WARNING: THIS POST CONTAINS SIGNIFICANT HYPERBOLE FOR DRAMATIC EFFECT.*
I was overjoyed to discover that the federal government is about to raise interest rates on student loans. I was under the assumption that my loan was at a fixed rate. However, after looking at my account information I don't think that's the case--I think I'm in the dreaded "variable" loan category. If that's true, a 1.93 percent jump is pretty significant. When you have the amount of student loan debt that I have, it's a HUGE freakin amount over the course of a loan. So, I looked into a student loan consolidation, spent some time filling out the necessary online forms to get the process started, and the site crashed. Argh! That flushing sound you hear is a 1/2 hour of my life going down the tubes.
In addition to the loan crap, I'm getting a little tired of people calling EVERY FREAKING DAY to ask how STK's feeling. She's 8.5 months pregnant, how do you think she feels? STK and I are not co-conspiring to keep you out of the loop. Much to our own consternation, there's nothing to report. Ditch the paranoia and relax. WE'LL LET YOU KNOW WHEN SHE GOES INTO LABOR. WE WILL NOT LEAVE YOU OUT OF THIS SIGNIFICANT PIECE OF INFORMATION. Okay, we might delay calling you until we've been at the hospital for a while so we can have some peace and quiet. Sheesh. Some people.
Inhabiting the Kind of Annoying category is my upcoming graduation ceremony. You know how excited I am about attending? Zilch. Nada. Zero. Not in the least. I depise these ceremonies that mean little or nothing. I fulfilled the requirements for my degree and don't need a silly ritual filled with poor speeches and overblown pomp and circumstance as some kind of closure on my graduate career. Give me the freakin' diploma and let's call it a day. Unfortunately, several people in my family really want me to attend. They see it as some kind of special honor and recognition. Whatever. I'm secretly hoping The Little One decides to join us between now and Friday afternoon. What a great reason to ditch my own graduation!
Where did I put that ibuprofen?
*In other words, none of this stuff goes beyond annoying.
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Used
Used books ordered this afternoon.
Civility: Manners, Morals, and the Etiquette of Democracy, Stephen L. Carter.
Editorial review from Amazon.com: In this followup to Integrity, Yale law professor Stephen Carter continues to meditate upon the "prepolitical" qualities on which a healthy society is based.
Why do people show poorer manners today than in previous ages? How did we come to confuse rudeness with self-expression and acting on our "rights"? Carter looks at these and other important questions with a combination of his personal experiences and an extremely long shelf of reading material, all the while maintaining an informal writing style that continually--but politely--engages the reader, inviting him or her to think about these issues along with Carter.
There are important messages here about generosity and trust, about respecting diversity and dissent, and about resolving conflict through dialogue rather than mandate. Stephen Carter would never be so uncivil as to demand your attention, but Civility most definitely compels.
Mediated: How the Media Shapes Your World and the Way You Live in it, Thomas De Zengotita.
From the publisher: From Princess Diana's funeral to the prospect of mass terror, from oral sex in the Oval Office to cowboy politics in distant lands, from high school cliques to marital therapy, from hip-hop nation to climbing Mt. Everest, from blogs to reality TV to the Weather Channel, Mediated takes us on a tour of every department of our media-saturated society. And at every turn we see ourselves as we are, immersed in options, surrounded by representations, driven to unprecedented levels of self-consciousness - and obliged by these circumstances to transform our very lives into performances.
The Practice of Everyday Life, Michel de Certeau.
From the publisher: Michel de Certeau considers the uses to which social representation and modes of social behavior are put by individuals and groups, describing the tactics available to the common man for reclaiming his own autonomy from the all-pervasive forces of commerce, politics, and culture. In exploring the public meaning of ingeniously defended private meanings, de Certeau draws brilliantly on an immense theoretical literature in analytic philosophy, linguistics, sociology, semiology, and anthropology—to speak of an apposite use of imaginative literature.
Uncommon Grounds: The History of Coffee and how It Transformed Our World, Mark Pendergrast.
From the publisher: Coffee has been banned as a creator of revolutionary sedition, vilified as the worst health-destroyer on earth and praised as the boon of mankind. Its history provides a window through which to view broader themes of colonialism and culture clash, the rise of mass production, modern-day media and marketing, women's issues and international commodity schemes. It also illustrates how an entire industry can lose focus, allowing upstart micro-roasters to reclaim quality and profits. Mark Pendergrast enlivens his scrupulously researched history with anecdotes, eccentric characters and period commentary that will give readers stories to share - over good cups of coffee - for years to come.
Zen and the Art of Rhetoric: An Inquiry into Coherence, Mark McPhail.
From the Publisher: Drawing on poetry, personal narratives, critical analysis, and epistemological explorations this book expands traditional conceptions of rhetoric beyond an "art of persuasion" to a power to manage diverse conceptions of reality, freeing the study and practice of discourse from the essentializing constraints of foundationist philosophy. As an "inquiry into coherence," the book explores social, political, and pedagogical issues ranging from racism, to cultural and ethnic diversity, to the role of argument and persuasion in the creation and perpetuation of difference. The result of this exploration is as understanding of rhetoric as a Tao, a Way of being, thinking, and speaking grounded in what the author calls "dialogic coherence," an actively non-argumentative approach to language, life, and method that is based upon the philosophies and practices of the Eastern martial arts.
Civility: Manners, Morals, and the Etiquette of Democracy, Stephen L. Carter.
Editorial review from Amazon.com: In this followup to Integrity, Yale law professor Stephen Carter continues to meditate upon the "prepolitical" qualities on which a healthy society is based.
Why do people show poorer manners today than in previous ages? How did we come to confuse rudeness with self-expression and acting on our "rights"? Carter looks at these and other important questions with a combination of his personal experiences and an extremely long shelf of reading material, all the while maintaining an informal writing style that continually--but politely--engages the reader, inviting him or her to think about these issues along with Carter.
There are important messages here about generosity and trust, about respecting diversity and dissent, and about resolving conflict through dialogue rather than mandate. Stephen Carter would never be so uncivil as to demand your attention, but Civility most definitely compels.
Mediated: How the Media Shapes Your World and the Way You Live in it, Thomas De Zengotita.
From the publisher: From Princess Diana's funeral to the prospect of mass terror, from oral sex in the Oval Office to cowboy politics in distant lands, from high school cliques to marital therapy, from hip-hop nation to climbing Mt. Everest, from blogs to reality TV to the Weather Channel, Mediated takes us on a tour of every department of our media-saturated society. And at every turn we see ourselves as we are, immersed in options, surrounded by representations, driven to unprecedented levels of self-consciousness - and obliged by these circumstances to transform our very lives into performances.
The Practice of Everyday Life, Michel de Certeau.
From the publisher: Michel de Certeau considers the uses to which social representation and modes of social behavior are put by individuals and groups, describing the tactics available to the common man for reclaiming his own autonomy from the all-pervasive forces of commerce, politics, and culture. In exploring the public meaning of ingeniously defended private meanings, de Certeau draws brilliantly on an immense theoretical literature in analytic philosophy, linguistics, sociology, semiology, and anthropology—to speak of an apposite use of imaginative literature.
Uncommon Grounds: The History of Coffee and how It Transformed Our World, Mark Pendergrast.
From the publisher: Coffee has been banned as a creator of revolutionary sedition, vilified as the worst health-destroyer on earth and praised as the boon of mankind. Its history provides a window through which to view broader themes of colonialism and culture clash, the rise of mass production, modern-day media and marketing, women's issues and international commodity schemes. It also illustrates how an entire industry can lose focus, allowing upstart micro-roasters to reclaim quality and profits. Mark Pendergrast enlivens his scrupulously researched history with anecdotes, eccentric characters and period commentary that will give readers stories to share - over good cups of coffee - for years to come.
Zen and the Art of Rhetoric: An Inquiry into Coherence, Mark McPhail.
From the Publisher: Drawing on poetry, personal narratives, critical analysis, and epistemological explorations this book expands traditional conceptions of rhetoric beyond an "art of persuasion" to a power to manage diverse conceptions of reality, freeing the study and practice of discourse from the essentializing constraints of foundationist philosophy. As an "inquiry into coherence," the book explores social, political, and pedagogical issues ranging from racism, to cultural and ethnic diversity, to the role of argument and persuasion in the creation and perpetuation of difference. The result of this exploration is as understanding of rhetoric as a Tao, a Way of being, thinking, and speaking grounded in what the author calls "dialogic coherence," an actively non-argumentative approach to language, life, and method that is based upon the philosophies and practices of the Eastern martial arts.
Monday, May 30, 2005
Interconnected or Inconsequential?
Motherfucking cocksucker motherfucking shit fucker what am I doing? What am I doing? I don't know what I'm doing. I'm doing the best that I can. I know that's all I can ask of myself. Is that good enough? Is my work doing any good? Is anybody paying attention? Is it hopeless to try and change things? The African guy is a sign, right? Because if he isn't, than nothing in this world makes any sense to me. I'm fucked! Maybe I should quit. Don't quit! Maybe I should just fucking quit. Don't fucking quit! I don't know what the fuck I'm supposed to fucking do anymore! Fucker! Fuck shit!
--Albert Markovski in I Heart Huckabees
Facing a crisis of the existential kind, Albert turns to the husband and wife team of Bernard and Vivian for answers to some very difficult questions. Who am I? What does it mean? What is life really about? Is life about everything or nothing? Is my sense of self fixed pre-ontologically or does self emerge from a confluence of experiences, decisions, and resulting actions?
Regarding the self, I lean toward the latter; as far as I'm concerned, there is no essence prior to birth. The people we encounter, the experiences we have, and the decisions we make are the stuff of which the self is made. Still, the most significant question of the film remains: What does it all mean? Unfortunately, I struggle with this question on a regular basis. The idealist in me wants to believe that we're all interconnected, that my actions and beliefs contribute to the improvement of the human condition. I am you and you are me. If I hurt you, I hurt myself. If I don't oppose social injustice on the other side of the world, I'm ignoring my own plight. Interconnected, all our interactions contribute to the meaningful existance of humankind.
There's also the nihilist within me that says, "None of it matters. It's all bullshit. There's no meaning, no secret to life, and no great answer. This is all there is to it. In the grand scheme of things your actions don't mean squat." If there's no great meaning to life, then the answer is always in the now. If my writings, relationships, experiences, and actions don't mean a damn thing in the grand design (a nihilist, like myself, would question whether there's anything remotely resembling a grand design), I still experience the joy, and suffering, of the now. The way I treat myself and others in the present moment, determines the general quality of my life in the present moment. Since karma, salvation, and the like are meaningless, there's nothing beyond the here and now. Beyond this very moment, nothing matters.
Does life have meaning? Are we all interconnected? Does any of it matter? Is it all meaningless? Like Albert, I have no fucking idea. Shit.
Most days, I'm okay with that.
--Albert Markovski in I Heart Huckabees
Facing a crisis of the existential kind, Albert turns to the husband and wife team of Bernard and Vivian for answers to some very difficult questions. Who am I? What does it mean? What is life really about? Is life about everything or nothing? Is my sense of self fixed pre-ontologically or does self emerge from a confluence of experiences, decisions, and resulting actions?
Regarding the self, I lean toward the latter; as far as I'm concerned, there is no essence prior to birth. The people we encounter, the experiences we have, and the decisions we make are the stuff of which the self is made. Still, the most significant question of the film remains: What does it all mean? Unfortunately, I struggle with this question on a regular basis. The idealist in me wants to believe that we're all interconnected, that my actions and beliefs contribute to the improvement of the human condition. I am you and you are me. If I hurt you, I hurt myself. If I don't oppose social injustice on the other side of the world, I'm ignoring my own plight. Interconnected, all our interactions contribute to the meaningful existance of humankind.
There's also the nihilist within me that says, "None of it matters. It's all bullshit. There's no meaning, no secret to life, and no great answer. This is all there is to it. In the grand scheme of things your actions don't mean squat." If there's no great meaning to life, then the answer is always in the now. If my writings, relationships, experiences, and actions don't mean a damn thing in the grand design (a nihilist, like myself, would question whether there's anything remotely resembling a grand design), I still experience the joy, and suffering, of the now. The way I treat myself and others in the present moment, determines the general quality of my life in the present moment. Since karma, salvation, and the like are meaningless, there's nothing beyond the here and now. Beyond this very moment, nothing matters.
Does life have meaning? Are we all interconnected? Does any of it matter? Is it all meaningless? Like Albert, I have no fucking idea. Shit.
Most days, I'm okay with that.
Sunday, May 29, 2005
Movie Mania and More!
As the summer commences, STK and I begin our annual Festival of Movies We Missed Throughout the Year . . . our something like that. Here's what we've watched the last couple weeks.
Blade: Trinity
Elektra
King Arthur
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou
Lemony Snickets A Series of Unfortunate Events
Love Actually
A Mighty Wind
Pollock
Ray
Out of the films we've watched to this point, Life Aquatic and Pollock emerge as the standouts. In fact, I think STK and I might try to pull together Team Zissou costumes for Halloween. Too damn funny.
Besides watching Elektra and Lemony Snickets, I also managed to get quite a few things accomplished.
Researched possible new laptop.
Cleaned office.
Took boxes of toys and books to storage unit.
Installed infant car seat base.
Returned all books checked out from school.
Replenished supply of Kaladi Bros. coffee.
It's been a productive, yet relaxing, day.
Blade: Trinity
Elektra
King Arthur
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou
Lemony Snickets A Series of Unfortunate Events
Love Actually
A Mighty Wind
Pollock
Ray
Out of the films we've watched to this point, Life Aquatic and Pollock emerge as the standouts. In fact, I think STK and I might try to pull together Team Zissou costumes for Halloween. Too damn funny.
Besides watching Elektra and Lemony Snickets, I also managed to get quite a few things accomplished.
Researched possible new laptop.
Cleaned office.
Took boxes of toys and books to storage unit.
Installed infant car seat base.
Returned all books checked out from school.
Replenished supply of Kaladi Bros. coffee.
It's been a productive, yet relaxing, day.
Saturday, May 28, 2005
You Can Feast If You Want To
Friday's Feast. Mmmmmm.
Appetizer--What job would you definitely not want to have?
Any job involving septic tanks comes to mind. Running a close second is anything in banking. Been there, done that, it sucked.
Soup--Oprah calls and wants you to appear on her show. What would that day's show be about?
Something about recovery, probably. I'd share my story than use my Triple Black Belt in Recovery to tell people to get a clue.
Whiney Alcoholic: I just can't quit drinking. It's not my fault. My father was an alcoholic.
Me: Not your fault? Did someone pin you down and pour booze down your throat?
Whiney: No!
Me: Then it is your fault. Quit blaming genetics, the pain in your life, and the actions of others for your problem. If you really didn't want to drink, you wouldn't. There are tons of programs out there to help you. Do you really want to quit?
Whiney: I don't know.
Me: Then quit wasting my time. I can't make you get sober. When you're really ready to quit, we'll talk. Go have another drink and let me know how that works out for you. Oh, and thanks.
Whiney: For what?
Me: For reminding me what it was like before I quit drinking. I was exactly like you. I never want to go back there. Yuck.
Salad--Name 3 vegetables that you eat on a regular basis.
Green peppers, carrots (I eat approximately 3 pounds a week), celery.
Main Course--If you were commissioned to rename your hometown, what would you call it?
Whogivesashitville. I haven't been back in years and probably won't visit for quite some time. There's really nothing there that interests me.
Dessert--If you had a personal assistant, what kind of tasks would you have them to do?
What I need more than a personal assistance is a house cleaner. I'd love someone to come in once a week and give the place a good dusting, vacuuming, toilet scrubbing, etc. I seem to be able to handle the rest quite well. Actually, I don't really trust anyone to take care of anything involving work. I'm kind of a control freak when it comes to school.
Appetizer--What job would you definitely not want to have?
Any job involving septic tanks comes to mind. Running a close second is anything in banking. Been there, done that, it sucked.
Soup--Oprah calls and wants you to appear on her show. What would that day's show be about?
Something about recovery, probably. I'd share my story than use my Triple Black Belt in Recovery to tell people to get a clue.
Whiney Alcoholic: I just can't quit drinking. It's not my fault. My father was an alcoholic.
Me: Not your fault? Did someone pin you down and pour booze down your throat?
Whiney: No!
Me: Then it is your fault. Quit blaming genetics, the pain in your life, and the actions of others for your problem. If you really didn't want to drink, you wouldn't. There are tons of programs out there to help you. Do you really want to quit?
Whiney: I don't know.
Me: Then quit wasting my time. I can't make you get sober. When you're really ready to quit, we'll talk. Go have another drink and let me know how that works out for you. Oh, and thanks.
Whiney: For what?
Me: For reminding me what it was like before I quit drinking. I was exactly like you. I never want to go back there. Yuck.
Salad--Name 3 vegetables that you eat on a regular basis.
Green peppers, carrots (I eat approximately 3 pounds a week), celery.
Main Course--If you were commissioned to rename your hometown, what would you call it?
Whogivesashitville. I haven't been back in years and probably won't visit for quite some time. There's really nothing there that interests me.
Dessert--If you had a personal assistant, what kind of tasks would you have them to do?
What I need more than a personal assistance is a house cleaner. I'd love someone to come in once a week and give the place a good dusting, vacuuming, toilet scrubbing, etc. I seem to be able to handle the rest quite well. Actually, I don't really trust anyone to take care of anything involving work. I'm kind of a control freak when it comes to school.
Sunday, May 22, 2005
Baby Pool
As guesses are starting to roll in, I thought it might be time to formalize predictions. When will The Little One join the world? According to those in the medical know, he should arrive on or around June 13. At our last appointment, the first of weekly visits that continue until TLO arrives, Mom and baby were in excellent condition. We've already received the following predictions.
May 30--Alita
May 31--STK
June 2--Me. I started down the path toward sobriety on June 2, 1993. Two years ago (June 2, 2003) I quit smoking. June 2 is a damn fine day for rebirths and new beginnings so why not start another new chapter in my life on June 2.
June 3--Stacy
June 5--Susan
June 6--Tess
June 10--Michael K.
June 11--Nicke
June 13--Mike
June 15--Tiffany
If you want to offer a prediction of your own, do so in the comments. I'll update the list periodically. The winner will receive a No Prize of my choosing.
May 30--Alita
May 31--STK
June 2--Me. I started down the path toward sobriety on June 2, 1993. Two years ago (June 2, 2003) I quit smoking. June 2 is a damn fine day for rebirths and new beginnings so why not start another new chapter in my life on June 2.
June 3--Stacy
June 5--Susan
June 6--Tess
June 10--Michael K.
June 11--Nicke
June 13--Mike
June 15--Tiffany
If you want to offer a prediction of your own, do so in the comments. I'll update the list periodically. The winner will receive a No Prize of my choosing.
Saturday, May 21, 2005
Happy Birthday to Feast, Happy Birthday to Feast!
Friday's Feast
Appetizer--Approximately how many hours per day do you spend watching television?
One, maybe? I watch several shows regularly (Smallville, Battlestar Galactica, ST: Enterprise, Everwood), but I'm not a "let's sit down and see what's on TV" kind of guy.
Soup--Which colors decorate your kitchen?
We have a fairly ordinary kitchen. The walls are ivory and the cupboards are a medium woodgrain.
Salad--Name 2 brand names you buy on a regular basis, and what do you like about them?
GrapeNuts: They're so crunchy! Woolite Dark: terrific for your black clothes (of which I have more than is probably healthy).
Main Course--What is your biggest fear?
Without a doubt, sharks. The fear is so bad that I can't even wade in the ocean. Yikes! Even though it's completely irrational, I'll sometimes get freaked out while swimming laps at the recreation center. Thankfully, I'm able to remind myself that a shark probably can't squeeze up through the drainage system. A mutated octopus, on the other hand . . .
Dessert--If you could wake up tomorrow and find yourself in another location, where would you want to be?
In the small midwest town that will be our home come fall. I'm so ready to make that move.
Bonus Birthday Question--What's your favorite flavor of birthday cake?
I'm fond of white cake with gobs of frosting (the corner piece is mine!), smothered in vanilla ice cream. How's that for plain?
Appetizer--Approximately how many hours per day do you spend watching television?
One, maybe? I watch several shows regularly (Smallville, Battlestar Galactica, ST: Enterprise, Everwood), but I'm not a "let's sit down and see what's on TV" kind of guy.
Soup--Which colors decorate your kitchen?
We have a fairly ordinary kitchen. The walls are ivory and the cupboards are a medium woodgrain.
Salad--Name 2 brand names you buy on a regular basis, and what do you like about them?
GrapeNuts: They're so crunchy! Woolite Dark: terrific for your black clothes (of which I have more than is probably healthy).
Main Course--What is your biggest fear?
Without a doubt, sharks. The fear is so bad that I can't even wade in the ocean. Yikes! Even though it's completely irrational, I'll sometimes get freaked out while swimming laps at the recreation center. Thankfully, I'm able to remind myself that a shark probably can't squeeze up through the drainage system. A mutated octopus, on the other hand . . .
Dessert--If you could wake up tomorrow and find yourself in another location, where would you want to be?
In the small midwest town that will be our home come fall. I'm so ready to make that move.
Bonus Birthday Question--What's your favorite flavor of birthday cake?
I'm fond of white cake with gobs of frosting (the corner piece is mine!), smothered in vanilla ice cream. How's that for plain?
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Army of Dorkness
If you haven't checked it out already, visit the Army of Dorkness blog. I've posted my thoughts regarding Revenge of the Sith.
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Sniff This
Driving home from school today, I made the mistake of listening to the Jim Rome Show. If you're not familiar with his program, it's a sports talk program featuring Rome's "take", or "takes," on the sports controversy of the day, interviews with athletes, and conversations with sports fans. Today, he deviated from the normal sports chit chat and related a story about his four year old boy. The tale went something like this:
I tried to keep it out of my house. Really. I did everything I could. It's not in the house and I've never encouraged him to watch. My four year old pointed to the television screen yesterday and said, "That's Darth Vader, Dad." Even though I tried to protect him, he's now all about lightsabers and Star Wars. Mind you, he's four, not thirty four, and he will have sex with a woman someday.
I realize not everyone is a Star Wars geek like myself, but why the hate? Why do "normal" folk feel the need to slam those who express tremendous passion about Star Wars, Star Trek, Lord of the Rings, or any other film, television, or book phenomena? Seriously, why would anyone care if I wear a costume to tomorrow night's premiere, decorate my office with action figures, or watch the various trailers repeatedly? I'll never understand the need to diminish another person's fanaticism.
Rome's diatribe is particularly perplexing when you consider what he does for a living: he sits around and talks about sports all. day. long. That's right, he sits around and talks to professional athletes, comments on games, and converses with sports fanatics. Sports. We're not talking political science, scientific discovery, literary critique, or any other intellectual subject. We're talking sports; he sits around and talks about games. Games. He celebrates sports fandom with the individuals who paint themselves with team colors, decorate their bathrooms in a Green Bay Packers motif, talk some mean sports smack, and schedule their entire lives around a sports schedule. How is that any different than being obsessed with Star Wars?
A jock sniffer derides Star Wars nerds? Pot--Kettle--Black. That's freakin hilarious, eeerrrrrr, pathetic.
I tried to keep it out of my house. Really. I did everything I could. It's not in the house and I've never encouraged him to watch. My four year old pointed to the television screen yesterday and said, "That's Darth Vader, Dad." Even though I tried to protect him, he's now all about lightsabers and Star Wars. Mind you, he's four, not thirty four, and he will have sex with a woman someday.
I realize not everyone is a Star Wars geek like myself, but why the hate? Why do "normal" folk feel the need to slam those who express tremendous passion about Star Wars, Star Trek, Lord of the Rings, or any other film, television, or book phenomena? Seriously, why would anyone care if I wear a costume to tomorrow night's premiere, decorate my office with action figures, or watch the various trailers repeatedly? I'll never understand the need to diminish another person's fanaticism.
Rome's diatribe is particularly perplexing when you consider what he does for a living: he sits around and talks about sports all. day. long. That's right, he sits around and talks to professional athletes, comments on games, and converses with sports fanatics. Sports. We're not talking political science, scientific discovery, literary critique, or any other intellectual subject. We're talking sports; he sits around and talks about games. Games. He celebrates sports fandom with the individuals who paint themselves with team colors, decorate their bathrooms in a Green Bay Packers motif, talk some mean sports smack, and schedule their entire lives around a sports schedule. How is that any different than being obsessed with Star Wars?
A jock sniffer derides Star Wars nerds? Pot--Kettle--Black. That's freakin hilarious, eeerrrrrr, pathetic.
Monday, May 16, 2005
The Beginning of the End.
For the last several weeks, I've had the distinct impression that some things in my life are coming to an end. Oddly enough, quite a few things ARE coming to an end. I received an email titled "You have been unsubscribed from the Hcom-abd mailing list," signalling the end of my ABD graduate student status. I wrapped up the last full semester of teaching at my illustrious BA & MA alma mater, an institution of which I've been part, as a student or instructor, for almost 20 years.* I read numerous farewell notes from students including one that literally brought tears to my eyes. Several faculty members approached me at a departmental gathering and expressed how much my presence would be missed. At the same gathering, my MA thesis advisor congratulated me on completing my Ph.D. and expressed delight upon hearing about my new position. His exact words were, "Congratulations! That's an excellent school!" I admire him like no other in the academy; his obvious approval and excitement has been the highlight of the year. Considering the Star Wars saga is coming to an end this week, there really are some rather signficant endings approaching quickly.
I feel a bit sad about all that.
*I'm teaching a brief, four-week summer session of Communication and Popular Culture so I haven't reached the official "So long and thanks for all the fish" date. Teaching during the summer is really weird. The classes are much smaller (20 students vs 50; that means I have 20 students this semester instead of 230) and the buildings are the campus version of a ghost town.
I feel a bit sad about all that.
*I'm teaching a brief, four-week summer session of Communication and Popular Culture so I haven't reached the official "So long and thanks for all the fish" date. Teaching during the summer is really weird. The classes are much smaller (20 students vs 50; that means I have 20 students this semester instead of 230) and the buildings are the campus version of a ghost town.
Sunday, May 15, 2005
Postmodernist. Imagine that.
Postmodernism is the belief in complete open interpretation. You see the universe as a collection of information with varying ways of putting it together. There is no absolute truth for you; even the most hardened facts are open to interpretation. Meaning relies on context and even the language you use to describe things should be subject to analysis.
Good thing I wrote my dissertation from a postmodern perspective, eh?
What is Your World View? created with QuizFarm.com |
Good thing I wrote my dissertation from a postmodern perspective, eh?
Saturday, May 14, 2005
The Plague
Returning from the mailbox, STK and I stared at a non-descript envelope and scratched our heads. The postal address read, "D, STK, and TLO." TLO isn't even here yet and he's receiving mail? No longer able to suppress our curiosity, we tore into the package with great fervor and, as a result of our inquisitiveness, unwittingly unleased the scourge of 14th century Europe. We've contracted a case of Black Death!
Fever, swelling pustules, and plentiful, purplish-black hematomas--it's the gift that keeps on giving.
Thanks, Mike!
Fever, swelling pustules, and plentiful, purplish-black hematomas--it's the gift that keeps on giving.
Thanks, Mike!
Friday, May 13, 2005
Yet Another Feast
Appetizer--Whose intelligence do you find intimidating?
Dr. B. The title of my blog, in fact, is an indirect nod to his intelligence. Or is it direct? He'd have something to say on the matter, I'm sure.
Soup--Name something you've done that surprised yourself.
Asked STK on date. As she was a friend and I thought she was out of my league, I took a deep breath and approached . . . after six weeks of beating around the bush.
Salad--List 3 people whom you have only "met" online, but consider good friends.
Gene--I didn't like Gene when I first met him in 1995. Over the years, however, he became one of my trusted confidantes. Although I haven't heard from him in a while (hint, hint), I still think of him often and still consider him a friend.
Nicke--I met Nicke back in 1995, too. We served on the same vTrek ship and carried our affiliation over to ICQ and email. She still lurks about somewhere.
Neal--Another vTrek acquaintance. I just "talked" to him a few weeks back.
Main Course--Where is the dirtiest place you've ever been?
Amsterdam's Red Light District. On one side of the street is a tremendous cathedral, the other is graced with scantily clad women dancing in storefront windows. Is that dirty or naughty?
Dessert--What is the best example of "perfection" that you can think of?
Kaladi Bros. Coffee. You can't improve on perfection.
Dr. B. The title of my blog, in fact, is an indirect nod to his intelligence. Or is it direct? He'd have something to say on the matter, I'm sure.
Soup--Name something you've done that surprised yourself.
Asked STK on date. As she was a friend and I thought she was out of my league, I took a deep breath and approached . . . after six weeks of beating around the bush.
Salad--List 3 people whom you have only "met" online, but consider good friends.
Gene--I didn't like Gene when I first met him in 1995. Over the years, however, he became one of my trusted confidantes. Although I haven't heard from him in a while (hint, hint), I still think of him often and still consider him a friend.
Nicke--I met Nicke back in 1995, too. We served on the same vTrek ship and carried our affiliation over to ICQ and email. She still lurks about somewhere.
Neal--Another vTrek acquaintance. I just "talked" to him a few weeks back.
Main Course--Where is the dirtiest place you've ever been?
Amsterdam's Red Light District. On one side of the street is a tremendous cathedral, the other is graced with scantily clad women dancing in storefront windows. Is that dirty or naughty?
Dessert--What is the best example of "perfection" that you can think of?
Kaladi Bros. Coffee. You can't improve on perfection.
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
No Longer Worried
Ever have those moments when a message you need to hear falls in your lap? Case in point:
One should not imagine oneself to be one with the eye or independent of it or the owner of it. The same with the ear and all the other senses, including the mind. Nor should one imagine oneself to be identical with the world or contained in it or independent of it or the owner of it.
In this way, free from imagining, one no longer clings to the things of the world. When one no longer clings, there is no more agitation, insecurity, and worry. Being no longer worried, one can reach into the depths of oneself and understand that where there has been loss there is now fulfillment.
-Samyutta Nikaya
From "Buddha Speaks," edited by Anne Bancroft, 2000. Reprinted by arrangement with Shambhala Publications, Boston, www.shambhala.com.
One should not imagine oneself to be one with the eye or independent of it or the owner of it. The same with the ear and all the other senses, including the mind. Nor should one imagine oneself to be identical with the world or contained in it or independent of it or the owner of it.
In this way, free from imagining, one no longer clings to the things of the world. When one no longer clings, there is no more agitation, insecurity, and worry. Being no longer worried, one can reach into the depths of oneself and understand that where there has been loss there is now fulfillment.
-Samyutta Nikaya
From "Buddha Speaks," edited by Anne Bancroft, 2000. Reprinted by arrangement with Shambhala Publications, Boston, www.shambhala.com.
Trendy Ass Poser
Our choice of new vehicle has apparently raised an eyebrow or two, particularly in regard to our alternativeness (or apparent lack thereof). I've heard at least three comments along the lines of, "I never thought I'd see the day you joined the yuppie crowd." Yeah, we probably could have looked into a used hearse but I hear those things are death waiting to happen on snow and ice. We're also pretty sure the dogs might get freaked out by the lingering scent of corpse. We also could have looked into an unreliable, but alternative looking, heap that won't start in temperatures below 40 degrees. I know a ton of alternafolk who deal with that situation throughout the year. They're late for work on a regular basis but boy do they look cool! So, yes, we decided to take the plunge and go for a reliable four wheel drive vehicle that might provide a little extra safety and room for ourselves, the soon-to-be little gothling, and the menagerie of pets. Besides, we think it looks cool. With Devil Ducky already sitting on the dash, the Element looks even cooler. Just wait until we slap a few punk and goth stickers on the sucker!
Imagine the looks we'll get when we drive into our new hometown. People will see the Uhaul and SUV and think to themselves, "Oh, the new professor and his family have arrived. How nice and normal they look!" Their pleasant midwest smiles will turn to looks of confusion, and mabye even dismay, as we crawl out of our vehicles with combat boots, piercings, tattoos, and goth/punk rock t-shirts displayed proudly. We'll make sure TLO is dressed in his black finest, too. All that said, STK and I realize that our subcultural identities are becoming a less salient aspect of who we are. Sure, we'll always consider ourselves different, apart from the mainstream, and members of the goth & punk scenes.* At the same time, our familial and professional identities are taking on a greater importance. Believe it or not, there is something of a method to our madness. By highlighting my identity as a professor, rather than that of subculturalist, I'm granted access to malleable minds. Similarly, STK's profession as an art teacher allows her to challenge young people to think in new ways.
As Stevo from SLC Punk would say:
"You can do a hell of a lot more damage in the system than u can outside of it. That's the final irony, I think. That and this...when all was said and done i was just another, goddamn, trendy ass POSER."
*To be honest, I don't even know if I belong to scene anymore. While I hang with goths, I really don't listen to a lot of goth music. Out of 64 CDs I have in my car, only two are really goth (Siouxsie and the Banshees & Autumn). The rest are an eclectic mix of female-fronted punk and indie rock, whatever the hell indie rock means these days. I guess riot grrrl punk is probably the most appropriate label I can apply to myself these days.
Imagine the looks we'll get when we drive into our new hometown. People will see the Uhaul and SUV and think to themselves, "Oh, the new professor and his family have arrived. How nice and normal they look!" Their pleasant midwest smiles will turn to looks of confusion, and mabye even dismay, as we crawl out of our vehicles with combat boots, piercings, tattoos, and goth/punk rock t-shirts displayed proudly. We'll make sure TLO is dressed in his black finest, too. All that said, STK and I realize that our subcultural identities are becoming a less salient aspect of who we are. Sure, we'll always consider ourselves different, apart from the mainstream, and members of the goth & punk scenes.* At the same time, our familial and professional identities are taking on a greater importance. Believe it or not, there is something of a method to our madness. By highlighting my identity as a professor, rather than that of subculturalist, I'm granted access to malleable minds. Similarly, STK's profession as an art teacher allows her to challenge young people to think in new ways.
As Stevo from SLC Punk would say:
"You can do a hell of a lot more damage in the system than u can outside of it. That's the final irony, I think. That and this...when all was said and done i was just another, goddamn, trendy ass POSER."
*To be honest, I don't even know if I belong to scene anymore. While I hang with goths, I really don't listen to a lot of goth music. Out of 64 CDs I have in my car, only two are really goth (Siouxsie and the Banshees & Autumn). The rest are an eclectic mix of female-fronted punk and indie rock, whatever the hell indie rock means these days. I guess riot grrrl punk is probably the most appropriate label I can apply to myself these days.
Sunday, May 08, 2005
Car Talk
With $1000 of auto repair bills looming, STK and finally faced the inevitable: it's probably time to replace one of our automobiles. My car, a ten year old Honda Civic coupe, still runs like a dream; with over 150,000 miles on the tires, I'm still getting 48 miles per gallon. The fact my trusty car keeps on cruising really isn't all that surprising. The vast majority of the miles put on the car have been highway miles. So, while my car keep on plugging along at a good pace ::knocks on wood::, it's also worth about $1.25 when it comes to trade-in value.
STK's car, a 1998 Nissan Altima, is also in great shape.* That said, her car is reaching the point-of-no-return in terms of trade-in value. If we don't use her car on a trade-in soon, we'll never get anything for it and we'll be faced with the proposition of driving our cars until their very last breath.
Keeping all that in mind, I spent the last couple days looking at potential new cars.
UPDATE: Okay, I saved a draft of this post about 8 AM Saturday morning. Since then, much has occured. This evening, STK and I ventured to a local Honda dealership looking for a particular model and color of a vehicle we've been eyeing. Believe it or not, the dealership had EXACTLY the vehicle for which we were looking (a quick internet search suggests this was the only dealership in the state to have this particular model and color--why on earth are 5 speeds so difficult to find? Sheesh). After sitting down and pushing the pencil for a while, we convinced the dealership to give us exactly what we wanted. Having haggled on price, we were still reluctant. The clincher was 1.9% financing (thank goodness for perfect credit). Folks, that's like borrowing money for nothing. We can't get that rate at our credit union.
At 9 PM tonight, we said goodbye to the Altima and drove home in our new, Galapagos Green Honda Element. The vehicle provides everything we need: five speed manual transmission, 4WD, room to transport TLO, the dogs, and additional cargo, urethane-coated floor (no carpet means no dog hair sticking everywhere--wet mop the floor and the interior is clean!), cruise control, AC, and much, much more. If the vehicle lives up to the reviews by both professionals and owners, we'll be very pleased with the purchase.
*It's in great shape but boy does it suck in the snow. I've never driven a front-wheel drive car that's any worse.
STK's car, a 1998 Nissan Altima, is also in great shape.* That said, her car is reaching the point-of-no-return in terms of trade-in value. If we don't use her car on a trade-in soon, we'll never get anything for it and we'll be faced with the proposition of driving our cars until their very last breath.
Keeping all that in mind, I spent the last couple days looking at potential new cars.
UPDATE: Okay, I saved a draft of this post about 8 AM Saturday morning. Since then, much has occured. This evening, STK and I ventured to a local Honda dealership looking for a particular model and color of a vehicle we've been eyeing. Believe it or not, the dealership had EXACTLY the vehicle for which we were looking (a quick internet search suggests this was the only dealership in the state to have this particular model and color--why on earth are 5 speeds so difficult to find? Sheesh). After sitting down and pushing the pencil for a while, we convinced the dealership to give us exactly what we wanted. Having haggled on price, we were still reluctant. The clincher was 1.9% financing (thank goodness for perfect credit). Folks, that's like borrowing money for nothing. We can't get that rate at our credit union.
At 9 PM tonight, we said goodbye to the Altima and drove home in our new, Galapagos Green Honda Element. The vehicle provides everything we need: five speed manual transmission, 4WD, room to transport TLO, the dogs, and additional cargo, urethane-coated floor (no carpet means no dog hair sticking everywhere--wet mop the floor and the interior is clean!), cruise control, AC, and much, much more. If the vehicle lives up to the reviews by both professionals and owners, we'll be very pleased with the purchase.
*It's in great shape but boy does it suck in the snow. I've never driven a front-wheel drive car that's any worse.
Friday, May 06, 2005
Feast-o-licious
Appetizer-Name a store or restaurant you no longer visit because of a bad experience you had there.
Wal-Mart. It's not so much a result of my bad experience but that of millions of workers. Wal-Mart is the absolute bottom of the barrel when it comes to treating employees right.
Soup-If you could own any building in existence, which one would you want?
How about a Research 1 library?
Salad-What's your favorite commercial these days?
Take your pick of any of the multiple Revenge of the Sith commercials.
Main Course-When was the last time you felt guilty about spending money, and what was it you purchased?
I bought a couple Revenge of the Sith figures last month and probably should have waited until this month.
Dessert-Friday's Feast is going to be having it's First Birthday in 2 weeks. What should we do to celebrate?
How about another Friday's Feast?
Wal-Mart. It's not so much a result of my bad experience but that of millions of workers. Wal-Mart is the absolute bottom of the barrel when it comes to treating employees right.
Soup-If you could own any building in existence, which one would you want?
How about a Research 1 library?
Salad-What's your favorite commercial these days?
Take your pick of any of the multiple Revenge of the Sith commercials.
Main Course-When was the last time you felt guilty about spending money, and what was it you purchased?
I bought a couple Revenge of the Sith figures last month and probably should have waited until this month.
Dessert-Friday's Feast is going to be having it's First Birthday in 2 weeks. What should we do to celebrate?
How about another Friday's Feast?
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
No Rules!
Tomorrow is the last lecture day of Interpersonal Communication Skills. Although the course isn't in my area of specialization, I've enjoyed teaching it for the last couple years. This could be the last time I'll ever teach the class. As such, my current students asked me to put together a dating advice list. To be honest, this list has been in the works for 20 years or so and I finally formalized it this morning.
Top Ten Pieces of Dating Advice
1. Don’t date at work. The workplace is stressful enough as it is. Trying to juggle a professional and romantic relationship with someone can be extremely difficult.
2. If you ask someone out on a date, be decisive. If the person agrees to go out, follow up with a specific plan: "Great! How does coffee at St. Mark’s sound?" "Great! What would you like to do?" is not decisive. At the same time, be flexible. If the person obviously dislikes the idea of coffee, offer an alternative. Keeping several suggestions in mind is always a good idea.
3. Never date potential. In most instances, what you see is what you get. Fixer uppers are a lot of work and you rarely get a good return on your emotional investment.
4. Coffee or drinks is always the best choice for a 1st date. If the situation goes badly, it’s easy to put an end to the misery. With dinner and a movie, you’re stuck for several hours.
5. Date for fun, not a lifetime partner. Positioning every person you meet as a potential Mr. or Ms. Right puts an extreme amount of pressure on a date. Give it time--you’ll both discover if the other person is someone with whom you want to explore a committed relationship.
6. Be explicit about your interest. "We should get together some time" is not a clear expression of romantic interest; "We should go out on a date" is much clearer.
7. Past relationships are not a great conversation topic on a first date. Trials and tribulations of past partnerships will come out over time.
8. Encourage the other person to talk. Ask about their hobbies, musical preferences, favorite movies, and the like. These questions keep the conversation moving and indicate interest. Keep it light.
9. Don’t be afraid to tell the other person that you’re not hip to a second date. Be kind, but be honest. Failing to return a call is not kind.
10. There are NO rules to dating. Get rid of the dating silliness. If you get someone’s number and you’re really interested, call the next day (toss out the 48 hour rule). Getting someone to chase you or playing hard to get is nothing more than game-playing. If you treat dating as a game that requires an extensive rule manual, you're going to wind up playing a game rather than engaging in a worthwhile relationship.
Thoughts?
Top Ten Pieces of Dating Advice
1. Don’t date at work. The workplace is stressful enough as it is. Trying to juggle a professional and romantic relationship with someone can be extremely difficult.
2. If you ask someone out on a date, be decisive. If the person agrees to go out, follow up with a specific plan: "Great! How does coffee at St. Mark’s sound?" "Great! What would you like to do?" is not decisive. At the same time, be flexible. If the person obviously dislikes the idea of coffee, offer an alternative. Keeping several suggestions in mind is always a good idea.
3. Never date potential. In most instances, what you see is what you get. Fixer uppers are a lot of work and you rarely get a good return on your emotional investment.
4. Coffee or drinks is always the best choice for a 1st date. If the situation goes badly, it’s easy to put an end to the misery. With dinner and a movie, you’re stuck for several hours.
5. Date for fun, not a lifetime partner. Positioning every person you meet as a potential Mr. or Ms. Right puts an extreme amount of pressure on a date. Give it time--you’ll both discover if the other person is someone with whom you want to explore a committed relationship.
6. Be explicit about your interest. "We should get together some time" is not a clear expression of romantic interest; "We should go out on a date" is much clearer.
7. Past relationships are not a great conversation topic on a first date. Trials and tribulations of past partnerships will come out over time.
8. Encourage the other person to talk. Ask about their hobbies, musical preferences, favorite movies, and the like. These questions keep the conversation moving and indicate interest. Keep it light.
9. Don’t be afraid to tell the other person that you’re not hip to a second date. Be kind, but be honest. Failing to return a call is not kind.
10. There are NO rules to dating. Get rid of the dating silliness. If you get someone’s number and you’re really interested, call the next day (toss out the 48 hour rule). Getting someone to chase you or playing hard to get is nothing more than game-playing. If you treat dating as a game that requires an extensive rule manual, you're going to wind up playing a game rather than engaging in a worthwhile relationship.
Thoughts?
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