http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080408/ap_on_sp_ol/olympic_torch

Yet another strange IM conversation....

This is a confusing chat about our buddy icons and my dog (we were both confuzzled about what the other was talking about-my buddy icon is a dancing/hopping hamster named Tuffles)

me: oh
me: hamster
them: no thank you
me: tuffles loves you
me: and your puppy
me: even though he keeps getting too close
them: oh no, stuffing in puppies mouth
me: why would you do that to tuffles
me: he just has to dance
them: penguins???
me: no, hamsters

I watched the video Mike had on his blog about Oprah and Ive come to the conclusion a long time ago in a galaxy far away that she honestly freaks me out. Her fans seem to be in a cult...the "O" cult or something.

When did she go from being a talk show host to a major figure in a new "religion"? As I considered the whole new age movement I caught myself thinking.."Man, I wish Christianity was considered as cool as this new age stuff," but then I realized that I shouldnt think of it in the terms of being cool because the true religion shouldnt follow trends.

The lyrics of a Switchfoot song popped into my head at that point:

We are a beautiful let down,
Painfully uncool,
The church of the dropouts
The losers, the sinners, the failures and the fools
Oh what a beautiful let down
Are we salt in the wound
Let us sing one true tune

The new age people seem very stuck on themselves. I just feel that they think they are too smart for their own good. Sure, its good to have confidence in yourself but not so much as to think that you dont need God in your life.

Does anybody see what I see?!

I've been watching this mini series on HBO recently and I really suggest you watch it if you get a chance. The series is called John Adams and it really shed some light on the founding father who usually gets forgotten in the mist of giants like Washington, Franklin, and Jefferson. I've become interested in the life of Adams ever since I first watched the musical 1776. The musical takes its creative liberties or course, but it really opened my eyes to the life of John Adams and his unique personality. As an author says in the video, Adams knew what it was to be a citizen. He did what he believed and did it with all of his strength, even if no one was supporting him. Of course, he did have Abigail behind him to help him along the way and Jefferson also assisted him in the beginning, but Jefferson turned out to be a great enemy during Adam's presidency and it wasnt until the end of their lives did they begin correspondanc again.

Its very interesting....so, check it out!

I don't like the guy from Canada ...

http://youtube.com/watch?v=R4924xJl38E

...but this is from the 10th anniversary celebration of Les Mis. We actually have the tape and Ive always like this part at the end.

Prayer Warriors

Please pray for 3 special intentions of mine...we need miracles for these people

IM from my Clone

So, I was looking through old stuff on my computer and I had an IM saved on here (dunno why) and I thought Id post it!

Clone: what are you doing
me: blah
me: um just kinda messing looking at blogs till i stop being lazy and go to sleep
me: lol
me: sounds like a contradiction i know
me: but at this point im too lazy to get up so that i can lay down
me: actually, i think the thing i just ate gave me enough sugar
me: im going to get up and go to bed
Clone: hahahaha

Forwarded email from my Mom!

I believe - That just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they
don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't
mean they do.

I believe - That we don't have to change friends if we understand that
friends change.

I believe - That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt
you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
I believe - That true friendship continues to grow, even over the
longest distance. Same goes for true love.

I believe - That you can do something in an instant that will give you
heartache for life.

I believe - That it's taking me a long time to become the person I want
to be.

I believe - That you should always leave loved ones with loving words.
It may be the last time you see them.

I believe - That you can keep going long after you think you can't.

I believe - That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we
feel.

I believe - That either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I believe - That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when
it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I believe - That money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I believe - That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're
down will be the ones to help you get back up.

I believe - That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry,
but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I believe - That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences
you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how
many birthdays you've celebrated.

I believe - That it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others.
Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I believe - That no matter how bad your heart is broken, the world
doesn't stop for your grief.

I believe - That our background and circumstances may have influenced
who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.

I believe - Two people can look at the exact same thing and see
something totally different

I believe - That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people
who don't even know you.

I believe - That even when you think you have no more to give, when a
friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help.

I believe - That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human
being.

I believe - That the people you care about most in life are taken from
you too soon.

I believe - That you should send this to all of the people that you
believe in. I just did. The happiest people don't necessarily have the
best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.


"The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not
protect you."

Haunting flowers

Hey guys,

I had some time before class so I was looking through some of my old posts and then decided to post something new.

I'm not sure if that last sentence made sense, but, what the heck, its 10:24 in the morning.

Usually I would be waking up about now for my 11am class but I got up early and didnt feel like going back to sleep. Dont get me wrong, Im really tired, but then again, when am I not tired?

Today is the beginning of the rest of your life! No, I dont know why I just said that, today is the beginning of the final stretch of the semester. This is the first day of classes for this week because yesterday was Easter Monday.

I pray that everyones Easter was wonderful and refreshing enough to get them through the rest of the semester.

Classes are going ok, my intimidating class isnt so bad right now, so, thats good.

I just feel like Im floating through life right now. Like Im just dreaming and its not really happening. Maybe I procrastinate too much, no, not maybe, I do procrastinate too much. I can see it when I read my old posts.

I dont know, maybe next semester will be better b/c it will be a little bit closer to normal. Im gonna miss Emily but Carrie and Jess will be here. Maybe that will wake me up.

Oh, Chris, I'm sorry I didn't really say much when you picked Matthew up to go back to school. I haven't been feeling well lately and was kinda zoned out. How you doin?

Story of St. Patrick...

...for kids, and people who love Veggie Tales!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TCB5QhHVJA

"In fact, he prayed all the time! Why! In no time at all he was praying over 100 times a day!" - N
"Thats alot, but it's cool." - Patrick (originally called Succat or Succach)
"Would you like to pray to me twig?" - slave owner
"No...Im good." - Patrick
*slave owner shrugs and walks away

Some more Veggie Tales...

Monkey

Silly Songs with Elves

Irish stuff...

The High Kings
(This group is like Celtic woman and Anuna but consists of only guys and is much more toned down and traditional at the same time.)

Jimmy Murphy
Marie's Wedding

Beggarman

The Game

You lost! So did I!

On Michael's voicemail:

"Hey Michael...you remember 'the game' right? You just lost...so did I" - me

Clarinet

You are quiet, reserved, but very creative. A lot of people don't seem to understand you because you have your own 'beat'. You enjoy both the light and dark side of life, and sometimes this comes off as a little creepy. You are sometimes too quiet, you need to learn to speak up!!! You are very intreperative and creative in your workplace/activities and tend to be a good follower. You often dislike confrontation and would rather just forget problems, as opposed to fighting or talking about them. You love to read and write, and love to look very 'Posh'. Although you are often misunderstood, you are undoubtably cool.

Say it isn't so!

When did we become adults? Ok, change that...when did we start talking/having awkward conversations like adults? I mean, I know that I am technically an adult, but I usually only use my adult voice when I'm talking to people older than me...not those the same age.

I just had a very weird conversation with someone who Ive known for awhile and is the same age.

"Hey 'T' whats up?" - me
"Oh..nothing...just, keeping busy.." - T
"Ok, well,I guess...I'll see you later." - me

Keeping busy? What the heck?

Very interesting!

Didn't I write a post that was kinda about this? About how we were given ribbons for being "special" and how it won't help us?

Yes I did!

"They've been told they were special since the day they were born. Their idea of one-on-one is text-messaging, but they love groups and are great team players. They don't wear watches. They find the time on their cellphones. They never had their own alarm clock. Mama got them up. Nickelodeon, Sports Illustrated for Kids, Pottery Barn for Kids, Gap Kids. For goodness' sake, Las Vegas even went family.

"Parents – both boomers and Gen Xers – thought they could give their kids self-esteem, forgetting that each one of us earns our own self-esteem."

Thanks for sending this Mom!

Invisible Children

Yesterday, my brother and I saw this really cool movie. The website will explain what it is all about.

Puppy day! Beagle and Coon Hound style!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=fZerQajpg-Y&feature=related

I guess some breeds are just better at digging.

Get those bunnies Copper!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=VD2UyHq06kE

President Bush dancing...

http://youtube.com/watch?v=FwisQkmpqmQ

Huzza!

MST3000-Pod people

At 6:49
"Bambi, humans are basically good"- deer
*view of people pointing guns in their direction
"Oh, check that."

**********************************
"Look! Its Julie Andrews! And shes on fire!" - Tom
"Good" - C
************************
From part 6

"What do you know?"- Tommy
"Food! Eating! The Theater!" - Trumpy

Ever true

Blessing

When the storms of life are strong
When you're wounded, when you don't belong
When you no longer hear my song
My blessing goes with you

This is my prayer for you
There for you, ever true
Each, every day for you
In everything you do

More prayers

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/niu_shooting

Eternal Father,
I offer thee the most precious blood of thy Divine Son Jesus, in union with the Masses said throughout the world today, for all the Holy souls in purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the Universal Church, those in my own home and within my family.
Amen
(Saint Gertrude the Great Chaplet)

Yay FOTC!

Flight of the Conchords won a Grammy!

Ive probably posted this video before but you can watch it again!

"I expect to pass through life but once. If therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again."
-William Penn

Every dog has his day

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ze0FgrDFr4E

The above link isnt working for some reason. Youll just have to copy and paste it.

Beagle makes history!




"The only breed consistently among the nation's most popular dogs for nearly 100 years, a beagle had never won in the 100 times the Westminster Kennel Club had chosen a winner. That changed when judge J. Donald Jones pointed to this nearly 3-year-old package of personality." - Yahoo

Scooters, vacation, fall

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0Pz4gx2odo&NR=1

What you want, you wanna be out because the sun is warm
What you want, you wanna be study-stuck inside your dorm
What you want, you wanna be partyin' with us all night long
What you want, you wanna be strong

ADVISOR
(spoken) Be strong!

ALL
Oh-oh

ADVISOR
(spoken) 134. Not good enough. Try again. Go!

JAMAICAN VOICE
What you want, you wanna be groovin' up and shake the room
What you want, you wanna be provin' something and to whom
What you want, you wanna be wonderin' where you your youth has gone
What you want, you wanna hold on

ELLE:
Hold on!

ALL
Oh-oh

ADVISOR
(spoken) 151. Still not Harvard material. Once again. Go!

JAMAICAN VOICE
What you want, you wanna be breathing in the healthy air
What you want, you wanna be chasing him and he don't care
What you want, you wanna ignore the pain of failure
What you want, you wanna say sorry, go and hit the road
What you want, you wanna . . . *fades out*

Now it's the Celtic Woman version

Dulaman

The "acting" in these little song/skits is a little strange.

More prayers...

Also, would you please pray for the repose of the soul of a Franciscan student that passed away Sunday and for her family and friends. This was very sudden and I cannot begin to imagine what her family and friends are going through right now.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul, and the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Please pray...

for everyone effected by the storms in the south.

Truth be told...

http://youtube.com/watch?v=G-0frP2VWOM

A friend sent an early "Valentine" to see if it will make it around the
world by February 14th.

For God so loVed the world,
That He gA ve
His onL y
BegottEn
SoN
That whosoever
Believeth In Him
Should Not perish,
But have Everlasting life."

John 3:16
Send it around the World!

Two things...

This was checked out on Snopes.com...

"The band, Five for Fighting, is generously donating $0.49 to Autism Speaks for *each time* this video is viewed. The funding goes toward research studies to help find a cure for autism. They are aiming for 10,000 hits, but hopefully we can help them to surpass this goal. Please visit the link below to watch the video and pass it along to your loved ones. Families who have been challenged with Autism will appreciate it."



http://www.whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com/videos/view/id/408214


And I know that I talked to Chris about this group...
Anuna

The singer looks a little angry but he's talking about seaweed.
Check out their other songs with the whole group!

Thank goodness! Watch this and understand my everyday life!

Warning: Bad language in this video!

Oh my gosh! This is exactly how I feel....most of the time. Not that I don't remember what Lord of the Rings is about, but I would totally think of the right words but somewhere along the way from my brain to my mouth...I would forget everything I've learned about the English language. I think of one word and a completely different word would come out...and not a similar word mind you. Not a word that I could use in place of the other, but a word that completely messes up the entire comment. Thank goodness Im not the only one!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P05C5K64luA

Kinda interesting..

And you thought that Highland Dancing was the same as Irish Step Dancing!

I like both!

Rest in peace Heath Ledger

I hope that everyone that went to the March for Life stayed warm and has a safe ride home. I really hate not being able to go but everytime I do, I get really sick on the bus ride home...its not plesant. It really makes me upset that certain news stations dont even cover the march. They act like its not happening but they show the pro-choice march or whatever thats called. I think that along with the march in DC, all of the people that are able should go to New York and stand outside the today show with pro-life shirts and such. I wonder if someone does that already. Well, if not, we could stand outside of all of the different news stations that have the windows that open onto the street (you know that people usually wave through) sorry this is kinda rambling...Im really tired. Goodnight...

Quotes I know or have heard recently...

“What is man without the beasts? If all the beasts were gone, man would die from a great loneliness of spirit. For whatever happens to the beasts, soon happens to man. All things are connected.” - Chief Seattle

“Power tends to corrupt; absolute power corrupts absolutely.”
-John Emerich Edward Dahlberg

“All the ills of mankind, all the tragic misfortunes that fill the history books, all the political blunders, all the failures of the great leaders have arisen merely from a lack of skill at dancing.” - Moliere

“I believe that school makes complete fools of our young men, because they see and hear nothing of ordinary life there.”

"Listen to many, speak to a few.” - William Shakespere

“Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please.” - Mark Twain

“It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog.”
- Mark Twain

“I do not love the bright sword for it's sharpness, nor the arrow for it's swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend”
- J.R.R Tolkien

“Not all those who wander are lost.” - J.R.R Tolkien

awanturnik

Started classes on Monday. Now it's Wednesday....yep. How's your life going?

“Life is like a box of crayons.
Most people are the 8-color boxes,
but what I’m really looking for is the 64-color box with the sharpener on the back. I fancy myself to be a 64-color box,
though I’ve got a few missing.
It’s okay, though,
because I’ve got some more vibrant colors like periwinkle at my disposal.
I have a bit of a problem, though,
in that I only seem to meet the 8-color boxes.
Does anyone else have that problem?
I mean there are so many different colors of life, of feeling, of articulation.
So, when I meet someone who’s an 8-color type, I’m like, ‘Hey girl, magenta!’
and she’s like, ‘Oh, you mean purple!’
and she goes off on her purple thing,
and I’m like,
‘No…I want magenta!’” -John Mayer

Got this from my Mom in an email...

Once upon a time there was this girl who had four boyfriends.She loved
the
4th boyfriend the most and adorned him with rich robes and treated him
to
the finest of delicacies. She gave him nothing but the best.

She also loved the 3rd boyfriend very much and was always showing him
off to
neighboring kingdoms. However, she feared that one day he would leave
her
for another.

She also loved her 2nd boyfriend. He was her confidant and was always
kind,
considerate and patient with her. Whenever this girl faced a problem,
she
could confide in him, and he would help her get through the difficult
times.

The girl's 1st boyfriend was a very loyal partner and had made great
contributions in maintaining her wealth and kingdom. However, she did
not
love the first boyfriend. Although he loved her deeply, she hardly
took
notice of him!

One day, the girl fell ill and she knew her time was short. She
thought of
her luxurious life and wondered, I now have four boyfriends with me,
but
when I die, I'll be all alone.'Thus, she asked the 4th boyfriend, 'I
loved
you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great
care
over you. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me
company?''No
way!', replied the 4th boyfriend, and he walked away witho ut another
word.His answer cut like a sharp knife right into her heart.

The sad girl then asked the 3rd boyfriend, 'I loved you all my life.
Now
that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?''No!', replied
the
3rd boyfriend. 'Life is too good! When you die, I'm going to marry
someone
else!'Her heart sank and turned cold.

She then asked the 2nd boyfriend, 'I have alwaysturned to you for help
and
you've always been there for me. When I die, will you follow me and
keep me
company?''I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time!', replied the 2nd
boyfriend. 'At the very most, I can only walk with you to your
grave.'His
answer struck her like a bolt of lightning, and the girl was
devastated.

Then a voice called out: 'I'll go with you. I'll follow you no matter
where
you go.'The girl looked up, and there was her first boyfriend. He was
very
skinny as he suffered from malnutrition and neglect.Greatly grieved,
the
gi rl said, 'I should have taken much better care of you when I had
the
chance!'

In truth, you have 4 boyfriends in your lives:

Your 4th boyfriend is your body. No matter how much time and effort
you
lavish in making it look good, it will leave you when you die.

Your 3rd boyfriend is your possessions, status and wealth. When you
die, it
will all go to others.

Your 2nd boyfriend is your family and friends. No matter how much they
have
been there for you, the furthest they can stay by you is up to the
grave.

And your 1st boyfriend is your Soul. Often neglected in pursuit of
wealth,
power and pleasures of the world. However, your Soul is the only thing
that
will follow you where ever you go. Cultivate, strengthen and cherish
it now,
for it is the only part of you that will follow you to the throne of
God and
continue with you throughout Eternity.Thought for the day: Remember,
when
the world pushes you to your knees , you're in the perfect position to
pray.

Pass this on to someone you care about - I just did.

Thanks Mom!

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=ee73e63418003b47d7d5

This is a little slow in the beginning, but its really cool toward the end. Its interesting how the first "person" to tempt her does sort of the same thing that Jesus does but shows her the darker side. Its a little scary.

Twas the night before finals,
and all through the college,
The students were praying for last minute knowledge.


Most were quite sleepy,
but none touched their beds,
While visions of essays danced in their heads.


Out in the lobby,
a few were still drinking,
And hoping that *Starbucks*
would loosen their thinking.

In my own dorm room,
I had been pacing,
And dreading exams


I soon would be facing.
My roommate was speechless,
her nose in her books,
And my comments to her
drew unfriendly looks.


I drained all the coffee,
and brewed a new pot,
No longer caring
that my nerves were shot.


I stared at my notes,
but my thoughts were all muddy,
My eyes went a blur,
I just couldn't study.


"Some pizza might help,"
I said with a shiver,
But each place I called
refused to deliver.


I'd nearly concluded that life was too cruel,
With futures depending on grades had in school.

When all of a sudden,
our door opened wide,
And Patron Saint Put-It-Off ambled inside.


His spirit was careless,
his manner was mellow,
When all of a sudden,
he started to bellow:


"On Cliff Notes!
On Crib Notes!
On last year's exams!
On Wingit and Slingit,
and last minute crams!"


His message delivered,
he vanished from sight,
But we heard him laughing outside in the night.


"Your teachers have pegged you,
so just do your best.
Happy Finals to all,
and to all, a Good Test!"

Forgive me

I guess I lied. I am posting something else, I mean other than the st. finals thing. Finals started today and it was quite a frantic morning!

I got up really early this morning (after going to bed at about 3) to study for the 3 tests I had today (well, study more the I had before )but I forgot to keep track of the time. My first exam started at 8:30 and when I looked at the clock, it was 8:25. I got up and ran out the door to class.

Today wasnt the best day to be late because it is slippy out there! Im lucky I didnt slip and become really late!While I was dashing through the snow, I decided to call Katie and catch her up to speed on my day. Im not sure what the message sounds like but its gotta be pretty funny. I was practically running to Egan, trying not to slip and break my neck while leaving the message...as I said to her voicemail "this is not an ideal situation."
Well, to make a long story short (too late), I got there at 8:32 and they hadnt even started yet, so I was fine.

The last dance...

So, I thought Id do one more real post before the semester ends. I mean, I might take a break from studying to post a link, but I dont consider that real posting for me.

Finals start soon. Actually I have three the day after tomorrow. Should be scrumtralesent.

Phone conversation with my Mom about studying:

"Ok, you go study." - Mom
"No, Yugoslavia....hahahaha"(insane geeky laughter)- me

ok, it really wasnt that funny, but Ive gotta get all of this finals week excitement out now before the nazis arrive.

If my readers (Me, my Mom, my Dad, my brothers, and occasionally a few others) dont recall, my dorm is going into what we call Nazi hours tomorrow. This means no talking in any common areas (hallways,bathrooms, lobbies....) and if you must talk in your room, do it quietly. If an RA stands next to your door and hears you, youre talking too loudly. You might say this is a little ridiculous, I disagree. I think its completely mental(Sorry, Im talking like Ron Weasly now)

well, what can ya do? you can shut up and run from the nazis! baaaaaa!(
sorry its a joke from teeth- the narrator abuses the audience a lot and then does this thing with his hands to let you know hes joking...anyway)

Ill probably be posting that Night Before Finals thing again. Cya!

wooooooooooooow

Santa's wild ride!



Wow! Thats really interesting and everything, but couldnt we use the time it took to figure that out do something more worthwhile? Like, how does the Easter bunny do it?

Its a cute idea, dont get me wrong. Its just that it seems like its more of a problem for college students interested in that stuff to figure out as a bonus project.

Oh, and Santa can totally make it in that time...so there. lol.

I think I posted this already....

If they know of him at all,
many folks think Ben Stein is
just a quirky actor/comedian
who talks in a monotone. He's also a very intelligent attorney who knows how to put ideas and words together in such a way as to sway juries and make people think clearly.

The following was written by
Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit
when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feeldiscriminated against. That's what they are:
Christmas trees.

It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother
me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu If people want a creche, it's just as fine with me as is
the Menorah a few hundred yards away.

I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God
are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period.

I have no idea where the concept came from that
America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution, and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.

Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship Nick and Jessica and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him?

I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too.

But there are a lot of us who are wondering where Nick and Jessica came from and where the America we knew went to.
(Thanks for the e-mail Mom)

this is old but it still makes me laugh

http://youtube.com/watch?v=AGi8jSGpr5U&feature=related

"Award show banter is not pablum..reality..television celebrates the human condition..(rolls eye) by illuminating what's extraordinary in the ordinary person"

"It warps the minds of our children and weakens the resolve of our allies"-Colbert

Donnie Osmond...

...going crazy!

Watch out world!

So, Ive been reading more about my personality type b/c I find that kinda stuff interesting. Anyway, I think somewhere in all of that I read that INFP's make up only 1% of the general population...what the heck...and Im left handed too! Weird!


INFP’s are by Nature driven by emotion, and it runs very deep. Their ability to hold grudges is unparalleled (see: Bryant, Kobe). They are passionate in whatever artistic pursuits, social issues, or political agendas they may pursue. Because they are Introverts, they are able to mask it fairly well, most of the time. But when that emotional energy surfaces, whether in love or war, look out.

A very long article...

taps, rocks, points, and hops

“People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.”


It is in a time of trials when a person's true identity becomes apparent, I pray that we all may stand true in the face of difficulties and follow in the footsteps of Christ.

From an e-mail...

(Thanks Mom!)

"What Every Parent Should Know About The Golden Compass

Interview With Pete Vere and Sandra Miesel

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, NOV. 14, 2007 (Zenit.org).- The film "The Golden Compass" isn't simply about using fairy-tale magic to tell a good story, it corrupts the imagery of Lewis and Tolkien to undermine children's faith in God and the Church, says Catholic author Pete Vere.

In this interview with ZENIT, Vere and Sandra Miesel discuss the movie adaptation of the fantasy novels written by Philip Pullman. The film, staring Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig, will be released in the United States in early December.
Vere and Miesel are co-authors of the booklet "Pied Piper of Atheism: Philip Pullman and Children's Fantasy," to be published by Ignatius Press next month on the topic of "The Golden Compass."

Q: The first movie of "The Golden Compass" trilogy is being released at Christmas. For those unfamiliar with the series, what kind of books are these and to whom do they appeal?

Vere: To begin, the books are marketed for 9-12 year olds as children's fantasy literature in the tradition of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and J.K. Rowling. "If you're a fan of 'Lord of the Rings,' 'Narnia ' or 'Harry Potter,'" the critics tell us, "you'll love Pullman."

Personally, I just can't see a child picking up these books and reading them. I see them more as books that adults give kids to read.

Having said that, "The Golden Compass" (1995) is the first book in Pullman's trilogy. The second book is titled "The Subtle Knife" (1997) and it is followed by "The Amber Spyglass" (2000).

Collectively, the trilogy is known as "His Dark Materials," a phrase taken from John Milton's "Paradise Lost." This is appropriately titled in my opinion, since each book gets progressively darker -- both in the intensity with which Pullman attacks the Catholic Church and the Judeo-Christian concept of God, as well as the stridency with which he promotes atheism.

For example, one of the main supporting characters, Dr. Mary Malone, is a former Catholic nun who abandoned her vocation to pursue sex and science. The reader does not meet her until the second book, by which time the young reader is already engrossed in the story. By the third book, Dr. Malone is engaging in occult practices to lead the two main characters, a 12-year-old boy and girl, to sleep in the same bed and engage in -- at the very least -- heavy kissing. This is the act through which they renew the multiple universes created by Pullman.

Another example is Pullman's portrayal of the Judeo-Christian God. Pullman refers to him as "The Authority," although a number of passages make clear that this is the God of the Bible. The Authority is a liar and a mere angel, and as we discover in the third book, senile as well. He was locked in some sort of jewel and held prisoner by the patriarch Enoch, who is now called Metatron and who rules in the Authority's name. When the children find the jewel and accidentally release the Authority, he falls apart and dies.

Additionally, Pullman uses the imagery of C.S. Lewis' "Narnia" chronicles. "His Dark Materials" opens with the young heroine stuck in a wardrobe belonging to an old academic, conversing with a talking animal, when she discovers multiple worlds. So the young reader is lulled early on with the familiar feel of Lewis.

Nevertheless, Pullman's work isn't simply about using fairy-tale magic to tell a good story. He openly proselytizes for atheism, corrupting the imagery of Lewis and Tolkien to undermine children's faith in God and the Church.

Q: Many Catholics, including William Donohue of the Catholic League, are speaking out against the movie. What should parents know before they let their children watch this film?

Vere: I don't recommend any parent allow their children to view the film. While the movie has reportedly been sanitized of its more anti-Christian and anti-religious elements, it will do nothing but pique children's curiosity about the books. I'm a parent myself. My children would think it hypocritical if I told them it was OK to see the movie, but not to read the books. And they would be right.

It's not OK for children -- impressionable as they are -- to read stories in which the plot revolves around the supreme blasphemy, namely, that God is a liar and a mortal. It is not appropriate for children to read books in which the heroine is the product of adultery and murder; priests act as professional hit men, torturers and authorize occult experimentation on young children; an ex-nun engages in occult practices and promiscuous behavior, and speaks of it openly with a 12-year-old couple; and the angels who rebel against God are good, while those who fight on God's side are evil. This is wrong. And while it's been softened in the movie -- or at least that's what Hollywood is telling us -- it's still there in the books.

Miesel: Furthermore, there's a great deal of cruelty and gore in the books, not just battles but deliberate murder, sadism, mutilation, suicide, euthanasia and even cannibalism. There are also passages of disturbing sensuality and homosexual angels who are "platonic lovers."

I agree with Pete. Avoid both the movie and the books. It would be best if people didn't picket or make a public fuss because that's just free publicity. If the movie fails at the box office, the second and third books won't be filmed.

Q: The author, Philip Pullman, is an outspoken atheist. Does this come across in the books and the movie as a secularist position or more in the form of anti-Catholicism?

Vere: It's not an "either/or" situation. What begins as a rebellion against the Church turns into a rebellion against God. This then leads to the discovery that God -- and Christianity -- are a fraud.

The 12-year-old protagonists -- Lyra and Bill -- discover there is no immortal soul, no heaven or hell. All that awaits us in the afterlife is some gloomy Hades-type afterlife where the soul goes to wait until it completely dissolves. Thus Pullman uses anti-Catholicism as the gateway to promoting atheism.

Q: The trilogy is being compared to "Harry Potter" and "The Lord of the Rings." Is there a comparison to be made with either?

Vere: On the surface, yes. You've got wizards, heroines, strange creatures, alternate worlds, etc. Although for reasons already stated, the real comparison -- by way of inverted imagery -- is to C.S. Lewis' "Narnia" chronicles. Pullman, who has called "The Lord of the Rings" "infantile," has a particular dislike for Lewis and "Narnia." This is reflected in Pullman taking Lewis' literary devices and inverting them to attack Christianity and promote atheism.

As Pullman said in a 1998 article in The Guardian: "[Lewis] didn't like women in general, or sexuality at all, at least at the stage in his life when he wrote the 'Narnia' books. He was frightened and appalled at the notion of wanting to grow up. Susan, who did want to grow up, and who might have been the most interesting character in the whole cycle if she'd been allowed to, is a Cinderella in a story where the ugly sisters win."

Miesel: That nasty quote is factually wrong on both points. Lewis began corresponding with his future wife in 1950, the year the first "Narnia" book came out, and married her in 1956, the year the last one was published. Susan's problem isn't "growing up," but turning silly and conceited. She doesn't even appear -- much less get sent to hell -- in "The Last Battle."

Vere: Thus what we see here is more contrast and corruption than comparison. Also, the work of Tolkien, Lewis and Rowling is primarily driven by the audience. It is the average reader who purchases these works, reads them, and makes them popular.

Pullman's work, on the other hand, appears to be driven by the critics. The only people I know recommending Pullman's work are English majors and university professors. I don't know a single electrician, hairdresser or accountant who recommends Pullman's work by word of mouth. Thus the books haven't resonated with the average person to the same degree as "Lord of the Rings," "Narnia" and "Harry Potter."

Q: Nicole Kidman, a Catholic who stars in the film, has said she wouldn't have taken the role if she thought the movie was anti-Catholic. What do you make of this response?

Vere: The film has not yet been released, so I cannot comment on it. However, Christ asks very pointedly in the Gospels: Can a good tree bear rotten fruit? The movie is the fruit of the books and Pullman's imagination. These are anti-Christian and atheistic at their core. How does one sanitize this from the movie without completely gutting Pullman from his story?

During an interview with Hollywood screenwriter Barbara Nicolosi a couple of months ago, I asked her whether it was possible to tone down the anti-Christian elements for the movie. Nicolosi is the chair of Act One, a training and mentoring organization for Christians starting out in Hollywood.

She had given the question thought. A few years ago one of her friends -- an evangelical Christian -- had been asked by her agent to pitch on the project, that is, propose to write the screenplay adapting "The Golden Compass" to film.

"We read [the book] and there was just no way we could come in on this," Nicolosi told me. "Pullman's fantasy universe is nihilistic and rooted in chaos. You cannot fix that in a rewrite without changing the story Pullman is trying to tell -- which is atheistic, angry and at times polemical."

But let's suppose it is possible. Let's suppose Kidman is right and that the movie has been sanitized of its anti-Catholicism. The books remain saturated with bitter anti-Christian polemic. So why promote a movie that will only generate interest in the books among impressionable young children?

For the Christian parent, the movie cannot be anything but spiritual poison to their children -- for the movie is the fruit of the book."

The History Channel always has cool shows and I thought Id check their site for Thanksgiving trivia so..here it is...

In the life of me...

I thought I should update this and what better way to update then to tell you about my life which isnt very exciting...yeah.

Well, Ive had several tests recently and with Christmas break soon upon us, the stress factor is most certainly setting in. I was just telling my friend, Amanda, how I deal with the stress. Ive been taking step dancing all semester and ive found that Im not stressed at all during the classes. Because of this discovery, whenever I get stressed while Im studying or something, I get up and start step dancing. It actually helps a lot. It might look weird if someone looked in my window though. Looks like Im just hopping, which was the purpose historically I suppose....

Clips of Scythian

By a lonely prison wall,
I heard a young girl call:
"Michael, they have taken you away,
For you stole Trevelyn's corn,
So the young might see the morn.
Now a prison ship lies waiting in the bay."

Low lie the fields of Athenry
Where once we watched the small free birds fly
(Hey baby let the free birds fly!)
Our love was on the wing
We had dreams and songs to sing
It's so lonely round the fields of Athenry.

By a lonely prison wall,
I heard a young man call
"Nothing matters, Mary, when you're free
Against the famine and the crown,
I rebelled, they cut me down.
Now you must raise our child with dignity."

Low lie the fields of Athenry
Where once we watched the small free birds fly
(Hey baby let the free birds fly!)
Our love was on the wing
We had dreams and songs to sing
It's so lonely round the fields of Athenry.

By a lonely harbor wall,
She watched the last star fall
As the prison ship sailed out against the sky
For she lived to hope and pray
For her love in Botany Bay
It's so lonely round the fields of Athenry.

Low lie the fields of Athenry
Where once we watched the small free birds fly
(Hey baby let the free birds fly!)
Our love was on the wing
We had dreams and songs to sing
It's so lonely round the fields of Athenry.

(Hey birdie youre so fly, you fly through the Athenry...hey birdie!)

Also, theres a link from the title "clips of scythian" so click on that as well!

Go here!!!!

Driven to Disorder

My roomie and I are going to hang some cool quotes up on the walls. Here are some that I thought were pretty sweet...

“Courage is not the absence of fear but rather the judgment that something is more important than fear.
The brave may not live forever but the cautious do not live at all.”


“Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today.”

“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars.”

“Look around you and be distressed, look within you and be depressed, look to Jesus and be at rest.”

“Among all human constructions the only ones that avoid the dissolving hands of time are castles in the air.”

“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.”

“Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So... get on your way.”

Why am I still awake?

Before I begin, Id like to apologize for any weird remarks I might make. I just finished watching the movie "Snatch" and Mickey O'Neill is just great, and Im reaaaaaaally tired...so...yeah.
"Do ya box a little sir, bet you do. ya look lika boxer!" (or however that goes)

What song is in your head?
"Crazy Little Thing Called Love" by Queen. It was playing on the radio earlier and I looove the song!

What is the newest album in your collection?
Well, I actually bought two at the same time by the same band. "Immigrant Road Show" and "Aidan's Orbit." Theyre both by a sweet band named Scythian. I love Celtic music, but these guys are "celtic music with an edge!"

What is the top album on your wish list?
Umm...well, Im not really good at keeping up with new releases but I have been waiting for an old release to cross my line of vision in Walmart sometime..that All American Rejects cd...I dont know what its called, I think its actually their first one. How sad am I?

What is the most recent live music event you have attended?
My school hosted a Scythian concert which is where I heard them for the first time. My friends and I were doing the jig the whole time. And, yes, I do mean the proper jig..just soft shoe though.

What is the top live music event on your wish list?
Not a big concert person unless its a really small concert. That Scythian concert was cool because you could be close to the stage but you could also move to the side and start a jig circle if you wanted (mighty fun...lemme tell ya.

What are the top three albums currently in rotation at your house [room]?
Immigrant Road Show
Aidan's Orbit
Into the Woods soundtrack
(Im really sad)

One man's hero is another man's traitor

Quotes from class...

In the middle of praying...

"St. Francis" - father f.
"Pray for us" - students
"Saint...um" (father f. forgetting the saint he was thinking of)
"Thomas Aquinas?" suggested a student
"Saint who?!!!!!" -father f. upset at the thought of someone even suggesting Aquinas
*after prayer father just looked at the student and shook his head

Oh boy....you religious people crack me up...with your order wars and such...weird.

Please pray....

for California.

The fires are spreading so quickly that people in my classes are really worrying about their families.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=nrRCR0iOMr0&feature=dir

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZY3dniKsJPk&mode=related&search=

Its raining...

and that means its a good night to stay inside and get stuff done. Also, Im gonna try to get to sleep earlier....lol like thats gonna happen.

Watch!

Animaniacs + Pirates of Penzance = awesomeness

Its funny how things I like blend with each other!

This is goooood too!

Getting into my family history...

I've been listening to a really cool band called "Scythian" a lot lately. They came to Franciscan and put on an awesome concert. They do traditional Irish and Scottish songs as well as some originals and some covers. I really like this song even thought its sad.I couldn't find a clip of them playing but I did find this guy and he has a pretty awesome voice anyway. I thought I should put the lyrics here as he is a little hard to understand at points.

I Will Go
Chorus

I will go, I will go
When the fighting is over
Tae the land o' MacLeod
That I left to be a soldier
I will go, I will go

When the King's son came along
And called us all together
Sayin', Brave Highland men
Will you fight for my father?
I will go, I will go

Chorus

I will go, I will go
When the fighting is over
Tae the land o' MacLeod
That I left to be a soldier
I will go, I will go

I've a buckle on my belt
A sword in my scabbard
A red coat on my back
And a shillin' in my pocket
I will go, I will go

Chorus

I will go, I will go
When the fighting is over
Tae the land o' MacLeod
That I left to be a soldier
I will go, I will go

When they brought us all on board
The lasses were singin'
But the tears came to their eyes
When the bells started ringin'
I will go, I will go

Chorus

I will go, I will go
When the fighting is over
Tae the land o' MacLeod
That I left to be a soldier
I will go, I will go

When we landed on the shore
And saw the foreign heather
We knew that some would fall
And would lie there forever
I will go, I will go


Chorus

I will go, I will go
When the fighting is over
Tae the land o' MacLeod
That I left to be a soldier
I will go, I will go

When we came back to the glen
The winter was coming
Our goods lay in the snow
And our houses were burnin'
I will go... I will go

Chorus

I will go, I will go
When the fighting is over
Tae the land o' MacLeod
That I left to be a soldier
I will go, I will go

Not so normal personality guide...

You are...

INFP: The Idealist

The INFP is a dreamy, imaginitive, idealist, capable of finding the good in anything or anyone, even something as foul as Newark, New Jersey. INFPs are sometimes dangerous to the well-being of society as a whole, as they are prone to adopting subversive and destructive ideologies like "The world should be fair," "People should treat one another well," and "You know, 'Friends' is a really, really stupid television show."

These irrational thought patterns may sometimes cause INFPs to run off and join the circus, the Resistance, or the Rebellion, where they tend to do well in any position requiring excellent hand-eye coordination or mastery of the Force.

(I took a professional personality test last year and just came across this guide to my results, lol.)

Watch!

Today be the day!

That's right it be international talk like a pirate day and ye landlubbers best be making haste to talklikeapirate.com or the lot of you will end up like Dead Tom...and we all know what happened to the likes of him.

Hail the victorious dead...

I just had that line in my head for some reason. Anyway, me and the peeps are gonna watch some Harry Potter tonight cuz Carrie has finished the 2 and 3rd books. Thats about it......yep.

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
Amen.

I'm not usually one for screaming songs...

...but this song doesn't have too much in it and when it does, it makes sense.

I heard a voice through the discord
A deluge of passersby
I saw one gaze frozen in time
Watching me passing by

And I swear I'll know your face in the crowd
And I'll hear your voice so loud
When you're whispering

Hey unfaithful I will teach you
To be stronger, to be stronger
Hey ungraceful I will teach you
To forgive one another.

Here's my kiss to betray (Kiss to betray)
Desperate to brush the lips of grace
Do you feel hollow when you think of how I lied?

Oh sweet angel of mercy
With your grace like the morning
Wrap your loving arms around me
Oh sweet angel of mercy
With your grace like the morning
Wrap your loving arms around me

Hey unfaithful I will teach you
To be stronger, to be stronger
Hey ungraceful I will teach you
To forgive one another

Hey unfaithful I will teach you
To be stronger, to be stronger
Hey unloving
I will love you
I will love you
I will love you

And Jesus I'm ready to come home
Jesus, I'm ready to come home(home)
home (home)
I'm ready to come
Hey Unfaithful
Hey Ungraceful
Hey Unloving
I will love you
Hey Unloving (Hey Unloving)
I will love you
Lyrics > Underoath Lyrics > Underoath Some Will Seek Forgiveness, Others Escape Lyrics

the victorious blue devils....

Classes are going pretty well for me. I'm still getting back into the swing of things. Western Civ. seems like it will be fun with the awesome people in there. If I ever get bored I can look forward to Chris M.'s odd comments. So..yeah school is good...y tu?

Siuil, siuil, siul a run,
Siuil go sochair agus siuil go ciuin
Siuil go doras agus ealaigh lion

Siuil, siuil, siul a run,
Siuil go sochair agus siuil go ciuin
Siuil go doras agus ealaigh lion
Is go dte tu mo mhuirnin slan

I wish I was on yonder hill
'Tis there I'd sit and cry my fill,
And every tear would turn a mill,
I'll sell my rock, I'll sell my reel,
I'll sell my only spinning wheel,
To buy my love a sword of steel

Siuil, siuil, siul a run,
Siuil go sochair agus siuil go ciuin
Siuil go doras agus ealaigh lion
Is go dte tu mo mhuirnin slan

I'll dye my petticoats, I'll dye them red,
And 'round the world I'll beg my bread,
Until my parents shall wish me dead,

Siuil, siuil, siul a run,
Siuil go sochair agus siuil go ciuin
Siuil go doras agus ealaigh lion
Is go dte tu mo mhuirnin slan

Siuil, siuil, siul a run,
Siuil go sochair agus siuil go ciuin
Siuil go doras agus ealaigh lion

Siuil, siuil, siul a run,
Siuil go sochair agus siuil go ciuin
Siuil go doras agus ealaigh lion
Is go dte tu mo mhuirnin slan

Your teeth are like stars!

There are two things to remember in order to maintain your sanity:
1. God does exist
2. You aren't Him

Thanks Mom! (from a few months ago)

MEMO FROM GOD

To: YOU
Date: TODAY
From: GOD - The Boss!
Subject: YOURSELF
Reference: LIFE

This is God. Today I will be handling All of your problems for you. I do Not need your help. So, have a nice day.

I love you.
GOD

P.S. And, remember....
If life happens to deliver a situation to you that you can not handle, do Not attempt to resolve it yourself !! Kindly put it in the SFGTD (something for God to do) box. I will get to it in MY TIME. All situations will be resolved, but in My time, not yours.

P.S.S.
Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold onto it by worrying about it. Instead, focus on all the wonderful things that are present in your life now.

If you find yourself stuck in traffic; Don't despair. There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard of privilege.

Should you have a bad day at work; Think of the man who has been out of work for years.

Should you despair over a relationship gone bad; Think of the person who has never known what it's like to love and be loved in return.

Should you grieve the passing of another weekend; Think of the woman in dire straits, working twelve hours a day, seven days a week to feed her children.

Should your car break down, leaving you miles away from assistance; Think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk.

Should you notice a new gray hair in the mirror; Think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes she had hair to examine.

Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering what is life all about, asking what is my purpose? Be thankful. There are those who didn't live long enough to get the opportunity.

Should you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities; Remember, things could be worse. You could be one of them!

Should you decide to send this to a friend; Thank you, you may have touched their life in ways you will never know!

Now, you have a nice day ,

God

24601

I don't know if I've posted this b4 or not...


"Then Jesus took his disciples up on the mountain and gathered them around Him. And He taught them, saying:

Blessed are the poor in spirit,
Blessed are the meek,
Blessed are the merciful,
Blessed are you who thirst for justice,
Blessed are you who are persecuted,
Blessed are the peacemakers

And Simon Peter said, "Do we have to write this stuff down?"
And Philip said, "Will this be on the test?"
And John said, "I'm sorry. Would you mind repeating that?"
And Andrew said, "John the Baptist's disciples don't have to learn this stuff!"
And Matthew said, "Huh?"
And Judas said, "What does this have to do with real life?"

Then, one of the Pharisees, and expert in the law said, "I don't see any of this in your syllabus. Do you have a lesson plan? Is there a summary? Where is the student guide? Will there be any follow-up assignments? How will this affect the bell curve?"

And Thomas, who had missed the sermon, came to Jesus privately and said, "Did we do anything important yesterday?"

And Jesus wept."

I love this show!

You may think that you are safe there....

but....here is another post!

I know I havent updated in a while but just to be fair, not a lot of people have. Well, I really can't tell with Chris' blog cuz he made it private or something...what the heck Chris...anyway...today is Wednesday and I'll be moving back into Tommy More on Sunday. I'm really looking forward to seeing my buddies again but I hate the whole moving in and getting organized thing. I always end up forgetting where I put things anyway and the re-organize a week later.

Hmm, what else is going on. Oh! "Teeth" went amazingly wonderful! Both nights we had great crowds and they all seemed to love it! I swear I'm gonna have the songs and quotes in my head for a few months! Hopefully everything goes ok with the cds and dvds.

My brothers are already moved in and I already miss them. This is always an annoying time of year b/c they end up moving in a week b4 I do and I get bored easily. I dont know how people on quarters do it.

While typing that last sentence I heard my dog barking outside and realized that I didnt let him out. I guess he jumped through the front door screen (which was already ripped by him) and walked around the house. I found him in front of our neighbor's house and grabbed his collar. Whoa! Im still shaking....

Anyway, I guess thats it. Good luck to everyone starting their new school year, especially Chris. I hope everything is cool and you like your classes 'n' such. Just *relax* and you'll be fine.

Peru

"Teeth" is gonna be sweeeeeet!

'arry potter

you gotta say it like that..or i wont be friends with you.

Anyway, Im excited about the musical teeth as I have finished reading the script. (If you dont know what "teeth" is check out Mike's blog.)

Going to get Harry Potter tonight and read a little bit of it. No, Im not going to stay up all night to read it as my friend Katie will. Im excited to see what happens but Im also sad that the series is coming to a close.

Go watch Potter Puppet Pals on youtube! The one about the ticking noise! Im sorry this is sooo random...Im just tired!

Funny moments...

After KT refused to give my cd back...

"Drop it"-me
"I did drop it! Gravity won't help." (or something like that) - KT
"That's not gravity, it's your finger!

*************************************************
Katie being mean to me...again...probably by saying "your face"

"I was going to hit you with this but then I realized it was a Bible"-me

Stupid media and magic!!!

Recognize this title Michael? Ha! I decided that b/c you took the cow's title (even though you didnt mean to) I took yours!!!! Ha!


Oh...Harry Potter tonight....stupid media as well.

Cool e-mail from my Dad!!!

Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the
Declaration of Independence?


Five signers were captured by the British as traitors and tortured
before they died.


Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.


Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army, another had two
sons captured.


Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the
Revolutionary War.


They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their
sacred honor.


What kind of men were they?


Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were
farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated. But
they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the
penalty would be death if they were captured.


Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships
swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties
to pay his debts, and died in rags.


Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move
his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and
his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and
poverty was his reward.


Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer,
Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.


At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British
General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters.
He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was
destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.


Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed
his wife, and she died within a few months.

John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13
children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to
waste. For more than a year, he lived in forests and caves, returning
home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. A few weeks later,
he died from exhaustion and a broken heart.


Norris and Livingston suffered similar fates. Such were the stories and
sacrifices of the American Revolution. These were not wild-eyed,
rabble-rousing ruffians. They were soft-spoken men of means and
education. They had security, but they valued liberty more.


Standing tall, straight, and unwavering, they pledged: "For the support
of this declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of the divine
providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes,
and our sacred honor."


They gave you and me a free and independent America. The history books
never told you a lot about what happened in the Revolutionary War. We
didn't fight just the British. We were British subjects at that time and
we fought our own government!


Some of us take these liberties so much for granted, but we shouldn't.
So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July Holiday and
silently thank these patriots. It's not much to ask for the price they
paid.

1.0 threat status...

I have a little bit of time before work starts so I might as well update this thing.

Im very happy to see my friend named Friday even though this week seemed to fly by. Chris is coming today to bring the goodness that happens to be moolattes...if i spelled that right. That will be nice. Ill probably be shelf reading today which I dont mind as long as I have breaks in between sections. Pretty much what happens is...
1. You find one of those little "kwik stand" things Kates and I like to call "R2" and use it to be able to see the top 2 shelves

2. You then become resourceful and use that as a little chair to read the next 3 shelves

3. You sit on the ground to finish the column

4.Try to motivate yourself to get up and start over

And I think there are about 7 columns in each shelf...its really not so bad...just the getting up part is difficult...lol.

Other than all of that I love working here! I did last summer as well and its just as good.

Well...thats my life right now. Share yours today!

Exclusive Access...

I saw that on Kate's (or i guess she would want it to be spelled this way "kates'")Dr. Pepper bottle so I thought Id put it on. Amish! Yay! Im excited! I wanna get a horse and call it Yoder. Actually before we bought Smokey, we thought we could get a puppy from the Amish or around "Amish country". We decided that if we did, he would be called Yoder. But, I dwell in the past, we have Smokey the Wonder Dog! Yaaaaaay! And Jess has Apollo! Yay!!!

Book fine

Dont be afraid of posting on the wall katie! facebook wont bite!

Hi people...all...2 of you. Just wanted to put a new post up here.

AAAAAAAAAAAA YYEEEEEEAAAAAH!

I know I havent updated in a while but I have and excuse! My computer at home is way too slow to update all the time! So...there.

Got the new relient k cd finally. Its a good'n or however you type that. I like #6 and # 12, but you have to buy the cd to find out what the names are and why theyre good....relient k should pay me now or write a song because of my advertisment just then.

Oh yeah, cchs graduation is this sunday...I think...so congrats to all the soon to be grads....CHRIS!

Please pray...

...for one of my professors who has to have surgery..yet again and for my friend's family(I won't go into details on this one)

Good song...

Take the wave now and know that you're free
Turn your back on the land, face the sea
Face the wind now, so wild and so strong
When you think of me, wave to me and send me song

Don't look back when you reach the new shore
Don't forget what you're leaving me for
Don't forget when you're missing me so
Love must never hold, never hold tight, but let go

Oh, the nights will be long when I'm not in your arms
But I'll be in this song that you sing to me
Across the sea, somehow, someday
You will be far away, so far from me
And maybe one day I will follow you in all you do
'Til then, send me a song

When the sun sets the water on fire
When the wind swells the sails of your hire
Let the call of the bird on the wind
Calm your sadness and loneliness
And then start to sing to me
I will sing to you
If you promise to send me a song

I walk by the shore and I hear
Hear your song come so faint and so clear
And I catch it, a breath on the wind
And I smile and I sing you a song
I will send you a song
I will sing you a song
I will sing to you
If you promise to send me a song

Once again...

Twas the night before finals,


and all through the college,


The students were praying for last minute knowledge.


Most were quite sleepy,


but none touched their beds,


While visions of essays danced in their heads.


Out in the lobby,


a few were still drinking,


And hoping that pop*


would loosen their thinking.


In my own dorm room,


I had been pacing,


And dreading exams


I soon would be facing.


My roommate was speechless,


her nose in her books,


And my comments to her


drew unfriendly looks.


I drained all the coffee,


and brewed a new pot,


No longer caring


that my nerves were shot.


I stared at my notes,


but my thoughts were all muddy,


My eyes went a blur,


I just couldn't study.


"Some pizza might help,"


I said with a shiver,


But each place I called


refused to deliver.


I'd nearly concluded that life was too cruel,


With futures depending on grades had in school.


When all of a sudden,


our door opened wide,


And Patron Saint Put-It-Off ambled inside.


His spirit was careless,


his manner was mellow,


When all of a sudden,


he started to bellow:


"On Cliff Notes!


On Crib Notes!


On last year's exams!


On Wingit and Slingit,


and last minute crams!"


His message delivered,


he vanished from sight,


But we heard him laughing outside in the night.


"Your teachers have pegged you,


so just do your best.


Happy Finals to all,


and to all, a Good Test!"

Finals...

I'm not sure what time I actually fell asleep but my roommate came in from studying around 2am. For some reason when she came in I thought my alarm had gone off so I got out of bed and walked over to my closet to find clothes to wear.
roomie: Amanda, what are you doing?
me: I'm getting ready for my exam
(in a voice that would involve me saying "duh!" at the end of the sentence.)
roomie: it's 2 in the morning
me: i know! (getting annoyed, but obviously I didnt know)
roomie: what? are you getting up to study or something?
me: no, i just have to pick clothes out
(at this point I was wondering why she was so interested in what I was doing)
roomie: Amanda, are you sleeping?
me: no! (even more annoyed)

Then I realized how dark it was and decided to get back in bed. As soon as I got in bed I realized what was going on but before I could tell me roomie that I was sleep walking before but was awake now, I fell asleep.

Gellin' like Magellan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OA0nUXXg5qw
My favorite part....

Yakko:
They sailed due west
To the Philippine Islands
Magellan was pleased
As the natives drew near
But then someone shouted

YW+D : I think they're attacking!

Yakko: Magellan said...

Mglln: ...What?

Yakko: And got hit by a spear

MLA,APA,CMS,CBE...

Ive decided that since Mike wrote an end of the school year post, I want to write an end of the school year post!

So, today is Musical Monday (and no, Katie, I don't actually mean Thursday) the 23rd of April. I can't believe it! This is the last full week of my first year in college! Its insane! It really is. Next week we have Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday(sort of) as normal classes, and then Thursday is our reading day. So we get to study on that day and then exams officially begin that Friday. I have my CMP exam on the Wed. before reading day because its a night class.

That Friday I have an exam at 8 in the morning and than one on Saturday at 10:30. My final exam is on Monday at 2:30. I don't really have a test for my early experience, just a final conference. I do have one final presentation this Friday, but, besides that, not much to think about besides exams. I really want to make it to the CCHS show choir concert and the All Saints Talent show. I hope I can go! If not good luck!!!

Summer should be fun because everyone will be home. I really want to go on some type of road trip with my brothers and friends. That'd be sweet! So, til then, til then. I am, as I ever was and ever shall be...yours, yours, yours, yours, yours....saltpeter(sp?)pins!

Please pray...

...for all of the students at Virginia Tech (especially those who were killed or injured. Also pray for the families/friends of the students and the faculty and staff of the school. And, finally, pray for the person/people that did this.

Aqua

http://youtube.com/watch?v=m9ukBfS2XUU

http://youtube.com/watch?v=wCgp-haIjVg

Like the blue?

It sort of has a calming feel to it.

Apricot

My mom sent me an email of a bunch of letters from kids to God. They are soooo funny!

"Dear God,
Maybe Cain and Abel would not kill each(other) so much if they had their own rooms. It works with my brother."

Ways to scare your roomate...

I found these on google. Some I want to try and others are kinda messed up. These are some of my favorites.

Move everything to one side of the room. Ask your roommate if he knows how much an elephant weighs, and look at the floor on the empty side of the room with concern.

Create an army of animal crackers. Put them through basic training. Set up little checkpoints around the room. Tell your roommate that the camel spotted him/her in a restricted area and said not to do it again. Ask your roommate to apologize to the camel.

While your roommate is out, glue your shoes to the ceiling. When your roommate walks in, sit on the floor, hold your head, and moan.

When you leave the room, put on a screensaver that says, "I'm watching you."

Tell your roommate, "I've got an important message for you." Then pretend to faint. When you recover, say you can't remember what the message was. Later on, say, "Oh, yeah, I remember!" Pretend to faint again. Keep this up for several weeks.

What the last title was about...

clone: ik haat fysica
me: eww
me: no me gusta!
clone: did you just respond in Spanish to something I said in Dutch?
me: yes i did
me: lol

ik haat fysica

Last night I went to the Chrism Mass and remembered how much I love this song.
Ave Verum Corpus natum
de Maria Virgine.
Vere passum immolatum
in cruce pro homine:
cuius latum perforatum
aqua fluxit et sanguine.
Esto nobis praegustatum
in mortis examine.

Where the shadows fall...

At that time people will say to the mountains,
‘Fall upon us!’
and to the hills, ‘Cover us!’
for if these things are done when the wood is green
what will happen when it is dry?”

I don't know why Mike didn't post this.

He is the one that sent me the link to it

Heart of an Empire

I must say, this is pretty sweet. Chris said that he met people from the 501st at the convention he went to before. I think it's awesome what they do for kids who don't have much to be cheerful about in their day to day lives.

And, besides all that, they look really cool!

No more tests...

This post is dedicated to Reggie!

Would you, the reader, like to know why this post is dedicated to her?

Well, because she's awesome! Duh! Oh, and besides how amazingly awesome she is, I miss her a lot. Not that I don't miss my other readers like my brothers, Chris( I'll see him on Friday), and Katie. Its just that I havent seen Reg in such a long time and its been a while since we've taken "The Bloody Scream" for a spin. So, there you go Reg. This post is for you! Don't be jealous Chris!

There you go Chris...

Here are a bunch of quotes that I find cute and/or funny. The first three are from movies I really like and the others are from this cool notebook my aunt gave me.

"Don't be someone else's slogan because you are poetry."

"Wow, that's really something Lex. It's freakin' Gone with the Wind."

Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."

***************************************************************
"Laughter is a noisy smile"

"Adventure is worthwhile in itself."

"A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest of men."

"Imagination is the highest kite one can fly."

"Whatever you are be a good one."

"Recall it as often as you wish, a happy memory never wears out."