My Debut on The Roost

It is an honor today to have a thought posted on the famous "Roost" website. Do yourself a favor and read it.

A Day We Will Always Remember

September 11, 2001.

Ask anyone what they were doing that day, and they will tell you immeadiately. The whole world will remember this day and the events they were taking part in when the news was given to them.

I was at River Valley High School. Tom Herring's mod to be exact. I was in good ol' CP English 09. Mr. Gorenflo came over the PA system and said he wanted the student-body and faculty to take part in a moment of silence for the victims of the terrorist attacks in Washington, D.C. and New York City. I can't even tell you what was going through my head. So many things just raced through. First of all, even though I heard there were terrorist attacks, I had no idea what landmarks were attacked and how it took place. I figured the World Trade Center was the target in NYC, though, and I knew Osama bin Laden and al-Qaida was the source. Gorenflo came over with about 10 minutes left in class, so as soon as class got over I looked for Brett Gates. When I found Brett, he described what had happened and my biggest fears turned to reality. The first thing I thought was, "Oh my God! First Chad dies and now we are going through this." I really though it was the end of the world or something. It was a period of time that I will ever experience again, no matter what events take place. The grief was, and still is, unprecedented.

My next class was History with the infamous Randal Leach. We went to the sacred mod one to watch the television with Mr. Jones. The thing I will always remember is how Shon Tramontana and I were the only people watching and paying attention. The whole time I was just sitting there thinking to myself, "Do these kids have any idea what just happened?" When we got back to Leach's room he echoed my thoughts to the class. The rest of the day I just watched the TV, except for Keyboarding because Mrs. Bay is apparently a fucking Nazi. The other thing I always remember is that we had a golf match scheduled at New Winchester against the mighty Golden Knights of Northern Morrow County. Luckily for them, it got cancelled.

After school that night, I honestly think I watched the news coverage for about 7 straight hours. Dan Rather, Tom Brokaw, and the late Peter Jennings did an unbelievable job with their coverage. The American people will always think back to that. I remember the first time the Late Show w/ David Letterman was on after the attacks. It was one of the best shows I have ever seen on TV. His monologue was heart wrenching. Dan Rather was his guest, and I will always remember Rather letting all his emotions come out and cry on the show. It was an amazing scene.

It is amazing to think now---All those events took place 4 years ago. What a short time it has been. But, at the same time, so much has happened. The country still nurses a broken heart and now the United Kingdom is pulling at the heart strings just like Spain did earlier this year. United We Stood, and united we still stand today.

God Bless America.

A Classic In Columbus

September 10 lived up to all the hype.

The entire day was an amazing scene. From GameDay to the game, the atmosphere was unprecedented. I waited for yesterday for six years and other than the final score, I was not let down at all. It all started for me in Atlanta's Hartesfield International Aiport on Friday afternoon. My whole flight to Columbus was all Ohio State and Texas fans. It was a very neat thing. I have never been on an airplane when the atmosphere was that of a championship prize fight.

When The Ohio State University Marching Band made it's traditional ramp entrance, a tear ran down my face. It was so loud that you couldn't even hear the, "Ladies and Gentlemen..." The noise was unreal from the band coming out, to the team taking the field, to Texas' first offensive possesion. The fans did their job last night. There is no doubt about that.

To the loss though, it is going to take me a long time to get over this game. I have never been so down in my life. I realize that people are reading this and saying, "Are you serious?! It is just a football game." You are right. It is just a football game. Today's date and Hurricane Katrina put more emphasis on that, but I live and die for Ohio State football. You have to understand that, too. The heartbreak I have right now is unfathomable. My heart and soul were ripped out at Ohio Stadium. It really only compares to young love going up in flames. That is exactly how I feel. Today was Port Columbus International Airport, I sat alone waiting for my plane to board when I just let all my emotions drain out. Never before had I been more emotionally and physically drained as the last couple days. I also gained tons of respect for Texas fans. I have never disliked Texas and have really always rooted for them. After the game last night and talking to them today. (My flight was full of Texas fans because the plane was going to Austin after stopping in Cincinnati.)They were very complimentary and almost sympathetic to Ohio State and their fans. The celebration that went on at Ohio Stadium after the game was a surreal scene. The Texas fans scattered all over the stadium singing "The Eyes of Texas" looked like a scene from a World War II movie. It reminded me of Nazi Germany taking over Paris and saulting Hitler and celebrating in the city's streets.

One word of advice for Ohio State fans though: Do not blame Justin Zwick for this loss. There were so many opportunities for Ohio State to win this game. I think we would have won had Justin not fumbled, but that is not why we lost. The biggest surprise to me was how poor of a job Tressel did last night. Totally caught me off guard.

BREAKING NEWS

There has been a report from Missoula, Mon. that a gentleman by the name of D.J. Byrnes will have the famous "Roost" website back up and running in the near future. Developing...

Was/Is Race A Factor?

There is a common trend among the victims of Hurricane Katrina plucked from rooftops and waist-deep water. Most of them are poor and black.

Hurricane Katrina affected hundreds of thousands of people, but the horrific images of those at the center of the tragedy have shown deep divisions over race and class. It has also brought out criticism of the nation's response.

Frustrations have boiled over as black leaders question whether emergency assistance would have been faster had the victims been mainly white and wealthy.

Many prominant black lawmakers have said they are 'ashamed' of the government and are 'outraged' by their lack of response. Several members of the House of Represenatives have said too much focus has been placed on the looting rather than the priority of getting food, water and stability to thousands of displaced victims.

Rev. Jesse Jackson said pleas from cities for help fell largely on deaf ears in the immediate aftermath of the killer storm, after meeting with officials in Louisiana.

Most blacks feel that their race, their property conditions and their voting patterns have been a factor in the government's response. While wealthy residents were able to leave New Orleans, many of the city's majority black population did not have the means and were left behind.

One person on Tomdispatch.com was quoted saying, "Affluent white people fled the Big Easy in their SUVs while the old and car-less – mainly black – were left behind in their below-sea-level shotgun shacks and aging tenements..."

Bob.

Long Live Laguna, Bitches

by Brittany Stitch

The previous blogs regarding Laguna Beach bring up two very interesting points: The absurdity of its claim as a reality television show and the lack of intellectual
stimulation of the viewers. However, there is always an opposing viewpoint to any argument.

Mr. Rowland’s beliefs that MTV fails to play music is both grounded and correct. MTV, like any other thriving, money-making business, only seeks one thing: public demand. And Laguna Beach delivers just that: entertainment value. Depicted as “the REAL Orange County”, Laguna Beach encompasses the social aspect of a group of high school students in one of the most affluent, selective, and picturesque areas of California. It is important to note here that the distinguished authors aforementioned are not even California residents. To argue that they know “reality” in So Cal, thousands of miles away from their vast corn-field of a hometown, is preposterous. Reality is an objective term. Welcome to California, where plastic surgery and BMW’s are about as commonplace as In-N-Out Burger (Non-CA residents: this is a popular fast food chain found up and down the California coast). Gasp! Again, here is something all too “real” to us Californian’s, yet all too distant and unreal for non-residents.

Secondly, Laguna Beach deals with very real situations. How many girls have dealt with Jason’s, who account for their despicable behavior with the super-insightful “I don’t know” reasoning. Yet for some reason, no matter how ill-treated we are, we just keep coming back (poor Jessica). Likewise, how prevalent are the vindictive, boy-friend stealing Alexs' in our high schools…or better yet that much too common “love triangle”. Take the O.C. for example (which I equally enjoy), where in one episode a shooting, drug deal, and drunken confession of a middle-aged mother who has just found out her sister is the same age as her son (whew…that was a mouthful.) can all happen. Compared to that drama-filled situation, Laguna Beach is about as close to reality as it comes.

However, I am no idiot. As a normal portrayal of adolescence, Laguna Beach does not come close. I too reside in California but do not travel to the local bowling alley in a limo. Nor have I cried over being stuck with a 4Runner instead of a SL 500. But believe me, I know many who have. However, how unfortunate for them. That’s why I love LB so much. To me, it offers an escape from reality. How refreshing that for 30 minutes a week I can be freed of the pressures of everyday life, completely emerged into the trials and tribulations of those more privileged than myself. I’m entertained. The trivial yet life-altering decisions that plague these beautiful young adults makes me that much more appreciative of what I have. I have dreams, goals, and aspirations. My biggest decision I face everyday is not the debate over the length of my hair extensions. Shame on me for desiring more than Daddy’s handouts, which brings me to my last point.

Laguna Beach is a threat to society, and its viewers are unable to offer anything to society. I highly disagree. The author of that statement is obviously a sufferer of overconfidence and the hindsight bias (look it up in a Psychology book). First of all, if Laguna Beach is able to influence one so dramatically, whether adversely or not, what does that say about the person? As should all other shows, Laguna Beach should be taken for its entertainment value ALONE. Likewise, if there is a link between school violence, shootings etc. and Laguna Beach, please let me know. I will retract all my statements. Lastly, I am standing proof that Laguna Beach viewers are not detrimental or a waste to society. Besides the fact that my ACT score almost doubles the aforementioned scored, my aspirations are not a reflection of my viewing of LB. Yes, I did attend a LB Premiere party clad in an “I love Kristen” t-shirt. However, I don’t spend my free time surfing or charging Daddy’s credit card. I am going to accomplish great things in life and my passion for Laguna will in no way hinder that. Mark my words. Long live Laguna!

Laguna Beach, MTV Suck

The Rooster has educated us very well with his statements about Laguna Beach. However, there is one thing I disagree with him on. The O.C. is not a bad television show. I happen to be a big fan of the O.C. Especially of Rachel Bilson. (right)

One of the main reasons I despise Laguna Beach is because MTV advertises it as a "reality show." I have news for you, Laguna Beach is anything but real. It is probably more scripted than the O.C. Miraculously, things happen to fall into place way too often. The "high school" drama in the show is very elementary. I just don't see how it appeals to people. A so-called reality show that is scripted. What is the point?!

And, girls, the only reason your boyfriend watches Laguna Beach is because of the girls. If that isn't the reason then I suggest you confront him about his sexuality.

MTV tried way too hard to copy the O.C. with Laguna Beach. If I were Fox, I would sue them. MTV is the biggest joke on TV these days. However, there is something interesting going on. MTV is running a new set of commercials based on old wives tales. One, for example, involves the saying that you shouldn't make a face because it could stick.

So, what's the point of the campaign? That not everything you hear is true...including the "rumor" that MTV doesn't play music.

I wonder why people get that idea. Maybe it's because you don't play music anymore. Or when you do, you have screaming teenagers doing "shout outs" during the video. Or, you only play part of the video. Or you play about, oh, 10 or so videos over and over again.

Do you civic duty and sign this petition.

But really, I swear I'm not bitter. Really.
Now, back to the Outdoor Life Network.

On Labor Day 2005, Kyle Rowland for the CBS Evening News.

If you watch Laguna Beach, you live a shallow, unaccomplished life. Feel free to do society a favor by killing yourself.

by The Rooster

Ah, yes. Monday nights, at about 8 AM. It's that time of week in the fall. I start browsing through AIM away messages, and I start seeing such idiotic blather as, "OMG LAGUNA BEACH" or "WATCHING LAGUNA BEACH WITH MY FRIENDS." (Here's a hint, you dumb bitch, if you had any friends or a life for that matter--you wouldn't be watching rich fucking pricks in California). I seriously wish I could go back in time and kick whoever thought of giving these rich fucking fags a TV show in the throat. Seriously, they're a bigger scourge on society than Adolph Hitler was.

One time, I was at my friends house, and his little sister was watching Laguna Beach. (Because that's what annoying white girls do--watch MTV). I was playing cards, but I was unfortunate enough to catch some clips of the show, and holy fuck, that was the biggest mistake of my life. I would rather suck the dick of a burned out vietnam war vet with 36 STD's and no legs than be subject to another half hour of Laguna beach, quite possibly the worst TV show since Orange County.

Seriously, they say drugs and slapping hos in rap videos is a scourge for the values of today's youth. Fuck that, atleast slapping a bitch is productive. Shows like Laguna Beach are a bigger threat to society. I have ACT scores to match the IQ's of the girls who watch this TV show. (And I got an 18, so eat shit you shallow ass whores). Seriously, what the fuck makes these fags in Laguna Beach worthy of a TV show? I'd really like to fucking know. Steven, the "hottie" of the show is the biggest fucking queer I've ever seen in my life. I don't care if he's getting his dick sucked. I wish he'd get punched in the fucking throat and then stabbed repeatedly. And then I hope all the bitches on the show become pregnant and die miserable, painful deaths.

Seriously, if you watch this how, just kill yourself. There is no way you can enjoy this show and have anything productive to offer to society in general. Just get the fuck out of the way and make way for people who have the intellect above a carrot.

Psalm 55:22

If your heart is weighed down, the Lord is ready to bear every burden you give Him.

The Game of the Century

It is "The Game of the Century."

Regular season games don't get any bigger than the one you are going to see this coming Saturday in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State and Texas are arguably the two most storied programs in all of college football. Amazingly, this will be the first contest between the two powers. But, there is no better time to play than when Rose Bowl and national title hopes are on the line. Texas has won three national championships over the years and have had two players win the coveted Heisman Trophy. Ohio State has had similar success. Six times an Ohio State Buckeye has won the Heisman Trophy. They have also won the national championship seven times.

The eyes of Texas will be focused on Columbus, along with the eyes of the entire college football world. The game will be nationally televised on ABC, and ESPN College GameDay will set up shop in it's usual place on the South side of St. John Arena. An estimated 20,000 fans are expected to go down just to tailgate and take in the atmosphere.

No. 2 Texas is led by Heisman hopeful quarterback Vince Young. The Longhorns enter the game with an eight game winning streak, including a classic over Michigan in last year's Rose Bowl. In week 1 of the season, Texas drilled Louisiana-Lafayette 60-3.

Ohio State played in-state foe Miami. The game was never in doubt from the beginning, as the Buckeyes got up 34-0 and won 34-14.

Another intriguing bit of information about this game:

In 2002, Ohio State had the number 1 recruiting class in the nation. Texas was second. Those players are now seniors.

I have been to a countless number of Ohio State games, and never before has a single regular season game received so much hype from the fans and the national media. Ohio State and Texas fans have literally been waiting for and chatting about this game since it was signed over 6 years ago. The media has been talking about it ever since last season ended. Now, it is finally here.

The anticipation from myself has been unprecedented, too. It has now been weeks since I could just get in bed and go to sleep. Every night, I play every possible scenerio out in my head. It usually takes me about 2 hours to get to sleep. By that time, "Hang On Sloopy" is ringing in my ears. There is no doubt that Ohio Stadium will be rockin' come 8 P.M. this Saturday. When Dave Kaylor utters those words that Ohio State fans die to hear, "Ladies and Gentlemen, The Pride of the Buckeyes...The Ohio State University Marching Band," bedlam will ensue.

O-H...

From my dorm room in Tuscaloosa, Ala. on a campus where football is also King, Kyle Rowland reporting.