Questions of the Week

1. Do you think making Dora the Explorer a tween is a good idea?
Added by: Tazwert

2. Are you going to wear green on St. Patrick's day?
Added by: juni

3. When growing up, did you have your own room, or did you share one with a sibling?
Added by: VictoryRider

4. Should video games such as "RapeLay" be banned?
Added by: Wanderer

5. Is the value placed on being able to speak, write and generally communicate politely and correctly declining where you live?
Added by: Ealasaid91

1. If you were a teacher what kind of teacher would you be?
Added by: Floomert

2. Which guitarist are you?
Added by: manlypiggy23

3. Which footie player are you?
Added by: Canford5

4. Which Chocolate Bar are you?
Added by: gosselins4me

5. Which Hell-Lord are you?
Added by: CarSar31

Funniest Comments of the Week

In a News thread about Britney Spears complaining about her junk hanging out during a concert while her mic was still on:
Noldor: I heard she lip syncs, but this is ridiculous.

In a journal titled 'PS Cheese King isn't dead':
Putterer: Glad to know he's not dead. Of course, I didn't notice he was missing. mainly because I haven't been here, either.
greenandblue: Have you been dead, sir?

In a journal in which someone by the name of 'rock_on_4eva' asks what people don't like about her:
Tamahau: I don't believe for a moment that you will actually rock on forever. Perhaps for a few years but definitely not forever. Or "4 eva" as the case may be.

In a link titled 'In the link Fastest Home Computer Ever' which includes video showing what it can do:
buddy: Guy builds a home computer with 6 terabytes of memory.
tulip: But he still uses IE?

In a journal created by skaterdude9:
Putterer: Wow, have we gone through eight skaterdudes already?

Joke of the Week

His First Funeral

A newly appointed young preacher was contacted by the local funeral director to hold a graveside service at a small country cemetery. There was to be no funeral, just the committal, because the deceased had no family or friends left.

The young pastor started early to the cemetery, but soon lost his way. After making several wrong turns, he finally arrived a half-hour late.

The hearse was no where in sight, and the workman were relaxing under a nearby tree, eating their lunch. The pastor went to the open grave and found that the vault lid was already in place. He took out his book and read the service. As he returned to his car, he overheard one of the workman say, "Maybe we'd better tell him that's a septic tank."

Member of the Week

The member of the week is Carmella. A member since June 2007, Carmella recent got engaged to her longtime boyfriend. Always a pleasure in the forums, Carmella is great to get to know. Congrats!

JoeInterview's Member Feature

This week's interview features ShutterBug. This interview was conducted by travbowman.

JoeInterview: First off, how did you find YT?

ShutterBug: I googled trivia, and found the trivia game. I had no idea the forums existed for a week or two.

JI: What would you say is the biggest reason you keep coming back for more?

SB: The few friends I have made mostly. I also enjoy reading about other people's opinions on current news stories. Plus the entertainment factor, YT is usually hopping with drama. I love to watch it all unfold, it is sometimes better than whatever my husband is watching on TV.

JI: Tell us about your job as a photographer and graphic designer.

SB: I am a freelance photographer in my free time. I mainly do art shows, but I also have some photos in a few gift shops in my area. I am planning a greeting card line in the near future. I am also in the middle of designing post cards to sell at the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center to help raise money for their cause.

My day job is in a sign shop. We design boat logos, store logos and just about anything in between. We do all the design work and all of the production and most of the installation. My favorite jobs are the burgees we do for a private club. They are fun to design because every one is different to match the personality of the member.

JI: At what age did you discover your love of photography?

SB: I remember always being fascinated by photographs. When I was 9 or 10 the neighbor girl took a photography class and used me as a subject in her projects. I remember her explaining to me why she was setting the shot up a certain way and then showing me the pictures after they were developed. I fell in love with it then.

It wasn't until I was about 14 that I really started to get serious about it. I spent all of my baby sitting money on film and developing. I read every book I could on photography and took pictures of everything and anything.

JI: What kind of camera(s) do you currently use?

SB: For digital I use a Nikon D40. I am still partial to my Kiev 60, unfortunately the film is almost obsolete. It really is a shame, digital just doesn't have the quality a medium format film has.

JI: Describe the Florida Keys to the uninitiated.

SB: The Florida Keys are a chain of islands at the southernmost tip of Florida. The islands are made of limestone, it is often called keystone as well. I believe the highest elevation is 12 feet above sea level, the majority being right at sea level. We are surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. The islands are known for beautiful sunsets, the best sport fishing in the world, our crystal clear waters and some of the best diving and snorkeling the U.S. has to offer. We also have a fantastic Art Culture here.

Key West is the most popular island and was home to Papa Hemingway, Shel Silverstien and several other noteworthy people. The lifestyle is laid back and easy here. Everyone should visit at least once in their life time.

JI: Is there any disadvantage to living there?

SB: Yes, there are a couple. Hurricane Season can be a little tense, I don't mind though. We don't have malls and big shopping centers, any major shopping has to be done on the mainland or online.

My biggest pet peeve though are the tourists who have no respect for nature. They litter the water with cans and bottles and fishing string and many of our wildlife get injured due to such carelessness. The manatees that come in my canal all have scars from boat props. We have had two in the last year come in with monofilament wrapped around their flippers.

JI: Is tourism the biggest industry there?

SB: Definitely.

JI: What's the best way to spend a weekend?

SB: There are so many great ways... I think my favorite would be a trip out to the Sea Gardens for snorkeling. Usually after a couple hours of snorkeling we head over to the toilet bowl to fish. On the way in, we stop at our favorite restaurant for lunch/dinner. It is a great way to reconnect with the family and relax.

JI: Do you have any kids?

SB: I have two kids, my son is 19 and my daughter is 18.

JI: How has life as a parent changed for you now that they are adults?

SB: The only real difference is they don't ask permission to go out any more. Instead we get texts and phone calls, telling us instead of asking. They still call if they are staying out all night and discuss major decisions with their father and I. They are both great kids, and have good heads on their shoulders. I am confident they will do just fine when they leave the "nest".

I must admit though, I am just now at ease with the idea of them being adults. I had a hard time letting go, but I am getting better.

JI: What sort of music has been getting the most spin from you lately?

SB: I have been feeling nostalgic lately, so I have been listening to a lot of oldies. Looking on my MP3 player right now, I have a mix of 60's to 90's rock. With a little Jazz thrown in.

JI: What was the high school version of ShutterBug like?

SB: I was a handful, I caused my mother a lot of grief. By time I was 17 I calmed down a lot. Thank goodness for both my mother and my sakes. I think a lot of that was due to my husband, (then boyfriend) he made me see myself through other people's eyes. I wasn't liking what I was seeing so I made an effort to change.

JI: How long have you and your husband been together?

SB: I have known him for 24 years, been together 22 years, and next month we will be married 21 years.

JI: What's your key to having such a long lasting relationship in an age where they seem so rare?

SB: I lost a bet...No seriously, respect and honesty are the two major things for us. Communication is also important. If an issue comes up we may stew over it a few days, but we always end up talking it out and coming up with a solution we can both live with.

I think people often over look the small things though, like we still hold hands everyday pretty much. Be it walking through a parking lot or sitting and watching a movie. We always say " I love you". We write each other love notes just because. Well, since he has learned to text pictures, he sends me funny pictures of himself these days.

JI: Do your kids ever come to you asking relationship advice?

SB: They both do on occasion, I stay out of their relationships otherwise.

JI: What are you most looking forward to in 09?

SB: I am most looking forward to a few trips I have planned for this year.My husband and I have not been able to take a trip together in a long time. It is also the first time we are able to go sans kids in years.

The one I am most looking forward to is the trip to Georgia to see my brother-in-law and his partner. My brother-in-law and I have been friends since Junior High. We haven't seen him in 3 years, I really miss him.

JI: Where would you most like to travel that you've never been before?

SB: There are so many places I want to see, it is hard to narrow it down. I know most people would answer some where exotic or romantic, but I am dying to get out west and see the Ghost Towns. I have always been fascinated with that era of American history. I would love to see it first hand.

Not to mention the chance to photograph different scenery than I am accustomed to.

JI: What's a hidden talent of yours that very few on YT know about?

SB: I am a fantastic baker. I have trophies from a few cook offs I have entered over the years. I don't bake much these days, but I do have a few new creations floating around in my head. I just need to find some time to experiment.

JI: You get to invite any three YTers over for dessert. Who is coming and what are you making for them?

SB: I would have a hard time narrowing it down to three. I would want to invite people I didn't know all that well, so I would have the chance to meet new people. Greenandblue seems like she would be interesting to get to know, as does Mudassar ( I think that is how he spells it.) I would also invite Twisebaker, only because I know she would LOVE to play with the Manatees.

I would serve Key Lime pie, otherwise I would be a bad FL Keys hostess.

JI: Whose humour always makes you laugh any time you read/hear/watch it?

SB: On YT, becca123 always made me laugh, I miss reading her posts. THH is another one who always gets a chuckle out of me.

JI: What about otherwise? Comedians, actors, etc?

SB: I loved George Carlin, I looked forward to his HBO specials every year. Steve Martin is great as well, I enjoy most of his older movies and of course his skits from SNL. I am also a fan of Bill Maher.

JI: Any final words of advice to share with your fellow YTers?

SB: Don't breathe underwater!

This week's article is titled 'Museum finds "secret" message in Lincoln's watch', and the thread was posted by VictoryRider.

This week's link is titled 'Tunnel to the other side of the world', and the link was posted by glennh70.

Best Avatar of the Week	Best Profile Design of the Week
watch	"Don't trust in cute bunnies" by ThatGirl...

Featured Article of the Week

A murder
Excerpt: A single bright beam broke the darkness and illuminated the yellow grass, where quicksand was supposedly hidden. That beam separated into two beams, which emitted from a beat-up red pickup, which was decorated with a confederate flag and obscene bumper stickers.

Written by Giles_momma

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