We had broken up for good just an hour before,
Ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah.
And now I'm staring at the bodies as they're dancing 'cross the floor.
Ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah.
And then the band slowed the tempo, and the music gets you down.
Ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah.
It was the same old song, with a melancholy sound.
Ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah.
They don't write 'em like that anymore.
They just don't write 'em like that anymore.
We'd been living together for a million years,
Ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah.
But now it feels so strange out of the atmospheres.
Ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah.
And then the jukebox plays a song I used to know.
Ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah.
And now I'm staring at the bodies as they're dancing so slow.
Ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah.
They don't write 'em like that anymore.
They don't write 'em like that anymore.
Now I'm winding up staring at an empty glass
Ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah.
Cause it's so easy to say that you'll forget your past.
Ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah.
They don't write 'em like that anymore.
No, they just don't write 'em like that anymore.
Oh, they don't write 'em like that anymore.
They just don't write 'em like that anymore.
They just don't, no they don't, no no, uh-uh,
They just don't write 'em like that anymore.
They just don't...(fades)
My Life And Death
Monday 24 December 2012
Sunday 16 December 2012
Why Do You Need It?
USA has a gun culture problem.
Did you know you can buy handguns and automatic rifles in USA and depending on the state laws.. depends if you even have to register it, licence it, report it missing or even tell anyone you own one.
Ok, arguments for owning a wepon.
1. Self defence
2. Protection of property
3. Hunting
4. Sports interest
5. Decorative use.
1. Self defence.. ok, i understand that some parts of the USA are "troubled" and the need to carry a wepon is a must if you want to survive a trip to the local 7 - 11 or the post office. and for that, i understand why you would need a gun. But, the most you would ever need is a Tazer, a cattle prod, or a small hand gun such as the .38 smith and wesson or maybe at the very most a colt 1911 or a simular handgun.. why would you need an AR 15 or an M 16 or a M 50 or a Cold Commando or an Uzi 9mm????
2. Protection of Property.. ok, some farmers for instance are waaay out in the wilderness.. and yeah, it is also part of the "self defence" remit.. and yeah, you could be faced with wild bears and wolves and maybe some night stalker shagging your sheep.. and yeah i can understand a hand gun would be pretty crap when your target is 300 meters away. Apart from the fact that you could always just take photos and then report it to the cops and have "evidence" to hand to them..preferably a face and a photo of the crime.. why would you again.. need any weapon at all? I would still agree a hand gun is best here, as really.. is it worth shooting someone for if your sheep get violated or a bear attacks your prize cow?
3. Hunting.. ok, as a sport i would understand.. and most hunters are actually quiet switched on when they choose thier weapon.. usually a single shot rifle or a shotgun.. and they tend to only ever use it for the purpose of hunting. so, i would agree with thier weapons choice. and why they have one. this also includes the "sports interest" so add number 4 here too.
5. Decoration.. again i understand here.. most people would only want the rifle and not the ammunition to shoot anything with and i understand these people as well.
So, with that in mind.. what is "overkill" on "home defence"? .. I would say, anything over a handgun is over kill and only shows how paranoid the home owner is.. its either that or they fancy themselves as Rambo or GI Joe or some Commando or something and the over kill on weapons choice is solely for the purpose of them staying away from the Valium... its either that or they seen one too many Schwartzennegger movies and fancy themselves as the new age Burt Gummer and they think the communists are heading over to wipe the yanks out.. or its either that or they think the Aliens are coming.. conclusion.. Mentally unstable?
And owning a weapon of military spec.. when you are not in the military and not expecting the invasion of aliens and flying sausers is the main problem i feel. And the fact that "anyone" can buy one and own one and not tell the cops that you have one and when they have drinking and drug problems or are paranoid and mentally fucked in the head.. only one outcome is gonna happen.. bang bang... 20 children dead.
Did you know you can buy handguns and automatic rifles in USA and depending on the state laws.. depends if you even have to register it, licence it, report it missing or even tell anyone you own one.
Ok, arguments for owning a wepon.
1. Self defence
2. Protection of property
3. Hunting
4. Sports interest
5. Decorative use.
1. Self defence.. ok, i understand that some parts of the USA are "troubled" and the need to carry a wepon is a must if you want to survive a trip to the local 7 - 11 or the post office. and for that, i understand why you would need a gun. But, the most you would ever need is a Tazer, a cattle prod, or a small hand gun such as the .38 smith and wesson or maybe at the very most a colt 1911 or a simular handgun.. why would you need an AR 15 or an M 16 or a M 50 or a Cold Commando or an Uzi 9mm????
2. Protection of Property.. ok, some farmers for instance are waaay out in the wilderness.. and yeah, it is also part of the "self defence" remit.. and yeah, you could be faced with wild bears and wolves and maybe some night stalker shagging your sheep.. and yeah i can understand a hand gun would be pretty crap when your target is 300 meters away. Apart from the fact that you could always just take photos and then report it to the cops and have "evidence" to hand to them..preferably a face and a photo of the crime.. why would you again.. need any weapon at all? I would still agree a hand gun is best here, as really.. is it worth shooting someone for if your sheep get violated or a bear attacks your prize cow?
3. Hunting.. ok, as a sport i would understand.. and most hunters are actually quiet switched on when they choose thier weapon.. usually a single shot rifle or a shotgun.. and they tend to only ever use it for the purpose of hunting. so, i would agree with thier weapons choice. and why they have one. this also includes the "sports interest" so add number 4 here too.
5. Decoration.. again i understand here.. most people would only want the rifle and not the ammunition to shoot anything with and i understand these people as well.
So, with that in mind.. what is "overkill" on "home defence"? .. I would say, anything over a handgun is over kill and only shows how paranoid the home owner is.. its either that or they fancy themselves as Rambo or GI Joe or some Commando or something and the over kill on weapons choice is solely for the purpose of them staying away from the Valium... its either that or they seen one too many Schwartzennegger movies and fancy themselves as the new age Burt Gummer and they think the communists are heading over to wipe the yanks out.. or its either that or they think the Aliens are coming.. conclusion.. Mentally unstable?
And owning a weapon of military spec.. when you are not in the military and not expecting the invasion of aliens and flying sausers is the main problem i feel. And the fact that "anyone" can buy one and own one and not tell the cops that you have one and when they have drinking and drug problems or are paranoid and mentally fucked in the head.. only one outcome is gonna happen.. bang bang... 20 children dead.
Gun Culture USA
(CBS) -- The massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.,
on Friday was another in a long list of mass shootings in the U.S. this
year.
Pictures: Mass shootings in 2012
Just three days ago,
22-year-old Jacob Tyler Roberts opened fire on holiday shoppers at the Clackamas Town Center in Oregon, killing two people and then himself. These recent shootings were just the latest involving multiple victims in public places this year. From 12 people killed in a movie theater in Colorado in July, to three high school students killed in Ohio in February, such public shooting incidents have been far from rare. Crimesider compiled details on 13 of the 2012 shootings, attemping to determine what kind of weapons were used in each incident, and whether the suspects' firearms were obtained legally. However, our list is not comprehensive.
In July, for example, five people were shot at a basketball tournament in New York City; in March, two people were killed and 12 injured in gunfire outside a North Miami funeral home; and in June, three people died and two others were wounded in a shooting outside a Houston nightclub. Not to mention dozens of victims killed on the streets of Chicago and other cities. We steered away from incidents believed to involve gang violence, identifying situations where armed men (and they are all men) opened fire in a public place, killing and/or maiming those gathered there
1. February 22, 2012 Su Jung Health Sauna, Norcross, Ga. Just days before the Su Jung Health Sauna was set to open, 59-year-old Jeong Soo Paek walked into the spa and shot and killed four people, then turned the gun on himself. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the impetus for the shooting may have been financial. The paper reported that the victims were Paek's sisters and their husbands, from whom Paek wanted money.
Weapon used: .45 caliber pistol
Gun bought legally?: Yes.
According to Captain Brian Harr of the Norcross Police Department, Paek owned the gun legally, but Harr did not know where he had obtained it. State gun laws: Georgia does not require a background check for the transfer of a firearm between private parties (such as a transaction at a gun show), according to the Law Center for the Prevention of Gun Violence (LCPGV) Ammunition sales are not regulated, nor is the number of firearms purchased at one time limited. According to a report by Mayors Against Illegal Guns, in 2006-2009, Georgia exported more guns used in crimes than any other state.
2. February 27, 2012 Chardon High School, Chardon, Ohio On the morning of Feb. 27, 17-year-old T.J. Lane allegedly walked into the cafeteria of Chardon High School, pulled out a .22 caliber handgun and began shooting at students gathered there before class. Three people were killed and three others wounded. Lane was captured soon after about a mile from the school. Lane has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. A judge ruled he will be tried as an adult.
Weapon used: .22 caliber pistol
Gun bought legally?: Unclear.
The gun did not belong to Lane and Chardon Police Chief Tim McKenna told Crimesider that reports that Lane got the gun from his grandfather's barn are incorrect. However, due to a gag order in the case, he declined to say whose gun it was and whether it was purchased legally. State gun laws: Ohio requires that a gun owner report if his firearm has been lost or stolen, but does not require background checks for gun sales between private parties, nor does it impose a waiting period on firearm purchases, limit the number of guns that can be purchased at one time, or require gun dealers to obtain a license, according to the LCPGV.
3. March 6, 2012 Tulsa Courthouse, Tulsa, Okla. Three people were wounded when 23-year-old Andrew Joseph Dennehy allegedly opened fire outside the Tulsa County Courthouse on the afternoon of March 6. Dennehy was shot by a police officer at the scene, but not killed. On July 2, Dennehy's defense argued that he had since been examined by a psychiatrist and was suffering from psychotic delusions that render him incompetent to stand trial on charges of shooting with intent to kill and reckless conduct with a firearm.
Weapon used: .357 revolver
Gun bought legally?: No.
Dennehy, whom a court had judged to be delinquent as a juvenile, was prohibited from carrying - let along purchasing - a gun. According to first assistant district attorney Jack Thorpe, there is an ongoing investigation into how Dennehy obtained his weapon. State gun laws: According to the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, Oklahoma has among the weakest gun laws in the nations, scoring a 2 of 100 on the organization's rating scale. Oklahoma does not require gun owners to obtain a license or register their firearms. No background check is required for purchase of a firearm between unlicensed individuals, and firearms dealers do not need a state license. In addition, according to the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, the state does not require its agencies to add the names of mentally ill individuals to the FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).
4. March 8, 2012 University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pa. Around 1:40 p.m. on March 8, police say that John F. Shick, 30, entered the Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic and began shooting. One person was killed and seven wounded in the attack. Shick, who had reportedly been diagnosed with schizophrenia, was killed in a shootout with police
Weapons used: Shick was armed with two 9mm handguns
Guns bought legally?: No.
According to Allegheny County District Attorney Steve Zappala, Shick bought the weapons he used in New Mexico, which, according to the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, does not require a background check for firearm purchases between private individuals. According to an ATF investigation into the incident, Shick's Beretta 9mm was originally issued to a Texas sheriff's deputy in 1994. The deputy pawned the gun in 2000 and it eventually ended up at a gun show in Albequerque in 2010 where it was bought, without paperwork, and then sold via classified ad a year later. John Karnis, the man who bought the gun via the ad, told the ATF that he placed his own ad in the newspaper when he wanted to sell the gun in April 2011. Shick - who the seller described as "quiet and distant" - bought it from him, without paperwork. The second firearm, an Arsenal Inc 9mm, was originally purchased in Albequerque in 1995 by a doctor who then sold it to a dealer, who then sold it to Karnis. Karnis sold both the Arsenal and the Beretta to Shick in April 2011. Zappala said that Shick previously tried to buy a gun in Oregon, but was unable to do so, possibly because he had once been committed to a psychiatric institution there. Because of that, and another such commitment in New York, Shick would not have been able to buy a gun legally in Pennsylvania. Zappala also said that Shick ordered the ammunition he used from Europe over the internet. State gun laws: Pennsylvania requires a background check for private purchase of a firearm, but does not impose a limit on the number of firearms that can be purchased at one time, nor does the state impose a waiting period or regulate ammunition sales, according to the LCPGV.
5. April 2, 2012 Oikos University , Oakland, Calif. On April 2, One L. Goh, 43, allegedly killed seven people and injured three more when he opened fire at the small Christian college in Oakland. Goh had been a nursing student at the college which catered to Korean immigrants, before withdrawing in 2011. He was reportedly angry that the college had not refunded several thousand dollars of his tuition. Goh was arrested after walking into a nearby grocery store and reportedly saying, "I just shot some people." He has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder. Pretrial for the case is scheduled to begin Oct. 1.
Weapons used: A semiautomatic handgun and four magazines of ammunition
Gun bought legally?: Yes.
The gun was purchased in California about two months prior to the shooting, according to the Oakland Police Department. State gun laws: By most accounts, California has the strictest gun laws in the country. According to the LCPGV, the state imposes a 10-day waiting period on all firearm purchases and in 1999 mandated that waiting periods and other restrictions be extended to purchases made at gun shows. California also bans all large capacity ammunition magazines and most assault weapons and 50 caliber rifles. In 2007, California became the first state to require microstamping of handguns. That's the process of imprinting microscopic characters on firearms that will transfer to bullet casings, thus allowing police to trace bullets found at a crime scene without having to recover the weapon itself.
6. May 30, 2012 Cafe Racer, Seattle, Wash. Just before 11 a.m. on May 30, 40-year-old Ian L. Stawicki allegedly started shooting inside a Seattle café near the University of Washington-Seattle campus. Police say Stawicki killed four people inside the café, which was known as a gathering place for local artists and musicians. According to the Seattle Times, police say Stawicki then shot a woman near the Town Hall and stole her SUV. By 4p.m., he had reportedly abandoned the SUV and soon after being surrounded by police, fatally shot himself in the head.
Weapons used: Stawicki was armed with two .45 caliber semiautomatic handguns
Guns bought legally?: Yes.
Stawicki had legally purchased both guns, as well as two others. He also had a valid permit to carry a concealed weapon. In February 2008 Stawicki was charged with four misdemeanor domestic violence counts, but the charges were later dropped. In her statement, his girlfriend at the time wrote that "starting last winter, he became more violent, breaking my things, losing control of his feelings, there's no pattern." In 2010, he was arrested for allegedly assaulting his brother, though those charges were also dropped, according to the Times. State gun laws: Washington State does not require background checks for the purchase of a firearm between private parties, according to the LCPGV. The National Rifle Association reports that the state does not require gun buyers to have a license or permit, nor do Washington State gun owners have to register their guns. The state does, according to the LCPGV, prohibit some individuals with records of domestic violence from owning firearms.
7. June 9, 2012 Auburn University pool party, Auburn, Ala. During an afternoon pool party in an apartment complex near the Auburn University campus, 22-year-old Desmonte Leonard allegedly got in an argument over a woman and then opened fire, killing three people and injuring three others. Leonard eluded police for several days, and finally turned himself in on June 12. Leonard faces three counts of capital murder, two counts of assault have been filed so far, according to the Associated Press.
Weapons used: Unclear. According to Captain Tom Stoffer of the Auburn Police Department, police have found a firearm they believe may have been used in the shooting and have sent it for testing.
Gun bought legally?: Unclear.
State gun laws: Alabama does not require gun owners to register their firearms, nor does the state impose a waiting period or background check on private purchases, according to the LCPGV. The state also does not prohibit the sale or transfer of assault weapons or large capacity ammunition magazines. However, according to the NRA, "it is unlawful for a drug addict, habitual drunkard, or one who has been convicted of a crime of violence to own or possess a handgun." Minors are also not permitted to carry or possess handguns.
8. July 17, 2012 Copper Top bar, Tuscaloosa, Ala. During the early morning hours of July 17, 44-year-old Nathan Van Wilkins allegedly opened fire in a crowded bar near the University of Alabama. Seventeen people were injured in the attack but no one was killed. According to the Tuscaloosa News, less than an hour before he arrived at the bar, Wilkins went to a nearby home and shot at a man inside the house, possibly in a case of mistaken identity. Wilkins has been charged with 18 counts of attempted murder.
Weapon used: Unclear. According to Sgt. Kip Hart of the Tuscaloosa Sheriff's Department, Wilkins' gun has not yet been recovered, but he believes it was likely an "AK-47-type rifle."
Gun bought legally?: Unclear.
State gun laws: Alabama does not require gun owners to register their firearms, nor does the state impose a waiting period or background check on private purchases, according to the LCPGV. The state also does not prohibit the sale or transfer of assault weapons or large capacity ammunition magazines. However, according to the NRA, in Alabama "it is unlawful for a drug addict, habitual drunkard, or one who has been convicted of a crime of violence to own or possess a handgun." Minors are also not permitted to carry or possess handguns.
9. July 20, 2012 Century 16 movie theater, Aurora, Colo. Just after midnight on July 20, police say James Holmes, dressed in black and sporting nearly head-to-toe tactical garb, set off some sort of smoke bomb inside Theater 9 of the Century 16 movie theater. Holmes allegedly began shooting at the audience, who was there to see a premiere of the new Batman movie, "The Dark Knight Rises." Twelve people were killed, 58 others injured, several of whom are still hospitalized. Holmes surrendered to police soon after the massacre in the parking lot behind the theater. His apartment was allegedly "booby-trapped," rigged with what the Aurora police chief described as "incendiary and chemical" devices which authorities disabled or detonated. Holmes is under investigation for first-degree murder and will appear in court on July 31.
Weapons used: Police say Holmes used a semiautomatic AR-15 rifle, a shotgun and a .40 caliber Glock handgun
Guns bought legally?: Yes.
According to Aurora Police Chief Daniel Oates, all three of the guns used in the incident, plus a second Glock allegedly found in Holmes' car, were purchased legally in the state of Colorado. In the weeks leading up to the incident, police say Holmes had purchased 6,000 rounds of ammunition over the internet. State gun laws: Colorado imposes no waiting period to purchase a firearm, nor does it impose a limit on the number of firearms that can be purchased at one time, according to the LCPGV. The state requires mentally ill individuals who are deemed ineligible for purchasing a firearm to be reported to the federal NICS database. In 2000, in the wake of the Columbine High School massacre, the state used a ballot initiative to close the so-called "gun show loophole," in which private sales do not require a background check. However, the state does not prohibit a person from purchasing assault weapons or large capacity magazines. Colorado gun owners do not have to obtain licenses, register their guns, or report lost or stolen guns.
10. August 5, 2012 Sikh Temple of Wisconsin, Oak Creek, Wisc. As worshippers prayed and meditated, 40-year-old Wade Michael Page walked into the temple and opened fire, killing six. Wade, who was reportedly a white supremacist, was killed in a shoot-out with police.
Weapons used: 9mm handgun
Guns bought legally?: Yes.
State gun laws: According to the National Rifle Association, Wisconsin requires no background check nor a license or permit to purchase or carry a firearm.
11. October 21, 2012 Azana Day Spa, Brookfield., Wisc. Radcliffe Franklin Haughton, 45, opened fire in a suburban day spa, killing his wife, Zina Haughton, and two other women, and injuring four others before killing himself. In a written request for a restraining order filed Oct. 8, Zina Haughton said her husband was convinced she was cheating on him and that aside from the acid threat he also vowed to burn her and her family with gas. He said he would kill her if she ever left him or called the police, according to the court papers obtained Monday by The Associated Press.
Weapons used: .40 caliber semiautomatic handgun Guns bought legally?:
Unclear.
State gun laws: According to the NRA, Wisconsin requires no background check nor a license or permit to purchase or carry a firearm.
12. December 11, 2012 Clackamas Town Center, Clackamas, Ore. Jacob Tyler Roberts, 22, walked into the mall wearing a hockey-style mask and an ammunition-packed vest and opened fire, killing two people and then himself.
Weapons used: AR-15 rifle
Guns bought legally?: Not by Roberts.
Police say Roberts had stolen the weapon from someone he knew. State gun laws: According to the Brady Campaign, Oregon requires background checks for gun sales at gun shows, but does no require a state license to possess a handgun or handgun registration. The state also does not require firearm owners to report a stolen weapon.
13. December 14, 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School, Newtown, Conn. At just after 9:30 a.m., 20-year-old Adam Lanza opened fire inside the K-4th grade school, killing 20 children and six adult before turning a gun on himself. Lanza had also reportedly murdered his mother, Nancy Lanza, before going on his rampage.
Weapons used: Details are still emerging. Initially, police reportedly found two handguns - a Sig Sauer and a Glock - inside the school, and a .223 caliber rifle in a car at the scene. However, authorities now report that all the children killed in the incident were shot multiple times by a semiautomatic rifle.
Guns bought legally?: A federal official tells CBS News that, according to state records, all the weapons Lanza used were bought legally and were registered to his mother.
State gun laws: According to the NRA, Connecticut requires that a person have permit to purchase a handgun, but not rifle. Handguns - but not rifles - must also be licensed. The Brady Campaign calls the state's gun laws "strong."
22-year-old Jacob Tyler Roberts opened fire on holiday shoppers at the Clackamas Town Center in Oregon, killing two people and then himself. These recent shootings were just the latest involving multiple victims in public places this year. From 12 people killed in a movie theater in Colorado in July, to three high school students killed in Ohio in February, such public shooting incidents have been far from rare. Crimesider compiled details on 13 of the 2012 shootings, attemping to determine what kind of weapons were used in each incident, and whether the suspects' firearms were obtained legally. However, our list is not comprehensive.
In July, for example, five people were shot at a basketball tournament in New York City; in March, two people were killed and 12 injured in gunfire outside a North Miami funeral home; and in June, three people died and two others were wounded in a shooting outside a Houston nightclub. Not to mention dozens of victims killed on the streets of Chicago and other cities. We steered away from incidents believed to involve gang violence, identifying situations where armed men (and they are all men) opened fire in a public place, killing and/or maiming those gathered there
1. February 22, 2012 Su Jung Health Sauna, Norcross, Ga. Just days before the Su Jung Health Sauna was set to open, 59-year-old Jeong Soo Paek walked into the spa and shot and killed four people, then turned the gun on himself. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the impetus for the shooting may have been financial. The paper reported that the victims were Paek's sisters and their husbands, from whom Paek wanted money.
Weapon used: .45 caliber pistol
Gun bought legally?: Yes.
According to Captain Brian Harr of the Norcross Police Department, Paek owned the gun legally, but Harr did not know where he had obtained it. State gun laws: Georgia does not require a background check for the transfer of a firearm between private parties (such as a transaction at a gun show), according to the Law Center for the Prevention of Gun Violence (LCPGV) Ammunition sales are not regulated, nor is the number of firearms purchased at one time limited. According to a report by Mayors Against Illegal Guns, in 2006-2009, Georgia exported more guns used in crimes than any other state.
2. February 27, 2012 Chardon High School, Chardon, Ohio On the morning of Feb. 27, 17-year-old T.J. Lane allegedly walked into the cafeteria of Chardon High School, pulled out a .22 caliber handgun and began shooting at students gathered there before class. Three people were killed and three others wounded. Lane was captured soon after about a mile from the school. Lane has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. A judge ruled he will be tried as an adult.
Weapon used: .22 caliber pistol
Gun bought legally?: Unclear.
The gun did not belong to Lane and Chardon Police Chief Tim McKenna told Crimesider that reports that Lane got the gun from his grandfather's barn are incorrect. However, due to a gag order in the case, he declined to say whose gun it was and whether it was purchased legally. State gun laws: Ohio requires that a gun owner report if his firearm has been lost or stolen, but does not require background checks for gun sales between private parties, nor does it impose a waiting period on firearm purchases, limit the number of guns that can be purchased at one time, or require gun dealers to obtain a license, according to the LCPGV.
3. March 6, 2012 Tulsa Courthouse, Tulsa, Okla. Three people were wounded when 23-year-old Andrew Joseph Dennehy allegedly opened fire outside the Tulsa County Courthouse on the afternoon of March 6. Dennehy was shot by a police officer at the scene, but not killed. On July 2, Dennehy's defense argued that he had since been examined by a psychiatrist and was suffering from psychotic delusions that render him incompetent to stand trial on charges of shooting with intent to kill and reckless conduct with a firearm.
Weapon used: .357 revolver
Gun bought legally?: No.
Dennehy, whom a court had judged to be delinquent as a juvenile, was prohibited from carrying - let along purchasing - a gun. According to first assistant district attorney Jack Thorpe, there is an ongoing investigation into how Dennehy obtained his weapon. State gun laws: According to the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, Oklahoma has among the weakest gun laws in the nations, scoring a 2 of 100 on the organization's rating scale. Oklahoma does not require gun owners to obtain a license or register their firearms. No background check is required for purchase of a firearm between unlicensed individuals, and firearms dealers do not need a state license. In addition, according to the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, the state does not require its agencies to add the names of mentally ill individuals to the FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).
4. March 8, 2012 University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pa. Around 1:40 p.m. on March 8, police say that John F. Shick, 30, entered the Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic and began shooting. One person was killed and seven wounded in the attack. Shick, who had reportedly been diagnosed with schizophrenia, was killed in a shootout with police
Weapons used: Shick was armed with two 9mm handguns
Guns bought legally?: No.
According to Allegheny County District Attorney Steve Zappala, Shick bought the weapons he used in New Mexico, which, according to the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, does not require a background check for firearm purchases between private individuals. According to an ATF investigation into the incident, Shick's Beretta 9mm was originally issued to a Texas sheriff's deputy in 1994. The deputy pawned the gun in 2000 and it eventually ended up at a gun show in Albequerque in 2010 where it was bought, without paperwork, and then sold via classified ad a year later. John Karnis, the man who bought the gun via the ad, told the ATF that he placed his own ad in the newspaper when he wanted to sell the gun in April 2011. Shick - who the seller described as "quiet and distant" - bought it from him, without paperwork. The second firearm, an Arsenal Inc 9mm, was originally purchased in Albequerque in 1995 by a doctor who then sold it to a dealer, who then sold it to Karnis. Karnis sold both the Arsenal and the Beretta to Shick in April 2011. Zappala said that Shick previously tried to buy a gun in Oregon, but was unable to do so, possibly because he had once been committed to a psychiatric institution there. Because of that, and another such commitment in New York, Shick would not have been able to buy a gun legally in Pennsylvania. Zappala also said that Shick ordered the ammunition he used from Europe over the internet. State gun laws: Pennsylvania requires a background check for private purchase of a firearm, but does not impose a limit on the number of firearms that can be purchased at one time, nor does the state impose a waiting period or regulate ammunition sales, according to the LCPGV.
5. April 2, 2012 Oikos University , Oakland, Calif. On April 2, One L. Goh, 43, allegedly killed seven people and injured three more when he opened fire at the small Christian college in Oakland. Goh had been a nursing student at the college which catered to Korean immigrants, before withdrawing in 2011. He was reportedly angry that the college had not refunded several thousand dollars of his tuition. Goh was arrested after walking into a nearby grocery store and reportedly saying, "I just shot some people." He has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder. Pretrial for the case is scheduled to begin Oct. 1.
Weapons used: A semiautomatic handgun and four magazines of ammunition
Gun bought legally?: Yes.
The gun was purchased in California about two months prior to the shooting, according to the Oakland Police Department. State gun laws: By most accounts, California has the strictest gun laws in the country. According to the LCPGV, the state imposes a 10-day waiting period on all firearm purchases and in 1999 mandated that waiting periods and other restrictions be extended to purchases made at gun shows. California also bans all large capacity ammunition magazines and most assault weapons and 50 caliber rifles. In 2007, California became the first state to require microstamping of handguns. That's the process of imprinting microscopic characters on firearms that will transfer to bullet casings, thus allowing police to trace bullets found at a crime scene without having to recover the weapon itself.
6. May 30, 2012 Cafe Racer, Seattle, Wash. Just before 11 a.m. on May 30, 40-year-old Ian L. Stawicki allegedly started shooting inside a Seattle café near the University of Washington-Seattle campus. Police say Stawicki killed four people inside the café, which was known as a gathering place for local artists and musicians. According to the Seattle Times, police say Stawicki then shot a woman near the Town Hall and stole her SUV. By 4p.m., he had reportedly abandoned the SUV and soon after being surrounded by police, fatally shot himself in the head.
Weapons used: Stawicki was armed with two .45 caliber semiautomatic handguns
Guns bought legally?: Yes.
Stawicki had legally purchased both guns, as well as two others. He also had a valid permit to carry a concealed weapon. In February 2008 Stawicki was charged with four misdemeanor domestic violence counts, but the charges were later dropped. In her statement, his girlfriend at the time wrote that "starting last winter, he became more violent, breaking my things, losing control of his feelings, there's no pattern." In 2010, he was arrested for allegedly assaulting his brother, though those charges were also dropped, according to the Times. State gun laws: Washington State does not require background checks for the purchase of a firearm between private parties, according to the LCPGV. The National Rifle Association reports that the state does not require gun buyers to have a license or permit, nor do Washington State gun owners have to register their guns. The state does, according to the LCPGV, prohibit some individuals with records of domestic violence from owning firearms.
7. June 9, 2012 Auburn University pool party, Auburn, Ala. During an afternoon pool party in an apartment complex near the Auburn University campus, 22-year-old Desmonte Leonard allegedly got in an argument over a woman and then opened fire, killing three people and injuring three others. Leonard eluded police for several days, and finally turned himself in on June 12. Leonard faces three counts of capital murder, two counts of assault have been filed so far, according to the Associated Press.
Weapons used: Unclear. According to Captain Tom Stoffer of the Auburn Police Department, police have found a firearm they believe may have been used in the shooting and have sent it for testing.
Gun bought legally?: Unclear.
State gun laws: Alabama does not require gun owners to register their firearms, nor does the state impose a waiting period or background check on private purchases, according to the LCPGV. The state also does not prohibit the sale or transfer of assault weapons or large capacity ammunition magazines. However, according to the NRA, "it is unlawful for a drug addict, habitual drunkard, or one who has been convicted of a crime of violence to own or possess a handgun." Minors are also not permitted to carry or possess handguns.
8. July 17, 2012 Copper Top bar, Tuscaloosa, Ala. During the early morning hours of July 17, 44-year-old Nathan Van Wilkins allegedly opened fire in a crowded bar near the University of Alabama. Seventeen people were injured in the attack but no one was killed. According to the Tuscaloosa News, less than an hour before he arrived at the bar, Wilkins went to a nearby home and shot at a man inside the house, possibly in a case of mistaken identity. Wilkins has been charged with 18 counts of attempted murder.
Weapon used: Unclear. According to Sgt. Kip Hart of the Tuscaloosa Sheriff's Department, Wilkins' gun has not yet been recovered, but he believes it was likely an "AK-47-type rifle."
Gun bought legally?: Unclear.
State gun laws: Alabama does not require gun owners to register their firearms, nor does the state impose a waiting period or background check on private purchases, according to the LCPGV. The state also does not prohibit the sale or transfer of assault weapons or large capacity ammunition magazines. However, according to the NRA, in Alabama "it is unlawful for a drug addict, habitual drunkard, or one who has been convicted of a crime of violence to own or possess a handgun." Minors are also not permitted to carry or possess handguns.
9. July 20, 2012 Century 16 movie theater, Aurora, Colo. Just after midnight on July 20, police say James Holmes, dressed in black and sporting nearly head-to-toe tactical garb, set off some sort of smoke bomb inside Theater 9 of the Century 16 movie theater. Holmes allegedly began shooting at the audience, who was there to see a premiere of the new Batman movie, "The Dark Knight Rises." Twelve people were killed, 58 others injured, several of whom are still hospitalized. Holmes surrendered to police soon after the massacre in the parking lot behind the theater. His apartment was allegedly "booby-trapped," rigged with what the Aurora police chief described as "incendiary and chemical" devices which authorities disabled or detonated. Holmes is under investigation for first-degree murder and will appear in court on July 31.
Weapons used: Police say Holmes used a semiautomatic AR-15 rifle, a shotgun and a .40 caliber Glock handgun
Guns bought legally?: Yes.
According to Aurora Police Chief Daniel Oates, all three of the guns used in the incident, plus a second Glock allegedly found in Holmes' car, were purchased legally in the state of Colorado. In the weeks leading up to the incident, police say Holmes had purchased 6,000 rounds of ammunition over the internet. State gun laws: Colorado imposes no waiting period to purchase a firearm, nor does it impose a limit on the number of firearms that can be purchased at one time, according to the LCPGV. The state requires mentally ill individuals who are deemed ineligible for purchasing a firearm to be reported to the federal NICS database. In 2000, in the wake of the Columbine High School massacre, the state used a ballot initiative to close the so-called "gun show loophole," in which private sales do not require a background check. However, the state does not prohibit a person from purchasing assault weapons or large capacity magazines. Colorado gun owners do not have to obtain licenses, register their guns, or report lost or stolen guns.
10. August 5, 2012 Sikh Temple of Wisconsin, Oak Creek, Wisc. As worshippers prayed and meditated, 40-year-old Wade Michael Page walked into the temple and opened fire, killing six. Wade, who was reportedly a white supremacist, was killed in a shoot-out with police.
Weapons used: 9mm handgun
Guns bought legally?: Yes.
State gun laws: According to the National Rifle Association, Wisconsin requires no background check nor a license or permit to purchase or carry a firearm.
11. October 21, 2012 Azana Day Spa, Brookfield., Wisc. Radcliffe Franklin Haughton, 45, opened fire in a suburban day spa, killing his wife, Zina Haughton, and two other women, and injuring four others before killing himself. In a written request for a restraining order filed Oct. 8, Zina Haughton said her husband was convinced she was cheating on him and that aside from the acid threat he also vowed to burn her and her family with gas. He said he would kill her if she ever left him or called the police, according to the court papers obtained Monday by The Associated Press.
Weapons used: .40 caliber semiautomatic handgun Guns bought legally?:
Unclear.
State gun laws: According to the NRA, Wisconsin requires no background check nor a license or permit to purchase or carry a firearm.
12. December 11, 2012 Clackamas Town Center, Clackamas, Ore. Jacob Tyler Roberts, 22, walked into the mall wearing a hockey-style mask and an ammunition-packed vest and opened fire, killing two people and then himself.
Weapons used: AR-15 rifle
Guns bought legally?: Not by Roberts.
Police say Roberts had stolen the weapon from someone he knew. State gun laws: According to the Brady Campaign, Oregon requires background checks for gun sales at gun shows, but does no require a state license to possess a handgun or handgun registration. The state also does not require firearm owners to report a stolen weapon.
13. December 14, 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School, Newtown, Conn. At just after 9:30 a.m., 20-year-old Adam Lanza opened fire inside the K-4th grade school, killing 20 children and six adult before turning a gun on himself. Lanza had also reportedly murdered his mother, Nancy Lanza, before going on his rampage.
Weapons used: Details are still emerging. Initially, police reportedly found two handguns - a Sig Sauer and a Glock - inside the school, and a .223 caliber rifle in a car at the scene. However, authorities now report that all the children killed in the incident were shot multiple times by a semiautomatic rifle.
Guns bought legally?: A federal official tells CBS News that, according to state records, all the weapons Lanza used were bought legally and were registered to his mother.
State gun laws: According to the NRA, Connecticut requires that a person have permit to purchase a handgun, but not rifle. Handguns - but not rifles - must also be licensed. The Brady Campaign calls the state's gun laws "strong."
Monday 10 December 2012
What Its Like Being Bullied
I was bullied from the age of 9 years till at least my 20th birthday. Yes,
even at 20 I was still being picked on. Why? Because I am gay. I was never open
about being gay, I didn't have to be. Everyone knew it. Not because I sounded
camp, or acted camp. Or even dressed camp. Nope, it was simple. I never had a
girlfriend.. That was it.. That was the reason they knew.
It all started when I was 9 years old. I went to a boarding school. At 9 years old I was placed in the middle of hell in the boarding school lifestyle. Nothing prepared me for what was in store for me. Ok, it started out fine. I had a few months where I had to settle into the life. But I never really did. I started to “know” what I was. Well, I didn’t actually know.. I just knew something was “different” I did not seem interested in girls, I didn’t seem interested in hearing the “talk” about girls and relationships and all the bullshit. I was more interested in my best mate, Douglas.
In boarding school.. You all should know that you actually do sleep there don’t you? It’s not like normal school where you can go home at night and hide yourself away into your bedroom and play with yourself. This was eat, sleep, wank, pray, work, dress, shower, shit, cry and laugh with the same people day in day out for months at a time. If you farted in assembly.. You not only had the teasing in school.. But at night as well.. In the bathroom, in the freaking breakfast meal times. There was nothing that nobody knew about me nor me them. I knew who cried at night, who wanked, who snored, who farted, who hugs a teddy bear and kisses it goodnight, I know who has nightmares and who sleep walks.. That’s how close it was in boarding school.
So, as a gay.. With hormones going wild.. You can understand my frustration can’t you?.. I mean.. It would have been better putting me in the girl’s dorm and sleep with the girls.. But, there would be a problem I would be raped at night or something. Trust me, the girls had nothing to fear from me.. You get me! But.. As rules have it.. I was placed in a dormitory full of boys (30 to be exact) and I was so.. What’s the word for it?.. Embarrassed? Shocked? Ashamed? Fearful of letting one slip? Afraid of showing some movement downstairs? .. That I became so introverted and secluded from the rest of the school.. I was a 100% pure bred LONER! Not that I had trouble making friends.. I had loads of friends.. Some I still talk to even today.. But.. It was me who stopped me from making friends.. I stopped myself to prevent me giving away that deep dark secret… being GAY!
So, me, the loner, the one who sits quiet in the corner, the one who is afraid of everyone, had to come up with a “reason” to stop people talking to me. I know.. I will become the biggest bitch in the UK. Fuck you all, you fuckers! I will make sure I am un liked. That way. I won’t slip up and then face years and forever of bullying because I managed to get a hard on in just the wrong place and time. Yeah.. That was it. That’s how I can do it. That’s how I was at 9 years of age. Eventually though.. I did start talking to people and I did make 2 friends. Douglas and Barry. Two dear friends of mine even today. Nope, they are not gay.. They are completely normal. The reason why I made such good friends? They were on the same level as me. We shared so many character traits that we just clicked.. And with my secret.. I could hide amongst them soo fucking well.. Hey.. They walked around with their hands in their pants.. It was “a cool thing”.. Me.. I could do the same.. It was a “hide that stiffy thing”.
So then the bulling started. It started off at first with comments like.. “Why ain’t you got a girlfriend?” “Why do you not shower with us?” (Communal showers) “Why don’t you go out with her?” and every time I made my excuses.. It started out with “You’re fridged” “You are afraid” “You are weird” then it soon developed into… “Are you gay?” or words to that effect.. And I kept saying no.. But they just didn’t believe me.
The day that it turned physical is a day I will never forget. I was at boarding school.. I was now 12 years old. And already I was the “Freak” of the school. I was called that because of the following.
I was 90% a Loner.. Only ever talking to two people for 5 mins a day, and that was just because we sat next to each other.
I was the kid who (even after several offers from various girls) never kissed or touched a girl intimately
I was the kid who sat in the corner and had my head in my lap all the time.
I was the kid who purposefully tried showering and bathing alone and even skipping a shower to avoid uncontrollable reactions in my shorts.
I was the one who only ever liked being beside another boy and when a girl stood next to me I walked away
I was the kid who couldn’t do sports very well
So, I was the freak. The gaybo, the queer, the homo, the loner. I was the boy who only ever really talked to my school form teacher (tutor) Mrs. Mandy. She was my mother in school. She knew things about me that even I didn’t. And I think she knew what secret I was hiding. And she was the best teacher in the whole world. She used to bring me cookies and give me sweets and hug me and smile when I walked past and always always asked me if I was ok and if I needed anything and that I could talk anytime if I wanted.
Well.. That day.. I was 12 and the school scout group was on their way to a scout camp. I was present as well, seeing how I was in the scouts. Well.. anyways, the camp was called Linnet Clough… just outside Manchester. It’s a regular campsite for my boarding school. Anyways.. It was some sort of county scout camp.. Long story short.. We set up the patrol tent.. An 8 man tent that my patrol was going to sleep in.. I did insist on a separate tent.. But the scout master insisted back that I stop being such a pussy. Yeah.. Those exact words. So. I looked on a Douglas and Barry and several other members of my patrol.. The “Tigers” and then at the sleeping arrangements.. They had already set out their sleeping bags.. I sat there on my rucksack and looked on in horror.. Yeah sure.. I WANTED to sleep that close to someone I actually wanted sex with.. But not now, not as a kid. Not as someone who was turned on by a gnat landing on my cock.. Figure of speech .. I wasn’t actually turned on by a gnat.. What I mean is.. The slightest touch and up I came. I couldn’t help it.. My hormones were going fucking crazy. Sure, all boys went through that.. But at least they got hard and they blamed it on some girl and had the permission to express his love and hard on with a wank and screaming out that girls name.. Me.. Who was I getting hard over? .. Yeah.. The ones watching me with mouths open in shock… FAGGOT! (Even though they probably didn’t even know or suspect or care)
So, the scout master comes over.. “Why are you sat there like a dweeb?! Up pack your ruck sac!” I looked around at the scout master staring at me as I was miles away watching Douglas. I stood up. I walked over to the tent.. And Douglas said to me.. “Here, you can sleep here” I looked at Douglas and found that he actually “Reserved” a place for me. Oh, very nice of you.. Asshole I was thinking. I was more than happy sleeping at the end.. And when people were asleep, I would quietly roll out the door and sleep under the stars. But now.. I am in the middle of all these boys.. All probably wanting to snuggle up at night.. I was sooo in denial about my true feelings.. Any normal gay would say fuck yeah.. But me.. I was fuck no!
So the night came. And we were all in our sleeping bags.. And the “talk” started. You know.. Hormonal boys talk.. Probably gonna lead to a “cum in the cup race” if you don’t know what that is.. Don’t ask.. But if you must know.. It’s the most gay thing non gay boys do and will always say they are not gay for doing it when in actual fact.. Its soo fucking gay it’s unreal.. Basically.. you all wank into a cup in a circle and the last one to “cum” or “orgasm” has to either drink the cup filled with semen or what ever they could produce OR face a forfeit.
Guess what.. That’s what happened.. Now.. Long story short.. I lost. I did not loose on purpose.. Although that’s what was eventually suggested.. I lost because I was so well trained in the art of NOT being gay and getting all emotional about masturbating and shit.. Even though I really wanted to.. That I was too nervous or what ever to even attempt to be first.. Besides.. Whilst they all wanked over a grotty porn mag with big tits.. I had nothing to wank over apart from 10 boys hanging out in front of me.. And I could hardly look could I? I could hardly stare at them and get myself off.. So.. I had to wank with nothing to stimulate.. So.. Well.. I failed to produce.
Now.. This is where I have to stop you.. You are probably thinking.. Gay.. Yep, cup full of cum.. Yep… would drink it without any hesitation…. WRONG.. I may be gay but then, I did not fancy some straight boys cum in my mouth.. It was like snot .. Slime.. What ever disgusting thing it was.. It was gross.. I refused to put it in my mouth.. They tried to make me.. They held me down and poured it into my mouth.. I tried to scream but was too busy gagging. “You fucking pussy” they said.. Douglas tried backing me up.. “Leave him alone” then it came, “Faggot” said with anger in his voice. It was this kid called Paul. I was laid down on the sleeping bags.. Still with my pants down.. Still with the cum over my face. Almost crying. Douglas.. He stepped in and said.. “Leave him alone” and basically moved between me and Paul. Then they started fighting.. Ok.. Not really fighting.. More like.. Paul had him on his ass quickly and said don’t fucking dare. Douglas was not a fighter. He wasn’t tough. And he was definitely not gay. But Paul.. Was team captain for the U13’s rugby team and swimming team.. He was what the yanks would call.. A Jock.. A sports bred kid.. All muscle and no brains. It was 8 to 2.. Me and Douglas were out numbered.
So, they all crowded me and started taunting me. To cut to the facts.. And not to go too deep into it.. I was stripped.. Slapped and then held down whilst they spat on me. Then, one of the other boys said.. Put the two faggots together. I was forced to lie on top of Douglas and although no actual rape occurred.. I was made to simulate having sex with him. Including being forced to do the motions on Douglas. All whilst they laughed and joked and tormented me and Douglas.
After that, I left the scout group. I hardly ever talked to Douglas again, I hardly ever talked to anyone again. In fact. From then, it was 10 years since I spoke to Douglas again on a social net working site.. And even then.. We never really talked.. Just the kind hello how are you? And that’s it. I eventually left that school and was taken to another boarding school at 13 years of age. By now, I was so fucked up in the head and afraid of everything and traumatized that I started to not care anymore.
In the new school.. (Which I didn’t stay all that long) I got into 26 fights, all of which they started on me for being gay. By now, I couldn’t keep it secret.. It was obvious that I was gay.. Even though I never even said I was. And I was in one fight standing up for a kid who was probably also gay.. He was being bullied one time and I stepped in and defended him.. Timothy was his name. I got my ass kicked.. And never even got a thank you for helping timothy out. I was then moved from that school to a normal comprehensive. Where by now, I was totally unable to make any friends. The only friendship I could make now, at the age of 14, was with boys who were 11 to 12 years old. Only because they would never give me any shit and would never try to bully me. But this only caused further bullying by my own age group and above.
One time in PE at this new school. I tried skipping a shower afterwards.. But was caught by the teacher and forced to take a shower. And to this day, I regret it.. The inevitable happened.. I got a hard on in the shower. It just happened.. I couldn’t help it. Well.. Instantly.. The whole school knew now.. And I was subject to a daily bloody nose, I think I cracked a rib when I was pushed down the stairs in the school during lunch break.. I was constantly pushed around, punched, spat at. I had my stuff stolen away from me that I started resorting to not taking any lunch with me nor money for lunch. And eventually.. I skived school almost every other day. By the time I was 15, I had already skived off at least 80% of the year. And now, the school was complaining about my absence. And although I had letters home.. I could no longer keep that hidden from my dad as they stated that they were going to do a home visit.
Time for drastic action.. I ran away. I went 200 miles south to my mum’s house.. (Parents divorced) and I stated for my safety I needed to stay with her from now on. After a few too’s and fro’s I was eventually allowed to stay with my mum. By now I had missed so much school.. That I was placed 2 years back in my new school at my mums.. I was 16 going on 17.. And just starting my GCSE’s.. Which, if you don’t know.. By 16 – 17.. I should have completed them. So.. Gee.. Now I am a 16 year old in a class full of 14 year olds.. How humiliating.. Now, you may think.. That’s wrong.. That shouldn’t happen.. How the fuck did the school agree to that?.. Well.. With a mother who is a school governor.. You can get the idea now.
So, me, an old person in the school yeah? No chance of bullying now yeah? No one will fuck with someone who is 2 years older than them yeah?... wrong.. All it means now is I no longer get harassed by one person.. But now a gang of them and their older brothers as well.
I always wondered how they knew. I never told them a damn thing. I never let it slip.. I don’t sound gay.. I don’t even dress gay.. I don’t show anyone I am gay.. Most of the people I know now and some back then even are shocked to know I am gay.. Never! No way! That’s what they say.. But back then it was different.. They somehow knew.. Or was it.. It wasn’t anti gay bullying.. It was something else? Naa.. It was anti gay. I know it was. Being called faggot and queer and homo and all the other shit they came out with.. Yeah.. It was anti gay bullying.. And the only reason why I think they did it.. Was the fact I never had a girlfriend. And they all did. I never did what they did on a Friday night.. I was more comfortable with a single friend than I was with a girl. Besides which, I think I only ever had 3 friends then and everyone else was just against me.
I know I am being vague here about this “What’s it like being bullied” .. but its hard to talk about and most I have forgotten about. Or I don’t wish to talk about it at this moment in time. But I will tell you basically how I felt all my childhood. Leaving out what actually happened..
I would wake up in the morning and not want to get out of bed nor face the world. I would always find an excuse to not do something. And skiving was a main part of my childhood when I could get away with it. In boarding school I had no choice but to attend school. But in normal school I tried to stay away as much as I could. When I could. When I did go out of the house. To school or to the shops or to a mates house. I was always on the look out for anyone who would possibly hurt me. I hated walking along the path and seeing a group of 3 or more boys walking towards me. I hated going into school and having the “greeting party” there waiting for me. I hated the break times when I would have to run (literally) to safety of the library or the toilets before being spotted by the bullies.
I hated the fact that after school, my bike was stolen all the time, or moved. And that not 10 feet out of the school gates I was harassed and punched by the greeting party. I hated the fact I couldn’t go to the fun fair for fear of being beaten up. I hated the fact that I couldn’t even go to the shop without meeting someone and getting my ass kicked. I hated the fact that I have had stones thrown at me and knives pulled out on me and leather belts wrapped around my back and legs. I hated the fact that I saw graffiti around the school with my name on it saying I was gay, homo, faggot, queer, bent, cock sucker, fairy, princess. And I hated the death threats (even though none of them were ever attempted on me). I hated the way that I had to force myself to be a loner and stay away from society. I hated not being able to go to the pub, when I was 18 because of the fear of being beaten up. I hated the fact that even at 17 – 19.. I felt it was important that I stayed home and locked myself away in my bedroom.
I hated not having loads of friends. I hated hearing the police could “do nothing about it”. I hated the fact that one time a large gang harassed my mum (at the time almost in her 60’s) at her own doorstep, trying to get me outside so they could beat me up in front of her. I hated the fact that I had to give up jobs because the anti gay comments were making me so angry that I would lose my job if I said what I really wanted to say to them. I hated the fact that one time I was “sent” a girl around to my house to ask me out and then tell me that if I didn’t go outside with her and make out.. I would be beaten up the next day at school. Only to then see a group of twats looking over at us and laughing. I hated the letters sent to me telling me to kill myself. I hated the emails. The comments in the street about me being gay and that I should leave the town for ever. And I hate the fact that when I did find a friend that they too were bullied to the point that they were forced to break the friendship from me for fear of their own life. I hated the fact that every time I tried telling someone, they were not interested, didn’t care, didn’t listen, didn’t try hard enough to stop it, or basically thought I was lying.
Now, I am out as a gay.. Only just.. At aged 30 something. And all of a sudden.. Everyone wants to be my friend and are totally cool with it. Some say.. wow, I never knew.. Some say don’t ever talk to me again.. Some have totally disowned me.. Some have become friends with me and are asking me how come I never said anything before.. It’s simply put.. The world around me are a bunch of hypocrites and liars.. And people who pretended they never knew or didn’t suspect.. And some people are so gay friendly that it beggars belief that they never stood up for me back then. Yeah, I have had my ups and downs.. pain and misery.. happy and joyful times. But is it any wonder I am the way I am today?
It all started when I was 9 years old. I went to a boarding school. At 9 years old I was placed in the middle of hell in the boarding school lifestyle. Nothing prepared me for what was in store for me. Ok, it started out fine. I had a few months where I had to settle into the life. But I never really did. I started to “know” what I was. Well, I didn’t actually know.. I just knew something was “different” I did not seem interested in girls, I didn’t seem interested in hearing the “talk” about girls and relationships and all the bullshit. I was more interested in my best mate, Douglas.
In boarding school.. You all should know that you actually do sleep there don’t you? It’s not like normal school where you can go home at night and hide yourself away into your bedroom and play with yourself. This was eat, sleep, wank, pray, work, dress, shower, shit, cry and laugh with the same people day in day out for months at a time. If you farted in assembly.. You not only had the teasing in school.. But at night as well.. In the bathroom, in the freaking breakfast meal times. There was nothing that nobody knew about me nor me them. I knew who cried at night, who wanked, who snored, who farted, who hugs a teddy bear and kisses it goodnight, I know who has nightmares and who sleep walks.. That’s how close it was in boarding school.
So, as a gay.. With hormones going wild.. You can understand my frustration can’t you?.. I mean.. It would have been better putting me in the girl’s dorm and sleep with the girls.. But, there would be a problem I would be raped at night or something. Trust me, the girls had nothing to fear from me.. You get me! But.. As rules have it.. I was placed in a dormitory full of boys (30 to be exact) and I was so.. What’s the word for it?.. Embarrassed? Shocked? Ashamed? Fearful of letting one slip? Afraid of showing some movement downstairs? .. That I became so introverted and secluded from the rest of the school.. I was a 100% pure bred LONER! Not that I had trouble making friends.. I had loads of friends.. Some I still talk to even today.. But.. It was me who stopped me from making friends.. I stopped myself to prevent me giving away that deep dark secret… being GAY!
So, me, the loner, the one who sits quiet in the corner, the one who is afraid of everyone, had to come up with a “reason” to stop people talking to me. I know.. I will become the biggest bitch in the UK. Fuck you all, you fuckers! I will make sure I am un liked. That way. I won’t slip up and then face years and forever of bullying because I managed to get a hard on in just the wrong place and time. Yeah.. That was it. That’s how I can do it. That’s how I was at 9 years of age. Eventually though.. I did start talking to people and I did make 2 friends. Douglas and Barry. Two dear friends of mine even today. Nope, they are not gay.. They are completely normal. The reason why I made such good friends? They were on the same level as me. We shared so many character traits that we just clicked.. And with my secret.. I could hide amongst them soo fucking well.. Hey.. They walked around with their hands in their pants.. It was “a cool thing”.. Me.. I could do the same.. It was a “hide that stiffy thing”.
So then the bulling started. It started off at first with comments like.. “Why ain’t you got a girlfriend?” “Why do you not shower with us?” (Communal showers) “Why don’t you go out with her?” and every time I made my excuses.. It started out with “You’re fridged” “You are afraid” “You are weird” then it soon developed into… “Are you gay?” or words to that effect.. And I kept saying no.. But they just didn’t believe me.
The day that it turned physical is a day I will never forget. I was at boarding school.. I was now 12 years old. And already I was the “Freak” of the school. I was called that because of the following.
I was 90% a Loner.. Only ever talking to two people for 5 mins a day, and that was just because we sat next to each other.
I was the kid who (even after several offers from various girls) never kissed or touched a girl intimately
I was the kid who sat in the corner and had my head in my lap all the time.
I was the kid who purposefully tried showering and bathing alone and even skipping a shower to avoid uncontrollable reactions in my shorts.
I was the one who only ever liked being beside another boy and when a girl stood next to me I walked away
I was the kid who couldn’t do sports very well
So, I was the freak. The gaybo, the queer, the homo, the loner. I was the boy who only ever really talked to my school form teacher (tutor) Mrs. Mandy. She was my mother in school. She knew things about me that even I didn’t. And I think she knew what secret I was hiding. And she was the best teacher in the whole world. She used to bring me cookies and give me sweets and hug me and smile when I walked past and always always asked me if I was ok and if I needed anything and that I could talk anytime if I wanted.
Well.. That day.. I was 12 and the school scout group was on their way to a scout camp. I was present as well, seeing how I was in the scouts. Well.. anyways, the camp was called Linnet Clough… just outside Manchester. It’s a regular campsite for my boarding school. Anyways.. It was some sort of county scout camp.. Long story short.. We set up the patrol tent.. An 8 man tent that my patrol was going to sleep in.. I did insist on a separate tent.. But the scout master insisted back that I stop being such a pussy. Yeah.. Those exact words. So. I looked on a Douglas and Barry and several other members of my patrol.. The “Tigers” and then at the sleeping arrangements.. They had already set out their sleeping bags.. I sat there on my rucksack and looked on in horror.. Yeah sure.. I WANTED to sleep that close to someone I actually wanted sex with.. But not now, not as a kid. Not as someone who was turned on by a gnat landing on my cock.. Figure of speech .. I wasn’t actually turned on by a gnat.. What I mean is.. The slightest touch and up I came. I couldn’t help it.. My hormones were going fucking crazy. Sure, all boys went through that.. But at least they got hard and they blamed it on some girl and had the permission to express his love and hard on with a wank and screaming out that girls name.. Me.. Who was I getting hard over? .. Yeah.. The ones watching me with mouths open in shock… FAGGOT! (Even though they probably didn’t even know or suspect or care)
So, the scout master comes over.. “Why are you sat there like a dweeb?! Up pack your ruck sac!” I looked around at the scout master staring at me as I was miles away watching Douglas. I stood up. I walked over to the tent.. And Douglas said to me.. “Here, you can sleep here” I looked at Douglas and found that he actually “Reserved” a place for me. Oh, very nice of you.. Asshole I was thinking. I was more than happy sleeping at the end.. And when people were asleep, I would quietly roll out the door and sleep under the stars. But now.. I am in the middle of all these boys.. All probably wanting to snuggle up at night.. I was sooo in denial about my true feelings.. Any normal gay would say fuck yeah.. But me.. I was fuck no!
So the night came. And we were all in our sleeping bags.. And the “talk” started. You know.. Hormonal boys talk.. Probably gonna lead to a “cum in the cup race” if you don’t know what that is.. Don’t ask.. But if you must know.. It’s the most gay thing non gay boys do and will always say they are not gay for doing it when in actual fact.. Its soo fucking gay it’s unreal.. Basically.. you all wank into a cup in a circle and the last one to “cum” or “orgasm” has to either drink the cup filled with semen or what ever they could produce OR face a forfeit.
Guess what.. That’s what happened.. Now.. Long story short.. I lost. I did not loose on purpose.. Although that’s what was eventually suggested.. I lost because I was so well trained in the art of NOT being gay and getting all emotional about masturbating and shit.. Even though I really wanted to.. That I was too nervous or what ever to even attempt to be first.. Besides.. Whilst they all wanked over a grotty porn mag with big tits.. I had nothing to wank over apart from 10 boys hanging out in front of me.. And I could hardly look could I? I could hardly stare at them and get myself off.. So.. I had to wank with nothing to stimulate.. So.. Well.. I failed to produce.
Now.. This is where I have to stop you.. You are probably thinking.. Gay.. Yep, cup full of cum.. Yep… would drink it without any hesitation…. WRONG.. I may be gay but then, I did not fancy some straight boys cum in my mouth.. It was like snot .. Slime.. What ever disgusting thing it was.. It was gross.. I refused to put it in my mouth.. They tried to make me.. They held me down and poured it into my mouth.. I tried to scream but was too busy gagging. “You fucking pussy” they said.. Douglas tried backing me up.. “Leave him alone” then it came, “Faggot” said with anger in his voice. It was this kid called Paul. I was laid down on the sleeping bags.. Still with my pants down.. Still with the cum over my face. Almost crying. Douglas.. He stepped in and said.. “Leave him alone” and basically moved between me and Paul. Then they started fighting.. Ok.. Not really fighting.. More like.. Paul had him on his ass quickly and said don’t fucking dare. Douglas was not a fighter. He wasn’t tough. And he was definitely not gay. But Paul.. Was team captain for the U13’s rugby team and swimming team.. He was what the yanks would call.. A Jock.. A sports bred kid.. All muscle and no brains. It was 8 to 2.. Me and Douglas were out numbered.
So, they all crowded me and started taunting me. To cut to the facts.. And not to go too deep into it.. I was stripped.. Slapped and then held down whilst they spat on me. Then, one of the other boys said.. Put the two faggots together. I was forced to lie on top of Douglas and although no actual rape occurred.. I was made to simulate having sex with him. Including being forced to do the motions on Douglas. All whilst they laughed and joked and tormented me and Douglas.
After that, I left the scout group. I hardly ever talked to Douglas again, I hardly ever talked to anyone again. In fact. From then, it was 10 years since I spoke to Douglas again on a social net working site.. And even then.. We never really talked.. Just the kind hello how are you? And that’s it. I eventually left that school and was taken to another boarding school at 13 years of age. By now, I was so fucked up in the head and afraid of everything and traumatized that I started to not care anymore.
In the new school.. (Which I didn’t stay all that long) I got into 26 fights, all of which they started on me for being gay. By now, I couldn’t keep it secret.. It was obvious that I was gay.. Even though I never even said I was. And I was in one fight standing up for a kid who was probably also gay.. He was being bullied one time and I stepped in and defended him.. Timothy was his name. I got my ass kicked.. And never even got a thank you for helping timothy out. I was then moved from that school to a normal comprehensive. Where by now, I was totally unable to make any friends. The only friendship I could make now, at the age of 14, was with boys who were 11 to 12 years old. Only because they would never give me any shit and would never try to bully me. But this only caused further bullying by my own age group and above.
One time in PE at this new school. I tried skipping a shower afterwards.. But was caught by the teacher and forced to take a shower. And to this day, I regret it.. The inevitable happened.. I got a hard on in the shower. It just happened.. I couldn’t help it. Well.. Instantly.. The whole school knew now.. And I was subject to a daily bloody nose, I think I cracked a rib when I was pushed down the stairs in the school during lunch break.. I was constantly pushed around, punched, spat at. I had my stuff stolen away from me that I started resorting to not taking any lunch with me nor money for lunch. And eventually.. I skived school almost every other day. By the time I was 15, I had already skived off at least 80% of the year. And now, the school was complaining about my absence. And although I had letters home.. I could no longer keep that hidden from my dad as they stated that they were going to do a home visit.
Time for drastic action.. I ran away. I went 200 miles south to my mum’s house.. (Parents divorced) and I stated for my safety I needed to stay with her from now on. After a few too’s and fro’s I was eventually allowed to stay with my mum. By now I had missed so much school.. That I was placed 2 years back in my new school at my mums.. I was 16 going on 17.. And just starting my GCSE’s.. Which, if you don’t know.. By 16 – 17.. I should have completed them. So.. Gee.. Now I am a 16 year old in a class full of 14 year olds.. How humiliating.. Now, you may think.. That’s wrong.. That shouldn’t happen.. How the fuck did the school agree to that?.. Well.. With a mother who is a school governor.. You can get the idea now.
So, me, an old person in the school yeah? No chance of bullying now yeah? No one will fuck with someone who is 2 years older than them yeah?... wrong.. All it means now is I no longer get harassed by one person.. But now a gang of them and their older brothers as well.
I always wondered how they knew. I never told them a damn thing. I never let it slip.. I don’t sound gay.. I don’t even dress gay.. I don’t show anyone I am gay.. Most of the people I know now and some back then even are shocked to know I am gay.. Never! No way! That’s what they say.. But back then it was different.. They somehow knew.. Or was it.. It wasn’t anti gay bullying.. It was something else? Naa.. It was anti gay. I know it was. Being called faggot and queer and homo and all the other shit they came out with.. Yeah.. It was anti gay bullying.. And the only reason why I think they did it.. Was the fact I never had a girlfriend. And they all did. I never did what they did on a Friday night.. I was more comfortable with a single friend than I was with a girl. Besides which, I think I only ever had 3 friends then and everyone else was just against me.
I know I am being vague here about this “What’s it like being bullied” .. but its hard to talk about and most I have forgotten about. Or I don’t wish to talk about it at this moment in time. But I will tell you basically how I felt all my childhood. Leaving out what actually happened..
I would wake up in the morning and not want to get out of bed nor face the world. I would always find an excuse to not do something. And skiving was a main part of my childhood when I could get away with it. In boarding school I had no choice but to attend school. But in normal school I tried to stay away as much as I could. When I could. When I did go out of the house. To school or to the shops or to a mates house. I was always on the look out for anyone who would possibly hurt me. I hated walking along the path and seeing a group of 3 or more boys walking towards me. I hated going into school and having the “greeting party” there waiting for me. I hated the break times when I would have to run (literally) to safety of the library or the toilets before being spotted by the bullies.
I hated the fact that after school, my bike was stolen all the time, or moved. And that not 10 feet out of the school gates I was harassed and punched by the greeting party. I hated the fact I couldn’t go to the fun fair for fear of being beaten up. I hated the fact that I couldn’t even go to the shop without meeting someone and getting my ass kicked. I hated the fact that I have had stones thrown at me and knives pulled out on me and leather belts wrapped around my back and legs. I hated the fact that I saw graffiti around the school with my name on it saying I was gay, homo, faggot, queer, bent, cock sucker, fairy, princess. And I hated the death threats (even though none of them were ever attempted on me). I hated the way that I had to force myself to be a loner and stay away from society. I hated not being able to go to the pub, when I was 18 because of the fear of being beaten up. I hated the fact that even at 17 – 19.. I felt it was important that I stayed home and locked myself away in my bedroom.
I hated not having loads of friends. I hated hearing the police could “do nothing about it”. I hated the fact that one time a large gang harassed my mum (at the time almost in her 60’s) at her own doorstep, trying to get me outside so they could beat me up in front of her. I hated the fact that I had to give up jobs because the anti gay comments were making me so angry that I would lose my job if I said what I really wanted to say to them. I hated the fact that one time I was “sent” a girl around to my house to ask me out and then tell me that if I didn’t go outside with her and make out.. I would be beaten up the next day at school. Only to then see a group of twats looking over at us and laughing. I hated the letters sent to me telling me to kill myself. I hated the emails. The comments in the street about me being gay and that I should leave the town for ever. And I hate the fact that when I did find a friend that they too were bullied to the point that they were forced to break the friendship from me for fear of their own life. I hated the fact that every time I tried telling someone, they were not interested, didn’t care, didn’t listen, didn’t try hard enough to stop it, or basically thought I was lying.
Now, I am out as a gay.. Only just.. At aged 30 something. And all of a sudden.. Everyone wants to be my friend and are totally cool with it. Some say.. wow, I never knew.. Some say don’t ever talk to me again.. Some have totally disowned me.. Some have become friends with me and are asking me how come I never said anything before.. It’s simply put.. The world around me are a bunch of hypocrites and liars.. And people who pretended they never knew or didn’t suspect.. And some people are so gay friendly that it beggars belief that they never stood up for me back then. Yeah, I have had my ups and downs.. pain and misery.. happy and joyful times. But is it any wonder I am the way I am today?
14-Year Old Gay Iowa Teen Bullied To Death – Report
A 14-year old gay teen died by suicide Saturday in Primghar, Iowa, after coming out as gay and being bullied for months, according to a report. The Eldridge Funeral Home lists a short obituary
for Kenneth James Weishuhn Jr., stating Kenneth J. Weishuhn Jr. passed
away on Sunday, April 15. Primghar, Iowa is a small town of about 909,
according to the 2010 census.
One entry notes, “Its sad to see how people cannot just see past a persons identity and just see them as a human,” while another reads, “You took his happiness away from him..,” and another, “No one deserves to be bullied! My sympathies to the family and friends of Kenneth! And to the kids that bullied him hope you sleep okay knowing that you drove a young man to an early fate, you should be ashamed of yourself!”
A Facebook page which appears to be that of the same Kenneth James Weishuhn lists his nickname as Rodney. The last entry was March 30. A tribute video, below, was published to YouTube yesterday.
There’s nothing wrong with you. There’s a lot wrong with the world you live in.To which Weishuhn added, “I hope so.”
Another image reads, “Never be bullied into silence.”
Saturday 8 December 2012
Why?
So many stories of gay teens comitting suicide
because of bullying. So many stories in the news about how, in the 21st
century, gay marriage is STILL not accepted. So many people who are two
faced bastards that say "oh, i am not against them" .. yet.. they are
quick to bully and harass and torment anyone who says they are gay.
Religion even turns thier backs on us.. even though a lot of gay's are
religious. You all hate us soo much.. but you dont even know why?
I mean, lets face it. What the fuck have we done to you to get you so angry at us? Are gay men so violent and anti social and hating of everything you do? Do we not keep our love secret and hidden away from you? Do we make your day so terrible that you need to attack us? Am i so bad that you can't even keep a friendship going?
And what of these people that bully someone into suicide? if "gay" wasn't even mentioned.. you would be stringing the little fuckers up in court and handing out tough jail time.. yet.. as soon as gay is mentioned, you barely do anything at all.
You paranoid, small minded fuckers who seem to think that you are better than us need to learn just one thing.. we are human too. We feel pain, worry, fear, sorrow, love, happiness, joy, anger, pride.. and every other emotion.. just like you. our blood is still red.
We were born this way, its not something we just woke up one day and said.. hey, you know what.. thats a good idea!.. we were made this way through genetics. Its not our fault. We do not blame you for needing hetrosexual love do we? we do not beat you guys into suicide and fear. We do not target you.
So here is my message to you guys out there.. be it, government, religious leaders, politicians, coppers, doctors, teachers, parents, dumb assed kids in the play ground, twats with the cardboard plaques in USA, naive followers of some fucked up religion (thinking that god was against homosexuality.. when in fact.. it was NEVER mentioned in the bible at all).. to all those who think that they can get away with fag beatings and queer bashing.. every single one of you fascist cunts...
One day, we will fight back.. and we will win.. we are everywhere..
And to those being bullied.. report it, tell anyone about it.. do what ever it takes to not suffer in silence. and if you feel that bad that you have to do something aweful to yourself.. stop and get help.. there are people out there who can help you escape the bullying.. and get these fuckers punished.
I mean, lets face it. What the fuck have we done to you to get you so angry at us? Are gay men so violent and anti social and hating of everything you do? Do we not keep our love secret and hidden away from you? Do we make your day so terrible that you need to attack us? Am i so bad that you can't even keep a friendship going?
And what of these people that bully someone into suicide? if "gay" wasn't even mentioned.. you would be stringing the little fuckers up in court and handing out tough jail time.. yet.. as soon as gay is mentioned, you barely do anything at all.
You paranoid, small minded fuckers who seem to think that you are better than us need to learn just one thing.. we are human too. We feel pain, worry, fear, sorrow, love, happiness, joy, anger, pride.. and every other emotion.. just like you. our blood is still red.
We were born this way, its not something we just woke up one day and said.. hey, you know what.. thats a good idea!.. we were made this way through genetics. Its not our fault. We do not blame you for needing hetrosexual love do we? we do not beat you guys into suicide and fear. We do not target you.
So here is my message to you guys out there.. be it, government, religious leaders, politicians, coppers, doctors, teachers, parents, dumb assed kids in the play ground, twats with the cardboard plaques in USA, naive followers of some fucked up religion (thinking that god was against homosexuality.. when in fact.. it was NEVER mentioned in the bible at all).. to all those who think that they can get away with fag beatings and queer bashing.. every single one of you fascist cunts...
One day, we will fight back.. and we will win.. we are everywhere..
And to those being bullied.. report it, tell anyone about it.. do what ever it takes to not suffer in silence. and if you feel that bad that you have to do something aweful to yourself.. stop and get help.. there are people out there who can help you escape the bullying.. and get these fuckers punished.
Gay and Bullied - You Can't Fake Tears
Gay Teen Jonah Mowry Says Bullying Made Him Stronger
Jonah Mowry, the 14-year-old whose heart-wrenching four-month-old YouTube video described his despair at being bullied for being gay, resurfaced online Sunday, telling his supporters he is doing just fine.Jonah, chewing gum and with a female friend by his side, says on a more recent YouTube video, “To the people who think nobody likes me … Everyone in my school loves me.”
Controversy has swirled around the videos this week, with some posting online their suspicions that the boy is a “fraud,” but ABCNews.com has learned today that Jonah is real.
“First and foremost, I am proud of the responses we’ve gotten from people,” said Peggy Sue Mowry, a hairdresser from Forest Lake, Calif. “I’m disappointed that people would question whether it’s” true.”
She said her son had been “uplifted by the outpouring of support.”
Advocacy groups praised Jonah for speaking out against bullying.
“This YouTube video illustrates a sobering reality about the bullying crisis in our schools,” said Andy Marra, spokesman for Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN). ”We know there are far too many students like Jonah that experience harassment simply because of their real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.”
In August Jonah posted a YouTube video titled, “Whats going on…” [sic] as Sia’s “Breathe Me” plays in the background. Crying and using a series of note cards, the boy says, “I’ve cut…a lot. I have scars. Suicide was an option…many times.”
He said he had been bullied since first grade and had first begun cutting himself in the second grade. Last August, when the video was made, Jonah was about the enter eighth grade.
The boy, who displays numerous scars in the video, claims he has sustained insults of, “Gay. Fag. D**k. Douche. Homo. A**hole.” His video ends optimistically: “I’m not going anywhere, because I’m stronger than that. I have a million reasons to be here.”
A Facebook page, dedicated to Jonah’s cause says, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”
The video has gone viral, eliciting support from celebrities like gay singer Ricky Martin and blogger Perez Hilton.
Martin tweets: “one big rib breaking hug :0) ! Stay strong buddy! You are 1 courageous young man!!!”
Hilton said he has been in touch with Jonah via Twitter and the teen’s “optimism in the face of adversity is so inspiring!” He writes that he has invited the boy to an all-expense paid birthday party for the blog in March.
“He is so touched by all the love being sent his way,” blogs Hilton. ” He tells us he is truly in a much better place. Happier and with friends that care! Plus, he is also getting some counseling – something we’d recommend to anyone going through difficult times.”
Teen bullying has reached epidemic proportions and several young children have been so anguished they have killed themselves.
Nearly 9 out of 10 lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students experienced harassment at school in the past year, according to GLSEN. All students deserve the right to reach their full potential and it is the responsibility of school staff to ensure safe learning environments for all that promote true respect for difference, the group says.
Just last year Phoebe Prince, a 15-year-old Irish immigrant, was found dead in her South Hadley, Mass., home after suffering incessant Facebook taunts.
Earlier this year, Jamey Rodemeyer, a 14-year-old from Buffalo, N.Y., took his own life after he was bullied online with gay slurs for more than a year. His death prompted Lady Gaga to express outrage over relentless torment social networking site.
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/video/gay-teens-anti-bullying-message-viral-15095755
http://youtu.be/zt5gvl5s2q4
Gay and Bullied
US gay teen Jamey Rodemeye thanks Lady Gaga before he commits suicide
A 14-year-old boy who blogged about being suicidal due to
being incessantly bullied at school has been found dead outside his
home in an apparent suicide.
Jamey Rodemeyer, from Buffalo, New York, cried for help online for months before his death and his family and friends said suicide was a popular topic with him.
He regularly posted about being bullied at school and how people would launch gay insults at him.
Jamey Rodemeyer, from Buffalo, New York, cried for help online for months before his death and his family and friends said suicide was a popular topic with him.
He regularly posted about being bullied at school and how people would launch gay insults at him.
But what was worse for Jamey, was that when he wrote of
his pain and frustrations and cried for help in his blog postings,
students at his school started to bully him online.
About 12 months ago on his Formspring account - which permits anonymous posts - other students started making gay references towards him.
'JAMIE IS STUPID, GAY, FAT ANND UGLY. HE MUST DIE!' read one post.
Another read: 'I wouldn't care if you died. No one would. So just do it :) It would make everyone WAY more happier!'
On September 9, Jamey wrote on his Tumblr site: 'I always say how bullied I am, but no one listens. What do I have to do so people will listen to me?'
The day before he wrote: 'No one in my school cares about preventing suicide, while you're the ones calling me [gay slur] and tearing me down.'
He put up a separate post that day letting everyone know it was National Suicide Prevention Week.
But still no one listened.
About 12 months ago on his Formspring account - which permits anonymous posts - other students started making gay references towards him.
'JAMIE IS STUPID, GAY, FAT ANND UGLY. HE MUST DIE!' read one post.
Another read: 'I wouldn't care if you died. No one would. So just do it :) It would make everyone WAY more happier!'
On September 9, Jamey wrote on his Tumblr site: 'I always say how bullied I am, but no one listens. What do I have to do so people will listen to me?'
The day before he wrote: 'No one in my school cares about preventing suicide, while you're the ones calling me [gay slur] and tearing me down.'
He put up a separate post that day letting everyone know it was National Suicide Prevention Week.
But still no one listened.
On Saturday night he posted a lyric from Lady Gaga's song
The Queen on his Facebook page which said: 'Don't forget me when I come
crying to heaven's door.'
On 1.30am on Sunday morning, he left two final messages on one of his blogs saying he was looking forward to seeing his great grandmother, who recently died, and one as a tribute to Lady Gaga, thanking her.
His mother Tracy Rodemeyer , told Buffalo News: 'He touched so many hearts, so many people. I didn't realize how many people he touched.
'He was the sweetest, kindest kid you'd ever know. He would give all his heart to you before he gave any to himself.'
She said that her son had been questioning his sexuality over the last year and that his fellow students picked up on it and used it to taunt and bully him.
On 1.30am on Sunday morning, he left two final messages on one of his blogs saying he was looking forward to seeing his great grandmother, who recently died, and one as a tribute to Lady Gaga, thanking her.
His mother Tracy Rodemeyer , told Buffalo News: 'He touched so many hearts, so many people. I didn't realize how many people he touched.
'He was the sweetest, kindest kid you'd ever know. He would give all his heart to you before he gave any to himself.'
She said that her son had been questioning his sexuality over the last year and that his fellow students picked up on it and used it to taunt and bully him.
Friends of the 14-year-old reported the message posts to
the school guidance counsellors, she said, but by then it may already
have been too late.
'He was totally against bullying. He has had issues since fifth grade. He had suicidal tendencies back then,' she told Buffalo News.
'He was totally against bullying. He has had issues since fifth grade. He had suicidal tendencies back then,' she told Buffalo News.
She said she tried to talk to him on numerous occasions
and asked him to talk to her about what was wrong, but he assured her
that he was OK.
Last weekend the family went to a camping spot they would frequently go to and she said he seemed really happy.
Mrs Rodemeyer said: 'He used to cry about the taunts from his peers but they didn't seem to phase him this time. Lately, he's been blowing them off, or at least we thought he was.'
Olivia Rinaldo, an eighth-grader at Heim Middle School, said she was drawn to his outwardly upbeat and extroverted personality. He made friends of the friendless, she said.
'He was always putting people first. He always wanted other people to smile, even on the worst of his days.'
She said even though he was seeing a social worker and a therapist, not enough was done to help him.
A letter was sent home to students on Monday morning informing them that he was dead.
Dale Bauer, a licensed school social worker and clinical social worker at North, said: 'We make it apparent to the kids that there's help all day long and in the days to come.'
Jamey was a new student at Williamsville North High School and the student known to have committed suicide there since 2010. Joe Chearmonte, a junior honor student, died in February of last year.
Last weekend the family went to a camping spot they would frequently go to and she said he seemed really happy.
Mrs Rodemeyer said: 'He used to cry about the taunts from his peers but they didn't seem to phase him this time. Lately, he's been blowing them off, or at least we thought he was.'
Olivia Rinaldo, an eighth-grader at Heim Middle School, said she was drawn to his outwardly upbeat and extroverted personality. He made friends of the friendless, she said.
'He was always putting people first. He always wanted other people to smile, even on the worst of his days.'
She said even though he was seeing a social worker and a therapist, not enough was done to help him.
A letter was sent home to students on Monday morning informing them that he was dead.
Dale Bauer, a licensed school social worker and clinical social worker at North, said: 'We make it apparent to the kids that there's help all day long and in the days to come.'
Jamey was a new student at Williamsville North High School and the student known to have committed suicide there since 2010. Joe Chearmonte, a junior honor student, died in February of last year.
Gay and Bullied
Bullied Gay Ottawa Teen Jamie Hubley Commits Suicide; Like Jamey Rodemeyer, He Documented Troubles Online
Tuesday 16 October 2012
Don't Damn Me - Guns N Roses
Don't damn me
When I speak a piece of my mind
'Cause silence isn't golden
When I'm holding it inside
'Cause I've been where I have been
An I've seen what I have seen
I put the pen to the paper
'Cause it's all a part of me
Be it a song or a casual conversation
To hold my tongue speaks
Of quiet reservations
Your words once heard
They can place you in a faction
My words may disturb
But at least there's a reaction
Sometimes I want to kill
Sometimes I want to die
Sometimes I want to destroy
Sometimes I want to cry
Sometimes I could get even
Sometimes I could give up
Sometimes I could give
Sometimes I never give a fuck
It's only for a while
I hope you understand
I never wanted this to happen
Didn't want to be a man
So I hid inside my world
I took what I could find
I cried when I was lonely
I fell down when I was blind
But don't damn me when I speak
A piece of my mind
'Cause silence isn't golden
When I'm holding it inside
'Cause I've been where I have been
An I've seen what I have seen
I put the pen to the paper
'Cause it's all a part of me
How can I ever satisfy you
An how can I ever make you see
That, deep inside we're all somebody
An it don't matter who you want to be
But now I gotta smile I hope you comprehend
For this man can say it happened
'Cause this child has been condemned
So I stepped into your world
I kicked you in the mind
An I'm the only witness
To the nature of my crime
But look at what we've done
To the innocent and young
Whoa listen to who's talking
'Cause we're not the only ones
The trash collected by the eyes
And dumped into the brain
Said it tears into our conscious thoughts
You tell me who's to blame
I know you don't want to hear me crying
An I know you don't want to hear me deny
That your satisfaction lies in your illusions
But your delusions are yours an not mine
We take for granted that we know the whole story
We judge a book by it's cover
And read what we want
Between selected lines
Don't hail me
An don't idolize the ink
Or I've failed in my attentions
Can you find the missing link
Your only validation is in living your own life
Vicarious existence is a fucking waste of time
So I send this song to the offended
I said what I meant and I've never pretended
As so many others do intending just to please
If I damned your point of view
Could you turn the other cheek
Don't damn me when I speak a piece a mind
'Cause silence isn't golden
When I'm holding it inside
I've been where I have been
An I've seen what I have seen
Put the pen to the paper
'Cause it's all a part of me
Don't damn me
I said don't damn me
I said don't hail me
Ah, don't damn me
When I speak a piece of my mind
'Cause silence isn't golden
When I'm holding it inside
'Cause I've been where I have been
An I've seen what I have seen
I put the pen to the paper
'Cause it's all a part of me
Be it a song or a casual conversation
To hold my tongue speaks
Of quiet reservations
Your words once heard
They can place you in a faction
My words may disturb
But at least there's a reaction
Sometimes I want to kill
Sometimes I want to die
Sometimes I want to destroy
Sometimes I want to cry
Sometimes I could get even
Sometimes I could give up
Sometimes I could give
Sometimes I never give a fuck
It's only for a while
I hope you understand
I never wanted this to happen
Didn't want to be a man
So I hid inside my world
I took what I could find
I cried when I was lonely
I fell down when I was blind
But don't damn me when I speak
A piece of my mind
'Cause silence isn't golden
When I'm holding it inside
'Cause I've been where I have been
An I've seen what I have seen
I put the pen to the paper
'Cause it's all a part of me
How can I ever satisfy you
An how can I ever make you see
That, deep inside we're all somebody
An it don't matter who you want to be
But now I gotta smile I hope you comprehend
For this man can say it happened
'Cause this child has been condemned
So I stepped into your world
I kicked you in the mind
An I'm the only witness
To the nature of my crime
But look at what we've done
To the innocent and young
Whoa listen to who's talking
'Cause we're not the only ones
The trash collected by the eyes
And dumped into the brain
Said it tears into our conscious thoughts
You tell me who's to blame
I know you don't want to hear me crying
An I know you don't want to hear me deny
That your satisfaction lies in your illusions
But your delusions are yours an not mine
We take for granted that we know the whole story
We judge a book by it's cover
And read what we want
Between selected lines
Don't hail me
An don't idolize the ink
Or I've failed in my attentions
Can you find the missing link
Your only validation is in living your own life
Vicarious existence is a fucking waste of time
So I send this song to the offended
I said what I meant and I've never pretended
As so many others do intending just to please
If I damned your point of view
Could you turn the other cheek
Don't damn me when I speak a piece a mind
'Cause silence isn't golden
When I'm holding it inside
I've been where I have been
An I've seen what I have seen
Put the pen to the paper
'Cause it's all a part of me
Don't damn me
I said don't damn me
I said don't hail me
Ah, don't damn me
Supernaut - Black Sabbath
I want to reach out
And touch the sky
I want to touch the sun
But I don't need to die
I'm gonna climb up
On the mountains of the moon
And find a distant man
A waving his spoon
I've crossed the ocean, turned everything
I found the crossing near a golden rainbow's end
I've been through magic and defied reality
I've lived a thousand years and it never bothered me
Got no religion
Don't need no friends
Got all I want
And I don't need to pretend
Don't try to reach me
'Cause I'd tear up your mind
I've seen the future
And I've left it behind
And touch the sky
I want to touch the sun
But I don't need to die
I'm gonna climb up
On the mountains of the moon
And find a distant man
A waving his spoon
I've crossed the ocean, turned everything
I found the crossing near a golden rainbow's end
I've been through magic and defied reality
I've lived a thousand years and it never bothered me
Got no religion
Don't need no friends
Got all I want
And I don't need to pretend
Don't try to reach me
'Cause I'd tear up your mind
I've seen the future
And I've left it behind
Small Town Boy - Bronski Beat
You leave in the morning
With everything you own
In a little black case
Alone on a platform
The wind and the rain
On a sad and lonely face
Mother will never understand
Why you had to leave
But the answers you seek
Will never be found at home
The love that you need
Will never be found at home
Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away.
Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away.
Pushed around and kicked around
Always a lonely boy
You were the one
That they'd talk about around town
As they put you down
And as hard as they would try
They'd hurt to make you cry
But you never cried to them
Just to your soul
No you never cried to them
Just to your soul
Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away.
Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away.
Cry , boy, cry...
You leave in the morning
With everything you own
In a little black case
Alone on a platform
The wind and the rain
On a sad and lonely face
Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away.
Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away.
With everything you own
In a little black case
Alone on a platform
The wind and the rain
On a sad and lonely face
Mother will never understand
Why you had to leave
But the answers you seek
Will never be found at home
The love that you need
Will never be found at home
Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away.
Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away.
Pushed around and kicked around
Always a lonely boy
You were the one
That they'd talk about around town
As they put you down
And as hard as they would try
They'd hurt to make you cry
But you never cried to them
Just to your soul
No you never cried to them
Just to your soul
Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away.
Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away.
Cry , boy, cry...
You leave in the morning
With everything you own
In a little black case
Alone on a platform
The wind and the rain
On a sad and lonely face
Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away.
Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away.
Cry and No one On Earth - System F and Above & Beyond
(Cry)
Never ever, felt this way about...
The things you do to me
Never ever knew, couldn't do without
You and me
But I didn't read between your lines
And I didn't know there was no one like you to find
Why didn't I see
This before
Why didn't I come
Back for more
Now I do feel
The pain inside
Now I have seen
All I can do is hide and..
Cry...
All I can do is
Cry
Cry...
All I can do is
Cry
Like this
Cry...
All I can do is
Cry
Like this
Maybe one day I will realize
That you're gone
Maybe now I can't see the world apply
Has become
The beginning of a
Lonely night
The beginning of a love
'Cause these words linger in my mind
Why didn't I see
This before
Why didnt I come
Back for more
Now, I do feel
The pain inside
Now, I have seen
All I can do is hide and..
Cry...
All I can do is
Cry
Like this.....
(No One On Earth)
Down through the dark trees
You came to save me
You're so ugly and you're so beautiful
You're like no one on Earth could be
Take me home
Let me be the one
All of my life I've been waiting
For you
I wanna be the one that you take home
Let me be the one
'Cause I'm so lonely
Take me home
With you
No one on Earth knows me like you do
Take me home
In time you'll love me like one of your own
So come on...
Take me home
With you
No one on Earth knows me like you do
Take me home
In time you'll love me like one of your own
So come on...
Take, take me home
With you
No one on Earth knows me like you do
La la la la....I'm going home
Never ever, felt this way about...
The things you do to me
Never ever knew, couldn't do without
You and me
But I didn't read between your lines
And I didn't know there was no one like you to find
Why didn't I see
This before
Why didn't I come
Back for more
Now I do feel
The pain inside
Now I have seen
All I can do is hide and..
Cry...
All I can do is
Cry
Cry...
All I can do is
Cry
Like this
Cry...
All I can do is
Cry
Like this
Maybe one day I will realize
That you're gone
Maybe now I can't see the world apply
Has become
The beginning of a
Lonely night
The beginning of a love
'Cause these words linger in my mind
Why didn't I see
This before
Why didnt I come
Back for more
Now, I do feel
The pain inside
Now, I have seen
All I can do is hide and..
Cry...
All I can do is
Cry
Like this.....
(No One On Earth)
Down through the dark trees
You came to save me
You're so ugly and you're so beautiful
You're like no one on Earth could be
Take me home
Let me be the one
All of my life I've been waiting
For you
I wanna be the one that you take home
Let me be the one
'Cause I'm so lonely
Take me home
With you
No one on Earth knows me like you do
Take me home
In time you'll love me like one of your own
So come on...
Take me home
With you
No one on Earth knows me like you do
Take me home
In time you'll love me like one of your own
So come on...
Take, take me home
With you
No one on Earth knows me like you do
La la la la....I'm going home
Hand Of Doom - Black Sabbath
What you gonna do? Time's caught up with you
Now you wait your turn, you know there's no return
Take your written rules, you join the other fools
Turn to something new, now it's killing you
First it was the bomb, Vietnam napalm
Disillusioning, you push the needle in
From life you escape, reality's that way
Colours in your mind, satisfy in time
Oh you, you know you must be blind
To do something like this,
To take the sleep that you don't know
You're giving Death a kiss
Oh little fool now
Your mind is full of pleasure, your body's looking ill
To you it's shallow leisure, so drop the acid pill
Don't stop to think now
You're having a good time baby, but that won't last
Your mind's all full of things, you're living too fast
Go out enjoy yourself, don't bottle it in
You need someone to help you stick the needle in, yeah
Now you know the scene, your skin starts turning green
Your eyes no longer see, life's reality
Push the needle in, face death's sickly grin
Holes are in your skin, caused by deadly pin
Head starts spinning round, you fall down to the ground
Feel your body heave, Death's hands starts to weave
It's too late to turn, you don't want to learn
Price of life too high, now you're gonna die!
Now you wait your turn, you know there's no return
Take your written rules, you join the other fools
Turn to something new, now it's killing you
First it was the bomb, Vietnam napalm
Disillusioning, you push the needle in
From life you escape, reality's that way
Colours in your mind, satisfy in time
Oh you, you know you must be blind
To do something like this,
To take the sleep that you don't know
You're giving Death a kiss
Oh little fool now
Your mind is full of pleasure, your body's looking ill
To you it's shallow leisure, so drop the acid pill
Don't stop to think now
You're having a good time baby, but that won't last
Your mind's all full of things, you're living too fast
Go out enjoy yourself, don't bottle it in
You need someone to help you stick the needle in, yeah
Now you know the scene, your skin starts turning green
Your eyes no longer see, life's reality
Push the needle in, face death's sickly grin
Holes are in your skin, caused by deadly pin
Head starts spinning round, you fall down to the ground
Feel your body heave, Death's hands starts to weave
It's too late to turn, you don't want to learn
Price of life too high, now you're gonna die!
Thursday 11 October 2012
The Autopsy The Funeral
The funeral of Aaron took place on 22nd June 2002.
His autopsy revealed that he died of internal bleeding caused my the impact of the car with the telegraph pole. Although Aaron wore his seatbelt in the collision, the impact was too great on his side of the car to escape life threatening injuries. Aaron died 17 mins after impact. There were no other injuries to suspect foul play or unlawful death. Verdict, Accidental Death.
The funeral was held in a cemetery in ******** **** ****. He was cremated. In attendance was his family and a few school Friends and teachers. I did not attend as i was forbidden to be there on the mothers wishes. I did however sit outside and wait for them to leave before going in and saying goodbye in my own time. During the service the following was included.
"My little man, down what centuries of light did you travel to reach us here, your stay so short-lived;
In the twinkling of an eye you were moving on, bearing our name and a splinter of the human cross we suffer; flashed upon us like a beacon, we wait in darkness for that light to come round, knowing at heart you shine forever for us."
*****
Goodbye My Child
Unfriendly friendly universe,
I pack your stars into my purse,
And bid you, bid you so farewell.
That I can leave you, quite go out,
Go out, go out beyond all doubt,
My father says, is the miracle.
You are so great, and I so small:
I am nothing, you are all:
Being nothing, I can take this way.
Oh I need neither rise nor fall,
For when I do not move at all
I shall be out of all your day.
It's said some memory will remain
In the other place, grass in the rain,
Light on the land, sun on the sea,
A flitting grace, a phantom face,
But the world is out. There is no place
Where it and its ghost can ever be.
Father, father, I dread this air
Blown from the for side of despair,
The cold cold corner. What house, what hold,
What hand is there? I look and see
Nothing-filled eternity,
And the great round world grows weak and old.
Hold my hand, oh hold it fast -
I am changing! - until at last
My hand in yours no more will change,
Though yours change on. You here, I there,
So hand in hand, twin-leafed despair -
I did not know death was so strange.
Edwin Muir
*****
Angels
When God calls little children to dwell with Him above,
We mortals sometime question the wisdom of His love.
For no heartache compares with the death of one small child
Who does so much to make our world, seem wonderful and mild
Perhaps God tires of calling the aged to his fold,
So He picks a rosebud, before it can grow old.
God knows how much we need them, and so He takes but few
To make the land of Heaven more beautiful to view.
Believing this is difficult still somehow we must try,
The saddest word mankind knows will always be "Goodbye."
So when a little child departs, we who are left behind
Must realise God loves children, Angels are hard to find.
*****
The Death Of Someone We Love
The death of someone we love and care about
Is like the death of part of us.
No one else will ever call out from within us
Quite the same responses, the same feelings or actions or ideas.
Their death is an ending of one part of a story.
Lord as we look back over Aaron's life
We ask what we have received, what we can appropriate
And continue on in our own lives and what must be laid to rest.
Our love for his/her reminds us that our sharing
In one another's lives brings both support and pain.
Our being parted from him/her reminds us of our own mortality
And that your love is enduring.
We thank you that our love for Aaron draws us together
And gives us a new appreciation of one another
And of the beauty and fragility of relationships
Which mirror your grace and goodness to us.
Lord, time's tide may wash his/her footprints from the shore
But not our love for him/her nor the influence of his/her life upon our own
Nor the ways in which they will ever be a sign for us
Of those things which really matter-which are eternal.
Hear this prayer for your love's sake.
Amen.
*****
Then a song was played
Is it a kind of dream,
Floating out on the tide,
Following the river of death downstream?
Oh, is it a dream?
There's a fog along the horizon,
A strange glow in the sky,
And nobody seems to know where you go,
And what does it mean?
Oh, is it a dream?
Bright eyes,
Burning like fire.
Bright eyes,
How can you close and fail?
How can the light that burned so brightly
Suddenly burn so pale?
Bright eyes.
Is it a kind of shadow,
Reaching into the night,
Wandering over the hills unseen,
Or is it a dream?
There's a high wind in the trees,
A cold sound in the air,
And nobody ever knows when you go,
And where do you start,
Oh, into the dark.
Bright eyes,
burning like fire.
Bright eyes,
how can you close and fail?
How can the light that burned so brightly
Suddenly burn so pale?
Bright eyes.
Bright eyes,
burning like fire.
Bright eyes,
how can you close and fail?
How can the light that burned so brightly
Suddenly burn so pale?
Bright eyes.
Then the speeches were said from family and friends.. I do not wish to share these speeches. I am sorry.
This is the cemetery
His grave is marked with the following...
Gone but never forgotten, So young yet so brave.
Aaron ********
Born 24th November 1989
Died 7th June 2002
May he R I P
His autopsy revealed that he died of internal bleeding caused my the impact of the car with the telegraph pole. Although Aaron wore his seatbelt in the collision, the impact was too great on his side of the car to escape life threatening injuries. Aaron died 17 mins after impact. There were no other injuries to suspect foul play or unlawful death. Verdict, Accidental Death.
The funeral was held in a cemetery in ******** **** ****. He was cremated. In attendance was his family and a few school Friends and teachers. I did not attend as i was forbidden to be there on the mothers wishes. I did however sit outside and wait for them to leave before going in and saying goodbye in my own time. During the service the following was included.
"My little man, down what centuries of light did you travel to reach us here, your stay so short-lived;
In the twinkling of an eye you were moving on, bearing our name and a splinter of the human cross we suffer; flashed upon us like a beacon, we wait in darkness for that light to come round, knowing at heart you shine forever for us."
*****
Goodbye My Child
Unfriendly friendly universe,
I pack your stars into my purse,
And bid you, bid you so farewell.
That I can leave you, quite go out,
Go out, go out beyond all doubt,
My father says, is the miracle.
You are so great, and I so small:
I am nothing, you are all:
Being nothing, I can take this way.
Oh I need neither rise nor fall,
For when I do not move at all
I shall be out of all your day.
It's said some memory will remain
In the other place, grass in the rain,
Light on the land, sun on the sea,
A flitting grace, a phantom face,
But the world is out. There is no place
Where it and its ghost can ever be.
Father, father, I dread this air
Blown from the for side of despair,
The cold cold corner. What house, what hold,
What hand is there? I look and see
Nothing-filled eternity,
And the great round world grows weak and old.
Hold my hand, oh hold it fast -
I am changing! - until at last
My hand in yours no more will change,
Though yours change on. You here, I there,
So hand in hand, twin-leafed despair -
I did not know death was so strange.
Edwin Muir
*****
Angels
When God calls little children to dwell with Him above,
We mortals sometime question the wisdom of His love.
For no heartache compares with the death of one small child
Who does so much to make our world, seem wonderful and mild
Perhaps God tires of calling the aged to his fold,
So He picks a rosebud, before it can grow old.
God knows how much we need them, and so He takes but few
To make the land of Heaven more beautiful to view.
Believing this is difficult still somehow we must try,
The saddest word mankind knows will always be "Goodbye."
So when a little child departs, we who are left behind
Must realise God loves children, Angels are hard to find.
*****
The Death Of Someone We Love
The death of someone we love and care about
Is like the death of part of us.
No one else will ever call out from within us
Quite the same responses, the same feelings or actions or ideas.
Their death is an ending of one part of a story.
Lord as we look back over Aaron's life
We ask what we have received, what we can appropriate
And continue on in our own lives and what must be laid to rest.
Our love for his/her reminds us that our sharing
In one another's lives brings both support and pain.
Our being parted from him/her reminds us of our own mortality
And that your love is enduring.
We thank you that our love for Aaron draws us together
And gives us a new appreciation of one another
And of the beauty and fragility of relationships
Which mirror your grace and goodness to us.
Lord, time's tide may wash his/her footprints from the shore
But not our love for him/her nor the influence of his/her life upon our own
Nor the ways in which they will ever be a sign for us
Of those things which really matter-which are eternal.
Hear this prayer for your love's sake.
Amen.
*****
Then a song was played
Bright Eyes
Floating out on the tide,
Following the river of death downstream?
Oh, is it a dream?
There's a fog along the horizon,
A strange glow in the sky,
And nobody seems to know where you go,
And what does it mean?
Oh, is it a dream?
Bright eyes,
Burning like fire.
Bright eyes,
How can you close and fail?
How can the light that burned so brightly
Suddenly burn so pale?
Bright eyes.
Is it a kind of shadow,
Reaching into the night,
Wandering over the hills unseen,
Or is it a dream?
There's a high wind in the trees,
A cold sound in the air,
And nobody ever knows when you go,
And where do you start,
Oh, into the dark.
Bright eyes,
burning like fire.
Bright eyes,
how can you close and fail?
How can the light that burned so brightly
Suddenly burn so pale?
Bright eyes.
Bright eyes,
burning like fire.
Bright eyes,
how can you close and fail?
How can the light that burned so brightly
Suddenly burn so pale?
Bright eyes.
Then the speeches were said from family and friends.. I do not wish to share these speeches. I am sorry.
This is the cemetery
His grave is marked with the following...
Gone but never forgotten, So young yet so brave.
Aaron ********
Born 24th November 1989
Died 7th June 2002
May he R I P
The End
This, in addition to the other post about Aaron's death, is the full account of that tragic day.
6th June 2002 Thursday. 16:38 Hrs
Basic background information.. Aaron had returned from school coming straight to my house. He was a bit agitated and uneasy. Tomorrow was his PTE meeting at his school. The end of the school term PTE meeting, before they broke up for school summer holidays. Aaron was worried about what will be said. The previous PTE meeting (Parent Tutor Evening) I attended as his "Parent" because his parents were unable to attend. Aaron is no angel, and i had to lie about a few things about Aaron's behaviour in school to his parents. Nothing major, just a more mellowed report in order to prevent a domestic dispute. This year however, Aaron's father was going instead. This made Aaron a little uneasy.
"Hello Aaron, Good day in school?" i asked
"Badda bing badda boom"
"That good eh?" i said smiling
"I'm a little head fucked about tomorrow"
"Why?" i asked
"Its the school teacher grassing day" (PTE Meeting)
"Don't tell me, let me guess. It ain't gonna be good" i surmised.
"Nope"
"Look, its not like you haven't had a bad report before, you will be fine" i tried to reassure.
"Nah, this time i am fucking history"
"What you done this time?" i asked. laughing.
Aaron handed me a letter from the principle. The letter was a letter home explaining how Aaron was caught smoking in the school grounds today.
"Shit" i said.
"Yeah"
"And this is the first time offence yeah?" i asked.
"What do you mean?"
"Never been caught smoking in school before?" i elaborated
"Nope"
"Well, ok, nothing serious then. first time offence, you will just get a ticking off and it will be forgotten about by September when you go back to school" i said.
"Yeah i wish."
"Come on, like. your dad knows you smoke yeah?" i asked, not really knowing as i never really asked.
"Yeah"
"So why worry?" i asked.
"He thinks I quit"
"Really? you been smoking for what? at least two years now? yeah?" i asked.
"Yeah, must be."
"And they haven't worked it out?" i asked.
"I dunno"
"What about that time when they found your fags?" i asked.
"Um, i said they were yours?"
"Did you?" i asked surprised
"Yeah"
"And the smell?" i asked.
"You smoking"
"Azza, Azza Azza.. What are we gonna do with you eh?" I said patting him on the shoulder.
"Look, I am in shit here. Dad will finally know I lied and said I was no smoking anymore."
"Aaron, i am sure he will ground you or something, but it ain't the end of the world" i said.
"Yeah maybe"
"So what else is going to be said in the PTE meeting?" i asked.
"Fuck knows"
"I mean, you tell me most things don't you? About what happens?" i asked.
"Yeah"
"Look, this year you haven't really said anything major. So it wont be bad ok?" i said.
"Ok"
We talked about the letter home, i gave Aaron reassurance that it wasn't the end of the world and he left my house to go home at 5pm. He said he would be around later around 7pm. I kept hold of the letter he had and said its best to not say anything to his dad. i will talk to him tomorrow about it and then it wont be such a shock. Aaron agreed. He kissed me goodbye and left.
At 7pm Aaron text me saying..
"Dad wan me ta stay in tonite. so i see ya wen eva. i don no if i grounded or no. but i text ya l8tr an let ya no"
I replied and said get an early night, i will talk to his dad tomorrow, and good luck in School and the PTE meeting.
07:45 am Friday 7th June 2002.
I was just having breakfast when Aaron came in to my house.
"Morning" i said.
"Hi"
"Sleep well?" i asked
"Yeah, you?"
"Fine, just let me finish my breakfast"
I finished my breakfast, cleaned my teeth and returned to the lounge where Aaron was watching a Breakfast show on ITV.
"So, ready for school?" i asked.
"Yeah, still got time"
"I will run you down there in my car" i said.
"Ok"
We sat and watched News until it was time to leave and then we set off. I put Aaron's bike in the back of my car, I then climbed in and Aaron was already sat in the passenger seat. I took him to school, and kissed him goodbye in our usual secret spot before arriving at the school gates.. a layby a mile away. Then i told him i will probably see him after school at around 16:00 hrs. The PTE meeting didn't start until 18:30 hrs. Which was usual for the school.
At 17:24 Hrs Aaron was back at my house. I had only just got home from work.
"Sorry Azza, i was held up at work" i said opening up the door hearing the TV on and CBBC channel blaring out a Cartoon.
"Hi"
"Good day at school?" i asked.
"Ok, its now summer holiday" Aaron said smiling.
"Cool" i said
"So when are you off for this PTE meeting then?" I asked.
"I gotta be going soon"
"Ok, well. If it all goes rat shit tonight. Just text me ok, and i will come over" i said.
"Ok"
"Don't worry ok?" i said.
"I gotta be going"
"Ok, See you later babe" i said.
We kissed. and i waved him goodbye as he took his bike by foot towards his home down the end of the street. I closed my door and then sat and watched some TV. I knew the PTE meeting was going to finish around 20:30 hrs or so. So i put on some dinner, and sat and watched BBC 1.
At 18:48 Hrs i received a text.
"I am at skool. dad talking to teacher. this is boring"
I replied. "Don't worry, you will be back home in my arms soon. LOL"
"Yeah" he replied.
"See you at 21:00 hrs ish, if you aren't grounded" i replied
"Cool" he replied.
Midnight came and went, and there was still no news of his whereabouts. I sent a text to him asking where he was. and no reply. I never saw the car drive past my house (the only way into the street to his home was past my house, and the street was quiet enough to notice a car passing by) I even went out of my house to check his driveway, and saw no car.
I assumed that maybe Aaron was taken to his Nan's house? she did live around 20 miles away. Usually Aaron was "Dumped" there when he was in the dog house sometimes. Aarons dad was like that, he would take Aaron to his nan's house and then go off and have his "Tantrum" and then pick Aaron up and then ground him and then send him to his room when they returned home.
Or
I assumed that maybe his car broke down? and they were on there way home? maybe by someone giving them a lift? Or maybe Aaron and his dad are sat somewhere in some layby shouting at each other about the bad report?Aarons dad did have a temper on him, I don't ever recall his dad hitting Aaron, but they have been known to have a slagging match and argument at the side of the road.
Or
Aaron has done a runner, trying to escape his dad's fury. yet, why not text me?
I finally fell asleep with the TV still on, it was around 1am now and i was shattered. There would be a logical explanation tomorrow.. maybe Aaron's phone died and he couldn't text me, and the car did pass, i just missed it and he parked it in the garage instead of the driveway. Yeah, that was it.. that was the reason. and Aaron couldn't come over to mine as he is grounded. and the usual thing means he can't phone me or text me as his dad would take his phone battery out so he can't communicate. And i will find out he is grounded tomorrow when i "Just pop by" to ask about Aaron's PTE meeting, and take his dirty laundry back home.
I fell asleep knowing all was well in my mind.
Saturday 8th June 2002. 09:23 Hrs
A knock at the front door woke me up. The telly was still on, i was still dressed and on the sofa. cushions keeping my head comfy. Bang on the door.
"Ok Ok" i said getting up and walking to the door.
I opened it up and looked at a tearful ******, Aarons brother.
"What?" i asked. (Not really getting on with his brother as he was a bit of a twat)
"Aarons.." he stuttered
"What about Aaron?" i asked, still half asleep
"He is dead"
"Fuck off you little bastard" i said.
Just as i was about to start telling him to get a life and grow up and stop bullshitting.. i saw the police car parked just out of sight from my front door. I stepped out of my house pushing Aarons brother out of the way and looked towards Aarons house.
Two police cars were parked outside and a policeman was filling out some form or something stood on the end of Aaron's front pathway.
"He killed Aaron?" i said still looking down the street.
"I said, DID HE KILL AARON?!" I said looking back at Aaron's brother.
Aarons brother was sat down on my front door step crying. in anger, i grabbed him and lifted him up.
"What the fuck happened?" i demanded.
I managed to get him to tell me.
"Aaron died in a car crash last night coming home from school"
In blind fury i walked straight to Aarons house and was stopped by the policeman.
"What happened?!" i demanded.
With no luck from the policeman to explain, Aarons mum came out shouting at me to fuck off.. she was upset, angry and grieving. I eventually went back to my house and slammed the door shut. i stayed there for the rest of the day crying.
Eventually.. I received the news via the local newspaper and communication between Aaron's brother and Aaron's nan, who i was on speaking terms with for some time. I also contacted the BASICS doctor, who just so happened to be a Military Doctor on the base i was serving on. He attended the scene.
The report is in the next post.
6th June 2002 Thursday. 16:38 Hrs
Basic background information.. Aaron had returned from school coming straight to my house. He was a bit agitated and uneasy. Tomorrow was his PTE meeting at his school. The end of the school term PTE meeting, before they broke up for school summer holidays. Aaron was worried about what will be said. The previous PTE meeting (Parent Tutor Evening) I attended as his "Parent" because his parents were unable to attend. Aaron is no angel, and i had to lie about a few things about Aaron's behaviour in school to his parents. Nothing major, just a more mellowed report in order to prevent a domestic dispute. This year however, Aaron's father was going instead. This made Aaron a little uneasy.
"Hello Aaron, Good day in school?" i asked
"Badda bing badda boom"
"That good eh?" i said smiling
"I'm a little head fucked about tomorrow"
"Why?" i asked
"Its the school teacher grassing day" (PTE Meeting)
"Don't tell me, let me guess. It ain't gonna be good" i surmised.
"Nope"
"Look, its not like you haven't had a bad report before, you will be fine" i tried to reassure.
"Nah, this time i am fucking history"
"What you done this time?" i asked. laughing.
Aaron handed me a letter from the principle. The letter was a letter home explaining how Aaron was caught smoking in the school grounds today.
"Shit" i said.
"Yeah"
"And this is the first time offence yeah?" i asked.
"What do you mean?"
"Never been caught smoking in school before?" i elaborated
"Nope"
"Well, ok, nothing serious then. first time offence, you will just get a ticking off and it will be forgotten about by September when you go back to school" i said.
"Yeah i wish."
"Come on, like. your dad knows you smoke yeah?" i asked, not really knowing as i never really asked.
"Yeah"
"So why worry?" i asked.
"He thinks I quit"
"Really? you been smoking for what? at least two years now? yeah?" i asked.
"Yeah, must be."
"And they haven't worked it out?" i asked.
"I dunno"
"What about that time when they found your fags?" i asked.
"Um, i said they were yours?"
"Did you?" i asked surprised
"Yeah"
"And the smell?" i asked.
"You smoking"
"Azza, Azza Azza.. What are we gonna do with you eh?" I said patting him on the shoulder.
"Look, I am in shit here. Dad will finally know I lied and said I was no smoking anymore."
"Aaron, i am sure he will ground you or something, but it ain't the end of the world" i said.
"Yeah maybe"
"So what else is going to be said in the PTE meeting?" i asked.
"Fuck knows"
"I mean, you tell me most things don't you? About what happens?" i asked.
"Yeah"
"Look, this year you haven't really said anything major. So it wont be bad ok?" i said.
"Ok"
We talked about the letter home, i gave Aaron reassurance that it wasn't the end of the world and he left my house to go home at 5pm. He said he would be around later around 7pm. I kept hold of the letter he had and said its best to not say anything to his dad. i will talk to him tomorrow about it and then it wont be such a shock. Aaron agreed. He kissed me goodbye and left.
At 7pm Aaron text me saying..
"Dad wan me ta stay in tonite. so i see ya wen eva. i don no if i grounded or no. but i text ya l8tr an let ya no"
I replied and said get an early night, i will talk to his dad tomorrow, and good luck in School and the PTE meeting.
07:45 am Friday 7th June 2002.
I was just having breakfast when Aaron came in to my house.
"Morning" i said.
"Hi"
"Sleep well?" i asked
"Yeah, you?"
"Fine, just let me finish my breakfast"
I finished my breakfast, cleaned my teeth and returned to the lounge where Aaron was watching a Breakfast show on ITV.
"So, ready for school?" i asked.
"Yeah, still got time"
"I will run you down there in my car" i said.
"Ok"
We sat and watched News until it was time to leave and then we set off. I put Aaron's bike in the back of my car, I then climbed in and Aaron was already sat in the passenger seat. I took him to school, and kissed him goodbye in our usual secret spot before arriving at the school gates.. a layby a mile away. Then i told him i will probably see him after school at around 16:00 hrs. The PTE meeting didn't start until 18:30 hrs. Which was usual for the school.
At 17:24 Hrs Aaron was back at my house. I had only just got home from work.
"Sorry Azza, i was held up at work" i said opening up the door hearing the TV on and CBBC channel blaring out a Cartoon.
"Hi"
"Good day at school?" i asked.
"Ok, its now summer holiday" Aaron said smiling.
"Cool" i said
"So when are you off for this PTE meeting then?" I asked.
"I gotta be going soon"
"Ok, well. If it all goes rat shit tonight. Just text me ok, and i will come over" i said.
"Ok"
"Don't worry ok?" i said.
"I gotta be going"
"Ok, See you later babe" i said.
We kissed. and i waved him goodbye as he took his bike by foot towards his home down the end of the street. I closed my door and then sat and watched some TV. I knew the PTE meeting was going to finish around 20:30 hrs or so. So i put on some dinner, and sat and watched BBC 1.
At 18:48 Hrs i received a text.
"I am at skool. dad talking to teacher. this is boring"
I replied. "Don't worry, you will be back home in my arms soon. LOL"
"Yeah" he replied.
"See you at 21:00 hrs ish, if you aren't grounded" i replied
"Cool" he replied.
Midnight came and went, and there was still no news of his whereabouts. I sent a text to him asking where he was. and no reply. I never saw the car drive past my house (the only way into the street to his home was past my house, and the street was quiet enough to notice a car passing by) I even went out of my house to check his driveway, and saw no car.
I assumed that maybe Aaron was taken to his Nan's house? she did live around 20 miles away. Usually Aaron was "Dumped" there when he was in the dog house sometimes. Aarons dad was like that, he would take Aaron to his nan's house and then go off and have his "Tantrum" and then pick Aaron up and then ground him and then send him to his room when they returned home.
Or
I assumed that maybe his car broke down? and they were on there way home? maybe by someone giving them a lift? Or maybe Aaron and his dad are sat somewhere in some layby shouting at each other about the bad report?Aarons dad did have a temper on him, I don't ever recall his dad hitting Aaron, but they have been known to have a slagging match and argument at the side of the road.
Or
Aaron has done a runner, trying to escape his dad's fury. yet, why not text me?
I finally fell asleep with the TV still on, it was around 1am now and i was shattered. There would be a logical explanation tomorrow.. maybe Aaron's phone died and he couldn't text me, and the car did pass, i just missed it and he parked it in the garage instead of the driveway. Yeah, that was it.. that was the reason. and Aaron couldn't come over to mine as he is grounded. and the usual thing means he can't phone me or text me as his dad would take his phone battery out so he can't communicate. And i will find out he is grounded tomorrow when i "Just pop by" to ask about Aaron's PTE meeting, and take his dirty laundry back home.
I fell asleep knowing all was well in my mind.
Saturday 8th June 2002. 09:23 Hrs
A knock at the front door woke me up. The telly was still on, i was still dressed and on the sofa. cushions keeping my head comfy. Bang on the door.
"Ok Ok" i said getting up and walking to the door.
I opened it up and looked at a tearful ******, Aarons brother.
"What?" i asked. (Not really getting on with his brother as he was a bit of a twat)
"Aarons.." he stuttered
"What about Aaron?" i asked, still half asleep
"He is dead"
"Fuck off you little bastard" i said.
Just as i was about to start telling him to get a life and grow up and stop bullshitting.. i saw the police car parked just out of sight from my front door. I stepped out of my house pushing Aarons brother out of the way and looked towards Aarons house.
Two police cars were parked outside and a policeman was filling out some form or something stood on the end of Aaron's front pathway.
"He killed Aaron?" i said still looking down the street.
"I said, DID HE KILL AARON?!" I said looking back at Aaron's brother.
Aarons brother was sat down on my front door step crying. in anger, i grabbed him and lifted him up.
"What the fuck happened?" i demanded.
I managed to get him to tell me.
"Aaron died in a car crash last night coming home from school"
In blind fury i walked straight to Aarons house and was stopped by the policeman.
"What happened?!" i demanded.
With no luck from the policeman to explain, Aarons mum came out shouting at me to fuck off.. she was upset, angry and grieving. I eventually went back to my house and slammed the door shut. i stayed there for the rest of the day crying.
Eventually.. I received the news via the local newspaper and communication between Aaron's brother and Aaron's nan, who i was on speaking terms with for some time. I also contacted the BASICS doctor, who just so happened to be a Military Doctor on the base i was serving on. He attended the scene.
The report is in the next post.
Aarons Fav Cars - Mk 4 Golf GTI and R32 "VR6"
The Golf Mk4 was first introduced in August 1997, followed by a notchback version (VW Bora or, in North America, again VW Jetta) in August 1998 and a new Golf Variant (estate) in March 1999. There was no Mk4-derived Cabriolet, although the Mk3 Cabriolet received a facelift in late 1999 that comprised bumpers, grill and headlights similar to those of the Mark 4 models. New high-performance models included the 3.2 L VR6-engined four-wheel-drive Golf "R32" introduced in 2004, its predecessor the 2.8 L VR6-engined "Golf V6 4Motion" (succeeding the 2.9 L Mk3 "Golf VR6 Syncro"), as well as use of the famous 1.8T (turbo) 4-cylinder used in various Volkswagen Group models.
As of 2008, certain variants of the Golf/Bora Mk4 were still in production in Brazil, China, and Mexico. Revised versions of the Mk4 were sold in Canada marketed as the Golf City and Jetta City from 2007 to 2010. The two models were VW Canada's entry-level offerings. They received a significant freshening for the 2008 model year, including revised headlamps, taillamps, front and rear fascias, sound systems, and wheels. Both models were offered only with the 2.0 L, 8-valve SOHC four-cylinder gasoline engine, rated at 86 kW (115 bhp). They were the only entry-level offerings with an optional six-speed automatic. The production of Golf Mk4 for the U.S. market ended in 2006. But for the European markets, the production of the fourth generation ended in 2003.
When the Chinese market Bora received a July 2006 facelift, the Golf did too, becoming the "Bora HS" in the process. Because of the MK4's popularity and low cost, it is still in production in several countries, such as Brazil and Argentina, slightly facelifted.
As of 2008, certain variants of the Golf/Bora Mk4 were still in production in Brazil, China, and Mexico. Revised versions of the Mk4 were sold in Canada marketed as the Golf City and Jetta City from 2007 to 2010. The two models were VW Canada's entry-level offerings. They received a significant freshening for the 2008 model year, including revised headlamps, taillamps, front and rear fascias, sound systems, and wheels. Both models were offered only with the 2.0 L, 8-valve SOHC four-cylinder gasoline engine, rated at 86 kW (115 bhp). They were the only entry-level offerings with an optional six-speed automatic. The production of Golf Mk4 for the U.S. market ended in 2006. But for the European markets, the production of the fourth generation ended in 2003.
When the Chinese market Bora received a July 2006 facelift, the Golf did too, becoming the "Bora HS" in the process. Because of the MK4's popularity and low cost, it is still in production in several countries, such as Brazil and Argentina, slightly facelifted.
Aarons Fav Cars - Ariel Atom 1996 - Ariel Atom 1.
The Ariel Atom is a high performance sports car made by the Ariel Motor Company based in Somerset, England and under licence in North America by TMI Autotech, Inc. at Virginia International Raceway in Alton, Virginia.
There have been four Ariel Atom incarnations to date: Ariel Atom, Ariel Atom 2, Ariel Atom 3 and Ariel Atom 500 V8. The current model is the Ariel Atom 3 which is the most powerful apart from the V8 model. The latter is a limited production model with a 500 bhp (373 kW; 507 PS) V8 engine made from two Suzuki Hayabusa engines.
The Ariel Atom is unusual in that it is exoskeletal — the chassis is prominently visible from the outside — and therefore lacks a roof, windows and other features normally found on road cars although a small windshield is available as an optional extra.
Specifications
0–60 mph (0–97 km/h): 2.8 seconds (manufacturer's claim)
Top speed: 155 mph, 250 km/h
Power: 245 bhp (183 kW; 248 PS) @ 8200 rpm (300 bhp supercharged)
Torque: 210 N·m (150 ft·lbf) @ 6100 rpm
Weight: 612 kg (1350 lb)
Transmission: Honda six-speed with reverse or General Motors six speed with reverse
Price: £30,000/£45,000 supercharged (cost in the US is $39,203.12 base price)
Engine: 2.0L Honda K20A1, 4 cylinder, i-VTEC or 2.0L supercharged, or General Motors 2.2L supercharged or 2.4L Ecotec 4 cylinder
Manufacturer: Ariel Motor Company Ltd
Length: 3,410 mm (134 in)
Width: 1,798 mm (70.8 in) / 1,828 mm (72.0 in) with 225 Tyres
Height: 1,195 mm (47.0 in)
Track: 1,600 mm (63 in) front and rear
Wheelbase: 2,345 mm (92.3 in)
Designer: Nik Smart
In 2005 Track and Race Car magazine published the results of a comprehensive test of a range of cars, from the Porsche 911 Carrera S, Ford GT, BMW M5 to the Caterham CSR 260. The Supercharged Ariel Atom 1 won the 0–100–0 mph (0–161–0 km/h) test by a clear margin at 10.88 seconds, ahead of the Caterham CSR 260 (11.41) and the Ford GT in 4th (13.17).
The following year, the Atom won Autocar's 0–100 mph challenge as the new Ariel Atom 2 300 bhp supercharged edition achieved a time of 6.86 seconds, and then stopped from 100 in 3.8 seconds. At the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, the Atom broke the indoor speed record. The high gloss floor that the cars ran on was only 220 m (720 ft) long, with an open door at the end of the hall. The driver of the Atom launched in fourth gear and still had wheelspin until the car reached 70 mph (110 km/h) and started to get traction. The Atom was beaten only by a Class 9 Autograss car powered by a 2.0l Lexus/Toyota touring car engine which set the official indoor speed record, beating the previous record held by a Toyota F1 car driven by Top Gear's driver The Stig.
The Sunday Times measured the time taken for the Atom to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) at 2.89 seconds, making it the world's third fastest accelerating production car then available after the $1.3 million, 1,001 PS (987 bhp) Bugatti Veyron at 2.46 seconds, and the Ultima GTR at 2.6 seconds; the review was in 2005.
There have been four Ariel Atom incarnations to date: Ariel Atom, Ariel Atom 2, Ariel Atom 3 and Ariel Atom 500 V8. The current model is the Ariel Atom 3 which is the most powerful apart from the V8 model. The latter is a limited production model with a 500 bhp (373 kW; 507 PS) V8 engine made from two Suzuki Hayabusa engines.
The Ariel Atom is unusual in that it is exoskeletal — the chassis is prominently visible from the outside — and therefore lacks a roof, windows and other features normally found on road cars although a small windshield is available as an optional extra.
Specifications
0–60 mph (0–97 km/h): 2.8 seconds (manufacturer's claim)
Top speed: 155 mph, 250 km/h
Power: 245 bhp (183 kW; 248 PS) @ 8200 rpm (300 bhp supercharged)
Torque: 210 N·m (150 ft·lbf) @ 6100 rpm
Weight: 612 kg (1350 lb)
Transmission: Honda six-speed with reverse or General Motors six speed with reverse
Price: £30,000/£45,000 supercharged (cost in the US is $39,203.12 base price)
Engine: 2.0L Honda K20A1, 4 cylinder, i-VTEC or 2.0L supercharged, or General Motors 2.2L supercharged or 2.4L Ecotec 4 cylinder
Manufacturer: Ariel Motor Company Ltd
Length: 3,410 mm (134 in)
Width: 1,798 mm (70.8 in) / 1,828 mm (72.0 in) with 225 Tyres
Height: 1,195 mm (47.0 in)
Track: 1,600 mm (63 in) front and rear
Wheelbase: 2,345 mm (92.3 in)
Designer: Nik Smart
In 2005 Track and Race Car magazine published the results of a comprehensive test of a range of cars, from the Porsche 911 Carrera S, Ford GT, BMW M5 to the Caterham CSR 260. The Supercharged Ariel Atom 1 won the 0–100–0 mph (0–161–0 km/h) test by a clear margin at 10.88 seconds, ahead of the Caterham CSR 260 (11.41) and the Ford GT in 4th (13.17).
The following year, the Atom won Autocar's 0–100 mph challenge as the new Ariel Atom 2 300 bhp supercharged edition achieved a time of 6.86 seconds, and then stopped from 100 in 3.8 seconds. At the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, the Atom broke the indoor speed record. The high gloss floor that the cars ran on was only 220 m (720 ft) long, with an open door at the end of the hall. The driver of the Atom launched in fourth gear and still had wheelspin until the car reached 70 mph (110 km/h) and started to get traction. The Atom was beaten only by a Class 9 Autograss car powered by a 2.0l Lexus/Toyota touring car engine which set the official indoor speed record, beating the previous record held by a Toyota F1 car driven by Top Gear's driver The Stig.
The Sunday Times measured the time taken for the Atom to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) at 2.89 seconds, making it the world's third fastest accelerating production car then available after the $1.3 million, 1,001 PS (987 bhp) Bugatti Veyron at 2.46 seconds, and the Ultima GTR at 2.6 seconds; the review was in 2005.
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