Sorry that I haven't written in so long; I guess the summerbreak blog has become more of a template changing arena than an actual place to post topics and conversations. Seriously though, I am curious for some user feedback. Is the 'flavor of the day' really that interesting? Does anyone visit the archives? Is content or presentation better? Personally, I really like the 'flavor of the day' and the ability to choose a song. I'm thinking about adding a cookie to store settings so visitors may choose to always view the prompt box, or never. That is neither here nor there. (Cool saying).

The real reason I'm posting is just to give a little job news. I recently got my first real job -- as a tutor! Yeah, I'm pretty sure that must come as a shock to a lot of people who know me...lol. I'm tutoring my dad's boss's daughter in Geometry, of the Euclidian variety that is. It's kidna interesting and brings back disturbing childhood memories of those long gone days. Seriously though, it is pretty intereting. After taking AP Calculus, Geometry and Algebra really aren't intimidating at all. Such math classes used to challenge me, but now that's just run of the mill in AP Cal. I do wonder though, will I ever find AP Cal as easy as I find Geometry and Algebra now?

Well, that's difficult to say. The answer is: a whole friggin lot! Between school and scholarships, I don't think I've really had a moment to stop and relax! Well, except for the several hours I spent in front of the 360 today - but that doesn't count. Seriously though, applying for college, getting accepted to college, and then applying for more financial need (scholarships included), it's beginning to feel like one really bad nightmare. So it goes. Let me give a quick rundown of other exciting stuff that has been happening.

The blog has been updated. In the top their, some may notice a weird picture thingy next to the words "summer break." This is my gamertag. It's basically what I do online via Xbox Live. Kinda interesting stuff, if you're bored - or just really like video games.

By the way, I've been trying to alter the embed tag at the top of the page by hyperlinks and form buttons, but have been unable to manage either. If anyone has any tips, it would be greatly appreciated.

Many of you visit "the blogs" quite often. The question is, have you ever fooled around with RSS/XML feeds? I thought Kristen and Mom would especially like this feature. Basically, you can check new posts on all the blogs from one location. One way is by configuring Google Desktop to show the XML feeds from all the blogs. The second way is by setting up a personalized Google Homepage. Click "Add Content" in the upper right corner of the screen (on your personalized Google Homepage) and in the search box at the bottom of the add content pane, type in the blog address (i.e. http://summerbreak05.blogspot.com/atom.xml) and add a /atom.xml to the end of it. From then on, you will be able to see recently published posts from all the blogs you so desire. Very handy for the avid blogger out there.

Anyway, that's all for tonight. Keep an eye out on the weather and pray for snow (specifically 4-8in. in the Northwestern NC region, close to MA). Everybody have a great night. Last but not least, Congratulations Kristen for the beautiful baby girl. Hope you guys are doing well.

Yes, this post is a break from the mold. My blog has primarily been a journal/editorial column of sorts. Well, I've been thinking, and I've decided to do my first commercial product endorsement. Google Talk is one really neat program. I mention this software specifically in light of a recent announcement by Gmail. Apparently, Gmail and Google Talk will be seamlessly integrated (more than they already are) into one useful application. For those who don't know, Gmail is a webamil program by google, with over 2.6 GB of storage (more than any other free e-mail service). Gmail also provides the same services as other webmail programs, yet without the price tag of such providers as Yahoo! Mail. Google Talk, on the other hand, is an Instant Messaging program that simultaneously provides alerts as soon as you get an e-mail in Gmail. Gmail has many other features, and of course allows for talking via the web.


Ok, so now that you know what the programs are, you may ask why these programs are worth getting?


Because, now Google Talk and Gmail will be integrated. You can IM via Google Talk from inside Gmail. In addition to this, all Google Talk conversations will be saved inside Gmail, thus saving hard drive storage, and adding the powerful searching capabilities of google to help find specific conversations. Please keep in mind that these features have not been released yet, but will soon be (two weeks tops). Another plus of Gmail is the fact that is doesn't allow just anyone to sign up. This seems bad, but it prevents spammers from using gmail. If anyone needs an invite Gmail, just tell me and I will be happy to send you an invite. Trust me, even if you are concerned about switching email addresses because everyone knows your old one, its worth switching to Gmail. (Contacts can be imported from Yahoo! Mail, Outlook Express, and anywhere else you might store your contacts).

By the way, if you get a Gmail account or Google Talk, send me your screen name so I can IM you every once in awhile :)

Let me preface this quickie update with a story. At my school, there has been a recent plague of bomb threats. This has resulted in lunches spent under the supervision of many teachers, and eating with our classes. I know several senior journalists from my school, and I told them about an article idea I had. This idea spawned from a joke I made about needing a hero to save the school from bomb threats. Yes, this hero's name is, MacNorris. Here is the article--enjoy!

These are perilous times, students being escorted to and from lunch, bathrooms constantly monitored, and the ever-present oppressive stench of uneaten cafeteria food. Yes, I am talking about the new fad of making bomb threats. School has become an over strict camp, one where free will is gone.

For example, I was walking back from a quick “conference” with Mrs. Refveem when I heard a call, the call of my bladder. No teacher was in sight as ducked quickly into the bathroom. I checked over my shoulder several times to make sure that no one had observed my “criminal” action. Amazing how something as simple as going to the bathroom can give one such a feeling of guilt and fear of doing wrong.

After pondering about such hard times, I have reached but one conclusion; this school needs a hero. But who can fill such a need? Ingenuity and strength are both required for such a man. Like lightning from heaven, or perhaps one of Chuck Norris’s lightning fast roundhouse kicks, the answer hit me. MacNorris! Who is MacNorris you might ask? MacNorris just happens to be a hybrid of the most deadly and feared characters of all time. The ingenuity and fast thinking of MacGyver—the deadly roundhouse kick of Chuck Norris.

As I followed this train of thought, I realized that in less than 20 minutes, MacNorris could not only find a bomb in the school, he could also disarm the bomb, find the culprit, roundhouse kick him into submission, and all using only two toothpicks and a roll of duct tape! Even better, since MacNorris has a heart bigger than his muscles—earned from OMNI-gym workout videos—MacNorris would do all this for free. Of course, after MacNorris completed his task, he would get on his horse, give the school a large thumbs-up, and ride off into the sunset.

In all seriousness, times like these do not require a hero, but instead necessitate that the student body should band together in an effort to catch the person (or persons) behind the threats. Wait, what am I talking about? Scratch that; I just hope I get the chance to tell my grandchildren about the time the legendary MacNorris saved the school from imminent destruction—using primarily no. 2 lead pencils and a dry erase marker

Alright public, sorry for the delay, but the along awaited update is here. This will be a quickie, with more to follow, but I can at least release a few details. To continue with my narrative, some of you may have noticed a few posts about Kelsey. I recently asked her to prom, via poem in the mail. :) Let me just tell you, since I put that little letter in the mail, I have literally been dying to hear back from Kelsey. I think as soon as I mailed it, I was waiting for a response. Before I gross anybody out with the....ahem....sappy details.....let me just share a little example of how hopeless I am... ;) This week I made sure to keep my cellphone fully charged at all times -- in case I needed the extra battery life for a long conversation with someone. In other related areas, I finally found out what denial means. After I sent the letter, I pondered multiple scenarios. One of them included Kelsey reading the poem, thinking I was kinda going stalkerish, and she never speaking to me again. Fortunately, my minds natural defenses kicked in and erased such thoughts, thus preventing a breakdown right then and there. In all seriousness though, I really like Kelsey, and just want to go to prom with her :) I think that Kelsey however, is sending her response via mail also. I think that's cute, but seriously, I have patience issues...lol. At least in cases like this. I don't think my adrenal system can handle many more days at 'high alert.' :) Well, it's definitely past my bedtime, but at least I made my posting deadline! Come on, which blog really comes through in the clutch?!? That's all for tonight, so everyone have an awesome night, and stay tuned to http://summerbreak05.blogspot.com for more details; your source for the latest 'teen scene' breaking news!

Ok, So the big promised update did not happen as planned. I can deal with that. Sorry to keep dropping little teasers about a big blog update, but that time is not yet. Tonight I promise to at least reveal what the update is about, even if I can't give the actual update as planned. So it goes in the world of teenage dating and computer programming. Besides the point and on to the matter at hand. My last post was an album review about Lights and Sounds. Today I thought I would provide some more media sutff for you guys to check out. The first link is a link to view the Lights and Sounds music video. The quality isn't great, but at least it works. The second link is a music video hosted on Google.com to the music of Yellowcard's last album, Ocean Avenue. The actual song is called "Believe," and is a song written to commemorate those who gave their lives on September 11th. The movie is extremely moving, and brings back a lot of patriotic feelings. I do caution that parts of it were a little hard to watch, and even I felt my eyes water just a little. Anyway, feel free to check these videos out, and I will begin to integrate the music to Lights and Sounds into the music player at the top of this page. Enjoy guys, and be prepared for an update tonight. (No later than 11:00pm) This is Adam from MAHS, signing off.

Lights and Sounds

September 11th Video

Ok, some people may be wondering why I'm posting during school hours; well, let doubt linger no more. I'm in CET (Computer Engineering Technologies) class right now. I finished all my work (and some extra...like networking the class :) and thought I would post an album review. This morning, after seminary, I decided to buy my first new album. I bought Yellowcard's new album, Lights and Sounds. All throughout today, I've been listening to the music. The story behind this goes back several years to when I first got into music. The first band I ever really liked was, surprsisngly, Yellowcard. I downloaded the entire album (legally, of course) and before a week had passed, my favorite band was born. Anyway, it's been about 4 years since their last release, so I couldn't pass up the opportunity to check it out. The album contains 14 songs, including the soundtrack to the music video Lights and Sounds. Overall I've been very pleased with the purchase. The music is reminiscent of Yellowcard's last album, Ocean Avenue. The music sounds more grownup, but the Violin that seperates Yellowcard from other bands remains vibrantly strong. I'll give a few of my favorite tracks here. Also stay tuned as I update the music player with a few new Yellowcard songs. Favorite tracks:

How I Go
Lights and Sounds
Three Flights Up (Instrumental)
Words, Hands, Hearts
City of Devils

Alright guys, I'm out for now. Check out Yellowcard's new album, and stay tuned today for a VERY special update. Thanks for the support guys. Adam, over and out from MAHS.