Now that I'm older, I understand the logical fallacy behind disliking my brother because he only gave me books. In fact, he exercised very good taste with the books he chose. They were mostly unconventional fairy tales, like "Dear Millie" by the Brothers Grimm. And James' constant efforts to be different taught me something that no one else in my family could: how to be cool. Yes, I know, you're probably looking at these pictures and thinking, "That guy? Cool? You poor, poor deprived child."
But you are incredibly stupid for thinking a thing like that, and here's why: James has mastered that whole "cool and yet aloof to his coolness" image like none of you pansies ever could. He likes bands you've never heard of, he's familiar with pretty much every musician who ever existed, and he makes lots of references to psychedelic pigs that you just wouldn't get.
James also fit into that "dare to be different" attitude of the eighties exceptionally well. He was voted "Most Unique" in his class, an accomplishment any sister should be proud of.
James' weirdness has definitely been a huge influence on my own. Because of him, I thrive off of liking bands my friends have never heard of, and making constant references to them so that my friends feel out of the loop. My brother's example has helped me tap into the inherent power that goes along with being eccentric, and for that, I will always appreciate the freak of nature that is James.
Left, James is voted most unique boy
Right, Mr. Baker sighs disapprovingly as James chases the camera with an eggbeater (That'll show the paparazzi)
