DISCLAIMER: If you don't know me, then you probably won't know who or what I'm talking about here, so, I'd strongly suggest you read something else. Also, even if you are mentioned in this post, some of the references I'll make will only make sense to the people they're intended for. Still with me? Then, here we go.
I think most people who truly know me that most of my at least somewhat good friends are female. It isn't surprising, when you consider that I was raised in a house full of women. So, in this post, I'm going to address each of my good friends of the female persuasion. This is in no order; remember that.
First and foremost, I have to thank my very best friend. Emily, you are amazing. I honestly can say that I have never had a friend even remotely like you. I know that we don't get to talk much anymore, with you being busy with wedding planning and all, but know that I'm still on your side. Also, and I absolutely mean this, I really do wish you and Alan all the best. Thanks for being an amazing friend.
Brittany, or, should I say, Brii, I can honestly say that I'm very glad we've become friends. We've had some awesome conversations, and I hope we can continue to chat, although I know you've been busy with starting your singing career and all. You are a wonderful person, and I hope we do meet again at some point; after all, it's been three years since we last saw each other! Thanks for being an awesome friend.
Lydia, or, as I say at the library, Ms. Lydia, I know things have been hard for you recently. Still, the strength you have shown in the face of all that adversity is quite admirable. You're always looking out for me, even when I'm not even at the library. I'm very glad to know someone like you. Thanks for everything, especially for being a top-notch friend!
Ashley G., aka Asland, I know we haven't seen each other in a long time, but I'm very glad that you have become my friend, because you are an amazing person. I have enjoyed chatting with you and getting to know you better. Thanks for being a wonderful friend!
Christina K., I realize we didn't talk that much in high school, but I'm very glad for the friendship we've had over the past few years. I hope that our friendship continues for many years to come! It's nice having a fellow nerd as a friend; we can talk about technology, books, sci-fi/fantasy, etc., for a long time. Thanks for being a first-rate friend!
Cari, you have been my friend on Facebook almost from the time I joined! I am so glad that you have stuck around; quite a few of my original Facebook friends are long gone from my friends list. I really enjoy chatting with you, especially the way you tell me things exactly as they are. Some people would call that blunt, but you're truly my friend, so you know that's the only way to talk to me. I hope to see you again at some point, although we've both been talking about it for a while, so it might not happen. I'll still keep up hope that it does, though. Thanks for being a splendid friend!
Kristen, I know we haven't seen each other in four years, but, thanks to modern technology, we have continued to stay in touch, and it has been great. You are a great person, and I am very glad to know you. Thanks for being a terrific friend!
Lorie, we've only known each other for about a year, but you have been such a good friend to me during that time. Every time I see you, you get a big smile on your face and give me an even bigger hug, and it always makes me feel great inside. Thanks for being a first-class friend, and enjoy that book!
Krystal A., it just seems like you've been hit with one thing after another lately. Despite that, you always have a big smile on your face when you see me, and that makes me happy. I realize we've only been friends a matter of months, but it's been great, and I hope it continues for a very long time. Thanks for being a fabulous friend!
Stacey, every time we interact, whether it's when I see you at the shoe store, or just chatting on Facebook, you always lift me up. It's great knowing I have a friend like you, and I hope you and I will continue to be friends for many years to come. Thanks for being a divine friend.
Crystal J., I know things haven't been good for you lately, and I know you've been quite anxious. I probably would be, too, if I were in your situation. Still, you're a wonderful person, and I know that, with God's help, you'll get through it. Thanks for being a stellar friend!
Last but not least, Tanya, it made me sad when I saw you were no longer my job coach. Nevertheless, I'm very glad that you still want to keep in touch with me. Although we haven't had one in a while, I look forward to the next time you and I have a chat on Facebook. Thanks for everything!
Any comments?
Monday, June 21, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Sci-Fi/Fantasy and Me -- The History
I've referred to my love for science fiction and fantasy several times on this blog. Some people love that kind of stuff; other people hate it. Well, I wouldn't say that I have always been a fan of fantasy and sci-fi. In fact, there were some sci-fi/fantasy things that I really like now but was hesitant about getting into. I will explain all that and more in this post.
From as far back as I can remember until I was in middle school, I didn't have much exposure to fantasy and sci-fi. I did have at least one Star Wars and one Star Trek themed game on my Commodore 64, but I didn't really understand them, because I'd never seen any of the movies. Although I read a lot, most of what I read was technical manuals and realistic juvenile fiction. I do remember a family member turning on Star Wars back in 1996-97, but I was too involved in a Garfield book to pay any attention to the movie.
In sixth grade, I made two big steps into the sci-fi/fantasy realm. One was enjoying the book A Wrinkle in Time. We were assigned to read it, and I didn't think I'd like it, because I had tried reading it in second grade and just couldn't get into it. (Part of that was because my jerk second grade teacher called it "one of [her] favorite books when [she] was younger," which made me dislike it right away.) After reading it, though, I ended up enjoying it so much, I read the sequel A Wind in the Door, even though it wasn't required. The other big step was watching (and paying attention to) a Star Wars film for the first time. The same family member I referred to earlier turned on The Phantom Menace for him and I to watch, and I loved it!
Over the next few years, I read and watched even more sci-fi/fantasy. In seventh grade, I read A Swiftly Tilting Planet, which is the sequel to A Wind in the Door and wasn't required either. We were assigned to read Anne McCaffrey's short story "The Smallest Dragonboy" that year, and I enjoyed it. I still remember that laser disc (or was it DVD?) clip our teacher showed us, where McCaffrey insisted that she wrote science fiction, and proceeded to name the chemical elements the dragons in her stories breathed in and out, and said, "I don't have any Cinderella characters in my story because Cinderella was a wimp!" (For those who don't know, I have read quite a few of McCaffrey's works over the past year or so.) I eventually saw the original Star Wars trilogy, as well as Attack of the Clones. Spider-Man got me into comic-book movies, and I absolutely hated The Fellowship of the Ring because of how long, drawn-out and boring it was.
Now, you may be wondering where the Star Wars books came into the picture, as well as when I got into Star Trek. Well, I'll start with the SW books: Back in 2005, around the time of the theatrical release of Revenge of the Sith, a guy at a yard sale in my neighborhood was selling some SW novels. I bought a couple, because I wasn't sure if I'd like them. Well, when I read the first one, I was blown away! It was amazing! I went on to read dozens of other SW books and enjoyed (most of) them! Now, for Star Trek: I was even slower getting into ST than SW. The first Trek movie I attempted to watch was The Final Frontier, and it bored me so much, I gave up on it well before it was over. About three years later, though, I watched Nemesis, and thought it was superb. I went on to at least attempt to watch all the films, and while most of them were at least somewhat good, I couldn't get through Wrath of Khan nor The Motion Picture. The first Trek book I read was Federation by the incredibly talented Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens, and it was quite good, too.
In closing, let me say this: I love all kinds of sci-fi and fantasy, including series not even previously mentioned, like X-Men, Batman, Narnia, and Harry Potter. However, there might come a day when I am no longer a fan of any of that stuff. I'm still in my twenties, and people say that your tastes change a lot when you're that age. So, who knows? I might find some other genre(s) to latch onto. In fact, I have read some historical fiction and mysteries lately, as well as watched a romantic comedy, and really enjoyed all of them. Maybe one of those will be my new favorite genre. We will see.
Any comments?
From as far back as I can remember until I was in middle school, I didn't have much exposure to fantasy and sci-fi. I did have at least one Star Wars and one Star Trek themed game on my Commodore 64, but I didn't really understand them, because I'd never seen any of the movies. Although I read a lot, most of what I read was technical manuals and realistic juvenile fiction. I do remember a family member turning on Star Wars back in 1996-97, but I was too involved in a Garfield book to pay any attention to the movie.
In sixth grade, I made two big steps into the sci-fi/fantasy realm. One was enjoying the book A Wrinkle in Time. We were assigned to read it, and I didn't think I'd like it, because I had tried reading it in second grade and just couldn't get into it. (Part of that was because my jerk second grade teacher called it "one of [her] favorite books when [she] was younger," which made me dislike it right away.) After reading it, though, I ended up enjoying it so much, I read the sequel A Wind in the Door, even though it wasn't required. The other big step was watching (and paying attention to) a Star Wars film for the first time. The same family member I referred to earlier turned on The Phantom Menace for him and I to watch, and I loved it!
Over the next few years, I read and watched even more sci-fi/fantasy. In seventh grade, I read A Swiftly Tilting Planet, which is the sequel to A Wind in the Door and wasn't required either. We were assigned to read Anne McCaffrey's short story "The Smallest Dragonboy" that year, and I enjoyed it. I still remember that laser disc (or was it DVD?) clip our teacher showed us, where McCaffrey insisted that she wrote science fiction, and proceeded to name the chemical elements the dragons in her stories breathed in and out, and said, "I don't have any Cinderella characters in my story because Cinderella was a wimp!" (For those who don't know, I have read quite a few of McCaffrey's works over the past year or so.) I eventually saw the original Star Wars trilogy, as well as Attack of the Clones. Spider-Man got me into comic-book movies, and I absolutely hated The Fellowship of the Ring because of how long, drawn-out and boring it was.
Now, you may be wondering where the Star Wars books came into the picture, as well as when I got into Star Trek. Well, I'll start with the SW books: Back in 2005, around the time of the theatrical release of Revenge of the Sith, a guy at a yard sale in my neighborhood was selling some SW novels. I bought a couple, because I wasn't sure if I'd like them. Well, when I read the first one, I was blown away! It was amazing! I went on to read dozens of other SW books and enjoyed (most of) them! Now, for Star Trek: I was even slower getting into ST than SW. The first Trek movie I attempted to watch was The Final Frontier, and it bored me so much, I gave up on it well before it was over. About three years later, though, I watched Nemesis, and thought it was superb. I went on to at least attempt to watch all the films, and while most of them were at least somewhat good, I couldn't get through Wrath of Khan nor The Motion Picture. The first Trek book I read was Federation by the incredibly talented Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens, and it was quite good, too.
In closing, let me say this: I love all kinds of sci-fi and fantasy, including series not even previously mentioned, like X-Men, Batman, Narnia, and Harry Potter. However, there might come a day when I am no longer a fan of any of that stuff. I'm still in my twenties, and people say that your tastes change a lot when you're that age. So, who knows? I might find some other genre(s) to latch onto. In fact, I have read some historical fiction and mysteries lately, as well as watched a romantic comedy, and really enjoyed all of them. Maybe one of those will be my new favorite genre. We will see.
Any comments?
Thursday, June 10, 2010
On Reading and Selling Books
As everyone who knows me probably knows, I read a lot. I've loved reading pretty much my entire life. When I was little, my favorite things to read were technical manuals. I've outgrown that, but I still do like to read for fun. Most of what I read is fiction; however, I read a lot more than just sci-fi and fantasy. Over the past year, I have read plenty of Christian fiction, historical fiction, juvenile fiction, mysteries, and even some non-fiction.
You might think that I have a large collection of books, and you'd be right; however, it's not as large as it could be. I'm not saying that I absolutely have to have as many books as I possibly can; what I am saying is that I would have a lot more books if I weren't willing to get rid of some of them. I go to the used bookstore in my area at least a few times a year, and I have donated some books to local libraries in the past. Right now, though, I have a huge pile of books in my room that I'm going to put in my family's yard sale this August.
I've put some books of mine in yard sales I've had before, but, this time, I think I've outdone myself. At last count, I have over 60 books that are going to be in that yard sale, and the number is only going to increase as I keep reading them over the next two months or so.
Some of my Facebook friends have noticed me posting a lot of book reviews on the site. In part, that's been because I'm trying to get them read so I can sell them. I also have been reading more because I am trying to not spend too much time on the computer. I realize that, like a lot of people, I am addicted to Facebook. I don't want to leave the site completely, though, because I'd feel like I was alienating my friends, especially those who have no other way to talk to me.
Everyone says I read fast, and it's probably true when it only takes me a day to finish an adult novel. However, if I had a job, I wouldn't be able to read so fast, because I wouldn't have as much time. In fact, I'd rather be earning some money than sitting around reading all day every day. We'll see what the future holds when it comes to that.
Some of you may be asking what books I have in my stockpile. Well, I don't want to give a whole laundry list of every single one, but I will tell you some series/authors: Anne McCaffrey, Star Wars, Star Trek, Diagnosis Murder, Agatha Christie, Bodie and Brock Thoene, Wishbone, etc. That's only part of what I currently have; when the yard sale actually happens, I probably will have even more. Only time will tell.
Any comments?
You might think that I have a large collection of books, and you'd be right; however, it's not as large as it could be. I'm not saying that I absolutely have to have as many books as I possibly can; what I am saying is that I would have a lot more books if I weren't willing to get rid of some of them. I go to the used bookstore in my area at least a few times a year, and I have donated some books to local libraries in the past. Right now, though, I have a huge pile of books in my room that I'm going to put in my family's yard sale this August.
I've put some books of mine in yard sales I've had before, but, this time, I think I've outdone myself. At last count, I have over 60 books that are going to be in that yard sale, and the number is only going to increase as I keep reading them over the next two months or so.
Some of my Facebook friends have noticed me posting a lot of book reviews on the site. In part, that's been because I'm trying to get them read so I can sell them. I also have been reading more because I am trying to not spend too much time on the computer. I realize that, like a lot of people, I am addicted to Facebook. I don't want to leave the site completely, though, because I'd feel like I was alienating my friends, especially those who have no other way to talk to me.
Everyone says I read fast, and it's probably true when it only takes me a day to finish an adult novel. However, if I had a job, I wouldn't be able to read so fast, because I wouldn't have as much time. In fact, I'd rather be earning some money than sitting around reading all day every day. We'll see what the future holds when it comes to that.
Some of you may be asking what books I have in my stockpile. Well, I don't want to give a whole laundry list of every single one, but I will tell you some series/authors: Anne McCaffrey, Star Wars, Star Trek, Diagnosis Murder, Agatha Christie, Bodie and Brock Thoene, Wishbone, etc. That's only part of what I currently have; when the yard sale actually happens, I probably will have even more. Only time will tell.
Any comments?
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
(I'm Glad I Knew) A Person Like You
DISCLAIMER: Please do not read anything suggestive into this rewrite, because it has no such meaning. I am talking about something that I promise you is completely innocent! Also, if you know me and want to know who/what I'm talking about, ask. Anyway, here we go:
(I'M GLAD I KNEW) A PERSON LIKE YOU
To the tune of "Tattoo" by Jordin Sparks
Oh oh oh...
You walked right into my life
On that day last September
Your name made me wonder
You said I reminded you of your autistic nephew
You heard all about my strife
Calmed me when I was angry
You're my friend on Facebook
At my notes you looked
I didn't expect to ever meet
Someone who knew my songs and got my mind
But, when I met you, that's exactly what I did find
CHORUS:
I hope we will continue to be friends
And, no, I'm not joking
Can't thank you enough for what you've done
Wish I'd known that meeting was our last one
I know that this is not the end
I would say it's a new beginning
I'll always remember what I discussed with you
You're one person that I'm glad I knew
Yes, I'm glad I knew
A person like you (A person like you)
You heard about those of fame
Like Anne, Amy and Siobhan
You even were a consumer of my yard sale goods
I wish that we did not have to stop
But, I must move on, though I wanted to cry
When that e-mail in my inbox I did find
REPEAT CHORUS
I still want to be good friends
I hope it does not end
Even though I will not see you
I will never forget you
I hope that I make you
Proud in whatever I do, oh
REPEAT CHORUS 2x
I won't forget you
There's no one like you
[For that one person. You know who you are.]
(I'M GLAD I KNEW) A PERSON LIKE YOU
To the tune of "Tattoo" by Jordin Sparks
Oh oh oh...
You walked right into my life
On that day last September
Your name made me wonder
You said I reminded you of your autistic nephew
You heard all about my strife
Calmed me when I was angry
You're my friend on Facebook
At my notes you looked
I didn't expect to ever meet
Someone who knew my songs and got my mind
But, when I met you, that's exactly what I did find
CHORUS:
I hope we will continue to be friends
And, no, I'm not joking
Can't thank you enough for what you've done
Wish I'd known that meeting was our last one
I know that this is not the end
I would say it's a new beginning
I'll always remember what I discussed with you
You're one person that I'm glad I knew
Yes, I'm glad I knew
A person like you (A person like you)
You heard about those of fame
Like Anne, Amy and Siobhan
You even were a consumer of my yard sale goods
I wish that we did not have to stop
But, I must move on, though I wanted to cry
When that e-mail in my inbox I did find
REPEAT CHORUS
I still want to be good friends
I hope it does not end
Even though I will not see you
I will never forget you
I hope that I make you
Proud in whatever I do, oh
REPEAT CHORUS 2x
I won't forget you
There's no one like you
[For that one person. You know who you are.]
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
On Being a Nerd/Geek
So, according to Facebook, today is Geek/Nerd Pride Day. (From this point on, I will use the terms "geek" and "nerd" interchangeably.) You could say I've always been a nerd, even from the time I was a little kid. While most 5-year-old boys liked playing outside, there was nowhere else I wanted to be than in front of that old Commodore 64. We don't need to go into what caused me to be a nerd from that age, especially since most of my Facebook friends have heard about it a million times. I'll talk about what being a geek means and doesn't mean to me, how not everyone with A.S. should be considered a nerd, and how I'm different from some other geeks you might know.
First off: What does being a geek mean to me? Well, for one, it means showing interest in things that are somewhat abnormal. In a previous post, I asked you to think about the things the guys in your life liked. Well, now, I'm going to ask you to think about what the 22-year-old guys and girls in your life, whether that includes you or not, like. In most cases, you'd probably say things like some form of sports, computer/video games, R-rated films, current prime-time network television, etc. Well, guess what? I really am not a fan of any of those things. I'm not saying that being a fan of those things, no matter what age you are, makes you a bad person. What I am saying is that most 22-year-olds, at least in my experience, aren't really fans of Star Trek, music/shows/etc. from the 70's and 80's, Disney/Nickelodeon sitcoms/movies, and the like...but I'm a fan of all those things. I'm not ashamed of any of that; in fact, if I'm the only person my age who likes that stuff, I'm proud of it.
Now, you may be asking: What does it not mean to me? First off, spending a lot of time in front of a computer does not make you a nerd. In the past, it would have, but, nowadays, with the addictiveness of sites like Facebook, it seems like people everywhere are spending more time on their computers than they used to. Also, being smart, even ridiculously smart, does not necessarily make you a nerd. If you had one of the highest GPAs in your graduating class, or if you were in a bunch of Honors, AP, or IB classes, that doesn't make you a geek. Don't get me wrong; if your grades were that high, you were definitely smart. Still, I know a good part of the people who were at the top of my graduating class, and I definitely would not call them nerds. A good part of them were involved in sports, which, IMO, disqualifies them from being geeks right there. My lack of interest in sports is one of the things that makes me a geek. Being a nerd isn't just about your intelligence; it's also about your interests.
On to my second point: Why shouldn't everyone with A.S. be considered a nerd? I'll admit that my A.S. gives me somewhat geeky tendencies, but my upbringing is also part of that as well. I've said this before, and I'll say it again: It is not an autistic thing to like sci-fi/fantasy, dislike sports, or like/dislike any of the other stuff I do. In fact, I have heard of cases where people with A.S. loved sports, hated Disney, etc. I don't need to go into the details, but I will say this: If my life situation had been different when I was younger, I might very well be a sports freak today. (Note that, by using the term "freak," I am not insulting anyone. The term "freak" means a lot of things, and one definition is "ardent enthusiast." You may be a "sports freak," but I'll readily admit that I am a yard/garage sale freak. Look it up if you don't believe me.) A.S. doesn't affect what you're into; it just affects how much you're into it. On to something else.
My final point: How am I different from other geeks you might know? Put simply: My tastes are not completely different from popular opinion. I mentioned before that I like music from decades past, and, yes, I do have a lot of it on my iPod. However, I also have plenty of popular songs from the past decade on there as well. I have songs such as "Cupid's Chokehold/Breakfast in America" by Gym Class Heroes, "Somebody Told Me" by the Killers, "Love Song" by Sara Bareilles, "Smooth Criminal" by Alien Ant Farm, "Stacy's Mom" by Fountains of Wayne, "Then the Morning Comes" by Smash Mouth, and plenty of other hits from the 2000's, alongside older songs. Also, some of the things that people would think all geeks like, I don't. For example, I hate Lord of the Rings. I couldn't even understand the first book, and the first movie was drawn-out and boring. I am not really a fan of computer/video games, either. I'll admit I used to be a big fan of them, especially Nintendo games like Super Smash Bros. Melee, but I sold all of them years ago, and I don't have a single game installed on my laptop, other than the ones that came with it, which I don't play. When I'm on a computer, I'm usually blogging, chatting with friends, etc.
In closing, I will say this: I realize that I may be different from anyone else you know. I'll admit it; I'm unique. Still, that doesn't make me any less of a person than you are. I deserve to be loved, respected, and to have friends, even if they don't have the exact same interests. My friends will tell you: If you don't want to be my friend because I'm different, then you are missing out. I admit I've lost some friends because of mistakes I've made, but, as one of my favorite people in the whole wide world once said to me, "A lapse in judgment does not define you." We all make mistakes, and I'm no closer to perfect than anyone else you know. You can accept me for who I am, or you can shun me and refuse to be my friend. The choice is yours.
First off: What does being a geek mean to me? Well, for one, it means showing interest in things that are somewhat abnormal. In a previous post, I asked you to think about the things the guys in your life liked. Well, now, I'm going to ask you to think about what the 22-year-old guys and girls in your life, whether that includes you or not, like. In most cases, you'd probably say things like some form of sports, computer/video games, R-rated films, current prime-time network television, etc. Well, guess what? I really am not a fan of any of those things. I'm not saying that being a fan of those things, no matter what age you are, makes you a bad person. What I am saying is that most 22-year-olds, at least in my experience, aren't really fans of Star Trek, music/shows/etc. from the 70's and 80's, Disney/Nickelodeon sitcoms/movies, and the like...but I'm a fan of all those things. I'm not ashamed of any of that; in fact, if I'm the only person my age who likes that stuff, I'm proud of it.
Now, you may be asking: What does it not mean to me? First off, spending a lot of time in front of a computer does not make you a nerd. In the past, it would have, but, nowadays, with the addictiveness of sites like Facebook, it seems like people everywhere are spending more time on their computers than they used to. Also, being smart, even ridiculously smart, does not necessarily make you a nerd. If you had one of the highest GPAs in your graduating class, or if you were in a bunch of Honors, AP, or IB classes, that doesn't make you a geek. Don't get me wrong; if your grades were that high, you were definitely smart. Still, I know a good part of the people who were at the top of my graduating class, and I definitely would not call them nerds. A good part of them were involved in sports, which, IMO, disqualifies them from being geeks right there. My lack of interest in sports is one of the things that makes me a geek. Being a nerd isn't just about your intelligence; it's also about your interests.
On to my second point: Why shouldn't everyone with A.S. be considered a nerd? I'll admit that my A.S. gives me somewhat geeky tendencies, but my upbringing is also part of that as well. I've said this before, and I'll say it again: It is not an autistic thing to like sci-fi/fantasy, dislike sports, or like/dislike any of the other stuff I do. In fact, I have heard of cases where people with A.S. loved sports, hated Disney, etc. I don't need to go into the details, but I will say this: If my life situation had been different when I was younger, I might very well be a sports freak today. (Note that, by using the term "freak," I am not insulting anyone. The term "freak" means a lot of things, and one definition is "ardent enthusiast." You may be a "sports freak," but I'll readily admit that I am a yard/garage sale freak. Look it up if you don't believe me.) A.S. doesn't affect what you're into; it just affects how much you're into it. On to something else.
My final point: How am I different from other geeks you might know? Put simply: My tastes are not completely different from popular opinion. I mentioned before that I like music from decades past, and, yes, I do have a lot of it on my iPod. However, I also have plenty of popular songs from the past decade on there as well. I have songs such as "Cupid's Chokehold/Breakfast in America" by Gym Class Heroes, "Somebody Told Me" by the Killers, "Love Song" by Sara Bareilles, "Smooth Criminal" by Alien Ant Farm, "Stacy's Mom" by Fountains of Wayne, "Then the Morning Comes" by Smash Mouth, and plenty of other hits from the 2000's, alongside older songs. Also, some of the things that people would think all geeks like, I don't. For example, I hate Lord of the Rings. I couldn't even understand the first book, and the first movie was drawn-out and boring. I am not really a fan of computer/video games, either. I'll admit I used to be a big fan of them, especially Nintendo games like Super Smash Bros. Melee, but I sold all of them years ago, and I don't have a single game installed on my laptop, other than the ones that came with it, which I don't play. When I'm on a computer, I'm usually blogging, chatting with friends, etc.
In closing, I will say this: I realize that I may be different from anyone else you know. I'll admit it; I'm unique. Still, that doesn't make me any less of a person than you are. I deserve to be loved, respected, and to have friends, even if they don't have the exact same interests. My friends will tell you: If you don't want to be my friend because I'm different, then you are missing out. I admit I've lost some friends because of mistakes I've made, but, as one of my favorite people in the whole wide world once said to me, "A lapse in judgment does not define you." We all make mistakes, and I'm no closer to perfect than anyone else you know. You can accept me for who I am, or you can shun me and refuse to be my friend. The choice is yours.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
On Reviews and Die-Hard Fans
I don't know about you, but I have read tons of reviews online. I've read people's moral critiques of movies, noting all the profanity, sex, violence, etc., in them. I've also read people's opinions of things, such as albums, films, TV shows, video games, and the like, that were just based on an artistic perspective. One of the things that I've seen mentioned in all kinds of reviews is a statement to the effect of, "You'll only like this if you're a die-hard _________ fan." An example of that would be a review of a Super NES Power Rangers video game that was titled, "Unless you're a Power Rangers fan, if not...!" Usually, when people say, "Unless you're a fan," they really mean, "Unless you're a die-hard fan."
Honestly, when it comes to media, I wouldn't call myself "a die-hard fan" of anything or anyone. Granted, I do have some shows, movie series, book series, bands/artists, actors/actresses, etc., that I like, but it's not like I'm going to like absolutely anything from them. In the past, though, it was a different story.
I'm about to talk about one of my previous addictions again, so be warned: Way back in the late 90's/early 2000's, I was a huge fan of Scooby-Doo. I wanted pretty much anything that had the Scooby-Doo label on it: shirts, videos, albums, books, calendars, posters, and plenty of other stuff. Around that time, some friends of mine told me that a somewhat close theme park--I won't name what it was, because I don't want to give out my geographical location--that had a store with Scooby-Doo shirts, and maybe other memorabilia (it was so long ago, I don't remember.) As soon as I heard that, I would not shut up about wanting to go to that theme park. It wasn't the rides; it wasn't the food; it wasn't the shows; it was just that store. Some years later, when I was either in middle or high school, well after I gave up on that cartoon, some group I was involved in--don't remember what it was--invited me to go to that theme park, and I told my mom I didn't want to go. She was shocked, saying, "Why don't you want to go? You used to be obsessed with wanting to go there!" She didn't know that it was only because of one thing they had there: that Scooby-Doo store.
It wasn't just that theme park, either. There was a song recorded by CCM artist Chris Rice called "Cartoons" or something like that. It went something like, "I was thinking the other day/What if cartoons got saved?/They'd start singing praise/In a whole new way!" and then Rice proceeds to imitate various cartoon characters (from Fred Flintstone to Elmer Fudd) saying their own version of the word hallelujah, i.e., "Yabba-dabba-doo-jah!" When I first heard it all the way back in 2000, I loved it only because it mentioned Scooby-Doo. Truth be told, I didn't even really know what the song was about when I first heard it! My original understanding of the lyrics was, "I was thinking the other day/What about cartoons?/Scooby-Dooby-Doo-jah!" In fact, I currently think that, if taken literally, the song is stupid! Most fans of the song don't know that Rice actually meant it as a satire of Christian entertainment companies making Christian copies of popular secular media. I think that's a message that needs to be taken to heart, because, even though that song was released over a decade ago, there have still been blatant Christian rip-offs of secular stuff, like Sunday School Musical, ApologetiX's parodies, etc., in the past few years.
I got a little off-topic there, so let me get back to my main point: There are things everywhere that people could say one would only like it if he/she was a die-hard fan of something. You might think that, based on my posts on here and Facebook, that I am a die-hard Sha-bon-bon (that is, fan of Siobhan Magnus.) Well, I've got news for you: If you think I have it bad for Siobhan, you should have seen how bad my addictions to things like The Magic School Bus, Growing Pains, Mork & Mindy, Garfield, Hilary Duff, Putt-Putt the talking car, and other things were when I was younger. You'd know then that my love for all things Siobhan Magnus isn't that bad after all.
Any comments?
Honestly, when it comes to media, I wouldn't call myself "a die-hard fan" of anything or anyone. Granted, I do have some shows, movie series, book series, bands/artists, actors/actresses, etc., that I like, but it's not like I'm going to like absolutely anything from them. In the past, though, it was a different story.
I'm about to talk about one of my previous addictions again, so be warned: Way back in the late 90's/early 2000's, I was a huge fan of Scooby-Doo. I wanted pretty much anything that had the Scooby-Doo label on it: shirts, videos, albums, books, calendars, posters, and plenty of other stuff. Around that time, some friends of mine told me that a somewhat close theme park--I won't name what it was, because I don't want to give out my geographical location--that had a store with Scooby-Doo shirts, and maybe other memorabilia (it was so long ago, I don't remember.) As soon as I heard that, I would not shut up about wanting to go to that theme park. It wasn't the rides; it wasn't the food; it wasn't the shows; it was just that store. Some years later, when I was either in middle or high school, well after I gave up on that cartoon, some group I was involved in--don't remember what it was--invited me to go to that theme park, and I told my mom I didn't want to go. She was shocked, saying, "Why don't you want to go? You used to be obsessed with wanting to go there!" She didn't know that it was only because of one thing they had there: that Scooby-Doo store.
It wasn't just that theme park, either. There was a song recorded by CCM artist Chris Rice called "Cartoons" or something like that. It went something like, "I was thinking the other day/What if cartoons got saved?/They'd start singing praise/In a whole new way!" and then Rice proceeds to imitate various cartoon characters (from Fred Flintstone to Elmer Fudd) saying their own version of the word hallelujah, i.e., "Yabba-dabba-doo-jah!" When I first heard it all the way back in 2000, I loved it only because it mentioned Scooby-Doo. Truth be told, I didn't even really know what the song was about when I first heard it! My original understanding of the lyrics was, "I was thinking the other day/What about cartoons?/Scooby-Dooby-Doo-jah!" In fact, I currently think that, if taken literally, the song is stupid! Most fans of the song don't know that Rice actually meant it as a satire of Christian entertainment companies making Christian copies of popular secular media. I think that's a message that needs to be taken to heart, because, even though that song was released over a decade ago, there have still been blatant Christian rip-offs of secular stuff, like Sunday School Musical, ApologetiX's parodies, etc., in the past few years.
I got a little off-topic there, so let me get back to my main point: There are things everywhere that people could say one would only like it if he/she was a die-hard fan of something. You might think that, based on my posts on here and Facebook, that I am a die-hard Sha-bon-bon (that is, fan of Siobhan Magnus.) Well, I've got news for you: If you think I have it bad for Siobhan, you should have seen how bad my addictions to things like The Magic School Bus, Growing Pains, Mork & Mindy, Garfield, Hilary Duff, Putt-Putt the talking car, and other things were when I was younger. You'd know then that my love for all things Siobhan Magnus isn't that bad after all.
Any comments?
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Return Today
RETURN TODAY
To the tune of "Tell Me On a Sunday" by Andrew Lloyd Webber
This world's so evil, I just want to leave.
Thought many people were friends, then they really were not.
And on the tube, nothing but bad news.
I would love to just walk those golden streets.
Jesus, return today, please.
They think I'm crazy, won't give me a chance.
Ugly insults, dirty looks.
Such brief conversations.
While my friends marry, I've been on no dates.
Come when I'm shelving at the library.
Jesus, return today, please.
Yes, I do know who's to blame, and where he is going.
You could come any day or night, but, when, You're not telling.
Those who have defied You, You'll destroy them all.
Well, I can't take this anymore, so why don't You just end it?
So much of my life just make me want to cry!
So, to You, I sing this desperate plea:
Jesus, return today, please.
(INSTRUMENTAL BREAK)
When I turn out my bedroom light, I always feel lonely.
So many liars tell no truth at all.
Every girl just slams the door when I think of dating.
Oh, how much I want to say goodbye.
I'll happily leave all earthly things.
I'll forget about all my addictions.
I'll go to the best place there's ever been.
Take me to the place where I will be free.
Jesus, return today, please.
To the tune of "Tell Me On a Sunday" by Andrew Lloyd Webber
This world's so evil, I just want to leave.
Thought many people were friends, then they really were not.
And on the tube, nothing but bad news.
I would love to just walk those golden streets.
Jesus, return today, please.
They think I'm crazy, won't give me a chance.
Ugly insults, dirty looks.
Such brief conversations.
While my friends marry, I've been on no dates.
Come when I'm shelving at the library.
Jesus, return today, please.
Yes, I do know who's to blame, and where he is going.
You could come any day or night, but, when, You're not telling.
Those who have defied You, You'll destroy them all.
Well, I can't take this anymore, so why don't You just end it?
So much of my life just make me want to cry!
So, to You, I sing this desperate plea:
Jesus, return today, please.
(INSTRUMENTAL BREAK)
When I turn out my bedroom light, I always feel lonely.
So many liars tell no truth at all.
Every girl just slams the door when I think of dating.
Oh, how much I want to say goodbye.
I'll happily leave all earthly things.
I'll forget about all my addictions.
I'll go to the best place there's ever been.
Take me to the place where I will be free.
Jesus, return today, please.
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