In a discussion about the icy weather: cpayne: Ice doesn't exist but in freezer in Phoenix. thh: Sounds like a chick lit book title. Cheese King: As written by Tarzan.
In a journal titled 'jokes for children': thh: How old are the children? Male? Female? Mixed? Mispelled: They're hypothetical children. They don't exist. thh: Oh, good, my favorite kind.
In a thread in which someone linked to freerice.com for about the tenth time on YT: discobot1000: My African friend says you can stop playing now, they have enough rice thanks. what they need now is soy sauce.
In the "Warm and Fuzzy Religious Story" thread from the General forum: wiseNsexy: Yeah they sound really weird. Who rolls up their sleeve to show a Jesus tattoo before wailing on someone? The Bipolar Christian Popeye? They're fringe-y, at best. dacash: He's strong to heavenly union, 'cause he take communion, he's popeye the bipolar christian man! *toot* *toot*
In a thread talking about upcoming YT upgrades: Captaintrips: I hope it's not like YT Vista. Buddy: No, not at all. I'm calling it "YT Millennium Edition". It's going to be great.
Joke of the Week
A little tarmac
A motorway walks into a pub one day. He goes up to the bar and orders himself a drink. He just sits down when in walks a strip of tarmac.
The motorway sees the tarmac and starts to panic so he jumps over the bar and ducks down so it won't see him. The barman looks down at him and says, "What's the matter with you? Why are you hiding? You've got six lanes and two hard shoulders. Why are you frightened of a piece of tarmac?
The motorway replies, "You don't know him like I do. He's a cyclepath."
The member of the week is IceQueen84. A member since January 2002, IceQueen recently created a weight loss support group for YTers trying to lost some lbs after the new year. Several members have joined, and the group has been really helpful to each other already. Thanks and Congrats!
JoeInterview's Member Feature
This week's interview features superkay37. This interview was conducted by chips2001 and travbowman.
JoeInterview: How did you find YT?
superkay37: Well, in the beginning, God created the heavens and YT... oh wait, that's not how it goes. Basically, 6 years ago, I was talking to some random person on AOL, and he was like "Go look at this web site called youthink.com, it's nifty." So, I did, and I enjoyed the niftyness of it, and I've been here ever since. It's an addiction I just can't shake.
JI: OK, so what keeps you coming back for more? What is it that generates the addiction?
SK37: I'm not sure why I keep coming back, actually. I "left YT" a while back. Twice. But, obviously, both times I returned. I think I just enjoy meeting new people (if talking online is considered 'meeting' them) and chatting about random things. Sure, I can do that with my friends as well, but on here, there is a much larger variety of people, so things stay interesting.
Either that, or buddy laces the site with drugs.
JI: So. In one way or another, including leaves of abscence, you've been here from pretty much the beginning. How has YT changed in that time?
SK37: The new people are becoming more and more obnoxious! I don't know what it is. Perhaps my memory is failing me, but, back in the day, there wasn't nearly as much verbal bashing and drama as there is now. I remember "coming back" after a few months and wondering what the heck had happened! So many wonderful people had disappeared and were replaced by a bunch of whiny little kids. I think that's another thing... there are a TON of 13-17 year olds nowadays. That's why there's so much more drama, I suppose.
Also, people seem to post just to post. They don't care what they say, as long as it boosts their post count. Debates aren't debates anymore... it's more like a game of "Let's see who can throw out the most insults in the shortest amount of time!"
I still love it here, though. Probably because I don't stick my nose into other peoples' arguments and whatnot, and I get along with basically everyone. And, I don't post for the heck of it, as you can see by my post count... or lack thereof.
JI: What forums do you hang out in the most? Why? Are there any you don't frequent at all?
SK37: I basically stick to Journals and Old Skool. They're the most entertaining, and you can basically talk about anything (within reason, obviously) without people telling you go take your posts elsewhere. I'll pop in Generals now and then to see if anything strikes my fancy, and I also frequent the Harry Potter thread in Books. Movies is sometimes blessed with my presence, as is TV and Questions. Actually, I go through phases where I'll answer a TON of questions in the Q forum, and then I won't go back for a while. As for the Link, Games, Sugg, Newbs, and Quiz forums... I don't think I've ever really posted in them. Maybe once or twice, but not enough times to remember.
JI: Your profile contains 4 quotes about faith - not all about religious faith, but more about believing in things, ideas and people. Tell me what faith means to you - why is it important to have faith?
SK37: Well, I've gone to church since I was a kid, so God is a very important part of my life. I went through a phase around the age of 13 where I just didn't want to go to church, and my parents were fine with it. They encouraged me to do what I felt like I needed to do. But, without church, I felt like I was missing something, so I went back.
When I was 16, I went to the Creation Festival, which is a huuuuuuge Christian festival over 4 days, with lots of worship, sermons, and concerts. While I was there, I felt so moved by the Spirit that I accepted Him as my personal Lord and Saviour. Afterwards, I began feeling as if my life actually meant something... I had something to live for!
Since that time, I've learned so much about faith and what it means to me. I've gone through a lot of rough times, and I've been so mad at God that I would curse at Him and yell at him and wonder why things were so horrible. Every time, though, I came to realize that, as much of a cliche as it is, everything *does* happen for a reason. Everything is a part of God's plan.
Faith is something I've struggled with. For me, faith is simply trusting in God, because He knows what's right for me, much more so than I do. That's not to say I don't question my faith... I certainly have, on numerous occasions. But, with God in my life, I know I can't fail. Just knowing He's there, looking out for me, is enough to keep my faith alive.
JI: I notice that your favourite show is Ghost Hunters. Do you believe in the supernatural?
SK37: I believe in God, so... yes? I guess. Hahaha... at any rate, I don't really know if I believe in ghosts. There are plenty of unexplained phenomena out there, as Ghost Hunters has shown, but I don't think I'll believe in ghosts for sure until I've experienced something for myself. Besides, I just watch Ghost Hunters, 'cause Steve is hot.
JI: I notice that quite a bit in your profile is to do with The wizard of Oz, and your favourite film is Pan's Labyrinth. both stories of the fantastic, both featuring children on journeys, looking for something. What is it that appeals about stories from the child's point of view?
SK37: Sometimes, it's easier for me to relate to kids than to adults. I've worked with kids since I was 18, and I've been babysitting since long before then, so I often look at the world through the eyes of children. They're so honest and so innocent, and I wish it were easier for adults to hold on to some of that innocence.
I've always loved fantasy stories, and they're so much more mesmerizing when told through the eyes of children. I love Pan's Labyrinth, because Ofelia is so trusting. She doesn't question the faun, she doesn't go about things with a critical eye; she just accepts the tasks and does them.
Dorthy, in the Wizard of Oz, is also very honest and innocent. I prefer the book to the movie, but in both, she's willing to help those she meets, no questions asked. I also love the Harry Potter stories and A Wrinkle in Time. Even in Lord of the Rings, the characters are not children, but the hobbits have the same purity and sincerity of children.
Also, fantasy stories and movies in general are just fascinating. I love writing and creating new worlds, so being able to observe such fantastical events that others create is wonderful. There is no boundary when it comes to imagination!
JI: What did you do on Christmas day?
SK37: Well, I slept until 9:30, so that was a good start. My fiance came over, and we exchanged gifts with my parents before the man and I headed over to his grandparents' house. We always have crazy fun over there; his sisters and I did some karaoke with High School Musical, much to everyone's dismay! One of the cousins brought his brand new Wii, so everyone got to try that - even Grandma!! I have pictures for proof. We had a ginormous lunch and exchanged presents, and then half the group fell asleep upstairs while the other half went downstairs to play video games. It's always a blast!!
Afterwards, Mitch and I came back to my house for dinner with my parents, my sister and her husband, and my sister's husband's sister... got that? We did presents and stuff, and we watched A Christmas Story (best holiday movie EVER!!) and watched the dogs go crazy. We have some more holiday fun today (the day after Christmas), because we're going down to my uncle's house. We talk in exaggerated PA Dutch accents and make fun of my very blonde sister, and we basically just have a blast. It's been a while since we had the crew together, so I'm excited!!
We also have one more family gathering at my sister's house on Saturday, with some friends and some of my mom's family, and lots of dogs and kids running around. So, basically, I just ignored the "day" part of your question and shared my entire week.
JI: How did you and your fiance meet?
SK37: We met at church! His grandfather is the pastor at our church. We'd known each other for a while, and I was friends with his sisters, and then after a youth group retreat where we were both "assistant leaders," we started hanging out... we went to movies and did fun stuff like that. We were watching "50 First Dates" for the third time in the theatre when he took my hand and asked (and I quote) "So, do you wanna date and stuff?" It was too cute!
So, that was back in 2004 - we'll be together 4 years on February 15th! Yes, a day after V-day... he didn't want to be TOO cliche. Haha. The wedding, if inquiring minds want to know, is April 25, 2009!
JI: When did you know that he was "the one"?
SK37: Probably 2 years ago when I had a grand mal seizure and was in the hospital for a few days, going through all sorts of tests and whatnot. He came to the hospital while I was still in the ER and waited with me and was in my room, basically all day every day. Of course, I don't remember much, because I was so out of it, but my parents assure me he was there as often as he was allowed. He sent me flowers and all sorts of goodies, and he held my hand.
Shortly after that, I had a severe episode of depression, and he was the one who encouraged me to talk with a counselor, and he went to the doctor's office with me, and he stood by me the whole way. He didn't run off when things were crazy, and that's why I love him.
JI: Where do you see yourself ten years from now?
SK37: Living up to the cliche: married with 2 or 3 kids, in a nice house, with a great job, and utterly happy.
JI: Have any kids' names picked out yet?
SK37: Yes, actually. My fiance and I agree on them, too... shock!! But, I don't like sharing them, because then people will be like "oh, those names are AWESOME" and they'll steal them for their kids, so by the time I actually have kids, everyone else's kids will already have those names, and I'll be forced to name my kids something horrible like Brick or Shoe just to be different, and my kids will get beat up all the time and hate me.
JI: Wouldn't a kid like Brick be doing the beating up?
SK37: Haha, true. So, maybe I'll name my kids Brick, Rock, and Razor. They would so end up in jail, but at least they wouldn't be wimps!
JI: What is the worst thing about working in a daycare?
SK37: DRAMA!! I swear, working in daycare makes me feel like I'm back in high school. Granted, in a building full of women, there is going to be some gossip and whatnot, but it was getting to the point where it was just ridiculous! I love the kids; I have no complaints about the kids whatsoever. It's the staff that makes it difficult. There's constant gossip, backstabbing, and bitching, and the boss, unfortunately, did nothing to stop it. That's one of the reasons I quit: the director is a complete idiot.
I absolutely adore kids, though, and I started a new job on January 7th, working with special needs kids. There aren't as many kids or staff with this particular program, because the kids need more one on one time. It will definitely be a learning experience, and I'm excited to start!
JI: Tell me about one person that has inspired you.
SK37: My grandmother. She was such a wonderful woman in all aspects of her life. Her faith in God alone was inspiring, but she just cared so much for the people in her life. She always did everything she could to make sure others had what they needed, and she'd be the first to volunteer for things. Even after her first stroke, she jumped right back into her old shoes, always busy.
She was also incredibly artistic. She could paint, sew, draw... I have one of her paintings in my room, and I absolutely love it. Her voice was also simply amazing; people loved listening to her sing. After my grandfather died, she just kept going. She missed him greatly, but sitting around mourning just wasn't her thing. She was so involved with church and with different groups, and she was always taking care of her family.
That was one major thing with her... family always comes first. Two of her sons had alcohol problems, and she did everything she could to help them recover. Even after she started getting sick, she still had the family over for dinner and just for some "grandma time." She was always ready with a hug and a kiss... even after her second stroke, although she didn't last much longer after it, her spirits were always high. I miss her so much since she passed away two years ago. I can only hope to be like her one day.
JI: What's the best movie you've seen lately?
SK37: SWEENEY TODD!!! Haha, sorry for yelling, but it was simply fabulous!! I am an avid Johnny Depp fan, and I have to admit, this is one of my favorites. I've never seen the musical, but I had the general idea of what it was about. Just the cinematography was fantastic; the washed out colors punctuated by the vivid flashbacks, fantasies, and of course, the blood... Johnny's singing was, in my opinion, perfect for the role. I mean, Todd is becoming more and more insane with rage, so Johnny's rough, raw voice was just fabulous. The acting was great on all parts, the music was great... it's just an all around fantastic movie!!!
JI: What's your least favourite Depp role?
SK37: Blasphemy!! Of the ones I've seen, I'd have to go with The Ninth Gate. I don't know why, I just didn't care for it. He seemed kind of awkward in the role, and... ehh, it's just not one I cared for. I have to admit, though, it's been a while since I've actually watched it, so my opinion might change... but, I honestly have no desire to watch it again.
JI: You get to pick any three YTers and a location. Where are you going, and who are you hanging out with?
SK37: Thh, sammy, and peledavid, and we're going BOWLING!! I suck so bad at bowling, but they're my 3 favorite YT buddies, so it'd be fun, anyway.
JI: Wouldn't it be awesome to join a bowling league though, just for the shirts?
SK37: I'd do it! I'd want a hot pink shirt with my name across the back in HUGE letters... forget the team name! It'll just be S U P E R K A Y. And the shoes to match... can't forget the shoes!!
JI: Out of curiosity, what does the 37 stand for in your name?
SK37: Well, the Trinity is rather important to me, and the number 7 is the "divine number"... but, basically, they've always been my favorite numbers, so I just stuck 'em together.
JI: Any final words of wisdom to share with your fellow YTers?
SK37: Always look on the bright side of life! *whistles*
Every Religon is Wrong, or at Least the Bible is
Excerpt: There most likely isn't a god, nor will there ever be. In my opinion, these stories about gods, goddesses, and deities all seem like old folktales that were carried on, only longer and more well known than most because ancient times had to come up with a solution to how our universe came to be.
Society, as a whole, blows
Excerpt: I can't speak for everywhere with this, but at least everywhere that I've been and from my experiences, I can. It seems that everywhere I look there is some new minority or there is just some person bitching about something that they don't need to bitch about.
