tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40470294104699185502024-03-08T17:32:10.089-08:00jisforawesomeJ is for awesomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615974099804335433noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047029410469918550.post-33011523835125519472012-07-01T23:19:00.001-07:002012-07-01T23:19:53.696-07:00Reading about The War Of 1812Upon finishing reading about The War Of 1812; this question came to mind, what was the outcome of the war? No european powerwould ever challenge the United States on its home territory again. The Army and the Navy would never again be in such disrepair. The lack of leadership, almost lost America the war. Yet Determined young generals Major General Andrew Jackson and Major General William Henry Harrison, would save the Army. Both men would be elected into office as President. On the naval front, Captain Oliver Hazard Perry volunteered his services to build a fleet on the Great Lakes. He would then gain control of the lakes, from the British. This seemed impossible, considering the freedom the British enjoyed in the lakes. Captain of the USS Constitution Isaac Hull, was another naval hero. Hull, himself an exprienced sailor, trained his ragg tagg crew. On one such occassion, the Captain outmaneuvred Five British ships, (Four Frigates and one ship of the line) to save his ship. He would later seek revenge on one these Frigates, the Guerriere. Thus proving, that British warships (then the best navy in the world), could be sunk. Despite this, throughout the war, Americans faught at a great disadvantage. The American Army, on many occassions, would relly on volunteers, to survive. States refussed to hand over their militias to the Federal government (including the New England States who threatened Secession from the Union); that were then desperately needed. One state in particular would answer the call to arms. Tennessee is nicknamed the "Volunteer state" because of its large enlistment rate during the war. Just hours before the start of the Battle of New Orleans, Major General Andrew Jackson was reinforced by 2,500 Tennessee volunteers. His victory saved the Louisiana Territory from becoming a British territory. At the end of the war, both the Navy and Army were significantly boosted. Congress recognized the need to have a permanent military. In 1815 and 1816, Congress gave funds to increase the standing army to 10,000 (triple the standing army in 1801) and to construct 21 warships. Saddely, this lesson has again and again been ignored. The government of the United States of America has repeatdly slashed its military forces. President Madison(considered the father of the U.S. Constitution) would state upon the conclusion of the war "the character of the times particularly inculcates the lesson, that, whether to prevent or repel danger, we ought not to be unprepared for it."J is for awesomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615974099804335433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047029410469918550.post-44910370261767839992012-06-14T03:38:00.002-07:002012-06-14T03:38:25.681-07:00The Tree Is FreeA piece of a tree falls to the ground. It is no longer a tree. The "no perfect lines in nature" is a branch. The rugged edges where it once connected to the tree. The fallen hero of the tree is free. Yet the survivor of the fall, knows it will have to care for itself. The crooked branch has scares, like the brown leaves, that were once green. After all, the branch knows that being free is not easy. Perhaps he will be dragged far away by a man, far from the shade, and safety of the tree. He will be left alone but he will light his own candle, and set out into the unknown. He knowns the other pieces of the tree, will celebrate his boldness, and the day he fell from the lush green paradise.J is for awesomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615974099804335433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047029410469918550.post-60636208229373069702012-01-28T01:19:00.000-08:002012-01-28T01:19:36.115-08:00The Eagle's ViewI was born in the Silver State<br />
In the city of sin<br />
My Mom's from California <br />
And my Dad's from Tenneessee<br />
Theres the deserts of this land <br />
And the green green grass<br />
I wanna see this land<br />
<br />
I wanna go to Reno<br />
And across the plains<br />
I wanna go to the east coast<br />
To Philadelphia<br />
I wanna go down south<br />
To Atlanta<br />
I wanna see this land<br />
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It has long been argued for a long time that America The Beautiful be our national anthem. The song itself was written as a Poem by Katherine Lee Bates while taking a train to Colorado for a teaching position. Needless to say she was impressed with what she saw and wrote the lyrics to what would became America The Beautiful. Needless to say I have not been across these same plains but it inspired me to write my the lyrics above. I tried to use my minds eye to write something along those lines.<br />
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However, the second thing I thought about is how lucky we are to live in America and have been blessed with such a great land. is something to be thankful for. Even if its as simple as not having to worry about being free. Free to go about whereever you live without be perscuted. For there is a divided island of Cyprus divided between ethnic Turks and Greek. In Kashmir the armies of India and pakistan still divide the land. The tiny nation of Taiwan must worry in fear if China will invade its nation. <br />
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O beautiful for patriot dream <br />That sees beyond the years <br />Thine alabaster cities gleam <br />Undimmed by human tears! <br />America! America! <br />God shed his grace on thee <br />And crown thy good with brotherhood <br />From sea to shining sea!<br /><br />
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<br />J is for awesomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615974099804335433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047029410469918550.post-57577245399612670642011-10-02T01:48:00.000-07:002011-10-02T02:50:39.726-07:00Our legacySo I was thinking what would be my legacy and I think to myself who cares. I am 22 years old and soon to graduate college and not really sure what awaits me but gotta let the big man upstairs worry about that. Recently since I am not working at this time but thats ok because I start Jurry Duty on Wednesday and thats 33 dollars a day. It kinda hurts your pride being unemployed but hey life isn't a bunch of roses is it. I was thinking its not like I'm in a hurry anyways as i have enough to pay for school next semester and plenty of money(thanks Sam's Club).<br /><br />Anyways I didn't plan on staying there much longer anyways aka college degree but it was a great time working there. So back to the legacy part I think no one really expects to be in a history book for what they did. I mean look at William Wallace or the Founding Fathers they were willing to die for their beliefs yet non really expected to be glorified.<br /><br />I think music is very important to me and I hope one day to be recognized as a great songwriter like George Harrison, Cat Stevens, Neil Young, and Jackson C. Frank just to name a few. However, I recognize this is a very slim chance so I'm ok with where I'm at, playing music at small shows. That doesn't mean that I won't always love music as it makes me world go round. <em>Like I </em> <em>wanna Know what Love Is</em> for example. Look at that song when your not feeling good and that song comes on you could have your whole day made better. Oh and don't pretend you don't like it, this song demands you feel it "I wanna know what love is I want you to show me" that in itself is poweful. Music takes that you to a different place it says its time to get away in a healthy way of course. One such song that is also very powerful is <em>Danny Boy</em> this traditional Irish song conveys suffering and the Love of a Father and a Boy. The songs enters with a line about the pipes are calling. More likely a reference to sense of duty or something like that. The song continues with the Father realising the son must go and how he will wait for the son to return even when he is dead. The song is a lost art not many songs today talk about such a love yet we all feel that about our family.<br /><br />In this next section I will address just how lucky I was to find something in school that interested me. I will begin back in the high school days. My senior year of High School was a much disapointing year as far as academics go. I was lost in general I had bombed the SATS and with it any chance of going to college as I saw it. I had been accepted to the University Of Nevada, Reno but it wasn't really attainable to go because i lacked the finiancial planning or laziness. So thinking quickly I enrolled in Leeward Community College to get my general Education rquirements and enter the University system through transfer.<br /><br />Well mostly not knowing what I wanted to do I really just got average grades that first semester. Average meaning lots of Cs. I thought I wanted to be a Communications Major but that in itself is pretty vague overall wasn't really a major. well to make a long story short I found English, Math, and Science to be my worst subjects. However, I found my stride in History Classes with professor Boyrk and Professor Fujita. This is where I didn't mind the work and actually enjoyed going to class. So after completing my two years at Leeward Community College I was pretty sure things would be difficult.<br /><br />The hardest part being that Transfering to the University Of Hawaii would cost a lot of money. I had thought about the University Of Hawaii West Oahu but I remembered my friend telling me they didn't offer many classes. On a whim I thought well maybe its worth a try to go ask if they offer a History program. Well it turns out they did have one and the tutition was actually a little more affordable than UH. Three semesters later its been a long journey but I have come a long way.<br /><br />Lastly i was thinking about some of the things people tell you about Americans and our own legacy. People will tell you America ain't what it used to be and that its every man for himself and that Americans are greedy. Well these people haven't been around America if they can't see a great legacy. Political Science Professors will tell you America doesn't give as much as other nations per capita and then people like Bono get on T.V. and tell us were greedy but I disagree sir. Has abyone carred to challenge these people or do we just sit and believe them because we feel like their right. Well here is where this logic goes wrong. Lets look at one simple fact are money is worth more than your money(World). Our money goes further towards building schools and feeding th poor people of the world. So this arguement of we give a greater percentage is invalid money is about worth and not percentages. Yes I was one of those people that let the Professor get away with bended statistics because I was being guilted into being ashamed.<br /><br />I see a different side of America everyday. When my car broke down on a hill recently I was unable to move the car off the road. A Nissan Xterra is a very heavy car indeed. Well needless to say another motorist lined his bumber up with mine and helped push me to the side. I shook his hand and thanked him. Or how about that motorcyclist pinned under the car of driver. These people dropped what they were doing rushed over and lifted the car to move the man from underneath the car. His motorcycle also pinned under the car caught fire during the incident yet these people moved to save the man's life. These are things that remind me America is still a great country and not the evil empire certain people would have you believe.<br /><br />As Adam Carolla said in a interview while discussing the Hollywood Left "These people don't love Communism they just hate this country" I think this says a lot about these people's state of mind.J is for awesomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615974099804335433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047029410469918550.post-64302213890222882662011-03-30T03:35:00.000-07:002011-03-30T03:44:03.151-07:00No moneyBoo I have no money because of a string of unexpected things I had to pay for and not to mention gas is the highest in the nation here. P.S. thank you State Government for again raising taxes on gas when we already have the highest gas taxes in the nation. Ya this doesn't mean I'm entirely broke just what I call my spending money aka my checking. My savings i do not touch. Anyways almost there sucks when your broke! I get paid Thursday then I can stop thinking how i'm not gonna spend money. Oh and also I'm sure my family reads this yes the new job is fine hard work but much better working environment. I don't mind working super hard but i would like some respect as is the case at my new job lots of respect. By the way they are closing the Waikele Borders hope everyone there finds a job. Also the semester is almost done but i have so much to do like my 9 paper for my writing intensive class. HIST 443 Nazi Germany, I have watched more Nazi propaganda than a Nazi Party member lol. My paper topic is Joseph Goebbels and I have to read his diaries which are really long.J is for awesomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615974099804335433noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047029410469918550.post-49990094815397839442010-09-17T05:27:00.000-07:002010-09-17T05:37:34.221-07:00Bitterness http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcFDkvtHVFI This is the jammed out versionThis is a song I wrote its about loss and dealing with lossing someone whatever the context<br /><br />Now your here now your gone<br />Don't feel like sticken around<br />can't understand why your gone<br />don't wanna talk leave it all on the floor<br />theres been times when I've been down<br />never thought it end that way<br /><br />Chrous<br /><br />and now try to think about better days<br />but it ain't the same it ain't the same<br />miss your face and the ghost still there<br />never gonna change never gonnna change<br />Its time we get around the pain let it all out<br /><br />Verse 2<br /><br />your the one that said<br />many cats are the death of a mouse<br />wake up still in pain<br />let it out let it out<br /><br />ChrousJ is for awesomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615974099804335433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047029410469918550.post-90495867541817836532010-09-09T03:30:00.001-07:002010-09-09T03:45:33.090-07:00School is wowSo I'm back in school and you know what the last couple of weeks have been pretty crazy. Lots and lots of reading like I'm about to explode so I came up with a great ideal hey if the reading doesn't have an assignment attached to it there is no reason to stress if I don't get all of it done. I'm about to finish the Nun for Modern European History so that has an assignment attached therefor is more important. For instance in my Western Traditions class I have all this reading which by the way is immpossible to do but you know what this lady is a blow hard so even if I don't finish all the reading I can do the writting assignments because they are open ended basically write something and get a good grade. I was just thinking don't these professors know you have a life like sorry I'm not committed to education 24 hours. This is my schedule monday class 3:30pm-6:15pm, Tuesday 5:00pm-7:45pm, and Wednesday 3:30-9:15 pm or as I call it crazy day. Luckly work isn't that bad Thursday 1-10pm, Friday 1-10pm, Satuday 3-10pm. So here is the key to success people this coming from a veteran college student read but only if assignments or grades depend on it. This will cut down on wasted reading. Anyways now things are much easier or at least managable. P.s. I might be working Monday 9:00 am-2:00pm not sure though if Vickie just scheduled me just this week because it was labor day or this is a regular thing.J is for awesomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615974099804335433noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047029410469918550.post-13990446112226759532010-08-22T02:24:00.000-07:002010-08-22T03:18:30.099-07:00Been listening to Pond againThere is something about this song called Tree which by the way i learned by ear. Also if your looking for tabs there are no tabs.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.chrisnj.com/archive/pond/lyrics/tree.html">www.chrisnj.com/archive/pond/lyrics/tree.html</a><br /><br />Anyway I put the link if you want to read the lyrics or if you are like me ponder them. Its kinda like Blink 182's Adam song in that there is both a legend there and actual meaning. Anyway back to Pond the music is very somber slow and driving and moving at a marching pace as to say slow down and just think the lyrics start with a cast of depression over them and possibly a thought. The opening lyrics "Mama Mama I have fell! Slipped into the wishing well paid my price I'm now in hell." As the reader or listening some people consider themselves more focused on music or lyrics. Myself I like the music more. To prove this I started listening to this particular album at least a year ago by the way Pond's self titled album is a great album filled with experimental music that sets them apart from music of the time so i highly recommend it. Anyway back to my point I didn't notice the depth of the lyrics until listening to this album at least a couple of times but <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">eventually</span> the lyrics started to weigh on me. The opening lyrics say it all remember a time when you came running to your parents when you had a problem well this opening line. Further on the lyrics read "Tuck me in read a story." These lyrics again forum a security net of childhood or a time of no worries. Than the song continues " It's a life of daily grind forget what all our hopes and dreams are." These lyrics suggest a struggle of dealing with the real world and not having a safety net as an adult. The lyrics continue going back to the thought of drowning because you can't swim but once again the safety net is there hints the " Papa, Papa!" stated by the writer again brings up the fact of the safety net. Another <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">noticeable</span> dynamic in the song is the difference in singers Charlie Campbell and Chris Brady take turns on vocals. The song starts in a lower register and starts with the parts about the safety net than the more <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">angsty</span> voice takes over when confronted with the adult life transition this shows the depression of thinking back at easier times and the anger and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">frustration</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">occurring</span> at the current time in life. The singing concludes with the singer asking " Am I last tree standing" this is not found in the lyrics but is in the song. This is a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">metaphor</span> oh and how I love metaphors about feeling alone almost as a question am I really alone. People may ask how do you get this from a song that is layered in Eastern sounding guitar and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">slightly</span> out of place lead guitar parts coupled with a primal beat and pulsing bass. The answer is the band is doing something to disguise the lyrics. I mean would you really want to put up with a song that is so depressing the answer is surely no. Exactly why the band made the song catchy to soften the blow of the lyrics. So this is my best attempt at understanding the song hey let me know what you think after all I like discussions on dumb songs lol. I spend way to much time thinking about the meanings of songs.J is for awesomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615974099804335433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047029410469918550.post-69354132291287233702010-07-14T03:35:00.000-07:002010-07-14T03:53:25.994-07:00FustrationI watched one of the best <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">documentaries</span> I have ever seen. The documentary was called Vietnam Homecoming. The subject matter <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">follows</span> Vietnam Veterans on their way to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Branson</span>, Missouri for the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">annual</span> Welcome Home Parade that is held every year. I cried multiple times <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">throughout</span> the movie and yes I am willing to admit it because if this documentary doesn't move you I don't know what will. The interviews range in subject starting with the veterans return home and being disgraced upon returning home. These included everything from being spit on and having people calling them baby killers. Than the film describes the unique problem being faced with Vietnam Veterans that being a lack of closure and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">PTSD</span> or (Post <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Traumatic</span> Stress Disorder). The Veterans reflect on living with the memories and the problems with families including Alcohol Abuse, and the affects on their marriages. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Ultimately</span> upon returning from war veterans from Vietnam could not discuss the war due to the backlass and felt abandoned and alone.<br /><br />Why am I writting this Blog you ask its simple my brother is a Veteran of the Iraq war and is currently serving in Afghanistan. I hope that we can appericate every Veterans sacrifice and never ever repeat the disrespect showen to our soldiers. I was very pleased with this documentary that the History Channel made and that it honored our Vietnam Veterans.<br /><br />God Bless AmericaJ is for awesomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615974099804335433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047029410469918550.post-66360429393539883002010-07-06T23:25:00.000-07:002010-07-06T23:35:29.105-07:00So IdkI have the next two days off put I have a real dilemma. Now that I'm going to UH West oahu I now have to take evening classes but have no Idea how many hours I can work. I'm not so much worried about it because things always work out. I haven't heard from my best friend in a least a week I can't help but wonder if something is wrong. I also have no way of knowing what is going on because he is not answering his phone. Other than that I think I'm going to talk to someone at UH West Oahu about registering and what I need to do.J is for awesomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615974099804335433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047029410469918550.post-35940730939822312492010-01-08T01:21:00.000-08:002010-01-08T02:21:37.618-08:00Not sure what to write about todayI have tomorrow off thank god work has been crazy found a new podcast to listen called Dan Carlin's Hardcore History it is very good. The one I first listened to was the history of children and how being a child must have been crazy back then. Dan Carlin is a reporter in Oregon and is a hugh history buff. He talks about subjects that are often ignored by most history books. In the history of children Dan says he had a hard time finding material on children because they are often ignored in history. Dan also researches extensively for episodes including reading multiple books and sources. You can tell because he will quote authors and particular books. However Dan does a good job of not making it boring because Dan is just a normal guy not a high and mighty above your head guy he makes it relate. I than listened to the four part series on the Eastern Front of World War II which is largely ignored by most Western Historians. The truth is most of the War was fought on the Eastern Front with so many people dying in fact there are places where bones sill litter the land in Russia. I couldn't believe this when Dan said that but neither could Dan but its true. Most Holocaust death camps were located on the Eastern Front and a total of 70 Million people died on the Eastern Front. Including 30 Million Civilians which is unheard of today. The simple Fact is World War 2 was fought and won on the Eastern Front the battles were so destructive even today the death total continues to climb. Also many horrific scenes including the slaughting of 250,000 brave Poles who seeing the Russians Closing in on Warsaw revolted against the Nazis. Holding on against all odds they held out for weeks one Leader declared " We love Freedom more than Life." After being deafeated the city was massacred so bad was the actions of the Commanding German officer he was executed for his actions. The Russians themselves were not above this cause many raping and killing German Civilians.<br /> The story of the Poles feeling freedom so close and taking action to bring freedom from the Nazi's only to quickly realize they would be crushed by the Nazi soldiers and still fight simply unexplainable. The Quote itself says it all "we love freedom more than life." It says we would rather die free than in captivity. I imagined myself in the same spot I could not imagine myself being able to commit to a certain death. I don't think many of us could do it. Throughout History people have stood up for Freedom but it is most apperictaed by those who have none.<br /> I would like to end with a quote that explains this concept. "Freedom is the will to be responsible for ourselves." Nietzsche 1888. That is to say that with freedom you can no longer blame others for your problems instead it says you are responsible for yourself and your wellbeing. Therefore in the case of the Poles to have Freedom they took responsiblity for themselves and fight for what was theirs freedom. That is why the Poles laid down their lives they took control and decided to say enough is enough.<br /> Well anyways have a great day.J is for awesomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615974099804335433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047029410469918550.post-45059459450078793742009-12-29T04:16:00.000-08:002009-12-29T04:21:24.406-08:00good timesChristmas was a awesome had a good time we didn't have a tree but who cares. WE exchanged gifts at around twelve and mom made dinner which was awesome. In the evening me and willie continued are new tradition from last year and went to the movies and watched Sherlock Holmes which was really good. I also watched It might get loud which inspired me to write and record a song. Tomorrow I have work off going to take it easy. Oh and I learned some songs to you know the usual anyways gonna go.J is for awesomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615974099804335433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047029410469918550.post-71432348673372667552009-12-15T01:47:00.000-08:002009-12-15T02:10:33.947-08:00feeling goodI am so tired from school but it is done for now I had my Geography final it was pretty awesome. I am really looking forward to Christmas can't believe its next week. See there is a difference in attuide from when you are younger and when you are older. It's not so much excitement for presents but just the day itself. I can't whipe this grinn off my face. Even at work I was able to tollerate more than usual while we stay open later. Also today I sold my books back to the school which helps. Didn't do much other than work and school today but finally got some normal sleep since my exam wasn't till 12.Well and my parents are back to which is great because while they were gone I was under a lot of stress. Oh ya and the money I earned from my textbooks I might buy a PA System but we'll see.J is for awesomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615974099804335433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047029410469918550.post-44452789859320224392009-12-13T03:08:00.000-08:002009-12-13T03:29:16.274-08:00Today is awesomeWell my parents come back today and I am so glad and thankful for such great parents. Its been hard while they have been gone for one the house seemed very empty and not to mention all the stress with the semester winding down. I'm saw my sisters pictures of my niece and nephew and wow what a great family she and Kori aka 15 dollar steak man have. I watched a Christams Story the other day and it reminded what great memories Christmas has had for me. In the movie at the end there is this scene where the dad gives ralphee the bb gun and the family is just together to me that is very special. Today I read while studying for my final about southeast asia and India. People talk about how India is such a great place where worldly things don't mean anything. Really because I seem to remember massive Muslim and Hindu masscares and civil wars and uprisings. I find it Ironic because how India is pretrayed and how it really is are two different things. Take the scene in Slumdog Millionaire where is mother is killed and the rest of the village is also killed because "they are Muslim " this is a regular happening with the divisons of Muslims and Hindus in India. Both extremist groups of Hindus and Muslims attack innocent people. The same can be said for Canada which has more violent crime than the United States according to Interpool. I am simply making a point that America isn't a bad country and all these crazy people saying we are dumb. Go to another country if you don't like it here. We have the right to worship freely in this country where we are not attacked or murdered for being a certain religion. December 25th to me is Christmas the day Jesus was born and I am not beaten or shot in the street for being a Christian and Celebrating Christmas. I love my family and I am proud to be an American as Thomas Jefferson said " Question with Boldness" because we can in the United States. Idk why I went on that tangent but thats how I think in burst on rants. Anyways I have to go to sleep now. Yaaa hey JamesJ is for awesomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615974099804335433noreply@blogger.com0