Vegetarianism- READ THIS PLEASE

Hi everyone, I'm Lani and I'm a vegetarian. Being a vegetarian is a very smart choice in my opinion and through facts. A lot of people think that it is impossible for them to do it, but obviously it's not because I can do it, therefor they can too. Really, vegetarianism is so much better that eating meat in many different ways. There is health benefits and benefits for the animals. It even helps the environment!

Not eating meat has so many health benefits you would never guess. First, obviously being a vegetarian means less intake of fat so for people who really need it, they can think of it as a lifestyle choice, rather than a diet. Also, eating this way helps to lower chances of getting certain types of cancer, strokes, and heart disease. Most of the meat people eat is store bought and inorganic, meaning it came from a factory farm. Before animals are killed, they are given pills and such to keep them alive until butcher time considering their living conditions are so terrible. By consuming meat of the animals that were fed those medicines, our bodies become less able to fight certain types of bacteria. That is not cool.

Vegetarianism helps the environment as well. One reason it helps is because many forests are cut down to build factory farms. Also, the transportation for meat creates more greenhouse gas emissions than all of the vehicles in the world COMBINED! Another reason eating meat is bad for the environment is because factory farms do not have any sort of sewage systems and all of the animal's waste goes to the rivers and water in the area, polluting the waters. In a world were our earth's health is so crucial at this time, this does not help what so ever.

Lastly, the benefits of the animals. The main thing is that animals for food are raise in large scale factories called factory farms. These terrible places make livestock lives absolute HELL. The animals are jammed into stalls they can hardly move around in, fed pills, and rarely get to lay down because of the small stalls. Chickens are crammed tightly together in small spaces and end up having a lot of them kill each other. Animals are beat and uncared for, living in slave-like conditions. Sometimes the cows are strung by their hooves upside down and have their throats slit while awake without painkillers. Factory farms are terrible places that no living thing should ever have to go to. It's very sad and after knowing about that, I don't see how people can eat meat. Here is the video of a factory farm that changed my views of meat eating forever: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaHXA1LLB_I

If you watched the video, you know what to do now. You don't even have to stop eating meat. If you didn't watch the video, watch it now. Please.

The 80's

I wish sometimes that I was born in the 80's. It was the most inspirational decade for a reason. Everything about that time was just purely genius! The music, the hair, the clothes, the everything else. I wonder where our world would be right now if the 80's weren't the same as it was. Well, it would probably suck big time. I think my favorite part of what I know about the 80's would definitely have to be the music. There are so many great songs that even 30 years later are still huge hits. Plus, our music would not be how it is today if it weren't for that music. Also, the clothes are so interesting. I dress 80's so obviously I love it, but not all of it. In 80's movies, what they wear isn't exactly what I thought people wore then. I thought it was all bright colors, converse, lots of accessories, edgy, and bold. But when I see those movies, I really just see boring jeans, white sneakers, and sweaters or something along the lines of that. I guess that would just be like what preps were in that time. Either way, I love the way the 80's sound and dress.

Speaking of the 80's, as some of you may know, our school will be doing a play called "The Awesome 80's Prom" which, I am proud to say, I have been lucky enough to be cast in. I want to thank Mr. K for this amazing opportunity, I am incredibly fortunate for it. This will be my first play so, as I knew I would, I was cast into a small part, a prom goer background person. But the other day, Mr. K offered me to be an understudy for FOUR of the main characters! I am so honored to be in this part. So anyways, come see the show, it will be mad rad (haha see what I did there?)!

Biggest Fears

I really believe people should face their fears in life in order to live life to the fullest. Though I say that, I don't really think I can do it myself. My fears are really scary to me and I might die if I had to face them. One of my biggest fears, common as it is, is bugs. Mainly spiders, worms, and butterflies. Yes, butterflies. See, spiders, I find them very awesome looking and very fascinating, inspirational as well. But I just can't bring myself to touch them. I cannot figure out why, I just can't. Next is worms. I will tell you that around my house when it rains, A LOT of HUGE worms come out and go everywhere and I have to walk up to the bus stop in them. I cry when I have to do that. They will kill me. They are all gross and slimy looking and who knows what they do underground and they are just so nasty! Then there are butterflies. So, people think I'm weird for this but think about it, they are terrifying! They have their long, bumpy, black bodies and a little sucker at their mouth and wing that can flap in your face and blind you then they will eat you. Freaky stuff.

I am afraid of a lot of other things too that don't need explaining. Things like dying, losing my friends and family, paranormal stuff, fires, gorillas, etc. So I feel those to be quite reasonable fears. But not much more scares me, the things that go on in my head are sort of messed up, so I'm used to a lot of things. Well, have a good day!

AHHHHHHH!!!!!!

Showcase

Today was showcase day at our school. For those of you who don't know what showcase is, it's basically just a talent show for our high school. One of the greatest things about getting to see this amazing production is seeing the raw talent our school holds. In a lot of school talent shows, most of the same people participate each time. It is quite different here at OHS (Oconomowoc High School) where I see many new faces every time. It shocks me to see how much talent there is here. People I never ever expect to see up on that stage get up there and are brave enough to show their school what they can do. I can't think of one reason that showcase could be bad in any way. It lets people express themselves and be supported by most everyone, gives students a break from class, and is an all around happy day for everyone, well, mostly. I believe our school is very advanced and supported in the arts because each term people dedicate themselves to performing in an amazing show, every other Friday a few people put on a show in the library, and art shows are held in our own Art Gallery. Everyone should be proud to attend a school like this.

Amazing Bands

Our world is full of amazing bands of so many different types of music. With everyone having different taste and what not, the possible combinations of best bands are endless. But I'm here to tell you my favorite bands and why they are all so freaking amazing. This isn't a very accurate list considering I love so many bands so much, but it should give people a good idea of the type of music I love. Here is my top 10 list:

10. Paramore. This band is not only an amazing band within their music, but hold great sentimental value to me which is what made me decide to give them a place in this incredibly important, world changing list. They have an interesting sound being alternative mixed with rock and even hints of indie. The reason they aren't higher up on the list is because their sound has changed so much. The sentimental reason I love  them so much is because their music is what inspired me to be how I am today. I am very proud of who I am, so thank you Paramore.

9. My Chemical Romance. MCR has continuously had a fantastic, awesome sound for years. I always feel so cool when I listen to them because, well, I can't really explain it but it's a pretty sweet feeling. Go listen to them and maybe you will see what I mean. They are like partying with the dark side. But not as much as some of the bands higher up on the list.

8. Owl City. I must admit, I didn't know about the great Owl City until they released their album "Ocean Eyes" and Fireflies became a huge hit on the radio. But since then, I have loved them a lot. I find his lyrics very happy and creative, making it really fun to listen to. I also find it interesting how he makes all his music, the singing and instruments/synth. Owl City is good music for playing when your in a happy mood.

7. Evanescence. This band is best known for their piano song "My Immortal" but has so many more very emotional songs. Though literally ALL their songs are dark and quite depressing, the hard rock is actually good for me sometimes. It's good to listen to when I'm not in a very good mood, because even though it makes me feel even worse, I still like to listen to it then because then I'm in the mood for it. That sounds weird I think but you probably know what I mean.

6. Three Days Grace. Much like Evanescence, they are great when feeling angry or other bad feelings, for some of their songs at least. Other songs of theirs makes you just want to go crazy because of the extreme awesomeness of the sound and how its just so epic and is like "Yeah! Woo! We Rock!!" *Clears throat* Moving on.

5. All Time Low. Well, first I would just like to mention how HOT Alex Gaskarth and Jack Barakat are. Second, I love their music so much! It is majorly upbeat and is super fun. They just have that classic alternative punk rock sound and it is great! Pretty much anyone who hears it will love it. Yet another band that makes you want to jump around and have a fun time. I feel like out of all the bands so far on this list, this is the best partying music. And Alex Gaskarth and Jack Barakat are hot.

4. Green Day. Ahh, Green Day, one of the greatest, well known, punk bands ever! I believe that they were one of the reasons this type of music that I am talking about is the way it is today. They were, like, a revolution! Maybe not, maybe so, but either way they are so unique and are able to add a lot of variety in their songs and everyone still loves them. Their music is crazy, how can you not love it?

3. Black Veil Brides. These next three are a difficult decisions for who gets the gold, number one. But since I have other sentimental reasons behind my next choices, BVB gets the bronze. I don't even know how to explain this band. They are incredible with so much vocal variety and incredibly complex drumming patterns and guitar riffs, etc. They make me feel so empowered, and during the screaming parts, as weird as this may sound, evil. But not in a bad way! More like a, well great now you think I'm crazy. Oh well. I love Them. And Andy Six is my future husband. Yeah, that dude right above these words. Mmhm.

 2. Never Shout Never. No words can describe how much this music has changed me since I started listening to it. Never Shout Never has so much meaning in all of their songs, so much. I feel that I have better morals and am an overall better person with the things his music has taught me. I learned how to truly be myself and not judge others. I learned to love and to be happy with what I have. His music is like my drug, I'm addicted to it. I never pass it up when it comes up on shuffle on my iPod. Never. No matter how many times I've heard the song. Also, most of the songs are so happy and never fail to put me in a good mood. And his slow songs are full of meaning and emotions, they really make you think. The singer and songwriter, Christofer Drew, inspires me every time I hear his music.  

*Drumroll*

*1.* THE OLD Escape the Fate!!!!!! Now this band I truly have no words for. Every single one of their songs really connects with you and makes you feel what they want you to feel. They can be serious, they can be hardcore, they can be crazy party people. The reason I stress so much that I am referring to the OLD Escape the Fate is because the lead singer, Ronnie Radke went to jail and then Bless the Fall's Craige Mabbit, who was replaced with Beau Bokan, became the new lead singer. I really don't like Craige. He ruined the band and now they sort of suck. There isn't that same connection and awesomness. Not only did the old ETF connect with their listeners, but they also connected with each other and you could see that. It's really sad, the whole story behind it all. But regardless, along with Paramore, the old Escape the Fate made even more who I am. I love them so much. So even though no music so great will ever be created again, old Escape the Fate is still a legend in my book. ♥

"Here's  to the friends that were alibiiiiiiis!!"

Freedom Of Speech, Meet the FCC

Bleeping out bad words in songs and shows on T.V and the radio has been something we have know our lives to be normal and appropriate. Quick history refresher, one of our rights as Americans is freedom of speech. Our proof is the first ammendement. So why should the FCC (Federal Communications Comission) have the right to decide what people can and can't hear? Why should they get to control how much other people hear of what others say? In a sense, it's taking away small parts of the people's voices. If all of what they have to say isn't heard, than what is the point of any of what they say being heard at all? I can see how people could put up many different arguments as to why word bleeping is nessecary, but there are also many arguments as to why it is wrong. By doing that, the message that person was trying to get across may not have the same effect as there was meant to be. If they really don't want those words to be shown on their show or heard on their radio, they just shouldn't put them on there in the first place. That way, they can can leave those people with their freedom of speech to share what they have to say somewhere else without some FCC person editing their words. Then everyone is happy. Woo.

Pets

SO what do you want for a pet? Name anything.  I want a chimpmunk, flying squirrel, llama, dolphin, tiger, venus fly trap, parrot, panda, turtle, hedghog, mini geko, squid/octopus, and a unicorn. I also want multiple breeds of dogs and a monkey the size of my thub and a normal size monkey. This is all in my mind just so you know. Squids gross me out. Yeah so I don't have any pets right now. I did about two weeks ago or less. Just recently my chinchilla, Cid, died. It really sucks because my whole family loved him so much and it's really weird not having him around anymore. But that is a sad thought. At one point, our household had 83 pets! 57 fish (they enjoyed making babies), 3 dogs, and 2 cats. Not to mention the 6 person houshold. Caios!! Now our family has 7 people, soon to be 8 because my mom is pregnant with a little girl. Her name is Lola. I am very excited to have another sibling! So if you are still reading this you are probably bored so I will shut up now. Carry on.

Seasons Change from Fairies

It doesn't make sense that seasons change by themselves, if you really think about it. How can an entire PLANET completely just trasnform without the help of things with real live brains? Science is totally irrelevant to this, science is boring and makes imagination and rationality dissapear completely. See, what happens I'm pretty sure is that there are little fairies who run around a certain time of the year every year and do things that change the seasons. For example, going from winter to spring. For that transformation, it will be much different than going from summer to fall. When they make winter into spring they have to start out with melting the snow and making the air warmer of course. To do that they fly to the stars and gather stardust because its on fire for a very long time. Then they take the stardust and add it to rain clouds. The rain clouds get extra big because the fairies take all the extra lonely cotton candy that no one ate and bleach it and put it with the clouds. To make the clouds even bigger, they fill them with water. The water gets tired of being in the clouds so it escapes and falls with the stardust that was on it. Since stars are big things of fire, the star dust is still warm even after it was mixed with water. That way, when it fall, it melts the snow and warms the air.

The next step of making spring is blooming flowers and bringing back all the animals and making it happy land again. So, what happens is all winter the flowers were all depressed because there was barley any sun light and it was cold. The cold part was already solved by now. But as for the sun, all they have to do is paint it a brighter shade of yellow and the flowers get all undepressed. They are even in a better mood when they get a drink of water from the rainfall. Because they are happy again, they can look all bright and pretty once more. The grass gets green because the fairies at night make a green fog cover the land that only turns grass a different color, which, in this case, is green. To bring back the animals, the fairies basically do the same thing as they did for the flowers, make it warmer and brighter outside. That luers them out and then they can be animals again.

The last step fairies do to make winter into spring is the holidays. For fairies, the holidays are extra fun because they get to hire their friends to do stuff for them. First there is St. Patricks day. The winter to spring fairies get to take a trip to a mini island between Ireland and the North Pole where all the creepy leprechauns are. They are really called naucherpel's but humans are just stupid so they got the name all mixed up and started to call them leprechans. I blame the Americans. Anyways, because those naucherpel's are so backwards and uncivilized, fairies have to wear special bells in their left nostrile to protect them from anything those creatures might do to them. Though the naucherpel's are quite creepy, they are still good at their jobs. So they willingly prepare for the greenish holiday and follow the fairies back and annoy humans, taunting them with gold at the end of rainbow that can't be reached. Really, the end can't be reached. Trust me. I tried. So then that is all good. As for Easter, The Easter bunny comes to the country in a giant chicken that flies because if he were to come in a giant flying egg, it would too easily give him away. So mainly, Easter is in the bunny's hands/paws but the fairies do help hide the eggs and baskets. Without these mad rad holidays, spring just wouldn't be the same.

So that is just the overview of the process of one of the transformations. Each season change has a different process than the ones before and after. And without our fairies, this world just wouldn't be same! Lets give our fairies a round of applause! *claps*