Hey!! I wanted to let you know that I just opened a Backstreet Boys Slash archive that you should totally come check out. I know you used to write slash and I would love to see all of those old stories posted as well as new ones too! The site is entirely user friendly. All you need to do is create and account and copy your story into the field and viola! Instant bsb slashyness for all to enjoy. If you have any questions let me know, but you should really check it out. You can access the site here: http://www.ashesfall.net/sweetestsin/ Hope to see you there soon!!

Jamie

Two Crows Joy
a "Brokeback Mountain" fanfiction by Mad Lori

---

Prologue -- Chapter 1 -- Chapter 2 -- Chapter 3 -- Chapter 4 -- Chapter 5 -- Chapter 6 -- Chapter 7 -- Chapter 8 -- Chapter 9 -- Chapter 10 -- Chapter 11 -- Chapter 12 -- Chapter 13 -- Chapter 14 -- Chapter 15 -- Chapter 16 -- Chapter 17 -- Chapter 18 -- Chapter 19 -- Chapter 20 -- Chapter 21 -- Chapter 22 -- Chapter 23 -- Chapter 24 -- Chapter 25 -- Chapter 26 -- Chapter 27 -- Chapter 28 -- Chapter 29 -- Chapter 30 -- Chapter 31 -- Chapter 32 -- Chapter 33 -- Chapter 34 -- Chapter 35 -- Chapter 36 -- Chapter 37 -- Chapter 38

( Chapter 39 )

PUNCHLINECHAT TONIGHT AT 6:30 PM EASTERN TIME!!!!!
GET EXCITED, IT'S GONNA BE AWESOME!
and if you don't know how to join, just check our info for details and pictures.

Hey everyone!
have you always wanted to be a part of the action?
now you can be! and it's really simple!
here are the quick and easy steps to proving your fandom!

1. plan to: attend any concert, hang out with friends, or be in a public place with other people

2.follow this link to download the .pdf file of 1/4 page fliers(NOW WITH PICTURES!!!):
http://www.mediafire.com/?yigt8my3ngt

3. download the file

4. print the page, and make copies if needed

5. cut the sheets into 4 fliers

6. while at the place you planned in step 1, hand out these cool miniature fliers!

7. be well loved by everyone who takes a flier!

see! i told you it would be simple!

thanks to Molly (punchmolly) for creating this cool flyer design!
check out her page at www.myspace.com/iownyoursoul
or listen to her on PunchkidsAreAPodcast at www.wentzpentz.com

and for good measure, enjoy this picture of belan!

To build upon my previous "diet and nutrition" post, I've been asked to throw together an exercise program. Like my food tips, this is aimed for BEGINNERS who want to slim down, lose some weight, and to get some muscle tone as well. PLEASE NOTE that not every diet or exercise routine is right for everyone so what may work for you, might not work for someone else! That's my disclaimer, and now here's my two cents...

Less is really more when it comes to lifting weights. The body relies on rest for recovery, rebuilding, and growth. These work-outs will only require 15-30 minutes a day and should be done 3-5 days a week. You can do a MON, WED, FRI schedule or a TUE, THURS, SAT schedule... OR if you need to take two days off in between, then go for it! One thing you must remember is to NEVER work the same muscle group more than three times a week, on back-to-back days, or twice on the same day. That will only hurt your progress. When you work out you are tearing and breaking down your muscle fibers so when they rebuild and recover, they will come back stronger. The key to doing so is allowing you muscles to have ample rest time by spacing out your work-outs and having rest days.

RUNNING/CARDIO:
You only need to run about 3-4 days a week. Some people take it to the next level, run 5 miles EVERY day at 6 AM, and see some progress but then out of nowhere they hit a plateau and wonder what the hell they have to do to lose those last 5 pounds. Your body is made to adapt. When you do the same routine for an extended period of time, your body gets used to it and will stop changing because it already knows what's coming. The key to cardio weight-loss is a combination of long distance AND sprinting intervals. Sprinting is the best exercise you can give your body because it emphasizes fast-twitch muscle fibers, muscles you never even knew you had, jump starts your heart to get the blood flowing, and is a great stress reliever. Long-distance running is great for stamina and keeping your heart healthy, the weight-loss aspect is a slower process than sprinting. Here's a sample routine; every two weeks you should increase your intensity/shorten your pace times to a reasonable goal, this way you keep your body guessing and not letting it adapt:

WEEK 1
Monday -
Stretch, 3-5 minute light jog warm up
Run 1 mile at an 8-10 minute pace
Walk for 3 minutes
Run 1 mile at an 8-10 minute pace
Walk for 3 minutes
3-5 minute light jog cool down, Stretch!
NOTE: (lactic acid builds in your muscles to compensate for the energy being expended, stretching after your work-outs will loosen the acid and allow nutrients to enter the muscles.)

Tuesday - Rest

Wednesday -
Stretch, 3-5 minute light jog warm up
Sprint 30 seconds at 50% intensity, Walk 30 seconds (x2)
Sprint 30 seconds at 75% intensity, Walk 30 seconds (x2)
Sprint 30 seconds at 100% intensity, Walk 30 seconds (x2)
Sprint 30 seconds at 75% intensity, Walk 30 seconds (x2)
Sprint 30 seconds at 50% intensity, Walk 30 seconds (x2)
3-5 minute light jog cool down, Stretch!

Thursday - Rest

Friday -
Stretch, 3-5 minute light jog warm up
Run 1 mile at an 8-10 minute pace
Walk for 3 minutes
Run 1 mile at an 8-10 minute pace
Walk for 3 minutes
3-5 minute light jog cool down, Stretch!

Saturday - Rest
Sunday - Rest


WEEK 2
Monday -
Stretch, 3-5 minute light jog warm up
Sprint 30 seconds at 50% intensity, Walk 30 seconds (x2)
Sprint 30 seconds at 75% intensity, Walk 30 seconds (x2)
Sprint 30 seconds at 100% intensity, Walk 30 seconds (x2)
Sprint 30 seconds at 75% intensity, Walk 30 seconds (x2)
Sprint 30 seconds at 50% intensity, Walk 30 seconds (x2)
3-5 minute light jog cool down, Stretch!

Tuesday - Rest

Wednesday -
Stretch, 3-5 minute light jog warm up
Run 1 mile at an 8-10 minute pace
Walk for 3 minutes
Run 1 mile at an 8-10 minute pace
Walk for 3 minutes
3-5 minute light jog cool down, Stretch!

Thursday - Rest

Friday -
Stretch, 3-5 minute light jog warm up
Sprint 30 seconds at 50% intensity, Walk 30 seconds (x2)
Sprint 30 seconds at 75% intensity, Walk 30 seconds (x2)
Sprint 30 seconds at 100% intensity, Walk 30 seconds (x2)
Sprint 30 seconds at 75% intensity, Walk 30 seconds (x2)
Sprint 30 seconds at 50% intensity, Walk 30 seconds (x2)
3-5 minute light jog cool down, Stretch!

Saturday - Rest
Sunday - Rest



WEIGHT-TRAINING:
Same concept as running, less is more! Here's a Mon, Wed, Fri schedule that you can fit in anywhere to your daily routine. If you'd like to pair Cardio and Weights, run on your designated "rest" days and run no more than twice a week. You can run on Tue/Thurs and keep your weekends totally free to relax or do one weekday and one weekend day. Listen to your body and it will tell you when you're able to go the extra mile to throw a cardio routine in along with your weight-training. The weight, number of reps, and types of exercises will depend on your own strength. Everything about this is trial and error... start with light weights and go from there. Keep in mind that every two weeks you should increase your weight at least 5 pounds OR increase your reps 5-10 or both! Again, figure out what works for you and if you are at a local gym, please don't hesitate to ask a professional trainer for help/tips. This routine is only to help you get started, I'm in no way certified in diet and nutrition so please consult a professional if you are serious about exercise. I've been doing this for about four years now and I've learned everything through trial and error, reading, and training with others to see what will work for me. The routine I'm providing will involve body weight exercises, however you can use weights if the exercises are too easy for you. The only reason I'm giving body weight is because not everyone has access to a gym and also I have no clue how strong you are, nor know what are your strengths or weaknesses. It's plain and simple, push-ups to tone your upper body/core and squat for your lower body/core.

WEEK 1
Monday -
Stretch
Standard or Knee Push-ups
Body Weight Squats
Stretch

Tuesday - Rest or 2 miles of Cardio (walk or jog)

Wednesday -
Stretch
Standard or Knee Push-ups with legs elevated on a chair
Body Weight Lunges
Stretch

Thursday - Rest or 2 miles of Cardio (walk or jog)

Friday -
Stretch
Standard or Knee Push-ups
Body Weight Squats
Stretch

Saturday - Rest
Sunday - Rest


WEEK 2
Monday -
Stretch
Standard or Knee Push-ups with legs elevated on a chair
Body Weight Lunges
Stretch

Tuesday - Rest or 2 miles of Cardio (walk or jog)

Wednesday -
Stretch
Standard or Knee Push-ups
Body Weight Squats
Stretch

Thursday - Rest or 2 miles of Cardio (walk or jog)

Friday -
Stretch
Standard or Knee Push-ups with legs elevated on a chair
Body Weight Lunges
Stretch

Saturday - Rest
Sunday - Rest



Feel free to ask any questions. Along with exercise I cannot stress enough that nutrition is a big part in being healthy. Make sure you drink enough water before and after your work-outs, try to drink 8 ounces every two hours. And also make sure that you do not exercise on an empty stomach or without any energy to burn. Like I stated before, simple sugars (fruit) are great for pre and post workouts to provide your body the essential carbs it needs to function. And for those questions about abs: cardio is the best exercise to make them visible, pairing that with body weight/weight training will emphasize them even more AND at the end of the day, it's all about diet. You can work your abs every day but if you eat like crap, they will never see the light of day. If you must do ab routines, do them no more than 2-3 times a week and never on consecutive days.

All the best!
-JD

 so on saturday when jason was on the vh1 top 20 thingy i was going to tape it to sleep in. i just got a chance to watch it and was terribly disappointed to find it did not tape. does anyone know where i can see it? i checked vh1 and they dont have it online.

hi guys,

I took some photos of Valencia at Warped Tour here and thought you all might like to see them. I'd love any feedback!

Valencia || Warped Tour: Salt Lake City || 6.28.08

=)

Hey everyone!
have you always wanted to be a part of the action?
now you can be! and it's really simple!
here are the quick and easy steps to proving your fandom!

1. plan to: attend any concert, hang out with friends, or be in a public place with other people

2.follow this link to download the .pdf file of 1/4 page fliers: http://www.mediafire.com/?moooxc0mdb2

3. download the file

4. print the page, and make copies if needed

5. cut the sheets into 4 fliers

6. while at the place you planned in step 1, hand out these cool miniature fliers!

7. be well loved by everyone who takes a flier!

see! i told you it would be simple!

thanks to Molly (punchmolly) for creating this cool flyer design!
check out her page at www.myspace.com/iownyoursoul
or listen to her on PunchkidsAreAPodcast at www.wentzpentz.com

and for good measure, enjoy this picture of belan!

From the NCTE:

Having a transgender family member has a tremendous impact on our parents, children, spouses, siblings and others. PFLAG-Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays-is a wonderful group for family members and also a place where we can find support for ourselves. PFLAG has a Transgender Network that has great resources specifically for us and for our families.

Judy Hoff, a PFLAG staff member, tells us, "We have a wide-ranging network of resources for the families and friends of transgender folks around the country who have their own transitions to navigate when a loved one comes out trans. Our network includes on-line support groups for trans youth, e-support groups for parents and spouses/significant others, and a newsletter that just went to electronic format this year and is being sent out to about 300 people across the country every other month. We encourage interested folks to sign up to get the newsletter by going to the PFLAG web site and clicking on the link to sign up for the weekly update. The next screen gives an option to sign up for TNET publications. Click on that and you're in! The TNET website has now been incorporated into the National PFLAG site."

Dave Parker, President PFLAG Transgender Network, adds, "Families of transgender individuals need the same sort of support that PFLAG has always provided for parents and friends of GLB people. They need to know that they can discuss their feelings in a safe, confidential environment with others who have experienced or are experiencing the loss of expectations that come with an announcement of some form of gender variance.

"PFLAG chapters offer an opportunity for transgender folks to meet accepting and supporting families. They also offer an opportunity to work with the nation's leading grass-roots support, education, and advocacy organization for parents, families, and friends of the GLBT community.

"As one mother put it, 'They really were there for me by phone and internet when I needed them the most. They connected me with a wonderful transwoman after I found out about my son. They also helped my son obtain health insurance after he was rejected due to his trans status'."

Thanks to the folks from TNET and PFLAG for all of their years of support. This week, check out their website and make use of their resources!

I have come to the decision that I want a tattoo. Why am I posting this to a Jason Mraz community? Because...I want it to say: Life is Wonderful. I know this is in no way creative or anything, but I still want it.

( CLICK! )

This is going to be completely random, but I thought someone might enjoy my sense of humor. Background: I am a sports writer/designer at a West Coast newspaper. For fun, I amuse myself by trying to get as many music references into the paper as possible. We write a daily "Our Take" column that runs on the sports cover. Here is my offering for Wednesday's edition. See if you can find all of my subtle references to Valencia. (I also, obviously, should get a new job because I screwed up a portion of facts in the five column inches I wrote. Oh well.)

( This is what I do for a living. )

I obviously lead a very boring life. ;)

Review of "We All Need A Reason To Believe" posted on AP.net

"Pop-punk is dead.

Okay, so maybe that isn’t as great or grand as the statement Nas made in 2007 about hip-hop, but it still applies here. Once a genre full of camaraderie, energy, and statements has become stale, as bands are more concerned with their neon clothes, swooping hair cuts, and which 17 year old groupie they are going to nail tonight. Pop punk is dead. And like Nas tried to resurrect his genre, we need a band that can breathe new life into pop-punk.

This band is Valencia.
( More under the cut )

Additional Information

Track Listing:
1. Better Be Prepared
2. Holiday
3. Where Did You Go?
4. Head In Head
5. Carry On
6. All At Once
7. Safe To Say
8. Listen Up
9. Can’t See Myself
10. The Good Life
11. Free
Produced by: Ariel Rechtshaid

Valencia are:
Shane Henderson – vocals
JD Perry – guitar
Maxim Soria – drums
George Ciukurescu – bass
Brendan Walter – guitar

Official Website; Official Myspace; Official AP.net Profile "

Source

welp, its happened. ive gone right back to where i was before i left for tour.
today, i went to a bar and ate a ruben sandwich with a side of green beans. according to my friends, apparently, i always order the most inappropriate thing on the menu. i believe it all began when i ordered the t-bone steak at ihop. whatevs. what daddy wants, daddy gets. either way, i wasnt eating this shitty on tour. i also had to eat real pizza, which i did last night. but see, i have to overindulge to truly appreciate pizza. sometimes, i hate being me.
also, i almost drank out of one of the cups of urine next to my bed. "but chris, you've only been home 3 days."
i have a problem with watermelon. its sad. i eat until im bloated like a ethiopian kid with a coke problem. in the mornings, i usually vomit pink out of my ass, but i doubt you want to know that kind of stuff so i will refrain. currently, there are 3 bottles of urine and 2 cups filled to the brim of lukewarm urine just waiting to be accidentally drank. drinked? drunk? or waiting to get knocked over, which happens, oooh, about once a year. just enough to make the pile of dvds, books and stiff socks on the side of my bed forever have a slight hint of urine.
and call of duty 4? aaahhh. glorious. i played a game in your honor dave cronin.
tomorrow, i will be sunning my lazy brown ass at a waterpark in beautiful rockford, illinois. i will slide on slides and scare children. i can not wait.
but i actually have been productive. i promise. im going to be working with my friend amanda who runs 'right in the family jewels'. get stoked.

also, feedback please:
i recorded my final speaking of the tour in ferndale, michigan. if you came out and saw what i did and you would like the entire thing, or, if you wanted to come out but you were too far/lazy/retarded/in-trouble to come, i gots it. now, heres my issue. do you think i should have a physically release? as in, have someone design covers and whatnot, send it off to the printer and have cds to sell for $10? oooor, should i put it up for sale as a download? and if i choose that, do you think i should have a set price or just assume everyone who wants it will bootleg it anyway (because thats what most people do) and just do what i did for the audiobook of 'on the upswing of life, love and regret', and have people donate whatever they can afford?
things to keep in mind:
it would cost me almost $2000 to make the cds.
im trying to raise money for my UK plane ticket.

my friends in this band called the academy is are putting out a new 8-track. they have 2 new songs posted here. its totally head-out-the-window-singing-at-the-top-of-your-lungs summer time music. go listen then brave the heat and see them at this little festival called the warped tours.

and my other drinking buddies in the band 2*sweet are still on tour, get your ass off your stupid couch and go see them. click me for tour dates.

ok, so this post wasnt as "real" as i may have promised. but hey, what do you want from me. im back to being a slob. i have boxes stacked to the ceiling in my room, half of my bed is covered in "important papers", i dont have to "work" for the next 3 months and i have absolutely no adult supervision.

i need a vacation from being me.

The boys need our help! Hehe got this from a bulletin from myspace.

Help Make Backstreet Boys a 2008 VMA Nominee
Body: MTV is letting YOU decide this year's VMA nominees! Help Backstreet Boys earn as many nominations as possible.

Just go to MTV VMAS to cast your nomination and check back to see who the big nominees are! Time is short - VOTE NOW and help Backstreet Boys rack up the nominations!

after a month and a half hiatus, i will be trotting back into the studio today for my welcome home show to hang out and talk smack. call in and ask any and every question you've always wanted to ask.

fearlessradio.com (click 'listen live')
you can IM or call LIVE during the show (7-10pm. central time) at: fearlessradio.com
AIM or yahooIM: fearlessradio00
phone: 312.224.8273.
the podcast is usually up almost immediately at: podcastfearless.com/dellife

ill have the internets while im doing the show so if you want to ask a question here in the comments, feel free and ill answer it on the air.



real update later tonight.

so mraz was interviewed by perez hilton today and it's on perezhilton.com
don't get me wrong...i love the man and everything he does but is it just me or he seems to be really enjoying the spotlight a little too much, i don't know he seems to be getting a bit cocky lol

EDIT: There is no need for people to comment on this acting like i'm a total idiot for not knowing this already. I hate hardcore fans of anyone because there is never any reason to get defensive over an observation that i wanted to discuss with people who won't slip the hell out over it. I've loved his music for years, him being a drug user or a total douchebag or anything at all would not change the fact that i love his music. I'm not upset that he is no longer a secret....he never even was...mostly everyone i know has heard of him way before his popularity. just calm it down hardcore mraz lovers, you really don't need to prove anything. if you already knew he was cocky because you watch interviews with him a lot more than most people....that's great. move on and don't bother commenting just to make others feel like they don't know jack about him. we know you love him, or else you wouldn't be in this community at all.

Why does South Korean TV blur out male nipples? Is it standard practice or situational?

Where else does it happen?

Yeah, we filmed this in my basement. I am happy with it. We have a ton of these done and we'll be putting one up every week. Its fun.