I'm A Mac, And So Can You

Apple's New Ipod Shuffle

2009-04-01T16:50:00.000-07:00

Hey all, it's been a really long time since I've posted anything. Mainly because my life hasn't changed in a big way lately. Just work and school is all that's going on.

A few weeks ago, Apple came out with the new ipod Shuffle. This time, there are no buttons and it talks to you, meaning you can have playlists rather than just a library of all your songs. The only buttons are located on the headphones. There are only 3 buttons on them. It's insane.

The Shuffle turns out to be almost half as big as it's predecessor. I got to see what the headphones looked like taken apart, and it is super super small... and that brought up a question: Why couldn't they put the buttons on the ipod, making it less than a millimeter thicker? Because the bad thing about the headphones having the buttons, the ipod is completely useless without the headphones! If you lose them, break them, or anything, you have to get a 30 dollar pair. And they are already proven to be pretty cheap headphones (though I like them).

It's even rumored that the Shuffle has a chip that makes it impossible to make third-party headphones for them. Which sucks, and really doesn't seem like Apple at all.

Despite all this, I love the idea of the voice over, which enables users to have playlists. Before, that had been the only thing I disliked about the Shuffles. It really opens up a new step in technology. But the reactions I've heard about the voice over makes me think people aren't ready for that kind of technology. Which brings something compltely different. It seems as people have kind of flat-lined when it comes to liking new technology. People STILL want physical keyboards on the iphone, don't like the voice-over, and I know many people who hate such sites like Twitter, which are simple ways to keep people updated. Very interesting and I might expand on that later.

Anyway. As far as the ipod goes, I think it's a great idea, the buttons should just stay on the actual ipod. I don't think it's as big of a deal as people make it though. For the record I wouldn't get one, but they are nice.

MacWorld Expo- ¿Donde esta Steve Jobs?

2009-01-07T09:33:00.000-08:00

Not impressed. Actually scratch that- more like disappointed. I was hoping for a new Mac Mini, iPods, or something. All they really did was change the battery in the Macbook Pro and get an update for iLife, and iWork.

So now the Macbook Pro battery lasts 8 hours and can have more charges in its life than any other battery. That is very impressive. It's greener too, and does not add any weight! The thing I am skeptical about though is that they got 40% more room for the battery by taking away the stuff that makes it removable. Now it's just in your computer, and you can't take it out yourself to replace it. Well, it'd be a challenge. Other than that, great. Saves energy, and still the same weight. That is definitely ground breaking.

And iLife. Finally it sounds like the brought back the effects to iMovie. Our last version had nothing but time editing and titles. I was so pissed about that that I downloaded a fake version of the old iMovie that worked even better than the real thing had in past OS generations. I guess it was to get more people buying the Final Cut Pro which soo much, that it is only worth it if you are actually making movies. So I am glad that's back.

iWork. Now it's like Google Docs I have heard. Still haven't read into it, but it sounds like it's going to the Cloud. Pretty cool, but I wonder if you can still hardcopy your work to the physical hard drive.

And where is our new Mac Mini? I was hoping for a cheaper version, or a larger hard drive version. And there were also hot rumors about a laptop series that was way more affordable. Unlikely, knowing Apple, but really, that would buy in a lot more people. All my friends that don't have Macs say it's because they are so expensive.--- Expensive, but worth the quality.

And since I lost my iPod on the slopes of White Pass, I was really really hoping that they would have a little iPod update for the Shuffle or Nano. I need one to get me through to next October when my Verizon contract is up and I can buy an iPhone.

Lately. The WWWeb.

2009-01-07T08:54:00.000-08:00

I am bummed because I have had many many really good blog ideas lately that jump through my head, but I never get to writing them down or actually blogging them.

But yesterday I was browsing the Economist.com Opinion pages, and it was talking about Net-Geners compared to Millennials. It talked about how the older generations see us Net-Geners- or Facebookers- as narcissistic, spoiled, and lazy.

Granted, I do agree that a load of my generation are as described. I am actually a little nervous when we grow up and are controlling the government, education, and so on. The author says that, since we have grown up with computers we are better at utilizing the information that can be found on the web, and that we yearn for knowledge. In general claiming that we will be the new successful "managers" or boss when we are grown up.

I think both sides are extreme exceptions. Many of my generation just smoke pot and want everything to come to them. Sure they may use a computer to entertain themselves, but that doesn't mean they seek knowledge from online sources or are striving for a job in computer tech.

I'm not sure where I'm going with this. I feel like the article did not finish well. It felt like a statement now that I scanned it again.

On the same subject though, I do think it is important that Millennials embrace computer technology. I can't express how frustrating it is when I hear a parent tell a friend of mine to get off the computer because he's spent enough time on it for one day. Sure- we all need exercise- but computers no longer keep you from talking with friends and family. Everyone in my Mom's side of the family has a Facebook, and we chat and playfully bicker more than ever. Phones- hmm, well I never cared for communicating on them much. Unless you need to be one-on-one, there is no point. If it is a matter that concerns your entire family, send out a bulk message on Facebook, and then everyone can basically start a discussion board on that email. And if that's not enough, get on iChat (okay, OR aim, igoogle, etc.) and do a group video/audio chat. It's cheaper than talking on the phone! Well basically you don't pay at all besides WiFi fees.

If it weren't for Facebook, I wouldn't be talking to my family at all besides for trips we take to actually go see them. The book is indeed, flat because of the internet, outsourcing, etc. I believe it is going to help our economy and way of life in a big way for my generation, if not older geners that embrace it.

The internet, is not evil, much less computers. Sure, get some exercise. But really, don't see it as being stuck in a hole with no social life. Embrace the fact that it creates jobs, flattening communications, and is a source of knowledge.

Technically a Year, Sort of 11 Months.

2008-12-17T12:02:00.001-08:00

So I believe it was this week last year that I broke up with my last girlfriend. And the girl that I "dated" for a week in February doesn't really count. So I've basically been single for an entire year. There are pros and cons to this of course, but I think it's mostly a positive. I have had this entire year to mature and understand what was so incredibly wrong with my last two relationships. Earlier this year I wrote about how high school relationships are bound to be dysfunctional, and just create more drama than is needed. I still strongly go by that, but at times I've felt like saying 'screw being single, I'll ask her out and if it doesn't go well, oh well.' But I've fought that urge to "test the waters" with dating-- not worth it.

This year has proved to be the most fun with friends. We all have our licenses and more freedoms, we've hung out way more than before. Becoming older is awesome, and having the time to chill with friends his awesome, without the crutch of having a girlfriend that may not like doing exactly what my friends and I enjoy.

So here's to my single life- anniversary! Haha.

To Serve.

2008-12-14T23:50:00.001-08:00

After watching Black Hawk Down again, I can't express my gratitude to all our past, present, and future soldiers. No matter what they are there for us. No matter how trivial the mission is, they do it. They are why we are free. If noone sacrificed their lives for the country, we wouldn't have a country. And as someone who has considered joining the army before, I recognize that choosing to serve really does effect how your life will go: if you will have a spouse, kids, or if you do, if you'll live to see them again. Any man who would risk not seeing his loved ones' faces again for millions of people that he doesn't know is a man I have unwavering respect for.
This movie also reminds me of the bitterness I feel towards President Bill Clinton. He pulled out of Mogadishu after Black Hawk Down, defeated, making the deaths of that day completely in vain. I respect him as a president, but in many ways I was appalled at the applause he got at the 2008 Democratic National Convention. I don't care if he was the last democratic president and they all love democrats, it's what he did! It's like how most people would have felt about Bush if he had pulled out of Iraq four years ago. I think it would have made the soldier's sacrifices in vain.
This past year I have begun to understand what our soldiers have done for this nation, and I can't stop feeling thankful for them. Our politicians may be awful, but they are unwavering; always there. I feel one day, if our country is in a major war, I may join their ranks. At the moment I don't think it is what God wants me to do, but it may be one day. I would be proud to stand along others who are willing to die for other's freedom. To fight for the people, not the president. They are strong, admirably so.
If you are reading this, please; give a moment of silence for the following soldiers, and the past, present, and future soldiers. My respect and eternal debt is with them.
Gary Gordon
Randy Shughart
Daniel Busch
Earl Fillmore
Matt Rierson
Tim Martin
Jamie Smith
James Cavaco
Casey Joyce
Richard Kowalewski
Dominick Pilla
Lorenzo Ruiz
William Cleveland
Thomas Field
Clifton Wolcott
Donovan Briley
Cornell Houston
James Martin
18. All died in Battle of Mogadishu.

C.Atheist.T.

2008-12-03T09:33:00.001-08:00

So apparently in Olympia Washington a group of Atheists decided to put up a "sign" right next to a nativity scene. It talked about the "real reason" for the season and about there being no holy beings. And this got me thinking.

What's up with atheists? I have you noticed most of them are cynical people who don't conform to society or people around them? They always are alone but they say the prefer it to "making myself look like an idiot". I watch this guy on youtube who keeps telling his viewers how he doesn't "give a damn" about what others think, hence his bad hair days, etc. Many small things like this seem very typical in atheists. I have an atheist friend. If all my other friends think something I say was hilarious he probably won't laugh. And when the others don't laugh he does. I find it very interesting.

Not only do they seem cynical, but hugely arrogant. Atheists always seem to be the ones bragging that they are not going to vote because our government is so screwed up, or saying how most people's humor is pathetic unless it is just as cynical as say... Dr. House from tv. They can't conform to anything no matter what it is.

To not believe in a god is inhuman. We were programmed to look up to something. Explain to me why tribes that have never experienced a modern human because they are so deep in Africa still have their own forms of angels, demons, etc. Every culture has a god they look up to and explain the beginning of time, the sun, etc.

Tell me how that psychological programming cannot prove there is a god out there. I have my own religious beliefs, but any god.

My point of this was not to point out how weird atheists are, but to point out how psychology common sense proves them wrong to a certain extent. Many atheists I know have not grown up in a solid family... Just saying their life experiences in comparison with their beliefs and attitudes are very interesting.

Oh, and don't get offended I'm sure there might be an exception to my Cynical Atheist Theory. Whether you're the exception or not, it is interesting that there are many many atheists like I've described-- that are completely open about it.

I welcome comments about your opinion, just be mature.

Turkey Time!

2008-11-27T12:48:00.000-08:00

Baby Nora, Julie and Brian came down for Thanksgiving! Nora is now 14 months old! She calls Brian dada and Julie mama! It's adorable! She ran around shirtless for quite some time with a giant turkey balloon clipped to her pants! Good Thanksgiving so far!

Sneaking Food Into a Movie

2008-11-23T23:06:00.001-08:00

Wednesday is Thanksgiving Eve. Our youth group has a tradition of going to a children's movie and sneak in as much food as possible. We take over the theater- I mean who would be there on a holiday night? A few times people have sneaked turkeys in. I've gotten bottles of sparkling cider.

I have googled ideas for hiding things, but I need more ideas. Leave me a comment with your ideas.

And let me know if you'd like to go to this as well.

Posted by email from John's Posterous

I Challenge All Phone Manufacturers...

2008-11-18T17:16:00.000-08:00

Motorolla, Blackberry, Samsung, all you guys who make phones, I have a challenge for you. The iPhone is inarguably the best phone out there. No question. It has kicked all your guys' butts. Many of you have made touch screen phones that don't compare, but look freakishly like the iPhone. Now it's time for something new.

I challenge you all to create a phone that is better than the iPhone and not a touch screen! I think this could get interesting.

Some Sad News About My Favorite Music

2008-11-17T09:57:00.000-08:00

Metal may actually be bad for your heart, studies show.

Man, could anything be more depressing? Well apparently Metal is. It is shown that the "stressful" music decreases blood flow to the heart, and "happy" increases. I definitely and skeptical because what are the chances they tested this on someone who likes metal? Is it still sub-consciously stressful?

Don't ban unhealthy music! Haha.

Here is a "'metal' art" drawing I did once. [Bereft of Reason] Haha.

America Took Up The Challenge.

2008-11-04T22:46:00.000-08:00

I am proud that my fellow Americans were able to see past Senator Obama's ethnicity and recognize the power and passion that can lead this country to be great and thrive. Behind Obama I believe we will restore our relationship with countries abroad and the name The United States of America will again be associated with power, prosperity, and authority.

Not so many years ago Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated for his ethnicity and his roll in the fight for black rights. In the 1800s, this country was host to using black people as slaves. And in 2008, we proved, as a country, that we can value a person of his character and passion for his country, not of the color of his skin. This election has proved that anything is possible for anyone.

Now that George W. Bush is scheduled to leave the White House, I think we can have hope as a nation for building the economy back up. Soon we will be striving for the great American Dream, hopefully closer than we have ever been.

This really is an historical event. It will be in text books. And I will be a witness. I did not think this was possible, that Americans were able to see the value in a human being, without segregating through skin color.

I give my personal respect and support to President Obama.

I hope you all do the same.

God Bless the United States of America.

Accusations That May Lead To Nothing

2008-10-28T21:16:00.000-07:00

Palin has decided that Obama wants to re-write the Constitution. Now, I am no Political Science major, but I can assume that if the president is even allowed to rewrite -not change, mind you- the constitution at all, it would have to be approved by... man i really hate learning branches of government... anyway some group of people. And even then we as citizens would have some way to vote on it I'm assuming.

It's the same the William Aires relationship and people calling Obama a communist. If these were true and he tried to make this Democracy a Communist country, don't you think a few of us would get super pissed? If it's even legally possible to make us in to a communist country... Again- my ignorance to political science and legality issues. But seriously!!! How far could he go if he really was anything like what he is being accused of being?!?

I want your responses and opinions to this blog! Because most of this was my assumptions and common sense...

Who Let Him In On The Secret?

2008-10-28T20:10:00.000-07:00

Please. Someone. Anyone- tell me who told McCain and Palin our little secret that clearly states that 'anyone who uses someone's first name and their occupation as a full name makes you automatically cool and appealing to young people'?

I really believe that he would not have been so far ahead in the polls if he did not go around talking about "Joe the Plumber" and other First Name, Occupations. Unfortunately now that he knows, he will win. Because he uses these "names" to pursue the attention of cool young high-school and college students that know about MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, he will win the young vote, and take over this nation for the next four years.

Wow. His old butt finally outsmarted us all. When will we learn that old men trying to be cool and creative will always beat the the young, tech-savy, level-headed, cancer-free, fair, black man?

**i hope you all can hear sarcasm when you hear it.

"I don't believe in God now, but someday I want to."

2008-10-23T14:54:00.000-07:00

I promise you, nothing is more disconcerting to hear. I am surprised at the effect it had on me because the girl who said it was a girl I really cannot stand. It's like saying you will start eating healthy once you are fat and close to dying of obesity.

This also reminded me of conversations I've had with other people. A friend of mine said that he'd like to "try" Judaism, and if that didn't work out- he would "try" being Catholic. Now what I have a hard time wrapping my head around is the fact that these... atheists(?) don't understand that whether it's a religion I'm 'a part of" like Christianity or one that I disagree with like Judaism; in the eyes of the religious, their religion should be life changing and it also is saving your life. Do you guys understand what I'm saying? I thought that the devotion that is a combo package with the religion was understood by all, believers or not. But as it turns out, some believe it's an easy light switch that you can decide to turn on when you're tired of non-religion.

I guess I don't have a point. I just had this conversation in my mind for half the day, and not sure what to think of it. And what better way to organize thoughts, but to write a blog for all to read. I prayed about this, and I'm going to continue to pray about it, because it's a thought process I don't understand. A life without desperation for the Love of God really is a hard concept for me to fathom.

Definition of a Typical Gig Harbor Homecoming Dance.

2008-10-20T19:28:00.000-07:00

An excuse to have an even where a pretty girl that has scene friends get a date that is too old for her. Her friends like him and think he's cute and really think they are the sweetest couple ever. But then she and her date kiss during a slow song while her scene friends are dancing like freaks to "attract the guys" (did I mention they dress slutty even though they are super unattractive?) and they see their friend and her date kiss.

Somehow they pull her away and go to the bathroom to talk and they are half excited but also think it's too soon for kissing. That makes the girl act more confused than she was. And avoids the guy by her friends pulling her away or just dancing with other girl-friends. He gets all confused and asks her friends what's up. They say she's confused, and defensively suggest staying away for a little, and somehow they become more pissed at the dude than their friend was.

Then the dude avoids her when his date tries to start getting all mushy and back in his arms again because he's offended the kiss changed so much. Then she asks what's wrong and he grudgingly says that he thought the kiss meant something and shouldn't cause all this confusion. She's hurt because she was over the confusion and just wanted him. Her friends are really pissed at her date now and try and "protect" her from him by suggesting getting water, going to the bathroom, or dancing with a massive group of girls.

Then homecoming is ruined.

I didn't go. I've gone twice. I've seen this both times. I know it happened a billion times this year with freshman and sophomores especially. It's an excuse to make easy drama. I bet you that was the story of many many dates.

I hope the prom is a little less drama filled.

Something Non-Political?

2008-10-20T15:43:00.000-07:00

Saying that I've been interested in the Presidential Elections is an understatement. I am fairly disappointed in my generation in their lack of interest, because especially since the economic crisis began, this election can be a historically and economically critical for our survival and success. Choosing the republican or democratic candidate to be our president for four years will have drastically different effects on the country, and I have to say I do not think the McCain economic plan is that great- since he seems to think that we are doing okay half of the time.

But as important as it is, I would like to talk about other stuff again. I want your questions, topic prompts, and comments. I will answer them directly in a blog or in a youtube video--whichever I feel like.

Also I want you to start following me on twitter which will give you quick updates on me every now and then. Get yourself an account as well!

So seriously. Comment this blog with questions, prompts, and comments about ANYTHING. I will answer in a blog or video! Do it!!

Good God, When Will The Facts Be Enough??

2008-10-09T19:10:00.001-07:00

Because Some Legit Actors Say So....

2008-10-05T21:42:00.001-07:00

Maverick.

2008-10-01T07:47:00.000-07:00

You know, any candidate who calls himself and his vice-president candidate a Maverick, needs to get someone else to refer to them as mavericks. It loses it's shine when you refer to yourself and your own [piece of work] vice-president. It's like how Palin believes she is ready to be VP and "won't blink".

Thank You Matt Damon

2008-09-29T22:43:00.000-07:00

You're officially my hero and are DEAD ON about....

Gotcha Journalism

2008-09-29T22:26:00.000-07:00

It is official: Palin is not allowed to speak for herself. She had daddy McCain accompany her on her last interview with Katie Couric to make sure any swears didn't come out of his baby girl's mouth.

I encourage you to watch the video, then read the transcript. Try and let the words and contradictions sink into your soul. Feel how they just make you want to sit in a hole and wait for the storm of stupidity to pass?

There has never been a Veep Candidate being so sheltered from the media before Palin. That's got to show how afraid McCain is of her saying something that does not go with what they "stand for". Which leads to my earlier argument that she is all "eye candy"-- well, gross, but I mean she's younger and prettier than most in politics (if you can even call her pretty)-- and just there to grab Clinton fans and the "youth".

Also I can't stand things like this: the other day Palin called herself a "Joe six-pack" of politics. Setting aside how absurd that is, that is something a well-known critic or newspaper should be calling you, not yourself. It is very stuck up and tacky. It's like me saying I am the modern-day Einstein.

Seriously. Please do not let this person be the person who is president if the President dies.

No Hockey Moms For Vice-President.

So I'm A Little Confused.

2008-09-24T21:53:00.000-07:00

Are people not interested in my last 5 or 6 blogs, or are they not getting the RSS updates--which may be happening since I am blogging through another website that distributes my blog to several different blogging networks...

Let me know if you just hate my blogs or you haven't been updated.

This one is "generic" blogger.

Twitter Me.

2008-09-20T20:15:00.001-07:00

I have been using a website called Twitter to let the internet know what I am doing. If you are tooo lazy to follow me on my blog, download this>> for following me on your Windows, or this for on a Mac, or this for Firefox.

What it is is just a little updater that just let's you know that I am doing _(insert verb here)_, and then you can comment me or talk to me further about it. I just write simple stuff about my day to day activities and then you can know! Haha....

So check it out and it's a little easier than reading my blog all the time!

twitter.com/branjmb

Posted by email from John's Posterous

Sexiness Is Population Control

2008-09-17T22:39:00.000-07:00

According to Uganda, miniskirts and indecent exposure is reason many car accidents happen. So can we assume Jessica Simpson, Laura Vandervoort, Kristin Kreuk, Amy Adams, Beyonce, Jessica Alba, Olivia Wilde, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Leslie Bibb, and Jennifer Morrisson are all banned from the country?

Read the article it's kinda funny.

Reason #9,189 That Palin Is Plain Dumb.

2008-09-15T15:02:00.001-07:00

My last blog commented on the SNL skit of Sarah Palin and Hilary Clinton. And yes, it portrays the Palin through Tina Fey amazingly well-- no seriously, she played the part like a twin with just as little intelligence-- and got me almost crying.

The somewhat hilarious but rather worrying fact is that Gov. Sarah Palin, saw this on a flight she was on. She thought it was hilarious! Now, I know people are allowed to laugh at themselves when they are stupid--- but really. Everything that was said on the SNL skit was pretty accurate to reality, so she really should have been offended, or at least realize she is not cut out for the job. She is so rash, and so confident.

I know you'll ask me-- "well what was she going to do, say that she hated it in front of press?" I could see her actually liking it.

Ask yourself.... who wouldn't hesitate when asked to be Veep by some senator with a lump on his face?

Part of the answer you have finished for you-- Palin... But who would that isn't stupid?

Please, I'm not being sexist people...

Posted by email from John's Posterous

I'm In Love With Tina Fey

2008-09-14T23:13:00.001-07:00

HAHAHA-- Saturday Night Live strikes again....

Tina Fey is an amazing Sarah Palin!

Good Lord, I wanted to cry it was so funny.

Posted by email from John's Posterous

Black Dwarves (not the stars) On Cops Make Me Laugh Inside.

2008-09-14T21:22:00.001-07:00

Haha... I love this. Seriously, watch the whole thing-- if you're not in stitches-- get yourself checked out. Actually I don't think I've seen a black dwarf before I saw this.

Posted by email from John's Posterous

Mommy, I'm Scared...

2008-09-13T20:12:00.000-07:00

Good Lord people, KILL ME NOW!!

Charles Gibson practically has to prompt her throughout the interview. And at the end when asked for a 'yes' or 'no', amazingly enough, we know she has been scripted--- pretty poorly since she doesn't know what she's saying is a yes or no....

Seriously? I thought McCain-- yes the dude I can't stand to see become president-- had more sense than that... In my opinion- she's only picked so McCain has someone after his current wife's botox has run out and she's even uglier.

Please. Everyone. Do not let this into the White House.

Here are "highlights"... here is the whole thing.

Damned If You Do, Damned If You Don't

2008-09-13T10:19:00.000-07:00

The candidates' ads this past week have been more brutal and more fictional than before. Yes- even Obama! It is truly scary how McCain tries to justify his accusations. Obama's ads seem to me more like exaggerations whereas McCains are lies. McCain has accused Obama of raising taxes for Middle Class, though all Obama talks about is cutting taxes! They are both at fault, I will admit.

“Actually they are not lies,” Mr. McCain said crisply, “and have you seen some of the ads that are running against me?”

Now that would be a fairly disturbing quote to me. Oh, look! I found a Bible verse about this remark..... Matthew 7:3-5
3"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.

Yeah... Take responsibility for your mistakes and THEN you can talk about your opponent's.

Make sure to click the link to the second page that is more on Obama-- the original is focussed on McCain.

My Promise to Us as Americans

2008-09-12T15:16:00.001-07:00

I promise you. If we elect McCain as president, we are all screwed. It will be like Bush or worse. We will be more and more in debt, and more and more soldiers will go to Iraq and Afghanistan. And maybe even Iran- which I don't want to happen because I have pledged to enlist if we do. You know why I made that decision? Because if we go there, or economy is screwed, and we will fall farther from popularity throughout the world.

This is the time where we need to stand up for ourselves and vote for Obama, because he cares about our economy, about our American dignity. Let's go for our American Dream, not victory throughout the world through violence.

Posted by email from John's Posterous

All My Beloved Anonymous Readers...

2008-09-10T17:14:00.001-07:00

The fine print says:

All readers are allowed to call the author of this blog a "fucking retard" AFTER they have discussed the issue written about in the blog with the author. Preemptive accusations of being such is highly Dickworthy, and will automatically label you as a coward for not being able to right your name under the comment- to take credit for your annoyingly immature way of speaking your opinion.

Stupid People In Politics Make Me Laugh Inside.

2008-09-09T09:44:00.000-07:00

Yep... This was a while ago, but McCain doesn't "recall" voting for insurance to cover Viagra but not birth control. And the suject also makes him uncomfortable. The whole thing actually reminds me about how he forgot how many houses he owns. Check it out....

And now check out this mix of a single court hearing with Alberto Gonzales that was aired on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart almost a year ago. Don't you agree it makes the McCain video above ten times funnier just because of one word?

Woops... (part 2)

2008-09-05T15:28:00.000-07:00

If you look at the second photo in my last blog, you will see that McCain has in fact gone down in popularity and Obama broke 300! McCain is close to losing Indiana, but gained a little more in Alaska (well duh?). It does seem as if McCain made an EXTREMELY poor decision on his Veep eh?

Get over it guys, you don't want a Veep to have 20 months experience as Governor.

Check this website out.

...Woops.

2008-09-04T18:42:00.000-07:00

After last night's speech from Veep candidate Palin, an interesting thing happens in the United States of America...

This was the looks of the opinions of the states yesterday morning before the RNC was in session.>>>

And this is what Palin did.>>>

The speech made Iowa and Illinois go even stronger Democratic than before, and look on the top left hand numbers... Boy that is quite a drop isn't it? Looks like picking a governor with less experience than Obama just to win approval from Hilary Clinton fans and people who just plain want a woman to make history. Not only is that a pathetic reason to get anyone into office, but to have a woman as Veep who has complete opposite opinions from McCain, and has very little experience is just crazy. It completely undercuts McCain's argument that Obama has to little experience. I believe McCain said that Palin was a good person to learn on the job, but before he said Obama was setting up for a job he that is not good for learning on the job. Does that make sense? Did I write it well? I understand Palin is going for Veep and Obama for president, but Obama obviously has enough knowledge to not destroy the planet before learning the basics.

I have determined my stance on Obama. He may lack experience in Foreign Policy, but the important thing is he understands. He understands it is important, and will learn with Biden at his side as soon as he takes office.

So, who saw Palin's speech last night?

Basically all I learned was that she is good at reading a speech prepared by someone else who is good at bashing democrats and/or Obama.

Mostly-- I think McCain/Palin are screwed. And good riddance.

Relationships Are Like Crack (originally written for the myspace crowd)

2008-09-03T23:36:00.000-07:00

   Okay everybody, I am going to let you all in on a little secret: the relationship you are in right now that started two or three years ago-- it is stupid, dangerous, and unhealthy. We change so much as teenagers (most of you are probably teenagers like me)-- I am not going into the birds and the bees/puberty talk, but the mentality talk.
   'Teenager' is practically the definition of change. Our interests, likes, dislikes, responsibilities, freedoms, decisions, opinions, views, morals, experiences, wants, needs, tastes in the opposite sex, ALL change while we are teenagers. If all those change while we are in a relationship during the most change of our teenage years, and we are so convinced we are in love, we never learn what we really need.
   I am talking from experience. You start making exceptions because you just KNOW this is the girl even if she does this and says that. You make no attempts whatsoever to talk to random people of the opposite sex because you found the one, no sense even getting to know this other person. You are stuck in a bubble with your exceptions to your wants and needs because you are convinced that this person is the one because it feels right.
   The truth is you are wrong. You made these exceptions, that you may think are petty and something "lovers" can get through, but when it comes to marriage or long-term relationships, you realize cannot stand to live with the quirk your lover has, or the fact that your lover can't stand this or wants you to stop that. And rightfully so; you should not change for anyone. They should accept you how you are. If they can't deal with who you are, it's not meant to be.
   Being in long term relationships and thinking throughout that you are so freaking in love and covering up the quirks shows you flat out that you do not know what other people of the opposite sex are like or whether or not the have better or worse values than your 'lover'. You may know this person who is so legit, admires what you do, what you like, is polite, funny, etc, but you are so blinded by the "fact" that you have already found the one that you will love forever, that you don't even consider the fact that this person may be better for you. Not saying you should rush to that person as soon as you read this and have figured out who that person is, but the important thing to do while you are changing in so many different ways is to leave your options open. Do not stick with the same person because it is easier than trying to find someone else and having the label "single" back on your myspace or you figure you can live with that weird thing (oh and don't forget about that thing your lover doesn't like about you) because this one is too attractive to pass up, or that person makes you smile and you can tell this person anything.
   My best solution is not a very fun or popular one, but just waiting it out. No major relationships for high school, or at least early high school years. Talk to tons of people of the opposite sex, find out what you could/n't stand in a 'lover'. Date. Dating is not bad, because it's not a commitment unless you really hit it off and something clicks. Don't stop looking there either. Maybe it's somewhat exclusive dating, but keep talking to people you know, seeing what guy/girl friends think of the person you are dating, and analyze your date with the mental list of things you could/n't stand in a future fiance.
   I have officially been single for seven months. It completely sucks but the time has made me aware of what I want and need in "the girl". When she comes into my life I'll know because I have had experience in a few relationships that I made exceptions for because I was so "in love", and I did not stop to consider whether there could POSSIBLY be someone else out there or not. I locked myself in, not letting other girls see what I needed or didn't need in my relationship at the time. I am not against "flings", because neither take it too seriously, but it has a slightly bigger emotional toll than most think.
   The catch-- you will only learn all of this once you have experienced one or two disastrous relationships that last way to long and you are either whipped or unconsciously miserable. Unfortunately this all comes from experience, and until then you will just give me comments that suggest I am writing this because I am lonely, grouchy, inexperienced, gay, or not interested in the opposite sex at all. My answer is I can wait for the one girl. Now it is your turn to agree or figure this out from experience. I am just here to let you know how it's gonna go down; then I can tell you I told you so later on.

**of course everyone has their own opinion, I urge you to give me your opinion and/or comments
***screw off if you can't disagree without being hostile.

Learning To Drive Stick

2008-08-22T22:01:00.001-07:00

Well this is definitely is way harder for me than anyone else. I have no foot coordination, hence the reason I do not play drums either. I am in Salem for the weekend with my Aunt, Uncle, and baby cousin. Sometime soon I hope to buy a car, and I would like it to be manual for mileage reasons. So I want to learn BEFORE I get the car so I can actually drive it off the lot instead of having my parents drive it before I get to!!

I started in a Subaru Outback. It is a nice car, I would not complain about getting one! Is started out on back roads, but ended up killing it with several people behind me. It was intense, but then I got fairly good. The hard part is starting from a stop, but from there, it's easy. I also hate going up hills, but I got a bit better at that as well. I will be practicing more tomorrow, so cross your fingers, and stay off the back streets of Salem, Oregon!

Posted by email from John's Posterous

The Ride To Salem

2008-08-22T18:46:00.001-07:00

Well it was very slow with all this Friday traffic. I was with Nora, Julie, and my brother Erik. We got like half an hour away and got out of the car to change Nora and go to the bathroom. Then we got back in the car, Nora started SCREAMING! But we're here and chilling now!

Posted by email from John's Posterous

"Defeat It."

2008-08-17T22:03:00.000-07:00

"Does evil exist, and if so should we ignore it, negotiate with it, contain it, or defeat it?" This was the question asked to both presidential candidates by Pastor Rick Warren at the Saddleback Forum.

It was a very enlightening forum for me, answering all my questions for both Obama and McCain. This question specifically stood out to me though. As far as I know, we cannot defeat Evil without God. I'm pretty sure you can all agree with me on that. As Obama put it so well "but we can be soldiers in that process." Obama's answer was yes it exists, and we should confront it, though we cannot defeat it without God.

What was a little shocking and a little hilarious was McCain jumped right over the yes or no of it being real or not (even though I'm pretty sure nobody argues there isn't), but then all he says are two words: "Defeat it." Then after applause (I don't get it, the same people applaud both candidates, it's lame) he swears he will follow Bin Laden to the gates of Hell because he knows how to (more applause).

I was surprised with McCain's answer because he is talking as if he is a Christian, but then comes with the arrogance of Moses and declares we can defeat evil, and the closest spiritual vocabulary that came after that was "hell", nothing of "but we need God on our side". I've concluded that he is a little to scared of his faith getting in the way of his election because he was also very short on the "What does your faith mean to you?" question: "Means that I am forgiven for my sins." I am happy how real and open Obama is about his faith and especially the fact that had a bad childhood where he experimented with drugs and alcohol, etc. He was not afraid because if he were, he would wind up in a tabloid.

I think McCain's has also tried to act a little cooler lately. In the forum he gave short answers, somewhat slumped back in his chair... I don't know, it just seemed like he was trying to be cool. And he made tons of jokes that weren't funny but got tons of laughs and you could see in his face he was forcing it. I wonder if people have finally clued him in on the fact he is not appealing to younger generations at all. Though is attempt is futile.

Ummm.... Vote Obama.

**Oh, so watch the video from the link at the top of the blog and not CNN because half of Obama's speach is not loading.

Update.

2008-08-14T17:55:00.000-07:00

This last week I went to Driggs, Idaho. Yep, the middle of nowhere. I was actually able to go to a mountain resort to play disc golf with a beautiful mountain view behind it! I did really bad though and got a +8, but hey everybody else (my family) got way worse. It was a tough course! on a hill and everything.

The other days I went on a 3 hour horse ride, and another I went on the Snake River for a white river rafting trip for an hour or two. It was pretty awesome.

Now I'm back. I have until tomorrow to finish a couple questionnaire type things about essays I have read this summer for AP english and writing.

Yesterday I played a super good game of disc golf at the church and got a -4. I'm pretty sure that's my best at the church. Today I played and got +3, so that sucked.

Yesterday I also had an interview with Ben & Jerry's ice cream finally. They made me do air guitar to see how out going I could be, which was funny. I think it went okay, and I am going to check in next wednesday.

So there, you are pretty much up to date with me. Oh, you should all watch Pineapple Express. Classic.

Ahh I Love Hot Dumb Celebrities Bashing Politicians

2008-08-07T22:54:00.000-07:00

It started with an ad John McCain released claiming Obama was a celebrity, as opposed to a political figure.

"The focus on media, on events and activities, is much more something you'd expect from someone releasing a new movie." -- This quote was made by McCain's advisor about Obama. McCain himself also said something on the lines that they are not making a negative statement about Obama-- so why say it at all?

And seriously, this guy is old fashioned if he thinks media, events and activities do not matter! There are very few companies/clients who will buy from another company without seeing a website. Many people won't get into something if they are not experiencing it in person, so there you go-- you need events and activities. I truly believe McCain is going to fall behind not only because of how low he stooped with the ad, but because he cannot and practically refuses to appeal tot he younger tech-savy generations.

I cannot commend Obama enough on his ability to shrug off McCain's attack and attack again strategy. He shrugged off the whole ad by saying "They got me in an ad with Britney Spears and Paris Hilton... You know... Never met the women." And later asked his McCain flat out on TV "Is that the best you can do?" Obama is officially the most cool headed guy ever! I believe McCain called it arrogant and thinking he is above everyone, but really... he just knows how to stay cool when he's attacked. He knows how to act to piss the perp off, and he IS higher than McCain because he won't stoop to desperate or scandalous measures like McCain.

Now my favorite part, is Paris Hiltons response. She actually sounds smart for a little (thanks to her writers) and presents a decent off-shore drilling plan as she claims the ad by McCain endorsed her for president. I am sure, if McCain can figure out how to watch the video on something called YouTube, he would be very pissed.

See more Paris Hilton videos at Funny or Die

A Story...

2008-08-03T21:19:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, on our way to Driggs, Idaho, I gave my dad the chance to drive the last 2.5 hours of the trip since I had driven the last 13 or so. I flipped out my laptop, and just started to write. In the last two and a half hours of the trip, I wrote a page and half of a suspense story I was had the inspiration for a few days ago. Yes, it took me a long time to write such a little bit, but I think it made the section much better than racing through it. I have yet to create a title, but it is going to be very intense. When it is done in many many years, I think it will actually be worth reading!

Ask me about it sometime!!

I Despise Hate

2008-07-31T19:42:00.001-07:00

Just now, I feel like I have undone everything I have learned on my mission trip and from Blake Graffe's testimony from that trip about handling hate and loving instead.

My Ex-Girlfriend's boyfriend walked up to me minutes ago as I am sitting at the YMCA. A month ago I found that he practically date-raped her while she was under the influence and also basically black-mailed her into having sex. It has been the first time I have seen him since I learned this, and I have had it planned out that I would knock the crap out of him the next time I saw him. He wanted to small talk before going to work out. He wanted to chat about my ex and his gf. I wanted to stand up and kick the s**t out of him because of what he's done. I knew deep down it would totally undo everything I have learned lately. To Love Everybody. I wear That phrase on my wrist. But it was nearly not enough to stop me today. I could not look him in the eye I was so mad at him.

I need to pray about this, and I ask for your prayers because I really need to keep my cool when he is around, or I will be a hypocrite of all I have learned and spoke about this entire summer since the mission trip. I need to remember to love him, no matter what kind of crap he has done.

Help me by praying or talking to me, please!!

The Race Card?

2008-07-31T19:08:00.000-07:00

Apparently, John McCain has accused Barack Obama of playing the "race card" in his candidacy. I am sorry to say that McCain actually sunk as low as this. For one it instigates the fact that McCain thinks that Obama being black may affect either way his chances of being elected president, and will take advantage of this one way or another.

I am a big supporter of Obama. I do not care that he is black, he still is a good guy and seems to have many of the same views as I do on many issues of our country. I do not believe he is playing the "black card", because everything I have heard seems much more diverse than that. I also find it interesting that McCain did not call Obama on this at the beginning, because he definitely could have as easily then as he could today. The fact that he waited makes me feel like he is desperate and rather unconfident of his popularity with the nation. I believe he has great reason to be scared, because he is definitely not heard of as much as Obama.

And many think it's silly, but I highly appreciate that Obama has facebooks and myspaces. He really is young enough to be tech-savy and know what the younger generations need to hear, and old enough to make good decisions as President of the United States. McCain seems to think he can get in by saying he was once in the army... Can you say big deal? I believe there are many people in the army I would die before seeing president.

I think Obama said it best when he asked McCain: "Is that the best you can come up with?", of course responding to the accusation of the "black card".

I Thought America Was Made Up of Speed Demons?!?!

2008-07-28T10:03:00.000-07:00

So I am currently in the Honda dealership in Bremerton. On the twenty minute drive to get here, everyone I passed-- yeah, I mean everyone-- I passed at 61 miles and hour. Now seriously guys! Normally, I can't pass someone unless I'm going 65 mph or more! Are people are becoming scared? What's the reason? It was not rush hour in any sense of the term...

What is wrong with people? They are actually becoming obeyers of the law! Actually that's a good thing. But actually if I am passing them at 61 mph, they have got to be going even slower than the speed limit.

To Be Frank...

2008-07-27T19:30:00.001-07:00

I am terribly disgusted by the people America has raised. Read the last comment written about the "Inhumane... Yet So Human" blog, as well as reading the article about what the man on youtube wrote. I am becoming very certain that we are just as bad as all the other countries are believing us to be. We have no respect for others, we treat women as objects, and we take our freedom for granted.

How am I supposed to believe our national anthem any more? Or the Declaration of Independence? We are not what we separated from Great Britain to become. Tons of our citizens don't support the war. Okay, but why can't you support the troops, who are some of the best Americans we got, when they are fighting for us, so that we don't have to get down and dirty or become a lesser country? I am appalled that we cannot even show support to people who die for us, whether you believe the cause is good or bad.

In the past two weeks I have gotten comments on how prostitutes are dirt and how they are "always there" to mess around with. Sex... It's supposed to be a gift from God right? Doesn't it make sense that we should not abuse a gift given to us by someone that huge? Maybe we should treat women as equals, as humans. I don't care if they live on the street, if they sell themselves, or are emos who cut themselves-- they are human and deserve respect and love. I will debate anyone to the death if they declare otherwise.

America, get a life, get respect. Find the values in people. Love Everybody.

Please.

Disc Golf

2008-07-23T23:16:00.000-07:00

We played at the church today and it was Blake, Jen, David, and I. They all have played way longer than I had, and I was expecting to d0 poorly. I ended up getting 3 under, and everyone else had par or over! It was awesome!

There's ANOTHER pointless blog for my mysterious pessimist commenter.

Pointlessness

2008-07-23T23:12:00.001-07:00

So my last blog post, I got a comment on how pointless it was. I don't know who it was and I don't care. I do think people should respect peoples' freedom of speech-- meaning they can write whatever they want. It doesn't HAVE to have a point. Maybe it's a really funny but dumb part of my day? I'm gonna post it.

So here is another pointless blog for you, whoever commented me last.

What Are The Chances...?

2008-07-22T21:52:00.000-07:00

Thirteen days ago, the day I came back from Vancouver B.C. with my youth group, I went to Tanglewood Grill to tell my dad all about our trip and the tough stuff I had seen. The week and a half in Vancouver had gotten me attached to always having water with me, so I had my aluminum water bottle with me in Tanglewood. This water bottle had a sticker from Capernwrey Harbour in Canada, a funny sticker saying "God must love stupid people- he made so many", and three stickers from the mission trip talking about justice, mercy, and humility. Did I mention it I bought it in Canada?

I walked out of Tanglewood without my water bottle, that definitely held memories (oh, and water). In the past thirteen days since getting back to the United States, I have been to Tanglewood two or three times. I kept forgetting to ask them if they still had my water bottle.

Tonight, I went and had an awesome steak dinner, then when we had paid and I was waiting for my dad to finish in the restroom, I was up front staring through the two-sided fireplace. I then looked up the brickwork to look at the stuffed moose, other animals, and ancient hunting and fishing gear. Sitting between to different woven tackle boxes, was my water bottle. I can't imagine how many people must have wondered what that was. I am so glad I found it. Because it really does hold memories, and it is really a great bottle.

My New WiFi Hotspot...

2008-07-17T15:29:00.000-07:00

Is Cutters Point because my friend Callie works here and next time I come in she's gonna make me a frap that she invented called the Molasses Cookie Frap. Sounds incredible since I LOVE molasses cookies.

So call me up and we can chill here sometime!

Inhumane.... Yet So Human.

2008-07-13T13:56:00.000-07:00

Back in Vancouver BC this last week, like I have said before, we went to Street Church on East Hastings, the worst part of Vancouver by far. Since we were there early and I had no direct roll in our presentation that night, I sat on a couch near a window and watched the alley for an hour and a half. For most of that time, there was a prostitute out there. She was trying to sell herself to the druggies, drug dealers, and homeless people that were strewn throughout the alley and hidden behind the dumpster as well. For the rest of the hour and the half I watched her disappear behind the dumpster to perform, walking around spreading her legs, pretending to drop things and have to pick them back up, etc. I posted two videos from my point-and-shoot of her on youtube. I wrote in my summary of this video: "While I am with my team practicing for Street Church, I look out at a sketchy alley on East Hastings, Vancouver Canada. How can things like this happen? It is tragic. I wanted to know her story" This picture shows the comments I received and the reply I left. (Make sure you read the first comment, not starting with mine).

This flat out broke my heart once I saw the comment he left today. How could anyone look down on another human being like that?? Sure, I have passed by homeless people without talking to them before, but to full out say they are worthless like dirt and have no story or history you must be completely inhuman.

I keep asking God in my head how Man can become this self-centered and righteous, and I have a feeling I won't get a full answer until I have died and seen what there is to look forward to.

In the midst of all of this I also pity the commenter (do not get me wrong, my anger and sadness is still very strong), because he must have grown up with little attention and zero exposure to Christianity. Brain Lemke's quote "Love Everybody" is constantly being thrown back into my mind. I have worn the bracelet with the quote on my wrist for almost a year. I am having a very difficult time loving this commenter because of how inhuman and terribly bias and cruel this comment is.

It makes me want to connect with prostitutes and homeless even more to learn their stories and make them feel like they are worth something because they are.

And last night at the Silverbow Farm, I told this story, and it hit me how totally sad and wrong it was, and I completely broke down and cried. Embarrassing, but this really was a blow to me.

Youth Group Hang-out

2008-07-13T09:59:00.000-07:00

This Wednesday 7/16
This Wednesday we are hanging out at Silverbow Farm!

Disc Golf, Swimming Pool, Boating, Wakeboarding, BBQ, Worship, Beach, and hang out with some friends!

Meet at the church at 1pm to carpool to Silverbow Farm. We will return between 8 and 8:30pm.

Bring your friends! It's FREE!

Coming out on your own? Googlemap

Christian Blogger Network

2008-07-13T09:14:00.000-07:00

Hey guys, I'm part of a new facebook group that is made up of Christian bloggers. Sounds pretty cool, and a good way to read other blogs with similar views and beliefs. I haven't looked at it yet, but I encourage you to look at it anyways!

The First Phone to Beat the Iphone.

2008-07-12T14:02:00.000-07:00

The Iphone 3G

haha.

I love it. One year, and I will switch over to ATT and get an iphone. Or work for ATT in 9 months and get one for almost free :)

Vancouver Mission Trip

2008-07-12T12:09:00.000-07:00

At the Street Church, while we were setting up, I looked out the window the sketchiest street in town, East Hastings. I watched the alley out there for an hour and a half. This is one disturbing and heartbreaking thing I saw, as well as drug deals, but that is another story.

America's Purpose

2008-07-11T23:17:00.001-07:00

I believe this country was started to be the country where everyone would be happy, where there would be justice, where there would be freedom of religion and of speech. I believe our forefathers and their soldiers lived and died for the freedom we have today. Though culture has shielded us from our history and our thankfulness for past lives lived and lost. I see kids in school watch movies about World War II and laugh and comment on how cool the bloody scene was, not realizing for a second that the events in the movie were dead-on, and the pain and suffering were real and ten times worse to the veterans. Our country has lost our patriotism and our Dream for America by thinking of ourselves, and seeing ourselves above everyone else and other countries. I believe everyone of us know inside that we do not consider everyone equal. There is always someone we look down at, whether it be a homeless man, or a black man. We see ourselves as the World Police, and our agents have no boundaries. We have lost respect.

Nowadays people are arguing if they support the war or the troops. The thing is, we should support the troops no matter what. Whether the cause is good or bad, they are fighting for us. We are in Iraq at this time. I believe we have been there too long. At this point, whether or not we are there, America will not be taken over, though our evacuation could trigger Shi'ite and Sunni civil wars, spreading throughout the Middle East. And many veterans' families will feel as if their loved ones died for nothing. Leaving would also leave terrorists feeling accomplished and make us look like cowards, which is a big deal in the big picture. Though being there in Iraq is only giving insurgents (who are improving in bomb-making) more targets. Hold on, I am getting to far into this. It is not about the Iraq War, but our soldiers standing for what we believe in and our attitude toward our brothers in action.

If the desperation of the nation came dangerously high, such as going to war with Iran or another country that has us on their hate list, I would have no hesitation to enlist in the United States Army and fight to the death for this nation's freedom. I do not believe it is my calling in life or what God wants me to do, but I do feel the responsibility to fight, just as men have fought for us since the beginning of the American Revolution.

I do wish our country would become more aware of our privileges as free people. We have taken them for granted, like freedom of speech and press, and even forgotten values like equality of man. It hurts me to realize very few of us acknowledge day to day that there are lives being lost across seas for us.

And what happened to freedom of religion? If most citizens of the States had a Muslim wearing a turban living next to them, would they not be on the watch for terrorist activity? That sort of stereotype and prejudice is in some ways taking away the Muslim's right to his religion, even if he is not being forced to convert, the pressure of being hated and stereotyped is hard on anyone. I wish we were not all spoiled and sheltered brats.

We made this country to be free of prejudice and judgmental views of others who are different in some insignificant way. Nowadays there are even dislike within a single church, which hurts, that even Christians can barely stand to coexist.

In all of this mess that we have created, I still stand by the statement that I would fight and die for this country, in the hope that someday we will become what we used to stand for: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. I believe the dream of living that old dream and fighting so that our veterans would not have died in vein is worth it all.

I do apologize because I wrote this as things came to mind, so it is probably not the most organized piece of writing you have ever encountered. I also want to say that these are my own opinions and many I am still making sense of, so none of these opinions can be followed directly back to a person I look up to such as a youth pastor. I am indeed old enough to be making my own decisions and opinions, whether or not I look up to someone that has controversial opinions. I have discussed this topic with my youth pastor, and other people I look up to, and I have made my own decision after listening and debating. Thank you for your open mindedness and your consideration of the fact that I am 17 going on 18 and well above the age to make my own educated decisions and opinions, without being brainwashed or negatively influenced by a hero or person I look up to.

Last Two Days of YWAM Vancouver Mission '08

2008-07-10T10:29:00.003-07:00

Tuesday was a breeze, not going to lie. We got up and went to a mission called the Chili Wagon. They are an organization that serves chili on street corners most mornings. We helped make the chili and banana bread-- tons of it!!! Then that night our YWAM staff served us a very awesome tasty meal. During it we were encouraged to talk about what we learned and wanted to take back to our own communities. Eventually I had the guts to share that night. At a microphone. It is literally one of the first times I've been at a microphone and not started to sweat or totally blank. God really seemed to be talking through me this time :). Then the most meaningful part of the trip came up. Our line up. It is when we go outside, get in a massive, spread-out circle and encouraged each other one on one. It was most fun to encourage because I knew everyone very well, and it's fun talking with them any way. Being encouraged was a lot of fun too because a lot of people said almost the same things, effectively making me believe them easier, haha. I also learned a lot about myself and the others on my team.

Yesterday, we left Canada, and went to a state park. It was beautiful, and we ate lunch there. Then we took a fairy to Port Townsand where we had our debrief and ate pizza. Then we went home.

It was incredible, guys.

YWAM Vancouver, Canada Mission Trip '08

2008-07-07T16:05:00.000-07:00

Hey guys, sorry it took me like more than half of my mission trip to blog.
It's been an amazing week. My eyes have really been opened to the junk out there, and I have really discovered I can help out to just make some one's day better.
So our first day we went on an Urban Plunge. It was where we went to East Hastings street which has the most crime, most prostitutes, most homeless, and most drugs, and walked, prayed, and ate with a random homeless person. Nobody hesitated shooting up in front of me. I saw people rolling up marijuana and walking to their apartments with hookers. Very sad, but that day prepared us greatly for the rest of the week.
The second day we had just a big seminar with out speaker Phil Cunningham. He is awesome and spoke about Micah 6:8, and about doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God. That day was a nice break from walking so far on E Hastings the day before until I went to get bubble tea with Pristine, Nick, Paul, and Bogey. One we were on our way back to the church (it's just a block away (wait did I tell you we're sleeping in a church?)) We met two women, at least one definitely being a prostitute. They looked at first like they were playfully pushing each other, but all of a sudden the apparent prostitute started kneeing the other girl in the head, over and over. I was so shocked and didn't know what to do. We were all almost about to pass by, but Paul started yelling at the girl to stop. She stopped kneeing, but kept fighting. They eventually got to fighting in the middle of the street, the apparent prostitute yelling "give me my fucking pipe, whore!"
That was an experience I will never forget and I am still beating myself up over not doing anything. If I had said anything, my voice is louder and deeper than Paul's, so I know I would have stopped it more effectively. I feel like I am all those people that passed by the injured man though the Samaritan helped him up and to find shelter. I have prayed more than I have ever prayed before and written in my journal more than ever, and I believe that God will give me the strength to stop a situation like that day's next time. For real, this thing hit me the hardest out of anything else this week.
The next day we went to a Siek (spelling?) Temple, a Muslim Mosque, and a Hindu Temple. They were all very interesting and all of them hit me how very accepting of us and the knowledge of our faith. They all had good morals in their religion, but all their theologies made no sense, and the Sieks (spelling?) did not appear to stand for anything much. The Muslim Mosque was incredible and very interesting, but you know what: I think I am staying with Christianity haha.
Friday we went to a gated community for low income people and recovering druggies or alcoholics. We swept many leaves and garbage in just 2-3 hours that would have taken the gardener dude they have a whole week. Which makes me wonder how slow that guy works.
That night, we took roses. We wrote encouraging things on a card. Then we went back to E Hastings and walked around. We walked for about an hour. We were supposed to give the flowers to a random prostitute we came by. I must confess I was a little disconnected that night because I was with a group with two girls (and both of them are just the coolest), and my paranoia that I picked up from my dad kicked in. But Callie Doremus gave hers away to a girl who had an awesome smile on her face once getting it. I was kinda disappointed, but a girl came up to me asking for my rose. I was disappointed how easy that had been when I had just spent 45 minutes trying to get the courage to give one rose away. I really wanted more to give more smiles out. We did pass by a prostitute and we didn't give her a rose. Another group found her and we passed her again and she had it AND a customer, and she was telling him how he got it from "people from church". It thought it was awesome how it was worth talking about to a random guy who was a little lonely and had some extra money. We sat down at the same park we ate at the first day. We pondered. I prayed. It was hard. A girl was sitting on the hill snorting crack and talking to herself while she made poses that MAYBE were supposed to be sexual. She started mumbling to us that the whole park wasn't going to smoke or have sex while we were in the park because they "have morals too", but I really don't think anyone cared, whatever she said. Paul was told if he didn't leave he would be killed while he talked to an older lady complaining how the government suddenly cares about the homeless because of the clean-up for the Olympics.
Saturday we went to the YWAM base because they are struggling with the government to stay there because neighbors think they will be too loud. We went to Commercial dr. and I pitched in with some guys to get pizza for people we saw in the parks and on the street corners. But while we waited for it a group of 3 girls (yes, they did not have a guy. Bad them, bad. haha) and they told our group they needed more "testosterone" so I volunteered to go with them. we all walked several blocks to find the coffee shop that was supposed to be the best. We bought eight cups of coffee and the guy at the counter gave 4 more for the cause. We spent the rest of the time passing them out, but many people denied them because they don't drink it or were already drinking beer, haha. Then we went to a church on E Hastings that wasn't really a church but a room where homeless could get food and stay and listen to us sing and tell our testimonies. Four guys stayed to listen and watch. We were there like an hour and a half early, so I looked out the windows from 2 stories up and watched what, no joke, is the sketchiest ally there is on E Hastings. Within minutes I saw more than 5 drug deals go down, guys pissing on the polls, and all of this happening minutes before a cop car drives through the ally. I feel these cops don't try. I got pictures and videos of a prostitute making the nastiest positions for homeless people (who had conveniently pushed the dumpster to hide the goings on from the street. It didn't look like anyone paid the girl, but she stayed around for 45 minutes "dancing" on a poll, pretending to have lost something on the ground so that her miniskirt was useless, and spreading her legs, and looking just aweful. It really sucked to watch, and the videos and pictures I have catch just how terribly low people fall. I also have pictures of an obvious drug dealer-gangster hanging around the ally. And yes, it was pretty risky to take pictures- good thing I'm good at acting natural. Haha.
And Sunday. Good Lord. Glad Tidings Church, where we are staying, is the most Pentecostal Charismatic church ever. Everyone was praying loudly so everyone can hear. It got worse when the pastor invited almost half of the people in the church "who are injured spiritually and need healing through God" to come to the front. He started praying the longest prayer and then handed it off to a woman who basically started chanting "Praise Jesus, you are healed, Praise God!!" After maybe ten minutes, the pastor basicaly pried the microphone from her, even though he wasn't any less obnoxious. And the sermon consisted of him talking about God saying "let there be light." and he goes something like this "wait.... God wanted light.... and Jesus is later referred to in the Bible as light....... GOD SENT JESUS TO EARTH at the Genisis.----NOOOO. If you look around there is actually light, that is not Jesus, and I'm pretty sure God wouldn't say "yeah the sun is made of Jesus/Yea that halogen light bulb:: that's Jesus in disquise." And yes he started screaming at us at the end of the service. I'm sorry but I was very close to walking out. It was bad. It reminded me of the parable of the two men in the synagogue and one is praying quietly and humbly and the other prays loud for all to hear and show off... Yea, this church is the loud guy.
Then Sunday night, we went to Jericho Beach!!! O man it was fun! we walked on the beach, and eventually started playing Ultimate Frisbee! (MY FAVORITE SPORT) The game lasted more than an hour, and we all worked incredibly hard. We had about 3 less people on our team, but we ended up having almost 15-7.
Today we went to this mission place where the serve food and lunch and basic hygiene necesities. I got to talk to this one guy who was incredibly articulate and basically the most peaceful, accepting, and polite homeless man you would ever meet. I also served them coffee, and they loved that.
Now I am going to eat Vietnamese. No wait. First I have to wake everyone up because it is time to go.

PLEASE LEAVE ME COMMENTS ON THIS BLOG
WE CAN TALK MORE INDEPTH WHEN I GET BACK ABOUT STUFF
LOVE YOU MOM AND DAD!!

Leaving for the Mission Trip To Vancouver Canada

2008-06-29T18:32:00.000-07:00

Please pray for me. I will be back July 9th.

Thanks to anyone who helped me pay for the trip.

Capernwray '08

2008-06-28T11:57:00.000-07:00

Capernwray is a Christian camp on an island in Canada called Thetis Island. I went my youth group last Monday to yesterday (Friday) to have an awesome time and have some time to get closer with God. Our speaker was Jeremy Johnson, the same speaker we had last year at the Cape. He does a good job of adding humor in his lectures or speeches, making it easier to pay attention and at times easier to understand through fun metaphors and analogies.

Throughout the week Jeremy spoke to us how we are valued by God because we are his rather than being valued for our abilities or possessions of humanly value, that will not last forever. We learned how controlling your environment can really effect how you act, feeding a black dog or white dog inside of you (can you guess which one is good and bad?). We also learned how we can still work for God when he has not yet called us to a certain field and how to "chuck stones" at people who can be saved until that time.

The rest of the week was filled with solo times, volley ball, ultimate frisbee, disc golf, passing the frisbee, worship, eating, and team competitions.

Through my solo times, I was able to read random parts of the Bible. I mean random. I opened my Bible and just found a page to read, and I did. The really amazing part was most of these sections were talking about faith. Such as Philemon 1-6, which is a verse a friend randomly wrote on my hand during worship, and I felt compelled to read it. Haha. It was amazingly also about faith. I don't feel as if my faith is failing or dying per se, but I feel like this time in my life, and throughout my life, when people are demanding for me to prove how I can believe, and how God is real, I think it is important to know why I believe.

Also during solo times I gave myself time just to listen for God. Our first journal entry page prompt had a little fine print that said that is was easy to mistake our thoughts for what God is telling us, and that really encouraged me to hear Him for real and listen hard.

I got a tiny bit burnt playing some of the coolest sports, but it was worth it, and now I'm very tan. I got very good at throwing and catching the frisbee (okay I mean better not good, like I never was good before) and I was decent at volley ball too!

If you want to know more about the trip, email me. I am leaving for my Vancouver Mission Trip in like 48 hours or less.

The Single Life.

2008-06-20T22:25:00.000-07:00

So I was thinking today, and I realized that I had not been in a relationship since the end of February. That means I've been single for almost 4 months. This is some what depressing, but also means, every day I am single, is one more day longer than I have been single since 8th grade. That may make me sound like a mad swinger, but the explanation is that I was with a girl for 11 months. So there. Haha.

One of my first posts was explaining my whole relationship "world" needed to close so that I could figure out where my priorities should lie. I have found out how much my friends mean to me and how much I need them over a girlfriend. Just these last two days, the first days of summer, I have been with Ben and Bogey almost 24/7 on a road trip to Sequim, and hanging out in the harbor. Those two make living fun and bearable.

At the same being single can be kind of lonely. It sucks, to put it lightly, but at the same time the more time I am single, I feel like the more affection I can give my future girlfriend and/or wife. This is a good thing, so I am told haha, but it sucks because I don't even know too many girls to hang out with much less date. But meh, all in good time, is what I tell myself.

Let me know what you think about this decisions, I am still pondering it everyday.

By the way........ THE MOVIE "THE LOVE GURU" SUCKED

Reflection Part:5

2008-06-17T21:06:00.000-07:00

Now that the school year is almost over, I have improved on many things that challenged me at the beginning of school. Being a fan of Harry Potter, I read those books cover to cover in about two days, no matter what the size of the current book was. I was used to J.K. Rowling’s style of writing and enjoyed looking for clues she had hidden in the pages. My only problem was that for some reason, I felt unable to apply my fast reading skills to any other book besides Harry Potter. This year, however, I read a few books for English class, and some leisurely, and was able to read them faster. It was much easier, and I believe my speed and comprehension depends on my attitude toward the book. Reading more frequently and with a broader horizon helps immensely when you try to read and comprehend faster. It is also easier for me to take notes after this year. My Western Civilization class with Mr. Freeman taught me a lot about what is good information to write down, and what is a waste of time to write. Taking notes continues to get easier when you have to take them for several different topics, so you are exposed to many situations in which taking notes is helpful. That is something that will benefit me forever, especially in college.
Next year, I am challenging myself in school more than I ever have before. I know deep down I have the capability and the intelligence to get good grades in my AP, TCC, and normal classes. I will push myself to do well, so that I have good college credit, and can open my eyes to new opportunities and ways to improve my education and myself. I also plan on getting even more in shape, hopefully gaining almost 30 more pounds within the next year. Overall, I hope to improve my grades from this year, and force myself to work without distractions. I plan on being a much better and improved student next year, and I hope that my teachers will be able to see the improvement.
I am very much looking forward to being a junior, not only because I am finally an upperclassman, but also I am getting closer to college where I am becoming an adult and starting a life of my own. I also feel as I get older I can push myself in new ways, and more independently, without as much parental influence. Even though parents are “there” to help you make the right decisions, making your own decisions brings you one step closer to maturing, however parents are still a big help. I can tell that I will do well next year, and improve on what I only just began to improve on this year.

Reflection Part:4

2008-06-17T21:05:00.000-07:00

My strengths as a student, despite my grades in English, are in writing. The reason I say ‘despite my grades’ is because when I write exactly what comes from my head, I write very well. When it comes to what someone else assigns me, I do not do as well because the topic will most likely not be interesting and appealing to me. My other strength is in leadership. In class and outside of class, I have grown in leadership, sharing my opinions, and trying to get across to my peers how immaturely they are treating the teachers. Nothing bugs me more than when people sit in class and do nothing because they have decided to not try to do well at anything, and when they talk over the teachers.
I currently am still challenged by keeping my grades up with the pressure and anxiety of the end of school. I am working very hard on studying for the finals that I have very soon, and when those are over, all my attention will be drawn to doing well in my two AP classes next year and my one psychology class at TCC. I am excited for the change in atmosphere, possibly from immature peers to mature college level peers, and maybe even from high school work, to more college-level material and curriculum. In these ways, I am challenging myself to overcome obstacles I had this year at a higher level.
Being in this English class this year, I have learned to cooperate with other people during group work. You also have to make sure, for your own sake, that they are on task, and do not let them slack, or you will be paying the price as much as they do. I have also learned to compromise with my partners if they have a different idea or explanation. It has been difficult for me to work in groups because I feel like most people in my class are people who would slack off or just get distracted. As I have worked with people this year, I have worked with individuals I don’t usually collaborate with, to find that they are diligent workers if they want to be. I realized I had to get to know them to really know what they were like, and what they were capable of doing.
One of the greatest accomplishments in my academic life was probably how greatly I pulled my grades together for the majority of the second semester. I still struggled to get perfect grades, but they were overall better than they were first semester. I forced myself to put school first; before hanging out with friends, and before watching television and being on the computer. In my personal life, I have become even more social, which has been a continued improvement since fifth grade. I have improved my friendships with my true friends, and lost some I felt were not worth my emotional patience, and thus for the better. I have also improved my physical fitness immensely. I took a weight training class first semester, and continued exercising at the YMCA when the semester was over. I have gained 50 pounds of muscle from the effort. It is something I am very proud of because whatever happened, I kept working out, trying my hardest, and it finally paid off. I continue to go to the YMCA, and enjoy releasing stress and frustration during the workouts. I am pleased that I have and continue to work hard for something I wanted to accomplish whether it was getting a better grade in a specific class, or gaining muscle mass so that I do not look like a twig. I feel very accomplished by trying. Working for something you want is a big step to achieving it.

Reflection Part:3

2008-06-17T21:03:00.000-07:00

The best part of my sophomore year was being superior to a whole class in the school. It helped me feel more welcome not being the underdog freshman. I really enjoyed meeting new people and adapting to more difficult work. It was encouraging to work on a more challenging level in English and Social Studies, since my freshman year was very below my abilities. I also enjoyed finishing my 6 months of probation for not driving friends in my car, and even completing an entire year of having my license with no violations or tickets. That gave me more freedom to drive my friends and effectively inclined my parents to help me pay for a car this summer.
I had a few negative experiences this year however. I did not like my math grade, and did not have a teacher who worked well to explain things to me. I also had many days where I completely forgot that I had homework and failed several assignments because of my lack of experience with organizing a schedule. I have improved with remembering and writing down homework since then. My last and definitely least favorite thing of this year was the WASL. They felt like a waste of time, especially when I realized that everything I had been taught in the past year (that is supposedly completely focused on the WASL) was not on the test. The bonus was that even though I was not taught most of the information on the tests, I knew the material nevertheless.

Reflection Part:2

2008-06-17T21:02:00.000-07:00

This year I have improved in my social and spiritual life. I have learned a lot from my sophomore English class, and have been able to nurture my passion for writing by starting a blog online. Socially, I am constantly finding the value and importance in friends. Coming out of an eleven-month relationship at the beginning of the year, it was a shock to realize how much I didn’t need the girl as much, but needed my friends way more. Since the breakup, I have gone out with my friends to have the time of our lives doing one thing or another, and at the end of June I am going on a mission trip with all of them as well. I have also learned to not try and gain friendships with people that have already judged or dislike me, like many of the people at our school. I have accepted that they have judged me prematurely, and pursuing a friendship or popularity is a massive waste of time when I have the most fun, loving, caring, accepting, trustworthy, honest, and sensitive friends from my high school youth group at my church. They have been there for me since sixth grade, and I continue to hang with them several times a week.
As I have grown and matured this year, finishing sophomore year with seventeen years behind me, I have been able to grow in faith and decide for myself what I believe in, especially when it comes to the affirmation our church is discussing. I have been able to learn how to accept someone that believes things that are only a little different than my own, and that we can co-exist in a covenant church. This past year I have gone on many retreats with my youth group, and even to Ensenada, Mexico. I also participated in the leadership group for planning youth group events, which gave me more time with my youth pastor. This all helped me grow spiritually and even socially.

Reflection Part:1

2008-06-17T21:01:00.000-07:00

I did not have high expectations for my sophomore year, because I was told it would be the worst of all years in high school. I expected the classes to be somewhat interesting, and hoped to get a better math teacher. I feel like my year has gone fairly well. I have gotten frustrated with some teachers, but overall I feel I learned a lot from them. I struggled in math, and still feel like the teacher did not explain the material sufficiently. I feel good about the classes I had and my year in general.
My goals for this year included passing the classes with flying colors, getting an overall 4.0, and improving specifically on my reading and writing. I am not overly happy with my grades, however I do feel that I have improved in my studying skills, including writing.

Snowball

2008-06-15T16:30:00.000-07:00

My brother's cat looked like he was trying to sleep when I walked in on him in my parents room on their bed. When he opened his eyes, he looked at me like he was saying "Go away, I'm busy thinking and sleeping." He really has an amazing character that is really cute, but stubborn and lazy too.

Painting

2008-06-15T16:21:00.000-07:00

I did not paint today but took hours writing an essay on how I have improved this year. I will get that up on the blog when it is perfected. It is very long though.

We finished painting and double coating today! It's gonna look pretty decent!

FLOOD

2008-06-14T14:07:00.001-07:00

Okay. So today we started painting our house. it was blue with brownish trim and now it will be yellowish with trim I don't know the color of. I needed to listen to something on my Ipod because we were out there for about 4 hours.

I didn't really have 4 hours of music I wanted to listen to, so I checked Itunes on my laptop, and my eyes were drawn to my podcast library, that was virtually overflowing with new podcasts.

Last year, when I got back from Ensenada, Mexico and San Diego, California, I subscribed to Dive Into FLOOD's podcast. A Young, New Generation church mainly attended to by high school and college students. It really was the best service I had ever been to, and I really hope to go back some day.

So I started listening to the FLOOD podcast. Currently, I have gotten through about a month and a half of sermons. Their pastor, Matt, is an awesome speaker, funny, cool, and inspiring the whole way through.

When we were in San Diego last summer with youth group, I really enjoyed the atmosphere of the city, the church, and Point Loma Nazarene University, the college my youth pastor went to. I liked it so much I have been quietly thinking about going to college in San Diego. I could find a four-year college that had the classes I wanted to take, and also attend FLOOD. I would really like to be a member there someday.

Just a thought. I love Matt's sermons.

Summing Up My Life Right Now

2008-06-13T22:56:00.000-07:00

Almost out of school, trying not to crack. Of course most of my teachers have to be jerks enough to make it incredibly possible to fail within days of the end of the year. So that is stressful. But only 2.5 more days, and I am on to summer!

I cannot WAIT for the Cape, Canada. It will be so much fun with all my good friends! I really can't wait for the early morning kayaking trips and the ultimate frisbee. I also hope to run every morning if I do okay.

Since if it is a nice week at the Cape, my shirt will be off a whole lot, I am trying hard to shed a few fatty pounds (what little fat I have) by working out at the ymca almost everyday until the Cape. I will be running, lifting, swimming, steam rooming, basketball, etc. Very hard core. Just thought it would be nice to have hint of a six pack for the week at the Cape. Haha. Though not a big deal if it doesn't work out because um... I'm not that insecure to have my shirt off as I currently am.

This summer, two days after the Cape, I will be leaving for Vancouver, Canada to mission in several different ways with my youth group. I think it will be an incredible experience, especially being one of the leaders. Please pray for me down there!

I hope to have one or two jobs this summer, because I seriously need a car and gas money. Pray for me there too, por favor.

Also, Ben, Bogey and I have vowed to see every movie we are interested in seeing, the first night it comes out. That will be sooooo awesome.

I also hope to start Police Explorers this summer. Yay! Haha.

Coming Soon,

I am going to be copying an essay on how I have changed this year I am writing for school to the blog, because I am getting really into the writing, and enjoying realizing the improvement of change since last September.

Applying God::::Part 1

2008-06-08T16:00:00.000-07:00

So wherever I go in the Christian community I am bombarded by different people's style of worshipping God, or acknowledging He is part of their life. I hear some people say things like "That's not Christ-like" or things like "Thank God for this beautiful day".

I have no problem with any of these phrases, but the all have their time and place I think. I will say that this is a topic where I can be a little naive and I am not just stating what I think but also sort of asking for your input.

When it comes to "That's not Christ-like" sometimes I wonder if it really matters...? I know that sounds bad, but really think of this: someone cusses (not the Lord's name in vain), and someone says "that's not Christ-like". In my opinion, I think of course it's not Christ-like, first of all, we are NOT God, and we are never perfect. But I do believe that as crass and rude society has made cuss words (apart from the Lord's name), it is not sinful to swear.

Most cuss words were invented only a few hundred years ago. However, Christians are stereotyped not to swear, so if someone sees a Christian swear, they may think you are not a Christian, so there you go, a reason not to cuss. But even if we shouldn't so we don't seem like "everyone else" (non-Christians), I do not think cussing is a sin. I barely think they should be offensive (don't worry, I acknowledge that they are) because I have dissected words and researched the origin of the word f**k and it is presumed to be a word for being punished for having sex when you are supposed to be working, or something of that nature. Even if you don't believe that version of the origin, it still means "sexual intercourse".

So would you be insulted by someone saying to you "Ah, sexual intercourse you!" or "Yea they just sexual intercourse-ed during the party!"? Wow sure hope not, because in the first scenario, he's just telling you to go play with yourself instead of be there-- which is crass, but um.... he just told you to get lost basically. So who cares? And the second scenario, yea even if the couple at the party weren't in love and it was one of the pre-marital, one-night-stand things, it still means they just had sex. Excuse them for using a different word. I say Bogey instead of Eric Bogenschutz's whole name when I talk to him, is that making it crass and disgusting? Don't think so.

Finally, I think that, yes people don't expect Christians to cuss, and that we shouldn't so that they can respect our religion and be open to a conversation about God, but I do not think cussing is going to send us to hell.

I hope nobody took offense to my thoughts, that are continuously changing, and I would appreciate your thoughts on this topic. I will continue the Applying God blogs this week. Thanks!

YouTube!

2008-06-05T17:15:00.001-07:00

Taught me how to tie a tie!! hahahaha

Green.

2008-05-25T12:52:00.000-07:00

How to Go Green is a website with many aspects of being green and conserving energy.

Although it is a little difficult to be green when you are still living with your parents and have no money to buy more green products, I can still do my part for the economy like be conservative with the gas when I drive my Honda Civic Hybrid 2005:

What’s the Big Deal?
Cars are one of the great mixed bags of our time. They are at once wonders of engineering and a threat to life on Earth. They create convenience and comfort and also snarled traffic and sprawling suburbs. In the US, about 20% of all greenhouse gas emissions come from cars and light trucks like SUVs, contributing to climate change, air pollution, and disease. If you are truly trying to lighten your environmental footprint, the first thing to do is ask if you do in fact need a car. If the answer is yes, there are many things you can do to make your driving life greener.
1. Drive a green car
There are now hybrids to match almost any need: two-door, four-door, SUV, luxury sedan. They get better mileage than their conventional counterparts, have cleaner emissions, and save money on gas. If a hybrid isn’t in your future, try for a car with the best MPG you can find; and remember that hybrids aren’t always the most efficient option, either. Biodiesel can now be found in almost any state in the US. This clean, domestic, veggie-based, carbon-neutral fuel will run in any diesel car or truck with little or no modification to the engine. Straight vegetable oil is an option for the more ambitious green driver and can make fueling up almost free. Another veggie fuel is ethanol, and there are between 5-6 million flex-fuel vehicles already on the road—you may even be driving one and not know it. Also, affordable, practical electric cars and plug-in hybrids aren’t too far off, either. But whether or not you drive a hybrid or alternative-fuel vehicle, there’s lots you can do to green your car right now.
2. Best practices
Driving technique has a lot to do with your fuel economy. Avoid sudden starts and stops and go the speed limit.Not only does speeding and herky-jerky driving kill your MPG, it's dangerous. And even if no one gets hurt in a fender bender, how green is it to get a new bumper or have your car re-painted? As a general rule of thumb, keep your engine speeds between 1,200—3,000 RPMs, and up-shift between 2,000—2500 RPMs. Also, drive wise and minimize unnecessary miles by doing errands in one trip, getting good directions, and calling ahead.
3. Stay in tune
Getting regular tune-ups, maintenance, and having clean air filters will help you burn less gas, pollute less, and prevent car trouble down the line. Pump up: if every American’s tires were properly inflated we could save around 2 billion gallons of gas each year! (Check your manual for optimal pressure). Lastly, get the junk out of the trunk! All that extra weight is sapping your fuel economy.
4. Car minus the carbon
There are many services out there now that can help you calculate your yearly emissions from driving and offset those greenhouse gasses through various means. Check below for a few carbon offset opportunities.
5. Carpool
Of course. Find coworkers, neighbors, and fellow students headed the same direction. Start with one shared trip per week. Also look into car sharing programs like FlexCar and ZipCar.
6. Leave the car at home.
For shorter adventures, walk, take public transit, ride your bike (regular, electric-assisted, or something fancier [http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/10/bluevelo_velomo.php]), skateboard, rollerblades, or even look into an electric scooter. Carrying groceries or other bulky stuff can still be done on a bike with a backpack or some slick modifications. Check out the Xtracycle, for example.
7. Drive part of the way
If getting where you’re going by bike or public transit alone isn’t going to happen, consider driving part of the way and then jumping on public transit or your bike (a folder would be perfect). A great way to beat traffic!
8. Easy on the AC
Use the windows to help keep the car cool. Or try an electric or solar fan. Parking in the shade and using a reflective windshield shade can keep your car cooler when parked, meaning it takes less to cool it off when you get back in. If you car is new, however, let it air out. That new car smell is not friendly stuff.
9. Telecommuting
Drive less with the wonders of working from home (or internet café, treehouse, Mojave desert, etc.) With instant messaging, video chat, teleconferencing, and other world-flattening technologies, making the rush-hour trek to work and back might not be that necessary. Ask your boss or offer your employees a teleconferencing day once a week. Hey, it works for TreeHuggers and 44 million Americans.
10. Aspire to carlessness
Not everyone is going to be able to do it, at least not cold carkey. It will probably entail a shift in thinking and some time, but living carfree might be more within reach than you think. Living closer to work and school is a big part of it. Walking, biking, public transport, car sharing, car borrowing, and teleconferencing are a strong arsenal of tools to help reduce the need for a car. Give it some thought.

1. Speak up
Become an advocate for strong fuel-economy standards, better public transit, more bike lanes, better sidewalks, and more car-free areas in your city. Many communities are not designed for life without an automobile, but that can change with some good planning and political will.
2. Organize your coworkers
Get a ride–sharing network going at work. (Maybe you’ll even get a raise)
3. Good tires
Different tires affect MPG in different ways. When you’re in the market for new tires, look for the ones that help give you the best mileage. (And don’t forget about proper inflation!)
4. Push for congestion charges in downtown areas
Too many cars in the same area at the same time? Singapore, London, and Edinburgh, for example, all use congestion charging to tax cars that enter heavily congested areas during the workweek.
5. If you´re the boss
If you are an employer, there’s almost no limit to the things you can do to encourage greener driving from your employees. A growing number of bosses are using rewards and perks to encourage employees to rideshare and drive hybrids or other fuel-efficient cars. You can also subsidize passes for public transit, make your office bike friendly (anything from having good bike racks to having showers), and set a good example with your own transport choices. Facilitating telecommuting can also save on fuel, emissions, and time wasted commuting.
6. Start a biodiesel or veggie-oil coop
If biodiesel is not readily available in your area (or the local pump only sells B20), rally up the interested parties and start a cooperative. Los Angeles and many other cities have effective models running.

These are all things I can realistically do to save gas and money. All the other green life aspects are more realistic when I live on my own, but I really want to try and do these things and help make a difference.

Out With The Old, In With The New.

2008-05-20T17:18:00.001-07:00

According to this children's chart to understanding the life cycle of a CD, there are several materials included in the production of CD's that could be or are harmful to the environment. There is Polycarbonate, made out of crude oil and natural gasses from the earth, Lacquer- made by acrylic- another plastic, and Dyes- made in a laboratory partially from petroleum. These are the materials that sound somewhat harmful, but there are also materials such as gold, aluminum, water, glass, silver, and nickel, that are not as harmful, but deplete the earth's resources.

When will we go to completely digital and forget hard copies? It's all about streaming and downloading. I am honestly shocked CD's are still around, meaning they have existed about 25 years. Ridiculous. How often do you see people in the music section at Borders? Um almost never, because the are at home on Itunes. Google has met with the FCC to debate on having the white spaces on TV used for internet access while cable TV goes through cords instead of the satellite on your houses. This means that anywhere you have a TV, there will be Wifi. That would be nice.

A friend of mine I was talking with today said that many people believe that BlueRay will be the last hard disc ever and then it will be all about streaming.

It is obvious that soon we will not even need to have CDs to install operating systems because Google is getting close to the equivalent of an OS online (iGoogle), where they include features like word processing, presentations, spreadsheets, etc. Even your calendar and contacts are online. Soon all you may need is flash memory, and internet access.

I encourage you all to forget using CDs and go completely Mp3 and download your songs. It may not do much for the economy, but now, a little is a big deal. But do not go buy a Zune. Evil.

White Space

'You Think You're So Cool!'

2008-05-17T22:51:00.000-07:00

How many times is that the accusation you receive from someone who is already "socially cooler" than you?

I got it from a guy in a big pick-up truck with a huge boat being towed behind it. So he has two options: a.) he is compensating for something b.) he thinks he's cool for driving such a massive, gas-guzzling truck. Haha, I'm thinking both.

Why is this an insulting accusation? If we didn't think we were "cool", wouldn't we be really depressed, shy, and majorly lacking self-esteem? Why is it a bad thing? Could it be that "cool" means we're above everyone else? I don't think that is what it's definition is because you can be "cool" with your friends...

1. cool

The best way to say something is neat-o, awesome, or swell. The phrase "cool" is very relaxed, never goes out of style, and people will never laugh at you for using it, very conveniant for people like me who don't care about what's "in."

Ummm... Yep bad definition, complements of urbandictionary.com.

But my point is, I don't think it is bad to think you are cool. That may be what keeps you going every day, maybe the thing that keeps your head up around jerks at school.

Actually as I think this through, there are a few different kinds of cool: Punk Cool/Nice Guy Cool/Popular Cool. I believe you can be accepted in more than one at a time. But just accusing you of 'thinking you are so cool' really doesn't mean much because, yes- it may be arrogant, but it may not be if people say you are or you just tell yourself that every day to ward away low self-esteem.

My point is, Mr. Gas Guzzling Truck Driver, I don't care what you think I am like or what you think I think I am. You drive a massive truck that made for show and compensation. What do you think I think you're thinking about yourself?? First of all I think you need to drive a car that gets better mileage. Then you may actually be cool. Haha

Nikels, Dimes, & Quarters

2008-05-14T21:37:00.000-07:00

Over the last month I have been driving increasingly often. Especially to places I spend money. Like Jamba Juice. I decided to try and keep ALL the change I receive for a while in the console of my car. It has been several weeks, maybe a little more than a month, and I decided to count the coins. About $27.17. That blew me away! 27 bucks in change???

So I brought it all into SafeWay to use the coin exchange machine. After a fee of 8.9%, I walk away with $25.12. That is so sick. Saving money from my errands just paid me 25 bucks!

How much could you save by checking under your seats, or the pants that are going in the wash? I don't know about you, but a month of saving those coins just paid for a half tank of gas if the need came around.

Keep your change, just set it in the center console, and you have enough to get you several miles. I'm guessing that will get you home if something happens!

Do it.

A Requested Blog: My Jams

2008-05-14T21:11:00.000-07:00

So my dad told me someone liked my blog, but wanted to know about what kind of music I like. That is a very had question to answer. I'll semi-answer it my saying, I dislike very few kinds of music. I dislike jazz and classical except if it's from a movie soundtrack. I dislike rap because of its unmusicalness. All they are doing is speaking to a beat and talking about sex, drugs, bloods and crips, etc.

I have to admit I do have a spot for country, though it is very small. I listen to 100.7 The Wolf FM all the time, barely for the music at all, but for the morning DJ's. They are fantastic and really get me going in the morning. But you gotta love Brad Paisley, because he has the funniest songs like "Online", "I'm Still A Guy", and "Ticks". Classics. Haha

I enjoy classic one-hit-wonders like More than a Feeling by Boston, and Any Way You Want It by Journey. I like a few Led Zeppelin songs, Pink Floyd, and Scorpians, oh and Guns & Roses.

My main kind of music is Metal/Screamo/Hardcore. Like Slipknot, As I Lay Dying, August Burns Red (Is my favorite), The Divine Romance (BLAKE MERWIN'S IN THAT BAND!!), Saliva, Trapt, Godsmack, Haste the Day, and UnderOath. They are sick. I know most people don't like these bands because you can't hear what they say over the screaming, but I think it gives more passion to whatever they are saying. Plus I look up lyrics online.

Plan To Cut My Expenses

2008-05-13T21:25:00.000-07:00

I have been subconsciously aware of my buying habits for quite some time, but I realized, it may effect my future expenses for a car. I am going to now write a list of things I should quit buying-- that I usually buy...

Drinks at school
Drinks at store
Taco Del Mar
Forza
Pop-Tarts/Pizza-Pockets at school
Jamba Juice
Movies and Movie Snacks
Candy for the road
Drive conservatively and accelerate slower**

If I cut down on these all together, I will definitely have much more money

to go towards a car or gas. At the moment I do not pay for gas unless I am stuck with the car

when it is empty, but I should save up for when I do pay for my own gas. I also find myself going

Jamba Juice literally at least 2 times a week. That is about 12 bucks total, and I easily go more than

twice a week.

I also use a short cut for not eating breakfast. It means I get a snack or drink at school. There goes 5 bucks,

sometimes every day. I go to a lot of movies. My parents are happy to pay, but it is usually quicker for me

to pay myself. I have quit getting popcorn though so that's good.

Next, I just shouldn't get a bag of Sour Patch kids to munch on while I'm driving.

The cool thing is most of these solutions are healthy too haha.

I am going to start working on this.

Day With My Aunt, Uncle, and Cousin.

2008-05-10T18:32:00.000-07:00

So I drove down to Salem, Oregon last night while my mom and brother slept. (I will take this moment to also say I have been 4 weeks of all carbonated products, but I made a single exception for the need for caffeine during the 4 hour drive starting at 9pm). My cousin Nora is about 8 months now, and I was begging my parents to go because I want to see her before she is a toddler (a.k.a. annoying haha.) Oh, at the moment she is rubbing my feet and tugging on my pant legs haha.

After taking her to Taco Del Mar, we went home and watched Contact with Jodie Foster and I held her on my lap for most of the movie. I showed her my computer again, it's been about 4 months since I showed her last! This time, I showed her Photo Booth, the picture taking application. So basically it was a mirror (she loves mirrors) for her to look at. She loved banging on the keys, and touching the screen where she was in the window. When I tried closing and setting it down, she started crying. So I picked it up again. I love seeing her happy!

Right now she is being helped to crawl across the floor by my brother into her room.

Now I just got home from taking my Uncle Brian to see Iron Man. I've now seen it twice. Pretty sick! So, now I have a video of Nora using the computer earlier. I just opened Photo Booth and just let it record as she banged on the computer.

I am having a great time with my baby cousin!

Hulu: DVR On the Web?

2008-05-08T19:30:00.000-07:00

I have recently discovered Hulu.com. It allows you to view hit TV shows and movies anytime for free. Like a Youtube that only has TV shows and movies, but with excellent quality. I have become a member with Hulu, just to see how different things work.
I subscribed to several of my favorite TV shows: Family Guy, The Office, House, etc. I will always have access to the new shows (they have the shows on about a day or two after the show is on the air.) If I wanted to, I could even receive them over RSS. I can rate them, and have Favorites. Another feature I really appreciated was that, when I finished watching a show in the middle of it last night, when I wanted to finish it today, it was in the exact same spot it was last night! And I had turned off my computer and everything!
Both TV shows and movies are good quality, and have a good setup. I encourage you try using it!

Jealous?

2008-05-06T12:06:00.000-07:00

This is my cousin in her little "office"!

Ladies And Gentlemen, I Have An Announcement

2008-05-01T20:37:00.000-07:00

I played football for Gig Harbor High School as a freshman. I tried for running back, but was too small and all ways got taken down. I worked very very hard to impress the coaches, but they were already set on the kids they knew before the season started. For the entire season I weight 145 pounds at 6 feet tall. That is very scrawny. I was moved to wide-receiver, which was the position that all the sucky and tiny people got. So there were about 12 wide-receivers. Haha.

I have worked my ass off the last 7 months, trying to gain weight. I had a weight training class, and after I was out of that class I got a YMCA membership. Since September 2007 I have gained 50 pounds and I am now 6 foot one inches.

I am ready.

I am signing up for football this year again. I will hopefully play linebacker. Wish me luck.

I Call It: KnockDuck

2008-05-01T16:36:00.000-07:00

I played the coolest game yesterday. First have tons of balls in an area. Everyone is for himself. When a whistle is blown you run to get a ball. If you hit someone with a ball, they are out. If they catch it, you are out. When you are sitting down (showing you're out) you must watch the person who got you out until they are sitting down. Once he has been hit by a ball, you can come in again and try and get a ball to attack others. Like dodgeball with everyone against everyone. Play it. It's a whole lot of fun

That's What She Said.

2008-04-29T21:56:00.000-07:00

The Office. I can get a kick out of it. Hilarious when Michael Scott (Steve Carell) says "That's what she said!" to "Wow that is really hard. You think you can go all day?". Yes. Intensely funny. But it cannot get any older when everyone in teenage years takes things in the context of sex.

At school if you say something like "This is getting boring, let's go do it somewhere else," you are either going to be called gay or told that you shouldn't go 'there'. If I say "That guy could get any girl, he's pretty good looking," automatic gay flag on you. Even ones not making you sound homosexual are coming up like something as simple as saying a girl cool, people may automatically start teasing you that you have fantasies about this girl or secretly had sex with her last Friday.

So sexual jokes can be fun. Big deal. I don't care, I make some myself. But when you are misquoted or what you say is taken in a sexual context almost every hour of your school day, it gets incredibly old. It is very childish, and frankly I am surprised us sophomores are still into this stuff.

I mean you can suck it up a few times in casual conversation, but when you are, say, asking the teacher a serious question about some person in history, and everyone starts barking "Woah there!" or "Hey, hey, let's not be talking that way!" you just want to destroy them.

Sex is supposed to be about the ability of intense love God gave as a gift to us. Not only are we ruining it through porn, media, etc. but we are also ruining the meaning by all our crude jokes. Where is the line any more? I'd like people to understand the meaning and "gift" of sex. Who knows when my generation will grow up? God.

The Best Place To Work Out

2008-04-29T15:49:00.000-07:00

I am going to hand in an application for the YMCA today. I am very excited because I really want a job working there. I am there every other day and sometimes everyday.

Along with my weight coach at the high school's classes, the YMCA has been a place I feel like I am making progress in my fitness. Whenever I go I do not feel judge by how physically fit, broad, etc. I am. People just keep to their own business. Many people are actually friendly enough to offer you a spot when they can tell you are lifting a lot more than usual.

Gig Harbor YMCA facilities are outstanding. We have a 1/9th of a mile track on the top floor, and many many running machines, a weight room, huge pool, child care, basketball courts, racket ball, two rooms for fitness classes (which include ballroom dancing which I have taken! Very fun!).

I enjoy going to the YMCA constantly because I feel I can relax and be in my familiar territory of dumbbells and weights. I hope all of you go check out the YMCA, especially the Gig Harbor facility!

Buy My Desk?

2008-04-28T21:36:00.000-07:00

9 drawers 2 slide out trays several cubbies/shelves The only marks on the entire thing are faint and not visible when fully assembled. The desk, shelves and top are different parts, but assemble and stay together easily. Handmade by elderly man at my church. I have only used it for storing papers, notebooks, etc, not for actual office work, so there is no wearing where a laptop may have been, or indentations from pens. I am looking for $300+ but will take best offer. If you buy it, we have to meet up somewhere, no shipping.
Go to my craigslist page to see the actual post and email me to arrange something.

Forza Coffee

2008-04-28T16:10:00.000-07:00

Forza is officially the place I am going to start coming to to do homework and to hide away from family bickering. Our Gig Harbor installation of the coffee company is very comfy but roomy, has very friendly baristas, and has free wifi connection!

It also has a cute barista. Haha

She is super super cute and smiles a lot. But you guys should see the girl at Tanglewood Bar and Grill. Really pretty!

Laugh, Nora, Laugh!

2008-04-26T18:02:00.000-07:00

Recently Nora has been laughing a whole lot! Isn't she just the cutest cousin?

What The Hell Is Wrong With Us?

2008-04-20T15:15:00.000-07:00

Seriously people. It just snowed on April 19, 2008. Usually its becoming spring-ish in MARCH. I think it's about time to realize something is wrong and try and fucking fix it. I actually heard somebody say this past week "Hey, God's going to destroy the world and put us in Heaven someday, so why take care of the earth?". Yea. Please tell me you all think that is insane. It all goes back to what Blake Merwin has been lecturing at HCC Ignite Youth Group these last few weeks. We have to take care of the beautiful world that God gave us! If God would even think about trusting us with something, it has to be important and He must care for it.

It was sunny today, but very chilly (April 20, 2008) and was able to mow the lawn, but with a jacket. What's up with this? People, we need to start caring for our world. Stop driving Hummers and big Cadillac Escalades and buy a car with low emissions and gets a minimum of 4o miles to the gallon. Recycle, Use a trash can, don't use nuclear weapons, and stop using huge factories that pump out clouds of shit every minute of every day. If just the United States quit doing all this junk, we would have a much better world. I can't even imagine if the whole world pitched in.

God cares about us, but He also cares about the planet we destroy every day. Tree by Tree, animal by animal, trash by trash, gallon by gallon, war by war. Let's change.

Cousin Nora Mohr. September 17, 2007.

2008-04-20T13:06:00.000-07:00

My baby cousin Nora was born in September of 2007. Her mom, my aunt Julie, experienced a stillborn before Nora was born, so Nora is an incredible gift and blessing to her and her husband, my uncle Brian. She is almost 7 months old and just started rolling and trying to crawl.

She makes my heart melt every time I see her because seeing her cute little smile reminds me of how incredible God is, and also that I will get to see her grow up! Her eyes are literally solid blue. Solid as in- most people's eyes look veiny and kinda different shades of whatever color their eyes are, but noooo, Nora's are solid electronic dark blue. They are the most beautiful eyes you could ever see.

I hope you all watch the video below and maybe even follow the link to the rest of her videos on youtube of Nora Mohr. If you want to read Julie's constantly updated blog showing everyday pictures of Nora, do so.

God, thank you for blessing my aunt and uncle, as well as my whole extended family with Nora.

Planet Earth.

2008-04-19T17:12:00.000-07:00

I watched Planet Earth's premier show, the Jungle episode, and the Great Plains episode last night with my youth leader and a few friends. I have always been passionate about nature and loved hiking in the middle of it all. After seeing the Lord of the Rings series I fell in love with New Zealand's sceneries of forests to mountains, to rivers. It is all gorgeous. God made this!!

The amazing thing about Planet Earth's series is they don't just show the big picture, but can focus on the tiniest things like ants in a jungle that covers a third of the planet, or a spider that lives in a jar plant to catch bugs that are lured into it by the smell of the nectar. It shows how significant small things are in this huge world. To think about it is not easy and just blows your mind.

This video made me want to travel the world, hiking through forests, climbing mountains, and photographing elephants swimming in a waterhole, and much more. I want to see God's creation and be able to appreciate it even further than watching it on a Blueray drive on a plasma TV. I don't think anyone can understand how passionate I am about it. Any of the hundreds of clips I saw last night I could have replayed and replayed, and still never really wanted to stop because it is all good, and that would be the Word of God. Good.

Project Serve

2008-04-19T15:20:00.000-07:00

In march, my high school youth group at Harbor Covenant Church went to Chehalis, Washington to help the community with getting new furniture to replace what they lost in the flood several months ago. Followed by Komo4, we drove to Chehalis to a furniture banks and unloaded many semis that were filled with either donated furniture or mattresses from Sleep Country. In only a couple of hours or more we were able to unload it all. We made it on the news since this whole project was sponsored by Komo4 and Operah's Big Give.

It was a great experience to know how much we were helping people, especially watching the victims on the news afterwards, and knowing how close to us they were really reminded me that we don't have to travel far and wide to serve others for God, we can look in our back yard as well.

Komo4
King5

Neglected.

2008-04-18T16:53:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken by Kevin Carter, the photographer who won the South Africa Pulitzer Prize for the picture of the starving young sudanese girl being stalked by a vulture.

I can't stop wondering, after seeing this picture, if after taking the picture if he handed this boy his bottled water or his power-bar. My guess is he did not and wandered away to find another starving boy who could not have a millimeter of fat or muscle on him and that looked dramatic enough for a Pulitzer.

This picture in many ways haunts me as well as breaks my heart. It is not normal and in that way it haunts me. It is also heartbreaking because to think someone as human as me could be so skinny, hungry, thirsty, lonely, or without comfort is beyond sad.

I want to know if this boy knows God, or that there is still something to hope for beyond his life where he and other children in Africa are allowed to die day by day with almost no intervention or aid.

It is just disgusting and embarrassing that everyone in the US living in cities in condos that have views of the water, walk down the street talking with someone on their Bluetooth headset while sipping a Starbucks coffee that they won't finish because they are late for a meeting, can consume the money and unnecessary food while a boy like this dies with little or no muscle or fat on him somewhere in the world. I don't care that people say 'we can't fix it', 'it's so many people who are starving or have AIDs', but if everyone helped to their own extent whether it's money or missioning in Africa, they may just have as much hope for success as we have today (if you call our living style a success.)

Three months after winning the Pulitzer Prize for the picture of the dying girl and the vulture, Kevin Carter committed suicide because of being haunted by the corpses, madmen with guns, and starving children he had witnessed in Africa. I read an article that said he wrote a prayer to God in his journal before he died, though I could not find out for sure if it was true. It wrote about how he hoped his picture would remind him to be thankful for everything God gave him and how fortunate he is. This is true, we should be thankful, but who takes a picture to remind yourself of your fortune in this world, given by God, when you let a child of God die and eventually be eaten by a vulture???

I know we can't all afford to go to Africa and save every child or give vaccines to everyone who has a disease, but it seems like the people who cannot afford it try to help more than the wealthy by going on mission trips etc. Africa definitely needs to hear more about God's word but they also need food and cures for sicknesses killing many many people everyday. Giving them money may not always help either if it never gets used for the proper things.

What I am trying to stress is not enough is happening to try and change the conditions in Africa, when all of us, as a country or even a planet, could pull together and help the entire continent of Africa, saving many lives each day. Helping fellow creations of God to survive sounds like good stewardship to me.

Trust Him

2008-04-16T16:31:00.000-07:00

A lot of stuff is creeping up on me since I am suddenly seventeen and beginning to think about getting a car, college, and beyond and how I live life successfully, or at least not terribly. I was getting really stressed about how I feel like I have done nothing with my life so far. But I was nudged by my youth leader to trust in God before I worry about it.

I have always heard in church and read in the Bible that you need to trust in Him to help you through hard times and stuff, and I've prayed for miscellaneous things, but I've never felt I needed guidance like I do now with college stuff or just plain life decisions. I've always known I should look at God for advice and nudges, but this week I've found really how important it is.

Now, go away I'm gonna go pray about a buncha junk.

Wait.... 17 is one year before 18.... !!!exclamation!!!

2008-04-13T21:09:00.000-07:00

This Wednesday, April 16th, 2008, I will be turning 17. It just occurred to me how fast my life is going. I may only be in 1oth grade, but my age is of 11th grader who would be going to senior year if I hadn't started school a year late. Next year, my junior year should be my senior year!! That's so intense. If you were going by age I should know what I want to do with my life and which college I want to go to.---Not quite there yet. Yikes!!!

In April of next year, only my junior year I will be 18. Meaning 18 and can do my own thing!! I mean obviously I will still live with my parents (why not cuz I still have to go to high school and I'm not paying for an apartment), but I can leave the house when I want, be on another phone service (ATT haha), and hold more than 3 people in a car! I mean I can go on vacation during summer with 18 year old friends when my family wants to do something else!!

WAY COOL!

But I feel like I need to catch up to where I should be and start evaluating and really caring about my future.

Library Parking Lot.

2008-04-11T15:41:00.000-07:00

People turn into bad drivers when they enter the Library parking lot.

People actually park 3 feet out from the curb in a parking space, and many people don't know what to do when you are signaling to take a parking spot. They go "huh do I still pass you? Do I back up?" HAHAHAHA stupid.

I Created a New Genre

2008-04-10T22:51:00.000-07:00

Family Guy... The Office... Hilary Clinton Running For President

They all have one thing in common. Many adults seem to not understand the humor. Although in the Hilary Clinton running for president scenario, it just... isn't humorous.

Family Guy is about a family led by Peter Griffin who is extremely dumb and his basic instincts are to do what people do on tv, not what makes sense in the situation at large.

The office is about a rather ignorant manager of a paper company and their random days in the office with very diverse groups of people.

Now, I have talked to a few adults who have given the genre of "Stupid Humor" to these shows, intending the description to be a negative one. Thinking of what the definition for stupid humor would be, I decided "stupid humor" probably wouldn't be that funny. I mean, how funny can it be when a guy can't spell? That's taking it literally, but really that's the idea of "Stupid Humor." I really didn't think this fit well with shows, I am huge fans of both. Both are not funny because it's stupid, but because the characters are stupid.

I have a new genre created especially for these two shows and any others you yourself could fit into it..........

'What the Hell?' Humor.

Think about it.

Family Guy Scenario:

Peter wants to get Stewie (baby) to like him better, so he decides to play with him.

"See, you can play with this box." "wait this is cool I want this"

**crawls underneath box (filling it)

"I'm king in here..."

Now that is not stupid humor in my book. He didn't do anything particularly stupid, he just did something no one would do.... or think of. That's right. It is funny because it makes you think: "What the hell is this? Who would do this? Did people really come up with this sitting in an office drawing pictures?? They are so random! So creative!" That is the process of thought that is probably going through your brain when you watch Family Guy.

The Office Scenario:

Jim Halpert: Sometimes I send Dwight faxes from himself in the future.

Dwight Schrute: [reading fax] Dear Dwight, At 8:00 someone will poison the coffee. Do not drink the coffee! More instructions will follow. Cordially, Future Dwight

Dwight Schrute: [sees Stanley about to drink the coffee and sprints across the office, knocking the cup out of Stanley's hand]

Dwight Schrute: NO!

[after knocking the cup to the floor]

Dwight Schrute: You'll thank me later.

If you're getting the idea of this... you're should be asking yourself "What the hell?" Yea. Who is so amazing enough to think up something as random as this??

The best about this is these are not the best lines of either the shows, they are merely samples. I guarantee "What the Hell" will run through your head at least 10 times each show of either.

And that sums up my new genre: 'What the Hell?' Humor. Think about that, adults who cannot find these shows funny.

Norwegian Pool Player in Cozumel Wasted and Still Great.

2008-04-10T15:21:00.000-07:00

Last February I was in Cozumel, Mexico. One of the last nights there I meet a Norwegian guy who is incredible at pool. Made the most outstanding shots. In this video it is about 11:30 and he has been drinking and smoking, and is getting fairly tipsy. The play he tries to make (You can just barely here him call which hole he's trying to make), I guarantee he could make it if he wasn't wasted. Oh, and just try and imagine how Fuck or Shit sounds with a Norwegian accent. Unfortunately I did not get his cussing on tape, but this is a hilarious shot where he misses pathetically.

Beach Freeze Video

2008-04-10T15:19:00.000-07:00

Songs by Steven Curtis Chapman and Depeche Mode.

Great experience in Ocean Shores

Made on a Mac.

My Weight History

2008-04-09T16:36:00.000-07:00

In 5th grade I was hilariously chubby. I slowly grew from 6th-8th and stretched it out evenly. Though at the same time not eating quite enough. this is how I looked from in 9th grade to the beginning of that summer (left):

**do remember 9th grade is the grade I played football, so this is the puny weight of 145lbs at 6' tall I played with.

After Freshman year I decided whether or not I played football again, I want to be bigger. Of course not fat, but bigger. I signed up for a weight training class with Mr. Mckay at school. He is the smartest guy when it comes to training to gain weight. For the first semester this year, starting at 150lbs at 6' tall, I became a rigorous weight lifter. Every other day in the morning, new programs for different sets of muscles each week. Around October I even signed up for the YMCA in Gig harbor. It only became handy after the first semester was up and I was done with training class. In December, I weighed at 175 lbs. 7 months later from when I started weight training (and continued every other day routines at the YMCA), I weigh a whopping 190 lbs. There is little on me that is fat, and what is fat, I am in the process of losing (because when body building you are going to gain fat as well).

I am incredibly proud of my weight and always get a kick out of people being shocked I weight 190. I officially weigh more than one of the stronger kids in my grade, although I cannot lift as much as he can.

I'm A Mac, And So Can You

Apple's New Ipod Shuffle

MacWorld Expo- ¿Donde esta Steve Jobs?

Lately. The WWWeb.

Technically a Year, Sort of 11 Months.

To Serve.

C.Atheist.T.

Turkey Time!

Sneaking Food Into a Movie

I Challenge All Phone Manufacturers...

Some Sad News About My Favorite Music

America Took Up The Challenge.

Accusations That May Lead To Nothing

Who Let Him In On The Secret?

"I don't believe in God now, but someday I want to."

Suggested Topic: Which Side of the Civil War Would You Be On?

Definition of a Typical Gig Harbor Homecoming Dance.

Something Non-Political?

Good God, When Will The Facts Be Enough??

Because Some Legit Actors Say So....

Maverick.

Thank You Matt Damon

Gotcha Journalism

So I'm A Little Confused.

Twitter Me.

Sexiness Is Population Control

Reason #9,189 That Palin Is Plain Dumb.

I'm In Love With Tina Fey

Black Dwarves (not the stars) On Cops Make Me Laugh Inside.

Mommy, I'm Scared...

Damned If You Do, Damned If You Don't

My Promise to Us as Americans

All My Beloved Anonymous Readers...

Stupid People In Politics Make Me Laugh Inside.

Woops... (part 2)

...Woops.

Relationships Are Like Crack (originally written for the myspace crowd)

Learning To Drive Stick

The Ride To Salem

"Defeat It."

Update.

Ahh I Love Hot Dumb Celebrities Bashing Politicians

A Story...

I Despise Hate

The Race Card?

I Thought America Was Made Up of Speed Demons?!?!

To Be Frank...

Disc Golf

Pointlessness

What Are The Chances...?

My New WiFi Hotspot...

Inhumane.... Yet So Human.

Youth Group Hang-out

Christian Blogger Network

The First Phone to Beat the Iphone.

Vancouver Mission Trip

America's Purpose

Last Two Days of YWAM Vancouver Mission '08

YWAM Vancouver, Canada Mission Trip '08

Leaving for the Mission Trip To Vancouver Canada

Capernwray '08

The Single Life.

Reflection Part:5

Reflection Part:4

Reflection Part:3

Reflection Part:2

Reflection Part:1

Snowball

Painting

FLOOD

Summing Up My Life Right Now

Applying God::::Part 1

YouTube!

Green.

Out With The Old, In With The New.

'You Think You're So Cool!'

Nikels, Dimes, & Quarters

A Requested Blog: My Jams

Plan To Cut My Expenses

Day With My Aunt, Uncle, and Cousin.