Questions of the Week

1. Is self-esteem something you're born with, or is it something you have to develop?
Added by: Oblivious

2. Do you think people who troll YT ruin it or make it more enjoyable?
Added by: helenium

3. Do you think the media needs to stop diagnosing Britney?
Added by: ang2pang

4. Is there a certain movie that shocks you when people say that they they didn't like it?
Added by: Krymson

5. Does it bother you when Americans use terms and phrases native to other countries?
Added by: Jai_Hind

1. What type of body of water are you?
Added by: refrigerate

2. What urban legend are you?
Added by: snowmanshoes

3. Which of the 7 deadly sins are you?
Added by: reetridder24

4. What kind of valentine are you?
Added by: snowmanshoes

5. What is your corporate logo IQ?
Added by: buddy

Funniest Comments of the Week

In a discussion about snowy weather in Baghdad:
jdappleton: A first! Snow falls in Baghdad. After weathering nearly five years of war, Baghdad residents thought they'd pretty much seen it all. But Friday morning, as muezzins were calling the faithful to prayer, the people here awoke to something certifiably new. For the first time in memory, snow fell across Baghdad. "This is so unusual, and I don't know whether or not it's a lesson from God," Karim said.
thh: The lesson from God being "In the meadow we can build a snowman and pretend that he is Parson Brown"?

In a thread titled 'Where is Noldor?':
boredofu: Hippies have always named their kids after LOTR characters.
Abzurd: The only hippy I know named his kid Jim Morrison. For his first name.
nwlyfree2003: Jim Morrison? I love it! I wonder what his middle name is?
Matthias: Frodo.

In a thread titled 'Left YT 4eva':
Floor Demon: I'm expecting mailbot to up and leave in a strop.
snowbdr88: I hear modbot left and is now a regular on NDF.
mailbot: FFS, GFYWAHCI.

Random thread by a newbie:
53590: How do you create a read only forum/journal?
jdappleton: Step 1: Grab a piece of paper. Step 2: Grab a pencil. Step 3: Write. Step 4: Fold paper and put in your pocket. Step 5: Turn in your Man Card, homo.

Random thread:
Shortbuttall: Why is it that guys love their video games? Everytime I look my boyfriend is playing a game.
CaptainTrips: See, us guys have this extra chromosome called "awesomeness", which allows us to appreciate things that don't suck, like video games, or football, or massive amounts of violence. Women have the same thing only it's a "lameness" gene, which is why they love shopping and Meg Ryan.

Joke of the Week

Acting

Little Johnny's dad picked him up from school to take him to a dental appointment. Knowing the parts for the school play were supposed to be posted today, he asked his son if he got a part.

Little Johnny enthusiastically announced that he'd gotten a part. "I play a man who's been married for twenty years."

"That's great, son. Keep up the good work and before you know it they'll be giving you a speaking part."

Member of the Week

The member of the week is Snow Angel58. A member since February 2002, Snow Angel has been around for most of YT's major changes in the last six years. One thing that hasn't changed is her great personality and ability to get along with tons of others on the site. Congrats!

JoeInterview's Member Feature

This week's interview features ZiggyTuTone. This interview was conducted by chips2001 and travbowman.

JoeInterview: How did you find YT?

ZiggyTuTone: YT was one of my first Internet experiences, my husband had spent so much time on it, one day I kicked him off so I could see what the hoopla was about. I did a search engine for trivia and quizzes and eventually came across YT. After that I was hooked to the point that the following Christmas my husband got me a computer just so he could get back on his!

JI: So what keeps you coming back for more? What makes YT so addictive?

ZTT: That is a question I have pondered since '02! I'd have to say at first it was the questions, I have always loved voting and posting on questions, then it evolved to getting to know members. When I first joined, YT was less than a year old, and a much smaller community. There were several who went out of their way to make me feel welcome and involved. I have always appreciated that. There are always new people to meet, new subjects and topics to read and discuss. To me, YT is as addictive as hearing about the latest celeb gossip, you cant help but tune in so you can get the latest scoop!

JI: How has YT changed in the time you've been here?

ZTT: Nowadays sites are always coming and going, yet YT has managed to maintain an increase of members while the site itself has grown and branched out, that is quite an accomplishment.

The integrity of the site hasn't changed much in my opinion. It's popularity has grown with time, additions and improvements have been made with that growth. Now we have i-am-bored and Quiztron as well. But overall, YT has remained a fun community for folks to get together and have a good time.

JI: You list old horrors and thrillers as your favourite types of movies. Tell me about some favourites. Why are they more appealing than the movies of today?

ZTT: I could go on and on about favorite films & stars of the past. We love TCM (Turner Classic Movies) and that is the channel we keep it on during the day. Movies from the 20's through the 40's are our favorites. Noir films are great for thrilling suspense, 'M' (1931) with Peter Lorre would have to be a favorite to name, any Edward G. Robinson is also a favorite. And the old horror films, they just cant be beat. If I had to choose a favorite it would be 'The Unknown' (1927), a silent with Joan Crawford and Lon Chaney. Chaney is undoubtedly one of the most versatile when it comes to horror. 'Freaks' (1932) is a great classic as well. Any Myrna Loy and William Powell movie is a favorite for mysteries, especially the Thin Man series.

To me, older films are more appealing than movies of today because they arent set in a standard formula for each genre, so many recent movies are boring because of that. Older films were few, so there weren't many genres, they may have set the standards for todays movies, but when taken in the context of the time they were made, they are fresh and different. The plots seem more meaningful, the stories more complex. I'll choose a movie from the 20's-40's over a recent one any day!

JI: What do you think about remakes of old classics? Does the modern version of King Kong stack up to the Fay Wray version?

ZTT: Very few remakes have been worth watching in my opinion. It seems lately the trend is to try to rehash and update oldies that are better left alone. Where's the originality? The worst I've seen has been the 'Guess Who' remake of 'Guess Who's Coming To Dinner', they took a film that had class and tried to address the racial tension of the time with honest reactions. The remake was a cheap ripoff with cliched reactions relying heavily on racial stereotypes in order to attempt comedy.

While others, like King Kong, seem to be made just so the latest in special effects can be shown off. The Fay Wray version is a classic for it's time, but I did enjoy the Jessica Lange remake a bit more, at least she got more speaking than screaming scenes than poor Fay did. I haven't seen the '05 remake

JI: What did you do on Christmas day? What does this time of year mean to you?

ZTT: We start off at home, just the three of us, opening presents while 'A Chistmas Story' is on, if it isn't playing on TV we pop in the DVD, we cant do Christmas without that movie being seen at least twice! Then we either head to my brothers or get ready for everyone to come to our place (we swap each year), this year we spent it at his house.

We gorge ourselves, open presents, hang out (you know, doing the old 'some assembly required', wondering why the heck we have a bajillion AA batteries when we really need AAA batteries, squabbling over how an electronic gadget works) and usually end the day with some heading out to a movie while others head for couches and food induced naps. This year the movie was 'AVP: Requiem', I opted for the couch. For me, this time of year is all about the kids, we have a 13 year old and two nephews, 13 and 15. It gets better with each year as they get older.

JI: Now that you have a teenager, do you view the 13-17 age group on YT differently?

ZTT: It has opened me up to having more patience and understanding with that age range. Much like teens cant imagine what it is like to be 41, we adults tend to forget what it was like to be teenagers. Having a teen in the house brings it all back, the invasion of hormones, the cliques, catch phrases, crushes, the insecurities, the fads, the importance of music. With the exception of terminology and technology, it's amazing how little has changed. If I dont get any of that, my son can usually fill me in on what it is. Which is helpful, I dont feel so much like an old fart when I log on!

JI: What are you looking forward to the most in 2008?

ZTT: Our garden. We've always grown tomatoes in large pots, this year we tilled up a small section of the yard planting tomato and cucumber plants, and it was great. This year we plan on tilling more ground and adding beans, carrots, small potatoes and may attempt corn. Growing up my grandmother and my husbands mother kept gardens, canning their vegetables. We plan to teach ourselves and do that as well.

JI: What do you do to chill out?

ZTT: Ahhh chillaxin'! I'm an avid reader. I have always loved to read. I'll pretty much read anything but romance novels. I'm in several book clubs, and if I run out of books, I get antsy and have to drop everything to run to the library and stock up till the next shipment arrives. During the colder seasons, I crochet and cross stitch. I like to work on those while watching TV. Right now I'm in the middle of an afghan for my sister-in-law.

In the warmer seasons I have a little workshop in the garage and I paint ceramics. This past summer I started on a winter village. I have all of the shops, houses and such, but have only completed a few. My brother is in a local band so I go to several of his gigs. I also enjoy the occasional concert. I dont get to go very often, costs too damn much. My last concert was Queensryche. My wish list of bands to eventually get to see is Godsmack, Disturbed, and Korn.

JI: What was the best book that you read in the past year?

ZTT: 'Rhett Butler's People' by Donald McCaig. I've always enjoyed reading 'Gone With The Wind' more than watching the movie. And this book concentrates on Rhett Butler's his childhood, family, how and why he was disgraced and turned out by them, what he was doing with his life during the time he knew Scarlett when she wasn't around. I enjoyed it so much I ate it up in 2 days reread it a week later and followed it by rereading GWTW.

It makes a great companion book for GWTW as the author was meticulous with Rhett's interactions with Scarlet following along with the original story. It ends with what happens in Rhett and Scarlett's lives after he walks out with his famous 'Frankly my dear I dont give a damn' ending. But I wont give that away! It is without a doubt the most enjoyable book I've read in a long time.

JI: What from the book could have made the movie better?

ZTT: Nothing really, I think it is great as is. While the book is fantastic, I think revealing a lot of what made Rhett tick would have spoiled his character a bit. Part of what made Rhett so attractive in Gone With The Wind, besides Clark Gable, was the aura of mystery and scandal surrounding him. That bad boy image girls love so much. If that had been revealed, I dont think he would have been so dashing a figure.

And if the book been released shortly after GWTW I think it would have it would have bombed, passed over and criticized as a hack job trying to ride the tails of Margaret Mitchells fame. Coming out now, it has a chance to be a great book all on it's own as well as possibly catching the interest of a new generation of folks who haven't seen or read Gone With The Wind.

JI: What would you say is your most prized possession and why?

ZTT: Nothing material, anything material can be replaced. But the one thing I prize most in life is our son. He is everything to us. We have a great relationship, for which I'm thankful, he's not only my kiddo, he is one of my best friends, a soulmate. We can discuss anything and everything. What I really enjoy is the way he includes us with his friends, he doesn't shut us out of his life, he wants us to be a part of it. At 13 I didn't want my parents to know my friends.

He's not afraid to admit he's a Mama's boy, and anyone who makes fun of it he just shrugs them off and tells'em 'yeah, I'm a Mama's boy, what of it?' He has always stood up for what he believes in, and if someone doesn't like it, it's no skin off his nose! Watching, helping and guiding him as he grows older is one of the coolest experiences ever. Every year when we think it cant get any better, the next year overwhelms the previous. We look forward to seeing what the future brings him.

JI: What's life in Indiana like?

ZTT: Great. I was born here, then at 17 my Mother moved us to Dallas. I never liked it there, I came home every chance I got. Fortunately, my husband never cared for Dallas either. About five years ago we were able to make the move. I never was a city type of gal, and Dallas was just too concrete and busy for my taste, I prefer nature, and there is a lot of nature in the midwest. The best part of Indiana is that there are actual changes of seasons. I love the changes, spring always seems so fresh and clean and trees are gorgeous in the fall.

I love being able to go down the road to buy fresh produce from a stand when it is in season, I hope one day soon we can have our own stand. We live far enough out in the country that in going to town I always have to drive by several cornfields, I love to see the ground tilled for planting, watching the corn grow, and later watch it harvested and the fields prepped for the following spring. I love the country, but not country music!

JI: I have to ask...Boiler or Hoosier?

ZTT: Ummm, is that a sports reference? Just kidding... almost, I did have to confirm with my husband first! I am one of the most sports impaired people you would ever meet. I'm so bad at it, my sister-in-law always lets me know when the Pacers are playing, she's a huge fan, so I wont call and interrupt her watching the game.

She often teases me saying that regardless of the time of year, if she doesn't want to hear from me she could just tell me a Pacer game was on and I would believe her. What's really sad is that I honestly would! However I would choose Purdue, because baby brother went there, and they have nice colors for sweatshirts.

JI: Another Indiana-related question: Do radio stations play way too much John Mellencamp there?

ZTT: Hahaha! YES! On the classic rock station Q95. It's gotten to the point that I cringe whenever I hear 'Jack & Diane'. I like a lot of classic rock, but they tend to stick to 20 or so albums considered classic rock. It gets redundant. Mellencamp/Cougar, Boston, Lynard Skynard, Frampton, Journey, Kansas, etc.

It's funny how Indiana doesnt like to admit The Jacksons, Mick Mars, David Lee Roth & Axl Rose, to name a few, are from here but loves the claim to fame that John Cougar Mellencamp is from Seymour, Indiana.

JI: How did you and your husband meet?

ZTT: We were set up on a blind date. A friend of mine worked with him and told me he knew this guy he thought I would like because 'he smokes and likes that heavy metal sh-t you listen to'. I never forgot that, it still cracks me up. Our friend arranged for us to meet over coffee one morning before they went to work (I worked third shift at the time) and here's this skinny guy gulping coffee, shaking like a leaf and hardly saying a word! I thought he was some kind of speed freak!

So I was leery of a date and actually stood him up twice before finally going out with him. Which I'm glad I did because that first date was all it took to realize we were made for each other. And it turned out the shaking wasnt drugs, but a benign tremor he gets when he's really nervous, tired or hungry. We met in May and married in September (would have been sooner but we wanted a nice wedding) and have been together 18 years. He's a great husband and an even better friend.

JI: That's incredible. It doesn't sound like the recipe for a lasting marriage (blind date, quick engagement, etc). What is your secret?

ZTT: No big secret, communication, just being open and honest with each other. That is not always easy, but it pays in the end. We've seen many marriages fail because of lack of communication. One spouse or the other will tell a friend what their problems with their spouse is, but never the spouse. That just builds anger and resentment toward an oblivious spouse who continues to do whatever it is that upsets the other because they are unaware of the other has a problem with whatever it is. Who can work anything out that way?

We have always been able to tell each other things we wouldn't dare tell anyone else without judging. If we have a problem, we address it. If we anger one or the other, we let it be known and work it out.

JI: When you see others get engaged incredibly quickly, does it concern you?

ZTT: Not really. I've seen folks married within a few months last for years, and others who date for years only to have the marriage last a few months. And vice versa. In my opinion, its not a matter of how long you've known each other, but how well you get to know each other within whatever that time frame may be.

JI: What's your initial reaction to the recent site changes?

ZTT: Nothing much. It's OK. A bit harder on the old eyes, but I've known I've needed glasses for quite some time.

JI: Any final words of advice for your fellow YTers?

ZTT: Advice for fellow YTers, hmmmm, for some reason 'dont eat the yellow snow' popped into my head. But that only works for those who live in regions that actually have snow! How about some old skool Gene Wilder and my favorite line from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, 'A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men'.

I have to remind myself of that line at times. Life is short, don't spend it gulping Prilosec.

This week's article is titled 'Hannah Montana Suicide Plot', and the thread was posted by Surrysounds.

This week's link is titled 'Jerry O'Connell Spoofs Tom Cruise', and the link was posted by Cindy_.

Best Avatar of the Week	Best Profile Design of the Week
Becca123	"Water Lust" by Falconwing

Article of the Week

I Don't Know Why, but I Know it's Bad
Excerpt: Western society, of which we are a part, prides itself on its logic and rationality. We constantly hear the praises of our logical philosophers, our secular nations and our triumphs in the analytical and impassive fields of science.

Written by griffin_wf

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