Greetings CMM Community!
Our theme for this newsletter is "Internet Friendship". This is a fab topic that relates to what CMM and similar forums are all about. Making friends online and even meeting up can be a rewarding experience. The internet provides another avenue for human interaction and can be a wonderful opportunity to extend your social circle.
Obviously, the internet is not always a good thing - we have to be aware that all may not be as it seems, your 'friend' may not be the person they pretend to be. So, take care on the internet - never reveal personal details and avoid meeting up with anyone without letting parents/friends know about it. Treat online friendship with some caution and remember what your parents meant when they gave you the advice "Don't talk to strangers". An internet friend is still a stranger in reality.
That said, enjoy yourselves and continue to make new friends - most people you chat to will be okay, so have fun!
Until next time,
Ju
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Multiculturalism Friendship Within CMM
By Star, CMM Forum Talk Editor
Hello fellow Newsletter readers!
First off, I'd like to introduce myself for those who don't know me. I'm Star and I'm your new Forum Talk editor!
The topic is "Internet Friendship", a theme we all are very familiar with. Since this is a wide topic, I'm going to keep it "short & sweet", as I think all of us have experienced online friendship.
You get to talk to different people and share your life experiences with. Perhaps early in the morning or at the end of a long day. The Internet is also a great way to talk with people from all around the world, people with different religion or skin color, different characters and even talk to people you would not find comfortable to talk to in "real" life. That's exactly what CMM is! A place where you can communicate with the nicest people on the net about everything from entertainment to life and, of course, about Christina herself. There is daily discussion about many topics you particularly like.
Though internet friendship may have it's downsides, and even present a danger in some cases, it is worth it when you talk with nice people (from CMM :p) at the end of a long day.
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By Ola, CMM Dedications Editor
Dedication by: Holly
Dedication to: Lisa
This newsletter is about internet friendship and you were one of the first people on CMM to welcome me so nicely. Getting to know you these past couple of months has been so much fun. You know who to call on if you need anything.
I will always be here to cheer you up or just to chat with when you need to.
Dedication by: Juan Ma
Dedication to: Sebastian
"Gaucho Clark Kent", you rock!!! Thanx for being such a great pal!!! Take care buddy... And hope to see you soon in Argentina. Thanks!!!!
Dedication by: Vicky
Dedication to: Salla, Kaled, Lisa, Christina, Tommy, Star, Lauren, Antee, Samantha, Merlito, Jay, Manderie, Ola, Shana, Kai and Andrew
Thank you for your opinions and help and support in recent weeks. You've been so good to me and I really appreciate it.
Love From
Vicky
xxxxx
Dedication by: Lisa
Dedication to: My Babes (Jay, Vicky, Andy, Salla, Ande, Sarah, Lala, Holly and more whom I have forgot)
I want to thank you all babes for helping me through the recent (and not recent) bad times I had, you all have been a support to me and allowed me to vent all anger and yadayada. Stay sweet, sweethearts. I probably forgot about 10 people because I'm... Well, me, with the fine goldfish memory. But everybody who helped me from sad face to happy face rocks!
Dedication by: Andy
Dedication to: Lisa
Skin the sun
Fall asleep
Wish away
soul is cheap
Lesson learned
Wish me luck
Soothe the burn
Wake me up
I'm not like them
But I can pretend
The sun is gone,
But I have a light
the day is done,
I'm having fun
I think I'm dumb
Or Maybe just happy
I may be dumb, but at least I'm happy!
Thank you for being my light and waking me up from my heartbroken slumber.
With Love,
Andy-Roo
If you want to send a dedication to your beloved CMMer(s), PM Ola.
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CMM: Building a Global Community of Internet Friends
By Corey8296, CMM Editorial Editor
Back in 2001 when CMM started, the World Wide Web was a very different place. No Myspace, no Facebook, no Youtube…AOL and IRC were king. And with limited broadband, keeping up with a major entertainer was much harder than it is today.
I was so excited to meet other Christina fans that were as hardcore as I was, and from all over the world. CMM has given me an excuse to visit countries I would never dream of going to before. Many of those friends have since come and gone, but a few I still talk to and consider lifelong friends.
With all these social networking sites and Xtina being between albums, has there been a slowdown at CMM? Are the next generations of fans not as dedicated as the original pack? Or do people just get older and lose interest in her music?
My love for Christina is the same if not stronger than it was before. Maybe it’s because we are the same age that makes it hard to outgrow her. And I think the advances in technology are a good thing: these other sites have just made it easier to keep up with friends, including those met through CMM.
Meeting new friends on the internet has been great the last few years. I hope it continues to bring new and exciting people into my life; especially ones that share my love for Christina Aguilera.
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Technology…Blessing or Curse?
by Rachael, CMM Funk Editor
In a world caught up in the technological advances of internet, cell phones, IPods and HD Flat screen TVs have we forgotten how to stimulate our sense and communicate on a realistic level? Instead of family visits we fax pictures of the grandkids over. Instead of sending sympathy cards we leave graphics on someone’s Myspace comment box. And what perplexes me further is game systems like Wii where people actually pay hundreds of dollars to stand and virtually play tennis in their home instead of getting out in the fresh air and playing real tennis with real friends!
But these advances have their advantages. For instance, we couldn’t possibly buy everyone we know gifts for Christmas, nor have the time to catch up with friends who live far away on a regular basis. Through the internet we can keep close contact with those we love who are far away from us. We can show our care by leaving comments on Facebook and Myspace in a matter of seconds. We can connect with people all over the world and have all the resource for information, education and inspiration right at our fingertips.
Still this gift is often neglected for watching people do stupid stunts on You Tube, or downloading kiddie porn, or using online communities as your personal hook up service. With all we have to learn and to know, do we really want to spend all our time watching “Jackass” on flat screen or getting caught up in the Myspace drama? How many times have you had to call someone in defense of anger because of a misunderstood text message? We grew up learning to perfect our education, our grammar and punctuation and now trade it in for “LOL” and “BRB” so that we can continue in a lazy form of communication that often leads to miscommunication and headaches.
Is it always bad? No way! Your in the bar and it’s too loud to talk so sending a text to the babysitter can come in handy. However, it’s the way people walk around 24/7 on their cell phones or sit day by day at their computer screen until arthritis sets in. When I was a child I was out playing softball, hide-and-seek, putting on plays and dressing up for tea parties. When I walk down the street now I see the kids on their game boys and cell phones and Ipods and I wonder, do they get any real playtime at all? Spring is here and summer is near. I encourage you to continue enjoying your technology, keep in touch with those friends and learn and grow thanks to the internet, but there are more ways than that to stimulate your senses. Get outside and play (no matter what age you are), read a book, get into some creative project like crafting or scrap booking or gardening. Get off the Wii and play some real tennis!
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"Cyber Activities?"
By Vicky, CMM Sport Report Editor
At a time where everything from shopping to banking is done online, sport is also going on the web. Games such as "Sims" and "Second Life" have really taken off. In these games you take control of someone's life and control their everyday living.
"Armchair sports" like the Nintendo Wii have also been doing well lately. The games on the Nintendo Wii would be more likely to be described in the category of sport as it does involve some physical activity. For anyone who has not heard of a Nintendo Wii it is controlled with a hand held remote and to play the games you emulate the movement of the character in the game. This can be good to get a mini work-out, however, do not allow gaming, online or on a console, to take away from real physical sport.
When asked about sport and the reasons for not taking part, people always come up with the same reasons; they hate getting sweaty or out of breath; they don’t have time or it is too expensive. What about simple summer activities? Playing Frisbee on the beach will be enjoyable for all the family and not break the bank - or even going for a walk in the sun. Allthough not sport as such, it is a great way to get your recommended 30mins -1 hour of physical activity daily if under 18 or 30mins 3 times a week for adults.
However, as always, if you can do more then always do. Not only is sport beneficial to your health, at this time of year going for a brisk walk in the light evenings will lift your mood.
Have a nice summer and happy sporting!! 
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Fan Focus - The CMM Member Interviews
By Julie, CMM Fan Focus Editor
Welcome back to Fan Focus. We have a brand new questionnaire where we can share our own personal thoughts on both Christina and CMM.
Our first interviewee is Star from Slovakia. I'm sure many of you know her - she's very active on CMM.
1. When did you first become a Christina fan and what inspired you?
During the"Stripped" era. I always liked her but Stripped got me attached. That album spoke so much to me and it still does! I love it so much.
2. Did you find/join CMM not long after you became a fan or did you find us at a later date? How long have you been a member here?
I found CMM after I became a fan. Today, as I write the answers, it's a year since I joined!
3. Have you ever seen or met Christina? If so, give us more details
No, I haven't met her.
4. What is your favorite Christina-related collectable/merchandise?
I love buying singles but nothing tops magazines. I love getting those, I go crazy finding US and UK ones in the city each time!
5. For this interview, we invited you to include a photograph of Christina. Why did you choose this one?
This is my new favorite picture of Christina to date.
6. Apart from CMM, approximately how many other Christina fansites are you a member of? Do you frequent CMM more than those
I'm a co-webmiss at Christina-Crazy.net and I love that site! I come to CMM often too, the people here are so nice!
7. What would you say is Christina's biggest achievement - career, personal or both?
I think it's the biggest achievement to have a child. It's rare that Max was born into such a stable 'celebrity' family, it doesn't appear to happen often nowadays.
8. A good fan can be critical. So, is there anything about Christina that has ever disappointed you, or that you think she could have done differently etc.
I wouldn't say something I was disappointed about but something that I really wasn't interested in. But she could take less time in between records - though I understand that she wants to live a normal life, too:
9. Christina has performed a song with many other artists, do you have a favorite?
"Can't Hold Us Down" in studio, and "A Song For You" live.
10. Is there any artist/group you would like Christina to perform or record with and why?
I have producers I'd love Christina to work with. Artists? I don't really know but a Gwen Stefani collab would be dope, tho!
11. If any, what song would like to hear her cover that she has not yet done?
I don't think there is one. She should just sing her own songs.
12. What sort of music/album would you like Christina to do next?
Would love an R&B/Soul album! Or Dance-Pop.
13. If you ever had the chance to go on a fun day out with Christina, where would you go and why?
Disneyland 'cause it would be fun, it's a place where you can't have that moment where everybody's feeling awkward or quiet, not knowing what to say - that would be stupid.
14. Imagine you have a chance to ask Christina one question... what would it be?
I'd ask her about the new album, but I don't know what else I should ask. We know a lot about her! Lol...
15. Finally, finish your interview with any comment you would like to make about Christina and/or CMM.
I love both!
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Thank you, Star, for taking part in Fan Focus once again. I remember your B2B interview - both rock!
If any of of our readers would be interested in taking part in the "Fan Focus" interview, please PM me and I will send you further details.
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Cyber Soul Mates
By Juan Ma , CMM Oracle Editor
We all know that we’ll always find a soul mate in our life; it usually happens if we live close, or were at first friends and have that special connection; anyway, we have a physic contact with that beloved one. Now, is it possible to find your "cyber" soul mate?
We can recognize a soul mate by different means, but the main reason to think someone else could be “the one” is that instant chemistry that flows between a couple during the first time they meet. Or when both realize the have met before, or sound really familiar. Of course, it’s not always so.
The soul has no limits, so I think it’s really possible to find that special person who is meant to be, through the Web. There have been many cases so far about people who met their beloved ones online and after some time of chatting and e-mailing, they got married and as the fairy tales say, live happily ever after…
Some other cases show how people can get married online, even if they didn’t have a physical contact before! However, not everybody believes in cyber love, though we already started a new technological age, where Internet is the base of every kind of communication.
Next time you see that person online, and feel that special connection, maybe it’s your soul mate waiting to meet you again in a different physical form, so keep you eyes and screen wide open!
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The Good and the Bad
By Holly, Movie Screen Editor
The movie “You’ve Got Mail” starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan came out in 1998. Then it was a pretty new idea to have relationships online and a lot of people were just then getting into the internet.
Many people probably still have reservations about starting Internet relationships. One should always take precautions about who they associate with. Especially when you can’t see the person you are speaking with to make sure they really are who they say. A lot of people also may have a since of being able to share with someone they talk to online more then what they would with people in there day to day life. I mean, so what if the person on the other side of the world knows you like you dance and sing in your underwear when you are alone?
Well the movie “You’ve Got Mail” may make you think twice about whom you are speaking with or what you may tell that person. Tom Hanks plays Joe Fox, an executive in charge of the Fox Book chain, based loosely on Barnes and Nobles. While Meg Ryan plays Kathleen Kelly, the operator of a family owned bookstore called “Shop Around the Corner.” A Fox Book store moves into the area of the bookstore Kathleen owns and starts to steal her customers. The two become rivals and can’t stand each other. Little do they know that they have been talking to each other online and, not only getting along but are starting to fall in love with each other.
Although this is an older movie, if you haven’t seen it I suggest you do. Even if you have it is worth a second watch.
That is the good side of internet relationships. There is also a bad side. As seen in the movie “Hard Candy”. Ellen Page (the girl who stars in the now infamous movie “Juno”), stars in this movie as a teenager who talks to an older man over the internet and agrees to meet him. You may think you know where this movie is heading but you have to watch to see all the twist and turns of what happens.
Internet relationships are getting more and more popular as technology grows and changes. I’m sure there will be more and more movies about them to go along with it.
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By DeeDee, Country-O-Rama Editor
1. Name: Republic of Ireland / Ireland
2. Language(s): Irish and English
3. Religion(s): Roman Catholic (86%)
4. Population: 4,339,000
5. Density: 60.3/km² (147.6 sq mi)
6. Capital: Dublin
7. Biggest city: Dublin
8. Size: 70,273 km² (27,133 sq mi)
9. Place in the world: North-western Europe
10. Borders: Northern Ireland (part of the United Kingdom) to the north, Atlantic Ocean to the west and by the Irish Sea to the east.
11. Life expectancy: 75 years (men), 80 (women).
12. Currency: Euro
13. Be sure to visit: The Connemara Countryside, The Cliffs of Moher, The Burren, Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone, The Lakes of Killarney, Muckross House, The Dingle Peninsula and the Blasket Islands, Powerscourt Garderns, Newgrange and Giant's Causeway.
14. Famous People: U2, Boyzone, Ronan Keating, Westlife and many more.
15. Important Fact: The St. Patrick's Day parade in Dublin, Ireland is part of a five-day festival. Saint Patrick's Day parades in Ireland date from the early 18th century.
16. Important Fact: Ireland is the third largest island in Europe.
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