The Herald: September 2007 Edition

[The Herald]

Short, sweet, and to the point:

Welcome to the September Edition. It's the largest yet. It's by far one of the strongest, most dynamic yet. Heavy stress on the "yet" in all cases as if you haven't noticed- we're always getting stronger.

Thank you to the people who helped out this issue... writers, you did an awesome job with the deadlines. Two of you went above and beyond the call of duty - Ms. Silverwings and our Helpful Visitor (a new one this time, not the same as before...). Thank you to both of you; you have no idea how much your contributions have helped. Tonya... we will miss you in coming issues... and I hope you won't be too much of a stranger.

And now, without further adeu... enjoy.

[The Herald]

Okay, so there may be many people who view this choice as unfair since this member has already been made staff in more than one area of the site. While I do try to choose members of the month instead of simply staff, knowing that this person has yet to be recognized for his vital contributions to SSD made it impossible for me to not honor him at least one month.

This month's recipient, Gray929, has been an active member in the community for ages now. Not only has he become a major part amongst our community by simply contributing to discussions, Gray has also taken such a proactive role in the workings of Solidsnake Designs that I'd have a hard time thinking of another person any more deserving. Gray not only slaves in his new board- Critique - to provide honest and detailed critiques for the members of SSD, but he also works very hard in the Herald to ensure the quality of the magazine is never compromised. Always willing to lend a helping hand, Gray has proven himself time and time again to be a valuable member of this community and an eager friend. It is because of these reasons I hope you will all congratulate our newest Member of the Month, Gray929.

This month, we feature Clear Vision by Remixed. Already an [SSD recommended] resource, just one look at this stunning turquoise template is enough to see why. Clean lines, well placed text, and a good choice of font help to make this one of the better templates in our database.

Though not a complete template and the colour scheme making it difficult to find replacements, this really doesn't matter if you're going for a clean and professional look. The intriguing menu layout is also a pull for this skin.

Congratulations to Remixed on his feature this month; let's hope we see many more submissions from him

A wannabe poem '1945'
Author: Vintage Hollywood

The year was 1945 … cloudless and the faint distant aroma of death gave us the nostalgia of the 30's. She stood there, shaking, her hot red lipstick lips kissing my name on a pistol.

Wingless hopes her breathing goes but somehow deep down inside we knew it wouldn't. Her breathing went faint now, or has the introduction of fear affected my hearing. My thoughts seemed to be losing their connection to reality; the last bits of reasonable thought crumbling beneath, so funny how things can change.

The stench leaking from within overpowered, black rose bush stood waiting for some time now. Clock was soon to strike midnight but I couldn't expect to see the number twelve. Fear was in and kept a grasp upon my throat, asphyxiating on my own imagination.

My hopefulness whispers for it to come quickly, the cold spoon touching the back of my neck, lifeless beats, and lifeless rhythms. Exhaling the thoughts of yesteryear, memories swirl but they make no sense now, curse it, and curse it all.

Coffee cup and a cigarette motionless on the table and my head falls to the ground, skull cracking, bones turn to nothingness, carapace gray and the eyes swallowed to leave an emotionless face.

One last smirk for the un-adoring fans, with that melancholia was dead.

I feel almost silly typing a paragraph here for the sole purpose of justifying why this piece is this month's Literature of the Month. It should be obvious to everyone. Originality, imagery, symbolism. This is simply beautiful prose. You really caught my attention with this one. Congratulations, Vintage Hollywood!

Okay. So I'm a total sucker for black and whites. Toss in a person with a face so rich with his own story it practically bleeds through the pixels and I'm sold. I've heard whispers of great things from this Tommy Huynh and this beautiful photo certainly gives some credibility to the rumors. Congratulations on your feature, Tommy, and I do hope to see more of your photography in the Photography Board the next time I check in.

"I think every single one of my posts for the last week should be here. I'm a genius. Better start recognizing."

"I'm going to throw darts at your head in order to deflate it."
Bryanic and Pandora

"Calm my son, for you are with god now.

How can I help you, child?"

"Hi, gum.

We all know what happens when someone proclaims himself to be God. Artos is one great example. Don't go down that path. I swear, it's evil!"
Bryanic and Kai

"Circle of love. It starts and then it is forced to an end."

"Sounds more like a line to me."
Rinai Jade Kenshin and TheDiaryRoom

"You do realize im from the ghetto and carry a gat on me where ever I go.

Hit us with another riddle foo!"
Tªo ®en

"When I get home? Dinner most nights, work-out some nights, write every night, hang out with my boyfriend and our dog. Hurl insults back and forth with Bryanic for a bit. "
Pandora, in response to the Routines thread

"Omg. Question aimed at Bryanic, my new worshipee (to all those idiots out there, it means I worship him xD), how the hell do you come up with your witty responses? Do you sit at home at night and think about them? Dude. You are my f***king idol!!!"

"His power lies in the italics. Without them, he is nothing."
Lamaenic and Pandora

"Dear Lawrie-

You suck at life.

Sincerely,
Car.

...

Just trying to keep his ego at a nice, steady level."

"All I hear is you singing my sweet praises."
UC and Bryanic ...again!?

"Well Del (Rhyming ftw x2!!!!), you have a point. But the internet isn't comprised of imaginary digital people. I am a real person, as far as I am aware."

"Prove it."
Lamaenic and Ryan/Gimli

"The interview people are weird.

*scatters*"

"I have extra-special cookies for you, laden with extra-special ingredients."
Knighty and Whitney

He who slings mud generally loses ground.
Adlai Stevenson

If you can't be kind, at least be vague.
Judith Manners

It is useless to hold a person to anything he says when he is in love, drunk, or running for office.
Shirley MacLaine

You can't hold a man down without staying down with him.
Book T. Washington

Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.
Unknown

Be careful what you pretend to be because you are what you pretend to be.
Kurt Vonnegut

Be aware that a halo has to fall only a few inches to be a noose.
Dan McKinnon

It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.
Eleanor Roosevelt

Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.
Mark Twain

USER, n.: The word computer professionals use when they mean idiot.
Dave Barry

At the source of every error which is blamed on the computer you will find at least two human errors, including the error of blaming it on the computer.
Unknown

I'd love to change the world, but they won't give me the source code
Unknown

If a train station is where a train stops, what's a workstation?
Unknown

If you can't make it good, at least make it look good.
Bill Gates

Do you think that when they asked George Washington for ID that he just whipped out a quarter?
Steven Wright

People think that I must be a very strange person. This is not correct. I have the heart of a small boy. It is in a glass jar on my desk.
Stephen King

I've always wanted to be somebody, but I see now I should have been more specific.
Lily Tomlin

I like to go to a bad movie in its eighth week and sit right next to the only other person in the theatre. When they go, "Hey! What the hell?" I go "Shh! I can't hear Keanu."
Zach Galifianakis

We didn't lose the game; we just ran out of time.
Vince Lombardi

I am not young enough to know everything.
Oscar Wilde

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

‘We were somewhere around Barstow, on the edge of the desert, when the drugs began to take hold.’ – Raoul Duke

See! Fire apple red Cadillacs tear searing burning tracks of dust through swaths of desert as slack jawed yokels stare on in Shock and Awe. Gasp! As our heroes fight sensationalist demons in the throbbing heart of the cultural America – Las Vegas. Watch! In horror and with anticipation as our brave intrepid adventurers cut right into the false dreams and lost hopes of the 60’s. See! The illustrious Vincent Black Shadow. Watch! The tide marks where the wave finally broke on a generation and receded into apathy, sloth and The American Way.

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, originally written by Hunter S. Thompson (who employs the pseudonym of Raoul Duke throughout the movie), takes you through the sick, twisted and mean city of Las Vegas, riding behind the eyes of All American Madman, Raoul Duke (Johnny Depp), and That Gringo Bastard, Dr Gonzo (Benicio Del Toro) - Duke’s Attorney, as they work on assignment to find the modern truths of the American Dream.

Even if you don’t give a damn about the film’s thematic merit, and many don’t, then it can be watched as simply an enjoyably witty red hot movie. Directed by the legendary Terry Gilliam, the film employs mind bending visuals and stark directorial integrity - required to convey the book righteously.

Depp and Del Toro give a sterling performance - some of the best acting of their careers.

Depp spent over 6 months living with Thompson - trading cars, lives and houses while he was at it. Both Depp and Del Toro (who played a character loosely based on Oscar Acosta, Chicano civil rights attorney, who was missing -presumed dead- by the time the movie was made) became highly involved in their respective roles – burning and scaring themselves for certain scenes.

Witty and acerbic, outrageous and brilliant to the core, I highly recommend this movie, for perhaps no other reason than that I like it. Give it a try, you won’t be disappointed…and if you are… well you just say, and I’ll be waiting on my front door step with a shotgun...to turn you into human hamburger.

Not for the weak of heart, this film enjoys heavy substance abuse, with shocking realizations and half truths packed right into the seams. Enjoy this cult film, but by no means live by it, unless you have true grit - and if so…I simply salute you.

All right guys, so this is the last month we'll be doing the avatar/signature of the month in this format. Starting next month, all winners will be hand-selected from the Herald. The only way to enter is to create a new sig and display it in your signature for us to see.

Check in next month for the new format... but until then, enjoy this month's winners!

Avi

Chantry- Very classic. Simple; I like simple.

gray929-Again, simple. Simple is very good. I like the colors.

Winner:

Matix- I like the monkey. I like the animation. Put them together, and you have an awesome combination. Congratulations.

Sig

Victor- I have been told by several people it is a good signature and I have to say- I definitely agree; well done.

Rinai Jade Kenshin- Very well made; the concept is strong and your composition is flawless. Well done.

Jon Utah- I like the colors, and the sparkles. Well done.

Kai- I love this as a big piece and even as a signature. Well done, love.

Winner:

Gray929- I really like this signature, and the simple, clean colors. It is so cute. Well done.

[The Herald]

Welcome to the September edition of The Herald.

This is your monthly round up of events that have happened over the past month, and guide to what lies ahead.

Our staff team remains the same- no new additions as yet or departures.

Website: Your Response

At the start of last month we released a much improved website to you all, thank you all for your compliments, suggestions, and bug reports.

From the feedback given, the pre-made resources area will be sortable by A-Z. Tutorials will be more visible still, with an area showing the latest additions and an icon to add new tutorials.

We also intend to add extra social bookmarking tools to articles so that any tutorial or news piece can be shown on sites such as del.icio.us/ - all at the click of a button.

We also now have weekly polls on the website that will alternate between coding/design and random/silly questions.

We shall also look to add some of the generators back- something people have been asking for.

Coding Area – All Change!

Sunday, the 26th of August featured the return of our chat events- many thanks to those who turned up. After the weird and wonderful banter had finished, the discussion swiftly turned to ways of improving parts of ssd. A lot of ideas were given here- all of which were really nice to hear. One of the main issues was the members concern over the future of the coding areas.

The coding areas are to be condensed in size, but will still serve more or less the same purpose. This is to make the area feel much more inviting and less confusing. Hopefully, the niche will be rebuilt through the efforts of our few remaining coders.

The databases will still remain, although the submissions don’t have to be strictly for Proboards. Whether it be a profile code, a PHP snippit, hand built applications, or applications for other message boards, you can post it! The submissions can be from any programming language. We are of course aware that most people are from Proboards, so this is not a miracle cure. Equally we must remember that some people are talented in other languages aside from PHP and Javascript. So this change will give users the freedom to show off their skills and perhaps inspire others at the same time.

The other areas shall be condensed into one area. A little hub where you can post your coding projects, get help, request codes and even people to work with you on projects. This shall be all clearly explained in fresh sticky topics.

We are also looking to appoint some moderators for this area; these will be decided upon shortly, so be sure to keep an eye on this dynamic area.

[The Herald]

So it looks like the fall birthdays aren't representing quite as well as the summer birthdays, but we'll wish you well on your special day just the same!

September 14th - Sex[E]
September 21st - Blade
September 27th - Jon Utah
September 30th - Laemanic

[The Herald]

September, originally the 7th month in the Roman calendar, used to be called Septem (the Latin word for seven) before it gradually evolved into September over the years.

In the Gregorian calendar which we use today, September is the 9th month. It was originally given 30 days, before Numa changed it to 29. Julius then changed it back to 30 when he came to power.

In the Northern hemisphere, the beginning of autumn is upon us. Harvest begins this month with farmers hurriedly bringing in their crops before the frosts of winter come. In the Southern hemisphere, spring is beginning and the flowers are coming on show.

People who were born in September have the Sapphire as their birth stone and the flower of this month is the Aster.

[The Herald]

Note: All of the article excerpts found in this page were based on the information provided in the article.

Fenghuang County bridge collapses, kills 22


Photo courtesy of cnn.com

BEIJING, China - As workers proceeded to remove scaffolding from the facade of an 1,049-foot bridge, it collapsed, killing 22 people and leaving 46 missing. Xiao Rucheng, ecretary general of China's Institute of Bridge and Structural Engineering, stated that many of China's newer bridges may be unsafe because of their quick building with poor materials. He also states that China should place their bridges under investigation to prevent a Minnesota bridge accident. The Chinese Ministry of Communications reported last year that nearly 6,300 Chinese bridges were dangerous because of serious damage to their structure.

Click here to read the full article.

Quake rocks Peru, kills 337


Photo courtesy of cnn.com

PERU - A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.9 rocked Peru's coast, quickly sending the death toll overnight to more than 300, injuring at least 1,350. President Alan Garcia declared a state of emergency in the Ica Department, hoping that state and local governments will get the money they need, and fast, to help fix the damage in their specific areas. Buildings as far in as Lima were damaged, including the Labor Ministry building. Hours after the quake aftershocks took hold, eleven or so in total, all ranging from 5.0 to 6.3 in magnitude.

Click here to read the full article.

Unfortunate Hero Dies at 44


Photo courtesy of cnn.com

ATLANTA, Georgia, USA - Richard Jewell, a security guard wrongly suspected of committing the Olympic Centennial Park bombing of 1996, died Wednesday, August 29th of natural causes. In 1996, Jewell had been working as a security guard within the Olympic Centennial Park when he noticed a suspicious package and began moving people away from it. The package turned out to contain a bomb, which eventually killed one person and wounded more than 100. Though initially hailed as a hero, Jewell later underwent scrutiny for involvement in the bombing- and was largely depicted as the guilty party for 12 weeks before his name was cleared. During those 12 weeks, he underwent much beating through the media and FBI in their desperation to find a scapegoat for the attacks. Though he eventually settled his lawsuit with the companies, Jewell will always be remembered as the poor hero who was unfairly treated like a criminal...

Click here to read the full article.

UN Reports Cholera Outbreak in Northern Iraq


Photo courtesy of cnn.com

IRAQ - UN officials report there has been a significant increase of cholera in northern Iraq. Blaming the outbreak on the poor water supply, officials noted at least 2,000 Iraqis had developed symptoms of the disease already. In the last two days alone, five deaths have been reported while 500 patients have been admitted to hospitals. UNICEF is currently rushing emergency aid to the area.

Click here to read the full article.

Taliban Free 12 Hostages


Photo courtesy of cnn.com

SEOUL, South Korea - Taliban militants have released 12 of the 19 South Korean hostages taken over a month ago. These 12 were part of the 23 Christian aid workers who were abducted on July 19th from a bus by Taliban militants, who later executed two of the South Koreans and freed two others - leaving 19 in captivity. The hostages were released into the care of the Red Cross with promises that the remaining 7 would also be freed in the next few days. The releases are part of an agreement with the South Korean government which ensures the removal of 200 non-combat troops from Afghanistan. In addition, Seoul promised to stop all Christian missionary work in Afghanistan. Though the government was forced to give in to many of the demands, the South Korean government refused to release certain Taliban prisoners- a major demand amongst the kidnappers.

Click here to read the full article.

[The Herald]

"Softly he brushed my cheek, then held my face between his marble hands. 'Be very still,' he whispered, as if I wasn't already frozen. Slowly, never moving his eyes from mine, he leaned toward me. Then abruptly, but very gently, he rested his cold cheek against the hollow at the base of my throat."

Yes. I know. You're all going to think I'm a dork for the book I'm about to feature- but I'm going to do it. This month, I'm featuring Stephenie Meyer's Twilight, the not-so-classic story of a vampire who falls in love with what very well should have been his lunch. In the search for yet another quick read to hold me through my finals madness, I was (forced) to check out this alluring book, Twilight, by some of my closest friends. They assured me that not only would the pages fly by, but I would be in love with the characters by page two.

Well they were wrong.
I was in love with Edward from page one.

Meyer has created a book that tells one of the most commonly repeated books throughout history: the story of two star-crossed lovers, burdened by inescapable circumstances that seek to wrench them apart... and yet entwined by love. Or something like that. Page by page flows by, full of wonderful action and blush-worthy romance. There's even a sequel if your thirst for the characters isn't fulfilled.

If you're looking for some quality writing which sheds light on the inner truth of human beings, you might as well stop reading the review. But if you, like me, find yourself occassionally looking for a book that is content to be nothing more than a good little romance, you'll love Twilight. The writing is a bit sophomoric, and the dialogue is beyond cheesy, but the story itself is interesting. You'll find yourself relating to many of the characters in the book and - if you're a girl - wishing you could have Edward all to yourself... despite the fangs.

[The Herald]

Straight to Hell (2006) - Hank Williams III

Homepage: www.hank3.com

It took ooh soo many years for this album to hit the press and finally get released. What was previously bootlegged recordings from shows is now available in amazing quality and still contains that wild outlaw-county sounds of Hank Williams the Third. He's the son of his son, the grandson of famous country singer Hank Williams.

Hank Williams is a dead-on knockoff of his grandpa. Singing country tunes, Hank is letting his rebel side show with something a bit more upbeat and outlawish. His recent release under Curb Records took a long time to get going, but it was certainly worth the wait. He had released many on the company with classic, clean country tunes, and wasnt allowed to record his heavier music. But now it's available and is probably the best country (and even non-country) album at the same time. Hank still carries the drinking, smoking and sinning in all of his music. But he's a bit more hell-raising as a "hellbilly."

Hank 3, risin' outlaw.

This new release includes both his country and hellbilly tunes that were rejected by Curb for so long. Its dirty, gritty, amazing songs envoke sin and rebellion. One such inclues "Dick in Dixie," where he sings about how the pop-counntry now-a-days is a whole bunch of "shit" and claims he is here to make a stand on bringing back rooted country in paying respects to his grandfather.

Overall... this is just some great music. I've gotten to see him live, and it was amazing. He is also in a side-project called Assjack that is more metal, which which is where his rebel shows strong. Overall, he's just great. He supports people taking his pictures in shows, bootlegging albums, and even downloading his music, simply because he is truly about the music- and against the corporations that hold artists to restraints. I encourage you all to take advantage of his view on things and take one course of action - legal or not - to make sure you've heard this artist's new album, Hank 3, risin' outlaw.

[The Herald]

The Doors, The Rolling Stones, Jim Croce and Bob Dylan- to name a few- still blare through the ears of generations new and old, bringing us back to the time of yesteryear. These immortal artists and poets will live on in our records, cassettes, CD's and iPods (and God only knows what's next) for generations to come. They will bring the American people back to an era when true art was being made by mainstream media and corporate record labels.

But the question is what is going to be remembered about our era of music? Who will represent our generation?

I will come right out and say it: There is no mainstream musical act that is around right now that I want representing the times of today (I will not use the word artist to refer to these people who bastardized American music in this way). It seems that mainstream musicians aren't concerned about anything but record sales, publicity, and reputation. The "American Idol" that the three washed-up judges seek out every year has died. This "American Idol" died way before Kelly Clarkson ever came onto the scene.

So who sucked the talent out of the mainstream American music scene? It is almost impossible to pinpoint the blame at just one person or company. It is more of a consolidation of fancy-suited record executives, Clear Channel, the FCC and Tipper Gore. Mainstream music has become nothing more than beautiful people with no drip of artistic ability lip syncing catchy nothings while they wait for their check to go through at the bank.

Are these people afraid to make good music? There is no doubt that this new generation of singer/songwriters such as John Mayer or Corinne Bailey Ray have the capability to create music that could ignite our generation and send us to immortality, but they don't. Thirty years ago, people made music that came from their souls and not for their wallet's sake. It worked then, why couldn't it work now? Real music shouldn't be kept underground and it should be recognized.

So in 50 years, who will represent us? Who will represent the Mountain Dew generation and how will we be portrayed? Will we be remembered for pouring expensive liquor on cheap hoes? Will we be remembered for pouring dollar store soda on Juggalos? Will we be remembered for creating a generation of slutty 14-year-old girls or for creating a generation of psychotic Satan worshipping teenagers with black trench coats and guns? More importantly, will we be remembered at all?

Note: I love what comes up as the first picture whe you google Mountain Dew.

[The Herald]

Bright Eyes is an Indie Rock band that has been around for several years now. They have been active since 1995 and are signed to an independent label, Saddle Creek Records.

The core band members include Conor Oberst, Mike Mogis, and Nate Walcott. In the past, these members have been joined by additional musicians and it is not unheard of for Bright Eyes to feature other musicians for particular live shows as well.

If you are new to Bright Eyes, I recommend I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning, which is their strongest album in my opinion. Other album choices include Lifted or The Story Is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground; Digital Ash in a Digital Urn; Letting Off the Happiness; Fevers and Mirrors; Lua; There is No Beginning to the Story; Every Day and Every Night; One Jug of Wine, Two Vessels; and Noise Floor... along with quite a few more.

In addition, they just released a new album on April 10, 2007, called Cassadaga. Featured in the album is "We Are Nowhere and It's Now", a song that appeared in the well-known movie Knocked Up.

Though this indie band has been recording since 1995, they still have quite a few tricks up their sleeve. For any who haven't yet stumbled upon this group, I'd suggest taking a listen; you won't be sorry you did.

[The Herald]

The Brokedowns - Visual/ Hawaiian/ Regional Mexican (Punk/ Rock/ Funk)
Planet Funk, Illinois (Chicago Metro)

Myspace: www.myspace.com/thebrokedowns
Homepage: www.thebrokedowns.com
Established in 2002

Released with Big Action Records 2002 with their first full length "Let the Disappointment Begin," again with Big Action Records in 2006 with "These Colors Don't Run! (The Musical)," and most recently on THICK Records in 2007 with "New Brains For Everyone."

If you cant tell with some of their information they provide on their Myspace, these guys are quite the bunch. They are very energetic band out of Elgin, Illinois, just west of Chicago and bring a great sound, which is a mixture of punk, rock and funk. Their energy is always high, and they probably are half of the time as well. I first got to enjoy these guys in early 2006 when they were to play in my basement for a show my friend had set up. They came to my house in Stoughton, Wisconsin and rocked my house. It was the greatest experience having them play and I instantly became attached to these guys. I picked up their CD and went to go see them at a later date and enjoyed the hell out of it. They're high energy, upbeat pace, and great lyrics make these guys a great low-key punk band. Im sure they're not the ones to go huge, but they have a sound like no other.

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The Lawrence Arms - Punk/ Rock/ Indie
Chicago, Illinois

Myspace: www.myspace.com/thelawrencearms
Homepage: www.thelawrencearms.net

Released their first full length "A Guided Tour of Chicago" in 1999 under Asian Man Records, and again with "Ghost Stories" in 2000. They managed another release in 2000 but on a split record with Shady View Terrace under Castaway Records. In 2001 they had another split, this time with their starting record label Asian Man Records, "Present Day Memories" included The Chinkees as well as their selves. They then made the move to Fat Wreck Chords in 2002 with "Apathy and Exhaustion", and at the same time released their first 7-inch "Fat Club". Then in 2003 they released under Fat Wreck Chords again with "The Greatest Story Ever Told." They made a jump back to Asian Man Records in 2005 with "Cocktails and Dreams", and recently released back on Fat Wreck Chords with "Oh! Calcutta!" in 2006.

A band that has become quite popular after producing a music video and appearing on a few television programs, The Lawrence Arms is another punk band out of the Chicago area. Though they are more pop-punk, they still pull in large youth and middle aged uprising. I was drawn into this band because on of my better friends was quite into them. I had heard their music here and there, and was somewhat interested, but didn't really like them till I saw them live. I made a 3 hour drive from Madison to Chicago to see theme, not thinking they would sell out. We got there and they were. Me and two other friends ended up getting in, pawning tickets off to get two, and then I knew one of the other bands opening, The Brokedowns from when they played my basement. So I got a ticket there. This show was AMAZING. Their personalities on stage are great, very comical and laid back and then the pack a great sound as well. Something that varies throughout the show. They can be a handful to listen to at first, but easily softens on you and makes you enjoy. Though there are a lot of annoying "punks" that stray. THey do have a strong base out of Chicago, but doesn't expand much past the midwest. They definitely are on the rise I feel, and could for sure make a hit or so that goes nation wide. They have played the states, but don't get what they get out of the midwest.

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Gang Green - Hardcore/ Punk
Boston, Massachusets

Myspace: www.myspace.com/ganggreenhxc
Homepage: www.ganggreenboston.com

First realeased ages ago, 1984 to be exact on Taang! Records with their 7" "Sold Out," Then moved to release a 10" under Deluxe in 1985 called "Drunk and Disorderly." They got some more room on HIM in 1985 as well with their 12" "PMRC Sucks" and made a move back to Taang! Records that same year and released "Skate to Hell," another 7" and their first LP in 1986 "Another Wasted Night," againt under Taang! Records. They then made a long streak with Roadrunnder Records releasing "You Got It" in 1987, "i81b4u" and "Older... Budweiser" in 1989, "Can't LIVE Without It" in 1990, and "King of Bands" in 1991 on a compilation before jumping back to Taang! Records after a break in 1997. The released two that year, "Back and Gacked" as well as "Another Case of Brewtality." And then had rereleased compilations in 1997 as well with "Preschool" and "Another Wasted Night."

Now, I know theses guys aren't really local, or uprising bands, but they are one of the better punk bands of the punk band era and are still running strong. They have been playing music since they were 15 and are still kicking it hard another 23 years later. Their older style fast skate punk was an ideal scene for these skaters growing up, they picked up their instruments and trashed like no one had thrashed before. Their sharp tone and scratchy vocals is what makes them so raw and defined as a great punk band. They recently embarked on a european tour and should hit the states later this year, definitely a band to go out and visit a life of music that these guys have been playing and listening too since your parents were young.

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Cross Examination - Thrash
St. Louis, Missouri

Myspace: www.myspace.com/crossexamination

"The Hung Jury" in under . Not much information available.

A thrash band out of STL... like most other thrash bands, they are inspired by the roots of thrash, DRI, Suicidal Tendencies and S.O.D. They bring the punk beats, and shit from the streets. They've made a crossover of old school thrash and punk and made a sound that fits their selves. They're vocals tend to be on the not so toned side, but what to expect from punks. If you've ever seen SLC Punk, you will get what Im saying. Punks done care, conformity my ass, its all about being a rebel and conforming to the punk ways, but who cares. They got fast drum beats, rip on the geetar and scream their dreams. These guys are touring the states and playing shows, but don't have the respect they deserve. They have made their marks majority in Wisconsin, Missouri and Kansas and are spreading from the mid-west and hitting the coast. So definitely if this is your style, you can get your chance to see them.

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Modern Machines - Poppunk/ Punk/ Alternative
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Myspace: www.myspace.com/modernmachines

Alright, they have server issues so Im just gonna say they have like released 4 CD's and have a decently large uprising in the southern Wisconsin and Chicago punk scene. Last release in 2006.

I've seen these guys my fair share of times living in Wisconsin for 3 years, by fair share, like 3 times I think. They definitely aren't anything like any of the previous bands listed, but they still keep that fire going in the punk scene, even though they are a little more yuppy, puppy and poppy. They have a slew of clever lyrics and sweet melodies along side some great guitar palying. Their soft tones sometimes get a little slow, and thats why they tend to be a tad alternative. But really they are not that bad, they have some slick tunes on myspace and could definitely use any press, I need to get one of their shirts and represent my old state foos.

[The Herald]

In celebration of the 20^th anniversary of the North American debut of the immensely successful Metroid franchise, this month's review is going old school. Really old school. This month's review will be based on Gunpei Yokoi's NES classic, Metroid.

Metroid was released in North America in August of 1987.

The game that started it all. That's the credit that Metroid for the NES holds. Metroid is much more than that, however. Metroid was one of the first action/shooter games of its time and introduced gamers to two new concepts: side scrolling that went both to the left and right and non-linear gameplay. While these two ideas may be commonplace in gaming today, their introduction to the gaming world had a huge impact in all future games. The combination of these two concepts created all new gameplay possibilities. With Metroid, gamers now were able to revisit areas they had already played through, but now they could reach new areas and obtain new power-ups that they couldn't access before. This method of going back to an area once you got new power-ups has been a staple in the franchise since the original game and can be seen in games such as Kid Icarus and almost every Castlevania game to date. This new backtracking style of gameplay also brought a new depth to games; gone were the days of proceeding to the right of the screen until the level ended. Metroid featured many, memorable regions with their own distinct flavor, obstacles and enemies. Each one was also a thrill, not to a mention a challenge, to explore. At the end of each region (with the exception of Brinstar, the starting region), there was a boss players had to defeat in order to gain access to the game's main villain, Mother Brain, leader of the Space Pirates and the Metroids, jellyfish like creatures who would attach to their victims and suck out their life energy. Defeating these bosses was critical to unlocking the path to Tourian, where players would face the aforementioned cerebral menace.

Gameplay was not the only revolutionary aspect Metroid is famous for. Metroid also is famous for introducing the gaming world to the very first female protagonist, something which is still a rarity in gaming today. While Samus Aran, the lead character, was perceived to be a man inside the advanced cybernetic armor, gamers who completed the game in a timely fashion were treated to an ending which dropped the bombshell; a suitless Samus Aran stood before them in a two-piece bikini.

Metroid, like many games from the old days, is a highly challenging game. Gamers are tossed into a highly dangerous world with little life energy and just a basic arm cannon at the beginning of the game. As Samus traversed the different regions of the planet Zebes in her hunt of the Metroids, she collected various power-ups which allowed her to keep up with the ever increasing danger, such as the famous Varia Suit and the vital Ice Beam, which was necessary to defeat the Metroids. Should the gamer fail, they had to restart the game at the beginning of each region, regardless of where they died due to the lack of a battery save in the North American cartridges. The game was forgiving to players and the slightest mess up could cost Samus her life. Adding to the challenge were the lack of controls for shooting. While later iterations in the franchise introduced firing mechanics in all eight directions, in Metroid, Samus was only capable of shooting up, left, or right, and had no crouching ability to shoot at enemies on the ground.

Although Metroid may have been released so long ago, its legacy still lives on. The original game has spawned six subsequent games and a enhanced remake, all of which have made a lasting impression in gaming history. To this day, gamers still trek through Samus' first adventure, trying their luck by with utilizing some of the game's most famous passwords (such as JUSTIN BAILEY and NARPAS SWORD) to create new ways to play.

Another lasting trend that Metroid helped introduce was the concept of "speedrunning." In a nutshell, gamers who attempt speedrunning try to complete the game as fast as possible, and in certain situations, with only a certain amount of power-ups. Metroid, and all of it's 2D sequels encouraged speedrunning by rewarding speedy players with better endings than those who took their time, with the most famous ending being the revelation of Samus' gender, respectively.

When you get to the bottom line, Metroid is a game no gamer should miss. Although nothing like today's games, Metroid is an unforgiving, yet highly rewarding game experience which has undoubtedly been extremely important in the development of the biggest games in the past, present, and those to come in the future and has inspired some of the gaming industries best developers. Metroid's supreme legacy lives on to this day and being such an important title, is one all gamers should try their hardest not to miss.

Commonly found high up on numerous "Top Games of All Time" lists, gamers will be hard pressed to find many games, both old and new, that can deliver the quality experience that Metroid delivered twenty years ago.

Metroid earns five stars out of five.

[The Herald]

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Platform: PlayStation 3
Developer: Media Molecule
Genre: Action/Strategy
Players: 1-4
Release Date: TBA 2008

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Announced on March 7, 2007, LittleBigPlanet is a rare, unique game. In a premise similar to that of a Sims game, yet at the same time, drastically different, LittleBigPlanet throws gamers in the driver's seat right from the get go and let's them define their own, individual game experience. While many games have claimed to give the player such freedom in their games, many of them fail to deliver on that promise. LittleBigPlanet is different, however.

The game places you in control of a burlap-sack being, properly named "Sackman." Sackman is a being with total control over his world - he has the ability to create what he desires, and as the gamer, you have that ability (in game only, of course). To turn these desires into actual, tangible objects, all you have to do is open up a creation menu, similar in appearance to a thought bubble. Through this interface, gamers are presented with a numerous amount of tools to build their creations. Gamers will be able to pick from various materials such as organics, rubber, metal, and wood, all of which have their own unique properties and all of which have physical limits, like their real-world counterparts - that makes a no-go on the whole rubber house concept.

However, gamers have more freedom than in the buildings and stuctures they choose to construct. Playing as a God character, Sackman has the ability to change the size of any object at will. This ability will without a doubt be extremely useful when solving challenges and puzzles. That's not the end of the line for Sackman's ability to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles. Sackman can fly over obstacles or even call in three other buddies to help him move objects, build chains, and manipulate his environment in any way his crazy mind sees fit.

LittleBigPlanet is also big on customization. Players can add or remove objects and structures at will at any time during gameplay and can edit pre-exisiting and new ones as well. Character customization is included as well, as the costumes and looks of the Sackmen can be changed at will, without the need to connect to any editors that are not contained in the gameplay area or level itself. Finally, as another method of customization, players will be able to create their own, self-invisioned maps and stages which they can upload online and make available to other users via the PlayStation Network. Users will also be able to rate, comment, make suggestions, and track the popularity of any given stage uploaded to the PlayStation Network.

Although LittleBigPlanet currently has no set release date as of yet, gamers can expect to have a downloadable demo of the game available as early as sometime this fall.

[The Herald]

Game development is an enigmatic beast. Ever changing, development of games was at one point the job for a single person. Now, however, game development requires the hard work of large teams and in the end, is in essence, an immense financial gamble. While a job in the industry may be highly rewarding, it is one that requires a very dedicated worker, one who will pour their heart and soul into the final result.

Before the lengthy work of game development can begin, the game idea must be pitched to the game developers, the ones who will physically make the game, and then the publishers, the company that will sponsor the game and be responsible for bringing it to the masses. Once the idea gets the "green light," work begins.

Developing a game is a costly process. Development can cost millions of dollars and range in the time span anywhere from a year to three years or more. Of course, as with the music and movie industries, development costs and processes are unique for each game. For example, a 2D puzzler made for a handheld gaming system will obviously cost less money and take much less time to develop than a full fledged, 3D game, which will require vastly greater amounts of time and money.

Game development can, in a sense, be related to how the body works. In game development, each member of the team works to complete different tasks. Some members in the development team may write the programming for the game while others may be involved in the art direction of the game and be responsible for deciding how the game will look visually and determine the game's unique art style. Generally, most developer teams will be made up of at least the following roles: at least one producer, at least one game designer (often more), artists, art directors, level designers, sound engineers, programmers, testers, and researchers, though many companies also have other team members performing other roles, ultimately depending on the game in questions. These roles can be likened to the organ systems of the body. Each organ system has a specific task to perform and only when all said systems are working without problems and together will they be able to support the body and help it survive. The same can be said of the workers in a game development company. All divisions of the developer must continously work together to fix problems they have encountered and to create the finished project.

As a game traverses different phases of production, often times publishers will set deadlines, often called "milestones," that developers are required to meet to keep the game on schedule and often times, are used as incentive to keep work steady as some publishers will not pay the developers for a specific period if they do not their milestones on time. Examples of milestones would be developing the game enough so that a beta demo can be released to press, a new trailer can be produced, or the developer and publisher will have a presentation for an industry trade show such as E3, the Leipzig Game Conference in Germany, or the Tokyo Game Show. It is not uncommon for development of the actual game to temporarily cease in an effort to meet a milestone, especially for a trade show.

As game development finally comes to an end, the role of the tester becomes ever more important. Although testers work from the day the development team has the game in playable form, their workload increases as the game nears release as they are responsible for finding any and all bugs, glitches, and general problems with the game. Many times, significant changes in a game occur during this period, as testing may demonstrate that while an idea looked great on paper, once actually playable, it is troublesome.

Once a game passes the rigors of testing and debugging, it is considered "to have gone gold." Once a game is gold, the publisher becomes responsible for producing copies of the game and preparing it for launch while the development teams are often given time off, as compensation for the commonly large amount of overtime put in during the last stages of development and testing.

With the release of newer, more powerful consoles that can be connected to the internet, developers are able to continue to release updates and patches for a game once it has hit release. These updates can range from small patches to fix bugs that may have passed through testing, to map packs for online multiplayer experiences.

[The Herald]

This month, I'm featuring a very well known anime: Fullmetal Alchemist. Though it originally started off as a manga, Fullmetal Alchemist was later adapted to the now 51 episode anime series. Like most people, I was first introduced to the series when I caught an episode on Cartoon Network late one night.

Some of the main characters:

• Ed Elric--Ed, short for Edward, is the protagonist. He is the fullmetal alchemist, but is often thought of nothing more than a short boy.
  
• Al Elric--Alphonse is Ed's younger brother. He is often mistaken for the fullmetal alchemist because he is a full set of armor.
  
• Colonel Roy Mustang-- Roy Mustang is known as the Flame Alchemist. He is Ed's boss, but he has his own plans.
  
• Winry Rockbell-- Winry Rockbell is the daughter of two doctors killed in the war when Ed, Al, and she were kids. She is the mechanic that fixes Ed's arm and leg when he has mechanical problems.
  
• Lieutenant Riza Hawkeye-- The lieutenant is part of the military and aloyal aide to Roy Mustang.
  
• Lt. Colonel Maes Hughes

[/u] Maes Hughes is a detective in the military. He is good friends with the boys and Roy Mustang.
[/li][li]Scar-- Scar is one of the survivers of the war; he goes around killing Alchemists. He gets his name for an obvious reason: the x-shaped scar on his forehead.
[/li][li]King Bradley-- President though his name would suggest otherwise, King Bradley is in charge of the military.
[/li][/ul]

Throughout the episodes, you follow Al and Ed as they attempt to bring their mother back from the dead using alchemy. They fail, and it costs Al his body and Ed his arm and leg. After failing, they set out to find the Philosopher's Stone, which will allow them to return to their bodies.

On their journey, Ed becomes a State Alchemist and an instrument for the military to use. He is a unique Alchemist because he does not require transmutation circles to perform Alchemy like most Alchemists.

Ed and Al help several people and communities along the way, as they follow the trail of the Philosopher's Stone. They lose several friends along the way and make several more.

They also fight several Homunculi- artificial humans that seek the Philosopher's Stone to become Human. There are 7 Homunculi, each one named after one of the 7 deadly sins, and each desperately trying to stop Ed and Al from succeeding.

Overall, Fullmetal Alchemist is a very good anime which certainly keeps you wanting more. Take a few days to watch all 51 episodes- that's all it will take. Worth every minute.

[The Herald]

This past month In sports, we saw a lot of milestones being made and even a record broken. People say that the record broken in August is arguably the best accomplishment anyone can hold I the MLB. Barry Bonds broke Hank Aaron’s record of 755 home runs. He now holds the number one spot for career home runs. Many people think he should be stripped of that record because there is some controversy that Bonds used performance enhancers along the way. Really, his only support is his fan base in San Francisco. This, among other reasons, contributes to Bonds' current job dilemma: with such a small fanbase, he has no choice but to renew his contract with his current club. Also, for you people who think his record will later get stripped because someone will “prove” he took steroids, may find themselves to be disappointed. Jason Giambi, another player cited for using 'roids, has been cleared of that accusation. The MBL said they have stopped their investigation into it. People are eventually going to have to move on and accept the fact that Barry is #1. And they'll have to come to terms with it quick because if he comes back next year, he will more than likely reach 3,000 hits- forcing people to recognize him once again as a record-breaker.

Barry, you better hope you hit as much homers as you can. Alex Rodriguez, the young stud for the New York Yankees is very hot. He recently hit and surpassed the 500 home run mark. In addition, Rodriguez leads the MLB in home runs this season with 43. The big question surrounding him is will he stay in New York or go? Personally, I believe A-Rod will stay. There are very few teams that will pay him his asking price. Plus, he wants to go to a team that has a stadium easy to hit home runs in. Right now, I think his only other option is to return to Seattle.

The next big milestone reached was 3,000 career hits- the same milestone Barry is focusing on now. Many say that 3,000 hits is an automatic bid into the Hall of Fame. Craig Biggio reached that mark in August. He was obviously very happy with that. Craig, I think, is an underrated player. He has so much more talent than people credit him for. In addition, he is very humble and unselfish. You never hear his name in the news linked to a request for a big contract. He plays for the love of the game- and is one of the few remaining who do.

I have one update from last article. Michael Vick is pleading guilty to his dog fighting charges. This has been a very interesting and funny case. Two Mondays ago, he said he was only pleading guilty to housing the dog fighting, maintaining that he had nothing to do with the betting or killing of the animals. Later that Thursday, he plead guilty to both betting and killing the dogs. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison. Serves him right.

O, and for any American football fans out there, preseason is underway with the regular season kicking off this month! It’s going to be a good one!

[The Herald]

So, here I sit at this computer of mine, thinking. Oh how dangerous that is, we all hate it when we start thinking and our minds start to wander and we start to question things. As I sit here, letting my mind wander, I start questioning people and their commitment problems. Y'know commitment shouldn't be that hard.

People commit themselves to God, they commit themselves to drugs, to committing crimes, and to loved ones, all the time. Then there are some people, who are just scared of commitment. They can't commit to anything. They commit themselves to their family, their obligations, their other half, and to God.

I worry about these people. I mean, God is there for us, always, have faith and you shall be saved. Love you other half and be faithful and commitments should be okay. Own up to your obligations, it is time to start acting your age.

I am going to ramble about commitments to a job for a paragraph or so now. Part of growing up is getting a job, but some people seem incapable of doing so. Are they just lazy? Or afraid of the commitment? Are the afraid of the commitment to settle down in one place long enough to make some money to support themselves? Does this make any sense? We all have to have a way to support ourselves, right? If they are afraid to make this commitment and hold a job, is it our job to pay the government's taxes to pay them to do nothing? If we make the commitment to have a job and pay taxes, why should they get the benefit of those taxes?

Commitment to a love, an other half. If you truly love someone this should be the easiest commitment, next to God, right? So why do some people have such a hard time making that commitment to that one person? They can't be faithful or good, they can't promise themselves to that one person. Why?

And these people who can't commit themselves to love, God, or a job, can commit themselves to drugs and crimes. How does this make sense? I am not saying all people who don't commit themselves to God and a love are drug addicts. But I don't understand the people who are committed to doing these drugs and crimes, but can't commit themselves to someone they love. Or a way to support themselves. Or God. I am still trying to figure this one out.

Well, I hope I got your brain going and you are wondering some of the same things as me. Have a good day, friends. Think about these things. Commitment isn't something to be afraid of, it is something to accept.

[The Herald]

Sound system gonna bring me back up
One thing that I can depend on
Sound system gonna bring me back up
One thing that I can depend on
- Sound System, Operation Ivy

Better than any drug. Better than sex. What’s that you say? A cool breeze on a warm summer’s day as you stand triumphant at the summit of some little hillock - perhaps with a slowly gushing stream running down the side, where faeries and birds used to frolic in days of yore? Exactly, sir, exactly….
But no… Better yet, better yet, is that feeling you get when your favourite song flicks on at a club, or a pub, or even just when a band that maybe you weren’t really listening to, cause they are just bearable not really good you know, starts playing a few bars that makes you think to yourself, “What? What? Wait. Don’t I know this?”, and you catch a friend’s eye and they are nodding or smiling or already starting to shout along with rest of the room, “White Riot – I wanna riot. White Riot – a riot of my own”…
Music’s the great communicator; emotion or anger, or hate, or love - sublimated in a song in a way that no other form of art can manage, goddamn.
Or maybe I’m just rambling. But it’s no surprise, to me at least, that the three things that compose the sure-fire cure for bereavement are wine, women and song – the first is a necessity, the second is mandatory but the third ensures the whole deal.
Where am I going with this? Who knows…Uh…Something meaningful…I need something meaningful.
I’m a music junkie. Have been since I was 4 years old and listened to my dad’s Toy Dolls and Talking Heads vinyl. You make that first choice, ‘I want THAT ONE’, and you never go back…you’re sunk, lost beneath the waves without a trace. Because after that you’ll do anything to feel that feeling of discovery and unity and empathy that comes just with listening to music that means something more than the four walls of your life and some relentless invisible ladder set in routine and inane inadventure.

For me it was punk that did it, others its metal, or rap, or hip hop and slam, or whatever other genres of endless variations on –core or –break…but whatever your genre, just remember this one thing…there’s no sex in the champagne room.

Never fell in love
until I fell in love with you
Never know what a good time was until i had a good time with you
If you wanna get the feeling and you wanna get it right
Then the music gotta be loud
for when the music hits I feel no pain at all
- Radio, Rancid

[The Herald]

What happened to horror?

I love it when I see humans being mutilated. I love seeing living, breathing, feeling people like me, get torn limb from limb right in-front of me. I don't even mind when they get their eyes pulled out, or if their entrails spill out and something or someone eats them. It just pleases me so much.

Actually it doesn't at all. It makes me sick to the very core of my being. With all the death and violence in movies and on TV, we as American have become completely desensitized to gore. This epidemic of insensitivity has been on the rise in recent years. My generation especially seems to have a taste for blood that almost no horror movie or video game can quench.

What made me realize this recently was seeing the Scream Awards on Spike TV re-runs. I came home late one night and happened upon this show, which celebrated the entertainment value of violence. I'd never seen the movie Hostel except the clips I saw during the show. But as the "eye removal" scene received the award for best mutilation, I had no time to turn the channel before I got to see the actual removal. I almost threw up, and being at the receiving end of an eye accident, it made it even worse. Anything involving damage to the eye makes me cringe. I sat there sick until I fell asleep. As much as I was disgusted by this, I was intrigued. I couldn't believe people would actually pay to see these things happen on the big screen. I couldn't believe there was an award for best mutilation. But I do feel the curiosity to see what these movies are about.

Frame from the award winning eye scene in Hostel.

What happened to horror movies? I guess people don't like just getting scared anymore, they just like to see blood, pain and suffering. There is something wholly inhuman in this. We've turned into a generation of blood mongers. We find it to be quality cinema. Gore for the sake of gore is profitable business.

Now I don't totally disagree with all violence in movies. There are certain movies that require it, if its done artistically and with some taste. I know that sounds completely backwards, but some directors do it right. They do it for the sake of their art. They don't do gore for the sake of gore. War movies, like Saving Private Ryan and Platoon for example, incorporate violence to show the horror of war. There is a lesson to be learned from these movies They show the human side of soldiers and the violence and death they are exposed to.

Quentin Tarantino, a co-director of Hostel, lost a lot of my respect as an artist because he was in part responsible for the eye removal scene, and whatever other horrors are contained in Hostel. Tarantino's Pulp Fiction is one of my favorite movies. It is violent yes, but there is also a story behind the violence. And art to that violence.

What movies like Hostel, Saw and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre do is put death on display. They find an entertainment value in the pure desecration of the human body and spirit. There isn't a real story to these movies. The story here, the reason people pay to see these movies, is to see blood, intestines and mutilation. They pay to see death. What worries me is the fact that there are people who enjoy these things. The original Saw has turned into a franchise, and obviously there is a market to see human mutilation on display.

But hey, humans have a history in taking pleasure in death, especially violent , bloody ones The Romans had their gladiators and we have or gory movies. I think the human nature part here is curiosity. We wonder what it would look like if someone got his stomach cut open, or her eye pulled out. Or if a person had to saw off his own leg, or if someone else took a chain-saw to someone else's arm. We're curious about these things and we get perverse pleasure in seeing them happen. When we go to see a movie like Saw it isn't about being scared as much as seeing gore. You go in knowing you're going to see gore, and you know what you're going to see, removing all natural fear. We want to see death. We want to see pain. Like I said, I can stand for artistic movie violence when it has meaning or contributes to the story. But if violence, death and suffering are the story, my sensitive, compassionate side won't let me stomach it. And I don't know if I can stomach a generation that thinks leaking eye fluid is neat either. Trust me its happened to me, not fun.

[The Herald]

There was a recent accident which appeared very near my house, just a couple of days ago. A male, 16 year-old, was knocked down, and ran over, by a bus. He died on spot. He was in the same secondary school I was in. His wake was attended by at least half the school's pupils. He was evidently a popular student among his peers, being a student leader and also one of the leaders for Boy's Scout. He was a promising young man.

As of now, I see eleven roses for him on my MSN contact list, and it got me thinking- why do people only offer a rose to one who's dead? Why not the rest around you, who're alive?

Isn't it hypocritical? Of course, it is all right to grieve for the departure of a young life, but isn't it more important to treasure those around you, those who are alive? Instead of mourning (and I wonder how many are just acts) and grieving over a dead person?

Why cry over someone who's dead? Treasure those who're alive, that is more important. And also, learn to live each day to its fullest so that when you are on the verge of death, be that tomorrow or sixty years from now, you know that you haven't wasted your life, that you've lived it to its fullest. Isn't that much more important?

Isn't that what we should do? Not put a rose on your MSN nick, and act sympathetic. Then two days later, the rose is gone and he is forgotten, added to the already-gigantic list of those lost in the course of history.

So, please treasure the people around you, be them someone dear or otherwise, for you never know what might happen to them, at the next moment.