirror and asking myself one question. Who am I? It is such a basic question, but it takes a lifetime to figure out. It is the hardest question for me to answer. One of my main purposes of life is to figure out my identity. I can come close to figuring out my roles in society, but I will never fully understand my true identity. Identity is like grains of sand. There are billions of grains covering the Earth's landscape. Each grain is carved just a little bit differently from the rest. Each person on this Earth is like a grain of sand. Each person covers a different part of the earth's landscape. Each person is a little bit different, and each person has a unique role in society. Identity is like a puzzle. I do not know what my identiy looks like until all the pieces come together. Just like putting a puzzle together, identity development at times is frustrating, time consuming, confusing, experimenting, and rewarding. Each piece reveals a little more about who I am. Eventually, all of the pieces will come together, and only then will I realize how I fit in with society. Every person has a valuable role in society.

Love

Sometimes you have to be apart from the people you love, but that does not mean you love them any less. Sometimes that makes you love them even more.