Okay

The Sox are getting killed this afternoon! 9-2 and its only the 8th! We've been having a rough couple of series. Not bad, just....rough. Maybe its because I haven't posted any pics lately. You know how superstitious sports fans are. I'll have to find a good one to turn our fortune back around.

On another sports related note (and aren't all my notes sports related?) I'm glad that Purdue alum Kyle Orton was chosen to start for the Bears. After the accident prone Grossman went down, my dad and I were both horrified that Hutchinson was assumed to be the starter. I'm sure Chad is a lovely young man, but he has been less than impressive in his NFL Starts. On the other hand, Grossman showed a lot of potential in the pre-season games. Now, of course, that is in pre-season. It wasn't like he was playing against the starting defenses. And it wasn't like those starting defenses were playing at regular season intensity. Still, I think he deserves a shot.

There has been this trend of rookie players stepping in for their injured stars and doing well. I hope Orton can continue the trend. And with Jeff Blake and Kurt Kittner as backup, I think they just might be all right. It would have been nice to have the Illinois boy (Kittner) get the starting job too, but I have a good feeling about Orton. I do.

Call me crazy.

Strange

Michael Owen came back to English football today signing with Newcastle. I must say, it'll be very strange seeing him in the black and white, instead of the Liverpool red. I wonder if he's regretting that he ever went to Spain in the first place. It certainly didn't work out there the way he thought it would.

I think Owen will make a difference for Newcastle, despite what a lot of news reports seem to think. He's a great player. And it makes those Liverpool/Newcastle matches (the first on Boxing Day, the next on March 18th) a lot more interesting.

Bringing out the best

Two guys in Baton Rogue donating blood outside a red cross station in Baton Rouge. Every little bit helps.

Go Get 'Em, Bushie!

Does this actually make me like him more? No. But it is amusing. Its its true. If it isn't true....well, no, its still pretty amusing.

Can't say as I'm surprised by this

I know

many, many, many people in LA and MS. I know a few in AL. And a few more in FL who are breathing a sigh of relief that it wasn't them this time. (Last year was bad enough!)

The people I've heard from in MS seem to have escaped with minimal damage. Power outages, and a bit of flooding, but nothing like in Biloxi. My sister and dad were just breathing a sigh of relief that this didn't happen when they were there in July.

Still waiting to hear from people in LA and AL.

Living very near the Mississippi River for most of my life, I've seen bad flooding before. Here are some pics from the big flood of 2001 our of minor league ballpark. The first was taken on April 22nd, and the second on April 25th.




But that is nothing like what is going on now. Good Luck to everybody down there!

Thanks, Kevin

For introducing me to the Stephanie Miller radio show. She is great. Hilarious yet smart, a good combination.

La Vida Aburrida

Nothing much going on. School has started. Reading has started. So far, all of my classes have been relatively interesting. Even the ones I dreaded. This is a good thing. I don't feel nearly as overwhelmed this year as last year, so that is also a good thing.

Of course, it isn't even Labor Day yet!

This is cute

And I wouldn't put it past my icons to do something like this.

But which one did I miss?!

I hate that they don't tell you!

You Passed the US Citizenship Test

Congratulations - you got 9 out of 10 correct!

Could You Pass the US Citizenship Test?

Guess Who

So, my sister calls me at 8 am and tells me that Turner Classic Movies is having a film festival with one of my favorite people.

Steve McQueen? No.
Frank Sinatra? Nope.

That leaves one. William Holden. My sister's favorite Holden film is Rachel and the Stranger. She's such a romantic! I like it too, even though I think its funny to argue with her about it. I don't know what my favorite is. I like Executive Suite. I first saw him in Stalag 17, so I like that one too. And, of course, The Bridge on the River Kwai. Classic. Sabrina. Classic. Tivo is going to be busy today so I can finish reading about immigration!

Is this really as funny as I thought it was?

Maybe its just the headline:

Man fitted for $17,000 leg runs off without footing bill

You gotta be KIDDING me!

So, I'm checking out this British radio show, Ace and Invisible, and they are doing an interview with Larry Kenney.

Most of you have no idea who that is.

I had no idea who it was. Except they were playing the Thundercats theme song......

You're kidding me, right? It was interesting, though. You hear the strangest things on Brit radio!

Oops

So, if people we think MAY have been terrorists

Have EVER lived in your house.... even three years ago.....

We're going to give out your address and giggle while all hell breaks loose.

Because that's the "best information we had at the time."


Fair, Balanced and Fucking Stupid. But certainly not current.

And that's without getting into the whole deal of why you would be inciting violence in the first place! If you're so sure that there are terrorists living there, why aren't you calling the CIA? FBI? Homeland Security? Dick Cheney? I know they're all watching Fox News anyway......

Lunch

Probably going to be pretty boring today. Yesterday, on the other hand, we were out and about for work and stopped by Broad Ripple's La Piedad for lunch. I'd never been there (I think its new?) but it was nice. It isn't El Sol, but nothing can live up to that standard, at least not in my mind. Well, maybe Adolph's Mexican Food, but I didn't have the time to go all the way to Illinois for lunch.

After lunch we went to Rene's Bakery, which is right next door. Umm.....Yummy. Very, Very, Yummy.

If I waited until I had something interesting to say, I'd never post here. So, random thoughts:

Why does Directv need to come out and "install" my DVR tomorrow? Is it really going to be that big of a deal? Or is it just so they can advertise "Free Installation" as some kind of bonus. I'm fairly tech savvy, at least when it comes to home electronics, and I'm pretty sure I could do it myself.


I ordered the rest of my books from Barrister Books. Why did the UPS person not leave a messange on my door letting me know he'd attempted delivery? And why did they not just leave them at the apartment complex office? Its always hit or miss with UPS. Most of the drivers know the apartment delivery routine, but some don't. They're mostly just the optional things for Property, but I think my Immigration text book was in there, and I would like to have it before class on Tuesday!

I've never bought into the "Republicans are Nazi's" namecalling. But this is still funny.

I can't believe that people are still arguing that BS over on Sapere Aude. You're kidding me, right? People still care?

No Liverpool on TV this weekend. Except this afternoon. 2pm. How can I get out of work.....

IUPUI owes me $891. I'm starting a pool on when you think I might see it. Drop a date in the comments, and the one closest will win a hearty congratulations!

Yesterday's CD

I love this CD. I always have a moment of apprehension when a new Babyface CD comes out. I really loved the first one. Still love it, all these years later. The rest have been very hit or miss. There are some songs I really like, some are like a very unfortunate haircut. You wanted to try something, but boy did it not work out.

This one works. Of all the songs, there is only one that is icky. And I think the general rule is: Unless your name is Philip Bailey, don't sing falsetto. A simple rule.

This is a stepper's cd from start to finish. If you don't know what that is, just forget I said that. If you do know what that is, when are we going?

Ring the bell.....

School's in, Sucker!

Well, another summer is over. No more going right home after work.

Bummer.

It was nice being back in the building, nice seeing familiar faces again. Nice having all the reading done before class. Nice spending the first twenty minutes or so going over the beginning of semester blah blah. It was a win-win on the prof front last night. Of course, it was only the first night. But, it never hurts to start out with a good impression, right? Both of them seemed grand. I'm sure disillusionment will come.

Or maybe not. Who knows, right?

Yes!

I win!!

Turn back the Clock night

Not quite as much fun as when it happens at the ballpark.

In a weird case of LARC coming back to haunt me...

Our big LARC assignment from Spring Semester turned up on the front page of the Star this morning. (the online version.)

Hmmm

In bookstores (or libraries) where should fiction books featuring Gay/Lesbians characters or plots be filed? Alpha by author? Or in their own, special "gay lit" section?

This has been a pet peeve of mine (with black fiction) for years and years. It was interesting to read this article.

Of course, it gave no answers.

Cause for immediate dismissal

As mentioned here, Oncourse, is all new. So, while playing around with it yesterday, I "accidentally" unsigned myself up for one of my classes. I think it was Property. But, unlike OLD Oncourse, I couldn't get myself back in the class! Oh sure, I tried. They have a nifty thing where you can 'unjoin' or 'join' different classes. But you know what? There were no law school classes in that nifty thing. I even went back to Old Oncourse, saw my Property class, checked the box and saved, but it said I wasn't allowed in!

I think if you can screw up before classes start, that is cause for immediate dismissal. Terri C. got me hooked back up, though. She's genius.

I'm dumb.

Hip Hip Hooray!

Making Christmas shopping easier for Robin since 2005!

HBO

The very minute after Sopranos was over last year I cancelled my HBO. Its great with Directv, you can do that sort of thing online. I wasn't planning on re-upping until Sopranos came back. In 2006......or whenever. Sure, I miss Bill Maher, but not enough to bring me back. I do think I'm going to have to check back in to Sunday night TV to see this show, though. I hope its as good as it looks!

One L

Is this THE book for incoming law school students? I'm surprised at how many people read it (and want to read it) after all this time. Of course, I read it. And, honestly, I didn't find it all that relevant. I thought it was entertaining, certainly. Just.....not all that helpful.

But as I look at our library copies, they have holds on them. And they have gone out a lot.

Its strange. Nothing newer has come along to fill the same purpose?

We Like Back Packs

and we can not lie!

I thought I was having a bad dream a few weeks ago, when I heard a Target commercial using the "Baby Got Back" song. It even sounded like Sir-Mix-A-Lot doing the lyrics, although I certainly am not sure about that. But, it was around 5am and I was still half asleep.....I was perfectly willing to believe I was having delusions.

I never saw the commercial again.

Until this morning. I was more awake this time. I'm sad to say it wasn't a dream.

Hey, that looks like....

The Star had a very interesting article today about the ability (or not) of video game makers to use the "likeness" of NCAA athletes in their games, and the fine line that must be walked. I am HORRIBLE at sports games, so the only time I see them is when someone else is playing.

It makes sense, of course, that the NCAA would not want to be promoting players. They are, after all, supposed to be amateur, right? (i said supposed to be!) But, of course, there are work arounds for this. (You can name the players yourself, so all you have to do is get ahold of a roster.....which is available from any school website, or probably any number of other places.)

I don't know. It was interesting, anyway.

Dumb jokes

I'll be the first to admit that I had no idea what "Prince Albert in a can" was. But the joke/prank call is the equivalent of the "Is your refrigerator running?" joke that I'm sure EVERYONE has done at least once.

Oh, shut up, you have too! Just admit it.

My dad still laughs his butt off at that Prince Albert in a can thing. (the punch line would be: you'd better let him out.)


Dumb jokes: Its a tragedy in every family.

Yippee

I bought books today and it only cost me $310!

Okay, I can't maintain that level of false excitement for very long. The real cost will be more, naturally. There were some optional things that I didn't buy. Thought I'd save that for later. And there was a course pack that, mysteriously, wasn't available. There is reading that needs to be done for Wednesday, so I hope it shows up. Or, maybe I don't.

As today is Orientation day, lots of activity in the atrium. I was wearing a Liverpool t-shirt today and one of the bookstore clerks said I needed to get an IUPUI shirt.

No thanks, honey.

Other than that, and laundry, it looks to be a pretty uneventful day. I think I need to clean something...... we'll see how that works out.

Oh HELL No

update: Two in the same day? Something tells me that this kind of crap happens all the time.


But, you can't help but laugh, I guess. I mean, if it was me, I'd be pissed.....

Its Wednesday

I wish it was Friday. But maybe that's just me.

So far this week:

PPC's mazda miata was a hit and run victim in the WORK PARKING LOT!

I've trekked all the way to Nora for a full day of work, to HVL for a half day of work, and tomorrow Southport for a full day.

I had lunch at Judge's. Sweet.

I've priced my law school books everywhere under the sun.

I've watched a lot of 21 jumpstreet.

I've not watched a lot of baseball.

I've gotten so very irritated with people that I literally stop listening while they are mid sentence.

That last one is horrible, but its true.

Speaking of law school books, I'm one of those weird people who can't work with used books. I did just fine using used books for undergrad, and even some grad school classes, but it is somehow different for law. I know. I've tried. The highlighting distracts me. If there is a lot of highlighting, how do I know what system they used, or even if they used their own system the right way. If only a few, select things are highlighted, is it important? Did they highlight the right things? It drives me crazy, and I spend more time wondering wtf they were thinking instead of doing my own work. So, new books for me. I pay the price, though, which is why I try to find the cheapest place around.

Yeah, I know. Its lame.

I think I need a nap.

I'll be expecting my Thank You note in the mail.

I love the smell of Oncourse in the morning

Oncourse! That's a sure sign that classes are right around the corner. (Oh, leave me alone, Brian! I can't help it!)

Anyway, Oncourse has changed. I signed on today, to see if anything was up yet, and its completely different! And there is also the option to use Old Oncourse, or "Original Oncourse" as it has been named. Huh.

Of my four classes, two syllabi are up, and two are....not. One doesn't even have books listed yet.

I guess that means I can go continue my 21 Jumpstreet Season 2 fest.

Hmmmm

Thanks Unnamed Source!

Hot Hot Hot

Its hot out there. I know many of you are saying "Well, duh!" But, I was never so glad to get back into my air conditioned apartment than I was just a few minutes ago. Damn! Its hot out there!

I spent the afternoon at the Taste of Downtown Indianapolis that was hosted by Easley Winery down on College and Ohio. It really should have been called a taste of a part of Downtown, because there were a lot of unrepresented places. Still, there were enough for me to eat WAY too much. I had a tamale (chicken) from El Sol. I had.....cookies from Chez Jean. I had.....a mango smoothie from Carribean Spice. I had.....Chili Cheese Etouffee w/ Crawfish from Yats. And two bottles of water and a can of pop. DAMN! No wonder I"m stuffed. I didn't have all this at once, obviously, or I'd be in serious pain. But, over the course of an afternoon, walking back and forth.....turns out I had quite a bit. It was great fun, people were very friendly, and the entertainment was good too. Did I mention that it was hot?

Before that, I swung by the library book sale. Not to buy anything, just to browse.

I ended up buying three books.

And they're off!

Just finished watching Manchester United knock off Everton 2-0 to start the new Premiership Season.

That's good stuff.

Do yourself a favor

Watch this show. Sunday nights. TNT. 9 p.m.

Gary Cole is one of those actors that, no matter what he's in, he's believeable. Just a few months ago he was running for President. Now, he's running this ragtag group of (barely) law enforcement types. I must admit, I've been obsessed with him since his Midnight Caller days. And I just know one of you is going to say something about Office Space. Let me just be clear: I DETEST that movie. Not funny. But, you know what? Gary Cole in that movie? Funny. That's just how much I like him. Watch Wanted. Its good.

Weird.

I am 37% Hippie.

I need to step away from the tie-dye. I smell too good to be a hippie and my dad is probably a cop. Being a hippie is not a fashion craze, man. It was a way of life, in the 60’s, man.

Take the
Hippie Test
@ FualiDotCom

True

Meatball Pizza

Unusual and uncompromising. You're usually the first to discover a new trend. You appreciate a good meal and good company. You're an interesting blend of traditional and modern.

What's Your Pizza Personality?

For the rest of my break.....

I'm going to be re-reading books I love. Well, books I like. Unless, of course, I come across a new book that I want to read. Then I'll read it. See, that's the plan. Its unstructured structure.


Yeah, whatever. Its a post, ain't it?

Thursday nights are playing host to a new show I love. Teachers, which has its home on BBC America, is just one in a loooooong line of Brit dramedies that are actually funny. I liked Coupling, and The Office is all right, although I have never really watched it faithfully. Teachers is hilarious. If you get BBC America, I suggest you give it a try.

Back at 1

Same Kenny Rogers article that I posted over on Sapere Aude, but now for a little commentary:

First of all, we're acting like being suspended is some sort of physical torture. I could see a 20 game suspension being torture if we were talking about the NFL. That's an entire season and then some! This is a league where they play 182 games. You're crying about 20 games? Excuse me, I think I just stopped listening.

But, the most hilarious thing about this particular article is the "in full support" comment made by one David Wells. Baseball fans will see the irony.

''I'm glad he did that," Wells said in a July 8 story in the Globe. ''He needed to vent. He's been a mild-mannered ballplayer his whole life . . . What Kenny did, I'm fine with. The cameraman wasn't hurt. He went to the hospital, pretending to be hurt. He's winking at another guy, saying, 'I'm going to get paid.' That guy's a [expletive] idiot."

Priceless! I mean, even if the guy was just trying to get a fat payday, having this come from David Wells (of all people) is like putting a rush on the check! And if KR is mild mannered, then I have no desire to see someone high strung.

Nice

Kids in the Hall

As usual, I watched the Hall of Fame induction ceremony yesterday afternoon. The speeches, in my (un-expert opinion) weren't as good as last year, but I'm sure they were just as heartfelt. I watched the Colts on Saturday morning, and I look forward to the game tonight. Dan's speech was my favorite. And he looked the hottest. :)

Are you ready for some football?!

Shock before bed

I always flip on the tv before bed. Its a bad habit, I know, but one I can't seem to (or want to) shake. And I always flip it to ABC. Last night was no different. But, I was shocked to turn it on and find out that Peter Jennings had died of lung cancer.
Just like Keith Olbermann and Dan Patrick are my "sports" guys, Peter Jennings was my "news" guy. Well, I admit I cheated on him a few times with Tom Brokaw, but I always came back. There was just something about Peter's voice that made me want to listen. Oh sure, he was witty, and he wasn't especially hard on the eyes, and he was sometimes humorously self deprecating, but it was the voice that drew me back.

As they were recalling his 40 years at ABC, I could pick out things that I remembered seeing for myself. I think, where I really started paying attention to the news, the first thing that I definitely remembered as having chosen to watch on ABC, was the falling of the Berlin wall. Sure, I was around for the Challenger disaster, but I don't remember paying close attention to the news and I certainly didn't care who was reporting it. The Berlin Wall story was the first time I can distinctly remember saying "Turn it to Channel 8 (our ABC affiliate) That guy does the news better."

I haven't really watched the evening news, consistently, since April when Peter left. I always thought he would be back. My mom was diagnosed with lung cancer in 1995 and she lived until 2001! I certainly didn't think that was the last time I would see my news guy on tv.

Rest in Peace, Mr. Jennings.

All the news....

In trying to take my mind off the sad state of Indiana, where the masses here (at least the ones who write letters to the editor) seem to think that a black child's life is roughly equivalent to the price of a car wash (or however many washes it takes to wash over a couple broken eggs) I've stopped reading the Star and picked up this month's ABA journal.

Fascinating piece of literature, I have to say. In the August issue there is:

An article on librarians, front and center, on pg. 14. Out from the stacks: Librarians lead legal battles over the Patriot Act, Copyright, Tech Issues. Yay us! Its really more about the American Library Association, and not "librarians" per se. We were just talking about ALA a few days ago at work, and about how most librarians that we know don't even belong because its not really futhering the interests of rank and file librarians. I, personally, don't belong because its too damned expensive! I was a member when I was a library student. Twas much cheaper then.

Challenging Peremptories: Court Doesn't buy proposal to end jury selection bias by barring no-cause strikes. (pg. 16)

A Trap for Employers: Retaliation Actions are on the rise in employment discrimination cases. (pg.20) I must admit that I found this article extremely interesting. What DOES constitute retaliation, anyway? As usual, it depends. Fascinating stuff. I'm such a geek.

My favorite article, was the "What Not/To Wear"-esque article called: Business Casual 101: Associate to be learns dressing down is Simply Dressing up, with a twist. (pg. 58) Great stuff! It was strictly male oriented, however, so of no use to me. Still, very interesting.

And this month's "feel good" story was: Happy Ending: Civil Rights Pioneer George Leighton is Named to Receive ABA Medal. (pg.63) Wow. That's all I have to say about him.

I don't know what's wrong with me but.....

I'm anxious for school to start.

I have too much free time. I know, I know. Its weird. I mean, once school does start, I'll be bitching about how I have no time. I am aware of it, yes.

Chloe and Chance

Chloe is reading the phone book. She was ordering Bazbeaux pizza for us, if you must know what she was looking up. She didn't sit still much, early on, when I went to visit her (and her mom and dad.) But when she did sit still, I had to take a pic. She's adorable, but not nearly as adorable as Chance.

But I'm obviously biased. He and I like to do the same things. Like lie on the floor and let the world go on around us.

Hanging out at Brian's blog again......

and I found this. I guess I'm not too surprised at the results.

the Ham (21% dark, 56% spontaneous, 38% vulgar)

your humor style: CLEAN SPONTANEOUS LIGHT Your style's goofy, innocent and feel-good. Perfect for parties and for the dads who chaperone them. You can actually get away with corny jokes, and I bet your sense of humor is a guilty pleasure for your friends. People of your type are often the most approachable and popular people in their circle. Your simple & silly good-naturedness is immediately recognizable, and it sets you apart in this sarcastic world. PEOPLE LIKE YOU: Will Ferrell - Will Smith

My test tracked 3 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender: You scored higher than 0% on dark You scored higher than 72% on spontaneous You scored higher than 54% on vulgar

Link: The 3 Variable Funny Test written by jason_bateman on Ok Cupid

I paint with the BROAD brush!

Your Birthdate: November 10

Your birth on the 10th day of the month adds a tone of independence and extra energy to your life. The number 1 energy suggest more executive ability and leadership qualities than you path may have indicated. A birthday on the 10th of any month gives greater will power and self-confidence, and very often a rather original approach. This 1 energy may diminish your ability and desire to handle details, preferring instead to paint with a broad brush. You are sensitive, but your feeling stay somewhat repressed. You have a compelling manner that can be dominating in many situations.

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

Maybe today

will just be Friday quiz day. Who knows.

You are dependable, popular, and observant. Deep and thoughtful, you are prone to moodiness. In fact, your emotions tend to influence everything you do. You are unique, creative, and expressive. You don't mind waving your freak flag every once and a while. And lucky for you, most people find your weird ways charming!

The World's Shortest Personality Test

that can't be right!

Quiz stolen from Brian's blog. I must say.....I had not expected this result!

Your Ideal Relationship is Marriage

You've dated enough to know what you want. And that's marriage - with the right person. You're serious about settling down some time soon. Even if you haven't met the person you want to get hitched to!

What's Your Ideal Relationship?

I meant to post this

on Monday, but Blogger was being ever so picky about pictures. The more I look at pictures, the more I realize that there are photographers and there are people who take pictures. I love this pic of Freddy Garcia and the rosin bag. Freddy the Magician.

Yes, I realize

I haven't posted anything since Monday. Quite honestly, I haven't had anything to say. No, seriously. Oh, stop laughing! It's true! Not a thing. Maybe today will change that. We'll see.

WTF?

Because you've always wanted to know?


I'm much more interested in how much coc...oh, nevermind.