Lara

Very nice, like the spikes! - Victoria/Plautia

You look marvelous! ;-) - Larry Kless via twhirl

tried out the spikey look myself recently. knew i was on the right track when my daughter looked at me and said "dad, you look at least ten years younger!" - Mark Schulz

Spikes are great! Now add color! - Lisa Creech Bledsoe via twhirl

Great post, I'm learning so much from you. Keep rockin! - Denise

Thanks Chris, and love number 43. - Sarah

@chrisbrogan is relentless in the creation of usable compelling content. I love his stuff and hate that I'm not half as productive. - Barry Reicherter via twhirl

i love the last part of #47 "be a good citizen." for me, that is the essence of what builds trust with anyone trying to promote a product. - mike

My story is inverse to most. In three words? Blue, Red, Purple. Grew up v. liberal, became an evangelical christian, life got more complex. Got my masters in theology. Internal & external crises started breaking down toxic beliefs (exclusive/hell/fear/etc.) and now trying to hold onto best of blue and red. Thats the FF version...;) Yes, context matters. But not entirely. - Leif Hansen

Interesting Leif - Jeremiah Owyang

Jeremiah, what you describe is similar to what is called the Genetic Fallacy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G...). While circumstance can definitely be an explanation of how someone came about having a religious belief, it is not necessarily a legitimate factor in evaluating the truth of a belief. In other words, my upbringing in 20th century western society may have increased the likelihood of my particular faith, however, it says nothing of the truth or falsity of the religion itself... - Christopher Butler

btw, Islam is the largest religion n te world. The Pope also ack's this fact. http://friendfeed.com/e/40d53a... - Peter Dawson

This article is interesting: http://www.watchtower.org/e/20... tell me what you think. - Roberto Bonini

As a Buddhist I'd have to say that all are paths to where ever you're going. Even though I try to live my life the way that the Buddha suggested, I'm not aiming towards nirvana or enlightenment. That'll either happen or not. I think many Buddhists believe that enlightenment is not dependent on religion. A Christian or Muslim can become enlightened without knowing anything about the Buddha. - Tad, Fool

The nice thing about Buddhism is we can play with the idea of reincarnation. It's ok if you don't get things figured out in this life time - you have infinite more to work on it. Christians, Muslims and others are under a lot more pressure. - Tad, Fool

Roberto, I don't know much about the Jehovah's Witnesses other than the fact that a girl I grew up with lived with her mom who was one. Her father (divorced from the mom) would send her bday and xmas presents that her mom would throw away. Any time we had a class celebration for birthdays or Christmas she had to sit in the corner faced away from us and not participate. I still remember her tears. I'm not a fan of the Witnesses - they don't seem happy or fun to be around at all. - Tad, Fool

My religion is kindness. Sounds trite, and it is a bumper sticker, but I guess I'm saying that after many years of pondering this very question I decided I don't really care about "levels", I'm more concerned with doing the right thing. There is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery down the street from me, and I am very inspired by my neighbors' approach to living compassionately. - Jason Wehmhoener

Christopher Butler, THANK YOU, this is the term I was seeking http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G... "Genetic Fallacy" - Jeremiah Owyang

For me, the "next level" was to move beyond religion in my desire to understand spirituality. - Jack Carlson

I don't have an opinion other than to say when people ask me what I like best about FriendFeed, I point to conversations like this one. - Cecily

Peter Dawson, that link you provided to "the largest religion" doesn't work. It doesn't really matter anyways, it's not about size, it's about which one is "right". - Jeremiah Owyang

@Tad Donahuge: Its a commaon misperception. http://www.watchtower.org/e/jt... . - Roberto Bonini

I've always thought: if there are so many religions in the world and we can only choose one, we've got a 1 / (# of religions) chance of picking the "right" one. And since there's no way of knowing what that right one is, we might as well use whatever rule of thumb we like to choose what to follow. What we're born into feels perfectly valid, as does whatever makes you feel the best, etc., etc. - Andy DeSoto

What does "right" mean? Can that question even make sense if we have no objective way to see beyond this life? As far as I can tell with the evidence provided when you die, you die regardless of religion. If I become "enlightened," die and then go to hell, I'll just know that I was wrong. If I instead go to heaven I'll be pretty confused too. Thinking along these terms remind me that it's probably more important to concern myself with enjoying this life that I have right now to its fullest. - Tad, Fool

I am very concerned with what has been done in this world in the name of religions. I was born into the religion of Christianity, but have begun trying to walk through this world with a spirituality of love. ( http://brokenheartmanifesto.co... ) - Thomas Knoll

I think we can learn from all religions. I was raised Catholic, and I've taken part in many protestant services. I have spent many evenings in a sweat lodge and in pipe circles. I have sufi danced. I have done yoga. I meditate. I don't believe in God, and I often find myself nodding in complete agreement with atheists. There is truth in all of it. I'm concerned about understanding and respecting others. I try to take it all in. - Jason Wehmhoener

@Andy DeSoto: Anyone who is serious about his religion should think that it is the right one. Otherwise, why would he or she be involved in it? Christians are admonished: "Make sure of all things; hold fast to what is fine." (1 Thessalonians 5:21) A person should make sure that his beliefs can be supported by the Scriptures, for there is only one true faith. Ephesians 4:5 confirms this, mentioning "one Lord, one faith, one baptism." Jesus did not agree with the modern, relaxed view that there are many roads, many religions, all leading to salvation. Instead, he said: "Narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into life, and few are the ones finding it." Jehovah's Witnesses believe that they have found it. Otherwise, they would look for another religion.—Matthew 7:14. - Roberto Bonini

Roberto, I don't misremember her tears or all the discussions we had with her over the years or the talks that I've had with other Witnesses either. That said, though, I'm sure that not all practice their religion in exactly the same way either. - Tad, Fool

I become very dismayed when I hear proponents of one religion persecuting another or proclaiming itself as "right" or "true" above others. Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition. - Jason Wehmhoener

Again, I disagree Roberto. I have simply found other religions lacking. I have kind of latched onto Buddhism because it makes the most sense to me right now. I certainly haven't convinced myself that it is "right," nor did the Buddha insist that it was right for everyone. As a Buddhist, part of my job is challenging my own beliefs to see which still stick. - Tad, Fool

Jason, I was going to flippantly ask if we could learn anything from Scientology, but then I remembered some conversations I've had with some Scientologists. Many of them have actually found some value in the teachings of L Ron, even if they find the Church to be evil, and I know that there are renegade groups of Scientologists who are outside the influence of the Church. - Tad, Fool

@ Jason: Couldn't be further from the truth. I have no wish to do any such thing to anyone regardless of race, religion, creed, etc. After all I don't appricate it when others do it to me. In saying that, there is naturally a tendancy to tell others about somthing that has a profound effect on my life. I wouald hardly call that percecution. - Roberto Bonini

Agreed Roberto. Witnessing may be minor harassment, but it's not persecution. I don't think I've ever heard the Witnesses advocate violence towards people who disagree with them. - Tad, Fool

Hi Roberto, I think it's OK to tell others about something you feel good about, but I think it's important to accept that people may not see your point of view. I don't agree with passages in the Bible that make reference to "one true faith". Life is too diverse and interesting for "one true" anything. - Jason Wehmhoener

What if they are all paths to the same thing, just described differently? Think of the parable of 3 blind men describing an elephant - you get a rope, a snake, and a tree - but the elephant is still an elephant. What if the 'message of the path to the divine' was similarly described by those who had yet to achieve it, but were trying to explain it to others? Perhaps you'd have Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism et al. Yet still, it's an elephant. Who is to say that all paths do not lead to the same place. - Lucretia Pruitt

Jeremy , you may want to take a look into this thread too "Define God !" - http://groups.google.com/group... - Peter Dawson

@ Tad: I think you will find that it is often the other way around. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P... posted for the external inks ( too many to post here). - Roberto Bonini

@ Jason: Do you belive in a creator? If you do, do you belive he is intersted in the affairs of mankind? - Roberto Bonini

Man interpreting the Divine (organized religion) seems an oxymoron to me. But I do not begrudge those who can take strength from it. - Michael W. May

@ Micheal: See my above comments and links. - Roberto Bonini

What if religion is less about what you believe and more about what you belong to? For example, I am a practicing Christian. However, I feel a deep connection with Buddhism. I don't identify as a Buddhist because I don't feel historically connected to Buddhism. The overarching narrative of my life, on the other hand, is rooted in the meta narrative of western Christianity--for the good and bad. To me, spirituality is personal and religion is communal, and there is beauty in their intersection. - Will Boyd

Stop looking outside the world around you for meaning. Make the most of your time here. Find meaning in that. Commonwealtheism: http://afterthejump.com/what-d... - Kirk Skodis

Roberto I believe that the sum total of creation is absolutely way beyond my comprehension. I do not believe in anthropomorphized deities, no. Certainly nothing one could refer to as "he". - Jason Wehmhoener

The ancient Vedanta philosophy makes sense to me. There is One Unchanging Truth. We call it by different names and find practices that suit our nature & cultural proclivities. - meryl333

Jeremiah, here's the secret: religion is not about belief and next levels at all. It's about community. Religion is an expression of our attachment to other people. Even the non-religions that teach non-attachment form communities. It always comes back to social networking. - Michael Markman

"My social network burned yours at the stake!" -- the ultimate flame wars. - Chris Baskind

Jeremiah, inspired question. After studying meditation for a few decades with Sri Chinmoy, I've come to believe that religion is not as important to me as is faith and my own spiritual practice which has been heavily influenced by my Guru. I see myself on a spiritual path rather than an adherent to a particular set of religious rules. I do respect how everyone practices religion, faith and atheism. All good. Different strokes, different folks. - Neil Vineberg

Wow, I hate I missed this earlier. Awesome conversation. This is why I like FriendFeed. - ha3rvey

I'm Mormon. Parents are Mormon. Grandparents for generations before that were Mormon. Interesting thing is, it's still something I choose. More interesting is how often I hear people say things about what I believe that are so far off it's kind of funny. (like the multiple wives baloney). So how did I choose it? I find I choose it because I find the teachings give me joy, happiness, content, desire for good, to help others, be a better dad, father, son, brother, etc... - Russ

You may find my essay on Religious Natural Selection of interest: http://mathoda.com/archives/17... - Ranjit Mathoda

I'm not sure about "the next level," but my spiritual life is very important to me. I grew up Baptist. In fact, my dad's a Baptist minister. I have several cousins who are ministers, too. We have a running joke that religion is like a family business for us. The crazy thing is, I started to see the difference between religion and theology and faith in a new light after being out on my own. I am now an active member of the Seventh-Day Adventist church. - ha3rvey

if you rely solely on your parents or location for your religious preference, then that is a shame. You need to seek and search if you want truth. - Andru Edwards

During a soul-searching period in my senior year of college, I stumbled into Urantia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T.... It provides me with a nice integration of Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, New Age, Pagan, etc... I enjoy the Hindu ideal of "every path is worthwhile" - Whether a path is the "high road" or the "low road" is not so important as if it is a "good road" for you (and your partner/family/friends). IMO, commonalities are more helpful than differences and wars between religions. - Mitchell Tsai

Thanks for the twitter invite @jowyang...Unfortunately I think Christianity has often turned into Churchianity (where people are more concerned with the institutional success of a particular church or denomination) but as a practicing Christian I can add to the conversation a couple of quick thoughts. Even though I was raised in a church attending Christian home...when i was 12 I accepted Jesus as my personal Lord and Saviour because I 100% believe that in my heart and absolutely no valid research contradicts who Jesus is and what he did while he walked the earth. While I'm not an expert on all world religions I do find it comforting to follow Jesus. He came to earth in a miraculous way, died on the cross for all human kind's sins, and rose from the dead (over 100 witnesses actually saw him alive 3 days after he was buried) For those serious about investigating the Christian faith with a skeptics eye... I highly recommend the writings and research of a former atheist, Lee Strobel... visit leestrobel dot com - Joe Franz

Seeking religion will always end in an ultimate conflict. I dont think that if there is some magic man living in the sky he would be able to turn me away for not being able to find truth on earth. I always questioned, and by social and humane standards, I am a good person. Isnt that enough? - Anthony

This is the fundamental problem with religion - the idea that you must 'choose' one instantly creates a division among us - which in my mind goes against the nature of any 'god'. I had Catholics, Jews and Jews for Jesus in my family. I went to a Unitarian church as a child. We're all trying to find something. To me, a small piece is in all of us, and together we are 'god'. Greatly influenced by Stranger in a Strange Land. - AJ Kohn

I was born into a house hold with a Mom who was a not very religious Methodist and a father who was a philosopher and a seeker. From age 15 or so I was interested in what religion had to offer. I was confirmed in the Methodist church although I had many arguments with the minister. By age 18 I was looking East.There was a Buddhist monastery in our town but they would not let me in as I am a woman. .At this point I had not yet found anyone that answerd my qyesiton and gave me what I was looking for. And I bleieve that is how you choose theone for you- does it work for you? Doe sit answeryour questions and lead you to a beter life. I was just baout on my way to India and Tibet when I came acorss Scientology. - Sally falkow

I have two thoughts here. First, where you grew up and the faith of your family/parents weighs heavily on what faith of religion you chose. To say otherwise is foolish. Even the bible speaks explicitly to "raising your child in the ways of the lord", and I would imagine most families around the world intentionally pass on their beliefs to their children as best the know how. That said, we are all responsible for our own choice, and I think it is too important of a choice to not examine all the evidence. - Tony

Any religion that doesn't allow for critical thought is bad religion. - Brian T. Nakamoto

@AJ Kohn I would say that our choices define us, and that there are universal truths here on earth that exist whether we believe them or not. The first truth we must decide is what we believe to be true about the human condition, whether or not we are in need of "saving" or have shown the ability to save ourselves. What I most appreciate with this conversation is that there isn't anger, just open sharing and reflection. All good stuff! - Tony

@Micheal Markman: How do explain the fact that we are having this conversation at all. Spirituality is inherently a part of being human. We seem to require belief in the divine to achive real happiness and contentment. - Roberto Bonini

@ Jason Wehmhoener: In the sense that we can't fully comphrehend the total sum of creation I would agree with you. Wouldn't you say that creation in itself shows purposefullness and design. I mean, one wouald say that same thing of a house. It was designed. Built. Surely you can see that? - Roberto Bonini

no religion is "right". any system of belief that tells you it has the absolute answer to something as unknowable as "what happens after this life" is lying. religion is a crutch that is keeping our species from reaching our full potential. religion, race, and nationality are the three things that define human separations, but only religious conviction allows for an assignation of absolute superiority over other groups. our species will not reach the "next level" through inherently separatist doctrines. - sawinkler

@Tony: I believe choices do define us but am not sure on universal truths unless we're essentially talking the 'golden rules'. I'm not bound by the idea of being saved. That, to me, is a constraint and a division. I feel we all must conduct ourselves and live our lives as best we can. That we should reach out to others, give, contribute to others and make a positive difference. Imagine if everyone (regardless of religion, creed, color, sexual orientation) did this ... - AJ Kohn

@ Jeremiah - Listen to http://www.electricsky.net/his... - You can get to the next level (Spirituality or ?) from any religion.. - Kishore Balakrishnan

Interesting thread Jeremiah, I think that word "religion" has become tainted in the past years. In my experience letting Jesus into my life and slowly work on my soul has been the most rewarding time in my life. I think sometimes "Christians" get caught up in "Religion" when it is really about a personal relationship w/ god. Jesus's Great Commandment :'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is 'Love your neighbor as yourself - Tom Masiero

Born catholic but influenced by eastern religions like many.Getting to the'next level' is such a buzz phrase. Love energy does elevate the heart and cause personal energy to literally 'rise' in frequency if altruistic. I'm working on a balance between service to others and fulfillment / fun/ sustainable eco success. Co-operation aligned with friendly competition. Thanks for the question. - Rebecca Kellock

For me, Religion is about giving back. Celebrating the gifts that we've been given, practicing gratitude and being in the presence of God. When people are willing to give, in return they receive the gifts and promises of God. Many religious faiths subscribe to this kind of thinking. - Vicki Tambellini

From "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis: "I have been asked to tell you what Christians believe, and I am going to begin by telling you one thing that Christians do not need to believe. If you are a Christian you do not have to believe that all the other religions are simply wrong all through. If you are an atheist you do have to believe that the main point in all the religions of the whole world is simply one huge mistake." - Karim

"If you are a Christian, you are free to think that all these religions, even the queerest ones, contain at least some hint of the truth. When I was an atheist I had to try to persuade myself that most of the human race have always been wrong about the question that mattered to them most; when I became a Christian I was able to take a more liberal view. But, of course, being a Christian does mean thinking that where Christianity differs from other religions, Christianity is right and they are wrong." - Karim

"As in arithmetic-there is only one right answer to a sum, and all other answers are wrong: but some of the wrong answers are much nearer being right than others." - Karim

I was a total geek in high school, and had a very very close circle of a few friends. I still have those friends, and am still pretty geeky, but have found my social side, which has helped me get to where I am. - Michel Savoie

Quiet, not very sociable. Was never with the "in crowd". Somewhat of a geek, but more of a pre-computer era geek. Had plans to be a naval architect because my Dad was one, but that never panned out. Now I'm a Software QA Specialist for a global high-tech software corporation. Never would have predicted where I am today. - Scott

I was a major geek. Do you remember that guy who got called to the principal's office to reset his digital watch every time DST began or ended? That was me. I could solve a Rubik's cube in just under a minute. And I played offensive guard on the football team. I always knew I'd be doing computer stuff, but I had no idea where it would take me. Didn't even hear about the internet until my first Unix class in college. - ha3rvey

I was a total band geek (trumpet) as well. Sr. year, Youth Orchestra, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band and music theory. My favorite part (still) is improvisation. However, tech is my other passion and that's the direction I went. - Ben Thomas

Class clown. Wanted to be Stephen King. Turned out to be a rodent who writes. - Sprague D

Can't describe myself in H.S. - I was too complex then. Yes, in some ways and No in others. I expected not to have to stay in the box I kept get putting in by my adolescent peers - and that came true. But the rest of my life is and has always been an unpredictable adventure. - Lucretia Pruitt

Trumpet player and band geek champion. Artsy fartsy and theater dweeb. Always drawing on my notes and folders rather than paying attention in class. Didn't much care for the majority of my classmates but was lucky enough to be left alone by the bullies and jocks. Had no idea what I wanted to do in life but always trusted my gut and listened to my heart. Don't think I ever expected to be a Marketing Coordinator - Online Community Manager - but truly believe all the lessons I learned have led me to where I am now. - David Murray

Lots of trumpet players, me Trombone, low brass section leader - Jeremiah Owyang

When I look back at high school, I can't believe how eccentric I already was. Sure, a lot of it was typical teenage posing but some of it was astonishingly strange even then. I had always expected to pretty much be where I am now although I expected it to have happened sooner. The only thing I've not yet done is to have become a published author. It's been my lifelong dream since first grade that's constantly been the victim relegated by transient hobbies and computer programming. Need to get back on track. - Akiva Moskovitz

I was fat but somehow one of the "popular" crowd, though I never felt like I belonged there...or anywhere. I was nicknamed Encyclopedia or Britannica. I was good at making people laugh, and used that as my primary survival skill. I had a horrendous home life, and always was desperate to escape. I hoped that I'd travel and live in other worlds, maybe even expected to. I am always amazed and glad that that's exactly what I am doing. Every day, I am astonished to be where I am. Very blessed. - Jackie

I was a computer geek then and I still am now :-) - Jason Herald

Thanks Jackie, you're with friends now. - Jeremiah Owyang

I was Gravy Dave, started an underground newspaper, led student strikes, smoked a lot of reefer and did lots of other drugs. Participated in student govt, ran for class president (lost), held a big rock concert, dropped out, went back, managed to get a bit of education in all that. It was a funny time, late 60s early 70s, that's actually the kind of stuff people were doing then, if you can believe it. Had my own apartment too. Got in a lot of trouble and made a bunch. I was one of the in crowd an a-lister. - Dave Winer

In High School I was a Band nerd, Dungeons and Dragons nerd and generally shunned by nearly everyone. I was fortunate enough to have a few close friends, but high school was mostly a nightmare. I didn't really begin to become the person I am today until I decided in college that it was high time to have a girl friend and start a grown-up life. Back in high school I never would have thought I'd be a programmer today living in a nice house with a pool married to a beautiful nerdy woman. - Tad, Fool

I was a total theater geek and bookish nerd ... and while career-wise the place I am now bears no resemblance to anything I'd imagined, from what I've been told by folks who've known me since I was a mere pup, I'm not all that different. Once a geeky-nerd ... always a geeky-nerd, I think ... and proud of it too! - Cathy Brooks

I was very much a NON-techie and never imagined that I would someday "grow-up" to recruit technologists. I was pretty active in virtually every imagineable activity in school...played tennis for the school team, part of the weight-lifting team, Student Gov. VP in my Senior year. I had lots of friends and tended to mingle with a fairly eccletic crowd. I entered college, and pretty much replicated what I had accomplished in HS,...VP of SGA, Pres. of my Fraternity, etc. Life turned out good for me. - Michael

DaveWiner I'm not surprised at all. :) - Jeremiah Owyang

In high school, I was pretty much a nerd. To the tee. Thick glasses, matty hair, sheltered, whole 9. I enjoyed cutting code (BASIC, early PASCAL stuff) and tinkering around on my dad's computer. Gamer. NES FTW! I guess not too much has changed except I rarely wear glasses and I have no hair. I still cut code, game, and all that. I'm not socially awkward (as much as I was). First girlfriend at age 22. I'm 31 now. ;-) - Aaron Brazell

Jeremiah, the funny thing is if you had told me I'd ever do anytihng with computers I'd have laughed. I really looked down on the kids who hung out in the computer lab at the school (we actually had one, even then). Never in a million years would I have guessed I'd go down that path. - Dave Winer

Big athlete, smart but only top 20% student in class rank (put in some effort, kid!). Voracious reader, especially SciFi and Fantasy. Thought my career would take me toward sales or banking/business, but it turned out it took me right back to public education. - BISQ

I probably do need to add that I was the only girl in Computer Club in high school tho - back then, I was a serious anomaly. - Lucretia Pruitt

I think I'm the same now as I was in high school. I won "best personality" which is to say - I'm nice and can be a bit of a push-over. I just want other people to be happy. I never thought of myself as technical at all. I didn't start getting into tech until I worked at Wired.com. In fact, in high school I never would have thought I'd be into journalism. I got into that at UC Berkeley while majoring in philosophy. - David Cohn

This one time at Band Camp... Actually I wasn't in the Band, but worse the War Games club. Fortunately, though I was in the nerd section, I hung out with the Football team and got to be in the "in crowd". - Stephen Terlizzi

@davewiner I'm not sure it has anything to do with computers, just an independent spirit we've come to enjoy from you. - Jeremiah Owyang

Wanted to be a singer all my (early) life. Voice, piano, guitar, ballet, swim lessons...choir, plays, and hanging out with a very small group of friends. For a long time, music was the only option for me. Now I have a long list of things I'd like to accomplish and music has little to do with any of them. Funny. - Sonciary Honnoll

. academics nerd. excelled in English, history, philosophy, was on school newspaper , nights/weekend job at dept store as sales, model & stylist, eclectic fashionista that was outside current HS style. totally not in the right spot. HS was *boring*.. I hung out with friends who were 5-10 years older. went to big univ & didn't follow my dream-- but am now. - Stevie

In high school I was a nerd. I loved technology and I love literature so it made sense that I would be involved in the Web with my writing. I was in high school in the mid nineties but I was one of the few kids with my own site and it was a poetry/literature site to boot. I never would have guessed that I would be doing plagiarism work, I had always seen myself as a future author, but I knew my future would involve the Web and writing in some way... - Jonathan Bailey

School always got in the way of my education. I played football and helped establish radio station WJSV-FM - paul mooney

Kinda disappointing, I don't see any of my friends from high school anymore. I never had a lot of friends, but we kinda split up after graduation. - ha3rvey

Moderately accepted, but usually on the outside looking in. Moved around quite a bit back then, so didn't establish serious connections until late HS. Comic book geek, skinny with doofy glasses. Didn't care much for the "popular" crowd (though some were seriously cute) and eagerly awaited graduation and exodus. Did end up meeting my wife in HS and that was good! Thought of being an architect; improved upon that by becoming a Landscape Architect. :-) - JA Castillo

wow! Jeremiah you wrote my entry too! - Nathan Eckenrode

Complete geek, stuck the deep south. Played in a local metal band. Got out as soon as I turned 18, never looked back. - Neal "thePuck" Jansons

I'm commenting since I am still in high school. I'm on our band (includes marching and concert) in addition to jazz band and performed in the pit for Beauty and the Beast last year. I'm friends with the popular and unpopular kids and my best friend is a popular kid. I can (apparently) make people laugh and listen well. To be honest, I don't know what people see in me because I think I'm pretty boring most of the time. Life's a mystery. You just have to roll with it. - Zach Flauaus

Attended high school for smarty/arty kids (no sports) & then performing arts school for theater. Lots of good friends, parties, etc. Thought I'd be an actress/singer very involved in politics. Not surprised I wound up in film production & now multimedia, but wound up on the corporate side of it by falling ass over teacups and finding I liked where I'd landed. That the corporation has anything to do with IT continues to amuse me on a daily basis as I'm lucky to get my laptop in the 'on' position. - dfugate

Fat, shy, too smart for my own good with an unlikely group of friends made up of gay kids, straight kids, questioning kids, black kids, white kids, asian kids (and various mixtures of the three). In ROTC, secretly really into ROTC, and a fiendish facility with foreign languages. Was in Spanish Club, Latin Club, on the yearbook and newspaper staffs. Except for the ROTC part (though I still wish I'd gone into the Marines), and the clubs, I'm still pretty much the same. - Cecily

The answers here were fun to read. Not sure about the etiquette for commenting on friendfeed. I just do it when something is interesting even if I don't know the person. So my apologies if doing so is out of line. In high school I was pretty much the same in that regard. Much better at asking forgiveness than permission. The former provides so much opportunity for practice. I fully expected that I would be dead before now, but people are so forgiving! - Boo

Boo, you're doing it exactly right. - Akiva Moskovitz

Harvey Simmons, if I'd known you in high school I would've had a huge crush on you. Football player and a geek? Be still my heart. - Cecily

High geek factor, although at the time (1985-1991) not because of computer skills, just the looks ;-) Nothing special during my high school years, better than average student, although I did not have much trouble getting the right grades. Spent all of my high school years playing competitive snooker, so I did not party, practiced and played tournaments each weekend. Did a lot of catching up in later years ;-) - Marc Dierens

I was expecting to be a bit further down the line, but the path has never changed - Dobromir Hadzhiev