WAG - Okay, is anyone else freaked out by the fact Josh Brolin is staring in his own TV series as a Senator?
I now realize he was born in 1968, but I have the frozen image of him from "The Goonies," and the two don't match.
I always figured his little brother Michael "Mikey" Walsh was the ones with the brains, leadership skills, and political acumen who would succeed in the family.
Of course, with a possible sequel coming out, we may see how they all turned out.
And if THAT isn't scarrier than a Senator Brand, I don't know what is.
If it wasn't for the fact I had no respect for the Legislative Branch already, I'd be truly worried.
Thank goodness for that.
Saturday, November 30, 2002
10:07 PM -
9:38 PM -
WAG - Typed November 28, 2002.
Lost Summer Sunsets
a poem by Caleb Michael Smith
How does one write humorously?
In this season, it seems impossible; especially when the “U” key isn’t working on the freakin’ laptop!
As I sit before this damaged keyboard, I presently find myself in a greatly altered world.
I find myself untrustworthy. I am now undependable. I am soulless, useless, and functionless.
Countless opportunities, guests, and thoughts, however, have been irretrievably lost.
I’ll no more welcome guests or struggle to improve my education.
Changes are necessary (I would say “substitutions are required”, but that is no longer possible).
I can bemoan my loss but not mourn.
I can have panche’ but not punch.
Communication is gone.
No longer will I be able to keep “in touch” with whole branches of my family tree as ties with aunts, uncles, and cousins are severed.
I can’t make excuses of being unprepared, unready, or unenthusiastic.
I still have direction, resolve, and hope.
I ran all my races; I shall run no more. I cannot surrender. I can only drive onward.
I leave all tribulations and dificulties behind me.
I am unhindered as I leave security and head of for the nearest Radio Shack where I’ll obtain (for I can’t buy, purchase, or procure one) a new keyboard.
And that’s how I’ll reclaim said use of U*!
* U's added on a real computer and not on worthless Laptop. Yo- sho-ld have seen the diffic-lt markation -nit system I -sed to denote all those -'s!
Lost Summer Sunsets
a poem by Caleb Michael Smith
How does one write humorously?
In this season, it seems impossible; especially when the “U” key isn’t working on the freakin’ laptop!
As I sit before this damaged keyboard, I presently find myself in a greatly altered world.
I find myself untrustworthy. I am now undependable. I am soulless, useless, and functionless.
Countless opportunities, guests, and thoughts, however, have been irretrievably lost.
I’ll no more welcome guests or struggle to improve my education.
Changes are necessary (I would say “substitutions are required”, but that is no longer possible).
I can bemoan my loss but not mourn.
I can have panche’ but not punch.
Communication is gone.
No longer will I be able to keep “in touch” with whole branches of my family tree as ties with aunts, uncles, and cousins are severed.
I can’t make excuses of being unprepared, unready, or unenthusiastic.
I still have direction, resolve, and hope.
I ran all my races; I shall run no more. I cannot surrender. I can only drive onward.
I leave all tribulations and dificulties behind me.
I am unhindered as I leave security and head of for the nearest Radio Shack where I’ll obtain (for I can’t buy, purchase, or procure one) a new keyboard.
And that’s how I’ll reclaim said use of U*!
* U's added on a real computer and not on worthless Laptop. Yo- sho-ld have seen the diffic-lt markation -nit system I -sed to denote all those -'s!
9:37 PM -
WAG - Recorded November 29, 2002
I now sit in a pile of mass-media
The TV is blaring. The laptop I am composing from (if THAT’S what you want to call it) has numerous copyright violating copies of songs. The TV is casting it’s beautiful light (and a dog-eared copy of the TV Guide sits close). A small stack of New York Times bestsellers are sprawled about ("The Onion: Dispatches from the Tenth Circle," "X-Files: Antibodies," "Harry Potter and the Sorceror’s Stone," and "Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood," Michael Crichton’s "The Great Train Robbery" are all in current eyesight [coincidentally, the classic’s I’ve been assigned to read such as Shelley’s "Frankenstein" and Mill’s "Utilitarianism" are being overlooked]). A newly purchased Special Edition DVD ("The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the Eighth Dimension") lies in prominence atop a pile of shopping bags. Two large, state of the art speakers tower over me as I glance at the radio in the corner, the two work computers in the back of the room, and my cell phone that’s sticking out of my backpack.
I am further surrounded by a pile of Christmas decals, boxes of dishwasher detergent, a game of Chinese checkers, and a lamp that has a lightbulb coming out of a farm girl’s head.
As I sit with my faithful remote at my side, I have come to the inevitable conclusion that I love capitalism.
Go USA!
I’ve long been a fan of conspicuous consumption, but going through the “traditional” of pre-Christmas deals, deals, DEALS, I can’t help but feel a stirring in my holiday soul. Throw in some well-timed Christmas specials and I can’t help but feel caught up in the holiday spirit!
Right….
Okay, more seriously, it’s not the sales or specials (not that the New Muppet Christmas Special didn’t make me laugh with Animal’s rendition of Little Drummer Boy was funny too. Or how Scrooged’s Bob Cratchit character played by Bobcat Goldwaitt, goes nuts).
Those that know me well know I’ve been playing “Christmas music” since before Thanksgiving break.
At least my roommate knows (and playing Eartha Kitt’s Santa Baby on November 22 is not something easily forgotten, though playing Run, Run Rudolph by Chuck Barry was largely ignored when I played it in the mail room).
Anyway, the whole “holiday thing” isn’t spawned in malls or on the networks, but is up to individual people.
That’s comment is potent enough to deserve it’s own paragraph (this one isn’t, but I’m moving on anyway).
There’s something more than feelings being tugged by a program showing us the standard It’s a Wonderful Life (and the popular Worse-World-If-One-Had-Never-Been-Born-Scenario).
It’s more than seeing Rudolph get to lead the sleigh or all the Whos in Whoville get in a big “koom by yah” circle and sing carols.
And it’s more than 60% off on icicles, wreaths, and mistletoe.
For it to be the TRUE Christmas spirit, it must be something internal, personal, and spiritual.
Accept no imitations.
To conclude, let me quote from the Christmas Spirit that hit closest to the mark:
Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger."
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"
- Linus, Quoting Luke 2:8-14, in A Charlie Brown Christmas.
No wonder the TV execs loved it and countless millions have enjoyed it ever since.
Good night.
I now sit in a pile of mass-media
The TV is blaring. The laptop I am composing from (if THAT’S what you want to call it) has numerous copyright violating copies of songs. The TV is casting it’s beautiful light (and a dog-eared copy of the TV Guide sits close). A small stack of New York Times bestsellers are sprawled about ("The Onion: Dispatches from the Tenth Circle," "X-Files: Antibodies," "Harry Potter and the Sorceror’s Stone," and "Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood," Michael Crichton’s "The Great Train Robbery" are all in current eyesight [coincidentally, the classic’s I’ve been assigned to read such as Shelley’s "Frankenstein" and Mill’s "Utilitarianism" are being overlooked]). A newly purchased Special Edition DVD ("The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the Eighth Dimension") lies in prominence atop a pile of shopping bags. Two large, state of the art speakers tower over me as I glance at the radio in the corner, the two work computers in the back of the room, and my cell phone that’s sticking out of my backpack.
I am further surrounded by a pile of Christmas decals, boxes of dishwasher detergent, a game of Chinese checkers, and a lamp that has a lightbulb coming out of a farm girl’s head.
As I sit with my faithful remote at my side, I have come to the inevitable conclusion that I love capitalism.
Go USA!
I’ve long been a fan of conspicuous consumption, but going through the “traditional” of pre-Christmas deals, deals, DEALS, I can’t help but feel a stirring in my holiday soul. Throw in some well-timed Christmas specials and I can’t help but feel caught up in the holiday spirit!
Right….
Okay, more seriously, it’s not the sales or specials (not that the New Muppet Christmas Special didn’t make me laugh with Animal’s rendition of Little Drummer Boy was funny too. Or how Scrooged’s Bob Cratchit character played by Bobcat Goldwaitt, goes nuts).
Those that know me well know I’ve been playing “Christmas music” since before Thanksgiving break.
At least my roommate knows (and playing Eartha Kitt’s Santa Baby on November 22 is not something easily forgotten, though playing Run, Run Rudolph by Chuck Barry was largely ignored when I played it in the mail room).
Anyway, the whole “holiday thing” isn’t spawned in malls or on the networks, but is up to individual people.
That’s comment is potent enough to deserve it’s own paragraph (this one isn’t, but I’m moving on anyway).
There’s something more than feelings being tugged by a program showing us the standard It’s a Wonderful Life (and the popular Worse-World-If-One-Had-Never-Been-Born-Scenario).
It’s more than seeing Rudolph get to lead the sleigh or all the Whos in Whoville get in a big “koom by yah” circle and sing carols.
And it’s more than 60% off on icicles, wreaths, and mistletoe.
For it to be the TRUE Christmas spirit, it must be something internal, personal, and spiritual.
Accept no imitations.
To conclude, let me quote from the Christmas Spirit that hit closest to the mark:
Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger."
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"
- Linus, Quoting Luke 2:8-14, in A Charlie Brown Christmas.
No wonder the TV execs loved it and countless millions have enjoyed it ever since.
Good night.
7:15 PM -
WAG - Ah, my first sweet taste of the internet in a week. How long I've missed you...
Excuse me, my love, I must speak to those who check for an update. I shall return soon.
It's been quite a holiday season. Overall, it's been pretty slow with random dashes of "Soap Opera-like" drama.
When such buzz terms of "eloping Friday" and "pending a paternity test" loom over the meal table, the holidays feel a little different.
God, I wish I was joking...
I have one crazy family; though it may take some time before I find out if I'm ... what is the title when your cousin has a child out of wedlock with a person who's playing him as a patsy and may never actually marry this manipulator? Oh yeah... I am in a Soap Opera.
Anyway...
For those interestested, I have still been writing, though I've been disconnected. I hope to post-post some writings to fill in the gaps since I left for Thanksgiving vacation after the Tiger's SPECTACULAR loss (Mizzou fans, face it, when it comes down to it, NO ONE loses better than us, PERIOD).
For the gap between the 19 and vacation, I have no fill... forgive me.
I hope everyone's holidays have been as interesting as mine (though, hopefully in different areas).
If you will excuse me now, I need to catch up with a dear friend.
Madame Internet, my darling, how long I've missed you. Let us skim CNN.COM together, and be joyful.
May you all spend the Holidays with a dear one as well....
Excuse me, my love, I must speak to those who check for an update. I shall return soon.
It's been quite a holiday season. Overall, it's been pretty slow with random dashes of "Soap Opera-like" drama.
When such buzz terms of "eloping Friday" and "pending a paternity test" loom over the meal table, the holidays feel a little different.
God, I wish I was joking...
I have one crazy family; though it may take some time before I find out if I'm ... what is the title when your cousin has a child out of wedlock with a person who's playing him as a patsy and may never actually marry this manipulator? Oh yeah... I am in a Soap Opera.
Anyway...
For those interestested, I have still been writing, though I've been disconnected. I hope to post-post some writings to fill in the gaps since I left for Thanksgiving vacation after the Tiger's SPECTACULAR loss (Mizzou fans, face it, when it comes down to it, NO ONE loses better than us, PERIOD).
For the gap between the 19 and vacation, I have no fill... forgive me.
I hope everyone's holidays have been as interesting as mine (though, hopefully in different areas).
If you will excuse me now, I need to catch up with a dear friend.
Madame Internet, my darling, how long I've missed you. Let us skim CNN.COM together, and be joyful.
May you all spend the Holidays with a dear one as well....
Sunday, November 17, 2002
9:42 PM -
WAG - Okay, here's some real noteworthy stuff (see end of previous rant).
Here's some interesting numbers posted November 17, 2002 at NationalJournal.com.
COUNTDOWN CALENDAR
Days Remaining Until 2004 Elections: 716
Be afraid, be very afraid.
Goodnight folks!
Here's some interesting numbers posted November 17, 2002 at NationalJournal.com.
COUNTDOWN CALENDAR
Days Remaining Until 2004 Elections: 716
Be afraid, be very afraid.
Goodnight folks!
8:44 PM -
WAG - Crap. When did it get to be Sunday? I blame it all on the stupid time warp called College where evenings are eternal (except for when there's a test the next day) and mornings come way too early (ESPECIALLY when there's a test that day).
I feel like I blinked three times and I suddenly found myself in a totally different time and place from where I last remembered.
I blame it on my busy weekend. Between work, the basketball game where Mizzou whomped Kirksville (sorry Sis), Harry Potter II (popular among kiddie tykes and college students alike), Desk Shifts (I'm on my 3rd now), JC Rocks special projects (the campus TV show I do behind the scenes stuff for), and homework (all 20 minutes I've put into it). I guess that adds up to a weekend...yep.
Yow... School's winding down for Thanksgiving Break (a weeklong repreive...excellent), but several projects loom on the horizon. I hope it won't interfere with the quality time I plan to spend with the newest member of my family: the DVD player. I'm hoping to make many fond memories...
In other news... I hope to have a more complete update of what I've been up to lately (have you heard THAT promise before?). I really need to get some homework done, so I'll just leave you with this little tidbit: Harry Potter II is nine minutes longer than Harry Potter I.
Don't you feel smarter?
No? Crud... Okay, trying to come up with another revalation....
Ah ha! It is a proven fact that a person with an attention span like mine should not be expected to finish an entry log in a website like this before the previously mention short attention span rears it's ugly head and
I feel like I blinked three times and I suddenly found myself in a totally different time and place from where I last remembered.
I blame it on my busy weekend. Between work, the basketball game where Mizzou whomped Kirksville (sorry Sis), Harry Potter II (popular among kiddie tykes and college students alike), Desk Shifts (I'm on my 3rd now), JC Rocks special projects (the campus TV show I do behind the scenes stuff for), and homework (all 20 minutes I've put into it). I guess that adds up to a weekend...yep.
Yow... School's winding down for Thanksgiving Break (a weeklong repreive...excellent), but several projects loom on the horizon. I hope it won't interfere with the quality time I plan to spend with the newest member of my family: the DVD player. I'm hoping to make many fond memories...
In other news... I hope to have a more complete update of what I've been up to lately (have you heard THAT promise before?). I really need to get some homework done, so I'll just leave you with this little tidbit: Harry Potter II is nine minutes longer than Harry Potter I.
Don't you feel smarter?
No? Crud... Okay, trying to come up with another revalation....
Ah ha! It is a proven fact that a person with an attention span like mine should not be expected to finish an entry log in a website like this before the previously mention short attention span rears it's ugly head and
2:30 PM -
WAG - It is with great regret that I finally put to rest the self allusion that working at the Hatch Hall front desk at MU will give me extra time to study.
Adieu, sweet, but flawed notion.
After having working this position since mid-August, and spending nearly every desk shift cruising the internet, answering email, or updating this site (Yes, I'm sitting at the desk right now) I've decided I can fool myself no more.
Sure, I'll bring the books for the occassions where the internet is down (as it semi-frequently is at Hatch [though I'll note it barely ever happened last year when Tech Support was housed next door. Since they moved cross town, we seem to loose the internet about once a week]). Nevertheless, as long as the internet flows freely into the desk terminal that sits before me, the probability I'll find find something else to do is not in doubt.
On weekend shifts, where I spend more time behind a desk than I'd care to think about some days (excepting pay day, of course), there is an exception, but that only happens every three weeks.
I know that once I post this entry, and have a brief, cursory glance to see if it updated correctly, I'll move on to see what news I've missed in the last few minutes I've been "disconnected."
It's a disease, I know. I'm working on it. I'm making a conscious effort to change habits.
Now if you will excuse me, I have to see if RushLimbaugh.com has been updated today!
Good-bye sweet delusion. I'll treasure you always...
*___________REST IN PEACE__________*
+--------STUDYING AT THE DESK--------+
*_August 15, 2002 - November 19, 2002_*
+----------How little we knew ye----------+
Adieu, sweet, but flawed notion.
After having working this position since mid-August, and spending nearly every desk shift cruising the internet, answering email, or updating this site (Yes, I'm sitting at the desk right now) I've decided I can fool myself no more.
Sure, I'll bring the books for the occassions where the internet is down (as it semi-frequently is at Hatch [though I'll note it barely ever happened last year when Tech Support was housed next door. Since they moved cross town, we seem to loose the internet about once a week]). Nevertheless, as long as the internet flows freely into the desk terminal that sits before me, the probability I'll find find something else to do is not in doubt.
On weekend shifts, where I spend more time behind a desk than I'd care to think about some days (excepting pay day, of course), there is an exception, but that only happens every three weeks.
I know that once I post this entry, and have a brief, cursory glance to see if it updated correctly, I'll move on to see what news I've missed in the last few minutes I've been "disconnected."
It's a disease, I know. I'm working on it. I'm making a conscious effort to change habits.
Now if you will excuse me, I have to see if RushLimbaugh.com has been updated today!
Good-bye sweet delusion. I'll treasure you always...
*___________REST IN PEACE__________*
+--------STUDYING AT THE DESK--------+
*_August 15, 2002 - November 19, 2002_*
+----------How little we knew ye----------+
Saturday, November 16, 2002
11:36 PM -
WAG - "It was on a dreary night of November..."
Well, not really. I was wearing shorts today (at least until I went to Journalism, where my class is usually 10 degrees colder than the outdoors).
I just write of a dreary "November" because that's from Mary Shelly's "Frankenstein," which I'm reading for Humanities.
The opening sentence starts the chapter where Victor Frankenstein recounts the night his creature came to life.
My section leader in Humanities is a Philosophy Major who specializes in medical ethics. In discussion group, we brought up some serious topics about in vitro fertilization, cloning, and "playing God."
We discussed the fact that the term "mother" has expanded in the last 23 years thanks to artificial insemination. Tthe first "test tube baby" graduated from college last year; this isn't very new stuff.
A mother can be the person who provides the egg, carries the baby through gestation, or raises the child.
The question was asked, "Who get's the card on Mother's Day?"
Hang on folks, it doesn't get any easier.
Topics expanded to ethics of cloning. I mentally asked myself "Does a clone have a soul? If yes, if life begins at conception, where does the spare soul come from?"
Should people who can't reproduce naturally do so with laboratory assistance. The case was brought up of a woman who was diagnosed with a gene that would prompt the early onset of Alzheimers (which then prompted jokes about "Now where did I put the baby...?" ).
Then came questions of genetically designed babies and revised family relations. What are the differences in bonds between a couple who go through nine months naturally and people who "pick up" their child after ordering him 9 months prior? Will this lead to more irresponsible parents and mistreated children?
When money is the determining factor in "accesorizing" your child, what options do you check or leave blank on the options list?
How can you avoid future confrontations with you child like: "Dad, I'd really like to thank you for saving $100 bucks and not option for the rope climbing genetic booster. My coach, however, did not appreciate your savings. I hate you!"
Or this touching family moment: "Son, you're having more troubles in life compared to your "souped up" friends because...well...you're a K-Mart Blue light special...."
I personally used morbid humor to keep ahead of some of the depressing topics. Making references to Gattaca and Arnold Schwarzenegger's "Junior" helped curve the blade of some of these depressing topics.
I held out till the final 5 minutes.
During a discussion about whether some embryos that are found to have genetic defects (and that technology is in place in some places) should be terminated, a person broke down talking about their mentally handicapped brother. Trying to hold back tears, she said by that standard, her brother doesn't deserve to live.
She cried softly for the rest of class.
I don't have the answer for all these ethical questions. "Playing God" has often been used as a negative slur, but more and more people seem willing to take up the task anyway.
Many of these humously propossed questions will enter into reality in the next few years. What the future holds, I've never claimed to know, but am comforted that someone has the answers out there.
After an entry that must cause to stop and pause and contemplate such sobering thoughts, turning your day into something more "dreary" than what you started, let me leave you with some words that do me much good.
Many things about tomorrow,
I don't seem to understand...
But I know who holds tomorrow...
And I know who holds my hand.
God bless.
Well, not really. I was wearing shorts today (at least until I went to Journalism, where my class is usually 10 degrees colder than the outdoors).
I just write of a dreary "November" because that's from Mary Shelly's "Frankenstein," which I'm reading for Humanities.
The opening sentence starts the chapter where Victor Frankenstein recounts the night his creature came to life.
My section leader in Humanities is a Philosophy Major who specializes in medical ethics. In discussion group, we brought up some serious topics about in vitro fertilization, cloning, and "playing God."
We discussed the fact that the term "mother" has expanded in the last 23 years thanks to artificial insemination. Tthe first "test tube baby" graduated from college last year; this isn't very new stuff.
A mother can be the person who provides the egg, carries the baby through gestation, or raises the child.
The question was asked, "Who get's the card on Mother's Day?"
Hang on folks, it doesn't get any easier.
Topics expanded to ethics of cloning. I mentally asked myself "Does a clone have a soul? If yes, if life begins at conception, where does the spare soul come from?"
Should people who can't reproduce naturally do so with laboratory assistance. The case was brought up of a woman who was diagnosed with a gene that would prompt the early onset of Alzheimers (which then prompted jokes about "Now where did I put the baby...?" ).
Then came questions of genetically designed babies and revised family relations. What are the differences in bonds between a couple who go through nine months naturally and people who "pick up" their child after ordering him 9 months prior? Will this lead to more irresponsible parents and mistreated children?
When money is the determining factor in "accesorizing" your child, what options do you check or leave blank on the options list?
How can you avoid future confrontations with you child like: "Dad, I'd really like to thank you for saving $100 bucks and not option for the rope climbing genetic booster. My coach, however, did not appreciate your savings. I hate you!"
Or this touching family moment: "Son, you're having more troubles in life compared to your "souped up" friends because...well...you're a K-Mart Blue light special...."
I personally used morbid humor to keep ahead of some of the depressing topics. Making references to Gattaca and Arnold Schwarzenegger's "Junior" helped curve the blade of some of these depressing topics.
I held out till the final 5 minutes.
During a discussion about whether some embryos that are found to have genetic defects (and that technology is in place in some places) should be terminated, a person broke down talking about their mentally handicapped brother. Trying to hold back tears, she said by that standard, her brother doesn't deserve to live.
She cried softly for the rest of class.
I don't have the answer for all these ethical questions. "Playing God" has often been used as a negative slur, but more and more people seem willing to take up the task anyway.
Many of these humously propossed questions will enter into reality in the next few years. What the future holds, I've never claimed to know, but am comforted that someone has the answers out there.
After an entry that must cause to stop and pause and contemplate such sobering thoughts, turning your day into something more "dreary" than what you started, let me leave you with some words that do me much good.
Many things about tomorrow,
I don't seem to understand...
But I know who holds tomorrow...
And I know who holds my hand.
God bless.
Tuesday, November 12, 2002
3:04 PM -
WAG - As I said earlier today, the news totally bumming me out, so I spent some time reading online comics (and the printed kind too). I think that's why newspapers still include the funnies (even though they are often more expensive to print than plain ol' black print): to help soften the blow of the everyday news. Of course it isn't always depressing. Sometimes it's lighthearted or funny. Like the fact on the marker board that says Mizzou is still statistically ellgilble for a bowl game...
Now THAT is hillarious. I can see it now: MU vs OSU at the 2002 2000 Flushes Bowl on December 26. What a treat for the team AND the Marching Band that would get dragged along for the show. What a Happy freakin' Holidays it would be! All I have to say right now is thank God for Texas A&M. After all, there are worst things than 4 and 8...
Now THAT is hillarious. I can see it now: MU vs OSU at the 2002 2000 Flushes Bowl on December 26. What a treat for the team AND the Marching Band that would get dragged along for the show. What a Happy freakin' Holidays it would be! All I have to say right now is thank God for Texas A&M. After all, there are worst things than 4 and 8...
3:00 PM -
WAG - Geez life is weird. My three hour weekly desk shift invariably leeds me to the same conclusion everyweek. Shifting through my stack of papers (The Columbia Missourian, The St. Louis Post-Dispatch, and The Maneater [the campus student papers for you non-Columbians]) and my list of online news sites (CNN, Reuters, Rushlimbaugh, Doonesbury, just to name a few) always causes me to believe the world is going mad and I should spend my time at the desk doing something more productive.
Of course, this realization comes with approximately 45-35 minutes to go (almost like clockwork), and that usually isn't enough time to do much of anything before I head off to band at 4:00. So I usually go through online comics or return to the cursed news pages to see what updates I'd missed in the last 30 minutes...sigh...
I sit before this computer screen a tired, strung-out news junkie. There, I feel better.
My pledge to go till Thanksgiving without any new influx in funds is in jeopardy. I currently have 9 bucks, plus a few random coins in my wallet. I've even raided the coin purse I have when it was time to do laundry this weekend. I had $11 before lunch, but Mo Rocca, a quasi-pundit for Comedy Central's The Daily Show is coming to Mizzou Thursday night, and the tickets were just $2 for students. I'm sure those of you with competent math skills can guess what I did in a moment of weakness.
Nine bucks and Harry Potter II opens this weekend.
Did I mention the canned-food pledge drive that's going on the dorm?
I'm not in any danger of overdrawing my bank account, but it's the principle of the thing that has me upset right now... especially when I know what the final result will be...
Curse you Daniel Radcliffe*!
*But only after the rest of the movies are made, of course.
Oh the sufferings a pop-culture fanatic must go through.
All this, and I've been asked to join the Mizzou chapter of The Dan Yankees Athletic Club. For you Sullivan people out there, I'll let you ponder the gravity of this situation...
Yep!
My life is nothing, if not always interesting.
Cool!
Of course, this realization comes with approximately 45-35 minutes to go (almost like clockwork), and that usually isn't enough time to do much of anything before I head off to band at 4:00. So I usually go through online comics or return to the cursed news pages to see what updates I'd missed in the last 30 minutes...sigh...
I sit before this computer screen a tired, strung-out news junkie. There, I feel better.
My pledge to go till Thanksgiving without any new influx in funds is in jeopardy. I currently have 9 bucks, plus a few random coins in my wallet. I've even raided the coin purse I have when it was time to do laundry this weekend. I had $11 before lunch, but Mo Rocca, a quasi-pundit for Comedy Central's The Daily Show is coming to Mizzou Thursday night, and the tickets were just $2 for students. I'm sure those of you with competent math skills can guess what I did in a moment of weakness.
Nine bucks and Harry Potter II opens this weekend.
Did I mention the canned-food pledge drive that's going on the dorm?
I'm not in any danger of overdrawing my bank account, but it's the principle of the thing that has me upset right now... especially when I know what the final result will be...
Curse you Daniel Radcliffe*!
*But only after the rest of the movies are made, of course.
Oh the sufferings a pop-culture fanatic must go through.
All this, and I've been asked to join the Mizzou chapter of The Dan Yankees Athletic Club. For you Sullivan people out there, I'll let you ponder the gravity of this situation...
Yep!
My life is nothing, if not always interesting.
Cool!
Monday, November 11, 2002
5:31 PM -
WAG - Today, the most valuable thing learned was investigate whether or not a rubberband ball I bought from Wal-Mart was entirely made up of rubberbands, or if it had something in the middle. Actually I watched as my friend disected the ball and put dozens of rubberbands on her arms and hands. I also watched her cut off her circulation to a rediculous degree, though I'm happy to say it was worth it because we found out the ball was 100% rubberband ball! Then we, and I mean she, spent a lot of time putting it back together. Of course, it isn't as round now (it's a bit lopsided, like an egg), but a valuable lesson was learned.
All my friends are psycho, and the sooner I accept, that the better I will be. End of moral.
Eat your heart out Aesop.
All my friends are psycho, and the sooner I accept, that the better I will be. End of moral.
Eat your heart out Aesop.
Sunday, November 10, 2002
10:23 PM -
WAG - It just struck me that this little "experiment" of a website has now been up for over a month. Far be it to me to toot my own horn (CUE BAD PUN: outside of band at least... WAIT FOR GROAN AND CONTINUE WITH RANT), but it's nice to know it didn't crash and burn as quickly as other projects I've attempted.
I hope those of you who still semi-regularly read this are continuing to find this entertaining, or at least don't consider it a waste of your time time to click and skim. I'm not asking for much: just a soapbox with a crowd to talk to (and when you provide the box yourself, it's not really much at all).
So thank you who are reading and I hope you have a good day.
I NOW RETURN YOUR TO YOUR PREVIOUSLY SCHEDULED LIFE ALREADY IN PROGRESS...
I hope those of you who still semi-regularly read this are continuing to find this entertaining, or at least don't consider it a waste of your time time to click and skim. I'm not asking for much: just a soapbox with a crowd to talk to (and when you provide the box yourself, it's not really much at all).
So thank you who are reading and I hope you have a good day.
I NOW RETURN YOUR TO YOUR PREVIOUSLY SCHEDULED LIFE ALREADY IN PROGRESS...
7:47 AM -
WAG - Boy it's been a long week, and it had a weekend to match. Homework, football games, basketball games, and miscellaneous life clutter (you know what I mean).
I hope to have a mass email sent out this week to let people know a bit more about what I've been doing. I'll try to cut down on the rants because that's what this place is more about, but you know they'll be included.
I only have about two more weeks of Marching Band, which means my schedule is about to clear up (for a month at least). The first Women's Basketball game was today, however, so I'll be gearing up for the march toward March.
After the overtime loss to Colorado this weekend, I won't be the only Mizzou student shifting gears. MU Football: The Real Reason Why We Are Building a New Basketball Arena (no offense to Coaches Snyder, Stein or Pinkel intended).
Anyway, the Women's Pep Band, Three-Point Play, is cooler than Marching Mizzou because not only do to get to play indoors for shorter periods, but you get more personal "interaction" with the players.
I had been a bit bummed by the fact I had to miss chuch because of the early starting time of the game, but I did get to see the Lady Tigers crush the Vikings: a, I'm not kidding, traveling team from Sweden (there they're Defending National Champions). I'm not sure they understand English enough to comprehend many of the slams that came from stands, but I know they didn't appreciate it when the band barked at them when they came to the free throw line.
It seems the sarcasm translates well even when the message doesn't.
Final score 86 to 46. By the looks of things, it's going to be a fun season.
Next up: Truman University at 7 p.m. on Friday. It's their opening game. Sorry, Sis.
In other news...there isn't much else. Homework is everpresent, deadlines are constant, and work keeps funding my seemingly unsasisfiable thirst for DVDs (I'm serious thinking of joining the Columbia House DVD club, but it would interfere with my No-More-Major-Purchases-Or-Bank-Withdrawals-Till-Thanksgiving-Pledge. Right now, that's two weeks away...and boy is my wallet thin).
Still, I'm getting by, and as long as I can read about 300 pages tonight I'll stay on schedule.
Heh, heh, heh.
I can't even type that with a straight face. Oh well...
Best lines of the day: "It's time to Carpe some Diems!" which was promptly followed by "I pity whoever becomes your Sancho Panza."
It's nice to know the classes I go to MU for are making me more culter-ized (or is that intelligenter?).
All this and tuitition is still expected to go up next year. I'm so thankful for the inclusion of capitalism in the American education system.
Pardon me while I hum the alma matter as I pass along the "donation" can (If you view the increase as "blackmail" [which is someting you're not required to pay but pay anyway to avoid unpleasant results] it is still a "donation".
After all, we have a arena to pay for!
I hope to have a mass email sent out this week to let people know a bit more about what I've been doing. I'll try to cut down on the rants because that's what this place is more about, but you know they'll be included.
I only have about two more weeks of Marching Band, which means my schedule is about to clear up (for a month at least). The first Women's Basketball game was today, however, so I'll be gearing up for the march toward March.
After the overtime loss to Colorado this weekend, I won't be the only Mizzou student shifting gears. MU Football: The Real Reason Why We Are Building a New Basketball Arena (no offense to Coaches Snyder, Stein or Pinkel intended).
Anyway, the Women's Pep Band, Three-Point Play, is cooler than Marching Mizzou because not only do to get to play indoors for shorter periods, but you get more personal "interaction" with the players.
I had been a bit bummed by the fact I had to miss chuch because of the early starting time of the game, but I did get to see the Lady Tigers crush the Vikings: a, I'm not kidding, traveling team from Sweden (there they're Defending National Champions). I'm not sure they understand English enough to comprehend many of the slams that came from stands, but I know they didn't appreciate it when the band barked at them when they came to the free throw line.
It seems the sarcasm translates well even when the message doesn't.
Final score 86 to 46. By the looks of things, it's going to be a fun season.
Next up: Truman University at 7 p.m. on Friday. It's their opening game. Sorry, Sis.
In other news...there isn't much else. Homework is everpresent, deadlines are constant, and work keeps funding my seemingly unsasisfiable thirst for DVDs (I'm serious thinking of joining the Columbia House DVD club, but it would interfere with my No-More-Major-Purchases-Or-Bank-Withdrawals-Till-Thanksgiving-Pledge. Right now, that's two weeks away...and boy is my wallet thin).
Still, I'm getting by, and as long as I can read about 300 pages tonight I'll stay on schedule.
Heh, heh, heh.
I can't even type that with a straight face. Oh well...
Best lines of the day: "It's time to Carpe some Diems!" which was promptly followed by "I pity whoever becomes your Sancho Panza."
It's nice to know the classes I go to MU for are making me more culter-ized (or is that intelligenter?).
All this and tuitition is still expected to go up next year. I'm so thankful for the inclusion of capitalism in the American education system.
Pardon me while I hum the alma matter as I pass along the "donation" can (If you view the increase as "blackmail" [which is someting you're not required to pay but pay anyway to avoid unpleasant results] it is still a "donation".
After all, we have a arena to pay for!
Wednesday, November 06, 2002
10:28 PM -
WAG - Hallelujah! The election is over! Now I can get some sleep.
After staying up till 2 a.m., and sleeping through classes this morning till 10 a.m., I was pleasantly surprised to find the election was over! No lawsuits, no major controversy, no talk of "hanging chads" (cue unconscious shudder).
The election is over and now I can get on with my life...
After spending days gearing up for doing political coverage, the day itself was stressing at times. Doing exit polls in 40 degree weather ain't too easy when it first involves getting people to spend some extra time with you out in cold even before you ask if you can ask questions. Not fun.
Being cussed out was my least favorite moment. Heaven forbid I try to get someone to reconsider their world view. I simply made the comment that some people (all parties are occasionally at fault, not just Democrats, Greens, or Republicans...) try to demonize their opponent and claim their opposition is stubborn and closed minded all while displaying many of the same details villified...
This observation, that condemns numerous voters, prompted the person to cut loose with quite a vulgar and filthy diatribe calling me really nasty things.
God Bless the First Amendment.
The day perked up as I got to crash the Boone County Democratic Party's Party in Columbia (and get some background information on one of the race's I was covering). I was good little journalist, however, and did not partake in any of the free food that was widely available...
I spent the evening, outside the party, glued to CNN, constantly checking the MO Secratary of State's website, and listening to the radio for Boone County results. Can you say "Mass-Media Overload?"
Caramba!
Anyway, I got my article turned in at the 1 a.m. deadline and later found out I got a 90 percent on my grade-excellent!
I've been coasting ever since, because I have nothing for the rest of the week that comes close to paralleling the rollercoaster I had leading up to pressing SEND this morning.
I feel like it's Saturday, and I just felt like going to class just for the fun of it. There's no point, but I'm showing up anyway. Ah....
The weekend isn't here yet, however, and I still must labor through the minor hassles one encounters throughout the week.
Besides, I can still have some fun...(the person who cussed me out was a Carnahan supporter, and I know where I can pick up some extra Talent signs to decorate his door....).
Please excuse me, I need to dig out my duct tape.
Like I said, God bless the First Amendment!
After staying up till 2 a.m., and sleeping through classes this morning till 10 a.m., I was pleasantly surprised to find the election was over! No lawsuits, no major controversy, no talk of "hanging chads" (cue unconscious shudder).
The election is over and now I can get on with my life...
After spending days gearing up for doing political coverage, the day itself was stressing at times. Doing exit polls in 40 degree weather ain't too easy when it first involves getting people to spend some extra time with you out in cold even before you ask if you can ask questions. Not fun.
Being cussed out was my least favorite moment. Heaven forbid I try to get someone to reconsider their world view. I simply made the comment that some people (all parties are occasionally at fault, not just Democrats, Greens, or Republicans...) try to demonize their opponent and claim their opposition is stubborn and closed minded all while displaying many of the same details villified...
This observation, that condemns numerous voters, prompted the person to cut loose with quite a vulgar and filthy diatribe calling me really nasty things.
God Bless the First Amendment.
The day perked up as I got to crash the Boone County Democratic Party's Party in Columbia (and get some background information on one of the race's I was covering). I was good little journalist, however, and did not partake in any of the free food that was widely available...
I spent the evening, outside the party, glued to CNN, constantly checking the MO Secratary of State's website, and listening to the radio for Boone County results. Can you say "Mass-Media Overload?"
Caramba!
Anyway, I got my article turned in at the 1 a.m. deadline and later found out I got a 90 percent on my grade-excellent!
I've been coasting ever since, because I have nothing for the rest of the week that comes close to paralleling the rollercoaster I had leading up to pressing SEND this morning.
I feel like it's Saturday, and I just felt like going to class just for the fun of it. There's no point, but I'm showing up anyway. Ah....
The weekend isn't here yet, however, and I still must labor through the minor hassles one encounters throughout the week.
Besides, I can still have some fun...(the person who cussed me out was a Carnahan supporter, and I know where I can pick up some extra Talent signs to decorate his door....).
Please excuse me, I need to dig out my duct tape.
Like I said, God bless the First Amendment!
Sunday, November 03, 2002
2:46 PM -
WAG - Hello.
This is just a quick entry to assure people out there Halloween didn't finish me off. I've had a very busy weekend; well not busy, just filled with lots of minor tasks.
I still have a lot of things to do, but I'll post an update if things calm down a bit latter in the evening.
I can hear the siren call of my bookcase...
Its telling me I have reading assignments to tend to...
Curse MU for requiring students to have classes!
Oh well...
Happy( __fill_in_your_own_blank_here__) everyone!
I myself must attend the codex.
This is just a quick entry to assure people out there Halloween didn't finish me off. I've had a very busy weekend; well not busy, just filled with lots of minor tasks.
I still have a lot of things to do, but I'll post an update if things calm down a bit latter in the evening.
I can hear the siren call of my bookcase...
Its telling me I have reading assignments to tend to...
Curse MU for requiring students to have classes!
Oh well...
Happy( __fill_in_your_own_blank_here__) everyone!
I myself must attend the codex.
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