Book Alert: Awesome New Series

One new really good book series is called Blue Bloods by Melissa de la Cruz. If you like vampire books or just an intriguing book that's impossible to put down then read this series. The third in the series just came out and i hope its not the last.....

click here if you want to see for yourself

Today

This morning I woke up and when I looked outside it felt like the seasons had really changed. It seemed different for some reason that I could not pin point. I guess it's because I haven't really had time to actually look out the window and really look. It is definitely fall in my town. It was like overnight all the leaves fell off the trees. Now the only green in my yard is the giant pine tree. Not even the grass is really green. It's brown from all the rain and covered by all the brown and orange leaves. It's both beautiful and depressing. But I can't wait for ski season. I'm so excited this year and I have such an itch to get out on those slopes. But with the economy in the toilet my family is going to be making less trips to the mountain this year. Sigh.

Too Busy

I'm actually kinda glad that i haven't been on my blog 24/7 because that means that i actually have a life, unlike some other people who live through their blogs. So what is happening in my life...... some random stuff you won't know what the heck it means:

1. who said girls are hard to understand?! Guys are 10 times harder to understand. I mean talk about mixed signals here. I'm so confused. There is a huge difference between "you should come" and "do u wanna come with me?" 

2. I'm wise (for my age).

3. Say "I love you" to someone today. It makes YOU feel good.

4. Why can I not figure out what to wear for picture day?

5. Chemistry is the most ridickilikilicilous subject in the whole world.

6. Underoath concert on Saturday???

My Poor Dog

Go watch this video of my dog with a lamp shade collar on his head. I did video tape it myself, so its not very good, but it's still funny...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JltNHItVgw

The Eyes (Part II)

I'm one of those people who can rise above what others think of them and not care about it. I know I'm different and I like who I am. So on Halloween, All Hallows Eve, my best friend, who is more like me on the inside, finally decided to come with me to visit my favourite cemetery. It is located in the middle of a field, and is shrouded by the wheat and no one would know it was there unless they were looking for it. The farm on which it rests has long been abandoned and is slowly decaying. The cemetery was a place where the family of the farmers were buried, so it is rather small with only about twenty or so graves. 

That special Halloween night my "sixth sense" was aroused by a strange feeling in the air. The night was nat as cold as usual for the end of October and a strong, warm breeze swirled through the trees. 

Ally and i made our way to the cemetery through the woods to the secluded graveyard.

"I don't know about this," Ally squeaked as we drew closer t our haunted destination.

"Come On. You can't flake out on me now... or else you'll be in the middle of the woods alone." I already knew that Ally would need a little extra push to come out here tonight. She is so nervous all the time and just needs to chill.

"You know, I was never comfortable with this whole 'spiritual realm,' Gwen," Ally said while stepping over a broken log.

"Well it is a fact that there are at least demons, maybe not ghosts, but there are definitely demons. It's in the Bible. And it talks about how there are multiple spiritual realms. So go and argue with God if you don't believe me"

We were finally to the field, at the edge of the woods.

"Whatev-whoa!"Ally's breath caught.

I looked over at her. She was alarmingly pale and she had a look of total horror painted on her face. She slowly lifted her shaking finger and pointed toward the field. I turned my head to follow her finger. And then- I didn't see anything. Nothing unusual. It was just the graveyard ahead. 

"Oh. My. Gosh! Did you see it?! It was right in the cemetery," Ally exclaimed while frantically looking around and digging her manicured nails into my forearm.

"What are you talking about? There is nothing there." 

"There was a man standing right in the cemetery among the graves. he was looking right at me! He was in all black and the only other thing I remember is his every. His gleaming, flaming red eyes boring into my soul. It was the freakiest thing of my life."

"Yea, sure," I said. This is so stupid. She is just pulling this crap so that she can get out of going. Well, she's going all right. I tugged Ally forward. "Let's get going. Come on, we've come this far. We're nearly there and we might as well..."

"Ugh." Ally sighed, still trying to calm down after her "paranormal experience."

We entered the field. The golden wheat was up to our knees and shone in the light of the

full moon. The heavy breeze made the wheat dance and swirl around us. As we inched closer to

the wrought-iron, rusty black fence that circled the cemetery Ally's nails dug deeper and deeper

into my arm. The sun had gone down and the moon was rising in the black night. I could hear

both Ally's and my breathing getting louder. My heart beat faster and thumped in my chest as I

creaked the gate open and we entered the cemetery.

Eyes: A Story by ME (based on a true life experience)

I have never thought of myself as a morbid person before, but I think I'm starting to think twice about that. On my way to school everyday I pass two graveyards, one funeral home, and many dead animals, including a very disturbing-looking rotting dead dog on the side of the road. 

Many people think that I'm, well, unusual, because of the way I dress, which is all black all the time and I definitely stand out in my white bread town. My intrigue with spiritual things adds to my unusualness. I notice things most  people don't notice or refuse to notice. The fact that there is dead everywhere. It's a true fact. You could say I have a sort of sixth sense, like the movie, but not really because I don't actually see dead people. Just death. But that would be cool though. The sad part is that people don't care about the dead. There are so many lonely graveyards and dead animals on the side of the road that people should have the decency to take care of. Our world is all about the living and not acknowledging the dead. 

Ok, Ok, I know it might sound weird but you can learn lot from the dead. My hobby is visiting graveyards. They are not scary places, as many horror movies might want you to think. They are really places of peace and serenity that provide solace to the lonely living. It is quite nice indeed to visit the graves and feel peace. 

The Number One Unsigned Band

If you are into indie/rock music then The Jakes are for you. Ally told me about them and so i checked out their Myspace and they are so awesome. I salute you guys for song cough syrup-- it's so chill. Can you guys come to NJ? Everyone here loves you =)

I'm Ok

I totally love guitar again and it was just a quick faze. My favourite things to play are any Bob Dylan songs because they are all good. =) i have a lesson tonight actually and my teacher is so awesome. Are lesson is, besides playing, discussing lyrics, comparing and contrasting old and new music, generations, and how much we love Bob Dylan and the Beatles and Led Zeppelin. He is so much fun and i look forward to my lesson because it is so relaxing. He's not one of those teachers that are all, "WHY DIDN'T YOU PRACTICE!!!??? WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU?!" Totally not like that and he says, "It's all good" instead. I'm staring to sound like him..... hahahaha

Lunchroom

Everyone says that high school was the best time of their lives and that we treasure the time we have there before it's gone and blah blah blah..... but right now I'm not feeling the love of my peers at school. Lunch is the especially hardest time of the day for me because it is a constant battle to find a good seat in the lunchroom. Ugh, I have to fight the freshmen boys to get a table. It's humiliating and I feel like I'm the only one who doesn't fit it. Today I ate lunch in the hallway with my best friend. It was actually fun, and we didn't get in trouble even though it is strictly forbidden (yea me and Ally are such bad asses). Today i informed the superintendent that the lunchroom is a huge problem because there is simply not enough room for the WHOLE high school to have lunch the same period and fit into the cafeteria. Duh, who is running the school anyway? Probably people who went to this school and that explains why they are so inept.... muahahahaha

Get Off My Back

All my parents tell me to do is practice!!!!!!! Ugh, you cannot force people to create insightful music and works of art. It doesn't work like that. Do you think Van Gogh painted the Mona Lisa because his parents told him to? No, he was inspired. Just like writers have writers block, i have music block and cannot be forced to do something my mind has mentally blocked off. 

I love my piano and extremely crappy but loved guitar, but I just need a little inspiration to make this work......

To Playradioplay

Dear Daniel Hunter,

I read you post "I am and Atheist"  on your Myspace page. I was actually surprised that you even had journal entries on your Myspace because most bands/artists don't, which doesn't make sense because they are writers (or supposed to be), so it just proves that you are awesome and write your own lyrics.  Anyway, I think it was really brave of you to be so open and share your religious beliefs with the world. 

You remind me of the great Greek philosopher Aristotle because your way of thinking scientifically and learning through questioning- "freethinker." I can understand your point of view to a certain extent because I also grew up going to church every Sunday with my family since I was very young. My mother mainly taught me about God and theology and why we do go to church. But as i grew older I began to question Christianity more and more. I felt like I was just believing everything my parents believe and that I needed to discover my own religion. 

I have an understanding of most other religions and I am definitely what you would call a "sheltered Christian." But in the end, God called me back to Him. I am not persecuting you for your beliefs at all. I was just wondering what flaws you found in the existence of a higher omniscient power. To you there may not be physical proof that God exists, but there is spiritual evidence in my soul. 

I did not know that there was such a discrimination against atheists.  Thank you for making me aware of that fact. I have no problem with people being atheists and would rather have them tell people what they believe that hiding it. You should not be scared about sharing your beliefs, and you should encourage others to proclaim what they believe, like you. I think the problem with youth today is that they don't care enough to pursue believing anything. They are just a blah kind of religion. They are the anti-religious people and not atheists because atheists still have beliefs in other ideas, such as humanism and love. 

I still adore your dorky techno music, regardless where you stand in your beliefs. 

From, 

Gwen

P.S. I believe in love, too (in a non-creepy way)

P.P.S. you go girl. jk 

Logo's Are Brainwashing

One useful thing i have learned this year at school was in my multimedia arts class. We were discussing the power of a company logo/symbol and its effects on consumers. It is a fact that the more you see a logo the more you want to go buy a product from that company. This is what makes America such a shopping-crazed nation, because we watch too much TV and that's when we see the logos and commercials ordering us to buy stuff that we most likely do NOT need. Our country is sick and needs to be less obsessed with fashion designer labels and such. I, for one, take a stand on the issue and refuse to be a walking billboard for any company by not buying clothing that has any of that companies symbols on it. Does anyone even check the morals of the company before they go buying a shirt that has ABERCROMBIE written gigantically on the front????? Get a clue people. You are being used. You are paying companies to advertise for them. And if you are wondering how that happened, it's because we the people let it happen and run rampant in our every day lives. Think twice before going to the mall. If you just look around you right now you will probably see at least two logos and you usually dont evern realize it. The brainwashing method is so subtle and sick. 

Is Christian Screamo Acceptable?

HELL YEA

Take the Quiz here!

I was hoping to be Maryanne. whatever.

Something Everyone Should Read

This is an email that I received that I absolutely believe in 100%.
I love Ben Stein and his movie Expelled. Watch it!

The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on
CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.
My confession:
I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish.
And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call
those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees, Christmas trees..
I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against.
That's what they are: Christmas trees.
It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, 'Merry Christmas'
to me.  I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready
to put me in a ghetto.  In fact, I kind of like it  It shows
that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy
time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger
scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in
Malibu. If people want a crïeche,it's just as fine with me as is
the Menorah a few hundred yards away.
I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't
think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I
think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed
around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that
America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution
and I don't like it being shoved down my throat. Or maybe I can put it
another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship
celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I
guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too.. But there are a lot of
us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the
America we knew went to.
In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this
is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny,
it's intended to get you thinking. Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed
on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her 'How could God let
something like this happen?'(regarding Katrina) Anne Graham gave an
extremely profound and insightful response.. She said, 'I believe God
is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been
telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government
and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He
has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing
and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?'
In light of recent events... terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think
it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body
found a few years ago) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools,
and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in
school. The Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and
love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK. Then Dr. Benjamin Spock
said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because
their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their
self-esteem (Dr Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert
should know what he's talking about. And we said OK. Now we're asking
ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know
right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers,
their classmates, and themselves. Probably, if we think about it long
and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to
do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW..'
Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the
world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but
question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes'
through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start
sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing.
Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through
cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school
and workplace.
Are you laughing yet? Funny how when you forward this message, you will
not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what
they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it. Funny how
we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what
God thinks of us. Pass it on if you think it has merit. If not then
just discard it... No one will know you did. But, if you discard this
thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the
world is in.
My Best Regards,
Honestly and respectfully,
Ben Stein

Breaking News

The breaking story is: POLICE OFFICER KILLS SICK FAMILY'S DOG. This is sad. I knew that police officers were corrupt, but I had a little hope that they weren't HEARTLESS! This is what happened in Texas: A family is pulled over by a police officer for speeding because they were rushing their sick, dying dog to the hospital. The poor dog was barley breathing and the officer continued to give them a speeding ticket. It's sick. He held that family up for 20 minutes while the family with small children in the car were freaking out because the dog was on it's last limb. It died later that day when the officer finally let them go. Can anyone say, "MAJOR lawsuit?!"

Quote of the Day

So join now, 'cause at the Derek Zoolander Center For Kids Who Can't Read Good And Wanna Learn To Do Other Stuff Good Too, we teach you that there's more to life than just being really, really, really good looking. Right kids?

-Derek Zoolander

Should Kids Have Summer Reading?

I think that kids should have summer reading, but they should not have to do any kind of report of project. That would be unfair. Kids do need to have some work over the summer, but it should not be writing papers. Reading is okay.
I know that other people would not agree with this, but are you the ones who have to do the work? NO! And I also know that the USA is lacking a lot in the education department compared to other countries, like China and other Asian countries. But what is the point of being the smartest? Shouldn't we all be trying to get along instead of being a constant race with everyone.
And to get back to summer reading- why do a report on a book when the kids could easily get the answers off the internet and not even have to read a PAGE of the book (of course I've never done that). It's pointless to do reports, and we are supposed to be having a break- which means to work- and not LESS work. Duh. Shut your freakin' gob.

An Very Emo Easter

"Rabbit for Easter? No wonder everyone thinks I'm messed up."

"Are you crying?"

"No!" I mean 'yes'. I hope my mascara runs so it looks likes a black swell of rage and feelings and feverous love is flowing down my cheeks, like a black river. My favorite color, representing the blood of this unlucky rabbit, whose blood that was spilt in this sick house, surrounded by this even sicker suburb, and now lying stiffly on my plate, reeking of unloving culture. 

Oh, easter bunny, you have made the real sacrifice today. This is what happens to people who dress in brighter colors and allow their emotions and thoughts of happiness to surface. This is what happens when you share with others. You should have hidden away those emotions like you do your eggs. Then you would still be alive. A prisoner like me, but alive. Maybe your the lucky one.

No! My tears and my love for you are strong enough to bring about another easter resurrection. 

Jesus, I know you like to wear white robes, but your hair hides your face. You have emo in you! Help me bring the easter bunny back to life with my tears, with my love, with my emo love!

------------------

This chocolate egg is like my life-- no shiny wrapper. Just a dark, hollow shell. My life is empty. My thoughts and emotions are all I have. When will the world be ready to be shared with?

"You broke my shell! All that's left is emptiness." 

This video is at the bottom...

Golfing...

I'm not a country club person to begin with. My family and my grandparents are. They love to live lavishly and play golf on expensive golf courses with their snooty buddies. I hate it. No one understands me. They want me to be a part of the family by golfing and besides the fact that I am not the best golfer even after many lessons, I am constantly in the shadow of my younger sister, who is 13 years old. Yes, my younger sister. My parents are totally fine with me being a "hippie," which is what they call me. My sister is the quintessence of a preppy cheerleader. She is blond, skinny, loves designer bags, Hollister, talking on the phone, and facebook. All of the things that I personally abhor. Living with her gets really painstaking. 

I am currently visiting my grandparents, who love to golf, so my parents, grandma, my two sisters, and I went golfing today. In the last couple of days my sisters, my mom, and I have been getting lessons and today we tried them out. We only played 5 holes, but for me it was a disaster.

Hole 1: Everyone did well. I cannot hit off the tee box for my life. My ball always curves to the right, which translates as the woods. So i has to drop a ball in the fairway. Even my 9 year old sister did somewhat better than me. I used my seven iron and had an amazing hit close to the green. But then I can't putt for my life.

Hole 2: Everyone did well. I sucked. I think I hit it about 20 ft from the tee. My dad yelled at me to go "hurry up and get it! Run!" I was pissed because i was always the last one to hit and always had to "hurry up." My dad is just a stressed person and does not feel my vibe as a relaxed, laid back person and he was conscious of other people catching up behind us so we had top hurry yet again. Ugh, I was having an awful time after that. So, anyways, I decided to walk to get my ball which really pissed off my dad. He yelled. I cried. 

Hole 3: I always cry at the wrong times and once I get going I can't stop. I just wallow in self pity even when I try to stop myself. Then everyone doesn't look at me cause I'm crying. My preppy sister is having the best golf game of her life and wants to know "what's wrong?"! I don't want to play anymore because I'm blinded by tears. i just drive the cart (the best part of golf by the way). 

Hole 1: (we drove back to the start again) Everyone does good. I'm still sulking. My mom tries to encourage me by saying that i should just perservere through my anger with my father because he was never angry at me. It's my fault again to ruin another family outing.

Hole 2: I still have tears in my eyes and I tell my father that I'm not having fun. He just tries to ignore me and says "great job!" to my sisters. I mumble "great job gwen" to myself an he hears me so he says "great job" to me, too. Even though I did practically nothing. I could be good at golf but there is not enough time to practice. I will try it again but not when my controlling father is around. UGH. 

My Crazy Family

So twice every year my mom's side of the family gets together a party- the summer and Christmas parties. These parties are always something to look forward to. It's just fun because when you get the whole group together its about 60 people (this just on my mom's side) and the number differs when people keep on having babies.
I was so unfortunate as to miss the summer party this year because I was on the mission trip, and everyone told me that I missed one hell of a party. Besides the fact that all 60 people asked my family where I was, which totally annoyed my sister (muahahaha), they had so much fun without me.
First of all, of course you knew there was going to be a showdown between Mikey and Victor, with the help from Lauren, Jessica, Bridget, and Tara. We all love torturing Victor and his Abercrombie ass. So Mikey and his crew make the first move. While Victor is getting a drink out of the cooler, Mikey Lauren, Jessica, Bridget and Tara pour ice cold water on him. Then later Victor gives Lauren a dunk or two in the pool. Lauren claims that she "dearly drowned" so she and Jessica and Mikey and Scottie take Victors underwear while he's still in the pool, put them in a ziplock bag and put them in the freezer. Victor is later on wandering around looking for his underwear and Lauren innocently says,"Oh i found these in the freezer," and holds the boxers up to him. He freaks and is pissed the rest of the party.
Ok that wasn't even the beginning of it. Mikey's wife Teresa comes to the party in a blue and white checkered dress and everyone starts calling her Dorothy, from the Wizard of OZ. Then during dinner Scottie chokes on a piece of steak. Aunt Nancy starts to freak out and scream "he's choking" and then creepy uncle Jimmy gives him the Heimlich maneuver. Scottie hawks up a giant piece of steak and then barfs right on uncle Joey's patio.
Then my cousin who lives in Brooklyn, Nevada, doesn't know how to swim but she goes in the pool anyway. She almost drowns. Yea, that freaked everyone out a little.
Lastly, while everyone is playing a friendly, family game of volleyball good old uncle Chet blows out his knee.
I really wish I had been there because that had to be the most eventful family party in a while. Everything that was said is 100% true. A real story. I love my crazy family and I can't wait 'till Christmas.

Mission Trip

I just got back from an amazing trip. I went with my youth group on a mission trip to West Virginia and it was awesome. God really opened my eyes to new things and ways of thinking. Randy, the speaker who works for Mustard Seeds & Mountains, was really great. He is an x-hippie-drug-dealer who came to Jesus in his early 20's. He talked about other kids who were not even double digits that were making a difference in their communities by reaching out to people and kids their age. Most of Randy's messages were depressing because he made me feel like, as a Christian, I was not doing enough for Jesus or using my life to further His kingdom. He talked about all of the problems in the world from slavery to drugs to war and how the next generation should ask God to help us change the world and show the love of God to others. You also do not need to go to a different country to be a missionary. There are plenty of things a person can do in their own country, and i also think that you should try to help your own country before helping another. It would be a little hypocritical. God also taught me to do whatever I can to further His kingdom. I CAN make a difference in the world. It IS possible to do.
When a fellow youth did the devotional during lunch at the work site, he did a really good job because I learned something new. We did James chapter - the taming of the tongue.
7All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, 8but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison
In these verses i realized that man can tame every other animal, but he cannot tame himself. That it why man needs God. I did feel the presence of God on this trip, through my work and fellowship.
In West Virginia the youth group split up into 2 groups and each was assigned a house to work on. You would get to know the family who lived there and talk to them. My group worked on the youth center that previous groups had started. Since a family did not live there we got to know some of the kids who came to hang out there. The manual labor that we did all weeks was mostly painting the house, scraping the paint, and a little landscaping. It was fun and i got to know the people in my group better- bonding. I am definately going back next year. =)

Life's Not Fair

Fact: Gas is nearly $4 a gallon and there is no light at the end of the tunnel for future prices. The human race is desperately seeking an alternative substance to substitute fuel. It is a brilliant idea, but it is not likely that a substitute for fuel will be invented/discovered for at least a decade.
Future: Transportation by motor vehicle will be impossible to afford for the middle class.

Contemplate how much gas was when you started driving. Compare the price to now and ask yourselves this: is it fair for the future generations to pay astronomical prices for gas? while waiting for a new fuel? Gas is too expensive for teens to drive now because, even working kids, cannot afford gas. It's not fair that just because we, as the USA, refuse to drill for oil in our own country and make use of our own resources that teens across American have to suffer from gas prices, as well as everyone else? UGH

Facebook

I do not know if anyone besides me has wondered why online journals such as xanga, myspace, and facebook are so popular. What is the point of having one anyway?
The bottom line reasons for people to have a facebook are: to show off our pictures/bumper stickers, show off who you are friends with, and look at other people's profiles. These are all very shallow reasons, so anyone who has an online journal/profile is arrogant and boastful. Facebook is so overrated.

Quote of the Day

"Are the shades of Pemberly to be thus polluted?"

-Lady Katherine
If you have any idea what I'm talking about, please comment. =)

Who is the Greatest?

Bob Dylan is the best composer and poet musician of all time. He is actually on tour this summer and anyone reading this should make an effort to go see him. bobdylan.com is where his tour is posted. It is my goal to see him perform or meet him in person before he or I die (however morbid that is). If you actually sit and read Bob's lyrics they are mind boggling. They are not like todays artists how keep producing the same crappy love songs or utter vulgarities. He has poetic and prophetic lyrics that go very deep. Check it out, man!

Trip To Paris

Well, Paris was definately an interesting experience and totally not what i expected. The city is beautiful and has so much history to it, but what i did not expect was the SMELL. Everywhere you went, even the nicest restaurant, it smelled like pee. I think French people don't have the concept of a toilet, seriously. Also, no offense to the French because they are really kind (mostly), I don't understand how they get a rep for having the best food because they DON'T! They eat the most disgusting things and you would throw up right now if I told you half the horrifying things I encountered there. I did figure out why the French are so skinny. It's because they are afraid to eat anything so they stick with bread. By the way, the bread was amazing! And the best food that I found in France was, surprisingly, Italian food. I went to most of the museums and my favourtie by far was the Cluny Museum, which has the largest collection of medieval artifacts in the world. I also went to Notre Dame, Sacre Coeur, the Louvre, Le Musee d'Orsay, and the Loire Valley (which was my favourite thing). On my trip to the French countryside I went with a tour group and saw 3 chateaus that were magnificent. I saw Ambois (my fav), Cheneauceau, and Chambourd, which is famous for its size and the wine. What was really cool was there was a lot of artsy parts of Paris where I was able to escape the high fashion parts, and there were hip little bookshops and people playing guitars on the streets. It was all together awesome.

Think For Yourself

Many people listen to the radio, which is filled with obnoxious DJs that give the latest gossip on your favorite celebrities, the same songs played over and over until you think your head is going to explode, and crappy music that is so-called 'popular'. Here is something to think about: why should you let radio stations and the MAN pick what songs should be played on the air? I ask this question every time i hear the radio and it fills my heart with disgust. People are so content these days with not having an opinion and letting other people run their lives. I am not just talking about the radio, but also the government and politicians and schools, etc. I know many kids who love the radio and cannot see my opinion. I also know many of my classmates hate politics. They hate politics because they are so tired of this never ending, no light in the tunnel, drawn out presidential campaign and it's making me crazy too. But this is a scary thought, the fact that the future generation of the United States does not care about politics. This will just cause a power vacuum and a dictator will rise to power. Then will anyone care????

Animals

Today as i was sitting on the front porch of my house reading "Vampire Kisses" (an awesome book), i was ambushed by a swarm of vicious wasps! I now have a swollen big toe (yes, they stung my toe) and it pulses with pain every few seconds. Oww. At least i got my revenge when i sprayed a whole can of bee killer on their gigantic nest that was all too conveniently located under the chair that i had been sitting on before the surprise attack. I do love animals, just not wasps. and humans.

Abercrombie & Fitch is a Conspiracy

If you have not already noticed, the store Abercrombie & Fitch (or as i like to call it 'Aberzombie & Witch') is very popular with teens and young adults. i have been in that store and i do not understand why it is as popular as it is. my opinion of A&F is ex porn stars sad attempt to sell overpriced crap to make a brainwashed army of teens in order to make a universal preppy stereotype and to make everyone think it's acceptable to traipse around half naked. the thought makes me shudder.
i did have the unpleasant experience of actually going in to an A&F store. in the mall i could smell it from 300 feet away and could tell that it was nearby because i saw posse's of trampy blond girls and their jock boyfriends swarming around. when i actually went in it was like being in a club because the music in the store was extremely loud, head-thumping disco/electro/dance crap and i couldn't hear myself think (not that a lot of that was going on in there). Besides the smell and the sound there were tons of pictures of practically naked men and women. what i don't know is how naked people are supposed to be advertising clothing (not that anyone shopping there was smart enough to notice). even in the commercials for A&F no one is really wearing a lot of clothing and it's like one of those commercials where you wouldn't know what they were selling until the name or logo came on the screen. all i see is hair flipping and abs......

watch this and you will understand my point of view: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXfnBbMNwmM

Did you know that you have to be at least 18 years old to buy an A&F catalog? can anyone say 'x-rated'?!
Well, the real question is: why do American teens buy (literally) into this image? what makes them want to spend twice as much money on the same t-shirt they could buy in another store? is it just for the label? or is it the sheer lack of individuality in our culture today? My younger sister, who is 14 years old, is going to help me answer these questions (she likes A&F).

Q: do you agree with my opinion of A&F? do you think this is a correct analysis?
A: i agree with your opinion but i will still buy their clothes. the reason i will still buy their clothes is because it looks nice and it fits my body right.
Q: do you realize that you can buy the same things for a lot cheaper at a different store that has better morals portrayed and a more appropriate image for girls your age?
A: yes, but i won't buy the revealing things. i guess your just buying the name.
Q: but by wearing the clothes don't you think that you are therefore representing the image and morals of the company?
A: Yes.
Q: so you cannot just buy the name.
A: true
Q: why do you think this store is so popular?
A: because it's atmosphere is very appealing and it smells good and they have some pretty nice clothing that would appeal to younger society. and because of the label, being so widely known.
Q: what do you think the A&F label stands for? be honest
A: the moose, duh! it obviously means that you have enough money to buy the clothes because it is mad expensive. and secondly it stands for the best. the most expensive. it is therefore higher in rank compared to Hollister and American Eagle. people want these clothes just for the name.
Q: do you think only a certain stereotype should wear or represent A&F?
A: well, they only provide certain sizes so then only skinny people can have the privilege of wearing their clothing. Q: do you think you qualify? if so why?
A: yes. because i am skinnier and i have the stereotype that the store would want to buy their clothing because I'm preppy. this does not stop people from buying their clothes.
Q: do you think teens just buy A&F clothing to fit in to the crowd? to be accepted?
A: yes
Q: by doing that do you think it is a good idea to become accepted?
A: no. you won't be accepted by what you wear. but what you wear is part of it. you can't be the most popular at school and wear dorky clothes.
Q: do you think the preppy look of A&F causes a lack of individuality because of the stereotype that comes with it?
A: no, I've seen punk people wear A&F.

I still think that A&F is just another stereotype and that it does cause a lack of personality when you wear it. it is a conspiracy to have clone people. younger kids have also found it is a way to find acceptance from peers. this is not right. this is the shallow thinking of our sad, messed-up society. rise against this! boycott A&F and Hollister.

the end

Depressingness

I call this blog "the unblog" because i want to make people think. Think about how our culture has so far degraded and that we should not stand for it. we need to star a revolution and revolt against the way things are. Our standards and morals in todays society are so far off. We need to change by starting with teens because they are the future and the next generation that will be the adults (shudder). I will be observing people (preferably teens) and trying to explain their bizarre behavior. I am going to talk about things that the media and the MAN do to ruin society. I am also going to talk about the phrase "because everyone else is doing it" and why that it a pitiful statement. Tune in next time for a full dose of cruel but truthful reality.