GREETINGS.

Hey guys. Way to break my word about updating this baby, eh? Well hell, here we are. Don't know who's still reading, but here's something to chew on.

Juuust in case I haven't let you folks in on it, here's where I am in life right now. Subject to change, purchase does not increase chances of winning. See store for details. I'm still over at Mt. San Antonio College, but there is the nice tradeoff loving it there. Stigma aside, it's great. I see DR kids all the time, and for once I feel like I'm in control of my academic career. Setting time aside to actually work on the career part... that's where it gets hard. But yeah! A good 4 or 5 semesters already. Terrifying, no? 

TO BE CONTINUED ONCE THE COMPUTER IS WRESTED FROM THE REST OF THE FAMILY

Currently Team America: World Police America, Fuck Yeah! see related

Every post is a repost of a repost of a repost of a...

Hey guys. I just wanted to copypasta this one in, cause I'm pretty proud of it. I was participating in a "What do other countries think of the USA?" thread on Xanga, and I had to put in my thoughts.

Enjoy, and feel free to put your input here as well.

"

Hey kids. I tried to read most of these to try to get a feel for the worldview of the good ol' US of A.

Before you ask, I'm American, a native Californian for 15 of my 20 years here on Earth. I am of lower middle class, so I am not what one might consider "spoiled". It saddens me that our country is held in such a negative light by so many people. I personally have no negative views of any other countries, though I do find the deficiency of human rights in many locations to be very disturbing.

On a side note, please don't attack any minor grammar or spelling mistake as a lack of intelligence. This is the internet. Read between the lines, please.

America is materialistic, because we thrive off of it. From day one you are taught to go for your dreams and goals, and to make it big. To succeed is to be affluent, or at least self sustaining and happy. The arrogance is associated with the aggression it often takes to get what you need out of our capitalistic society. Jobs are not given out, they are taken. Earned. And so, to prove to yourself and your peers your capability and worth in American society, you have to force your way into success. We are a very competitive people. To have the general population be slapped with a title like "lazy" seems ignorant in itself (ignorant being the lovely buzzword of this entire conversation), when the United States was founded on the principles of hard work and has become a world power because of it. Many of us are arrogant because we feel we deserve to be. Perhaps the more affluent of our population take what they have for granted, but many of us earn what we have by fulfilling whatever role in society we have and reaping the benefits.

It does sadden me that many of us are not knowledgeable of our fellow countries in the world, but learning of other cultures is considered a "hobby" or "optional", besides the basics of course. Names and general locations of countries, along with basic facts about them. That is not to say they are inferior, or looked down upon, but in America life is so incredibly zoomed in, you have to look at what's in front of you all the time instead of looking into the distance. Of course, in today's world economy many Americans overcome this and do in fact learn about our neighbors, but those who are more focused on local affairs can get away with knowing very little about the world around them. Why would the capital of New Zealand matter to a small business owner in New Jersey? How would the provinces of Georgia affect the life of a game programmer in Texas? It would be great if our citizens could be better informed like other countries, but with our outstretched education system, we can only do so much.

As you hopefully know, every country does indeed have their mix of nice and rude people. The United States is the same. I am happy to say that most of the people I have encountered living here are empathic and caring. Our people usually do have a cold outer shell, however, due to the extreme focus on the goings on of our own lives rather than the people around you. There is a very big distance between strangers most of the time, though. With a simple "Hello" or "crappy weather, huh?" however, this bubble is easily broken and that walking statue 5 feet away from you once again becomes a human being. We're all human here.

Obesity is indeed a serious problem in the United States. Living conditions frequently promote this condition. As a college student in America, I know that fast food may be terrible for you, but it is cheaper and more convenient than many of its counterparts. Much of the food industry makes monumental efforts to advertise to the masses, and it shows. Indeed our portions are larger to reflect that. But speaking from personal experience here, I know that not every American is overweight. From what I keep reading, many people in the world think of the US as a bloated entity, living a slothenly lifestyle and eating off the backs of others.

http://erdrama.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/walle3.jpg

 Alright, I'm losing my point here, but I'm just saying that most of the Americans I know personally do not have weight problems.

I am an optimist, and my experience in the United States has reinforced this philosophy. The biggest principle that is taught in our society is that hard work and determination can get you anything, and I for one, buy into it completely.

Our country has a respect and curiosity for those around us as well as far away. As posted earlier though, international travel is considered a luxury, and with limited media exposure on outside affairs, not much info can be picked up. On the note of information, I think much of the flak the US gets for its hostile and ignorant media is generated from local daytime news. Local news is terrible. Night time news, however, is good times. Car chases and celebrity gossip vs a zoomed out and educated retelling of recent events, both local and far away. I personally have much respect for the other countries in this world for not only the different perspectives they can bring to the table, but the sheer beauty of their lands and cultures.

Anyway, I won't waste any more of your time. Thank you for reading, and please, remember that Uncle Sam isn't out to get you. Some of us are just a bit too comfortable, that's all.

tl;dr America isn't nearly as ignorant, fat, or arrogant as one might think.

Toodles!"

Ciao,

-Dyl

Currently Float By Flogging Molly Float see related

3.

Right. Now that that's out of my system, I can get to the semi normal less whiny variation of today's scheduled programming. Sac has indeed started. It feels good to be back at school. To see it alive with a bunch of people I don't know. The be a viewer of the walking art gallery. The daily adventures. Beats the hell out of being cooped up at home all day. The random shenanigans are what I missed most and didn't even know. Take today for instance. In N Out with Shmooze and Michaelson, the surprise visit post class, the bus stop picnic with Sinister and... now. That exitement, that energy. It gets a bit static at home.

But then again, I say the same thing about school every year, don't I?

Oh boy.

I'm getting my hopes up, personally. As long as I stay this motivated the entire semester, Imma get some shit done. To perhaps escape the Fall semester with better than D's? To yank myself a place of employment? A girlfriend perhaps, once one can be afforded?* The cycle continues. Let's see if that confidence sticks four months from now.

Anywho, I'm taking an Elementary Spanish class, and a Sociology class. I'm planning on power leveling up the Spanish tech tree so that I'm fully proficient. A class per semester, I figure.  

WILL FINISH LATER

*Prostitution jokes aside, I can't afford dates and such. Workin on it. The ideal of a girl who simply enjoys my company is not something I'm getting my hopes up for.

Currently Alchemy Index, Vol. 3 & 4: Air and Earth By Thrice The Lion and the Wolf see related

TIME PARADOX!

Currently Swagger By Flogging Molly Selfish Man see related

Changes

I'll let you know when some happen.

Till then, see ya.

Ciao,

-Dyl