My hero, Tom Delonge

Mostly everyone knows who Tom Delonge is. But for those who don't, he was the founder and lead guitarist/vocals for the former punk band, Blink-182. He then formed a side band called Box Car Racer. Soon after, Blink-182 was abandoned. Both Tom Delonge and bassist Mark Hoppus went their seperate ways, never to talk to each other again. Mark formed a band called, +44 with Blink-182 drummer, Travis Barker. Tom went out to make something better of himself. He formed a band called, Angels & Airwaves (AVA), with Box Car Racer's guitarist David Kennedy. So that's who Tom is and where he's at now. But many people ask me, "Why is Tom your hero?" Well, to to answer that question, it is simply because of who he is now. Blink-182 was a very talented band, but immaturity was always occuring throughout their career. Tom and Mark would run around naked, write songs about having sex with a dog, and tell all the penis jokes possible. There was nothing mature about that band. But in 2003, all of that had changed. Their last album contained no immaturity whatsoever. The reason was because Tom felt the need to grow up. He wanted to make a change and start something beautiful. If you're a Blink fan then you know what happened next. At the time, Tom was married and was about to have his daughter, Ava. He also has a boy named, Jonas. Tom needed to go home and spend time with his wife and child. So Tom decided to make a difference. His new band, Angels & Airwaves, is more of a serious band with a spiritual message. Believe it or not, Tom is a Christian. He was raised by religious parents. I was reading the thank you's in the back of the album cover and Tom thanks God for every opportunity he was given. Also, whenever I see a picture of Tom or a music video, he is always wearing his wedding band. That shows true devotion to his wife. The point is is that he went from a skater punk to a well respected, father, husband, and musician. That proves no matter how famous you may be you can still be happy and live your life for the ones you love. There is always a time to make a difference. Most musicians are doing drugs, having sex with various women, going through divorces, and going through rehab. Tom still has that potty mouth, but he says it is a terrible habit that can't seem to go away. But besides that, he is a musician that deserves a lot of respect. His music has impacted and inspired many teens to get off their feet and make a difference in their own life. That is my hero, Tom Delonge.

Spongebob Squarepants:Fish Wars

This is a story that I wrote when I was little. I thought I'd try to make my own Spongebob episode.

"Ah, Bikini Bottom...where all sea creatures live in harmony. But wait! What's this? Something is happening at the Krusty Krab".
"Red alert! Red alert!" Spongebob shouted "Plankton is stealing a Krabby Patty! What should we do, Mr. Krabs?"
Everyone was screaming and running around in circles. Mr. Krabs was holding his safe tight against his chest. Spongebob had never seen Mr. Krabs sweat so much. He was sweating more than the time he was playing The Flying Dutchman's Treasure, a board game based off a real treaure map.
Mr. Krabs, still shaking at his boots, answered Spongebob,"I don't know! I'm just a cheap old tightwad!"
"Yeah, that's true" said Spongebob.
Then, with a sudden outburst, Spongebob yelled, "I got it Mr. Krabs! I got it!"
"What is it lad?" questioned Mr. Krabs
In a smooth, calm voice Spongebob answered, "It says in this book what to do if Plankton steals a Krabby Patty".
Mr. Krabs was amazed to have some help. "Oh, really? What's the book called?"
Spongebob stood there for a moment and just stared at Mr. Krabs before answering, "It's called What to do if Plankton Steals a Krabby Patty".
"Oh. Well, what does the book say, boy?"
"It doesn't say anything Mr. K. You know books can't talk, silly. You have to read it. Duhhhh."
"Okay, then what does it read?"
"I don't know. I didn't know books could read".
"Spongebob, just tell me!!!!"
"Well, it says here in Article 125,648,467,857,758...
(The Next Day)
575,797,001 that we can start a fast food war."
"What's that?" questioned Mr. Krabs
"It says here in Article 125,64..."
"Spongebob, please...I beg you, just tell me what it says to do".
"Geez, fine. It says here if the Krsusty Krab is ever ambushed by Plankton, of the Chumb Bucket, then Mr. Krabs can declare a war against the opposing restaurant."
Mr. Krabs knew there was no way he could lose.
"Ha! There's no way I can lose! We'll take him to the cleaners".
"Uhh, Mr. K. It also says if we lose then we must give up the Krabby Patty secret formula".
"Spongebob. Don't worry about it. We'll get you, Squidward, your friend Sandy, umm Patrick, and the rest of the charcters in the show no one cares about".
Mr. Krabs yelled from the front door of the restaruant. "Hey! Plankton!"
Plankton walks out. "What is it Krabs?"
"The Krusty Krab declares a fast food war against you".
"Ah, I see Spongebob showed you the book".
"How do you know about the book?"
"How do I know? I wrote it!"
Mr. Krabs was very confused at this moment.
Plankton discusses to Mr. Krabs about his plan to defeat the Krusty Krab once and for all. He wrote the book in order to start a war. Plankton was ready for any attack Mr. Krabs had planned. There was no way Plankton could lose.
This made Mr. Krabs very angry.
"It doesn't matter what you think, Plankton! The Krusty Krab is going to win!"
"Oh yeah?!"
"Yeah!"
"Oh yeah?!"
"Yeah!"
"Okay, see you tomorrow." They both said cheerfully

5:30 that night

"What's up plankton? See you tomorrow".
"Okay bye".

The Next Day

The war had begun. Sauces were flying left to right. Let's see how the fight is going.
"Nooooo! I can't believe I'm losing!" Yelled Mr. Krabs
"I can. No one can defeat me! That Krabby Patty is as good as mine!"
Then out of the cold blue, Mr. Krabs had an idea. It was the only way they stood a chance for winning. It had to be done.
"You know what, Plankton? It doesn't matter what you say or think. We have a secret weapon".
"What? Is Squidward going to play his Clarinet?"
"Psh, no!" Mr. Krabs turned to Squiward and whispered to him, "Sorry Squidward". Squidward left with his clarinet in his hands.
What will Mr. Krabs do now? If that was his secret weapon, what will happen. What will become of the Krusty Krab? Who will save us? Wait! What's this?
Out from the distance, Spongebob flies in on a fighter plane.
"Hey Mr. Krabs! Look what I found".
"Spongebob, where did you get that thing?" asked Mr. Krabs
"I don't know. Some place called Area 51."
"Spongebob! Thos planes carry bombs! You can let them go!"
"Okie Dokie Mr. Krabs."
"Okay, it has an Atom bomb in it, so we might have a chance. When I count to three, you drop the bomb. But you better hurry, you might fly off course."
"Ok, Mr. K!"
Mr. Krabs turns to Plankton. "What do you think of that, Plankton?"
Plankton grew speechless.
"Ok...one....two...three! Drop the Atom bomb!"
So Spongebob threw down a bomb in the shape of a guy named Adam.
"No! Not the Adam bomb! The Atom bomb!"
"ohhhh..."
"Ok, you're off course now. Don't fire!"
"What? Fire? There's a fire! Everyone run, there's a fire!" shouted Spongebob
"Spongebob, what are you doing?"
" There's a fire and I can't land this thing. Maybe this big red button that says Do Not Push will make me land."
Mr. Krabs yells to Spongebob, "No, that's the Atom bomb button!" You're off course!"
"What was the Kr. Krabs?" spongebob said in a dumb manner
"That's the Atom bomb button! Turn around!"
"What?!"
"That's the Atom bomb button! Turn around!"
"What? You want me to push the button and blow up the town?"
"Yes, no wait..."
"Ok, here I go. I'll push it in slow motion for a dramatic effect."
"Spongebob, nooooooooo!!!!

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Spongebob had dropped the bomb. It blew up the entire town, including the Krusty Krab.
Spongebob finally landed the flying machine.
"I did it Mr. Krabs! I did it! Even if I am suffering from mild radiation. But I did it! I saved the Krabby Patty secret formula! I...hey, where did everyone go? Oh, they probably went to celebrate. Man, look at this town. Glad I don't live here. Hey look, fish sticks!"

The End

Sons of Thunder

Sons of Thunder are a Christian rock band from Manteca, California, in 2006 by drummer Eric Medina and vocals/lead guitarist Dale Brockhaus. The band also consisted of guitarist David Corder , lead guitarist/vocals Jake McKinsey, rythem guitar/vocals Reggie Spiers, bassist Matt Rindels, and keyboardist Heather Winston. Sons of Thunder occasionally had back up singers. The band are considered pioneers of Christian rock and contemporary rock, alongside bands such as Sonicflood, Chris Tomlin, Desperation Band, and Day of Fire.

Sons of Thunder underwent several line-up changes before releasing their first self-titled album, "Sons of Thunder", in 2006. The band recorded their most successful song, Cornerstone. Keyboardist, Heather Winston, had left the band during their rise. The band then recorded their second album, "Let's Go!" in 2007.

Sons of Thunder successfully sold an estimated 150 million copies worldwide, including 68 million in the U.S. This made Sons of Thunder the 5th highest selling Contemporary Christian Rock album ever. They were ranked 20 on VH1's top 100 "Greatest Indie-Rock Bands of the 21st Century".

Name
Eric Medina developed the idea of the band's name after reading Mark 3:17 from the Bible. Sons of Thunder was the name Jesus gave John and James. He told them to follow God and cast out demons and save the unsaved. The band thought it was a "cool" name that really fit the style of the band itself. And the name certainly showed in Sons of Thunder.

History
All members were born in California. Besides Dale Brockhaus, Jake McKinsey, former guitarist of the band, "Forgivin", was the first among the band to be lead guitarist/vocals. Sons of Thunder soon recruited acoustic guitarist, David Corder. It wasn't long until the band really needed a bassist. Eric Medina insisted that his long-time friend, Matt Rindels, should play bass. It was then the band knew he was in. After many performances, keyboardist/guitarist Heather Winston joined the band. It wasn't long until Reggie Spiers, an electric rhythm guitarist/vocals joined in. The band and audience immediately fell in love with his voice.

Tough Times for Sons of Thunder
But it wasn't all fun and games for Sons of Thunder. Guitarists' Reggie Spiers and Jake McKinsey
soon became worst of enemies. Jake grew angry with Reggie every moment. It got bad enough where Jake wouldn't play with the band as much as he did before. During this time, Heather Winston had dropped the band to pursue schooling and choir. Like every family, the parents have to let their children go on their own. Lead guitarist, Dale Brockhaus, left the band due to his outside work. Sons of Thunder were left to continue Dale's work.

The Band's Revival
The band's first performance was at a miniature golf course, called Boomers. They presented a free concert to the public. From their the band made it mainstream.

The Fall of Sons of Thunder
In the Summer of 2007, Sons of Thunder had broken up due to new management of the band. Although, the band had left, one stayed behind. Guitarist David Corder, was recruited by another Christian Rock band, "Powerhouse".

Sons of Thunder Today
Today, all former members of Sons of Thunder are working solo. Eric Medina is occasionally invited to play with other Christian bands. Jake McKinsey continues to play guitar. Matt Rindels still plays bass, but no longer for a band. Him and Eric have began to create songs of their own. Keyboardist Heather Winston was recruited by David Corder to play in his new band.

Former Band Members

• Dale Brockhaus-Lead Guitarist/Vocals
• Jake Mckinsey-Lead Acoustic Guitarist/Vocals
• Dave Corder-Rythem Acoustic Guitarist
• Reggie Spiers-Rythem Electric Guitarist
• Heather Winston-Former Keyboardist/Guitarist/Vocals
• Matt Rindels-Bassist
• Eric Medina-Drums

Discography

Sons of Thunder Released April 2006 Label: Atlantic U.S. Sales: 68 Million

Let's Go! Released June 2007 Label: Atlantic U.S. Sales: 72 Million

Election 2008

Today is February 5th, 2008 aka "Super Tuesday". But this is a particulary different Tuesday. This is a Tuesday that will go down in American presidential history. Whoever particapated in today's voting will be a part of history as well. Why is this election such a big deal you may ask? For the first time in history, there is an African American male (Barack Obama) and a female candidate (Hillary Clinton). If Hillary wins this election, then that means we've had two Bush's (Geroge H.W. Bush & George W. Bush) and two Clinton's (Bill Clinton & Hillary Clinton). But that is only true if you were born in the late 80's.

Because of these two candidates, it also makes this election the most expensive election ever. Clinton has spent over $118M while Obama has spent over $103M. Obama and Clinton are both leading Democrats. McCain of the Republican party is in first, next Romney, followed by Huckabee in last. Edwards, Richardson, Dodd, Biden, and Kucinich are all out of the race. Each of them only spent under $40M on their campaign. Romney has spent a little over $90M, McCain $42M, Paul $28M, and Huckabee $8M. The following candidates are out: Giuliani, Thompson, Tancredo, Hunter, and Paul. Each raised under $60M.

In the state of California, only 15,527,076 people are registered voters. Forty-three percent are Democrats, thirty-four percent are Republicans, and twenty-three percent are other. Forty-five percent of male and fifty-five percent of female Democrats voted today. The highest percentage of Democratic voters were between the age of 45 and 59. Sixteen percent of young Democrats voted ( ages 18-29). Fifty-four percent of male and forty-six percent of female Republicans voted today. The highest percentage of Republican voters were from the elderly, ranging from age 60+. Ten percent, being the lowest, were from young adults. Again, these results are only for California.


For myself, I voted for Huckabee. I am a true Republican and I stick to my roots. Will Huckabee win? Probably not. But he is the one who is not giving up. Also, he is the only one with the best morals and values. He is the governor and the pastor of a Baptist church.


Today was only the primary election. The general election will be on November 2, 2008. Is America really ready for a change? Are we ready for a new experience? Only you, America, can decide. Vote 2008!