tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37912218814191193022024-02-19T00:21:33.189-08:00Jonathan's WorldThis is a blog about my lifeJmejia1http://www.blogger.com/profile/01298674445685846545noreply@blogger.comBlogger160125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791221881419119302.post-9741437079183011692011-04-02T10:31:00.000-07:002011-04-02T10:35:05.049-07:00Final March Update<div style="text-align: left;">Here is the final update for March!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/jGqCPnQhKSg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div style="text-align: left;">I <span class="Apple-style-span" >go over which goals I completed, and which ones I failed. I also talk about my goals for April. There is a reptile expo, and spring break. Which means, I need to save some serious money, quick. Every dollar counts!
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<br />Thanks to every who has supported this project and seen the videos.
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<br /><meta charset="utf-8"></span><div id="watch-description-text" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; line-height: 1.4; "><p id="eow-description" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; "><span class="Apple-style-span" >Next month it seems like I have a full plate. I am sad that I haven't been able to get my licence, and it is already February. However, I did do many other cool things!
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<br />Pictures from the NYBG Orchid Show 2011:
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<br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2257987&id=6908664&l=8762b9c3c7" target="_blank" title="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2257987&id=6908664&l=8762b9c3c7" rel="nofollow" dir="ltr" class="yt-uix-redirect-link" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(66, 114, 219); text-decoration: none; ">http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2257987&id=6908664&l=8762b9c3c7</a>
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<br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2260763&id=6908664&l=f7397b690b" target="_blank" title="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2260763&id=6908664&l=f7397b690b" rel="nofollow" dir="ltr" class="yt-uix-redirect-link" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(66, 114, 219); text-decoration: none; ">http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2260763&id=6908664&l=f7397b690b</a>
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<br />The music is a remix of sonic the hedgehog, found on this album:
<br /><a href="http://sonic2.ocremix.org/" target="_blank" title="http://sonic2.ocremix.org/" rel="nofollow" dir="ltr" class="yt-uix-redirect-link" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(66, 114, 219); text-decoration: none; ">http://sonic2.ocremix.org/</a>
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<br />Next month, my goal is to save money, and do my taxes, so that i can buy some cool carnivorous plants at the NY Metro Reptile Expo!
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<br />I also plan on attending the MOS meeting during the second week in April. As for my licence, I plan on putting it on hold until I have more time to dedicate to practicing for the exam.</span></p><div>
<br /></div></div><div id="watch-description-extras" style="margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-size: 12px; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; font-family: arial, sans-serif; "></div></div>Jmejia1http://www.blogger.com/profile/01298674445685846545noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791221881419119302.post-7902159100477303072011-03-31T11:20:00.000-07:002011-04-02T10:31:43.742-07:00More March Updates!It seems as if my project has moved off of blogger and has gravitated towards youtube, but fear not! I have not forgotten you!<div><br /></div><div>For the third update in March, I was able to complete 3 more goals off of the list:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/va9qR5JfcuM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div><div>And for the fourth update in March, I was able to make serious headway into two more goals, which were organizing my room, and germinating my seeds. I also show off some of my haul stuff from the week, but I think I will keep most of my haul videos on youtube separate from my update videos from now on.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JTI9fozClis" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>So in the next post, we will see the final video! I am so excited to see what is going to happen next month!Jmejia1http://www.blogger.com/profile/01298674445685846545noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791221881419119302.post-41948309915735613182011-03-09T09:57:00.000-08:002011-03-09T10:05:35.162-08:00March UpdatesWell, I did it again. I forgot to post a video here from my first march update, and now I have a second March Update I need to post as well. Here are the videos:<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/p2htZt2hsc8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;">And </div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ycqEhuIy_YI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div style="text-align: left;">15 Goals for March</div><div style="text-align: left;"><meta charset="utf-8"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; ">1. Organize New Room - Mostly done, but I still need to find a place for my shelves
<br />2.<i> Redecorate Freckles Tank</i> - I just did this today. I reused all of his old ornaments
<br />3. <i>Place for plants and tanks</i> - Already done
<br />4. Attend Orchid Show 3 times - I went once, need to go 2 more times
<br />5. Lose 10 pounds - Have not done. Lets not talk about it...
<br />6. Take Driving Exam - Will do March 11th
<br />7. <i>Call Akkeem</i> - Done
<br />8. <i>Get a haircut</i> - Done
<br />9. Attend MOS meeting - Will do this today!
<br />10. Obtain a free bookshelf - Working on it by emailing people on craigslist. I have sent over 5 emails to people
<br />11. Germinate Sarracenia seeds - In progress
<br />12. Make a DVD For my aunt - Have not done
<br />13. <i>Burn Deathtrap for Ernie</i> - Done
<br />14. Stretch every morning - Am doing this every weekday morning
<br />15. Sell games (FFIX FFOrigins and Fighters MegaMix) - I have sold 2 games, Nights into Dreams Sampler, and FFOrigins. I still need to sell FFIX and Fighters Megamix. I put the Megamix on ebay to see if I can get someone to buy it that way, but if I have no takers by next Friday, I will most likely sell them to a vintage game store.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; ">
<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">So many things going on this week. I am also looking out for oldschool video games, crested geckos, books, and other things on craigslist!
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<br />The agenda for today is to attend the MOS meeting, redecorate Freckles tank, and do some craigslist things, IF i can.</span></span></div>Jmejia1http://www.blogger.com/profile/01298674445685846545noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791221881419119302.post-92146522382263262002011-03-03T09:23:00.000-08:002011-03-03T09:30:21.222-08:00The Long Walk by Richard BachmanAbrupt. That is how it ended. Abruptly.<br /><br />So Garraty loses his mind at the end. THEN what happens? It seems like this book was never finished.<br /><br />The basic idea is, 99 male teenagers are given the chance to participate in an endurance race. The person who walks the farthest wins, and if you don't win, then you die. If you fall below 4 miles per hour, you are given a warning and after 3 warnings you are shot.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.sffaudio.com/images10/NEWENGLISHLIBRARYTheLongWalk400.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 656px;" src="http://www.sffaudio.com/images10/NEWENGLISHLIBRARYTheLongWalk400.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Nowhere are we given any reason for the race. Is it a way to decrease the surplus population? Is it a way to keep misfit kids in check? One of the people in the race (Scramm) was actually married!<br /><br />The only indication of a time-line we receive is a mention of Kennedy, and John Travolta. Other than that the government situation seems to be a mystery. The race started in Maine and ended in Massachusetts. I was personally rooting for McVries or Stebbins to win. In the end Garraty wins, and continues walking, apparently he has lost his mind.<br /><br />But this is not the whole story. The person who wins the race is given anything they want. Anything they can possible ask for! Yeah sure, Garraty was out of it at the end of the race, but after they tell him he's won, after he gets a few nights sleep and a few good meals, what is he going to ask for?<br /><br />That wasn't part of the story of course, and it is left for the reader to decide. Apparently, the story of the Long Walk was only a story of the Long walk, and not a story of it's participants or it's winners. It says nothing about the government, or about our lives. It is just an interesting way to look at death, and a good story.<br /><br />It was a good story. I think this is one of those books which should be read along with the Hunger Games, 1984, and accompanied by a viewing of Battle Royale. They all have a very similar themes of young people battling against each other, and government willingly killing it's own people.<br /><br />But you are left to wonder in the end, whatever happened to Maine's very own, Garraty?<br /><br />This one can't be given a five out of five, because we are still left wondering so much at the end. I can, however, say that the story is very well told, and is one of those books that will stick in my mind for a long time. Depression comes to those in bad situations, and the thought "someone just kill me" is often accompanied with it. In a moment such as this, who wouldn't sign up for the Long Walk? If you win, you get everything you ever wanted. If you lose, you get your wish, for someone to kill you. Odds are 99 to one that you'll lose, but once people start dropping off, your odds only get better and better!<br /><br />Get walking or get dying!Jmejia1http://www.blogger.com/profile/01298674445685846545noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791221881419119302.post-76764350061291603092011-03-03T09:21:00.000-08:002011-03-03T09:22:49.952-08:00Rage by Richard Bachman<div style="text-align: left;">Ever felt pissed off? Ever had an immature moment where you just felt like showing up to school with a gun and going haywire on the sons of bitches that picked on you, and made you feel inferior?</div>
<br />READ RAGE.
<br /><meta charset="utf-8"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVtQqs6J4CLwA-ELgAzii8v1563bAPxCAHWQTowcgX0yLrhw-Bc_FL88y5WFGQNejhzLLixHVjVDApzgcuA4q4JdAUYjAnULF6l9I9m8GX649owJff9FxEqO4ZoxkchzpRJE2ZBAfM_Sc/s1600/RAGE.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 352px; height: 600px; " /></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >
<br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span>It is an interesting book into the mind of a mad teenager. Upset with the world, he decided to take matters into his own hand and hold an entire class of students hostage (not really, but sort of). You see, everyone in the class WANTED to be there, except for Tom of course. Tom was the only hostage.
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<br />The book was an easy read and the ending was obvious albeit, a bit scattered. I am noticing a pattern with Stephen King. He is great at writing books, and telling stories, but for some reason he always misses the punchline/ending. While someone can spot the ending of this book a mile away (the kid gets arrested, but then put in a mental institution because he is considered insane, and thus cannot be held liable for his actions), the way King reveals the ending, through memo's and letters, doesn't flow well with the rest of the story. It works well in the middle of books, like the interdepartmental memos of the Shop in Firestarter, but not in Rage.
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<br />Now that thats over, time to read The Long Walk.</div>Jmejia1http://www.blogger.com/profile/01298674445685846545noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791221881419119302.post-90236319743669655602011-03-03T09:19:00.000-08:002011-03-03T09:20:43.882-08:00Firestarter by Stephen King<div style="text-align: left;">Government conspiracies, pyrokinetic children, and telepathic moms. This book is just a journey into a strange little world. This is one every King fan should read, although the ending seemed rushed, and left much to be desired.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><meta charset="utf-8"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://spire.ee/shop/images/stephen_king___firestarter.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 364px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">
<br /></span></div><div>Firestarter is about an experiment into the mind, gone wrong. As usual, college students in need of money volunteered for an experiment involving hallucinogens. However, the effects of the drug seemed to be lifelong. Many of the people involved died during the experiment, and those that didn't die obtained strange powers, like mild telekinesis. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>The story itself is centered around a little girl (named Charlie), who is the offspring of two individuals who found themselves in need of some money in college. The storyline is simple. Charlie and her father are running away from the Shop, a secret government agency, intent on bringing them in to study them.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Charlie has the ability to start fires, and while the story is interesting, and the character development is complete, the reader is still left wanting to know what happens to Charlie at the end of the book. The ending is abrupt and seemed to be a lazy cop-out to an otherwise well written book. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>For the fans of King, this is a must read. If only for the interesting story line. For people looking for a good book, skip this one. The ending will make you feel cheated. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>As for me, I am going to read Rage, by Richard Bachman, King's pseudonym.</div>Jmejia1http://www.blogger.com/profile/01298674445685846545noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791221881419119302.post-11963879835039530612011-02-17T10:22:00.001-08:002011-02-17T10:27:57.524-08:00February Update 3<div><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/DzljRfatGmQ?rel=0&hd=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br /></div><div>The video explains a lot, but you are probably wondering about the project, and about the orchid things I mentioned, or even about the song in the background. The links are all included here! Also, again, if you have any ideas for how to make this project better, please leave a comment wherever this video is posted!</div><div><br /></div><div>Music: </div><div><a href="http://ocremix.org/remix/OCR00241/">Chrono Cross 'RadicalDreamersAngelic'</a></div><div><br /></div><div>If you are wondering about the project, <a href="http://jworldpod.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-year.html">the information you want is here</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://jworldpod.blogspot.com/2011/01/january-goal-completed.html">January's Goal</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://jworldpod.blogspot.com/2011/02/february-goal-update-week-1_03.html">First February Update</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Orchids!</div><div><a href="http://www.manhattanorchid.org/java_HomePage.php">Manhattan Orchid Society</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://sites.google.com/site/deepcutorchids/Home/events/show">Deep Cut Orchid Society Show</a> (I purchased the Cat. Hybrid here)</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.nybg.org/tos11/the-orchid-show.php">NYBG Orchid Show "On Broadway"</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.trafficautodriving.com/">Driving School</a></div><div><br /></div><div>The big news this week is that I managed to schedule my driving exam for March 11th. I still have to take 2 more formal driving lessons, and I have to practice a lot more before I am fully ready, but I am prepared to do what it takes.</div><div><br /></div><div>Other than that, I obtained a new Cattleya! <a href="http://dailybooth.com/jmejia1187/13246754">I dailybooth about it here</a></div><div><br /></div><div>And I also <a href="http://dailybooth.com/jmejia1187/13254078">obtained a Sega Saturn!</a></div><div><br /></div><div>I am moving before the end of the month. So today was a packing day! Busy busy. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you want to get an idea of the things going on in my life, you can <a href="http://dailybooth.com/jmejia1187">check for updates on dailybooth</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Or on <a href="http://sarracenia.tumblr.com/">my tumblr account</a></div><div><br /></div><div>And as always leave a comment!</div>Jmejia1http://www.blogger.com/profile/01298674445685846545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791221881419119302.post-23722718637571331482011-02-09T11:58:00.000-08:002011-02-09T12:06:41.675-08:00February Update 2<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="560" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/q1C9nSjSbeM?rel=0&hd=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br />The video explains a lot, but you are probably wondering about the project, and about the orchid things I mentioned, or even about the song in the background. The links are all included here! Also, again, if you have any ideas for how to make this project better, please leave a comment wherever this video is posted!<br /><br />I have taken my first driving class, and it was great! My instructor was patient and kind when I made mistakes. She also gave me a lot of helpful hints, and we even practiced a broken U-turn. My second class is tomorrow (Thursdays Feb. 9th).<div><br />Until then, I will be at this weeks meeting of the Manhattan Orchid Society taking place today (February 8th). I will also be going to the Orchid Show at the NYBG in March and April. There is another Orchid Show in New Jersey this weekend, but I am not sure if I will be able to make it due to my inability to drive at this moment, and my lack of car!</div><div><br /></div><div><div><br />Music:<br /><a href="http://ocremix.org/remix/OCR00917/">Chrono Cross 'Crossfire'</a><br /><br />Project:<br /><a href="http://jworldpod.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-year.html">You can read about the project here</a><br /><a href="http://jworldpod.blogspot.com/2011/01/january-goal-completed.html">January's Goal</a><br /><a href="http://jworldpod.blogspot.com/2011/02/february-goal-update-week-1_03.html">First February Update</a><br /><br />Orchids!:<br /><a href="http://www.manhattanorchid.org/java_HomePage.php">Manhattan Orchid Society</a><br /><a href="http://sites.google.com/site/deepcutorchids/Home/events/show">Deep Cut Orchid Society Show</a><br /><a href="http://www.nybg.org/tos11/the-orchid-show.php">NYBG Orchid Show "On Broadway"</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.trafficautodriving.com/">Driving School</a><br /><div><br /></div><div>Again leave comments!</div></div></div>Jmejia1http://www.blogger.com/profile/01298674445685846545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791221881419119302.post-67062215407493367292011-02-03T11:19:00.003-08:002011-02-03T21:07:25.198-08:00February Goal Update Week 1<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/-fg5CXqhdRs?rel=0&hd=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
<br /><div>So I signed up for driving school here in the Bronx!
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<br /><meta charset="utf-8"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; ">January - Renew my NYBG membership - Completed
<br />February - Get a license - In Progress
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<br />In January 2011, I decided to challenge myself to complete monthly goals to make my life better for ONE YEAR. You can read about it here:
<br /><a href="http://jworldpod.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-year.html" target="_blank" title="http://jworldpod.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-year.html" rel="nofollow" dir="ltr" class="yt-uix-redirect-link" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-size: 12px; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 51, 204); text-decoration: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">http://jworldpod.blogspot.com/2011/01...</a>
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<br />In January I completed the goal of renewing my membership to the NYBotanical Gardens, and now in February I need to get my license. This is just an update for my february goal!
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<br />You can download the background music for this video here:
<br /><a href="http://ocremix.org/remix/OCR00171/" target="_blank" title="http://ocremix.org/remix/OCR00171/" rel="nofollow" dir="ltr" class="yt-uix-redirect-link" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-size: 12px; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 51, 204); text-decoration: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">http://ocremix.org/remix/OCR00171/</a>
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<br />If you have any suggestions for goals this year, please leave them in the comments section, anywhere you see this video. THANKS!</span></div>Jmejia1http://www.blogger.com/profile/01298674445685846545noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791221881419119302.post-39969571480757183902011-01-31T07:44:00.000-08:002011-01-31T08:01:24.046-08:00Needful Things<div style="text-align: left;">Usually, you have to do something awesome to be labelled King. Stephen King has been given that title from birth...</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Needful Things is an exceptional novel. Taking place in a small town in Maine called Little Rock, King completely immerses his reader is small town life. From the religious fanatics, to the sense of duty peace officers usually feel, King creates a town from the people up.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>And then destroys it.</div><div><meta charset="utf-8"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://cdn3.iofferphoto.com/img/item/598/290/36/o_GchgEyw5CdYCGwS.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 411px; height: 580px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">
<br /></span></div><div>Complete mayhem and destruction. This book should be banned outright because it shows how easy it is to influence americans to annihilate one another. The equation is simple (warning, spoilers):
<br />
<br />1. Play to greed</div><div>-Leland Gaunt, the proprietor of Needful Things plays this role perfectly. He gives everyone what they want most, in exchange for small pranks.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>2. Play on emotions</div><div>-The planks played on individuals of the town preyed upon their already pent up emotions, to the point where anger, religious bigotry, and past feuds begin to escalate to the point where people want to kill each other.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>3. Set off a chain reaction of destruction in different parts of the town simultaneously.
<br />-Ace Merril and Buster handle this with their bombs, under the direction of Leland Gaunt.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>4. Profit</div><div>-This is how Leland Gaunt successfully, and nearly-single-handedly destroyed Little Rock, Maine.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Sometimes I am just in the mood to read about something being blown up, or about someone who couldn't arrive in time to save someone else's life. This book is not about how the heroes win. It is about how the bad guys destroy. And at Needful Things (the store owned by Mr. Gaunt), every purchase leads to a little piece of the town dying. </div>Jmejia1http://www.blogger.com/profile/01298674445685846545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791221881419119302.post-38290019267037546512011-01-24T12:48:00.001-08:002011-02-05T10:17:31.374-08:00January Goal COMPLETEDHey guys!<br /><br />So remember when I put up my project? About completing one task each month for a year? If you haven't read that blog post, <a href="http://jworldpod.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-year.html">you can see it here!<br /></a><div><br /></div><div>I then posted a video on my youtube channel, stating my goal for the January! And sorry in advance for the crappy sound quality!</div><div><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" class="youtube-player" type="text/html" width="560" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ANkGMIB973w" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And now, here we are, about a week later, and I have completed my January Goal! And yes, I also made a video for that too. </div><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" class="youtube-player" type="text/html" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/lQUj7bjaID4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br /><br /><div>So there ya go! My February task will be to get a NY State Drivers License. This means I need to find a drivin school. Take the 5 hour required Pre-Driving Class, plus the actual driving classes, both beginner and advanced, and then take the test!</div><div><br /></div><div>I know, that is a lot of work. And money as well. The most expensive driving school I have seen was about 450, but they also teach you advanced lessons, like driving on the highway and that sort of stuff. I will bear the cost of expense again (renewing my membership was 100 dollars), for the benefits I will obtain!<br /><br />If you know of any good, inexpensive driving school in NYC, let me know. Also if you have any suggestions for monthly goals, please place them in the comments sections below.</div><div><br />January - Renew Membership to the NY Botanical Gardens - Completed!</div><div>February - Obtain NY State Drivers License - Pending</div>Jmejia1http://www.blogger.com/profile/01298674445685846545noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791221881419119302.post-65599355203523919072011-01-20T11:40:00.001-08:002011-01-20T12:17:09.652-08:00Book Reviews!<div style="text-align: left;">The last book review I gave was on <a href="http://jworldpod.blogspot.com/2010/09/ancestors-tale-review.html">Richard Dawkins Ancestors Tale</a>. Since then I have read many books. I just wanted to review a few of the more noteworthy ones here.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>The Lovely Bones</div><div><meta charset="utf-8"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "> <img src="http://www.umnet.com/pic/diy/ebook/mobile/51980a5a-d94c.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 510px; height: 680px; " /></span></div><div>This book was given to me by my aunt Carmen. She found it in one of those second hand shops for a buck and change. I wouldn't normally pick a book like this up, but since it was a gift I read it. It was a pretty good read, although some of the metaphysical sections were creepy, especially towards the end. This book starts off with the rape and murder of a little girl, and then follows her spirit through heaven. I think it was written more as a drama, since I didn't find it particularly scary, but then again I read a lot of Stephen King, so almost anything else will be child's play in comparison. Overall, while not the normal type of book I will read, I did think it was interesting. Sebold shows us a view of heaven not often seen. It was a good read, but I don't think it is an instant classic, or anything special. Just a good story for people who like drama.
<br /></div><div>
<br />The Hunger Games/Catching Fire/Mockingjay</div><div>
<br /></div><div><meta charset="utf-8"><a href="http://ncowie.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/the-hunger-games.jpg"><img src="http://ncowie.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/the-hunger-games.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 407px; height: 595px; " /></a>I had my copy of Mockingjay signed by Suzanne Collins herself at the official book launching event. I hadn't even heard of this series of books until recently. They were written for teens, but I still enjoyed The Hunger Games very much. I purchased all three books, and both me and Donna read them. We both agreed that the first and second books were better than the third. Mockingjay dealt only with the war which made a dictator like society more democratic.
<br />
<br />These books had the feel of 1984, where your living in a society where you are always being watched and can be convicted of thinking negative things about the rulers of the society. Mixed with elements of Battle Royale (which made the first book quite entertaining), I would say these sets of books are classics. However, if you can only read one, read The Hunger Games (along with 1984, and seeing the Japanese film, Battle Royale, they all go well together).</div><div>
<br /></div><div>The Tales of Beedle the Bard:</div><div><meta charset="utf-8"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/518Q3w-K5lL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div>Yep, a Harry Potter book. In the 7th book of Harry Potter Hermione was given this book by Albus Dumbledore. The Tales of Beedle the Bard is Hermione's translation of the book from Ancient Runes. It also includes commentary by Dumbledore himself. There are many short story/fairy tales in this book. My favorite would have to be either the tale of 3 brothers, or Babbity Rabbity. In any case, this is a must have for anyone who wants to complete their Harry Potter collection, or for anyone wanting to know more about the series. If you are not a Potter fan, don't even bother with reading the Dumbledore commentary. It wont make sense.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>The Liars Tale:
<br /><meta charset="utf-8"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51RE56NQTEL._bL160_.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 319px; height: 475px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">I normally do not read philosophy but this book caught my eye one day while I was walking around The Strand. It is about lying, and why people lie, and why lies are more valuable than the truth. As a scientist, many of the reasons given in the book disgusted me, but they made sense. If everyone always told the truth, there would be no fiction, there would be very little imagination, and life would be rather dull. We need ideas about life, which might not be true, to function. This book explains it all, with a history of philosophical ideas about lying. It is a bit repetitive and long winded at times, much like Dawkins Ancestors tale, so it is not for the faint of heart, but it was still an intellectually good read.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">
<br />CURRENTLY:
<br />Right now I am reading Stephen King's Needful Things. In an attempt to save money, I am going to be reading a lot of the King books I purchased in high school but never got around to reading. </span></div>Jmejia1http://www.blogger.com/profile/01298674445685846545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791221881419119302.post-80533494684004811842011-01-20T09:19:00.000-08:002011-01-24T20:44:17.889-08:00A New Year!Well well well.<div><br />Here we are in 2011, and it is a new year. It has been a new year for 20 days, and in the past 20 days I have come to a funny conclusion. New Years resolutions do not work. </div><div><br /></div><div>Most people who join a gym in January quit after a few weeks. Most people who have professional or personal goals in the beginning of the year never meet them. I don't want to go over the why's. The why's are boring. It could be lack of discipline, too large a timeline (which leads people into thinking "I will do it tomorrow"), or maybe people genuinely want to accomplish their goals when stating them, but forget!</div><div><br /></div><div>Whatever the reason, I have come up with a solution, at least for me. 2010 was a wasted year. Except for all the awesome plants I obtained, 2010 was a year where I didn't grow much. I looked back at the end of 2010, and found myself in worse shape than I was before 2010. The question became then became: Now that you have wasted 2010, what will you do in 2011?</div><div><br />2011? Well, for starters, I know what I am NOT going to do. I refuse to make a New Years resolution, which will be pushed to the back alleys of wishful thinking, in an attempt to make myself feel better. I decided to think about resolutions differently. Why did they come around during New Years? That seems like an arbitrary decision isn't it? If I need to join a gym, why didn't I do it in the fall? If I needed to volunteer more, why didn't I do it in the summer?</div><div><br /></div><div>The truth is, New Years resolutions are popular but not practical. So how can I, in 2011, make practical resolutions? I have a list of things I need to accomplish in 2011. Not just one big resolution but an entire list! I decided to make a different kind of resolution.<br /><br />THE NEW MONTH RESOLUTION.</div><div><br />January is almost over, but in January I have constructed the most perfect plan! This plan doesn't involve big, nearly impossible to achieve resolutions. It involves smaller resolutions which can be achieved in the time span of one month!<br /><br />In 2011, I plan on accomplishing 11 RESOLUTIONS. They will have a small time frame (monthly time frame)! So from January to November, every month, I will begin with a monthly goal. At the end of the month, I should have some sort of sense of accomplishment at completing that goal.</div><div><br />Why not have a goal for December? Well December is a busy month first of all. Secondly, if there was a goal I failed to accomplish, I should be able to play catch-up in December!</div><div><br /></div><div>Why does this system have advantages over the yearly one?<br /><br />Well for starters, you have less time to accomplish your goal. So you always feel the pressure to get off your ass and do something so it will be complete by the time the month is over.</div><div><br /></div><div>Secondly. The goals will not be hugely monstrous, like lose 50 pounds, or get a bigger apartment to live on your own. They will be smaller. You know, like goals someone can actually achieve!</div><div><br /></div><div>Third, it will not take one year to look back and make assessments! Every month I can look back and say, HOLY COW, I did something cool in March. If I hadn't planned on it, I wouldn't have done it!</div><div><br />And lastly, in December of 2011, even if I did not complete all of my goals, it is quite obvious, that I would have completed some. And if I look back on it, I can say, 2011 was worth something to me. It wasn't wasted like 2010. </div><div><br /></div><div>But like all resolutions, I need friends who will encourage me! I need your help!</div><div><br />January is almost over, so I will be making a very small goal (see future blog, coming sometime later this week). And I have a goal for February. But I need people to suggest small goals for me to accomplish. If a goal is worthy enough, I will add it on my to do list for one of the months, and I will do my best to accomplish it! Lets see how many I can do!</div><div><br /></div><div>You can leave me suggestions for monthly resolutions on my facebook page!</div><div>http://www.facebook.com/jmejia1187</div><div><br />And don't be shy!</div><div><br /></div>Jmejia1http://www.blogger.com/profile/01298674445685846545noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791221881419119302.post-35458613548464732472011-01-08T10:35:00.000-08:002011-01-08T10:58:55.828-08:00On Why I can't get my shit togetherMany older people keep asking me why I don't have a better job. And if I plan on living with my mother forever. And they often say I wasted my time in college since I have nothing to show for it.<div><br /></div><div>I have often questioned myself. Why can't I get my shit together? Get a better job? Live in an apartment with my girlfriend? Leave my moms house once and for all.<br /><br />The answer came to me a few days ago. I was at home, and mom asked me to look for apartments online. I knew she had planned to move out of here. There were problems with the landlord, and the rent was "too high". I put too high in quotations because the truth is, this apartment is a steal for 1600. It is adequately priced. The problem is, my mother doesn't make enough money to live here.</div><div><br /></div><div>But what if we lived somewhere we could afford? What would that look like? It would most likely be a far more dangerous neighborhood, in a small apartment, with no parking. She doesn't understand that if she is looking for a place for 1200, then compromises need to be made.<br /><br />But the answer to my problems are simple when I look at her. I can't get my situation stable, because at the foundation, my situation is unstable. I don't where where I am going to be living 6 months from now. And if we do move, we might move again 1 year later... I should have never packed my things after college.<br /><br />In the last 6 years, from the time I started college to now, I have lived on Castle Hill in the Bronx, in a house in Florida with my aunt, in the projects in soundview, and here in Claysons Point. 6 years, 4 "permanent" addresses. And people ask ME why I don't have a good and stable job.</div><div><br /></div><div>How can I even go to college? The application date for this fall was February. I am not even trying to apply. I mean, why even bother going to college, if I have to worry about moving into a new apartment every year. There will be no time to study, if I am constantly packing and unpacking all of my belongings.</div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe I am looking for a scapegoat. A reason for my current situation. I am not happy where I am right now. I know I don't have my shit together. But how am I supposed to learn to drive, while looking for a good job, while looking for a place to live, since my mother seems to distraught to do so, because my grandmother recently died. She was crying today because Monday is going to be the 1 month anniversary of the loss of my grandmother. So she sent me to look for apartments for us. I found one, and we went to see it today. In the end, she says it was too small. In the end, I say she will not find what she is looking for, for the price tag she is looking at. </div><div><br /></div><div>And so maybe we deserve to be in a bad neighborhood. In a big nameless building with roaches crawling in, and mice escaping the winter cold. We deserve it, because no matter how much we work, we are poor. </div><div><br /></div><div>And I only say we are poor because most of the problems I have revolve around money. It is why we can't stay in this apartment, and why we need to move, and why mom can't settle on a place to move into. It is why I am not in NYU, or CUNY, or some other school. It is why I don't have a licence. Because I don't even have the money to go out and pay for classes for someone else to teach me how to drive. And so I say I am poor. Even though mom says we are lower middle class, because she makes 30 k, she is lying. I know poor when I see it. Poor is getting white bread at the store because the nutritional grain bread, and wheat bread is too expensive.<br /><br />Poor is only buying canned food that won't spoil instead of fruits because you can be sure it will eventually be used for food, while fruits might go bad. I know poor. I know how to live poor. And maybe the change I need to make is acting like I am poorer than I am. Perhaps even 10 dollar orchids should be too expensive for me. Perhaps I should live like even the unhealthiest McDonalds is too much to buy, because I have food at home. Maybe the only price I should look at is free. Maybe that would give me the opportunity to save some money and get out of here.</div><div><br />Perhaps.</div>Jmejia1http://www.blogger.com/profile/01298674445685846545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791221881419119302.post-91162832534461141082010-12-14T16:19:00.000-08:002010-12-14T16:57:42.410-08:00Out of ProportionMy aunt has done it again. A little crazy here and there I can handle, but a personal attack is too much.<br /><br />I was with my mother, and she asked me to bring Mara's baby, who was walking up and down the stairs to her. Jennifer, my extremely smart and talented cousin, had the baby, and so I asked her to let me have her.<br /><br />My aunt Jenny then asked me about the website wikileaks. I don't know much about it, except that it had recently released some confidential government documents which put our national security at risk, and that it's owner is currently being held in prison on rape charges. I told her about the rape charges, since I heard her already speaking about the documents.<br /><br />I wasn't looking at her though. I was looking at the baby which was being handed to me. And she started asking why I have a problem with her. I answered that I don't, I was only there to get the baby, and she got upset. She came into the room where my mother was lying down, with a headache, and started complaining. Saying that I was ignoring her, and avoiding her. The truth is I wasn't. I just prefer to be alone. I haven't spoken to her more, or less, than any of my other aunts and relatives from Puerto Rico, except for my Uncle Junior, and my mother.<br /><br />My Uncle Junior I am close to. He and I have video games in common. As for my mother, well... she's my mother.<br /><br />The point is, my aunt Jenny is crazy, and she makes shit up. She came barging in. She asked my mother what problem I have with her. Thus breaking the 3 laws of relationships.<br /><br />1. If you have a problem with someone, who is an adult, go to the person, not their mother.<br />2. If there is a problem with anyone, NEVER barg in and start a confrontation. Situations can mostly be solved with civil discourse.<br />3. If there is a problem, you ALWAYS look at yourself first, because there are two sides to every story, and unless you can see the person eye to eye, there will never be any resolution.<br /><br />She told my mom she was asking me questions and I was ignoring her. Yes, true. I was ignoring EVERYONE. ask any of my cousins how many times I have walked right by them without saying anything, and they will say many. Also, I consider it a huge disrespect that she brought these things to my mother, instead of bringing them to me.<br /><br />My mother started getting upset, and her headache flaired up. I shouted at my aunt. I yelled at the top of my lungs. YOU LIE. I told her I answered her fucking questions. I reminded her of what happened but she insisted that I was purposely going against her. That I was being quiet to her.<br /><br />My mom ended the conversation very quickly. She yelled at Jenny AND me, saying we didn't have any respect. That she had a headache, and that we need to end it. Jenny left the room. And my other aunt, Evelyn, went into the room to get mom an Oxycotin, because her slight headache had flaired into something worse.<br /><br />She is better now. I am at peace.<br /><br />But damn, if I am calm, why would you go to my mother. Do you think there is something I will not tell you to your face that I will say in front of my mother?<br /><br />I love my aunt Jenny, and I recognize that this is a tough time. But it is a tough time for EVERYONE, including me and my mother. Sometimes it is difficult to see beyond yourself. I have been worried about mom all day, and have been reminiscent about both my grandmother, and my dog, Heaven.<br /><br />During the funeral, I pictured heaven running towards grandma. She is the first one I know to go, so my dog, which was put to sleep about 3 years ago, was waiting for someone, anyone, in my family to meet her. And I was also thinking about my grandmother, and the good times she had. And the times she would sit and watch novellas at night. How she was always up early. She was strong, and I can only imagine the pain she felt at the end.<br /><br />But I have tried not to be in anyones way. I even told junior this morning, about how I wasn't going to shower before the funeral, because there were lots of people in the house, and the last thing I wanted was to be in anyones way. I didn't shower before the funeral. I showered at about 3 pm. When most people were away, and my sister and stepdad were about to leave.<br /><br />I was not looking for a reason to be angry. But sometimes people are too much. What hurts the most isn't that I didn't even provoke her. If I had done something deserving of her anger, I would understand, but she just went off.<br /><br />I will not stay shut though. I will defend myself.Jmejia1http://www.blogger.com/profile/01298674445685846545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791221881419119302.post-16126670294158524802010-12-12T19:38:00.000-08:002010-12-12T19:52:36.137-08:00Freezing in FloridaI am so cold here in Florida. I am sleeping in my cousin Eddie's room, and it was cold. It is alright when I am under the covers, but the morning hours are terrible. Tomorrow is my Grandmothers funeral.<br /><br /> I guess it makes sense that the temperature should be so cold at this time. I wish Donna were here to keep me warm. I hardly speak to anyone in my family. I like to be alone. Sometimes I think of grandmother, but mostly I think about my mother, and how well she is handling this. I am proud of her.<br /><br /> They keep asking me to join them and the family. They keep asking me to be with them during their time of grieving, and while they talk. They never talk to me. I am alone, even among people who seek me. They want to see my face, but they don't see me. Not like mom sees me. Not like Donna sees me. Nobody asks me what I am doing with my life, or whether I finished school, or anything.<br /><br /> I know, it sounds selfish, to want someone to talk to. Someone close to me. But I am alright, I am okay by myself in the garage, thinking to myself, and playing with my phone. But don't expect me to be grateful when people ask me to spend time with my family, when they never talk to me. Yes, I am a face. But to them, that is all I am. They talk to each other about each other, and about the family, but not to me. Not to me. Not at all.<br /><br /> Not one word.<br /><br /> Now my aunt Jenny is saying she wants to use the internet. I was in the room for a long time. For a long time she could have used it, but now I am on, writing this, and I will not get off until I am done. It is freezing in Florida, but the temperature seems just right. Just right.<br /><br /> It is cold here. It has to be cold, for people to be so loud, but to say so little. It has to be cold, for people to want to see a face, but not know or talk to it. Of course it is cold, this is my "family".<br /><br /> I purchased the tales of Beadle the Bard by J.K. Rowling. I read a bit on my way here, but I haven't had an opportunity to read since I got here.Jmejia1http://www.blogger.com/profile/01298674445685846545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791221881419119302.post-40869545433903664902010-11-17T09:33:00.000-08:002010-11-17T09:35:29.715-08:00Have You Ever Felt Like This?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhse4Y_LPDXD7v8HbQUtrKMs4be6mYWpYv_k5ZgNTPAXkfS6V5YJNZ2Ld_ufMcFQVG4xtL8agnJNlog3QY_pKc-n_xqEGX8cGZ0uwA7vbztKUX31qfXGDC-x6gwN5H_usXRjnKLRmfnFrep/s1600/1288496031383.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhse4Y_LPDXD7v8HbQUtrKMs4be6mYWpYv_k5ZgNTPAXkfS6V5YJNZ2Ld_ufMcFQVG4xtL8agnJNlog3QY_pKc-n_xqEGX8cGZ0uwA7vbztKUX31qfXGDC-x6gwN5H_usXRjnKLRmfnFrep/s400/1288496031383.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540573522166279922" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Jmejia1http://www.blogger.com/profile/01298674445685846545noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791221881419119302.post-35749243119887300802010-11-08T20:30:00.000-08:002010-11-08T20:33:11.540-08:00Keith Olbermann Sends me an EmailEarlier this week, Keith Olbermann, political pundit and host of MSNBC's nightly show "Countdown", was suspended indefinitely, due to campaign contributions. Soon after, the twittersphere, and facebook was all abuzz concerning reinstating Keith to his original weekend. This past weekend, he was reinstated, and just today, Keith sent me, and many of his loyal supporters, an email:
<br /><div><meta charset="utf-8"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; border-collapse: collapse; "><p><strong>BREAKING: Keith Olbermann just released the below "Statement To The Viewers Of Countdown"</strong></p><hr /><p style="padding-left: 30px; "><strong>Statement To The Viewers Of Countdown</strong>
<br />
<br />I want to sincerely thank you for the honor of your extraordinary and ground-rattling support.</p><p style="padding-left: 30px; ">Your efforts have been integral to the remedying of these recent events, and the results should remind us of the power of individuals spontaneously acting together to correct injustices great or small.</p><p style="padding-left: 30px; ">...I also wish to apologize to you viewers for having precipitated such anxiety and unnecessary drama. You should know that I mistakenly violated an inconsistently applied rule – which I previously knew nothing about -- that pertains to the process by which such political contributions are approved by NBC.</p><p style="padding-left: 30px; ">
<br />Certainly this mistake merited a form of public acknowledgment and/or internal warning, and an on-air discussion about the merits of limitations on such campaign contributions by all employees of news organizations.</p><p style="padding-left: 30px; ">Instead, after my representative was assured that no suspension was contemplated, I was suspended without a hearing, and learned of that suspension through the media.</p><p style="padding-left: 30px; ">You should also know that I did not attempt to keep any of these political contributions secret; I knew they would be known to you and the rest of the public. I did not make them through a relative, friend, corporation, PAC, or any other intermediary, and I did not blame them on some kind of convenient 'mistake' by their recipients.</p><p style="padding-left: 30px; ">When a website contacted NBC about one of the donations, I immediately volunteered that there were in fact three of them; and contrary to much of the subsequent reporting, I immediately volunteered to explain all this, on-air and off, in the fashion MSNBC desired. </p><p style="padding-left: 30px; ">I genuinely look forward to rejoining you on Countdown on Tuesday, to begin the repayment of your latest display of support and loyalty - support and loyalty that is truly mutual.</p><div>
<br /></div></span></div>Jmejia1http://www.blogger.com/profile/01298674445685846545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791221881419119302.post-11544788741358940212010-11-03T09:17:00.000-07:002010-11-03T10:51:23.777-07:00When Violence Is Uncalled ForViolence is always uncalled for. No matter what someone says, or does, violence is always uncalled for.<div><br /></div><div>I have been picked on in school when I was younger. I was always beaten, and always abused, both verbally and physically. Everyone has dealt with bullies once or twice in their life, but they seemed to attract around me like flies to a light.<br /><br />My stepdad, Piry used to tell me to man up. He used to tell me to work out, and fight back. This animalistic ritual of fighting is never the answer. Yes, it might get one bully off your back, but losing your civilized mind, to become like an animal, and giving into those animalistic feelings, are not worth it.</div><div><br /></div><div>So if someone were to tell me Puerto Ricans were statistically lazy, or statistically more violent than white people, I'd agree. First of all the statistics are true. Puerto Ricans are more likely to join gangs, and less likely to have good jobs for long periods of time. It is all true, there is nothing to argue. I am Puerto Rican, and I am not like that, but that doesn't mean there isn't a trend, so I do not get upset. When they shout those statistics, I am confident in saying I am an outlier, and it makes me happy.</div><div><br /></div><div>However some people are not so happy when they hear the facts. They start screaming racism, and resorting to violence, and thus, they perpetuate the things that are said about them. Instead of saying "Oh, I will show them", and going out and getting a college degree, and a good job, they get upset and act like animals, and become violent, or threaten violence. WHY??? WHY??? WHY???</div><div><br /></div><div>In life I have fought to defend myself physically. That is the only time it is okay to be violent. When your life is in danger. It is not okay to be violent when someone calls me a spic, and not okay to be violent when someone says I am no good, or lazy, even if these things are not true. I do not feel the need to beat people up who shout out stupidities.<br /><br />But I do think there is a problem when other people feel the need to get violent, or to threaten violence. Words should never lead to violence. Sticks and stones, remember? </div><div><br /></div><div>If I am saying something, and we are having a discussion, no one should ever tell me to shut up or they will slap me. This urge to violence, this compulsion, this pent up emotion expressing itself in physical form is juvenile, and anyone who gives into it is setting their people back thousands of years.</div><div><br /></div><div>A few days ago, I was mugged. They took some food I brought at a grocery store, and I didn't fight back. The people who resorted to violence against me, set themselves back. They became a statistic to add into a long line of statistics. But most of all, they showed the difference between them and me. I have gotten into heated discussions in high school and in college, but I never felt the need to harm another person.<br /><br />Biophilia is the love of living things. I have biophilia, and so I became a biologist. I grow orchids, and geckos in my house, and I feel strange in NYC, where I am not constantly surrounded by trees, or birds. I am comfortable in my life, and my love of life. And just because I am an easy target for people with less than good intentions, does not mean there is anything wrong with me, or that I need to "Man Up". My stepfather was wrong, and now he is in jail, another statistic, paying for the consequences of his actions.<br /><br />I wonder if people who have the "Man Up" mentality aren't setting themselves up for failure. Instead of getting strong physically to intimidate people into giving you what you want, how about being different than what the statistics say you should be? How about going to college, and then getting a job, and not losing that job? How about, instead of "Manning Up", you grow up, and live in a civilized world, where survival of the fittest doesn't apply because everyone is well fed and thus surviving? (at least this is the case throughout most of America). </div><div><br /></div><div>Most homeless people are starving, and not even they have the survival of the fittest mentality. They walk through the train stations asking for food, and donations so they can get something to eat. And yes, many of them have mental problems or vices, but they do not resort to intimidation or violence to survive. Meanwhile, other people feel the need to resort to these tactics to obtain something less than survival, like a new pair of shoes or a coat. Why is this so? What is going on in these peoples heads? And why is such behavior more prevalent in some races than in others?<br /><br />It may be cultural or socio-economic, but the truth is, no matter what the reason is, it is wrong. Violence, unless it is an attempt to defend yourself is always wrong. It is wrong to be violent against your family, against the people you disagree with, and even against the people who are out to get you. This is 2010, and we have cell phones, and the internet, and have put a man on the moon, and have found out how to get energy from the sun. Either join society, or go to the jungle and act like an animal. But don't terrorize society because you can't control your emotions and have a grudge. And certainly don't blame society for your obvious shortcomings. For your inability to control your anger, or your emotions. For your overreactions to mere words. Society doesn't need to Man Up. YOU need to Grow Up. </div>Jmejia1http://www.blogger.com/profile/01298674445685846545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791221881419119302.post-50004301214538090732010-11-01T08:46:00.000-07:002010-11-01T09:07:29.781-07:00Bring on The Zombie Apocalypse, When Terrible isn't Terrible<span class="Apple-style-span" >Nowadays, it seems like you can hardly look at pop culture sci-fi on a forum without coming up to a reference of the zombie apocalypse.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Resident Evil, 28 Days Later, Night of the Living Dead, ZombieLand, World War Z, Cell, and even the video game Left 4 Dead. In recent years people have become obsessed with the zombie apocalypse! In the 80's and 90's people were more terrified of the robot apocalypse, with movies like Terminator, multiple video games on the genre, and the book <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; ">How To Survive a Robot Uprising: Tips on Defending Yourself Against the Coming Rebellion</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br />But will the zombie apocalypse be so bad? What is a zombie but an undead creature walking around in search for something to eat. Yes it is more animalistic than our current state, but is it anymore animalistic than any other scavenger?<br /><br />The truth is, most of the time, people wander around, do some work, and get money, to then pay rent and eat. While working Saturday, the day before Halloween, a zombie came into the store and asked for some water, and the thought came to me, that a zombie apocalypse wouldn't be so bad. Not at all. While walking home from work, I passed by many people, and in my mind, I saw them all as zombies. There was no real difference. They seemed to walk around aimlessly, but it wasn't too hard to imagine.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >It would be terrible though, but exciting. I think the sentiments were best expressed by Willy Wonka, in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Watch the video linked until about 3 minutes and 15 seconds in.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rw_R9SS3kQ8#t=2m6s">Watch the Video</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Willy Wonka knew when terrible wasn't terrible. Because sometimes terrible is used to describe degree rather than good or bad. For example, you can have a bad cough, an intense cough, or a terrible cough. They all mean the same thing, with the word before "cough" signaling it's intensity. If zombies were to start taking over, many people would be frightened, but I would welcome the change. We need a change. Any change. Too many things have been the same for too long. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Which I why I welcome small changes. As many of my readers know, I am not a very happy person, but I sometimes do get a chance to smile. This is a welcome change. It is also usually, very abrupt. But usually I stop smiling and look away after a while, not because it is bad, but because it is terrible. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Next time, I hope it lasts.</span></div>Jmejia1http://www.blogger.com/profile/01298674445685846545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791221881419119302.post-64360724254774595032010-11-01T08:06:00.000-07:002010-11-01T08:12:55.247-07:00The Secret Cell Phone SacrificeMy iphone is currently being restored to it's factory settings, latest firmware, and original software. Why? I am giving it away.<br /><br />I got tired of the hackers being one step behind apple, and constantly waiting for the next unlock while I used an older phone which was less than adequate for sending text messages in 2010. Who texts using a dial pad anymore anyway?<div><br /></div><div>My sister has connections, and she is going to get me a better phone. So I have to make a sacrifice, and give her my iPhone. So for a while I will have no text plus, no internet access where Wi-Fi is available, and none of the other great things Apple has made openly available to those with enough money. </div><div><br /></div><div>I hope the new phone I get lives up to it's name. I hope the sacrifice I made by giving up my iPhone was worth it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Very short blog today (comparatively). Also might not be able to tumblr much until I get my new phone, since I used my iPhone to take pictures, and post them to tumblr.</div><div><br /></div><div>Oh what a sad day it is.</div>Jmejia1http://www.blogger.com/profile/01298674445685846545noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791221881419119302.post-32518800292557328452010-10-30T08:01:00.000-07:002010-10-30T08:19:03.569-07:00Sweet Sarracenia SolaceThis week I recently started a blog all about Plants on Tumblr. This blog is about cool plants I see every once in a while, and where they can be found.<br /><br />Recently I have been feeling a little down, but since going to the Botanical Gardens with Ernie last weekend, and taking some awesome Sarracenia pictures, I have had the idea of starting something new, and this blog seemed to be the perfect idea. So what is the url?<br /><br /><a href="http://sarracenia.tumblr.com/">http://sarracenia.tumblr.com/</a><br /><div><br /></div><div>That is right, I got a most awesome plant genus, as the name of my plant tumblr account.<br /><br />What makes this tumblr better than a blogger account? Well for one, it is easier to post things to tumblr using the iphone. I have yet to find a good blogger iphone app, which annoys me, since most of the pictures I take are actually on my phone.</div><div><br />But it also lets me connect with the audience more. To the right of my tumblr page are two links. The first link is where people can ask me any question they want, and the second link is where people can submit plant pictures, and other information they would like to see on my blog.</div><div><br /></div><div>I will try to post cool things at least once a week, but I went a bit crazy with excitement, and posted many times this past week. It also looks sleeker, and better equipped to handle the type of style needed for a professional looking blog. Where my blogger looks a bit more generic, and the posts seem more personal/random, a tumblr specifically for plants is exactly what I need.<br /><br /></div><div>One thing I do not like about tumblr, is the inability to leave comments on someones post. It is a bit annoying actually. In this day and age where social networking is all the rage, I would enjoy more interaction with the people reading my blog, but tumblr is still fairly new, and so with time, perhaps these other features will be added.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Jmejia1http://www.blogger.com/profile/01298674445685846545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791221881419119302.post-80245992433994211422010-10-27T00:04:00.000-07:002010-10-27T00:50:53.290-07:00The Terrible T-Shirt Tear Stare<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I looked to my right, and noticed her tear. My coworker had a tear in her shirt, and I couldn't stop staring. It was on her arm, and I was about to call her out on it, but she noticed it as well and told me to stop staring, with a smile on her face.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">It looked like a wild animal had chased her down and got the better of her clothing. Like a squirrel, or other wild creature managed to rough her up, catching her, seemingly, when she least expected.
<br />
<br />I smiled too. Not at her shirt, but at her smile. I felt like a little kid. The best kind of feeling. The best kind of friend, is one that you can re-live your childhood memories with.
<br />
<br />A while ago, I wrote what I still consider, one of my best blog entries, on <a href="http://jworldpod.blogspot.com/2009/11/platonic-cuddling.html">Platonic Cuddling</a>. Actually, if you search "platonic cuddling" on google, my post is one of the first choices that pops up. The entire point of the post was that verbal communication is mostly a facade. It is superficial. It is what you want others to see, but it isn't the true you, because you are not words, you are a human being. And you are not your past, or the sum of your experiences, you are a person just trying to live life like everyone else. And mostly, the post was about showing love to people who are not your significant other, in a way that is nonsexual. To pay attention, not to a story being told, not to whom someone is trying to portray, but to the actual person for the persons sake. To pay attention to, what I call, the awareness within a person.</span></span>
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<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">To quote myself:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><span class="Apple-style-span">"I<meta charset="utf-8"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px; "> also believe that if people cuddle more often in groups, we may care about each other more. Perhaps it is only when we feel each others warmth, when we look into each others eyes, and when we pay attention to the awareness within our friends, that we can really know the true value of a human life. Platonic cuddling may not be widely practiced, but used in this way, it has the power to prevent wars."</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px; font-size: small;">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span">Why did we smile? It wasn't because the t-shirt was torn, and it most certainly was not flirting. Maybe I saw something in her that cannot be expressed in words. Maybe it was a kindness, or an innocence. Maybe it was because she noticed me noticing her torn t-shirt, and in taking notice, was aware that I was aware. This awareness of the awareness of others happens often in cuddling, but I have rarely seen it out of the context of cuddling. I have rarely seen it in young people. But it is very special in young people, and like cuddling, it should be highly sought after. Especially because when you're young, it's okay to be, easily ignored. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px; font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px; font-size: medium;">Am I losing touch? I used to have an ability to connect with people on a deeper level. But I find the frequency of connections on a decline. With some people the connection is always there, like with Donna. It is always the case, that when she is next to me, and I hold her, I notice her, and love her. I am comfortable with that. With a few other people it is always there too, like with my close friend, Noelle. I have never remembered having a conversation with Noelle where we didn't connect. And again, I am talking about a connection in a nonsexual way. It is more of a connection where the context of the conversation is irrelevant, and whatever actions taking place in the moment are irrelevant, and for a split second you notice that there is another person noticing the moment, and it usually results in an innocent smile. This can be very personal. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px; font-size: medium;">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px; font-size: medium;">We often work so hard on our persona. Whether it be creating a tumblr where everyone can see out latest clothes, or where we tell stories of how we were hanging out with our significant others. How often can we convey our existence without the use of anecdotes, or by increasing our shadow on the world (by leaving a bigger footprint of ownership). I think that most people have never felt the awareness within others, and that is why they lie, and cheat, and why we vote for politicians, and have to create paper and coins that we value. It is all a facade. Because connections do not happen often, when they do happen, they are personal.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px; font-size: medium;">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px; font-size: medium;">And so the stare, and smile, for now, were terrible. Too personal. Why am I an introvert? I have only recently become an introvert. Today I stared at a tear, but I let someone else stare at my soul. Who was the vulnerable one? Who was the one opening themselves up? And was the smile with me, or at me?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px; font-size: medium;">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px; font-size: medium;">The only question I can answer is the one that I didn't need to talk about. Someone today told me I was lucky. They were telling the truth. I am lucky. It isn't everyday someone takes a moment to notice that there is a spiritual being inside of this physical body, and smile at it. Not everyday that someone looks past race, class, gender, and sexual orientation, and gives an honest, genuine smile. I am lucky, and I do not need you or anyone else to tell me why. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px; font-size: medium;">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px; font-size: medium;">But it was also personal, and, terrible.</span></span></div>Jmejia1http://www.blogger.com/profile/01298674445685846545noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791221881419119302.post-60372343306799301842010-10-25T18:32:00.000-07:002010-10-25T19:14:09.420-07:00The Golden Gecko GrievanceThe last time I visited my local Petland to purchase crickets for my gecko, I was so baffled by the <a href="http://jworldpod.blogspot.com/2010/10/ass-complex-conundrum.html">ass complex conundrum</a> that I missed the opportunity to write about my Golden Gecko Grievance. <div><br /></div><div>While in the Petland I saw something repulsive, but sadly common here in NYC. While waiting for the crickets for my own Golden Gecko, I walked over to the reptile section to see what they had for sale. I was particularly interested in seeing if they had any crested geckos for sale, since I was so pleased the last time I purchased a crested gecko (at a Reptile Expo).</div><div><br />They didn't have any crested's but they did have a 10 gallon tank with over 7 geckos in it! Many were Golden Geckos. The first rule of owning reptiles is you NEVER place two males in the same tank, and you NEVER place 2 geckos in the same tank if the tank is small. A 10 gallon tank, while the perfect size for one Golden Gecko, is not a good size for 7 geckos.<br /><br />While looking in the tank, I wondered how stressed these geckos were. They didn't seem to be fighting while I was in the store, but many were hiding behind rocks and fake leaves. That is when I noticed the second disturbing thing. A Tokay Gecko and a Flying Gecko.</div><div><br />Now normally, it is okay to have Golden Geckos and Tokay Geckos in the same tank, provided the tank was big enough. A 10 gallon tank is simply not big enough . And as I kept looking I also saw a striped Gecko and a Flying Gecko, all in one tank. Over 7 geckos, and 4 different species in one small 10 gallon tank? It is inhumane. It is almost as bad as running a puppy mill! The second rule to owning geckos is this: Whenever possible NEVER EVER mix 2 different gecko species within the same tank!</div><div><br /></div><div>Now I was a bit upset, but this is the only Petland in my area, and I have been to various other Petland Discount stores, and I have witnessed the same thing. But something really drew me furious that day. While looking at a Golden Gecko, I saw it had a gash where it's eyebrow should be. It has been fighting. Of course the workers at Petland probably never saw them fight, since when geckos fight, everyone is most likely off work, but it is very upsetting to see the gecko in a dangerous living situation. I began to think about how many geckos died in this Petland alone. Rule 3 of raising geckos: If a gecko is in a dangerous situation in a tank, PUT IT IN ANOTHER TANK!. </div><div><br /></div><div>I understand that Petland might not have the brightest employees (although I am sure many of them have college degrees and feel just as sorry for these animals as I do), but I am shocked. They are in a position to do something about the conditions these animals are in. They are supposed to be knowledgeable about the animals they sell. And they have everything they need to house and care for these animals right there in the store!</div><div><br /></div><div>In short, there is no good reason why these animals were put under these horrible conditions, and the only thing I can think of is that it saves time, or money, to do it this way. But is time and money worth the health of these animals? And what about the ethical or moral implications of having animals which are known to be fighting with each other in potentially dangerous situations by placing them in close proximity to each other?</div><div><br />So my Golden Gecko Grievance is this: Why is it that big corporations like Petland are able to rule the Pet Market when they know so little, and seemingly care even less about what they are selling?</div><div><br /></div><div>The first answer that comes to mind is money. But that is a different story entirely.</div><div><br /></div><div>It is a good thing that I am quickly finding solace in something very different. The Reptile Expo date is coming up quickly. I am attempting every method I know to save as much as possible so that I may be able to purchase a better tank for my crested gecko, and perhaps another Sarracenia. </div>Jmejia1http://www.blogger.com/profile/01298674445685846545noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791221881419119302.post-71103664396902196392010-10-13T10:21:00.000-07:002010-10-13T10:43:45.465-07:00The Ass Complex ConundrumWhile on a quest to buy 30 crickets to be brutally massacred by an insatiable Golden Gecko, I noticed something particularly troubling. 2 teens, who should have been at school around 12:30, were passing by in short skirts (which was appropriate attire 2 months ago, but now they are pushing it), while 3 hispanic/black men were heckling them about the size of their butts. Now, I am not a prude, and I do appreciate a sizable butt, but I have noticed a trend in the Bronx, and the trend itself is more troubling than the action itself.<div><br /></div><div>I have personally never shouted at a stranger on the street to let her know how "fine" her "ass" is on that particular day, and for some reason, I have never felt the need too. I am not gay. I do enjoy butts, and yes, when they are nice and plump they are fun to play with, along with a healthy set of boobs, but my problem, again, isn't with the action itself but the trend. Why do men feel the need to shout out to every girl they think is hot? Does this actually work on any girl? In my mind, this would actually decrease their chances of obtaining what they (biologically) are trying to work for.</div><div><br />Also, I like when girls wear short skirts, and tight shorts. This is no secret. I don't always get a hard on when they pass by, and so I do not share Sir Mix Alot's sentiment, when he stated how he got"sprung" when a girl passed by with an 'itty bitty waist, and a round thing" in his "face". But one reason for not saying (or shouting, as the men today were doing) at these girls is because it may make them feel uncomfortable. They may get self conscious when grandpa (did I mention all the guys looked 40?) starts hitting on them. I can imagine tomorrow they will wear something else to prevent the guys from yelling about how they want to "tap that", and thus decreasing the short skirts and tight shorts for everyone else's viewing pleasure. </div><div><br /></div><div>And that is the Ass Complex Conundrum (ACC). Why would a man point out a girl with a nice butt, and revealing clothing, publicly, when it decreases the number of girls with revealing clothing, and simultaneously decreases his chances of getting what he wants with that particular girl?</div><div><br /></div><div>I have 2 possible explanations for the ACC. The first is biological. I personally think there is something wrong with these men. They salivate like dogs at the sight of these women. Perhaps they biologically cannot help it! It may be a mental issue, or it may also be hormonal. Perhaps an increase in testosterone or adrenaline (or both). And no, an increase in testosterone does not make you more "manly", only more dickish (according to my observations). </div><div> </div><div>The second possible explanation for the ACC is religious. Men do it in packs. It is a communal experience between males where they get together to worship the butt. I like the religious excuse better than the biological one. Religious people have faith in things that will never ever happen. Christians have been waiting for the return of a zombie for over 2 thousand years! In the same way ACC as a religion makes sense. They will worship the ass, making it harder to obtain, while simultaneously feeding into their faith that they will one day obtain it. I also like the religious excuse because it can be untaught. Religion is like culture, it is not engrained or hard wired, just practiced, and thought to be the correct way of doing things. Most logical human beings will switch over to a different way of doing things, if it is shown that the different way is better. The religious excuse has a cure, and gives me hope, the biological one puts fear in me.</div><div><br /></div><div>Wow, I admitted on my blog that religion gives me hope… (awkward silence).</div><div><br /></div><div>So, comment questions for those who want to respond below:</div><div>1. Come up with an excuse for the ACC that is not biological or religious or</div><div>2. Do you support or object to ACC?<br />Leave your interesting or creative responses in the comment section below. </div>Jmejia1http://www.blogger.com/profile/01298674445685846545noreply@blogger.com3