I don't get why the one underneath won't publish normally! GAH!
But If you high light it you can see it... just so you know.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

These couple lines play over the loud speaker at school every morning and as a student I must stand up, put my hand over my heart, and say it. It's not that I don't believe it, it's not that I really even have a problem with it at all. It's 30 seconds that would otherwise be spent listening to music and complaining that I'm tired. 

I just want someone to explain to me why I must stand up, put my hand over my heart, and say it. I've heard that it's to show our patriotism and love for this country but, you know what? If I really wanted to show it that so bad, I wouldn't need someone telling me I have to. Don't you think that young people should be able to make these decisions for themselves? And isn't it possible that if I'm lazy and just don't feel like it, I still love my country and am proud of it? Why does whether or not I say a half-hearted pledge too early in the morning determine if I care?

Even when we're told that we're not forced and it's really our decision, it's a lie. Because if you don't say it somebody's gunna be mad at you. Like in the case of a 13-year-old Jehovah's Witness who was forced to stand outside in the rain for 15 minutes after not reciting the pledge. Like, come on, that's a little ridiculous, it's not exactly corporal punishment, but it's just humiliating and unfair.    

So I dare someone, anyone, to give me a solid reason to say it with heart and mean it, because I already have many reasons to not. 

Jeff, Who Lives at Home

While being bored and sick the last couple days of the shortest summer of my life, I went to my local redbox and rented a beautiful movie called: Jeff, Who Lives at Home and it was nothing like what I expected. I mean geez it's a sundance movie with Jason Segel and Ed Helms, these funny people!
I'm not saying this isn't a funny movie. The first half- mostly comedy. The second half- meant to reach down your throat take your heart srings and yank them out.
It's kind of like a coming of age story for a thirty year old man [Jeff] and the changes that are happening with his relationship to his married, working brother. In the begginng you're thinking that Jeff is just a guy who is immature, has yet to fully develop, and doesn't quite understand. But you soon come to the conclusion: is that such a bad thing?
Maybe if he doesn't look at the world like your typical 30 year old, he may enjoy it more. he may see things that you couldn't. He may not even notice the stresses or care much. Granted, he's 30 with no job and living with his mother- not much to have worries about. [except fixing that damned window]
While the movie progresses and you get deeper and deeper into the ball of conflict that is his relationship to his brother. Who has a full-time job, a wife, and a brand new car. And just when you think the movie is over and everyone is happy again... you start to cry. Well, at least I did.
And it's not a sad cry, its the most touching, heart-warming thing I have ever seen.
I don't want to spoil it at all, so I'll let you go watch it and find out for your self.