I try to be a good person. I really do. But, a lot of times I fail. Sometimes I wish I could just go away to some remote area of the world with no one around. How can one not feel that way sometimes? Just turn on the television. 90% of television angers me. I never flip through more than 5 stations without thinking, "How stupid can the population be?" If shows such as The Bachelor are as popular as they seem, then there are a lot of people watching them. I honestly cannot comprehend how anyone can find any interest in any show such as this. There are dozens of reality and dating shows. How pathetic must a person be to sit at home and have absolutely nothing to do but watch a dating show? It...it...just fascinates me. Are you trying to lower your intellect? Haven't you noticed the type of commercials being shown to you while you're waiting for another eight-minute dose of stupidity? Television producers are laughing their heads off at you. Everyone in the television world is probably just as surprised as I, wondering how in the world they're getting away with it. They know, though, that you're going to copy everything you see. You'll try to look just like the horrible characters in their mindless weekly spew. You'll be in the bathroom looking at your reflection as you're getting ready, thinking how you can make your hair look like this person, or make your eyes resemble those of that person. They know you'll want to look, act, and be just like the sculpted, scripted morons of your worthless shows. The advertisements between each vomit-inducing segment are the only reason you're watching. Don't think so? If a show isn't successful, then there will be no one begging to run an ad during the newest, hurried stew of contemporaneity, and the show will be gone. Why can't people think for themselves? That's exactly the problem: people don't think. They observe, but slack up when it comes to refection and analyzing. It's a huge problem. It's why there are so many of those new Honda Elements on the road. "Hey! It's new and trendy! Time to go in debt a little more." It's the same for the Chrysler PT Cruiser. Any intelligent person can see how horrid both of these vehicles look. It's the only reason MTV exists. They know teenagers don't think, and have tons of money these days. "Just give them whatever is the hip new thing. They're too concerned with trivial goals and current styles to think about meaningful things. Just flash some shiny objects, play some 'cool' sounding, regurgitated music, and they'll never give enough effort to notice their profligacy. And we'll be all the richer."

This is why I'm a bad person. Sometimes I feel as though I just hate everything. I'm so disappointed in mankind. I'm often ashamed to be a human. I truly wish I lived a long time ago. I would love to live in a village, where everyone takes care of everyone else. No asphalt. No malls. No one worrying about the current fashion trends. No one whispering to another about the out of date clothes of a passing acquaintance. I know people probably talk about my attire. I have shirts that are years old. I buy pants at Wal-Mart. I don't care. They serve their purpose. I don't care if they're not what's popular. I don't care if certain people will think less of me because of the things I wear not being fashionable. People like that are one of the biggest problems with this world. I really hate the structure and hierarchy of our society. Men have ruined it beyond belief. Nothing I say or write in here will change it. I know that. I'm a product of this horrible country as much as anyone else. This is only a release.

Sometimes I get so depressed about everything. That's one of the reasons I never get any sleep. Sometimes I get to feeling so bad that I really wish I could go on into eternity. That's the real comfort—knowing what lies ahead after I leave the world behind. There are times when I doubt Christianity, though, and that comfort isn't there. Sometimes I feel like nothing will ever get better here; that I'm just waiting for death. I was having a discussion with someone the other day and I said something like, "Most people think death is the ultimate punishment. Lately I've been thinking the opposite is worse. Birth is a curse for some." I sort of regretted that immediately, considering my beliefs (and how dramatic it sounded). I was just in a bad state, and things like that sometimes pop out when you're upset.

A Christian shouldn't think these kinds of things. I'm not a good one. Sometimes my mind gets so crazy thinking about these things and so many others that I can't stand it. I never tell anyone about this. I don't know why I decided to reveal it now. I guess I realized that it won't matter; that others have thought the same things a hundred years ago, and others will think the same things a hundred years from now. Why even try? Why do anything? "I wish God would just take me away now." I feel that way sometimes. I think everyone does. "I don't want to be here anymore." But, I know that won't happen anytime soon unless I make it happen, and that would never be an option under any circumstances. I want to be a teacher so maybe I can help a few people while I'm here on this polluted, wasted ball. Teachers are some of the most important people in the world. If a young person has a nice, friendly teacher that really wants to help them learn, then that's going to influence that person in a wonderful way.

I'm not the best person ever. That's extremely obvious from my rants. I sin all the time. I always ask forgiveness. I equally ask for help. I need God's help like crazy. I need Him to help me to not get so angry over these things. I need Him to help me not to hate. Whenever I'm angry, I feel like I hate a certain type of people (like fashion-conscious airheads). After the anger subsides I realize I don't hate them, but pity them, and that the anger comes about because I feel sorry that they waste their lives with triviality. Maybe they don't; I shouldn't judge.

I also realize that many would consider my beliefs as triviality. This is why I mustn't dislike anyone simply because of these things. I never try to force my beliefs (religious, political, or otherwise) on anyone. I think that's wrong. But, I guess the things I think as wrong and the things I think as right don't really matter to anyone but me. And nothing really matters to me but that I be a good person and help whoever I can.

My favorite thing is nature. After I finish with school and get a real job, I plan to find a place in the "country", and try to get at least three acres. Maybe out on Snuggs Road, or somewhere like it. I say I hate the world, but I don't. I just hate how men have misused it. They've wasted what God gave us: a beautiful Earth. It's probably just going to get worse and worse, like the Bible says, until the end. I love it early in the morning, just before the sun rises. No other time of the day feels like that, with the pale light and silence. It's as if I'm the only person in the world. I like to go out and sit, and just be. I wish every place and every time could be so peaceful. The world is messed up. I can imagine how disappointed God must be. It's too far gone, though, it seems sometimes, as if there's no way humans can coexist in peace. There will always be differing religions and opinions on everything. The only peace a person can realistically hope for is inner peace.

Maybe the people that watch all those brainless television shows have it better. Ignorance is considered bliss, right? They don't worry about these things. Maybe I should just fall in line, and think like everyone else. I wouldn't have serious worries. I wouldn't care about starving children and the RAGING unfeeling, careless, self-centered mentality of people around me; ones that complain about a cold. Next time you have a cold, remember that you're not thrilled when you find a dead mouse for reasons of hunger. Remember that you have fingers and toes and the ability to read and run and play and laugh. Don't complain to me about a cold. It will only make me angry. I wish you weren't so selfish.

Television doesn't matter. The movies and books and video games I put over there on the left aren't important. Neither are the billboards on highways, coupons in newspapers, or Web sites like this one. It's all filler: things to occupy our minds and bodies while we wait for eternity. I'll be 70 in the blink of an eye. You think you're going to be young forever? Break your delusion, even if it's a subconscious one that you don't speak. Ten years ago you were young. Ten years from now the present will be foggy, and you'll say you were young. Maybe you just don't want to think about it. One day soon you might need assistance getting to the bathroom. Maybe you'll even need help using the bathroom. I'm just another person here thinking about his mortality and interaction with other life. It's not important. After I'm dead I'll be forgotten on Earth, just like you. Nothing I'm writing is new or vital. Stop reading, get out of here. I'm surprised you've read this far. I'm crazy. Don't listen to me. I apologize for this rant, I'm just upset.

That's about 1/100 of the reoccurring junk that flows through my brain constantly.

I know I probably made some of you mad by insulting something you like in yesterday's garble. Can garble be used as a noun? I don't care. Anyway, I'm sorry if you became angry because of what I said, but I still feel the same way about everything. I'm sure others would consider many of the things I like just as stupid. The only difference is that I don't care. It's not going to anger me if you attack things I favor (or my beliefs, opinions, or anything else for that matter). So, again if I angered you by insulting something you like, I'm sorry, but I still think it's just plain stupid. That doesn't mean I think you're stupid. ...Unless you defend your hip hop adoption to the point of insult or injury.

The rave about television and music was just one of a hundred examples I could discuss. I guess I decided to go off on it yesterday because that was a very common one. It just makes me mad... how people can care so much for fleeting, trivial things. Yes, I like some television shows, and movies, and various other things. But, they're not that important to me. That should be obvious from the rate at which I change the reading/watching/playing/listening boxes over there. Sometimes one will be there for months, simply because I don't think to change it, or I haven't been listening (or whatever) to anything new. I only have them there to provide some quick insight.

I rarely watch TV. A lot of the time I'll watch news, or maybe an old episode of The Simpsons, or a movie. I've never gotten wrapped up in a television series, though. I remember when The X-Files and Buffy the Vampire Slayer were so incredibly popular. I never understood it. I don't see how you can center your day around a prime time half-hour commercial. Some shows are alright, I guess. The same goes for music. MTV and the radio make me want to vomit, but I can sit here all day and listen to Bob Dylan or Bad Religion. I have at least 250 songs on my computer that are there solely for nostalgia purposes. Insert another random thought right here.

Why not apply my intelligence and effort towards politics or some honorable organization? This was the question of someone who will remain unidentified. She asked me this after reading my silly rant yesterday. First, I'm not very intelligent. Second, politics is just as messed up as everything else, probably more so. I don't want any part of it. It seems as if there is a scandal every other week. It's hard to trust anyone in politics. What are most politicians but well-educated actors? I think Bush is merely a frontman (I also doubt he's truly a Christian, or that he cares very much about most things). I admire the few that really care for their fellow man and want only to make a positive difference. It's difficult (impossible?) to know what really goes on in Washington. Who knows the surprising truths being hidden from citizens? We're kept in the dark.

Maybe after I retire I'll run for mayor of Norwood. That made me laugh.

I know I ramble on like crazy. After I go back and read what I've written it will probably seem senseless. I won't change it, though. What will twenty people care?

I think part of the reason I'm sort of depressed is because of my physicality. I've been having several problems, one of which has been painful. I'm also not in shape and I have stretch marks. I don't know why I got them; I've been the same size for years. When I went to the doctor last week I weighed 148 pounds. Some are on my hips, some are on my lower sides. It saddens me when I see them... I don't think anyone will ever love me again. That's something else I worry about sometimes. I'm not saying these things for pity. I don't like when people have pity for me, so don't. I know people that whine all the time in hope for attention and/or pity. Don't think I'm trying to do that at all. I'm not. I've felt like this for a long time. I never told anyone about it. I never tell anyone about it. You know I hardly talk to anyone unless spoken to first. That's just the way I am. I've never asked for any extra attention. I'm usually quiet. I was very depressed in 12th grade and the only person I ever talked to about it for those two months was my best friend at the time. I keep things under wraps, mostly. I'm writing it in here for reflection, so I'll remember it and learn from it. Maybe it'll explain to a few people why I haven't been as talkative lately. I don't want any pity, save it for people that really need it. All I want is understanding. Things could be a lot worse. I could have no legs at all. I shouldn't even be concerned about a few lines, or love handles, or whatever. It won't matter when I'm old, or dead.

There will be some people (females I'm speaking of here) that will read the above paragraph and have their entire perception of me changed because they now know I don't have an ideal body. It's the truth. Some girls would read those few sentences and leave right then. Isn't that sad? Pity those people.

I like being alone. So, worrying about finding someone isn't that big of a concern right now. It may be later, though. What if I regret not trying to find someone now? Gather ye rosebuds while ye may. Or something like that. I turned twenty-two last week. I realize I'm still just a child. My mind and heart are still young. I still have a few hopes and dreams yet to be trounced. In ten years I may look back at these writings and wonder how I could have ever been so stupid. I should be thankful for what I have, what I haven't, and not carry on as such. But, for right now, for whatever reasons, I just don't feel too swell.

The end of the human race will be that it will eventually die of civilization.                                                       —Ralph Waldo Emerson

Someone from the University of West Florida in Pensacola visited my site not long ago. Anyone I know? I was seriously considering attending that school. I had papers sent up and talked to them over the phone a couple times. That was a while back.

I made two of you angry about the things I said. I'm not even sure why you're still mad at me. I didn't say anything untruthful. It's better to be hated for who you are than loved for who you're not, I suppose. There's no need to insult me. I said nothing bad about you. Calling me mean is just plain crazy. I'm always nice to everyone, even when I'm frustrated or furious with anger. Ask anyone I'm in close regular contact with. I'm sorry I made you mad, but it just makes me sad/mad that people give so much importance to things that don't deserve it. I know I'm right. Need reasons?

I doubt any of these people care about Fear Factor.

Nothing against Fear Factor, it's a very intelligent show. Since we're dragging out this stupidity so far, I may as well spread it around a little further. Understand my point: Liking television shows, music, movies, certain clothes, cars, and other trivial things is not necessarily bad. If I were simply stating that, I would be a hypocrite. My point is that a lot of people take it too far; they care way too much for these unimportant things. But, they have every right to be selfish. I don't care if you get angry about the things I'm saying. I think I'm correct. Yes, it's based partially on my religious beliefs. Christians aren't supposed to gather riches, or spoil themselves or their children. But, these beliefs of mine are also based on a simple, wonderful concept: humanity. If you park your $40,000 car in a garage that costs more than your neighbors' houses and you don't feel some sense of conceit, then something is wrong. I'm not saying all rich people are bad people. I know wealthy people that are some of the nicest people you'll ever meet, such as the Edwards.

Sometimes I wish I were rich just so I could give it away to people. I was talking about that with one of my friends in class today. He agreed. While I'm on the subject, the same friend came to me with a great idea. There's hardly anything for young people around here to do. There are only a couple places to hang out, and they all serve alcohol. What if we could get a place set up for all ages to gather with no alcohol or anything? You know, a safe, friendly environment for all ages. We're not talking about some rinky-dink kid's place, but some place where people would actually like to go. The old K-Mart would be a good place to transform this into reality. Senator Dole's office has been contacted, and my friend is waiting to see what they say about funding. If this moves, it's going to require a lot of work. But, when he proposed the idea to me, I jumped right on it. I think it would work. It would be really great if this could happen, but the idea may die off quickly if funds fall short.

I'm sick of talking about this whole over indulgence, luxury versus necessity thing. My point always has been this: I wish people didn't worry so much about trivial things, and cared more about people. That's all it boils down to. There's nothing wrong with liking a television show. I was simply discussing my frustration over people's tendency to put too much emphasis on such insignificant things. Don't forget about reality.

Well, since everyone becomes offended and pissed off whenever I write about serious topics I thought I would just talk about something totally worthless to clear the air. Anyone else sick of these things?

And does anyone know what this is? I found it on the web but I haven't been able to find out what it is. It caught my eye and I've been wondering about it since. It's very unique.

This depression will not go away. I feel like these marks around my waist and thighs are getting worse. It has me so depressed. All kinds of things go through my mind. Sometimes I wonder that if I had a perfect body if I would just be another one of those self-centered, uncaring people. I worry to death about it. I'm afraid no one will ever love me. It's hard to find a friend that won't judge you based on insignificant things, let alone someone to marry. How many people want someone to marry them for their appearance anyway? Maybe I don't want to know the answer to that question. No one sees them but me. Then why are they bothering me so much? I'm scared they're going to get worse.

I have other physical problems that I don't want to discuss. They're nothing extreme. Should I be grateful I don't have cancer? That I'm not disabled? Retarded? Dead? Lately I've been wishing I were dead. Maybe that's wrong of me. I'm just sick of everything. It seems like no one cares about anything worth caring about anymore. I enjoy television, movies, video games and many other things. But, I don't center my life around them. I don't base my life on alcohol or sex. Have you heard about this new "reality" show where women compete for a pornography contract? Sometimes I seriously feel like I hate the world. It's an endless cycle of garbage.

I got really down today. I keep thinking about suicide. I know that's wrong, but I'm sick of everything. I feel like things have only gotten worse, and they'll only continue as such. I sincerely wish God would take me away. Maybe he has something for me to do yet here. Maybe a few years from now I'll understand everything. I'll know why I felt so horrible for so long. I've felt this way for a long time. I don't like telling people about it, though. They may recite a few predictable phrases they've learned to say in those situations, and then leave it at that. I don't want people to judge me or feel sorry for me because I feel this way. No one knows about it but my dad and whoever reads this mess. I'm sure some think of it as insignificant; that it'll pass, it doesn't matter. I hope you're right.

Maybe my depression is a sin. Maybe I should have complete faith in God and hand over all my worries to Him. I'm not trying to be depressed. I've asked God to help me so many times. I can understand how people don't believe in God. There are so many things in the Old Testament that sound fake, like a Native American tale that explains the origins of something because they don't understand science. I've begged God to rid me of doubts. I don't want to be too logical. An atheist will tell you that's one of the biggest problems with Christianity: throw in some logic and it's all hogwash. I've always believed in God and I always will. If I didn't, then I would just be another unpleasant plebeian. I'm not denying that I'm a plebeian, I just don't want to be an unpleasant one.

I feel guilty for feeling this way (depressed). And stupid. I feel like such an idiot. I sure sound like one. I wish I would come to my senses and reach that point of higher understanding—an awakening of intelligence so to speak.

My Grandma's (Hancock) house was sold to the city of Norwood on Friday at 11am. I took the camcorder over there to film it beforehand. It'll probably be torn down and the land merged with the park. That place holds tons of memories. City officials probably don't care about memories, though. Sure didn't increase the value of the house any.

Update: The house was renovated and made available for public use for non-profit groups.

Remember how I said a lot of television, music, etc. aren't important; we tend to overemphasize? I might just retract that to a certain extent. When I was in bed trying to fall asleep last night, I got to thinking about being over at my uncle James' house. I remembered one Christmas several years ago when my cousin Jeremy got a Sega Saturn. After the usual gathering at Papa's house for Christmas breakfast I went home with them. We had such an incredible time. We played Virtua Fighter 2 for hours and hours. I remember how we said Wolf reminded us of our uncle David. I remember how much fun it was to fight each other in the game and have tournaments and such. I went back over there countless times so we could all be together and play video games and do so many other things. Then it hit me. Trivial things aren't as trivial in circumstances such as that. Oh sure, some shows are still just as insanely stupid and should be disposed of as soon as possible. But, when things like a good game or movie help to kickstart the creation of memories/relationships between family members or friends, they don't seem as petty.

Note: American Idol, The Bachelor/Bachelorette, MTV, Temptation Island, Blind Date, The 5th Wheel, Boy Meets Boy, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, Cupid, Paradise Hotel, Meet My Folks, Married By America, For Love or Money, the entire E! network, elimiDATE, Dismissed, Taildaters, The Real World, Newlyweds, Rich Girls, and all "romantic comedies" are still mindless, idiotic tripe in my opinion.

Anyone with real talent wouldn't have to do things like this.

Britney Spears may be good looking, but that's about all she is. As a man, it doesn't bother me too much. What bothers me is the fact that little girls looking up to this talentless nuisance. She's influencing a generation of girls in a horrible way. She's sending them the worst kind of message: as long as you look good, nothing else matters. It's true that if Britney didn't look as she does she wouldn't be on television and the ever-inferior radio; no one would know who she is. Why do you think Christina Aguilera starting slutting it up? Her voice is considered better, but she couldn't compete with Britney's whorish ways. I feel so sorry for all the wonderful singers out there that will never get anywhere because they aren't physically attractive. I don't see how anyone with a brain can find Britney tolerable in any and every way a person can be measured. She's extremely annoying and selfish.

"In lieu of creativity, there is an undue emphasis on sexuality."

When the only part of your movie that anyone discusses is a scene in which you flash your underwear, something's not quite right. Whenever she performs she dresses as sexy as possible, dances around provocatively, and, oh yeah, DOESN'T SING. She just moves her mouth along with whatever rubbish is being emitted from the speakers. I'm sure she knows that the only reason anyone cares about her is because of her looks. All the suits behind her (agents, managers, executives) take full advantage of this fact. They know the brain-dead consumers will suck it all up. The guys will drool with glazed eyes and the girls will buy her "music" and copy everything she does.

Q: Why would MTV have Britney, Madonna, and Christina kiss?
A: Their music sucks.

I'm not denying the possibility of it being entertaining. I'm just stating the fact that she has no real talent.

Britney Spears should be charged with prostitution and noise pollution.

She later added...

Britney then giggled and fell down.

I ventured to Concord today to see a doctor. I don't have cancer.

On the way there I saw a sign in someone's front yard that read, "HAPPY 40th ERROL AND--" I forget what the lady's name was. I guess you don't forget a name like Errol. Anyway, I guess it was their 40th wedding anniversary. Then I thought that perhaps they're twins. I'd hate having a twin.

I'll finally be done with this degree in May. I've already worked out my schedule for Spring. One of the classes is only offered on Monday nights from 6-10. Another isn't being offered at all, but I need it to graduate. They're going to let me do an independent study. At least I won't have to attend class for it.

Someone from the University System of Georgia Board of Regents keeps coming to this site. Who are you? Can I help you with anything? How about giving me a scholarship or something?

I found this very interesting:

In July 1997, a fetus was discovered in the abdomen of 16-year-old Hisham Ragab of Egypt, who had been complaining of stomach pains. A swollen sac found pressing against his kidneys turned out to be Hisham's 18cm-long identical twin. The fetus, which had been growing inside him, had lived to be 32 or 33 weeks old.

That would be so awesome.

In one of my classes the final grade is calculated by three exams worth 20% each and homework, quizzes, and lab work as the other 40%. We had the second exam yesterday and I aced it.

Here's my schedule for next semester:

M/W   10:00-12:00   Implementing Internet Services
T/Th   8:00-10:00   Network Systems Managing II
T/Th   10:30-12:30   Principles of Web Design
T/Th   1:00-3:00   Internet Programming
Internet Development and Support (Independent Study)

Whoa, two blockquotes in one entry.

Not bad. Maybe by next semester I'll be running a couple websites. I'll actually have time to do that (probably). After talking with Jeff I found out that the class I previously said was only offered on Monday nights is going to be taught on Tuesday/Thursday mornings also. That's a relief, I guess. After I graduate with this degree in May I'll take as many classes during the summer as I can. Then I'll complete the rest in the fall to finish up the AA degree for transfer. After that I'll have two years left during which I'll finish my four year degree in Education. I may change my mind between now and then (I have over a year to finalize my decision) to go for English. I could still teach with an English degree. Plus, I may wind up going back to SCC to teach computers or something. I'm glad things are finally starting to come together. Sometimes I wish I had just gone straight to State after high school like I had planned. But, who knows how different my life would be if I had? I guess I'm not in bad shape. Some people don't even go to college. I wonder where I'd be right now if I had never met Samantha. Maybe I wouldn't want to know.

...it's very easy to shape things so that they go along with your way of thinking without realizing that's actually what you're doing. You fail to realize how wrong you are because all you care about is being right, no matter how insignificant or foolish your cause or argument. You can always find a way to justify your viewpoint, even if it's the complete opposite of reality. Just because others agree or "support" you doesn't mean you're right. They're probably just as foolish as you. A million people believing a certain thing doesn't make it true. Popular opinion is usually the incorrect and/or immoral opinion. You just don't see how young, ignorant, and selfish you really are.

The ULTIMATE romantic comedy. I guess that means it's 1000% idiocy instead of the usual 100.

I made this animated gif, by the way.

It's getting very close to my favorite time of year. College basketball is just about to start in full. Thanksgiving is a week away. It's almost time to put up the tree and decorations. And you can just start to feel Christmas coming. I love Christmas almost as much as a little kid does. I couldn't care less about the presents, though. That has nothing to do with it. There aren't many feelings greater than being huddled together with a couple dozen family members on Christmas Eve, with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer playing quietly on TV, and an old record player spinning out a 50-year-old holiday favorite. Add some festive food, a lot of laughs, and have it all highlighted by the red and green glow of the Christmas tree, and it all equals the best time of the year, and permanent memories.

Expect more ramblings like this before it's all over with.

Noticed this while I was eating some raisins today.

I saw Elf tonight. It was pretty good (7/10).

I'm sure everyone has seen the Michael Jackson mugshot by now. My friend sent me a picture of how a computer program determined he would look now if he'd never had plastic surgery.

 

Michael Jackson at 45 with no plastic surgery	Michael Jackson at 45 after dozens of alterations

I think he has some mental problem. I feel sorry for him. He's getting older now and it's going to be really hard to keep his appearance up. It wouldn't surprise me if he ends up killing himself. Let's try another one. Here's what Osama bin Laden might look like today if he had been born in America.

 

Makes you think. Well, makes me think anyway. I didn't make any of those images, by the way.

I've always found JFK assassination conspiracy theories extremely interesting. Today's the 40th anniversary. Try to go five channels without hearing about it. I'm going to put a video of the shooting(s) on here. It's one of the best I've found on the Internet. Heck, I'll throw in some autopsy photos too. I made the thumbnails small since some people are squeamish.

The first thumb will take you to the video, which is 47 seconds of the Zapruder footage. You can see him starting to slump over and move his hands around his neck after the first shot, with his wife leaning over towards him. Then, around frame 313, you see his head split open. I don't know why I decided to put this stuff on my site. I'm sure you can find these things elsewhere. There's also tons of information about that day and all the theories of what really happened. It's very, very interesting. My dad was in Mrs. Sims' third grade class when it happened. He's also been to the spot where he was shot.

We put up the tree and everything thing this evening. It's kind of a tradition. We always do it a day or two after Thanksgiving. It's basically the same thing every year. We get the tree and various boxes down from the attic and start rummaging through them, discussing the memories of old ornaments and decorations. It usually takes a couple hours.

Here's a short story my little brother wrote for school.

        I was playing soccer one day in our yard. As I looked up the road I saw the President running. He came up to me, dirty and tired, and said, “May I borrow your bike?” I said, “Why?” He said, “I need to get to an important meeting. I’m late!” I said “No” to see what he would do. That crazy President said like a girl, “Fine then, be that way.”

        Then, all of a sudden he took my bike and ran. I called the police, but you know they wouldn’t believe me. I told everyone, but nobody believed that the President stole my bike. I never got it back.

        Later that day on the news I saw the President with a broken nose and arm. I laughed like crazy. You see, my bike has no brakes. He told the whole story about him and my bike, and how he wrecked. He was on his way down to the meeting and he was going down a huge hill. He tried to put on the brakes but it didn’t stop. He slammed into a car and flipped over it. After I heard that on the news I laughed even harder.

        I figured that the President was going to come see me but he didn’t. As a matter of fact, he went to jail for stealing my bike and cussing at the meeting that he finally got to.

The last sentence of the first paragraph is my favorite.