So I was reading some blogs when I came across a list of "The Ten Most Annoying Singers" and found this really funny description of Ashlee Simpson and that guy from Fallout Boy. I edited it a bit for curse words (sorry if I missed something) but here's the link if you want to see the whole list: http://laist.com/2008/04/29/irksome_and_ins.php?gallery2341Pic=5#gallery


"5) Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz This might seem like an easy target. One can’t sing, the other can’t even lipsynch correctly, and they’re both cribbing off other peoples’ accomplishments (Ashlee – Her older sister; Pete – the Simpsons, every s***** pop punk band since Blink 182.) They make alternating versions of bubblegum pop, which should exempt them from this list. But they’re not just here for themselves, they’re standing in for the army of similarly turgid nonsense they represent, the coveted America’s Lamest People demographic. You know, people who think abstinence only education works, which conveniently, guarantees that more such people will be created. It’s a vicious cycle.

Technically, their individual 15 minutes are up, and they shouldn’t even rate page 22 in US weekly. But together, they’re more powerful than you can possibly imagine. They’ve even managed to turn hipster haircuts circa 2001 into standard preppie douchebag hair – kind of how the biggest fans of tarted up hair bands in the 80s were football players. Plus, they’re idiots (did we mention Ashlee can’t even lipsynch?!). More than mere mortals, they’re really kind of like a constructicon made entirely out of fever blisters.

And just like the spread of STDs, prevention is the most important step, a step that America, juding by prodigious teen pregnancy rates and skyrocketing sales of celebrity tabloids, is unlikely to make until it’s too late."

HA!
:)

It's been a while since I've written anything on here. I feel a little egotistical to talk about my self like that so instead I'm going to talk about what's been on my mind lately. Maybe you can give me some feed back on my sentiments, or not, w/e, either way I'm getting something off my chest.

My sister and I where talking a few days ago about "open-mindedness" and we actually agreed on something for once! We started discussing the way some people (Christians in particular)treat others. So many of us have a tendency to look down on others with the idea that they're sinners while we look at ourselves as big Christians. We've all done it. A friend of mine (who is agnostic) recently posted these verses on my FB wall:
First Corinthians - Chapter 13:4-8

4. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
5. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
6. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
7. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8. Love never fails.

The lack of individuals practicing this is why I believe there are so many problems in our world on a personal and global scale. No matter what belief someone holds they can still practice true love towards their fellow man, and hey, it could even solve world hunger! But then again utopian societies don't exist.... :(

I ended up having the same discussion with my friend on FB as I did with my sister so at least I know my sister and I aren't crazy! The discussion went to a much broader scale - the difference between tolerance and open-mindedness. Despite what the politically correct might say, it's definitely possible to be close-minded while tolerating others of different beliefs than yours. I liked the way my friend Scott put it (he's definitely a better writer than me): We try so hard to become open-minded that we become critical to the point of closed-mindedness. The best way I can describe this is when someone tries to accept everything as being "OK" they have a tendency to reject Christians/Muslims/Jews/atheists/etc because they don't accept everything as being "OK". I guess the more someone tries to be open-minded towards ideas the more closed-minded and isolated they become from other individuals.

It's kinda like when someone tries so hard to nonconform to the world that they end up being a conformist. It's quite humorous actually, these people try so hard to be different then everyone else that they end up looking like everyone else. But they're blinded by who knows what, pride? naivete? I'm not one to make those judgments. Whatever the case is, all those emos/goths/punks/preps/any other group are all conforming to something. If you want to join those groups then go ahead. There's really nothing wrong with it but don't whine when people stereotype you because you've labeled yourself AND don't claim to be a nonconformist because guess what? You look, act, and dress just like thousands of other people. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with being in those groups if your not sinning, just please open your eyes.

As cliche as it sounds, just be yourself... but for real this time. If you end up in those groups then at least you're doing what YOU want but in MY experience 9 times out of 10 it's because someone is trying to be cool and thinks they'll achieve it by labeling themselves even if they're not going to take on the full stereotype. It's kinda lame. I have waaaaay more respect for those who are genuine individuals. Those are the hardest to find because there's nothing to conform to... you just end up there. You can always find another emo and definitely another prep.

Anywho... I don't want to offend anyone. These are just my opinions and they don't have to matter if you don't want them to.

I've been listening to a particular B-side track by Radiohead called "Faithless, The Wonder Boy." It's difficult to find but if you ever get the chance, check it out.

Thanx and don't be mean!

"Desiderata"

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

So, I'm into my 3rd week of school this semester and it's going fairly well I guess. I'm taking 15 hours and although its less than last semester these classes are much harder. But then again I'm only taking freshman level courses so it's not going to kill me! I found a study group in chemistry and I'm going to meet with them in about half an hour.

The Foo Fighters concert has come and gone... I'm a little sad now since I no longer have anything to look forward to. But I must say that it was amazing!! I've been to quite a few concerts in my day and that was definitely my favorite one.

I met a girl the other day who is just as obsessed with Brandon Boyd as I was in middle school (and I must admit its kinda pathetic). She's making me remember why I used to be such a fan of him (and just for the record I liked the band waaaaay before I even knew what Mr. Boyd looked like....). She even got some of his artwork tattooed on her back. He's an amazing artist and I'm actually thinking about doing the same thing. But idk.. we'll see! :P

I hate AT&T soooooo much!!! I just got a new phone back in August and over break it started acting weird. I could hear people on the other line but people couldn't hear me so I claimed warranty and they sent me a new phone of the same model.... Well, recently I haven't been able to send or receive text messages and being fed up with this stupid Nokia phone I claimed warranty on it again. And once again they sent me a new model except this time they informed me that these replacement phones arn't new but only refurbished! So, they're not even guarantied to work!!!! Anyways 2 days ago after I found all of this out I went to the AT&T store to ask about it. Turns out there was a glitch in the computer and my text messaging had been turned off... grrrr... I told the guy that helped me that I was fed up with the crappy phone I had and he said that since the replacement phone they're sending me is the 3rd one in this model that I'll have owned that they are required to give me a different model if this one doesn't work. He basically told me to make a false insurance claim or w/e. And I quote "If you want to get out of paying full price for a new model just claim that there's something wrong with this next one and they're required to give you a new one." Hmmmm kinda dishonest but I think that after everything they've put me through I deserve a nice phone. Not that I'm actually going to do it, it's just really tempting....

I've been trying to look on the bright side of things lately and it's actually helping!!! Since I've been up here several things have changed for the good:

I watch less TV (it's been cut down to the Office and the occasional Conezy fix)

I've lost weight despite the fact that I'm on a strict Ramen noodle, chocolate milk, and Chick-fil-A diet.

I'm making a lot of awesome new friends which is making me discover what I've been missing out on for so long.

I've found people to play Halo with! :P

I've discovered new ways of being as efficient as possible (I've figured out how to not fix my hair and have it still look ok!)

I'm beginning to become more organized

And finally I'm getting a new phone!! (hopefully legally...)

I'm watching Conan. He makes me smile!

I've recently repaired a friendship. Now, for the first time in a very long time I feel like things are going to go back to the way they used to be. And thats a really good thing... especially since it involves someone I really care about. He's like a brother to me and hopefully he always will be.

I'm headed back up to Bowling Green on Saturday. Yay!!!

Hmmm tomorrow is my high school's homecoming... Don't really want to go but I have a few friends I want to see so I'm going.

I finally have money for the new mac system... Yipee!

My computer is bright blue now!

I got a new phone cuz mine stopped working lol!

Well thats pretty much everything for now. I'll write more later!!!

It's my birthday! I'm 19 and I have the best presents ever! My friends from school decided to come down and see me and I'm really excited about that! we're gunna eat at Macaroni Grill and see some sites around Chattanooga so that'll be fun.

Anyways I just spent a few days at Megan's and I had alot of fun goofing off with her and her friends Adam and Michael. Oh! and Hot Rod has to be the funniest movie I've seen in a long time! I definitely recommend it!