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So, this week:
Planning the wedding (I swear I'm almost done..now it's just deposits and decorations)
School (nothing like reading a 1200 page book over the summer)
Work (picked up hours for one of the other agents because I'm a masochist - at least he's paying me $30/hr)
Purchasing a condo (we're at P&S/Lawyer stage currently...which involves writing a RIDICULOUS check!)
311 concert (yes, I'm working...NYCHOLLE, are you going?)
And then there's lunch with my cousin and my sister supposedly, cleaning out my closet and getting rid of stuff, a haircut, and general mayhem.
Oh right, and I applied for 2 jobs - we shall see. One is with a non-profit that benefits returning soldiers, and one is with the Museum of Science.
Steph apparently doesn't like empty spots in her calendar. Please discuss.
And now you know why it takes me a month to post. But, I am getting shit done. I think.
Oh, and I went to the Bosstones/Dropkicks concert last Saturday. As soon as I don't want to puke from looking at my computer (40 hours a week will do that to you) I'll upload the pictures. I think I still owe someone pictures from Sox/Yanks too, huh?
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Cambridge Boots Boy Scouts, Calls Support for Soldiers "Pro-War". Okay - one: support for the soldiers is not "Pro-War", no more than allowing a woman the right to choose is "Pro-Abortion". The soldiers are risking their lives in a police action (it is not a war, actually...the "war" ended months ago) which OBVIOUSLY isn't going to end any time soon. They did not choose the war, they did not agree to the war. They are only doing their jobs. Unfortunately, the politicians voted to go to war without having some sort of an exit strategy. Two: They are BOY SCOUTS. They volunteer and donate and work toward making this world a better place. I'm not saying they are the only ones, but come ON! My fiance is an Eagle Scout, and, let me tell you, they work ridiculously hard to reach that achievement. These kids were trying to get donations because they believe they should help people. Many troops also do Toys for Tots, soup kitchens, and raise money and clothing for the poor. They are not "Pro-Homeless" because of that, though. One interesting comment at the end of the troop leader's article says "Hopefully the lesson learned by all...is that liberals want to run your life. All the talk of "tolerance" and such is just that, talk..." We have officially hit a level in our society where being "politically correct" is taken to a level where some people are censored and others are slapped on the wrist for being "controversial". Blacks suddenly have to deal with people using nooses as a passive-aggressive threat, Boy Scouts are being told that they shouldn't help the soldiers, and I (since I'm in the majority) must watch what I say to not be labeled as "Racist" or "Prejudice". Everyone needs to take a step back from their soap box (including me) and look around. Our society is more divided because we are still prejudiced...we just hide it under a smile and a roll of the eyes behind people's backs. It's still there, people. The civil rights movement will never be over.
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This noose BS is getting out of control. I can't say it any more clearly or succinctly. AT NO POINT is it okay to hang a noose on a black professor's door, from a tree because a black person sat under it, or leave it on a black T driver's seat. What exactly, if anything, did we learn from the civil rights movement? Apparently nothing. Not only did we learn NOTHING, but racism and prejudice was pushed down in our conscience to the point where things like nooses and swastikas are popping up everywhere. Passive-aggressive much?
And, it's not even like it was just the noose on the T driver's seat...apparently one of his Hispanic collegues thought it was a brilliant idea to wear a noose as a Halloween costume!
The First Amendment states: CONGRESS SHALL MAKE NO LAW RESPECTING AN ESTABLISHMENT OF RELIGION, OR PROHIBITING THE FREE EXERCISE THEREOF; OR ABRIDGING THE FREEDOM OF SPEECH, OR OF THE PRESS; OR THE RIGHT OF THE PEOPLE PEACEABLY TO ASSEMBLE, AND TO PETITION THE GOVERNMENT FOR A REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES. It does NOT, however, state that you may express your opinion, religion, or anything else in such a manner as to infringe on another citizens rights. So, don't go quoting First Amendment to me in defense of the morons who think striking fear into the hearts of minorities is a okay.
For the record, I am a white Catholic female. I do not particularly know what it is like to be persecuted, but I do know persecution is wrong. If I can come up with that theory on my own, others should be able to do the same.
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Every once in a while, I get sucked into myself, allowing myself to be dragged down by insecurities and fears. Yesterday was one of those days. I'm not happy with my job; I just want to start school and get my MPA so I can take the Mass Maritime MS in Emergency Management courses.
And then, something happens to make me realize my situation isn't nearly as bad as I'd like to think it is....
Today, at approximately 6 PM CST, the westbound bridge of I-35 in Minneapolis collapsed. 7 people are confirmed dead (edited 8/2/07 at 10:30 AM EST), large chunks of roadway are in the Mississippi River, and it's assumed 50-100 cars were on the bridge when it suddenly gave way.
At this time, the Department of Homeland Security does not believe this was an act of terrorism. According to that article, as well, there has been construction on the bridge in the past few weeks, including night construction yesterday, which was to resume today at 8 PM. The NTSB will investigate the cause of the collapse once the search-and-rescue operation has ended (8/2/07 4:22 PM EST - the SAR has officially ended; this is now a recovery operation. The NTSB is planning to rebuild the bridge much like they would rebuild a plane that has crashed).
According to CNN.com, structural problems with the bridge were noted twice since 2001, though no action was taken. In 2001, it was noted that "The bridge's deck truss system has not experienced fatigue cracking, but it has many poor fatigue details on the main truss and the floor truss system," (a report conducted for the Minnesota Department of Transportation 2001) - cnn.com article linked here. And in 2005, the bridge received a 4 out of 10, meaning "there is "advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour." Spalling is a term used to describe cracking, chipping, crumbling or fraying, while scour is a term used for erosion caused by flowing water." (also from the cnn.com article). The mayor held a press conference Wednesday after the tragedy stating the problems were minor and that the state told them the deck would need to be rehabilitated or replaced in 2020 or later.
One engineering professor was shocked by the way the bridge collapsed - "I am totally puzzled as to why both ends of the bridge would come down all at once. When my colleague tested it, it was very low stress," said Ted Galambos, a University of Minnesota engineering professor. "I don't think it was overload, so it could have been either some fatigue, failure or some sudden buckling that would cause the failure."
The Minnesota Twins played their game tonight, after conferring with the Department of Public Safety. It was determined that cancelling/postponing the game would put all of the attendees back on the road, which would likely hamper rescue efforts. Thursday's afternoon game against the Royals has been postponed, as has the ground-breaking ceremony for the Twins new stadium. It is undetermined at this time whether more games will be postponed.
That'll put things into perspective.
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The New York Times is having an essay contest based on Rick Perlstein's article "What's the matter with college?". Students are being asked to respond by explaining Why College Matters.
I do believe, after reading the article, that Mr. Perlstein missed the point. College may not be that place "to discover your first independent film, read your first forbidden book, find freaks like yourself who, say, shared a passion for Lenny Bruce", but it is a place to learn about cultural diversity. And, in that diversity, you will find the greatest people you will ever meet.
In his essay, Mr. Perlstein is trying to compare my generation to my parents' generation. There were social mores that students were fighting against at that point. With my generation, broken mores are more acceptable...drinking and drugs are not a "counter-culture" persay - there were 3 first-round draft picks for the NFL who admitted to smoking pot. Sex before marriage is not quite the "sin" it seemed to be in the 50's. Tattoos and piercings are almost a rite of passage, rather than a show of individuality. And (he does make this point, though he seems to feel that it makes college irrelevant) the advent of the internet has allowed "banned" books and independent or foreign films to be readily accessible. In fact, you can have many of these things delivered to your door in hard copy or delivered to your computer in .PDF or .MP3 formats.
Before, college was a place of "hippies" and "beatniks", the people who your parents warned you about. They were the greatest people you could ever meet because they taught you to think for yourself. Now, college is the place to meet future presidents, CEOs, entrepreneurs...the greatest people you could ever meet because they teach you how to DO for yourself. In fact, he cites a conversation with Caroline Ouwerkerk, who is considered an "Organization Kid" (Coined from a 2001 Atlantic Monthly article by David Brooks, as cited in the Perlstein article). She is involved in several facets of her university, which Perlstein believes is the university scheduling her self-exploration. The problem with his theory is, you get involved if you want. It isn't compulsory. And most students try to be as involved as possible to make the university more "their school" than a place they attend. This was likely shunned in the 60s and 70s, as it must have been an attempt for "the Man" to get his hands on your life. In actuality, not being involved means you ARE being run by the Man, as decisions are made at the school that will directly effect you, and yet you had no control because you wanted to be independent.
College has moved from "a place to discover yourself" to "a place to refine yourself". With all the world at our fingertips, we are able to discover what we like, dislike, and care about earlier than before. And what we like/dislike/care about is not necessarily influenced by our parents ideals. In fact, in order to decide where you want to go to school, you have to have already discovered who you are.
Anyone who has applied for a job lately has noticed a trend. "Bachelor's degree or equivalent required". For many careers, you MUST go to college to even be considered. Yes, college has definitely transitioned to a necessary stop on the road of life, but that is what makes it matter even more.
It may not be the way of the hippie generation, but it seems to me that college is even more relevant than before.
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The charges are as follows:
"Knowingly sponsoring and exhibiting an animal fighting venture," of conducting a business enterprise involving gambling, as well as buying, transporting and receiving dogs for the purposes of an animal fighting venture." In addition, it's also probable that local charges could be brought against Vick.
Now, bear with me. I'm kind of surprised about the indictment (though, according to one editorial, it shouldn't insight surprise, more like dismay), because, 2 weeks ago, they didn't have enough evidence to charge him with anything. Granted, at that point, they were investigating his property in VA again. I'm not sure what they found, or who they found, but OBVIOUSLY there is more evidence than presented. At this time, the Roger Goodell, commissioner of the National Football League, has agreed to let Vick play, after a conversation with the Atlanta Falcons officials. Apparently, his court date coincides with the date Vick is supposed to report to training camp.
For an indictment - Evidence is presented to a grand jury who decides whether the prosecution has enough evidence to move forward. Then, the defendent is summonsed to court, and the process begins.
Even with this indictment, the popularity of dogfighting is continuing to rise. Let's face facts - these dogs are put into a pit to, basically, kill each other. It's violent, cruel, and sad. Dogs are injured, and if they don't win, they are put to death (electrocution, beating, drowning, etc...It's vicious and not for the faint of heart.) Pit bulls are thought to be violent, aggressive, and quick to snap. This actually is not true. It's not the breed that's the problem, it's the training/treatment. I.e. it's not Nature, it's Nurture.
If, IF!, he is guilty of this (I do not have access to the evidence, obviously, so I can't know for sure), but IF he is guilty of this, he should absolutely be punished to the fullest extent of the law (which apparently is only 6 years). Vick says he didn't know, he apologized to the owner of the Falcons, and he is "devastated" by the indictment. Right now, after the Duke Lacrosse Case, I'm going to go with innocent until proven guilty. Only reason being, there was a large amount of "evidence" in the Duke case, and it all turned out to be a sham. I doubt this is the case with Vick, but I honestly can't bring myself to hang him in the court of public opinion based on the horrific videos I've seen.
So, what do we do at this point? Do fans turn their back on Vick? Should the Falcons cut him, like the Bears cut Tank Johnson (not really the same thing. The Bears told Johnson he was walking a thin line, and they were instituting a "zero tolerance" policy. It was 3:30 AM, he was speeding, and he was thought to be drunk...kind of violating the zero tolerance, don't you think?) Or, do we have an "innocent until proven guilty" mentality at this point?
We are at the very beginning of what will surely be a long and drawn out legal procedure. So I suppose, we shall see. I truly hope he isn't involved, because the idea of dogfighting is horrible to me. But, I have a feeling we may be seeing him heading off to jail at some point in '08.
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I finished Into Thin Air, yesterday, and let me tell you...I immediately had to start a Christopher Moore book to clear my head.
This book is the eyewitness account of Jon Krakauer, who climbed Mt. Everest in May of 1996 as part of an assignment for Outside Magazine. Little did he know, he'd begin a harrowing journey that would end with 13 climbers dead (including 3 accomplished climbers/guides), most of the rest injured, and many questions that could never be answered. It also left a profound sense of guilt in Krakauer, who feels that he could have done something to prevent this tragedy. The fact he got off the mountain at all is amazing.
I don't think I've ever read a book about a disaster that actually made me want to attempt anything quite like this book did. Even after finishing the book (and thinking in my head "NO! Don't do it! You'll die if you try to summit this mountain"), I kind of have a hankering to climb Mt. Everest. Pipe dream, really. I've never done any serious climbing, and I wouldn't be in any kind of shape to attempt that at all. There's just something about the descriptions from those who have climbed the mountain (including quotes from climbers like Eric Shipton) that make me want to see what it's like at "the top of the world". For example, there's Krakauer's personal view on May 10th, 1996: "Straddling the top of the world, one foot in China and the other in Nepal, I cleared the ice from my oxygen masked, hunched a shoulder against the wind, and stared absently down at the vastness of Tibet. I understood on some dim, detached level that the sweep of earth beneath my feet was a spectacular sight. I'd been fantasizing about this moment, and the release of emotion that would accompany it, for many months. But now that I was finally here, actually standing on the summit of Mount Everest, I just couldn't summon the energy to care." The idea that exhaustion, coupled with a lack of oxygen, kept him from really enjoying that view is unbelievable. I can't imagine the stress he was under at that point, physically and mentally.
After Krakauer's initial article in Outside, he received large volumes of mail on a daily basis, some complementary, some very critical. He angered family members by speculating that Andy "Harold" Harris had walked off the edge of the South Col after successfully summitting the mountain. He met up with Harold at Camp 4 when Krakauer stopped to grab a new canister of oxygen during his descent. Harold, per Krakauer's description, was delusional from a lack of oxygen (he was checking O2 canisters and proclaiming them all empty, even though there were at least 6 that were half-full or completely full), and Krakauer was also sluggish and lagging. He didn't recognize the signs for Harold until it was too late because his brain was suffering from a lack of oxygen. Krakauer did correct his mistakes after conversations with one of the Sherpa guides and another climber proved that Harold was ascending the mountain again to help Rob Hall and one of Hall's customers, neither of whom made it off the mountain. There were many mistakes made on that mountain, but no one mistake could be blamed for the calamity. It's possible, even probable, that people would have died no matter what. It was like the mountain had a grudge against the climbers.
All in all, I'd suggest this book, but readers beware: You will be left shaking your head and second guessing many of the decisions that were made by Rob Hall, Scott Fischer and Andy "Harold" Harris.
**As a note, I picked this book up after Christine Boskoff's body was finally found in China. She was the owner of Mountain Madness, a Seattle adventure travel company originally owned by Scott Fischer.**
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I went to the Red Sox game last night. The boys took it to Roy Halladay and won 7-4. Definitely did not look like Roy Halladay on the mound...he struggled with control very early in the 1st inning, throwing nearly 40 pitches. He was over 100 pitches before the end of the 5th inning. I was highly surprised, but I was also thrilled that Manny and Papi were hitting again....even if they weren't hitting homers all night.
Now, to preface this...I believe there are 2 types of fans. "Team" fans, and sports fans. So, for this example, there are Red Sox Fans (Sawhx Fans), and there are baseball fans. I am a baseball fan. I root for the Sox first, but I love to see a good game. I like watching National League Baseball, I will sit and watch a Yankees game (if it doesn't conflict with the Sox), and I can appreciate another pitcher spinning a stellar game against the Sox (i.e. Felix Hernandez this year). Most people in Boston are Sawhx Fans...they believe the Yankees Suck, the Sox can do no wrong, and they are better at GMing and managing the team than Theo and Tito, respectively.
There are 3 things that bother me at baseball games...1. The people who spend all game up to the 7th inning stretch getting their 2 beers. Drunken fans are always obnoxious (I should know...I've been one).
2. People who don't take their hat off during the National Anthem. This goes for girls too. We want to be equal, therefore we should comply when we are told "Now rise, and remove your hats, for the National Anthem". I'm not sure about other countries, but I believe *most* are quite patriotic. It REALLY annoys me that people actually have to be told to remove their hats. It should be a given. And shame on the baby boomers who keep their caps on...I'm sure most had friends who fought, were injured, or died in Vietnam...at least be respectful of them.
3. Fans who have a blatant disregard of the other team. The Yankees do not suck...no matter how much Sox fans hate them. They are a good team, and that's what makes the rivalry great. The Sox want to beat them, and it's so much more fun when both teams are good (i.e. 2004 ALCS). Also, when a player from another team is hit by a liner (Scott Downs of the Blue Jays), he IS NOT a baby for being helped off the field. That is how Roy Halladay broke his leg last year, and how Jeff Karstens broke his leg this year. No one should wish injury (or death, in the case of the man sitting behind me last night) on ANY player. Karma comes back at least 3-fold. Remember that.
This man sitting behind me last night, late 40s or early 50s, was yelling about how Downs was a baby for being helped off the field, and then, after I shot him a look that amounted to "WTF is wrong with you", he started in on how winning is everything even if it means death to a player of another team, and how "real fans" understand that. Nope, sorry...REAL fans don't want to see anyone hurt because they want their team to show prowess. They want their team to beat the best of the best, not the best of the worst.
My mom was very surprised I didn't light into that guy, but I was sitting in someone else's seats, and I really didn't want to hear that I was obnoxious for setting this guy right.
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Today is the annual ESPN "Don't Give Up" ESPYs V Foundation auction for cancer. The foundation was created by and for Jim Valvano, who died from cancer in 1993. He was a passionate man who believed in living life to the fullest, even during his last few months on this earth. Never once did he ever stop fighting his cancer or fighting for research and cures.
March 4th, 1993 - Jim Valvano received the Arthur Ashe Courage Award. This was his speech:
That will make you laugh and it will likely make you cry. Jimmy V died about 2 months after this speech, but his memory and dream live on. His foundation, along with ESPN, has raised over $60M for cancer research. Makes me feel like an underachiever.
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I just finished this book, Dark Tide, about the Great Boston Molasses Flood of 1919. Yes, the flood became a joke in some respects, because, really, molasses??? But this was a horrific tragedy taking the lives of 20 people in the North End of Boston (21 if you agree with Martin Clogherty that his brother's death was a direct result of the flood, though years later). The flood, blamed on negligence by United Stated Industrial Alcohol and stemming from a poorly designed and un-inspected 2.3 million gallon steel tank, devastated the North End, as evidenced by the pictures published in the book.
What struck me while reading this book were the parallels to the current political atmosphere in the United States. The tank stood during a war and subsequent recession when the war ended, workers flooded the workforce, and businesses shut down due to a lessening demand (i.e. supplies weren't needed for the war anymore, thus manufacturing declined). When the disaster happened, the economy was beginning to turn around. Though workers struck for higher wages and anarchists waged bomb strikes against authority, businesses were beginning to get back to normal capacity. It was interesting to read as we are in a "war" (political action I believe now...the actual "war" has ended) and economists are warning of a decline in the economy again. We have undocumented workers who cannot strike as the technically don't exist on paper, and suicide bombers and car bombers have terrorized different parts of the world. It was a little weird to see some of the parallels, given the fact that I am 88 years removed from the flood.
At any rate, I do suggest picking this up, if you like history. It was an interesting and well-written account of a disaster who's stories are based mostly on those told quickly in school books.
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I was picked to write a blog for school when I start in September. Apparently, people think my writing is interesting =).
I'm actually really excited about this because it will give me something of a venue for writing with a "direction" of sorts. Obviously, it's about the experience of grad school, but it's opinion too. Ought to be interesting.
OH!! And I have training for volunteering at the MSPCA in August, which will be exciting. I'm not home enough to actually have a pet, so it'll be nice to spend some time on Sundays with the animals. It's a minimum of a 6 month commitment, but that's not too bad.
Other than that - here's an article of interest - apparently, doctors are prescribing anti-depressants for "unhappiness". I understand clinical depression, but, when a woman goes to her doctor and explains that she's stressed because she doesn't like how her husband handles their finances, but she doesn't want to hurt his feelings by taking them over abruptly, I don't think she needs medication. She likely needs to see a marriage counselor, because she should be able to tell her husband that she would rather take care of the finances. The fact that the doctor put her on medication which basically led to her husband running the family into financial ruin because of her medicated apathy is amazing to me. I'm not saying that there aren't people out there who actually need medication - on the contrary, I think there are people who definitely should be on anti-depressants. But the level of prescriptions written is shocking. It's kind of like my aunt and uncle, who are on something like 6 heart medications combined. Their doctor just prescribes pills, which I'm worried is what is happening with these anti-depressants.
I also wonder if this is a by-product of our single-serving culture (yes, sort of ripped from Fight Club, but it's true). We live in a society that wants for ease and quickness - Swiffer Sweepers, bottled water, take-out. Is it possible that some people turn to anti-depressants because they don't want to deal with what is truly bothering them? That maybe taking a pill is easier than talking it out? Maybe.
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Everyone knows Jackie Robinson. Even if you aren't a baseball fan, you know he was the first black player in Major League Baseball. His first game was April 15th, 1947 with the Brooklyn Dodgers, and he wore the number 42. Most people know that number because it was retired from baseball (all of baseball) in 1997...the 50th anniversary of his most notable feat. The only player still currently wearing 42 is Mariano Rivera of the New York Yankees. He was grandfathered in when the number was retired.
What you may not know is that Larry Doby came up to the majors 2.5 months later on July 5th, 1947. He was the first black player in the American League, playing for the Cleveland Indians. He played his last game in the Negro Leagues on July 4th, hitting a home run in his last at bat, before he was sent to the major leagues. He pinch-hit on July 5th, striking out in his only at-bat that day.
While Jackie Robinson has become a household name, Larry Doby is not as well known, even though he went through the same trials and tribulations as the ubiquitous Robinson. Racial bias, slurs, and segregation were commonplace in 1947, with Doby having to stay in separate hotels and eat at separate diners. But, we do not have a "Larry Doby Day" even though he was just as instrumental in integrating baseball as Jackie Robinson.
In a search on mlb.com, the articles referencing Jackie Robinson are nearly infinite (okay...a bit of a hyperbole, but still), while the articles about Larry Doby aren't quite as high in number. Jackie Robinson signed with the Dodgers in October of 1945, allowing for a year of minor league ball before coming up to the Majors. Doby's contract was purchased from the Newark (NJ) Eagles on July 3rd, 1947, and he played his first game for the Cleveland Indians two days later. Trial by fire.
At some point, we need to look back and recognize the rest of the players who helped spread integration. Jackie Robinson was the first, but he certainly wasn't the last, nor could he have done it by himself.
Today should be Larry Doby Day. Maybe, eventually, this will happen.
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Sammy Sosa hit his 600th home run on Wednesday. Awesome. Good for him. That's one heck of an exclusive club...only 5 members. You have to be a prolific power hitter and a long career.
Or do you?
According to the Hall of Fame voters (in the infinite wisdom of the Baseball Writers Association), Sosa will be a first-ballot HoFer. What? Wait, the same guy who's been rumored to have used steroids? The same guy who corked his bat? The same guy who took last year off because no one in baseball wanted him around? Is this really the same guy who FORGOT how to speak English in front of Congress? And, now, after his 600th home run, he speaks better English than most of the native English speakers I know??
Really?
But, Mark McGwire doesn't belong in. Barry Bonds may not get in because of rumors. Jim Rice isn't in because he's the line you must be past to get in (if your numbers are better, you're in...unless you're Mark McGwire). And Buck O'Neil...don't get me started.
And the BBWA has the GALL to claim that they were fooled in the 90's. They didn't KNOW people were using steroids. Or they did know, and they ignored it in 1998, when McGwire and Sosa saved baseball.
Are you freakin' kidding me?
Let 'em all in, or keep 'em all out.
Hypocrites.
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when an override vote for town services is planned for a Saturday (including money needed for the schools) and 3 teachers were laid off 2 days prior. At what point do the townspeople need to look at the town and realize we are in some serious trouble?
My town has an override vote on Saturday. The vote will include, among over things, money for the school district, emergency services, the senior center, and the library. Without this money, we run the risk of having our high school unaccredited (which means kids will likely have to pass the GED after graduation...after taking the SATs and passing the MCAS test). School hours would be cut, and teachers would be laid off. We will see our library lose 25% of its government funding, which means we will have to cut hours again and will not be able to participate in the inter-library loaning system. We will not be able to hire more firefighters or police officers, and we may actually have to lay some off.
All because the townspeople don't want to pay a bit more in property taxes. On my house, taxes would go from $3500/year to $4000/year. $500 is absolutely worth the price to make sure our town is, well, inhabitable.
My issue is the fact that, no matter what the vote, 1/2 of the houses in my town will be up for sale in about a month. And let me tell you, if the override doesn't pass, I will not consider buying a home in my town. I don't want to buy a house and not be able to use the library or send my kids (when I have them) to the school in the area. And I really don't want to be planning to move in 4 years when I decide to have kids with Justin.
My town is trying to bring business into our industrial parks (which have been basically empty since they were built), but, how many businesses will want to open in a town with this many problems?
Yeah, I'm a bit nervous.
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Other times, it's reminiscent of the time the bolt was stripped on one of my pedals. Yep...I have the scar to show for that.
I met with my advisor on Friday, and I feel a heck of a lot better about going back to school. Let me tell you, after 4 years of writing letters to clients off templates I created, the idea of writing a research paper is beyond scary. "Research??? We don't need no stinkin' research..." Okay. Yeah, we do.
I'll be taking 2 classes in September, easing myself back into school. Grad school. Whoa.
And, Suffolk asks a few students to blog during the year. I threw my name into the fray. It'll give me a chance to write (which I should be doing anyway), and I'll have something to look back on when I graduate. Oh, growth.
So, it's possible, if I am picked to blog, that this journal will fall by the wayside. Maybe I'll figure out that RSS thing and be able to link the two blogs together. Otherwise, I'll just post the link here.
Phew...life gets interesting all at once.
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So, a cardiologist from the Brockton Hospital was asked to stop breastfeeding her 8 week old in an iParty this weekend. When the baby was fussy and crying because he was hungry, she decided to sit in one of the aisles and breastfeed. The manager of the store came over and told her she had to stop because "how would it affect children?"
Now, while I agree with a woman's choice to breastfeed her child in public, discreetly, I don't really think this doctor was in the right here. First, ew, sitting on a store floor? Really? Ew. Second, those stores are packed with kids at times. Is it really a relaxing place for the baby to breastfeed? All of that notwithstanding, iParty's have dressing rooms for people to try on costumes, and her car could not have been that far away. Probably would have been more relaxing, and I'm POSITIVE the manager would not have denied her. I'm just saying, there is no way I would have sat down in the store to breastfeed. That's all.
But now, she's in the paper, on the radio, defending this (Fine), and no one has actually said "you sat on the floor? Really? EW!" That's my only point.
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First, they don't put Jim Rice in the HoF this year, and now Buck O'Neil isn't even on the Veterans Ballot??
Straighten up and ACT RIGHT! You should all be ashamed of yourselves. You paraded O'Neil around like a puppet last year, and he even inducted the 13 members of the Negro Leagues with a beautiful speech, and you can't even put him on the DAMN BALLOT!?
For CRYING OUT LOUD, people, pull your heads out of your asses and DO THE RIGHT THING!
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1. Coco Crisp CF
2. Kevin Youkilis 1B
3. David Ortiz DH
4. Manny Ramirez LF
5. JD Drew RF
6. Mike Lowell 3B
7. Jason Varitek C
8. Julio Lugo SS
9. Dustin Pedroia 2B
Good luck, Theo. Hold onto your butt.
And starters
1. Curt Schilling
2. Daisuke Matsuzaka
3. Josh Beckett
4. Tim Wakefield
5. Julian Tavares/Roger Clemens if he can be signed.
Closer - Jonathan Papelbon
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This Red Sox season is going to be ridiculously bad if the following things happen:
1. D-Mat is signed...because it means a huge amount of money hung on an unproven prospect (yeah yeah, he pitched well in Japan...it's a gut instinct here) which will most likely mean: (Of course Seibu wasn't going to take any of the $51.1M to subsidize this contract, btw).
2. Manny is traded. You can't replace his production, even if he is always "Manny being Manny". WE LOVE MANNY! Oh yeah and Theo, remember the 54 homers from Big Papi? How about 250 walks instead? Production will be down because you don't have another person on that team that can hit good pitching. DO NOT REFERENCE WILY MO. He will strike out at least 50% of the time due to his inability to be patient.
3. JD Drew - 5 years. Oye.
4. Julio Lugo. Why couldn't you have just hung onto Gonzo? Or maybe OC when we had him?
In addition, you got rid of Al Nipper...stupid. You got rid of Papa Jack...stupid.
Theo - please, do not do this. Otherwise, your Boy Wonder status will not save your job. 2004 is a distant memory since the boys didn't even make the playoffs this year.
BTW - sign Dave Roberts for center field and trade Coco.
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Work has been bizzzaaay lately. Between that, Justin, my friends, the yarn shop, family and occassionally sleeping, I haven't had time to get on here and update. Updates will be happening soon...I hope.
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