|
|
|
Yes, time for an update. No please, really, don't faint. But flowers and signed blank checks are always welcome.
I'm on the verge of completing my master's degree this spring. I've decided that I'm probably destined to end up in a college classroom eventually, but I need to earn a bit more money first.
It's very surreal to look around you and see most of your friends have already settled down or are on the verge of doing so. My friend Eric just had a baby boy back in January, and I've been designated as the outrageous uncle, a title I love :) He's a cute little guy.
In other news, Billy Shakespeare still visits on occasion, usually drunk off his quill. I showed him the internet one night at 3 a.m., and he was enamored with all the websites devoted to him. I showed him dell.com, so he might be show up on here someday. Who knows. He always ends up even more drunk and passed out on my couch. And yes, he can even spout off blank verse in his sleep. It's just a bit more vulgar now. That's what hundreds of years of loving and losing will do to a guy I guess.
Oh, and if you're looking for something to do on a Friday night, check out Fairbanks in Bearden. They have a big band setup from like the 1940's in there two Friday's a month. It's a great place to have a drink, swing dance, and just relax. There are all kinds of people there. Last time I was there, I met the owner of Aubrey's restaurants and Barley's in the Old City. Nice guy. I was dancing and a little inebriated at the time, so I don't remember most of it. Such is my life.
|
|
Comments: Read 1 or Add Your Own.
|
|
Sunday, December 28th, 2003
|
|
|
Last night was a good night. One of the better ones I've had in a long while. I met up with wesleycrusher and his good friend Dave over at Barley's in the Old City. The more we talked the more I realized that it had been too long since we last got to hang out. And Barley's was a cool place; I'd never been there before. Sooo many beers on tap. Paradise.
Well, more people we knew happened by and joined us. T'was goodtimes, although it never ceases to amaze me just how small this world is sometimes. Final analysis: 4 beers (as best I remember, perhaps 5), 2 Irish Car Bombs (very cool), and a stint at Fiction across the street that I don't remember much about. Overall, not bad.
|
|
Comments: Read 2 or Add Your Own.
|
|
Thursday, December 25th, 2003
|
|
|
So I was sitting in the livingroom watching Christmas Mass at St. Peter's like I do every year (the one regligious habit I keep), when I hear a tap, tap, tapping on the glass sliding door. No, not on the roof. What made you think I was going to say roof there? Weirdo. Anyway, I rustle myself up from my nice cushy chair and make my way over to the door. I was half asleep, not unlike the star of the night's show, when I stepped on my old kitty's tail. A second later I was fully awake. When I looked up to the door, still spouting off colorful references to my feline foe, I was shocked to find my old friend Billy Shakespeare staring back at me. You remember Billy, don't you? I was sure he was back to complain some more about the literary theories of his plays. But no, he said he was just in the neighborhood and heard that I was watching Christmas Mass. So, I invited him, happy that he was not complaining this time. In fact, I soon saw that Billy was a bit too happy. Yep, Billy Shakespeare had been hitting the old sack (cheap wine) a bit too much. After nearly running into and knocking over the Christmas tree (he liked all the pretty lights he said), he fumbled to the floor and stared at the televison and the old pontiff. He started mumbling about how it was hard to be Catholic back in the day. I asked him if he truly was a Catholic then. He said he couldn't really remember. Then I mentioned the plaque in Stratford that says that Billy "dyed a Papyst." He looked shocked when I mentioned this. "Why the hell would anyone say that?!" he yelled, and I thought oh no, here we go again. "Just because mom and dad were, everyone just thinks that ol' Billy boy was too, huh?" Then I mentioned all the Catholic references in his plays. "Who the fuck do you think I was writing for? Just Ms. Prottie Queen Liz? Anyway, I like the dramatic elements that Cathololocicism (he had trouble saying that word) has. That's it really." He crawled across to the television and ceremoniously offered out his cup of sack to Pope John Paul. The Pope just kept his eyes shut, his staff trembling. Billy Shakespeare mumbled something about how Popes are always too good to drink sack then passed out on the livingroom floor. After that, I decided that it might be best if I went to bed. I watched the Pope bless the children, then turned off Rome. I started to unplug the Christmas tree, but I glanced back at Billy and decided to leave the tree on. The next morning, Billy was gone, but I did find an empty sack cup hanging from my Christmas Star tree topper.
Merry Christmas!
|
|
Comments: Add Your Own.
|
|
Sunday, December 14th, 2003
|
|
|
So I awake this morning to news that the US has caught Saddam. At first, I was excited. Then I began watching and thinking. I was thinking how media friendly the whole story was spun by the White House. Having studied PR myself, this seemed like a work of art to me.
OK, here's a big hypothetical "what if." I see three possibilities to what we are seeing. The first is that the US actually caught him in the spider hole. The other two are based on the idea that the US has fabricated this entire thing. What if the guy shown on TV is actually a look alike? Since the fall of Baghdad, the US has had access to most of Saddam's look alike's. It's been 8 months since the US took control of Iraq, and up until now, no Saddam. The US and Mr. Bush needed to produce Saddam. The insurgent forces in Baghdad are picking off US soldiers almost daily--not good PR. If one were ever to do this, it would be now. Offer a look alike to the US public. The way this went down was all too "perfect." Sadam was found right where it would seem the most plausible-- inside a little hiding place inside a small farm house just outside of his hometown. He was found with a couple assault rifles, $750,000, and was holding a pistol in true Saddam form. He offered no resistance and seemed disoriented. Why when captured does Saddam "act" this way? Because it portrays him as a very weak individual. The television video of the "drunk old vagrant Saddam" substantiates this, which by the way was released just at the right time and with not the capture on tape (they learned their lesson from the Lynch fiasco) but with a US soldier performing a medical examination. The theme from the central command in Iraq and the White House also coordinates with this, the theme being that the Iraqi people need not fear this man any longer. The timing is also good right now because the nation is preoccupied with the holidays and will not dwell too much on the how's and why's of this situation. For the US, this is a no lose situation. This situation will either serve to smoke out the real Saddam, or it will give the real Saddam the peace of mind that he can stay in hiding with a new life (In all reality, he's probably been in another country for awhile now) and without fear of being pursued. The look alike Saddam will go on trial, be convicted, and be sent to "prison." He'll very rarely ever be heard from again. Besides, he'll have been compensated for his time. Another possiblity is that the US had captured Saddam months ago and was just waiting of the opportune moment to present him. I don't really think that is the case because I think the US would be all too eager to show him off if they had him.
Of course, that's a very hypothetical situation. I'm not saying I believe that's what is happening, but I also know enough not to believe everything I see. In any case, it's fun to watch and wonder.
|
|
Comments: Read 1 or Add Your Own.
|
|
Tuesday, December 2nd, 2003
|
|
|
I've spent the past few days fighting off a god awful sinus infection and preparing my teaching portfolio for my student teaching exit interview, which was today. I get in there this evening on far end of a long corporate board room type table. I sit there staring 3 professors in the face, 1 of which I had never seen before in my life. We have the usual introductions. Then, the head of the program stares down at his paper, writing, and mumbles, "Go ahead." For a few seconds I wasn't even sure he was speaking to me. When no one said anything, I figured I had better start talking fast. I presented my portfolio and explained the way I had things organized. Then the grilling questions began from the crotchety program chair. He never even looked at my portfolio while I was there, just my resume. The rest of the time was just me dealing a with a bastard who was doing his best to intimidate me for no good reason. This little interview was the last hoop I had to jump through to get my teaching license, and I knew that there was very little chance they would stop me here. But still, this ass chooses to question me and my worth for 30 minutes straight. I dealt with him and tried not to let him intimidate me. After the interview, they asked me to leave, so they could have a chat about me. Then, they came and got me and told me I passed. Afterward, one of the professors apologized for other's grilling tactics, and told me I was one of the best to come through the program. The young lady who was scheduled next already looked nervous enough when I said hello. She could tell I was more on edge than when I had went in, and when I had to confirm to her that it was a little tougher than I had anticipated, she looked terrified. I stayed and chatted with her for few minutes to calm her down before she went in, telling her not to give him the satisfaction of scaring her. We had been told that the old bastard was quitting. If that is true, he had no business being on that interview board. Bastard.
Luckily, I'll have that teaching license in my hot little hand very soon. And the master's is very much within a short grasp. *laughs with an evil glee*
|
|
Comments: Read 2 or Add Your Own.
|
|
Monday, December 1st, 2003
|
|
|
Christopher Walken says Ladies are your
trouble!
"Okay....look....friend. You've gotta stop
thinking about the girl. She...she lied to
you- your family knows it. Look, I knew that
stings, like a wasp, like a wasp with teeth,
baby! Here's some walking around money. Take
it from me, go and get yourself a new suit.
Not one of those JC...Penny jobs, but a good
suit. A nice fabric, like Wool. Get yourself
a wool suit and enjoy yourself. See a
cockfight, anything, pal? Look, you're number
one."
What advice would Christopher Walken give you?
brought to you by Quizilla
|
|
Comments: Add Your Own.
|
|
Friday, October 31st, 2003
|
|
|
|
Decided to dress up before hanging with a buddy of mine this evening. The costume, you ask? 1960's Hugh Hefner. People were saying, "You know, it's scary how normal you look dressed like that." I love being flattered. :)
|
|
Comments: Read 1 or Add Your Own.
|
|
Tuesday, October 28th, 2003
|
|
|
Man, what a tough night! Baobab_tree even found a way to toss back the pen cap! Curses!!
Oh yeah, thanks for the block of wood, Kway. I used it as a doorstop to my club, of course.
|
|
Comments: Read 1 or Add Your Own.
|
|
Friday, October 10th, 2003
|
|
Wednesday, October 8th, 2003
|
|
|
As you might know, I'm a bit of a Beatles afficionado. Want to see what happens when you mix a couple of Canadian DJ's and Paul McCartney?
Click HERE and find out!
Just click on Les Justiciers Masqués piègent Paul McCartney
|
|
Comments: Read 1 or Add Your Own.
|
|
Sunday, October 5th, 2003
|
|
|
Student teaching has been tiring. I feel like I really should be getting paid for this. I mean, I do just as much work as my mentoring teachers, and I practically get no help with the newspaper. Thank goodness, the students in that class are good. I really shouldn't complain, though. Professionally speaking, I'm pretty happy.
Oh yes, Maryville High gets a week long fall break this week. Ah yeah. I might just go find my way the mountains for a hike this week. Now, if only there was someone to keep me company. :)
Braves lost tonight 5-1 and are out of it. Again. I swear, they win over 100 games in the regular season just to screw it up in the playoffs. Well, go Cubbies!
In other news, I bought a PS2. It should be here tomorrow. Yes, I'm weak.
|
|
Comments: Add Your Own.
|
|
Friday, September 12th, 2003
|
|
|
Friday's are supposed to be fun, not at all like today. The world needs a man like Johnny Cash. I really loved his "screw-you-all" attitude and his "I'm doing it my way" thinking, especially in today's overly politically correct society. He was a tough man who knew right from wrong. He was a man who loved and understood the troubled man. A guy in prison trying to get his life together had a friend in Johnny. We don't have that today. What do you think the odds are that some big country star of today like Kenny Chesney would ever play a prison?
I grew up sifting through my father's record collection. Know what I found? Tons of Johnny Cash records. I had never heard a voice like that before. It was scary, but mesmerizing. That was Johnny's charm--his voice made you pay attention.
Then I hear that John Ritter had died also. I figured he was one of those guys that would just live forever. Jack Tripper dead??? That just can't happen. He was a much better actor than most gave him credit for. I'll never forget his great performance in Sling Blade. What's worse is that he died on his little girl's fifth birthday. I also saw that his wife's birthday is today. That's just not right. It's days like this that God and I do not get along.
Let there be peace in the valley for Johnny Cash and John Ritter.
|
|
Comments: Add Your Own.
|
|
Friday, August 22nd, 2003
|
|
|
Been over a month since I've updated this turkey. Things are going well in the land student teaching. I've decided that Maryville High is the probably the best place in the area I could have been placed. It's so different than where I went to high school. That said, the whole deal is very tiring. I come home every day and take a nap now.
I'm looking forward to the weekend and taking the jetski out again and getting lost somewhere out on the lake. Last week, I got caught in a little rain storm and had to ride it back with stinging rain pelting my face. But hey, at least I had the lake to myself. lol. I've also started wearing some of those jetski shorts. You know, those tight neoprene things. Those took some getting used to. And yes, I will model, for a select few such as Drew Barrymore. lol
I've also decided to add on a night course on Thursday nights. After this semester, I'll be just one measily course away from the master's.
Things are so much better than they were this time last year. But still, not what I wish.
|
|
Comments: Read 2 or Add Your Own.
|
|
|
|
Well, I had an absolute blast on that jetski. It took a little bit of time to get comfortable with the way you maneuver it, but after that, it was really fun. So I didn't fall off and kill myself. Sorry, maybe next time. I was riding a Honda, and I came to find out that the thing has like 165 horsepower. That's more than my car! lol. The only bad after-effect is that I've got a really bad sunburn. It doesn't take long out on the lake to get one I assure you. Anyway, today I went to a friend's wedding. He had me running all the music, so that was a bit nerveracking. It all went off without a hitch, though. Tonight, I got dragged to a christian rock concert by some friends. That's not my favorite type of thing, but I like to hear/watch good musicians play, so I thought why not. They weren't bad, not great either, but not bad. I think they were called Scarlet's Thread. After that, we made our way over to Bailey's for a drink and some pool, per usual. Such is life.
|
|
Comments: Read 2 or Add Your Own.
|
|
|
Long time no update. Classes are going well, except for the fact that I'm procrastinating on a research proposal. Life continues to be a roller coaster ride for the emotions lately-- up's and down's. I just wish that the up's went as high as the down's go low. I sometimes think that the powers that be upstairs enjoy toying with me.
Tomorrow I ride a jetski or a PWC (that's inside lingo for Personal Water Craft) for the first time. That should be interesting. Goal for the day--Don't get yourself killed. :) Too bad I don't have anyone to go riding with. C'est la vie.
|
|
Comments: Read 1 or Add Your Own.
|
|
|
|
Goodnight Mr. Gregory Peck. May you rest in peace. You are the most classy man in film, and you'll never be replaced.
|
|
Comments: Read 5 or Add Your Own.
|
|
Wednesday, June 11th, 2003
|
|
|
Well I'm not the youngest person in my classes this summer but almost. There is a girl one year younger than me that's in a couple of my classes. She's getting married next week. Everyone in the class is either married or divorced. It's surreal to be a young single guy in there. My education law class has total of five students in it including myself. The professor is boring as hell and is obviously a lawyer because whenever he tries to tell a story, it comes out as being very vague with no details whatsoever.
I have a another class that deals with education supervision. It's really a course for future principals, but for some reason, it's required for my degree. The guy in there is almost seventy, a former superintendent of some backwoods county school system, and to top it off, a baptist preacher who doesn't know the difference between his church and his college classroom. He lectures like he preaches, and for some reason, he curses. He even addressed the subject of homosexuality in class today, insulting and dropping Bible verses as he went. Now, I'm straight as any red-blooded american male can be, but what if there had been some of the other variety in the class? What an asshole. The only way he gets away with it is because of his illustrious education background. Just give me the degree and get me out of there!
End of rant.
I think I need to go watch a movie or something. Maybe order Lawrence of Arabia or the collector's version of Life of Brian (I'd love to show that movie to a certain professor mentioned above--*smiles evilly*).
|
|
Comments: Add Your Own.
|
|
Wednesday, June 4th, 2003
|
|
|
Answer only using the band's song titles.
00. Band:
The Beatles
01. Are you male or female:
"Rocky Raccoon"
02. Describe yourself:
"I'll Follow the Sun"
03. How do some people feel about you:
"Hello, Goodbye"
04. How do you feel about yourself:
"Getting Better"
05. Describe an old girlfriend/boyfriend/interest:
"You've Got to Hide Your Love Away"
06. Describe your current girlfriend/boyfriend/interest:
"Got To Get You Into My Life"
07. Describe your best friend:
"Day Tripper"
08. Where are you:
"Strawberry Fields Forever"
09. Describe what you want to be:
"Back in the USSR"
10. Describe how you live:
"Carry That Weight"
11. Describe how you love:
"Helter Skelter"
12. Share a few words of wisdom:
"Hey Jude"
|
|
Comments: Read 3 or Add Your Own.
|
|
|
Well, tomorrow is the first day of summer school for the master's program. LMU is going to hold the classes up at Maryville HS, so I'll be spending a great deal of time there along with the student teaching in the fall. I'm sure that I'm going to be the youngest person in the classes this summer. Most of the people taking the summer courses are already teaching, so I'm sure I'll be stared at strangely when I sit down. That's okay. I'll just stare back. :)
On a happy note, I just saw a commercial for the new Ren and Stimpy cartoons that will soon be on that network that used to be called TNN (I think it's called Spike or something now?). I used to love to watch those cartoons when they were on Nick. I think my favorite episode was "Space Madness," you know, the one where they can't help but hit the big, shiny, red button. Maybe Ren will finally get his 47 MILLION dollars. :)
|
|
Comments: Add Your Own.
|
|
|
|
It seems that I can't read the newspaper anymore without seeing at least one of my former schoolmates who is soon to be married. Today yielded two. But it does make me smile to see that they're finding happiness.
|
|
Comments: Read 3 or Add Your Own.
|
|
|
![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small}
fifepipe's journal