2012

I'm going to just say right now that I think this is a load of smelly crap. Everyone says that the world is going to end in 2012 because the Mayan calender ends. I have actually joined a facebook group that is called 'In 2013 I will watch 2012 and laugh.' I really think it is quite ridiculous that everyone is making such a big deal out of this whole 2012 thing. Honestly? If I had been making a calender for that long I would get pissed off and quit making it too! I mean really people! Besides, I don't ever recall it saying in the Bible that the Mayans dictated when the world would end. People let's face facts. If your Christian then you believe in God and that he created the world and that he is what we live by. NOT THE FREAKING MAYAN CALENDER! If your not Christian...well more power to you to believe the world is ending. I'll see you in 2013

Mommy, where do babies come from?

This is an age old question that has baffled parents for decades. What do you tell your child when they ask this? It is the same switch in parents heads that makes them not want to talk about sex. They assume that the school system will teach there wandering teenagers all they need to know. There is an old saying that goes a little something like this: "When you assume you make an 'ass' out of 'u' and 'me'." And this saying has rang true many times in my life. The fact of the matter is there is no real 'sex ed' in schools anymore. I'm a strong believer in abstinence. It's a personal choice that I believe in. Yes, we should teach abstinence to teenagers because some of them will abstain. But some of them won't! We have to get out there and teach kids about safe sex. My high school nurse always told us, "I'd rather you not have sex at all, but if you are going to use two types of protection: condoms and birth control." It was this simple little sentence that would get my classmates minds rolling. They would practice safe sex and be a lot happier. However, it was a very small percentage of students that were really close to the nurse. Therefore most of the kids in my high school had sex unprotected. We had quite a few pregnancies and I'm sure there were many STDs. Yet, all the blame can not be lied on the schools. Parents have an obligation to talk to there kids. My mom and I have always been close and we have always been able to talk about everything under the sun. My mom has always told me that she would support my decision to have sex if I wanted to have it before I was married (even though I won't). All she asks of me is that I talk to her so that I can go on birth control. Between the parents and the schools we could get a lot done to stop pregnancies at a young age and make for a healthier tomorrow.

May I see your ID please?

So can you count how many times you have been asked for your ID? I can count on both of my hands. It's not just an age issue either. It's an identity issue. First, let's address age. When you go to the movies to see an 'R' rated movie you are supposed to be ID to make sure that you 17 years of age or older. The same principle applies when you buy video games. Mature games are rated mature because they are not intended for people under the age of 17 or 18. I have watched friends of mine walk into video stores and buy mature rated games and the store clerks will not give a second thought to whether or not they are 18. On the other hand, when you buy cigarettes or alcohol you are almost always asked to show an ID. Why is this? Is it because the laws on selling to minors in the substance field are more strict than those in the fields of video games and movies? Now, you may argue that a kid is not going to make a stupid decision because of a video game or movie because it does not influence there health or mind like substance does. This may be the case to some but to to some kids their minds are very impressionable. Fact of the matter is that if they are under 17 parents should be making the decisions on whether or not their child is mature enough to know the difference between what is lawful and acceptable and what is not. Sadly, I have been asked for my school ID to get onto the city buses than i have been asked for my drivers licence on mature purchases.

The other side of the coin is identity problems. When you pay with a credit or debit car at any facility you are supposed to have your card signed. The cashier/clerk is supposed to check the back of your card for the signature. If your card is not signed they are supposed to ask you for your ID plain and simple. It is really not a hard thing to do. I purposefully do NOT sign the back of my card so that the cashier/clerk will ask for identification. This way, if my card is ever stolen, it will not be able to be used. Some people even have 'ask for ID' embedded in there card. They pay extra money so that people will ask for ID. Yet, they still don't. I simply don't understand why it is so hard to say "may I see your ID please?" and check the age.

The Presidential 'oops'

So recently the president went over to Japan. This is not an uncommon task for a president. However, most presidents tend to shake hands with everyone they meet. It is a long standing tradition that shows respect but doesn't make the president look weak or beneath the other leaders. Now, I must say that my opinion is a little different. I'm not disagreeing with a good firm handshake. I think a good firm handshake can say a lot about a person. However, there is nothing wrong with taking other countries traditions into consideration when visiting them. Upon visiting Japan the president engaged in a very deep bow to the emperor.

Many people scoffed at President Obama for his actions. I may not be his biggest fan but I do respect him for this action. The bow shown in the picture above is honorable especially to elders in Japan. He gained a lot of respect from elders in Japan that day. Instead of laughing at the president I think we should all take a lesson from him.

cat's vs dogs

Since coming to college and living in apartments I've run into the 'no dogs' rule quite often. I'm honestly trying to make heads or tails of it. I can fully understand why apartment owners don't want dogs of big breeds or nasty temperament; it's simply a liability issue. Understandably, apartments also tend to charge pet deposits and monthly fees. Granted cats use liter boxes; ergo they don't mess all over the property. Also most people claim that cats are 'small' and they 'don't make noise'. Well to be completely honest I have seen some cat's that are fatter than a small dog. Then, you have some breed's of dog that are smaller than most 'normal' sized cats. There should be no reason that landlords can't simply put a size limit on pets. If using the bathroom is an issue then they can enforce 'baggy' rules. The apartment that I currently live in has camera's all over the place and I can't imagine that one would be able to get away with letting there animal mess all over the property. On the other hand, with a cat, they use liter boxes. Now that may seem all well and fine until the owner doesn't clean the litter box and the smell of fecal matter leaks into the hallways. As a matter of fact, my apartment complex is currently having problems with tenants throwing there 'nasty cat litter' down the trash chutes. The other issue most people will claim is that dogs bark. Well I am here to tell you what people cats meow. Some times cats meow very loudly and obnoxiously. Whereas some dogs do not bark or can be taught when not to bark. If a dog is brought up in an apartment and learns the sounds it will not bark all that much if at all. Personally, i have nothing against cats and I have considered adopting one. My sole problem is that I LOVE dogs and for no reason I'm not allowed to have them in my apartment.

How can we fix this matter? Simple. As a landlord, sit down and look at the difference between cats and dogs and the problems that come along with both. Develop standards that tenants must abide by when dealing with there animals 'restroom' habits. Also develop different deposits that the tenants must be aware of relating to damages that there specific animal could cause to the room. Set breed limits. It is not a big deal to sit down and come up with a plan. Landlords simply need to take the time to do it.

Music expresses what words can't (part 2)

In November I lost a friend of mine from high school to suicide. I've never really been able to express how I felt about any of it except when I cried. I heard this song by Toby Keith and I started crying. This was exactly how I felt about not only losing Gunnar but another friend named Zack and even a good friend of the family (my piano teacher) Rosemary. It seems to be a reoccurring trend that my music is the sole opportunity I have to express myself. People think it's stupid that I put my Ipod on shuffle just to skip half the songs so that I can find what I'm looking for. What they don't understand is that it's just my way of expression. Music is what I use to express my mood and my feelings. Music is my mood and my life. It's what helps keep my head above water when I feel like I'm drowning in a sea of depression. When there is no one else around music is that shoulder you can cry on. I guess in short, music is my vice.

Music expresses what words can't

Adoption

Adopt by definition means to take by choice into a relationship. Most people always think of having there own children and that is it. That's fine that people want to have children of there own flesh and blood. It's perfectly understandable. I want to have my own kids too. However, I also want to adopt. I think it's essential that families at least TALK about adoption at least once in there lifetime. Kids that need to be adopted were someone else's flesh and blood. For whatever reason, they now need someone to love them.

Another form of adoption that some people view as less serious is animal adoption. I'm an avid animal lover so they are pretty high on my list. A very common misconception is that only dogs and cats go to animal shelters. Well, that is not true. All kinds of small animals, even turtles, get taken to shelters. Some shelters are actually dedicated only to small animals (no dogs or cats). The first dog I got actually found me. Some family decided they didn't want her anymore and they dumped her. She found me and eleven happy years later she is still running and carrying on just like she is a pup. I know some people want breeds so they go to breeders. I'M NOT SAYING DON'T! I got my next dog from a breeder. My grandparents got both of theres from breeders. However I'm getting ready to adopt a couple new pets from shelters. I'm just saying give adoption a chance! Whether your looking to adopt a child or a pet. They all need a loving home.

One more thing before you quit reading. Just because a child isn't a little kid or an animal isn't a baby doesn't mean they don't need homes. Don't just adopt infants, toddlers, and younger kids. Don't just adopt kittens and puppies. The older ones need homes too. Just because a kid is 16 doesn't mean that he/she doesn't want a family anymore. Just because a dog is 15 does not by any means mean that the dog wants to spend the rest of its life in a cage or in foster care. Explore all your options and give somebody somewhere a second chance.

"Yoga is Lame"

I have heard this on a number of occasions and there is even a king of the hill episode that makes fun of yoga and the people who do it. I think the problem is that people have stereo-typed yoga so much that people thing it's some freakish exercise that only lunatics do. The fact of the matter is that yoga is great exercise. Not only that, it is great for your health, your bone structure, and your posture. It's been proven that people with various physical problems, such as back problems, will take a yoga course or do some yoga on there own and will feel tremendously better. Granted after one session you will not be superman by any means but you will notice and amazing difference. Just by learning to control your breathing you can gain inner peace and feel so much more relaxed. Yoga is a great way to cope with the stress of school, sports, or even the most hectic of jobs. I'm not trying to throw you a sales pitch here and go spend thousands, hundreds, or even ten dollars on yoga supplies. If you have an internet connection or even a library card you can watch videos or read articles about different yoga poses that you can do in your own time. Simply put on some relaxing, calming music and close your eyes. Focus on your breathing and drift away to another place. I've just given you the key to the gate...now walk through the gateway and start living a better, happier, healthier and more energetic lifestyle.

Why won't you stop for the damn ambulance?

The law says that you have to stop for emergency vehicles. This is cops, fire trucks, first responders, ambulances, etc etc. It is generally understood that some of Indiana's best hospitals are right here in the beautiful city of Indianapolis. It is also known that one of the better, if not best, hospitals is also part of campus; IU-med is located literally across the street from the campus center and stretches across a good part of the city. IU-med and/or Clarion also has several branches throughout central Indiana. Most kids know this going into this college that we are right here on campus.

Allow me to break away from that for a second and speak for a moment about time management. This is something most college kids does not have or know how to utilize. Most college kids are late more than three times within there first semester of college; I have found this out from experience and observation not solid fact). Thus, college students are always rushing around here at IUPUI trying to find parking (which is a whole other issue) and then get to class only 5 minuets late instead of 8.

With all that said I want to just address something I saw today. I was on my way back to class out here pretty close to the IT building. An ambulance comes screaming down the road not ONLY lights flashing and sirens going but it was honking and making all kinds of noise to try and get through. I just happened to be 40 minuets early to class because I wanted a seat but it doesn't matter. I would have stopped the car and stayed put if I was 40 minuets late. However students, faculty, staff, or just plain stupid people kept whizzing through there green light. they did not care that this ambulance was making all kinds of noise trying to get through with someone who have very possibly been in a critical condition. They had the green light so they kept going. Finally some people had the sense enough to stop but this was not before I was screaming at the steering wheel because people would not stop. I don't know what's wrong with people but we are supposed to stop for emergency vehicles for a reason. Thirty more seconds to wait for this vehicle to go buy is not going to save your ass if your late or almost late. Just leave your place earlier and you won't have to worry about it.

The Twilight Saga *DUN DUN DUN*

Could there be any more hype about this freaking saga? I think that it has gotten quite ridiculous. If you go to hot-topic or even hot-topic's webpage then you can see that Bella's clothing is for sale. Obviously it is not her actual clothes but it is an exact replica so that we can all look like her. Everyone is choosing some side or the other and now we have added 'team Bella' into the mix of it all. This has everyone swooning over these movie stars that nobody knew existed before Twilight itself came out. I just think that it has all gone to extremes. I like the storyline of the book/movie and the accuracy in which Stephanie Meyer writes. I am by now means a 'Tweenie' or whatever you want to call it. I'm not the person who needs to see the new movie NOW I CAN'T WAIT OMG! It upsets me that I can't say "yeah I'm going to go see new moon" without someone making some snooty comment. The fact of the matter is that I love the action and the CGI. I happen to think that Stephanie Meyer is a great writer that knows what she is writing about. It is very apparent that she did a lot of research before she started writing about vampires and werewolves. I have always been intrigued by the Pagan religion. I personally am a Christian but I know people who are Pagans and believe in the werewolves and vampires. I guess what I'm saying is that Stephanie Meyer is an amazing author who deserves more praise for the work she did in making her books accurate and well written than she actually gets.

Parody...If only it were real!

Ok so make sure you watch this video before you read the blog!!! And make sure you watch it all the way to the end!!!

Ok so when I saw this video on youtube it completely jumped out at me. Being a new media student and a total game nerd and dork and geek and (enter your stereotype here) I loved this video. It really has nothing to do with Brittany Spears womanizer except a part here and there. This video was so entertaining to me because this is every nerds dream is to find some girl or guy that will love how nerdy or dorky or totally crazy they are. To me, it just seemed perfect for a new media class where most of us will draw or create or game, etc etc.

John Wilkes Booth Conspiracy

On the evening of April 14, 1865, while attending a special performance of the comedy, "Our American Cousin," President Abraham Lincoln was shot. Accompanying him at Ford's Theater that night were his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, a twenty-eight year-old officer named Major Henry R. Rathbone, and Rathbone's fiancee, Clara Harris. After the play was in progress, a figure with a drawn derringer pistol stepped into the presidential box, aimed, and fired. The president slumped forward.

The assassin, John Wilkes Booth, dropped the pistol and waved a dagger. Rathbone lunged at him, and though slashed in the arm, forced the killer to the railing. Booth leapt from the balcony and caught the spur of his left boot on a flag draped over the rail, and shattered a bone in his leg on landing. Though injured, he rushed out the back door, and disappeared into the night on horseback.

A doctor in the audience immediately went upstairs to the box. The bullet had entered through Lincoln's left ear and lodged behind his right eye. He was paralyzed and barely breathing. He was carried across Tenth Street, to a boarding-house opposite the theater, but the doctors' best efforts failed. Nine hours later, at 7:22 AM on April 15th, Lincoln died. (Cited from http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/alhtml/alrintr.html)

Now that you have a little bit of background on the shooting of Abe Lincoln, allow me to fill you in on what most everyone else believes. After booth shot Lincoln he fled, naturally. He was chased and chased and was finally 'cornered' in a barn. The authorities burned the barn down and killed Booth, later finding his burnt body. John Wilkes Booth died in that fire in that barn...WRONG!

Some select people believe that the body found in the barn was not that of John Wilkes Booth. They believe that he actually fled from that barn unscathed, or at least alive. He made his way to Granbury Texas and assumed the name of John St. Helen. John loved to go to the theatre where he would not only watch but quote Shakespere. Conspirators believe that he now haunts that theatre NOT violently but peacefully. He has his own seat reserved up in the balcony where no one ever sits because that is his seat and its well known.

The question is did John Wilkes Booth die in the burning barn? Or, did John go on to live under the alias of 'John St. Helen'? I'm a conspirator...are you?