Typical, or Unique?

William Shakespeare immortally stated: "What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet". And yet, the baby-name book business is a multi-million dollar business and parents pour over countless names before settling on the right one.

Some people are named after someone the parents knew.

Some people are named arbitrarily.

Some parents give names as a cruel joke (see the late Texan Philanthropist Ima Hogg)

Some people are named after characters in books, songs, tv shows or movies.

And for all the time that parents put into finding a name, so many people end up with the same name.

I recently read the book Freakonomics by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner. In one of the chapters, the authors examined patterns in the names which parents give their offspring. I highly recommend the book, but be forewarned, you may not be a fan of how your name is analyzed.

Sorry for getting off on a tangent, back to my main point:

What do you think? Stick with a classic name (Elizabeth, John, etc), a more recently popular name (Tyler, Alyssa, Madison, Ryan), or a made up name (Britlyn Laurenne, for example).

And is a name that important? A deal breaker with friends and significant others?

Are we that shallow? Or is a name more important than Shakespeare supposed?

WHAT.

STARTING MARCH 14, 2011 NICKELODEON IS STARTING PRODUCTION ON NEW EPISODES OF OUR CHILDHOOD FAVORITE SHOWS, SUCH AS ROCKET POWER AND RUGRATS. THAT IS ALL.

Drizzy Drake Rodgers

So, i'm Devin, but the entire school calls me Drake..literally. All day every day all i hear is Drake! Or, Drizzy! Or, Aubrey! That's not that bad though what's worse is when i go somewhere random and people notice the similarity still.

For example, over break i went to my girlfirends basketball game at Del Oro vs. Inderkum. At halftime I went into the lobby and then when i came back out some random guy stopped me in the doorway and said, "Hey what up bro?"

I was like, "Sup dude,"

He said, "Dude these girl's i'm with, they think your gorgeous, they think you look like Drake, have you ever heard that?"

"Yea, haha at school people don't even call me my name, they call me Drizzy.."

"No way bro, you should come sit with us!"

"Haha ok in a little bit....."

You tell me... Is this a normal occurance?

Furlough Break

It's the first day back from break and I'm feeling a little tired. I can't complain though because this was probably one of my favorite breaks besides this past summer break. I did so much this break, so I never had that "I'm bored. I miss my friends at school," feeling.
Friday through Sunday I was lucky enough to go visit a couple colleges. Friday I visited the University of San Francisco for the second time. I was so excited to see USF again because it is my dream school. I love the urban setting and the campus is absolutely beautiful. Saturday, I visited Saint Mary's and loved it so much. (Devin loved that I loved it too. haha.) I loved the small feeling of the school and how friendly the students were. Lastly, on Sunday, I visited Santa Clara University. The school was a perfect mix of old and modern, was medium sized, and somewhere between suburban and urban. It was great.
Then Sunday night as I was driving home, I received a text from my best friend inviting me to go bowling. So I literally went home, changed, then headed out to Strike's, where I bowled the best game of my life. Then the rest of the week she slept over and we just had a good time.
I had fun everyday this week, but yesterday was definitely my favorite. I went over to my friends new house and helped her unpack into her new room. Then we snuck out and met up with a few friends. We discovered a new place on the Hillcrest trail with a rope swing and hung out there for hours.
All in all, I had a great break and wish it could never end.

Valentine's Day

So yesterday was Valentine's Day. Personally, my favorite day of the year. I love love. The fact that there is a day dedicated to showing how much you care for someone facinates me. I think this should be every day, but February 14th is widely recognized and brings joy so I have no problem with it whatsoever. All the girls walking around with their roses and chocolates only make all the singles wish they had a significant other. Some may find it depressing, I know I had in years past, but it's so much more than a commerical holiday. My boyfriend and I couldn't be together to celebrate so we had dinner over skype. Valentine's Day is all about showing the people you care most about exactly what they mean to you and spending the day with the ones that you love. My Valentine's was not ideal, since I couldn't be with him physically (and I woke up at 4 a.m. to buy prom tickets), but we were still connected and I got to spend the day with family and friends so it was still perfect. Valentine's Day is still and will continue my favorite day of the entire year as long as my potentially unhealthy amount of faith in the power of love stays strong. Can't wait for next year :)

For the Flash Staff

A little inspiration for the Flash staff. I know this class can get crazy, but hang in there. The print issue is going to be so good when we distribute it. Just think-we have one more left to go this year. Keep working hard in journalism, school, sports, etc. You guys are all great.
Peace, love, and the Flash,
~Amanda

Spring Semester

I finally came to realization that it is the 2nd semester and it's almost the spring..that means:

-AP tests
-College Acceptances
-Furlough Break
-Spring Break
-Dance shows
-Warmer weather
-Smoothies
-Bugs (ew.)
-Senior Ball
-Senior Activities
-Graduation

This is all going to go by so fast!!

North African Uprisings

I'd like to put in my two cents about the revolutions against dictator-ish leaders going on in North Africa. Tunisia has recently overthrown their oppressive government in a massive uprising after their president had spent 23 years in power. In Egypt, Mubarak has just stepped down today after 30 years in office. In Libya, the masses have just begun protesting. In my country of descent, Algeria, revolution against President Bouteflika, who has been in power since 1999 and even amended the constitution to be able to run for a third term, is set to start tomorrow.

It's hard to believe that in our modern world there are still countries with leaders who's hunger for power cannot easily be satiated. They claim to have a fair government and hold elections and such, but in reality these dictators have no plans of giving up their power. The fact that a president can only be office for two terms is something I really like about the American government. We all need change and new ideas in order to improve our world.

Also, I feel that it shows the power of influence. In Tunisia, a young man was harassed by police after attempting to vendor some fruit out on the street. He committed suicide by setting himself on fire and the masses, seeing him as a martyr, began their uprise against the government. After the Tunisians successfully purged their country of their oppressive leader, other North African countries began following suit. It's incredible to see how the people of these countries bond together for a like cause due to the example set for them by a country in a similar situation.

These control-fixated 'presidents' need to take a hint from the fact that millions of people do not want them leading anymore and step down in a dignified manner. Leadership positions are meant to allow individuals to help the public, not to revel in the luxuries of being on top.

New York

Yesterday, I found out that my mom had been talking to our second-cousin-of-someone-or-another, and she said that he had invited us to his grand opening of his new high-class French restaurant in New York!

How pumped am I? Pretty pumped.

Mom tells me he is this most talented chef and that he knew me and my brothers when we were little before he took off for the East Coast. His mom and my mom were pretty tight in college and what not but that's just a blast from the past...

Anyways, he invited my family to come but it looks like it might be just me, my aunt, and my mother. It's in March, so still enough time for something to come up and not allow us to go... but whatever happens, happens!

Valentine's Day

Wow.. I used to hate Valentine's day. I'm pretty indifferent to it this year, and I'm sure I'll love it the next time I'm in a relationship. But seriously, there's so much pressure around Valentine's Day. People should be able to express their love all the time, not save it for one day.
My Valentine's Day last year was AWKWARD. My ex-boyfriend got me a bunch of typical Valentine's Day stuff like a stuffed bear and a corny card and candy... And we hadn't talked for like 2 months... And he was pretty much dating a different girl... It was pretty bad lol

Friends Re-runs

The epitome of sitcom television between 1994-2004 must have been my personal favorite, FRIENDS.

I don't know why but this show is addicting and quite hilarious. I will have to admit though, nearing the last few seasons the script got a little too cheesy and not enough genuine comic relief. But still, good enough to suffice the millions of viewers that it had.

If you haven't seen FRIENDS (which is a complete tragedy), it's about these 6 friends who live in New York City and every show, thye experience new events in their lives. Some may call it a spin-off of Seinfield, which is a valid statement, but it is equally funny, if not more.

I have been watching Friends since last summer when I started borrowing the full season discs from my friend and I have been hooked ever since!!!

For those of you who have seen Friends, I first applaud you. And secondly, I have to say that Joey Tribbiani is my favorite.

Calculus BC Tests...

Are so very...very stressful.

Basically that is all I have to say.

Yup...Calc BC tests really are...well stressful.

I feel like I understand the stuff on the homework...then test time comes and its way out the door.

Test soon. Gotta study. "Ttfn" (Tigger).

Hyperbole and a Half

I recommend you all go check out this blog: http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com.

My cousin showed me this source of hilarity a while back, and I must say, it's brilliant. The blogger, Allie Brosh, started said blog as a way to procrastinate from doing her physics work. She tells of the outrageous antics of her childhood, pet peeves, and funny situations with a combination of creative pictures and remarkably witty text.

I admire her blogging a lot because of her comedic writing style and artistic talent. In everything she posts it's clear that she has a natural born talent for comic drawing and telling stories.

One of my favorite posts is when she was talking about how people often spell 'a lot' as 'alot' and how she thinks of an 'alot' as some beast-like creature. Now whenever I type 'a lot', it has been ingrained into me to spell it right so as to avoid referring to this furry creature.

I hope that one day I will be able to write and draw like Allie Brosh. She has impressive natural talent and I look up to her. A lot.

T-Minus 8 hours

When I take a test, I tend to fixate on it...

Alot...

When we took the AP World test in May last year, all I could think about for a solid week was "Did I mess up the DBQ?" "AAH! I could have added this to my free-response!!" Literally, as soon as I was done with lunch after the test I came back to school for track practice and was in the library with an AP world book checking my answers from the multiple choice.

I'm not good at waiting. When I have it off my mind, I'm fine. But as soon as I'm reminded of whatever I'm waiting for, its an itch that I NEED to scratch.

The fact that the collegeboard presents a timeline for when SAT scores are to be released with an exact date is only serving to enable my rabid curiosity.

If I had my way, I'd just stay up another three hours and have my curiosity instantly gratified, but better judgement makes me think I should just wait until when I get up at 5:30.

I don't know if I would be able to keep my sanity in the days of snail mail.

Technology may have ruined my patience.

There should be

a "like" button on here like there is on facebook because so often I really like what other people have to say but I don't want to comment on each thing I like.

DVR

We got a DVR a couple months ago, and I didn't think we really needed it because we just watched whatever was on TV. Now that we have DVR, I notice I watch way more television. I have started to watch more shows like, Bones, Fringe, Glee, Pretty Little Liars, and other random shows. It makes me look forward to the week ahead with all the shows that will be playing throughout the week. I like being able to fast forward with commercials and being able to record shows when I'm not home. It's pretty convenient.

Thor

So this weekend...Superbowl Sunday to be exact...I adopted a cat. It happened quite unexpectedly. We had just spent a family morning together and my older sister was meeting an individual about rescue puppies that he had, and rather than wait outside of the local Petco, I decided to go inside.

FieldHaven had cats for adoption inside the Petco in Rocklin, and I saw this domestic long-haired cat with gray hair that was just so...odd. I mean odd in the good way of course. He is a five month old kitten, but he acts like a dog.

Not quite the typical cat...but he has a unique background. He was born on a ranch, and since he was very young the children of the owners would hold the cats and play with them all day. The FieldHaven representative who adopted the cat out to me told me that he had the demeanor of a bottle-fed cat. It is rare for them to ever find a cat like this...and I wanted him.

So I asked my parents...and of course I was expecting to have to fight for him. Yet...surprisingly both of my parents wanted him just as much as I did.

When I get home he will follow at my legs wherever I go, weaving in and out. When I finally sit down, he will jump on my lap and sit there for literally hours. But his favorite thing to do is lie on his back and have his stomach rubbed while he purrs.

I am happy because I get the best of both worlds. He is largely independent and takes care of himself when I am not around, but when I am he follows me and just stays close. And...I don't have to worry about shots or anything of the sort. He has already had all of his checkups, vaccines, been neutered, and even has a micro chip which I have to register.

So if any of you are looking for a new companion out there. I would definitely recommend going to FieldHaven out in Lincoln and seeing which cats they have to adopt. They're very well-behaved, and well taken care of cats. And the process is very smooth. Let me know if you need any of their information.

P.S. I named him Thor because he purrs like thunder...I'm just kidding...that would be lame. I just liked the name Thor...but of course I had to find a legitimate reason to name him that :).

Lily's 16th birthday

I will have to mark February 23rd on my calender or else Lily will hit me with a baseball bat. She has been harassing me about it for quite a while now so it's kind of hard to forget about it. It will be sad if I do forget because then I'd be losing my mind and also I'd lose my legs to a single swing of a baseball bat. Although she sits next to me now so she'll be telling me everyday. That also reminds me that I should move seats because I don't want to hear her talk about it anymore. Also if she's reading this then she's going to get mad because i'm talking crap.

Eenie Meenie Miney Moe

I'm terrible at making decisions. No matter how big or small. It takes me too long to decide what to order at restaurants or basically anywhere else that requires me to choose something that I usually resort to eenie meenie miney moe. Because of my difficulty choosing things, I seem to develop traditions and rituals to avoid making new decisions. This makes me worry though that I could be missing out on a lot just because I'm choosing what I'm used to instead of trying new things. Senior year is quickly approaching and there are so many opportunities that come along with that. For instance: Do I want to spend next year studying all the time so that I can get into a good college or do I want to have fun and make the most of my last year in high school? Obviously, I'm going to try to find a happy medium but it's hard because I would have to sacrifice a lot no matter what. Hopefully, I will learn to get better at making decisions because there are going to be a whole lot more for me to make during my lifetime.

Superbowl

Yes, today is the big day. Steelers vs Packers. I am not a huge football fan. In fact, I am not really a football fan at all. However, I enjoy watching the superbowl. This year, I am expecting the half time show to be better than years past, seeing as I actually know the group that is performing! haha :) I find it funny that this is the only show that I wish not to fast forward through commercials on. I am honestly really interested in watching the commercials. Perhaps even more interested in those than in the game itself...

Anyhow, I hope the Steelers win! I do not really know why I want them to win. I like their name better :) hahaha baseball is way more my thing!

Cliff's Tattoo

So Cliff got a tattoo..on his back.. and i want one! I'm pretty damn jealous it's tight. It's his last name and everyone freaking out about it haha i've probably been wtih him 15 minutes this entire week and he's probably been asked to show it about 30 times. Haha

I want four, but people are telling me tats are really bad like their some sort of sin (technically i guess they are), but remember we can get rid of them! (laser  removal). I want angel's wings on the sides of torso and i dont know really what else, but for some reason i'm pretty set on four..dont ask why

I Need Summer

I've always said I was a winter person. I've always talked about how much I love the rain, how much I love the cold, and how much I love when it is grey outside. But lately I have started to change my mind. I decided that I want it to be summer.
I decided that I need the warm. I need to be wearing shorts, and I need to be at the beach. Also, I am especially excited for this summer because I will start to tour colleges. My family has decided to take me on a road trip starting down in San Diego to tour the University of San Diego to up in Spokane, Washington to tour Gonzaga University. This summer is not only a relaxing break from the stress of school, but an exciting adventure to learn about my possible future.

Marine Biology

This is my fifth (?) week of marine biology and I love it. It is so much more fun than Ap biology that's for sure. We're learning about coral reefs and how they are essential to sea life. I mean, now that I'm out of Ap biology, I actually have time to do other work. Anyway, we have to choose an organism to do a project on in marine bio and I chose a beautiful, cushion sea star. (You're not allowed to call them starfish because they are not really fish). They're fairly common throughout the Carribean and around Japan, California and Alaska. Sometimes otters will rip off one of their arms when they're hungry, but the starfish can regrow their body parts so it's no biggie. That's my current research. I haven't gotten very far.

Advice

High school, being one of the most confusing times in life, sometimes demands advice from our peers and higher-ups. A dear old friend of mine has been experiencing some trouble of late. Her long distance relationship is suffering some difficulties due to some communication troubles, and she has been seeking advice from all she meets. Advice is one of the most important and influential things that a person should give. Having been on the receiving end of bad advice, like everyone, I think that people must be a bit more careful before casually doling out their wisdom. People do not know how far the effects of an off-handed remark may spread.

Sweats = Love

I don't understand how people can dress up and look gorgeous every single day.
Yes, I like looking cute and wearing cute clothes, but I can't do it every day. Heck, most of the time I just roll out of bed and decide to put on some sweats. It's so much easier to get ready in the morning. Sweats, sweatshirt, hair in a bun, done.
I have nobody to impress at this school; my boyfriend doesn't even go here. So why not wear comfortable clothes to school?
Sure, occasionally you will see me dressed up cute. But truth is, if I'm dressed up, I'm probably hanging out with my boyfriend that day :P
My point is, I'm wearing sweats right now and I'm loving it.

Just like apples

We come in different shapes, sizes, and colors
Just like apples
We all have cores within us, and seeds too
Just like apples
We all have the same basic needs as humans: care, water, etc
Just like apples
Sometimes we fall or we are bruised
Just like apples
Sometimes we turn rotten
Just like apples
We all have different talents and abilities
Just like apples (i.e. baking, eating, etc)
We are universal and come in different types
Just like apples
We can be sweet or sour
Just like apples
We all start experience the cycle of life
Just like apples

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An Update On My Last Post...

Success :)

jp

what mr. nichols says is very true. if prom is the best day of our lives when we're adults, we'll have lived very lame lives. but right now, junior prom is a very big deal.

who are you going with.
who are you sitting with.
who are you driving over with.
what are you doing after.

he can't come.
she's going to be out of town.
she said no.
he said yes.

then there's the controversy of what to wear. Last year at one of our formals, a denim suit was worn,so now talk of leather suits are going around to up the ante.
all of the girls are characterized as "chatty" by the teachers, and all the guys have worried looks while they try and figure out who to ask or how to ask.

me? right now, i have absolutely nothing set up for prom. and everyone else does. best get going on that.

PROM.

Yes, prom is the hot topic of discussion in any junior group lately. Mine is no exception. Tables, party buses, dresses, bids...everything is piling up and everyone's freakin. I'm totally excited and pumped. March 12 cannot come fast enough. Even if prom sucks it is the quintessential high school experience that's going to be entertaining to say the least. Only thing I'm kinda freaking about right now is how I am going to ask my boyfriend to prom. I mean, it's already implied that we're going together as I just sent the guest pass for him to fill out but I still want to do something cute for him :) Ideas that have been tossed around are filling his room with balloons saying "prom?" on the inside or spamming his car with streamers and "PROM?" and such. Those have all been done before though...I want to do something different. I NEED IDEASSSSS. I hope he won't think it's cheesy that I want to somewhat elaborately ask him but it's PROM! Yeah, that night probably won't be in my top 50 best days of my life down the road (Mr.Nichols) but I'm still excited :) Woah Keely just taught me how to bold and italicize things on here so I shall go back and bold words I consider important in this post. So yeah. Ideas are greatly appreciated.