Dear Blog,
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I wish I could be like the Doctor. The 11th Doctor, mainly, but with my own spin or flare to it. But let's face it, if I were to suddenly become a Time Lord and wind up with my own TARDIS, I'd end up being very similar to the 11th Doctor, even without having seen Matt Smith's version prior to the random shift in my life.
I came about this realization (again) while watching Thor at the movies. I know, a tad confusing, so here's my attempt to articulate my thought process. While watching Thor swing Mjölnir around, I really wanted to be a part of that superhero world. Not Thor himself, per se, but a superhero. Someone with abilities above and beyond the boundaries of standard humans. I wanted to be in a world where I could fly, toss thugs around, be generally awesome. I thought about it after the movie, and decided if I were to be a superhero, I'd be like Tony Stark or Batman, using my smarts to be awesome.
But then I thought further. If I were to truly become immersed in a world as a hero-like figure, I wouldn't be able to be wacky as someone like Batman, or goofy if I were a Jedi, or random if I were a starship captain in Star Trek. I'd have to be like the Doctor. A Time Lord character. All of time and space to fulfill my nearly overcurious mind. I could do whatever I wanted, and still save people. Not just a city, but a universe to save. Anywhere, anytime. I would be there. I'd meet lots of interesting people, and yeah, I'd run a lot. But life wouldn't be boring. I would be able to learn all the time.
And when I think of this, being a Time Lord, not a companion or a Time Agent (that's what Captain Jack Harkness was, right?), I get so excited. I also get quite sad. Because as much as I wish for it all, the adventure, the travel, the people, and sonic screwdriver, I know I won't be able to have it. It's like a crush from reality most every time the episodes end. I am not a mad man with a box. A little depressing, it's true, but I get over it and go about my day.
Now that I think about it, perhaps I can be a mad man with a box. Yes, I can try and find a costume to wear for special occasions. And perhaps I could one day build a TARDIS to play around in. But for now, I think I should go ahead and have those adventures. Not in the real world, but on paper. I should write my own stories, create my own version of the Doctor. I mean, I still need to learn how to vlog, and my summer is starting off a tad dull, why not throw in a miniature challenge? I probably won't get around to it, but at least the idea is born, no? A sort of mind exercise to begin with, in hopes that it will slowly compel me to jot down those creations over time. I like the idea, and it makes me happy. Not won't need my legs to outrun the Slitheen, just my fingers typing away on the keyboard.
A mad man with a keyboard? I like the sound of that.
Until next time!
-Daniel Golden
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Monday, May 16, 2011
Finally Finished with Finals Fun
Dear Blog,
It has been a long while since I've written to you, Blog. After Osama bin Laden was killed, I have had quite a lot going on in my life. The past couple of weeks were a tad hectic, especially the final few days.
I had my final week of classes, then a week of finals. My final grades aren't as high as I would have liked them to be, but considering I have a pretty good social/work life in addition to school, I can't complain in that regard. I tried my best without overworking myself and the result is more than satisfactory. Even if I achieved all As, I would inevitably wish for higher grades. Next semester, I hope to better manage my time. Although I've pretty sure I said that about this last semester, too.
Finals week consisted of finals for the first three days for me, then checking-out residents from my building the next couple of days, and ultimately moving out of my room and into Sunvilla for my summer RA duties on the last day. Finals, as I said before, went well. I'm pretty sure I passed all my classes with high marks.
But man, check-outs were a bit stressful. I can't tell you exact stories of specific residents, but the over-arching theme of check-outs was laziness. Not signing up for a check-out time, not following the check-out procedures, not listening, and just a general sense of immaturity. All of it was a factor for most residents. Granted, a few were prepared, ready, and a delight to check-out, but they were few and far between compared to the residents who seemed to think that rules are made to be ignored. Whenever I charged for damages, I didn't feel bad. But some moms sure tried to make me feel bad. I really wanted to set the parents aside and say "You wouldn't be treating me like this if you knew what your son really did here at college this past year." I'm not the bad guy in the situation, be it saying a room isn't clean enough for check-outs or charging for damages, so I wish they would stop trying to pin the blame on me.
After all the residents left the building, it was time for me to pack up my stuff, too. And by time for me to pack up, the task fell upon Nikki's shoulders when she saw how much work was still left to do in the packing process. Nikki opted to help me pack, which resulted in her doing anywhere between 70%-90% of the work involved. She didn't have to pack up my room and she knew it. But without her help, I wouldn't have gone to sleep that night, so I am grateful for her help. She even offered her car and apartment to store some of my stuff during the Woods to Sunvilla transition.
After I was checked out of Woods Saturday morning, I went to Nikki's apartment and waited for my family to drive down. And when I say waited, I mean napped. After a couple hours of much needed rest, Nikki and I got Chick-fil-A for lunch. Shortly after finishing our meal, my parents arrived and then we went to the mall (Nikki stayed at her apartment since she had a hair appointment that afternoon). After shopping, I finally got a new HDTV and Blu-ray player. I am very excited about both!
From shopping to Sunvilla, my parents helped me carry everything into my room. We ate dinner at Village Inn, then the family left for home. Nikki then delivered the rest of my stuff from her car. She and I unpacked my things for a bit, I went on rounds a couple of times (while she stayed and set up my HDTV), and she left about 11. I completed my final set of rounds, calling Bethany toward to end to check in with her, then it was shower and bedtime.
The next day, I worked the front desk of Sunvilla for eight hours, spent more time with Nikki as we shopped for food and random items. I picked up Portal 2 from her apartment after we ate pizza she cooked with her pizza oven, and basically hung out until 10. I called Bethany and talked to her, took a shower, went to bed for a bit, then came here to the Kentwood Front Desk for the 4am-8am shift.
I haven't seen a single person so far on this shift, aside from the desk worker that was here before me and a random Missouri State maintenance dude outside. I was able to watch an interesting documentary on the Pixar, and even the latest episode of Doctor Who. With an hour left in my shift, I decided an entry was in order.
After this crazy period of intersession madness is over, the summer will start and I will be able to relax a bit. I have a lot of hopes and ambitions for the summer, which include playing plenty of video games, reading some books, doing well in my summer classes, watching shows, writing stories, and just generally trying to find myself a bit more.
Well, that about wraps it up. I hope I will be logging some more entires soon. Possibly some fiction or poetry might be featured. Who knows what the future will hold?
Until next time!
-Daniel Golden
It has been a long while since I've written to you, Blog. After Osama bin Laden was killed, I have had quite a lot going on in my life. The past couple of weeks were a tad hectic, especially the final few days.
I had my final week of classes, then a week of finals. My final grades aren't as high as I would have liked them to be, but considering I have a pretty good social/work life in addition to school, I can't complain in that regard. I tried my best without overworking myself and the result is more than satisfactory. Even if I achieved all As, I would inevitably wish for higher grades. Next semester, I hope to better manage my time. Although I've pretty sure I said that about this last semester, too.
Finals week consisted of finals for the first three days for me, then checking-out residents from my building the next couple of days, and ultimately moving out of my room and into Sunvilla for my summer RA duties on the last day. Finals, as I said before, went well. I'm pretty sure I passed all my classes with high marks.
But man, check-outs were a bit stressful. I can't tell you exact stories of specific residents, but the over-arching theme of check-outs was laziness. Not signing up for a check-out time, not following the check-out procedures, not listening, and just a general sense of immaturity. All of it was a factor for most residents. Granted, a few were prepared, ready, and a delight to check-out, but they were few and far between compared to the residents who seemed to think that rules are made to be ignored. Whenever I charged for damages, I didn't feel bad. But some moms sure tried to make me feel bad. I really wanted to set the parents aside and say "You wouldn't be treating me like this if you knew what your son really did here at college this past year." I'm not the bad guy in the situation, be it saying a room isn't clean enough for check-outs or charging for damages, so I wish they would stop trying to pin the blame on me.
After all the residents left the building, it was time for me to pack up my stuff, too. And by time for me to pack up, the task fell upon Nikki's shoulders when she saw how much work was still left to do in the packing process. Nikki opted to help me pack, which resulted in her doing anywhere between 70%-90% of the work involved. She didn't have to pack up my room and she knew it. But without her help, I wouldn't have gone to sleep that night, so I am grateful for her help. She even offered her car and apartment to store some of my stuff during the Woods to Sunvilla transition.
After I was checked out of Woods Saturday morning, I went to Nikki's apartment and waited for my family to drive down. And when I say waited, I mean napped. After a couple hours of much needed rest, Nikki and I got Chick-fil-A for lunch. Shortly after finishing our meal, my parents arrived and then we went to the mall (Nikki stayed at her apartment since she had a hair appointment that afternoon). After shopping, I finally got a new HDTV and Blu-ray player. I am very excited about both!
From shopping to Sunvilla, my parents helped me carry everything into my room. We ate dinner at Village Inn, then the family left for home. Nikki then delivered the rest of my stuff from her car. She and I unpacked my things for a bit, I went on rounds a couple of times (while she stayed and set up my HDTV), and she left about 11. I completed my final set of rounds, calling Bethany toward to end to check in with her, then it was shower and bedtime.
The next day, I worked the front desk of Sunvilla for eight hours, spent more time with Nikki as we shopped for food and random items. I picked up Portal 2 from her apartment after we ate pizza she cooked with her pizza oven, and basically hung out until 10. I called Bethany and talked to her, took a shower, went to bed for a bit, then came here to the Kentwood Front Desk for the 4am-8am shift.
I haven't seen a single person so far on this shift, aside from the desk worker that was here before me and a random Missouri State maintenance dude outside. I was able to watch an interesting documentary on the Pixar, and even the latest episode of Doctor Who. With an hour left in my shift, I decided an entry was in order.
After this crazy period of intersession madness is over, the summer will start and I will be able to relax a bit. I have a lot of hopes and ambitions for the summer, which include playing plenty of video games, reading some books, doing well in my summer classes, watching shows, writing stories, and just generally trying to find myself a bit more.
Well, that about wraps it up. I hope I will be logging some more entires soon. Possibly some fiction or poetry might be featured. Who knows what the future will hold?
Until next time!
-Daniel Golden
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Osama bin Laden is Dead
Dear Blog,
Today, May 1st, 2011, President Barack Obama announced to the world that Osama bin Laden, mastermind behind the September 11 attacks on the United States of America, had been killed in Pakistan by U.S.-led forces.
Following is the text of Obama's statement to America:
Tonight, I can report to the American people and to the world that the United States has conducted an operation that killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of al Qaeda, and a terrorist who's responsible for the murder of thousands of innocent men, women and children.
It was nearly 10 years ago that a bright September day was darkened by the worst attack on the American people in our history. The images of 9/11 are seared into our national memory. Hijacked planes cutting through a cloudless September sky.
The Twin Towers collapsing to the ground. Black smoke billowing up from the Pentagon. The wreckage of Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania where the actions of heroic citizens saved even more heartbreak and destruction.
And yet we know that the worst images are those that were unseen to the world. The empty seat at the dinner table.
Children who were forced to grow up without their mother or their father. Parents who would never know the feeling of their child's embrace.
Nearly 3,000 citizens taken from us, leaving a gaping hole in our hearts.
On September 11th, 2001, in our time of grief, the American people came together. We offered our neighbors a hand, and we offered the wounded our blood. We reaffirmed our ties to each other and our love of community and country.
On that day, no matter where we came from, what god we prayed to or what race or ethnicity we were, we were united as one American family. We were also united in our resolve, to protect our nation and to -- to bring those who committed this vicious attack to justice.
We quickly learned that the 9/11 attacks were carried out by al Qaeda, an organization headed by Osama bin Laden, which had openly declared war on the United States and was committed to killing innocents in our country and around the globe. And so we went to war against al Qaeda, to protect our citizens, our friends, and our allies.
Over the last 10 years, thanks to the tireless and heroic work of our military and our counterterrorism professionals, we've made great strides in that effort. We've disrupted terrorist attacks and strengthened our homeland defense.
In Afghanistan, we removed the Taliban government which had given bin Laden and al Qaeda safe haven and support. And around the globe, we worked with our friends and allies to capture or kill scores of al Qaeda terrorists including several who were a part of the 9/11 plot.
Yet, Osama bin Laden avoided capture and escaped across the Afghan border into Pakistan. Meanwhile, al Qaeda continued to operate from along that border and operate through its affiliates across the world.
And so shortly after taking office, I directed Leon Panetta, the director of the CIA, to make the killing or capture of bin Laden the top priority of our war against al Qaeda. Even as we continued our broader efforts to disrupt, dismantle and defeat his network.
Then last August, after years of painstaking work by our intelligence community, I was briefed on a possible lead to bin Laden. It was far from certain. And it took many months to run this thread to ground.
I met repeatedly with my national security team as we developed more information about the possibility that we had located bin Laden hiding within a compound deep inside Pakistan.
And finally, last week, I determined that we had enough intelligence to take action and authorized an operation to get Osama bin Laden and bring him to justice.
Today, at my direction, the United States launched a targeted operation against that compound in Abad Abad, Pakistan. A small team of Americans carried out the operation with extraordinary courage and capability. No Americans were harmed. They took care to avoid civilian casualties.
After a firefight, they killed Osama bin Laden and took custody of his body.
For over two decades, bin Laden has been al Qaeda's leader and symbol and has continued to plot attacks against our country and our friends and allies.
The death of bin Laden marks the most significant achievement to date in our nation's effort to defeat al Qaeda.
And his death does not mark the end of our effort. There's no doubt that al Qaeda will continue to pursue attacks against us. We must and we will remain vigilant at home and abroad.
As we do, we must also reaffirm that the United States is not and never will be at war with Islam. I've made clear just as President Bush did shortly after 9/11 that our war is not against Islam. Bin laden was not a Muslim leader. He was a mass murderer of Muslims. Indeed, al Qaeda slaughtered scores of Muslims in many countries including our own.
So his demise should be welcomed by all who believe in peace and human dignity. Over the years, I've repeatedly made clear that we would take action within Pakistan if we knew where bin Laden was. That is what we've done.
But it's important to note that our counterterrorism cooperation with Pakistan helped lead us to bin Laden and the compound where he was hiding. Indeed, bin Laden had declared war against Pakistan as well and ordered attacks against the Pakistani people.
Tonight I called President Zardari, and my team has also spoken with their Pakistani counterparts. They agree that this is a good and historic day for both of our nations. And going forward, it is essential that Pakistan continue to join us in the fight against al Qaeda and its affiliates.
The American people did not choose this fight. It came to our shores and started with the senseless slaughter of our citizens. After nearly 10 years of service, struggle and sacrifice, we know well the costs of war.
These efforts weigh on me every time I, as commander in chief, have to sign a letter to a family that has lost a loved one or look into the eyes of a service member who's been gravely wounded.
So Americans understand the costs of war. Yet as a country, we will never tolerate our security being threatened, nor stand idly by when our people have been killed. We will be relentless in defense of our citizens and our friends and allies. We will be true to the values that make us who we are.
And on nights like this one, we can say to those families who have lost loved ones to al Qaeda's terror, justice has been done.
Tonight we give thanks to the countless intelligence and counterterrorism professionals who've worked tirelessly to achieve this outcome. The American people do not see their work nor know their names, but tonight they feel the satisfaction of their work and the result of their pursuit of justice.
We give thanks for the men who carried out this operation, for they exemplify the professionalism, patriotism and unparalleled courage of those who serve our country. And they are part of a generation that has borne the heaviest share of the burden since that September day.
Finally, let me say to the families who lost loved ones on 9/11, that we have never forgotten your loss, nor wavered in our commitment to see that we do whatever it takes to prevent another attack on our shores.
And tonight, let us think back to the sense of unity that prevailed on 9/11. I know that it has, at times, frayed. Yet today's achievement is a testament to the greatness of our country and the determination of the American people.
The cause of securing our country is not complete, but tonight we are once again reminded that America can do whatever we set our mind to. That is the story of our history. Whether it's the pursuit of prosperity for our people or the struggle for equality for all our citizens, our commitment to stand up for our values abroad, and our sacrifices to make the world a safer place.
Let us remember that we can do these things not just because of wealth or power, but because of who we are, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.
Thank you. May God bless you. And may God bless the United States of America.
"I have never killed any one, but I have read some obituary notices with great satisfaction." -Clarence Darrow
Until next time!
-Daniel Golden
Today, May 1st, 2011, President Barack Obama announced to the world that Osama bin Laden, mastermind behind the September 11 attacks on the United States of America, had been killed in Pakistan by U.S.-led forces.
Following is the text of Obama's statement to America:
Tonight, I can report to the American people and to the world that the United States has conducted an operation that killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of al Qaeda, and a terrorist who's responsible for the murder of thousands of innocent men, women and children.
It was nearly 10 years ago that a bright September day was darkened by the worst attack on the American people in our history. The images of 9/11 are seared into our national memory. Hijacked planes cutting through a cloudless September sky.
The Twin Towers collapsing to the ground. Black smoke billowing up from the Pentagon. The wreckage of Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania where the actions of heroic citizens saved even more heartbreak and destruction.
And yet we know that the worst images are those that were unseen to the world. The empty seat at the dinner table.
Children who were forced to grow up without their mother or their father. Parents who would never know the feeling of their child's embrace.
Nearly 3,000 citizens taken from us, leaving a gaping hole in our hearts.
On September 11th, 2001, in our time of grief, the American people came together. We offered our neighbors a hand, and we offered the wounded our blood. We reaffirmed our ties to each other and our love of community and country.
On that day, no matter where we came from, what god we prayed to or what race or ethnicity we were, we were united as one American family. We were also united in our resolve, to protect our nation and to -- to bring those who committed this vicious attack to justice.
We quickly learned that the 9/11 attacks were carried out by al Qaeda, an organization headed by Osama bin Laden, which had openly declared war on the United States and was committed to killing innocents in our country and around the globe. And so we went to war against al Qaeda, to protect our citizens, our friends, and our allies.
Over the last 10 years, thanks to the tireless and heroic work of our military and our counterterrorism professionals, we've made great strides in that effort. We've disrupted terrorist attacks and strengthened our homeland defense.
In Afghanistan, we removed the Taliban government which had given bin Laden and al Qaeda safe haven and support. And around the globe, we worked with our friends and allies to capture or kill scores of al Qaeda terrorists including several who were a part of the 9/11 plot.
Yet, Osama bin Laden avoided capture and escaped across the Afghan border into Pakistan. Meanwhile, al Qaeda continued to operate from along that border and operate through its affiliates across the world.
And so shortly after taking office, I directed Leon Panetta, the director of the CIA, to make the killing or capture of bin Laden the top priority of our war against al Qaeda. Even as we continued our broader efforts to disrupt, dismantle and defeat his network.
Then last August, after years of painstaking work by our intelligence community, I was briefed on a possible lead to bin Laden. It was far from certain. And it took many months to run this thread to ground.
I met repeatedly with my national security team as we developed more information about the possibility that we had located bin Laden hiding within a compound deep inside Pakistan.
And finally, last week, I determined that we had enough intelligence to take action and authorized an operation to get Osama bin Laden and bring him to justice.
Today, at my direction, the United States launched a targeted operation against that compound in Abad Abad, Pakistan. A small team of Americans carried out the operation with extraordinary courage and capability. No Americans were harmed. They took care to avoid civilian casualties.
After a firefight, they killed Osama bin Laden and took custody of his body.
For over two decades, bin Laden has been al Qaeda's leader and symbol and has continued to plot attacks against our country and our friends and allies.
The death of bin Laden marks the most significant achievement to date in our nation's effort to defeat al Qaeda.
And his death does not mark the end of our effort. There's no doubt that al Qaeda will continue to pursue attacks against us. We must and we will remain vigilant at home and abroad.
As we do, we must also reaffirm that the United States is not and never will be at war with Islam. I've made clear just as President Bush did shortly after 9/11 that our war is not against Islam. Bin laden was not a Muslim leader. He was a mass murderer of Muslims. Indeed, al Qaeda slaughtered scores of Muslims in many countries including our own.
So his demise should be welcomed by all who believe in peace and human dignity. Over the years, I've repeatedly made clear that we would take action within Pakistan if we knew where bin Laden was. That is what we've done.
But it's important to note that our counterterrorism cooperation with Pakistan helped lead us to bin Laden and the compound where he was hiding. Indeed, bin Laden had declared war against Pakistan as well and ordered attacks against the Pakistani people.
Tonight I called President Zardari, and my team has also spoken with their Pakistani counterparts. They agree that this is a good and historic day for both of our nations. And going forward, it is essential that Pakistan continue to join us in the fight against al Qaeda and its affiliates.
The American people did not choose this fight. It came to our shores and started with the senseless slaughter of our citizens. After nearly 10 years of service, struggle and sacrifice, we know well the costs of war.
These efforts weigh on me every time I, as commander in chief, have to sign a letter to a family that has lost a loved one or look into the eyes of a service member who's been gravely wounded.
So Americans understand the costs of war. Yet as a country, we will never tolerate our security being threatened, nor stand idly by when our people have been killed. We will be relentless in defense of our citizens and our friends and allies. We will be true to the values that make us who we are.
And on nights like this one, we can say to those families who have lost loved ones to al Qaeda's terror, justice has been done.
Tonight we give thanks to the countless intelligence and counterterrorism professionals who've worked tirelessly to achieve this outcome. The American people do not see their work nor know their names, but tonight they feel the satisfaction of their work and the result of their pursuit of justice.
We give thanks for the men who carried out this operation, for they exemplify the professionalism, patriotism and unparalleled courage of those who serve our country. And they are part of a generation that has borne the heaviest share of the burden since that September day.
Finally, let me say to the families who lost loved ones on 9/11, that we have never forgotten your loss, nor wavered in our commitment to see that we do whatever it takes to prevent another attack on our shores.
And tonight, let us think back to the sense of unity that prevailed on 9/11. I know that it has, at times, frayed. Yet today's achievement is a testament to the greatness of our country and the determination of the American people.
The cause of securing our country is not complete, but tonight we are once again reminded that America can do whatever we set our mind to. That is the story of our history. Whether it's the pursuit of prosperity for our people or the struggle for equality for all our citizens, our commitment to stand up for our values abroad, and our sacrifices to make the world a safer place.
Let us remember that we can do these things not just because of wealth or power, but because of who we are, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.
Thank you. May God bless you. And may God bless the United States of America.
"I have never killed any one, but I have read some obituary notices with great satisfaction." -Clarence Darrow
Until next time!
-Daniel Golden
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