The cB Newspaper 2nd issue, July, 2005 Options

[cBNewsStaff]

Members, please do not post any comments in this thread. Any questions/comments/suggestions, may be PMed to one of our editors listed in the editors' notes for both your convenience and ours; we will answer your comments accordingly. Again, please do not post any comments in this thread; they will be deleted and you will either receive a verbal warning or a raise in your warning level - you may even face suspension.

Editors’ Notes

First, the cB News team would like to thank our readers, especially those who took the time to give us encouraging comments and suggestions as to how we can improve in the future. Those messages provided us a sense of accomplishment and pride in our works. Again, we thank you, and we will always look forward to serve the cB community to the best of our abilities.

As with any service, ours has the potential to excel or stagnate, and while we aim for the former, we welcome any constructive criticism as much as we welcome praise. Any thoughts about the newsletter can be sent to a member of staff, and rest assured that your ideas will be discussed and, where possible and practical, gelled into our current routine.

Also, please note that we are still interested on taking on more staff, so if you enjoy journalism and want to become more involved in the CreateBlog community, please PM an application form (which can be found here) to either Fae (uninspiredfae) or James (Marchhare2UrAlice). We welcome all serious applicants!

Now, enjoy the read!

- The cB News Team (sans reporters, who are listed next to their articles)

Administrators: Fae [uninspiredfae], James [MarchHare2UrAlice]
Editors: Anna [Azarel], Justin [CrackedRearView], Meli[ChasingLife87], Nicki [tweeak]
Runners: Kiera[mzkandi]

(Note: Recent additions to the cB News Team are not listed.)

Table of Contents

01 Editor's Notes
02 Unveiling: xquizit - cB News Staff
03 The createBlog Health Forum - cB News Staff
04 createBlog Superlatives Results, Issue #2 - cB News Staff
05 It's Getting Controversial - Radhika [not_your_average], Kiera [mzkandi]
06 Flamboyant Rockstars and World Leaders End Poverty - Carolina [ichigofan]
07 File Sharing: Taking a Placemat from a Garage Band - Justin [CrackedRearView]
08 An iPod Society - Justin [Sadolakced Acid]
09 Losing Close Friends: Inevitable or Impossible? - Carolina [ichigofan]
10 The Offspring's Greatest Hits Album Review - Brie [Despise]
11 Today's Films - Sammi [Headphones]
12 Featured Poems - cB News Staff
13 The Ramblings of a Server - Justin [Sadolakced Acid]
14 Advice Abby - "Abby"

Discuss and reply at this thread, if you must.

This post has been edited by xquizit: Jul 18 2005, 12:56 PM

[cBNewsStaff]

Unveiling: xquizit
cB News Staff
July 2005

Unveiling: xquizit

"Who's xquizit," you ask? She is createBlog's most popular female member, according to cB's Yearbook Superlative results; she's also a well-known web and graphic designer and was recently promoted to administrator status. Though many members have seen xquizit, aka Roxanne, roaming the forums, and perhaps some may even have communicated with her in the past, the cB News team hopes that this interview will give you all a clearer picture of who this lovely lady is and how important she is to our community.

cBn: When did you begin graphic designing and making websites? Who, or what inspired you to learn?
Roxy: I started back in 2002, which was about the same time I first started using computers and the internet; I was 18. A friend told me about AsianAvenue and BlackPlanet and encouraged me to sign up. I stumbled across some really well designed pages, and that's when I took an interest in web/graphic design. I also signed up for a blog at OpenDiary and soon realized that I wanted more freedom to design and code my layouts. That's when I opened up and designed my first website.

cBn: What is your favorite website (other than a message board if that
would be your first choice)?
Roxy: This is tough considering I don't really visit too many websites, mostly just message boards. Hmm... I do spend some time at Yahoo! Launch just watching music videos and listening to music. I also like HowStuffWorks. More recently, I've gotten really addicted to playing iSketch.

cBn: On schooling: what was/is your major, and what is the name of the university that you attend?
Roxy: I currently attend Marymount University and major in graphic design. I've also attended UMBC and Montgomery College in the past. I studied web technologies at Montgomery College and also completed my associate degree there. I've changed my major several times; from chemical engineering to chemistry to computer science to web technologies before settling on graphic design.

cBn: How do you find the time to work on createBlog, have a job, as well as being in college?
Roxy: I have no idea. Actually, not having a car helps so I actually don't have much to do when I'm at home. Also, because I am a web designer and a graphic design major, a lot of my time is already spent on the computer, so I often "sneak" on Createblog whenever I really feel like procrastinating. Which is most of the time.

cBn: How did you find CB and become such an important member?
Roxy: My sister was the one who introduced me to Xanga, and I was excited for her because she was just starting to get into designing and stuff. I wanted to help her out and create a neat layout for her as a favor, so while searching for Xanga resources, I landed on cB. I needed to get my post count up for the tracker so I posted frequently. I saw that people were submitting their skins/layouts, and I thought it would be neat to submit my own. I enjoyed the feedback I was receiving and felt very appreciated, and I guess that's how I got addicted to cB. I genuinely wanted to contribute, and I guess thats how I got to where I am now on cB.

cBn: We're sure you've met a few... interesting characters during your
time on cB, have learned anything from them? In other words, have
any of them made some kind of impact on your life?
Roxy: I don't think so. I don't think I've really gotten close enough to anyone from cB to allow them to have that sort of impact.

cBn: You are quite the 'foxy lady' on cB and this staff is almost sure
that members have approached you because of your physical attractiveness. How did you deal with it?
Roxy: I find it amusing and flattering at the same time. I usually just say "thank you" and continue to carry on a conversation. But if they're one of those crazy, stalkerish kinds, I avoid or ignore them. Eventually, they get the hint.

cBn: Some say that cB thrives on drama... what are your thoughts? does it bother or concern you?
Roxy: So I've noticed. I think it's silly. I try not to get involved. I have enough going on in my life not to get involved with internet drama. It does bother me because I feel it takes away from other members' enjoyment including my own. CB is supposed to be a fun, friendly, and inviting community.

cBn: What do you enjoy the most on cB? What annoys you the most?
Roxy: I enjoy interacting with our members but that can also annoy me at the same time. I guess it's the unnecessary drama that annoys me the most.

cBn: How would you describe your relationship with Jusun (micron)?
Roxy: Minimal, unfortunately. I rarely get the chance to speak with him although I have a few times. We may have our disagreements, but, in the end, I feel that we both hold a high esteem for one another.

cBn: What about your relationship with Christina. Is there ever any friendly rivalry between the two of you?
Roxy: All friendly, no rivalry. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to chat with her much since I've been appointed to admin, but I think she's a doll and we get along with each other just fine. We actually agree with each other most of the time. We refer to ourselves as "Partners In Crime."

cBn: How quickly did you go from "n00b" to respected webdesigner/cB ddmin? That is, if you were ever a "n00b". cBn staff doubt that, but for the sake of other members, please answer as best you can.
Roxy: I joined cB in January 2004 and was virtually unknown. Most members had already formed tight knit cliques and relationships with one another and I didn't quite fit the mold. So yes, I was a "n00b". I learned my way around rather quickly and soon started contributing to the forums and developing relationships. I, then, joined design staff in April 2004 and was soon appointed to head staff in September 2004. I continued to show my dedication and commitment to CB and was appointed to Admin in June 2005.

cBn: You have kept relatively quiet about the situation with Trish, aka [2]nekked. What are your thoughts about it?
Roxy: I was quiet about it because I had rather not be in the middle of it. Trish was one of my closest friends from cB, and, to me, the truth and the outcome of the situation was irrelevant. I respect her as a designer and as a friend.

cBn: Would you care to disclose your political stance?
Roxy: I think the best way to describe it is that I'm somewhere in the middle. There are issues that I agree and disagree with from both political parties. I consider myself a conservative Democrat.

cBn: Name an absolute favorite band/singer.
Roxy: This is always a hard question considering that I listen and appreciate a wide range of music genres. I know you're asking for one answer, but I'm sorry, I'll have to give you 3: Alicia Keys is my favorite singer, Mos Def is my favorite rapper, and The Killers is my favorite band.

cBn: What did you do for your 'sweet sixteen'?
Roxy: Sweet sixteen happenned such a long time ago. I honestly can't remember. I don't think I had a huge "sweet sixteen" event, I probably just went on a massive shopping spree.

cBn: Where would you max out all of your credit cards?
Roxy: New York. Mwahaha.

cBn: Is there a certain someone in your life right now, if you get our gist? If not, are you looking?
Roxy: I recently just got out of a 2 year and 11 month relationship and the moving on stage has been rather awkward. I am seeing a few "courters" at the moment but haven't progressed into anything serious. Am I looking? Yes and no. I'm not really looking for anything serious at the moment but am open to it if the right person comes along.

cBn: You've been in relationships before, can you share with us some advice you may give to the young women on cB?
Roxy: I know this may sound cliche, and most of you have probably heard it before, but I cannot stress enough how important it is for you to love yourself before you seek love from another person. One of the problems plaguing many of us young women is our desire to be wanted. You spend so much of your time trying to fill that void that when that person leaves, you're left feeling emptier and lonlier than before. Before you can give yourself to another, take the time to do some soul searching. Learn to love yourself and accept yourself for who you are. Once you learn to do this, not only will you feel better about yourself, you will appreciate someone who loves for who you are, not your "representative" and you will no longer feel the need to settle or to rush into things.

cBn: And like we've asked Jusun in his interview, do you have any advice for those who aspire to be web and graphic designers?
Roxy: Well, I first started learning from books, tutorials, experimentation and practice before moving on to take college courses. To be honest, I think I've learned and continue to learn more on my own than from school. So my advice to those of you who are aspiring to do web and graphic design is to... you guessed it... read books, follow tutorials, experiment with web and graphic design tools, and practice in order to master the software and coding. It's not going to happen overnight and will take some time, contrary to popular belief, so be persistent!

[cBNewsStaff]

The createBlog Health Forum
cB News Staff
July 2005

The createBlog Health Forum

CreateBlog has always attracted threads that push the limit of the PG-13 guideline. Ergo, the push for a "Sex Forum", where all the threads previously in relationships, the boys' locker, and the girls' locker, would go; hopefully, with such a forum, the rest of createBlog would be kept relatively sex-free.

The "sex forum" was met with enthutiasm and skepticism. The mods were evenly divided. Would such a forum become a spamming ground for immature users? Various solutions, including age limits, were proposed, but there didn't appear to be a way to enforce them.

Finally, a compromise was reached: a "health" forum. Its name was chosen so that any sex related topics had to be about sexual health, meaning no threads about the other aspects of sex. The heath forum was then populated with threads concerting all apsects of health and let loose into interests, where all outcast threads seemingly go.

And so, between the food and homework forums in interests, createBlog users can now find the new health forum, where they can "discuss topics in health including conditions, sexual health, nutrition, etc."

[cBNewsStaff]

createBlog Superlative Results, Issue #2
by cB News Staff
July 2005

createBlog Superlative Results, Issue #2

Su•per•la•tive (soo-pûr'le-tiv) n. –

1. Something/someone of the highest possible excellence.
2. The highest degree; the acme.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.

The undying struggle for popularity has become so traditionalized that for decades, high school yearbooks have dedicated an entire section to their respective student body “superlatives.” In fact, many students have spent ridiculous amounts of time and money perfecting the image that could potentially earn their photo a spot on that yearbook page under the title “Best Looking.” Though they’re not as illustrious, the categories of “Best Couple,” “Most Popular,” and “Most Likely to Succeed” are common company when yearbook time rolls around.

However, the superlative has evidently transcended the high school scene and landed upon our very own online community. With 112,036 members, and more arriving every day, it should come as no surprise that in every field, in every aspect, and from all walks of life, there is a member (or two) from createBlog.com to top every category.

Without any further ado, the cBnews Staff proudly presents the latest createBlog yearbook superlatives

-----

Couples
Best Couple: Anna & Justin (Azarel & CrackedRearView)
Blend created by Felicia ([F]eleeza)

Best Coed Friends: Nicki & James (tweeak & MarchHare2UrAlice)

-----

Male
Most Popular: Seon Ho (krnxswat)
Most likely to succeed: Justin (CrackedRearView)
Best All Around: Dustin (dahding)
Forum Clown: Jose (Solipsist)
Most Friendly: Frankie (Frankie)
Most Likely to Cause Trouble: Jason (Jason61992)
Most createBlog Spirit: Frankie (Frankie)
Biggest Flirt: James (MarchHare2UrAlice)
Most Intelligent: Brandon (BrandonSaunders)
Best Looking: Seon Ho (krnxswat) & James (MarchHare2UrAlice)

Best Friends (Duo): Steven & Kevin (Basick & Nightmare4taki)
Mr. createBlog: Jusun (micron)

Most Helpful: Frankie (Frankie)
Most Talented (Layout Design): Kris (kris_fox17)
Most Talented (Photography): Seon Ho (krnxswat)
Best Dressed: Steven (basick)
Biggest Spammer: Jason (Jason61992)
Best Avatar: Frankie (Frankie)

Best Smile: Brandon (BrandonSaunders)

Best Eyes: James (MarchHare2UrAlice)

Best Signature: Steven (basick)
Most Likely to be the Next createBlog Webmaster: Seon Ho (krnxswat)
Best Debator: Justin (sadolakced acid)
Most Blunt: Seon Ho (krnxswat)
Biggest Jock: Brandon (BrandonSaunders)
Most High-Maintainence: Clifford (hair products) & Brandon (BrandonSaunders)
Most Eccentric: Dustin (dahding)
Most Musically Oriented: Steven (Basick)
Biggest Nerd: Justin (sadolakced acid) & James (MarchHare2UrAlice)
Drama King: James (MarchHare2UrAlice)
Best Writer: Justin (CrackedRearView)
Biggest Picture Whore: James (MarchHare2UrAlice)

-----

Female
Most Popular: Roxanne (xquizit)
Most Likely to Succeed: Mindy (perplexism)
Most Well Rounded: Christina (Just_Dream)
Forum Clown: Elba (AngelicEyz00)
Most Friendly: Nicole (x_kali_chik_4_lifex)
Most Likely to Cause Trouble: Rachel (xxcrazyjewxx)
Most createBlog Spirit: Christina (Just_Dream)
Biggest Flirt: Elba (AngelicEyz00)
Most Intelligent: Mindy (perplexism)
Best Looking: Elba (AngelicEyz00)

Best Friends (Duo): Toby & Kelly (SpiritedFreak & im_s0_sp0ngey)
Ms. createBlog: Christina (Just_Dream)

Most Helpful: Mona (gotnoheart)
Most Talented (Layout Design): Roxanne (xquizit)
Most Talented (Photography): Claudia (llpurpleskyll)
Best Dressed: Claudia (llpurpleskyll)
Biggest Spammer: Sydney (ItzOnlySydney)
Best Avatar: Eve (x_angawhomps)

Best Smile: Nicole (x_kali_chik_4_lifex)

Best Eyes: Sammi (touch my monkey)

Best Signature: Gigi (Barelyy_coherent)
Most Likely to be the Next createBlog Webmistress: Roxanne (xquizit)
Best Debator: Fae (uninspiredfae)
Most Blunt: Anna (Azarel)
Biggest Jock: Teesa (Teesa)
Most High-Maintainence: Mindy (perplexism)
Most Eccentric: Claudia (llpurpleskyll)
Most Musically Oriented: Brie (Despise)
Biggest Nerd: Mindy (perplexism)
Drama Queen: Trish ([2]Nekked)
Best Writer: Anna (Azarel)
Biggest Picture Whore: Elba (AngelicEyz00)

[cBNewsStaff]

It's Getting Controversial
By: Radhika and Kiera
July 2005

It's Getting Controversial



That's the catchphrase of the music group "Controversy," of which cB user Danelle, also known as karamelle, is a member. She is one of a few budding musicians on createBlog, such as cB user Jason, (Jason61992) also known as "Kangsta."
This self-described "pop/r&b" group is gaining wide publicity through createBlog by this thread. Their sexually charged lyrics will raise eyebrows, but their songs are fun to listen to and catchy.

Our interview with Danelle (19), Stephanie(21), and Jennifer (19) revealed much about the group:

Kiera: What makes this group different from other girl groups like Destiny's Child, 3LW, and the like?

Danelle: Well, the different race thing; we aren't all black girls or white girls or whatever. People don't really do that diverse thing.

Stephanie: Yeah, so that would make us special.

Danelle: And we are nastier. *laughs*

Jennifer: Well, first off, I would have to say the name "Controversy" says it all. We are not scared to talk about sex, drugs, [and] eveything going on in the real world today.

Danelle: That attitude thing, too. Groups, like Destiny's Child, avoid it at all cost; we embrace it.

Kiera: But do you think that your name will be taken in a negative light?

Stephanie: It's going to be, no matter what we do.

Danelle: Yes, people are going to look at us and judge us anyway.

Stephanie: So, we'll let people make their own opinion of it, and then change their minds if they're wrong

Danelle: If we were the sugar angels, people would [still] judge us negatively.

Kiera: What age group is your music aimed towards?

Danelle: 15-25?

Stephanie: It's more apropriate for older teens, but younger ones are going to listen to it too.

Danelle: But it's aimed to the older, more mature crowd.

Kiera: What are you girls currently doing get your name out?

Jennifer: We have website to advertise us.

Danelle: We also have a demo and press kit; we are working on a new one. We join just about every music site we can find.

Stephanie: Anytime we can find something to put a profile on or a conference/festival to go to, we go for it.

Danelle: Yeah, we're going to the Atlantis Music Conference just to be seen.

Stephanie: Yeah, and we're gonna to be attending some industry parties and stuff.

Danelle: Make them listen to the music till their ears bleed.

Kiera: How do you girls balance this all? You music life and your social life? Do any of you work or school? How do you fine time to fit it all in?

Stephanie: I work full time.

Danelle: Yeah, I work part time at Blockbuster.

Stephanie: And [ I ] did do school, but it's over with now. It's not really that hard to juggle all of them you just have to be focused.

Jennifer: I work and go to school now. [During] my free time, I practice, even in the car on the way to school or work. My social life is cut in half sometimes.

Danelle: Yeah, I mean, we have to work out schedules, so we can get together, since we aren't all in the same city.

Jennifer: We have to make sure we talk to each other sometime during the week or else, like, something can happen.

Stephanie: It is kind of hard driving to Houston to work on songs, but we get it done.

Danelle: The toughest thing is to stay in touch, so everyone knows what's going on, and we can get work done.

Kiera: What do your parents and friends think of your music?

Danelle: My cousin is really Christian, and if she actually knew what we were saying, she would have a fit. My whole family does not take me seriously, but my friends love it.

Stephanie: My parents totally support me with everything I do. Everytime I borrow money from my mom for this music, she just says that it's an investment. so they're totally behind me, as well as my friends. My friends are pretty much doing this with me, so I would hope they would, lol.

Kiera: What did you girls think of Making the Band 3, if you saw it?

Danelle: I think P. Diddy is a moron, to be honest. But, I mean it taught me a lot of stuff about what to expect from the industry. Especially since the first time I ever saw an episode was right after I joined this group. I was lookin at how they had to dance and sing and I just kept thinking, Damn... Were gonna have to do that?

Stephanie: I hate Puff Daddy, lol, but I liked the idea of them putting together a girl group, because if they're successful, then that means we have competetion, and our sales will go up with what we're doing. We just have to get ourselves recognized first, and then we'll show everyone what we're made of and that we can do anything.

Jennifer: I thought it was cool how they set the girls up with different races, but some of the girls just didn't have that spark that most female singers have. I only watched 2 shows, and I didnt think to highly of it.

Kiera: What are some artists that have influenced you?

Danelle: Personally... for me its Destinys Child *duh* and Beyonce *double duh* as well as the Spice Girls. I mean, I've wanted to famous forever, so just about every talented successful artist out there really influences me.

Stephanie: Honestly, I'm gonna have to say the Spice Girls were the VERY first. They're the totally legendary to girl group. Then youu have old Whitney Houston and Toni Braxton.

Jennifer: Selena. I was like, 5 or 6 when I realized what being a singer was and I fell in love with her. Also, Mariah Carey is a very talented young lady; both of them came from their roots and were not scared to put their music out there.

Kiera: I have your clips on createBlog; what is one your favorite songs?

Danelle: Out of those... Sick is probably my favorite. That, and Cinnamon. It's a tie sometimes.

Stephanie: My favorite is actually one that we haven't recorded yet. *laughs* But from the ones that you have [heard], I'm going to say Cinnamon, 'cause it's sexy. That song actually was written about a stripper. *laughs* But not from my point of view.

Jennifer: Bad Girls for Life; it's the first song I ever heard Stephanie sing. Usually on songs, I'm like, "they should have held the note longer," or "this sound effect should have been there"; everything was perfect on that song, to me. Everytime, I was like, "echoo," there was an "echooo."

Kiera: Any names for your first album?

Danelle: Not that I know of. Probably, Controversy--Ready or Not... It's Getting Controversial.

Stephanie: Self-titled.... all the way

Jennifer: Controversy......

Kiera: If you could have any star guest star on your album, who would it be?

Danelle: Eminem.

Stephanie: Eminem as well cause I think it would be funny as shit if he dissed us on our own album; that would stir some shit. Also, Luda[cris] would be cool to work with.

Jennifer: Snoop Dogg brings that West Coast flava.

Kiera: Where would you like to see this group in 3-5 years?

Danelle: Well... Best case scenario... I would like to already have a multi-platinum album, maybe a few grammies. I would like for the three of us to all still be doing this together, not two other crazy females. I would like to have a record deal with a major label. Yeah, I think that would make me pretty darn happy.

Jennifer: Making another album, keeping a top place over all other female groups and artist.

Stephanie: I want us to become the new standard for female groups and bump Destiny's Child and dominate the music industry. Also, a bad ass record deal with a big advance and bonus, and a shitload of grammys. And to be a GODDESS SEX SYMBOL.

Kiera: Are any of you interested in getting into acting, producing, fashion etc?

Danelle: Well, I used to want to be a fashion designer; that is something I would like to do one day, but music comes first. Producing would be nice to do one day, too. Yeah, I want to be huge so I will do some acting, shoot. I'll make a fast food resturaunt; I want to do it all.

Stephanie: I would love to do producing, but I have A LOT to learn. I already co-write a lot of the songs that we're doing, so I'm totally into writing, and would love to get a publishing deal with that.

Jennifer: Yes, I act, have been doing it all throughout middle school and high school. I want to open a clothing line along with a modeling studio, and if that dosent work out, my own cheerleading/dance gym. Music over everything, though.

Kiera: What do you guys think about performing? Do you get nervous? Do you prefer the studio or performing live?

Danelle: Well, yeah, I get nervous, but it's so much easier when you aren't alone. Like Stephanie says, that divides the attention on you by 33%. And I think I like, live better, just because there are people to sing to. It's easier to really feel the song. In the studio, I get really bored sometimes; I've got to work on that.

Stephanie: I like them both equally. With the studio, it can get frustrating because you have to do stuff over and over and over again, but you have the satisfaction of knowing that it's going to sound right. As far as performing, yeah, I get nervous, but it's because I have that small feeling that I might mess up the words or dance moves. That's the big difference between studio and live performances, but live gets you that adrenaline rush when you get up on the stage. They both have their goods and bads.

Jennifer:I prefer studio, because our manager, Brandon, is really nice and helps us with our keys from time to time. Performing is a good feeling too, but with time, nervousness will no longer be there. Performing is an awesome feeling.

Kiera: In less than 10 words, tell everyone why we should buy your debut album. Go!!

Danelle: It's better than Kangsta. *laughs* It's something for everyone, like you've never heard before. There.

Jennifer: Sexy girls with a bad ass attitude and hot tracks......

Stephanie: We're three badass bitches who love makin' music.

Kiera: Shout outs?

Danelle: I guess cB news for caring enough to even do this. And... Brandon for not kicking me out the group when he wanted to tear my head off, or worse.

Stephanie: Shout out to Brandon, My Mom/Dad, my cat Tippy, my fish Red and Blue, my rabbit Snooky da Pimp, and my gerbil Jake.

Jennifer: Shout out to Brandon aka Pookey, my friend/makeup artist Vicky and Deanna, best friend, shout out to Controversy.

Clips:
Sick
Bad Girls 4 Life
Pop It Hard
You Are Love

[cBNewsStaff]

Flamboyant Rockstars and World Leaders End Poverty
by Carolina [ichigofan]
July 2005

Flamboyant Rockstars and World Leaders End Poverty



It has taken more than five years and called upon the star power of Hollywood names, such as Brad Pitt, and leading evangelicals, like Pat Robertson, but the potent campaign built by Granola Belt charities, flamboyant rock musicians and movie celebrities, number-crunching economists, conservative and liberal religious groups – not to mention the Dalai Lama – has finally helped persuade the world's wealthiest nations to forgive the debt of some of the world's poorest nations; this movement has been named the ONE campaign.

The ONE campaign, along with six other commissions and reports, has already called for the elimination of the more than $40 billion in debt that has burdened the world's poorest countries for decades. Experts agreed that the money could never be paid back and that simply keeping up with interest payments would continue to force countries to charge fees for elementary schools and health care at even the most rudimentary clinics.

However, policy makers from Washington to Berlin were hesitant, torn between memories of corrupt governments, which misspent and pocketed much of the aid themselves, and contemporary fears that debt relief was just the opening salvo in a campaign that would require far more money than they hoped to spend.

In the end, the reluctance broke as the campaign grew in numbers: about 150 million people at the last count. Led by Bono, renowned Irish rock star, the ONE campaign managed to form enough strategic alliances, especially with conservative groups as well as the Bush administration, so that success proved inevitable.

With flashy celebrities leading the way, the ONE campaign has implored the Bush administration, through both videos and live performances, to contribute as much money as it can to help the ONE cause. In one instance, Penélope Cruz, Jamie Foxx, and several other celebrities joined Mr. Pitt and Mr. Robertson in a television advertisement urging Americans to demand that the government give at least one percent of the national budget, about $25 billion, to reduce poverty. Other stars, including Paul McCartney, Jay-Z, Mariah Carey, and Madonna, contributed by banding together and holding live rock concerts, known as Live 8, around the world to ensure a summit meeting of leaders of the Group 8 (G8) nations.

"Give credit where credit is due," said Max Lawson, the debt expert for Oxfam, the charity that has been one of the movement's leaders. "The Bush administration has increased its aid budget, but it has to do much, much more."

Neither the Bush administration nor the cabinet of Britain's Prime Minister Tony Blair, which has pushed the hardest for debt relief among the leaders of the rich industrial powers, has ceded the moral high ground to their critics. President Bush said this week that poor countries trying to improve their governments "shouldn't be burdened by mountains of debt," making it clear that corrupt and incompetent countries were ineligible.

If those standards had been applied when governments granted some of the original loans, the poor nations of Africa, Latin America, and Asia would not be in such a mess, according to Jeffrey D. Sachs, the Columbia University economist who led a United Nations-sponsored report on poverty, and helps the movement with its economic statistics.

So begs the question: “Why do we need to help?”

If we don't help, the world's debt will increase in the same fashion as before. Diseases will continue spreading, increasing the percentage of death in many countries, including the United States. Though it may seem unfeasible for a 16 year old to help a billion people, it is possible. By signing the ONE campaign, we are giving our voice to eight powerful nations that decide the fate of people around the world. With just ONE vote, ONE opinion, and ONE cry, we are helping people around the world live their life to the fullest. In return, we get the satisfaction of philanthropy, and we bring meaning into our lives. The ONE campaign is not asking for our money [although the ONE bracelet and other merchandise is available for purchase], it simply asks that we're aware of the issue, and that we help.

By visiting www.live8live.com, you can find out more about the march to Edinburgh, Scotland, which will hold the G8 meeting. There will be a 2-mile poster along the march displaying pictures of the people who support the ONE cause. Visit the website, upload your photo [for FREE], and voice your cry around the world. I have uploaded my picture, and I’m proud to be a part of the movement. I've signed my name on the ONE petition, and I hope you will, too. So, visit www.one.org and ‘help make poverty history’.

Credits: Banner, Quotes, Statistics - www.one.org

[cBNewsStaff]

File sharing: Taking a Placemat from a Garage Band
by Justin Abbott [CrackedRearView]
July 2005

With a glint in his eye, and a dream in his heart, Phoenix, Arizona’s Brad Barr dropped out of college after his freshman year to join his brother, Andrew, and his best friend, Marc in pursuing the impossible. Barr strapped on a tattered Stratocaster, took the helm at the microphone, and thus, The Slip was born. With an idiosyncratic, pop-style approach to rock and roll, The Slip (like the majority of newborn garage bands) was limited to performing at downscale local bars, and unpublicized venues throughout the late 90s. In 2000, the band received a morale-boosting invitation to perform a 25-minute set at one of the nation’s most populated venues, Bonnaroo (approximately 100,000 attendants). With this massive stepping stone to success, The Slip advanced to playing world class acts, including opening for The Allman Brothers, and playing the Austin City Limits stage.

Unfortunately, a buoyant success story such as The Slip’s is a rare instance. Though it would be an unreasonably difficult task to measure the fraction of underground bands that fall short of stardom, it would be acceptable to assume that the fraction is minute. Superstar bands such as Coldplay and Snow Patrol, for lack of a better example, can be compared to the slim fraction of infected people who survive the AIDS virus. Modern times have taken a different course than the 60s, 70s, and 80s.

In 1969, Led Zeppelin launched its debut album, and took the world by surprise. Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, now rock and roll icons, devised what would grow to be the most successful band of the 1970s, and, perhaps, the greatest rock band ever. However, their success in the 70s is hardly comparable to the utter lack of wild success of a single group in the new millennium. In fact, a quick look at the Top 100 Albums of All-Time list, compiled by the RIAA, will prove the difference:

1. The Eagles – Greatest Hits (28,000,000+ copies sold)
2. Michael Jackson – Thriller (27,000,000+ copies sold)
3. Pink Floyd – The Wall (23,000,000+ copies sold)
4. Led Zeppelin – Led Zeppelin IV (22,000,000+ copies sold)
5. AC/DC - Back in Black (21,000,000+ copies sold)

In truth, the vast majority of all-time albums were created in the 90s era and below. Much of the blame for this massive decrease in album sales (4% from 2002 to 2003 alone) can be placed on the advent of the internet. With the arrival of Bit Torrent, and other peer-to-peer services, internet users (a crowd quite heavily interested in music) found a completely free outlet for listening to songs that would once be unattainable without a price.

We’re essentially posed with the question: ‘Should file sharing be illegal?’

The answer is a necessary ‘yes’. The arguments stand as follows:

• “The artists make enough money as it is.”

One must be careful when using such a broad statement. Which artists, The Slip or Coldplay? This statement, though mild, is a stereotype nonetheless. In all honesty, how many bands are making enough money to have several thousand people bounce their music around the ‘net, instead of buying it?

Sadly, the world is not perfect. Not everyone can tour, sign a mega-deal with Pepsi, and be well known. There are several musicians that are making good music, but remain poor. With such an approach, we will essentially eliminate them and be left with Madonna, Prince, and Britney Spears. While this may appeal to some, it would be deplorable for millions of others.

• “I don’t want to buy an entire album if I just like one song.”

This problem has already been solved. The internet, amazingly enough, can be turned into a blessing for bands, rather than a bane. The online music store (iTunes, and Rhapsody, for example), an invention created following the famous Napster court cases, offers users a chance to download their favorite songs for $.99, as opposed to paying $20.00 for a complete album. Not only do these sites provide relief from free P2P programs, they allow for less manufacturing and shipping costs, and they offer an easy way to tally up data to aid in marketing. The success of these online stores has already been proven by Coldplay’s new release “X & Y”. The Los Angeles Times reported that over 8% of the band’s first-week sales came from the internet.

It’s all a question of ethics; a question of whether we respect music artists enough to not steal from them. It’s all a question of whether we like hearing about rags-to-riches success stories; a question of whether Coldplay takes precedence over The Slip. It’s all a question of whether we can appreciate the fact that these people make their living in music, and that by breaking code, and snatching it away from them, we’re essentially stealing a placemat at their dinner table.

[cBNewsStaff]

An iPod Society
by Justin [Sadolakced Acid]
July 2005

An iPod Society

Welcome to the future. Walk down the streets, and people are no longer seen engaged in that dreadful stone-aged event known as "conversation." Any dialogue that occurs is either not heard by both parties or takes place through mediums which prevent visuals of the other person's face in an expression of disgust. The popularity of the internet has made seeing the person you speaking to a hassle, and thus, now, it is not done. Everyone now converses from the privacy of their own home. Clearly, this is an immense step forward for society.

Ever since he climbed out of the trees (or God created him), man has been able to close his eyes. He has been able to move away from flames and pinch his nose; however, he has never been able to close his ears. Then came the iPod. Sure, there were headphones before, and there were portable music players before, but the iPod brought portable music to the unwashed masses. People are now able to close their ears off from the world to the tunes of their favorite music. Hearing is no longer obligatory.

Our society is probably fast approaching the point where more people hold conversations over the phone or internet rather than in real life. Perhaps we've already passed the point where more people prefer to converse indirectly rather than face-to-face, but the computers that keep track have crashed or simply don't exist.

Welcome to the world where no one has to talk. All someone has to do is motion to their headphones, and the transaction will be completed in silence. Try it- put on some headphones, go to the local convenience store, and buy something. Chances are, you won't have to talk, and neither will the clerk.

With life in the "wild"(that's everywhere outside your front door) becoming more and more dangerous, people are increasingly remaining within the safety of their own homes. From there, they can converse with people in their pajamas. Face to face conversations don't happen anymore. They don't need to. Soon, some people whose feelings are particularly sensitive can install filters to make sure they don't see harsh or angry words on the screen. Perhaps, with the success of those, the government will install them on all internet hubs.

Within this century, mankind will have achieved the ultimate in technology: each human will be isolated in their own plastic pod. They interact merely through computers- computers that ensure nobody's feelings are hurt. Robotic minds serve them, and keep them alive. These humans of the future no longer have to deal with clumsy relationships. If, somehow through the filters, two people of the opposite sex decide they love each other, the robots will facilitate the, err, union, while each human stays in their own pod. Of course, this won't happen often, so the robots usually take the liberty of facilitating a number of unions.

The robot's sole purpose is to serve, and to serve there must be someone to serve. In the future, each human will be born, live, and die in an individual plastic white pod, which features a chrome trim that seems to collect a multitude of fingerprints.

Of course, that's just in the future. It could very well not happen. However, if we're not careful, this "iPod society" could easily become a "pod society"

An iPod Society ©2005 Justin [Sadolakced Acid]
(I'm serious about that copyright. If someone makes a book or movie about a pod society, I'm suing.)

[cBNewsStaff]

Losing Close Friends: Inevitable or Impossible?
by Carolina [ichigofan]
July 2005

Losing Close Friends: Inevitable or Impossible?

Just recently I lost a couple of my closest friends due to some issues that we had in the past. At first, I thought that losing a friend who was so close was impossible until it happened to me, so I decided to hit the forums of cB and find out how many cBers have lost friends. I posted a poll, and 77% of people who answered have lost a friend, 7% posted that they haven't while a shocking 15% said they didn't have any friends. So losing friends is something that a person must face in their life, but how do you get over it? One cBer even posted:

"It's not easy to get over. Just try spending more time with other people who care. Don't sit and dwell upon it."

It's so hard not to dwell upon it though; at times I think about if it was something that I did wrong or if the fight worth losing a friend over. I suppose there is no way to prevent losing a friend: it happens for a reason. It's the experience and the lesson learned after a fight with a friend that prepares you for the next heartbreak.

[cBNewsStaff]

The Offspring's Greatest Hits Album Review
by Brie [Despise]
July 2005

The Offspring's Greatest Hits Album Review



--

After roughly sixteen years of hits and seven albums, The Offspring finally released a greatest hits album on June 19th, and let me tell you, you will not be disappointed.

Let's do a brief rundown of the songs and their origins.

--

1) "Can't Repeat" -- Makes an excellent introduction. This is their most recently recorded song, and I must say... it is quite a hit!

2) "Come Out and Play (Keep 'Em Separated)" -- This song is from the 1994 album Smash. I'm sure everyone will recognize this one!

3) "Self Esteem" -- This one gets a lot of radio airplay (also from the 1994 album Smash.)

4) "Gotta Get Away" -- Yet another hit from the 1994 album Smash. This one's a bit different, however. The previous tracks on this album have a similar sound, but this one is quite different, and very good.

5) "All I Want" -- From the 1997 album Ixnay on the Hombre. This song is very short, lasting only 1:54. Despite its length, it's a very good song.

6) "Gone Away" -- Also from the 1997 album Ixnay on the Hombre. This song is very unique. It brings a different vibe to the album and, in my opinion, makes it.

7) "Pretty Fly (For a White Guy)" -- Definitely the most popular song on the album, off of the 1998 album Americana.

8) "Why Don't You Get a Job?" -- This song adds a bit of humor to the album. It is also off of the 1998 album Americana.

9) "The Kids Aren't Alright" -- "The Kids Aren't Alright" sort off sets off a melancholy vibe with its sad but true lyrics (also from the 1998 album Americana).

10) "Original Prankster" -- Very, very upbeat. What a good song to have after the mellow, "The Kids Aren't Alright." This song is from the 2000 album Conspiracy of One.

11) "Want You Bad" -- Ah, every album has to have a love song, eh? Well, this is the one (from the 2000 album Conspiracy of One).

12) "Defy You" -- A personal favorite of mine. A lot of people mistake this for a new song, seeing that it is from the Orange County (2001) soundtrack.

13) "Hit That" -- A very upbeat song. It is very, very different from their past songs, however. This song holds a bit of a techno beat at first, which may be a bit of a surprise to some. It comes off of the 2003 album Splinter.

14) "(Can't Get My) Head Around You" -- A decent choice to end the album. This track has a 'hidden track' at the end of it. A lot of people say that it is a remix of one of the other songs on here, but to be quite frank, I am not sure. The "(Cant Get My) Head Around You" portion of the track is off of the 2003 album Splinter.

--

If you ask me, this is quite a good list.
I expected a few different tracks to show up, but I really think they chose some good ones. Lots of variety on this one, and that is quite a good thing.

I believe that this album costs about fourteen dollars or so, but I bought the version with a two-sided disc that includes interviews and acoustic performances on the other side. I’d say it is quite a good deal; fourteen hits and even more goodies on the other side of the disc.

I strongly suggest you check The Offspring out if you haven't already.
They appeal to a lot of different people, so I do think a lot of you out there would enjoy them.

Overall, I give this album a rating of 9/10.

Oh, don't forget to check out their DVD that contains all seventeen music videos, two bonus videos, eleven live performances, and band audio commentaries. Look for that to hit shelves on July 19th!

[cBNewsStaff]

Today's Films
by Movie Maven Sammi [Headphones]
July 2005

Today's Films

IN THEATERS

Crash - starring Don Cheadle, Jennifer Esposito, Sandra Bullock, and others.



This movie was amazing; it gives everyone real insight to the amount of racism that goes unnoticed in our world today. Whether people mean to or not, everyone has been or can be racist at any time. They don't realize it, but everyone makes stereotypes about different groups of people, even insulting ones.

It begins with Jennifer Esposito's character in a car crash with an Asian woman on her way to a crime scene. Don Cheadle plays her police partner, and they are looking at a boy who was killed and is now lying in a field. Several events happen, which I will not disclose as it would ruin the movie, and it ends with two different characters in another car crash. All the different characters have different connections and all end up connecting with each person at the end.

I would recommend this movie to everyone. It's long, but it's got a lot of meaning. There are several different stories that all intertwine, all ending up in the same place. Crash is a very amazing movie to anyone who would appreciate it.

Movie Maven's Rating: A

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants - starring America Ferrara, Amber Tamblyn, Alexis Bledel, and others.



For those of you that read the book(s) before seeing the movie, you will be disappointed. A lot of the storyline was changed from the original book. However, if you simply want to see the movie, it’s pretty good; a real tearjerker in many parts. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants isn’t the best choice for guys who think they're too macho to see a chick-flick, but definitely a good movie for a girls' night out.

It begins at the beginning of a summer when four friends doing some everyday shopping and come across a pair of pants that fits every one of them - petite and skinny Lena, tall and athletic Bridget, curvy and vivacious Carmen, and average and original Tibby. During the summer, they go their separate ways and send the pants back and forth to stay connected.

I wouldn't recommend this movie to everyone, but it's definitely a good movie for a sleepover or something of those sorts.

Movie Maven's Rating: B

OUT OF THEATERS

Requiem for a Dream - starring Jared Leto and others.



This movie will make anyone thinking about starting to do heroin think otherwise. An insightful movie centered on Jared Leto's character, it makes you think about the reasoning behind addiction. It's creepy, in a sense, to think about what goes on in someone's mind when under the influence of powerful drugs.

Jared Leto's character and his friends are addicted to heroin. He and his friend get into dealing and run out of money. His mother repeatedly watches one infomercial, and dreams of being one of the people to be chosen to appear on TV. She gets a scam call saying that she's been chosen and she believes it. She wants to fit into her old red dress, and resorts to taking diet pills (which are really speed). However, I won't go any farther. You'll just have to see how it plays out.
This is a great movie, but definitely not for those of a younger age.

Movie Maven's Rating: A-

[cBNewsStaff]

Featured Poems
by cB News Staff
July2005

Featured Poems

We select a poem or two every issue from the poetry submissions thread . This is not a poetry contest to find the best poem or poet--we choose poems that convey the meaning we wish to feature. Poems submitted always remain in consideration.

This issue has two featured poems:

Catfight
by AkaRyux

Ablaze with cold fury,
These two gleaming eyes,
Staring at two others,
Two he did despise,

Their tails upright and tense,
Their fur like needle tips,
Their sharp teeth bared, their weapons,
Like poison, saliva drips,

Feline brows are furrowed,
Staring each other down,
No game, no sign of merriment,
Bloodthirsty, malicious frowns,

Then one leapt at the other,
A hiss, a scratch, a growl,
A feline yowl of agony,
A sound so very foul,

The dust arising from the bricks,
Bloodstains on the tile,
One is lying on the ground,
The victor adorns a smile.

"Let this be a lesson,
My silly former rival
We are strays, no rules, you see?
I'm better fit survival."

Catfight ©2005 AkaRyux

Perfection
by CrackedRearView

Until tonight I had never realized just how perfect the human figure is. As I stood there, isolated in a stark white room, alone in a sea of a hundred, I came to this conclusion. I found that the contours on the hand are perfectly complimentary. As if one day, your hands clasp, and the missing piece to the proverbial jigsaw is recovered.

So hypnotically calming was the idea of human perfection; so healing was the idea that perhaps things, like hands being shaped for one another, are planned, fabricated, executed, committed, and hurled onto the unsuspecting for an ultimately divine purpose; so numbing was the sense of propriety I felt in the connection of two hands.

And then it crashed down; her hands, like mine, were clasped. As if to erase the idea from the forefront of my mind, and as if a simple disconnection could eradicate the throes impeding my emotional stability, I quickly jerked my hands apart, and found pockets for them. Like a child hiding that one forbidden toy.

I remember mine like it's still in my arsenal; as if my wall of electronics, serving only for superficial entertainment, is still complimented by my childhood cap gun.

Oh, what a joy that little vessel of happiness truly was. What excitement it brought; what dolor it ended with. Banished from accessibility forever more, the cap gun dissolved into blurry memory, along with an ample amount of other, more important recollections of time spent with her.

The feeling is indescribable; the feeling of guilt that comes standard when you simply cannot remember your mother's voice without the assistance of an answering machine.

71 times, and counting. It's 27 seconds long, too. She sounds so artificial, yet I just can't bring myself to ignore it. It's as if her recorded message is the only snippet of her addictive, alluring voice that I'll ever be able to retain. As if that tape, that is tucked so tightly into my shirt pocket, is the last morsel of that beautiful voice I'll ever taste.

How ironic that it sits over my heart; the heart that failed. Failed at what it's programmed to do. Failed to love her when it was most important. Failed to do the job any typical son does. The heart that forgot her voice; the voice that first spoke to it. A heart that commits that foul is not a heart at all. Apparently, that must be the void in my chest, because I feel it. I feel it every day she's gone.

She was so beautiful tonight, wearing a white silk gown with exquisite trim. I put my hand on the edge of the casket, and stared in wonder; in paralyzing bewilderment. The stupefaction that such perfection can inflict on the observer is ineffable.

I leaned forward, and placed a final kiss on the very forehead I had kissed so many times. A final kiss; my heart's final attempt to succeed.

I remember, as I gazed my final gaze at this wondrous prototype of a mother, a solitary saline tear made the plunge from my face to hers.

"Don't cry, mom."

And the casket was closed. The hundred left. I stood, arms draped over my mother's final bed, yearning for the chance to exchange 18 years for five minutes.

But it never came. And I stood, a black suit, isolated by four oppressive, austere white walls, admiring perfection.

Perfection ©2005 CrackedRearView

Featured poems ©2005 cB News Staff

[cBNewsStaff]

The Ramblings of a Server
by Justin [Sadolakced Acid]
July 2005

The Ramblings of a Server

Interesting things happen when the server is down. When I'm down, cB is without a home... it's floating in the nether regions. I'm quite important; please don't make me scrap metal. That being said, the last time I was down I had an interesting conversation with an entity named cBnews... here's the logged conversation.

Unknown entity: Hey server! Why are you down?

----information on unknown entity----
Browser: Firefox
IP address: 121.185.2.55
System: Windows XP
Screen resolution: 1024x768
-------------------------------------

cBserver: Who are you, unknown entity?
Unknown entity: What? Who's unknown entity? Oh that's me... we'll get to that later. There's more important things to talk about, like, why are you down?

----information query----
cBserver is requesting additional information on unknown entity.
-------------------------

cBserver: I'm in for a routine checkup. If I am down, how is 'unknown entity' still able to contact me?
Unknown entity: I'm cBnews. I have my ways.

----rename function----
unknown entity = cBnews
-----------------------

cBnews: Well, while I'm talking to you, I might as well ask a few questions. First off, what's so special about you that people love to visit you?
cBserver: I'm a server. I'm not special, what I serve is. Fact is, if nobody visited me, nobody would visit me. I'm like that mall that has nothing of value but people go to anyway because of the other people.
cBnews: What? I didn't know servers could use analogies...
cBserver: They can't.
cBnews: Wait... you're not a server, are you?

----information query received----
query for information:
information sent:
IP: 67.114.21.143
size: 137.6 tbs
running: Linux
----------------------------------

cBnews: You know, this whole 'being down' thing is quite annoying. Many people are annoyed.
cBserver: Sorry, but it's necessary. It's a big bad Internet out there, and I need to get checkups.
cBnews: You could at least not schedule it for 12 AM, when everyone is using you.

----message intercepted----
serverstaff to webmaster:
Hey, the server is going wacko... it's got activity, but it's supposed to be shut down. It's not urgent, just need to know what it was. Anyway, server is to go back online quite soon.
---------------------------

cBserver: Crap.
cBnews: What? Wait... I didn't know servers could cuss...
cBserver: Hurry up. I'm about to be reconnected...
cBnews: ALRIGHT. So just answer this question: what's the secret to cB?
cBserver: That's easy. The secret to cB is--

----server reconnected----
1 reboot.
2 print error.
3 kill gremlin
4 if gremlin killed, goto 5. if else, goto 3. end loop after 99 loops
5 server boot
--------------------------

* The above log is not to be considered absolutely true. It is simply the word of the server, and servers often lie.

[cBNewsStaff]

Advice Abby
"Abby"
June/July 2005

Advice Abby

6/10/2005
Dear Abby,
My brother has... "special problems" He isn't handicapped, though,
he is just.... meaner than other siblings normally are. This isn't
just "sibling rivalry," but it's.. just... blah. He always calls me
names, and tells me what to do, like telling me when to get off the
computer. He always closes the computer room door, and tells me
that I can't close it, because all I go on is xanga or myspace and
so forth.
Help is greatly appreciated,
-jsdkfhlkasjdf

Dear jsdkfhlkasjdf,

Well, I truly think you should talk to your parents. You should have a nice and calm sit-down type of conversation with them about all of the things he does. I'm sure if you're calm, rational, and 100% truthful, things will work out in a positive way.
Good luck!

Sincerely,
Abby

--

6/14/2005
Dear Abby,

Hey, my name is Ryan and I am 17 years old and I need some serious
help here! Ok so to start I REALLY REALLY like this girl right I
mean she is perfect in everyway, exactly what I was always looking
for but heres the problem, i'm errr a bit of a pervert let's just
say.... and now she hates me! I have tried not saying anything
creepy and I even made a half ass appology (well I acually meant it
but I am not very good at showing my emotions so she probably took
it that way). I was just wondering if you know anything I could do
or say to her to make her like me a bit more, thank's in advance! Oh
and also what is it that girls look for in guys anyway?

Dear Ryan,

To answer your first question, I think maybe you should write out a lengthy apology, and try your very hardest to mean it. Then you could read it to her, but it is good to write things out first so you know EXACTLY what you're going to say. She may not change her mind, and if that's the case, then try and hold back on being a pervert as you said you tend to be. Good luck with that.

As for your second question, there aren't set things that girls look for in guys. Every girl differs so very much, even if they're in the same 'group' as one another. Just be yourself. That is the best advice I can give to you in that area. Be yourself and mean everything you say.

Good luck with it all!

Sincerely,
Abby

--

6/19/2005
how do i get the guy who i like to notice me and like me back?
Deborah Andrade

Dear Deborah,

Well, for starters, you could talk to the guy you like a lot more than you already do. Become a good friend of his but don't send any hints or signals about you liking him at first. It's best to just get a good friendship going. After that, maybe things will progress on his end too. So my main thing to say to you is to just get to know him the best you can. Oh, and BE YOURSELF. That's the best advice I've been given and that is the best advice that I can give. Don't fake anything, because it will eventually backfire.

Good luck to you!

Sincerely,
Abby

--

6/21/2005
Dear Abby,
I've been feeling a little helpless. I've been with my boyfriend for
5 years and it's at the point where we're looking for a house
together.
I've always felt like his parents don't really like me and I asked
him
to ask his parents about that. They've more or less said I don't fit
in their family. I don't want to have to be the person to break his
family apart. I don't want him to have to give up his parents to be
with me because he loves them so much. How can we have it so everyone
can be happy? Doesn't seem like there's a solution.
-Van

Dear Van,

I really believe that YOU should talk to his parents.
It may seem a little scary, but I bet you that they'd value the fact that YOU came to talk to them. You should tell them that you really love their son and that you have a great relationship, but also say what you said to me... about not wanting to mess anything up in their family. I really believe this could work. It is a very noble thing to do on your part.

I wish you the best!

Sincerely,
Abby

--

6/26/2005
Okay,Im best friends with three people- (names will be
fake) Sara, frank, and larry. i met frank last school
year, and then i met sara. larry was in some of my
classes so then we sort of just became friends and he
was introduced to sara. after awhile, the four of us
just started hanging out a lot and we all just became
best friends. for two months or so, it was all great.
even so sara and frank constantly bickered, it was
just kinda funny. nothing bad. sara even started
liking frank as in more than just a friend. larry and
i eventually told frank and he just took it in like
nothing. so blahblah, we're all good friends. and then
....

one night sara and frank got into a huge fightt, like
realllyy bad. sara called frank a bad friend and frank
was just like, whatever i dont care. soo that got me
upset cause i didnt want this whole friendship to fall
apart. and luckily they soon got over it so then we're
all fine. and THEN, after a couple of weeks, sara
stops liking frank and well..starts HATING him. like a
really bad hatred. like, I WANT YOU TO DIE, that sort
of thing. and i guess frank knows that she thinks that
he's an a-hole and all that but he doesnt even care
and thats just making me mad cause i thought we were
all friends? so basically sara hates frank like hell
and i just dont know what to do .. i dont want this
whole friendship the four of us have to fall apart ..
and frank does treat sara like crap most of the time,
and i told frank that he should be nicer to her but i
guess he didnt care.
what now?

Dear Unsigned,

I think you should talk to all of the members of the friendship at once to get their feedback. Keep it calm, rational and fair. Make sure everyone feels comfortable voicing their opinions, but definitely make sure everyone remains calm and nice towards each other. I really think if you all sit down and think of some positive solutions to this problem, things could work out.

Good luck!

Sincerely,
Abby

--

7/2/2005
I hope yur still giving advice

Well alright, I'll tell you my story first off. I like this girl, her
name's Tiff. Anyways we've been with each other before got into a
fight, broke up. Got back together a few months later, just to get
into another fight. So now we're both separate. I still love her. The
thing is my good friends who are also her good friends, say that she
still talks about me a lot (not negatively) and some suggest she
still
likes me, so I want a last chance with her. So my question is how I'd
bring it about. If I just asked her to come with me again, she'd say
no. Please reply
-Alex

Dear Alex,

Yup, I'm still giving advice.

I think you should talk to HER and see if she still likes you. Your friends may be just trying to keep things as positive and optimistic as possible, or they could pick up on the feelings differently. It'd be good to confront her and see if she'd want to try it once more, but if things don't work this time, I really think you should move onto someone else.

Good luck!

Sincerely,
Abby

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