Columbine is a flower. Columbine is a place. Columbine is a high school that still exisits, kids still attend classes there. Columbine is not an event. I'm tired of the media comparing everything to Columbine.

If you want to talk about the shooting at Columbine, then do so. But it was a shooting, not a disease. It was one of the darker days in our country's recent history and not easily summed up in one word. I'm so tired of this phenomenon - complex events reduced to a single word: 9/11, Waco, Columbine. Show some respect.

It began with Rattle and Hum.

I can trace my social consciousness and activism to this one album and more specifically this band.

In 6th grade a friend taped a copy of Rattle and Hum for me. I had quite the crush on him – thus, I listened to the Memorex tape religiously. It didn’t hurt that I am Irish Catholic.

Early morning, April four
Shot rings out in the Memphis sky.
Free at last, they took your life
They could not take your pride.

Bono sang and I became obsessed with the civil rights movement: learning everything I could, challenging my racist relatives, devoting myself to non-violence and civil disobedience.

In Silver and Gold, Bono talked about Little Steven and his album Artists United Against Apartheid. I asked everyone I knew – my parents, teachers, even my babysitter –what apartheidNelson Mandela’'s release from prison was national news and I finally had my answer.

was. I couldn’t spell it, so I couldn’t look it up. I tried. Then in 1990, I have spoke with the tongue of angels
I have held the hand of a devil
It was warm in the night
I was cold as a stone.

But I still haven't found
What I'm looking for.
But I still haven't found
What I'm looking for.

I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For, taught me to search for my faith and my God.

Then came the 1991 release of Achtung Baby and the single One. All royalties from the single went to AIDS Research. On the cover of single were buffaloes falling over a cliff which were meant to represent AIDS deaths driven by ignorance.

And who can forget the lyrics?

Did I disappoint you or leave a bad taste in your mouth?
You act like you never had love and you want me to go without.
Well, it's too late tonight to drag the past out into the light.
We're one, but we're not the same.
We get to carry each other, carry each other... one

Have you come here for forgiveness,
Have you come to raise the dead
Have you come here to play Jesus to the lepers in your head
Did I ask too much, more than a lot
You gave me nothing, now it's all I got.
We're one, but we're not the same.
Well, we hurt each other, then we do it again.

I’ve been an AIDS activist since I heard this song. And I will never stop.

I am proud U2 was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this weekend.

Furthermore, it is rumored that Bono has been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. And no one deserves it more.

I’m generally not into idol worship. I’ve met several celebrities and been unimpressed.

U2 changed my life.

Beware! I have Seinfeld syndrome. I should warn you now: DO NOT – I repeat – DO NOT date me unless your ego and self-image are rock solid. I will find your tiniest fault, exploit it and exaggerate it. I’ll chew on your imperfections until there is no flavor left. I will spit you out and ask for my desert.

• Kleenex are not snot rags.
• Toilet paper is not butt-wipe.
• The George Castanza wallet has got to go. No one carries a 3 inch think wallet. All that needs to in there is your ID, bank card, credit card and cash. There is no room for Sub Club Cards, pictures of your dog, or that dog you dated in high school. That fortune you got three years ago with your Moo Sho Pork has either come true or it never will. Throw them away.
• Table manners are not just for old ladies. STEP AWAY FROM THE TABLE if you must blow your nose. Plates and bowls should remain on the table at all times. And close your fucking mouth when you chew – the only thing you should be smacking is my ass.
• Know how to tip!
• Brown shoes, brown belt. Black shoes, black belt.
• Make a decision. Don’t know what movie you want to see – stay home. I’ll take someone else. Can’t make up your mind? Don’t expect me to do it for you.
• Do not insult me with cheap liquor or shitty American beer. For God’s sake, I’m bloody Irish, I love alcohol. Furthermore, if you order for me, I don’t want a 30 minute diatribe about how much you hate vodka.
• If you comment on the impracticality of my shoes, I will shove them up your ass. I love shoes. I have a lot of them. I figure it’s a better vice than cocaine.
• Don’t assume I know nothing about cars. I know where the power steering fluid goes.
• As far as sports are concerned, unless it’s the Cubbies or Red Sox, I couldn’t give shit.
• I don’t care about that perfect girlfriend that broke your heart in high school. Fuck her. I’m the one that has to deal with all the insecurities that bitch left you with.
• Yes, I have an irrational fear of moths. No, I can’t explain it. That’s why it’s called an irrational fear.
• Do not comment on my driving. I’ve thrown people out of my car for less and I’ll do it again.
• What happens in my bed stays in my bed. I resent leering looks from your friends. I don’t need to think about the sins of last night on my way to class.
• When a woman screams “fuck me,” pound her harder. She asked for it.
• Learn to take a compliment. If a woman says you’re amazing, GLOW. This is the best compliment your likely to get. Be proud.
• Fuck you commitment phobia. Did I ask for a title? Did I ask for 3 little words? Did I ask for a ring?