SCS

I actually didn't know what the PMRC was until you said that, since I looked it up. I'm not saying free speech should be restricted. Bands do have the right to say whatever they want, all I'm saying is that parents should care more about what their kids choose to listen to. If a kid is mature enough to listen to a song and not allow it to negatively affect how they behave in the world, then by all means let them listen to it. But if a kid is allowing what they listen to to make them behave in ways that are harmful to themselves or others, then parents should notice that, step up, and help their kid get onto the right path. Basically, all I'm saying here is that parents should care about what their kids listen to, and make sure that they're mature enough to handle the lyrical content. I don't want any bands to be required to censor themselves.

I hate atomic weapons, and I'm ashamed that we ever had to use them. I feel so sorry for all of the innocent men, women, and children who were murdered by those bombs. Yet, at the same time, if we didn't use the atomic bomb on Japan, the war would have dragged on even longer, and millions more people would have died. Therefore, our country had to choose the choice that was less evil, and I feel that ending the war sooner, even if it meant having to use atomic weaponry, was the less evil choice.

Just because you're mature enough to separate fantasy lyrics from reality doesn't mean that everyone is. The main thing that makes me worry about this is all the kids involved in gangs nowadays, but then again there's probably far more powerful influences in their lives than music that makes them do that. I guess I'm just not comfortable with the idea of an 8 year old listening to a song about how "cool" it is to rape women or shoot people.

I prefer typing by far. I can do it extremely quickly, and I can do it a lot without my hands getting very sore. Having to write by hand for extended periods of time usually makes my hands sore. Plus, it's a lot slower.

If I'm not more careful, I'll probably end up breaking my headphones, again. I don't know why, but I seriously drop these things at least five times a day. I do it so much I don't even think about it anymore, until I realized recently how much I've been doing it. I've probably been doing it for months, at least.

I do not have a favorite weapon. It's unfortunate that our current society requires their existence, but I accept them as a necessary part of the world until we are able to learn how to live in peace. I understand that some people are interested in weapons. I don't think that's a bad thing, but I cannot share that interest. When I look at weapons, all I see is death, horror, and destruction. Despite that fact, I understand that a weapon is nothing more than an extremely dangerous tool, and therefore is not inherently evil - it all depends on what it is used for. I just can't wait until the day comes that we will have no more use for them.

Not at all. I used to be a fan of some of those bands you listed - but I don't like any of them anymore. Nowadays I am a fan of certain kinds of melodic death metal, and symphonic metal.

One of my favorite singers is definitely Marco Hietala. He has sung in two of my favorite bands: Nightwish and Delain. His voice is incredible. Nightwish is a symphonic metal band, and Delain is a symphonic/gothic metal band. Marco does clean (normal) vocals in Nightwish songs, and his voice is beautiful. He did the harsh vocals on Delain's album Lucidity very well. The fact that he can do both harsh and clean vocals so well is impressive. Another one of my favorite singers is Petri Lindroos. He has done the harsh vocals for the melodic/heroic death metal band Ensiferum since 2004, and his voice is incredible. He was the harsh vocalist for two of my favorite albums by them: From Afar, and Unsung Heroes. In addition to them being my two favorite singers, here is a list of my favorite bands: Ensiferum (melodic/heroic death metal) Nightwish (symphonic metal) Delain (gothic/symphonic metal) Eluveitie (melodic/folk death metal) Finntroll (melodic/folk death metal) DragonForce (extreme power metal) Amberian Dawn (symphonic metal) Blind Guardian (power metal) Stratovarius (power metal) Leaves' Eyes (symphonic metal)

Melodic death metal can be beautiful. Country music isn't bad, I just almost never listen to it. Justin Bieber isn't bad, his songs aren't bad, and his fans should not feel bad, just because I'm not a huge fan of the genre he is a part of. Parents should be more careful about what their kids listen to, because some musical artists and bands are horrible influences on children. This could be music from any genre. I like metal that incorporates symphonic or other sorts of melodic aspects more than metal that does not. I'm not a fan of rap, but my main issue is with the content of a lot of rap lyrics nowadays. To me, violent references, hateful content, and glorification of dangerous or harmful behavior in songs is a much bigger problem than whether or not it has any vulgar words in it. For example, I'd much rather my kids listen to On a Boat by The Lonely Island than listen to almost anything by Eminem. My favorite bands are usually in the genre melodic death metal or symphonic metal, yet many people have probably never heard of either of those genres.

I love anteaters, because they are adorable. They are definitely one of my favorite animals. I love a ton of animals though: bears, fish, giraffes, ferrets, and more. But, I'd have to say that another particular favorite animal of mine would be the lightning bug. Seeing their lights blinking over the lawn at twilight is wondrous.

The end of the first semester of 10th grade was horrendous. I stayed up all night before finals trying to get a ton of homework done at the last minute (which I was not able to do). I remember taking my trigonometry final that day, I was so out of it during that. I failed it. Thankfully, I cleaned up my act, and the end of the second semester of 10th grade was a far more pleasant experience, and my grades were also a lot better than first semester.

I crack my fingers a lot, probably every day. I've also gotten into the habit of cracking my toes, more specifically my right big toe. Does anyone know if this behavior is actually harmful to your body at all?

I would definitely choose intelligent and emotionally stable. A happy, true existence would simply not be possible for me without both of those things. They are both far more important than physical appearances.

I can't remember if I've ever woken up crying before. I may have, at least once, but I'm not quite sure. I remember waking up in a panic not too long ago. I don't remember what the dream was, but whatever it was had me extremely distressed. I don't have nightmares that often - when I do, they can be pretty bad, but usually I don't feel that distressed when I wake up. Sometimes I'll go through periods where I'll have nightmares frequently. I remember there was a time during 10th grade where I had a nightmare every night for at least a week. Then, they just stopped. I felt scared when I woke up, but I wasn't stressed out to the point of crying.

Generally, I respect someone until I have a good reason not to. So, even if I didn't put you on this list, that doesn't mean that I don't respect you, or like you. I just listed the people that are on this site that I respect the most. @Fizz. - He's kind, loving, and a true, loyal friend. I am honored to know him. - I don't know her, but she makes a lot of interesting topics. @Crispy - His beard. It's beautiful. He also likes metal, and I like some kinds of metal, so extra points there. @Artemis - He is highly intelligent, but much more importantly, he is wise. I remember reading one of his posts in a thread here about adulthood - it was one of the few that was inspirational, positive, and optimistic about it. That, right there, showed me how wise he truly is. He has also helped me with some issues that I struggle with. - Similar reasons to Artemis. He is intelligent, but more importantly, wise. He has also helped me out before, in a time of distress.

I have no idea what my friend's parents really think of me. However, there are two things that I am aware of: One of my best friend's mom was displeased with me, back when I used to be excessively vulgar and inappropriate in my Facebook chats with him. Hopefully she doesn't still hold that against me. Another one of my best friend's dad is impressed with my deep voice. He told me that my voice was deeper than the voices of all the adult men he knew, I think.

I have some goals that I can put timestamps on. Other goals, due to their nature, I cannot. I will list the goals I aim to complete by at least a general time frame first, and the more general goals last. Within the next two years Become a Level 1, and eventually a Level 2 certified trainee instructor in ATA Songahm taekwondo. Possibly test for my 4th degree black belt in ATA Songahm taekwondo, but I might actually need to wait three years to do that. Learn how to drive, get a learner's permit, and eventually get a driver's license. Get a part time job at a place I love that I am currently a volunteer at, sometime after I turn 18 next year. Get a job as a security guard during the summer at an amusement park that I love, sometime after I turn 18, earn my driver's license, and graduate from high school. Lose weight, get fit, and start working out at the gym to build up some muscle. Graduate from high school. Three to eight years from now Earn a degree in mathematics. I plan to participate in a program at the university that I am currently planning to attend that would allow me to earn both a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree in mathematics in only five years, which is less time than it would take to pursue both of those degrees separately. Possibly earn another degree, or at least complete a minor in one of the following: computer science, psychology, philosophy, or English. Become a fully certified instructor in ATA Songahm taekwondo, and get a part time job teaching taekwondo. Earn my 5th degree black belt in ATA Songahm taekwondo, after being a 4th degree black belt for at the very least the required minimum of 4 years, and after completing all necessary requirements. Earn a promotion to sergeant in the security force at an amusement park I am considering working at, if I chose to continue my work there for at least a few years. Nine years from now, and beyond Earn a PhD degree in Mathematics, or whichever field I end up choosing. I am currently leaning towards mathematics. Get a job in my chosen field, which I currently think will be mathematics. I would seek a job in either academia, or industry - I am not sure which one I would prefer yet. It would probably be best for me to try out both, before making a final decision about which sphere I would prefer to work in. Continue going up the ranks in ATA Songahm Taekwondo. Whichever degree of black belt I was, would be the minimum number of years I would have to wait before being eligible for promotion to the next rank, up until 8th degree black belt. When I reached 6th degree black belt, I would soon be eligible to train to become a Master. When I reached 7th degree black belt, I could train to become a Senior Master. When I reached 8th degree black belt, I could train to become a Chief Master. Going beyond Chief Master is extremely difficult. The only 9th degree black belts are the Grandmaster, and the Grandmaster Emeritus. In between Chief Master and Grandmaster would be the Master's Council, which is an elite group of Chief Masters that is extremely difficult to get into. If I understand correctly, you can only be allowed entry into the Master's Council if you had made a monumental contribution to furthering the ATA. Nonetheless, I will most certainly try to get into the Master's Council, and to even become Grandmaster someday. Even if that does not end up happening, that's fine with me. Reaching Chief Master is a huge accomplishment. Goals without timestamps Better myself spiritually, mentally, and physically throughout my entire life. Continue my research concerning OBEs and NDEs. Continue contemplation of the nature of reality. Continue to grow my knowledge of the world, but, much more importantly, grow into wisdom. Help others to be happy, and to overcome any difficulties in their lives. To get married and have children one day, if I meet the right woman. To get to know a girl I currently like a lot. To continue to become more self-confident and assertive, without changing who I am, and without becoming arrogant or unkind. To continue creating, reevaluating, and reaching goals throughout my life.

Water. I have felt a deep connection to water for some time now. Whether it be a fountain, the ocean, dew, or a raindrop, it is absolutely beautiful, and fills me with a tranquility that I cannot quite explain. Stormy weather. To be more precise, rain, wind, and thunder. Watching My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, or listening to MLP music. Listening to gentle, beautiful music. Reading something that is interesting, and not stressful, or excessively violent/scary.

I don't follow any exact regular schedule. I usually keep things pretty arbitrary, especially in the summer. However, there is a general, basic structure, that I will outline below. My summer goes like this: Step 1: Wake up (anywhere from before 6 am to after 3 pm) Step 2: Do stuff (usually the computer, but sometimes when I'm feeling adventurous I'll go to the library or something) Step 3: Go to taekwondo class (only on Mondays and Wednesdays) Step 4: Hang out at my friend's house (only on most Wednesdays, during this particular summer) Step 5: Sleep (anywhere from before 9 pm to after 10 am) During the school year, I have a more precise schedule, since I have to go to school every day. But, I still need times to be arbitrary in order to preserve my sanity. The idea of living by a precise, to the hour schedule every day for months and months terrifies me. I need freedom in life, and part of that is not scheduling out everything I do.

I really hope you don't let that crap get to you. There's nothing wrong with liking MLP, Sonic, or Pokemon. I still don't understand the logic behind why someone feels the need to make fun of people who like things they don't (despite the fact that I've done that before myself... my experiences with loving MLP have begun to show me how wrong that is). You should like what you want to like, and if anyone has a problem with that, then that's just too bad. They'll have to just deal with it. If someone puts you down for your looks, they're most likely doing that to make themselves feel better. You shouldn't let your self-esteem be driven into hell by anything, let alone people making fun of you to try to make themselves feel better. I'm sure you look great, no matter what anyone else thinks, and you should think no differently about yourself. From time to time when I look in the mirror, I tell myself I look awesome. I don't do that to be arrogant, I do that to bolster my self-confidence, because for years I'd think I was inadequate compared to others. By complimenting myself, I'm starting to learn that I really don't care what other people think of me, if it's bad. It only matters what I think of myself. Everybody makes mistakes... why would anyone make fun of you for that? Making mistakes is a part of being human. And, you know what? I love being human. I love not being perfect. Being an imperfect human means I make mistakes, but I can learn so much from those mistakes. Every mistake is actually a great learning opportunity, if you are willing to see past the negative. As for clumsiness, I doubt you're clumsy at all. It seems to me that it's one of those self-inflicted things. If you tell yourself you're clumsy, you'll probably act clumsily. That's why it's essential to tell yourself positive things. Seriously, one of the main things that helped me to get out of my depression was to start telling myself that I loved myself, even when I didn't believe it. Eventually, I did, and realized that my depression had been clouding the truth all along. The same principle applies here. Someone would make fun of you for being quiet? Ridiculous. There's nothing wrong with being quiet. There are different kinds of personalities, and I don't understand why some people can't handle the idea that not everybody is like them. I'm quiet, too, and I'm totally cool with that. I love myself for who I am, and you should love yourself for who you are. I personally think quiet people are awesome. I like social interaction with friends and all but I'm the kind of person who needs some space, and some quiet, on a regular basis, so it's nice to be around people that don't talk constantly. As for myself, I have not been bullied or made fun of a whole lot. There were a few bad incidents in the past, way back in elementary school, of kids making fun of me for being fat, or for being crazy. That's the past, though, and almost nothing bad has happened to me recently. Back in 9th grade there was a kid who made fun of me in a really subtle and indirect manner, which was downright infuriating. I saw him in the halls from time to time in 10th grade, but he never gave me any trouble then. I'm blessed to be in a city, and a school system where I simply did not experience a whole lot of negativity from fellow students. Of course some bad things happened, but they were mostly few and far between.

There was one time when I bullied a particular person horribly. I feel bad about it, but I've pretty much moved on from the whole thing because the person in question is actually one of my best friends now. He and I have been friends for at least 5-6 years, I think. Our friendship began sometime after the bullying incident. What had happened was that he and a friend of mine got in a fight, and he kicked my friend in the private area. For reasons that I do not at all understand this made me extremely angry. I remember filling myself with rage, and trying to pretend that I was possessed by a devil, while going around screaming horrible things at him. I remember even my friend who got kicked in the private area was trying to get me to stop. I don't know what exactly caused this within myself, because for my entire life I've generally been a nice, or at least an agreeable person to people when I talk to them. Both him and I got called into the principal's office, and my dad was upset with me for what happened. Thankfully, both him and I were able to move on from that experience, and are now great friends. Aside from that incident I described in the above paragraph, I don't remember ever bullying anyone. Of course I've lost my patience with people, I've been rude or mean at times, but we all have. That's different from bullying. It's not good, but it's a different kind of behavior. The thing is, I do not believe that a child is capable of being evil. It seems to me that in most, if not all situations a bully does what they do because they were bullied themselves, or had one or more negative situations going on in their life that was influencing them to behave in such a manner. No matter how horribly a child bullies someone, I doubt it's out of true malice in most situations. The bully might seem like a monster, but in reality they are probably being hurt in one way or another, and that is what is provoking them to act like they do. Does that excuse their behavior? No, but it explains it, and puts it in a context that is essential to recognize. Bullies should not be treated like monsters, or villains. They are children, and they are not capable of true evil or malice. Instead, they should be guided toward light, goodness, love, and empathy, as all children, and everyone for that matter, should be. If you are being bullied, I recommend ignoring the bully, and reporting them to a teacher or another school official, as well as to your parents. Ignoring the bully is easier said than done, but you don't have to let what anyone says about you get to you. It's also possible to try to befriend the bully. There's a good chance it wouldn't work, and it's not the victim's responsibility to help the bully sort out their problems in life. However, if you feel that you are able to handle the possibility of befriending the bully not working out at all, then it's definitely worth a try. I'm sure it would work at least sometimes. If you try, and it doesn't work, then you know that you at least tried, and then can just go on ignoring the bully.

Least favorite thing: Having to wake up early every single day. However, this isn't a problem if I keep my sleeping schedule on track. In 10th grade I discovered what life is like when you allow yourself to be deprived of sleep for months, and I'm not repeating that mistake ever again. Most favorite thing: My friends. I do place a lot of importance in education, and in class I usually don't spend a whole lot of time socializing with people. However, I do get the opportunity to talk to my friends occasionally in class (but I don't have any in some classes), and I primarily get to hang out with them at lunch, which is great. While getting an education is important to me, friendship is so much more important, and always will be. So, being able to see my friends everyday at school makes any negative aspects of the experience more than worth it.

I don't have many friends here either, since I just don't participate in this community a whole lot. I'm usually on other sites. I'll send you a message