Just a little note to mention I was still alive.
Funny how my last post was entitled, "Back In the Saddle", and then I fail to post for almost the entire month. Want to know what I was up to? Didn't think so, so I'm not going to take the time to make up a midly interesting story. It goes back to one of the previous blogs and the internal wrestling match over what and when to write.
During the school year, I make a long, fairly humerous (at times) rant every Friday as kind of a "last push for the end of the week" that gets sent to fellow teachers and friends. I plan on posting those here as a cheap way to increase posts. Some may be laced with inside jokes, but nobody is reading this page, so I don't care. I don't know if I'll every direct people to this page, but why worry about it now.
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Friday, July 01, 2005
Back in the Saddle
Thanks to Ryan for pointing out the UNO College Democrats (www.unodemocrats.com) site. I did check it out and is another site for us youngin's to check out. Also, congrats to Ryan for being the first person to comment on my site. Your cookie is in the mail :)
Anyway, the College World Series was a blast. Our job was to provide refreshments to the press box lounge, press conference room, parking lot employees, and the metro police force (in exchange for some excellent food..they were very cool guys). Got to spend a lot of time in the press box with the big wigs from tv and print media. Most of them were pretty cool. I think the only guy I got attitude from was a guy from Baylor who was mad because we only had diet coke in the fountain with "shot glasses". I'm hoping he got over it.
Also last week I got to attend the Big & Rich concert at Nebraskaland Days in North Platte. For those of you who haven't been and are thinking of going, begin preparing now. If you've lived your whole life in Omaha and, whether you like it or not, are the stereotypical "urban cowboy", you must understand what you are getting yourself into. Having grown up with family that drank plain labeled beer and craved Waylon and Willie, I've been to that mountain, and can assimilate myself if necessary. I don't sport the cowboy hat or boots anymore, but it could be done without shame or regret. My first mistake was taking my 12 year old sister-in-law and her friend (along with my wife). My second was driving my cavalier. Always take your biggest car. We looked just a tad bit out of place between the F-250 and Dodge Ram with the Cummins Diesel. We made it in and I grabbed a beer to blend in a little more. We made our way down to the pit with a pretty decent view. Especially of the white trash that had showed up. The girls ahead of us had "makes love to Skynyrd" spray painted all over them. They had on tank tops, except for the best looking one (relatively), who had on, you guessed it, a tube top straight from the aisles of Wal-Mart. You kind of feel bad because you know they've saved up the whole year for this one event. As we gazed around a little more at the hats (there were definitely some legit cowboys there), Kid Rock's little black sheep brother slipped in front of us. He'd been drinking for quite a while, and I just thought of how the two 12 year old's were getting their first look at a stupid drunk. He had jeans, a pristine white wife-beater, and short blond air with a goatee. He was getting his groove on with his imaginary centerfold right in front of the girls, and then was kind enough to offer them a smoke. While it wasn't funny at the time, it was when he finally left. All in all, it was a very good time. The concert itself was excellent. Love everybody.
Anyway, the College World Series was a blast. Our job was to provide refreshments to the press box lounge, press conference room, parking lot employees, and the metro police force (in exchange for some excellent food..they were very cool guys). Got to spend a lot of time in the press box with the big wigs from tv and print media. Most of them were pretty cool. I think the only guy I got attitude from was a guy from Baylor who was mad because we only had diet coke in the fountain with "shot glasses". I'm hoping he got over it.
Also last week I got to attend the Big & Rich concert at Nebraskaland Days in North Platte. For those of you who haven't been and are thinking of going, begin preparing now. If you've lived your whole life in Omaha and, whether you like it or not, are the stereotypical "urban cowboy", you must understand what you are getting yourself into. Having grown up with family that drank plain labeled beer and craved Waylon and Willie, I've been to that mountain, and can assimilate myself if necessary. I don't sport the cowboy hat or boots anymore, but it could be done without shame or regret. My first mistake was taking my 12 year old sister-in-law and her friend (along with my wife). My second was driving my cavalier. Always take your biggest car. We looked just a tad bit out of place between the F-250 and Dodge Ram with the Cummins Diesel. We made it in and I grabbed a beer to blend in a little more. We made our way down to the pit with a pretty decent view. Especially of the white trash that had showed up. The girls ahead of us had "makes love to Skynyrd" spray painted all over them. They had on tank tops, except for the best looking one (relatively), who had on, you guessed it, a tube top straight from the aisles of Wal-Mart. You kind of feel bad because you know they've saved up the whole year for this one event. As we gazed around a little more at the hats (there were definitely some legit cowboys there), Kid Rock's little black sheep brother slipped in front of us. He'd been drinking for quite a while, and I just thought of how the two 12 year old's were getting their first look at a stupid drunk. He had jeans, a pristine white wife-beater, and short blond air with a goatee. He was getting his groove on with his imaginary centerfold right in front of the girls, and then was kind enough to offer them a smoke. While it wasn't funny at the time, it was when he finally left. All in all, it was a very good time. The concert itself was excellent. Love everybody.
Thursday, June 16, 2005
The Rant of the Day
So I just got back from CWS practice. For those of you unfamiliar, the day before the College World Series starts, all teams get an hour to practice at Rosenblatt Stadium, an event that is open to the public. I had to go get my credentials for the series, so I went in to sit and watch Tennessee warm up (I believe that Nebraska worked out at 9 because they were still around at 10:15 when I got there..Just missed a chance to say hi to Joba Chamberlain!! Should've stayed in my seat 5 more minutes!).
Anway, back to the issue: I was sitting along the third base line, watching the Vols take batting practice. In the outfield bleachers, not surprisingly, were a large amount of children begging for balls from the outfield players. Instead of asking for one politely, all you hear is, "Here! Here! Throw it here!!" I would've thrown it there, so that I hit the kid in the mouth so he'd shut it! I was annoyed and they weren't even yelling at me. Am I being too critical? Is the teacher in my coming out?? Oh well.
Anway, back to the issue: I was sitting along the third base line, watching the Vols take batting practice. In the outfield bleachers, not surprisingly, were a large amount of children begging for balls from the outfield players. Instead of asking for one politely, all you hear is, "Here! Here! Throw it here!!" I would've thrown it there, so that I hit the kid in the mouth so he'd shut it! I was annoyed and they weren't even yelling at me. Am I being too critical? Is the teacher in my coming out?? Oh well.
Another new site
Every now and then I put up sites that I find relatively cool or important or pertinent. So as a Nebraska Democrat, I was pleased to see that they have a web site with a blog as well. Feel free to go and partake in discussions, or just browse!
http://www.nebraskademocrats.org
http://www.nebraskademocrats.org
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
"Closet Intellectual"
Before I forget, my sympathy to the family of former Gov. and Sen. J.J. Exon, whose funeral is tomorrow. Although I am a young Democrat, I have been catching up on some of the things that he's done.
Now on to something that has nothing to do with politics.
Last weekend, my wife and myself, along with a friend, went to the Anchor Inn to catch Lemon Fresh Day. We sat at a picnic table with an older couple (50's, maybe) who were very nice. After we got to know each other a little bit and found out some of our background, they started giving our friend crap about dating and telling her they would find a man. They razed her about dating a "smart guy" (since he's an optometry student). She finally relinquished the fact that she, too, was an optometry student. Completely catching the man off guard, he says, "Oh, you're one of those closet intellectuals that only reveals herself at certain times." Why I found this to be totally hilarious, I'm not sure, but I did. I've been thinking quite a bit about this, and have developed a definition:
Closet intellectual (adj.): A highly intelligent person who does not always choose to use their intelligence, only using it when it is completely advatageous for themselves. Because of their ability to blend in with all groups of individuals (i.e., both idiots and scholars), they are that much smarter.
This, however, is not to be confused with people who are just "book smart". They lack the common sense to turn off and on their intelligence. They are forced to be dumb in certain situations, while a closet intellectual choses to be dumb. I would like to think of myself as a closet intellectual. I'm pretty quiet when it comes to most things, but every now and then I let my true self be revealed. I'm currently theorizing on other levels of intellectual, so check by later when I need something else to blog about.
Now on to something that has nothing to do with politics.
Last weekend, my wife and myself, along with a friend, went to the Anchor Inn to catch Lemon Fresh Day. We sat at a picnic table with an older couple (50's, maybe) who were very nice. After we got to know each other a little bit and found out some of our background, they started giving our friend crap about dating and telling her they would find a man. They razed her about dating a "smart guy" (since he's an optometry student). She finally relinquished the fact that she, too, was an optometry student. Completely catching the man off guard, he says, "Oh, you're one of those closet intellectuals that only reveals herself at certain times." Why I found this to be totally hilarious, I'm not sure, but I did. I've been thinking quite a bit about this, and have developed a definition:
Closet intellectual (adj.): A highly intelligent person who does not always choose to use their intelligence, only using it when it is completely advatageous for themselves. Because of their ability to blend in with all groups of individuals (i.e., both idiots and scholars), they are that much smarter.
This, however, is not to be confused with people who are just "book smart". They lack the common sense to turn off and on their intelligence. They are forced to be dumb in certain situations, while a closet intellectual choses to be dumb. I would like to think of myself as a closet intellectual. I'm pretty quiet when it comes to most things, but every now and then I let my true self be revealed. I'm currently theorizing on other levels of intellectual, so check by later when I need something else to blog about.
The Great Debate
The greatest time of the year is approaching here in Omaha: the College World Series. I'm excited because, as an usher, I actually get paid to be at the games. I just hope I get to do more watching than actual working.
I've been browsing through many other blogs of people that I have shared interests with, according to our profiles. I've noticed a lot of them haven't been updated recently, and even when they were updated, they were crap. One started out by saying, "Some of you told me to write something intelligent, so, something intelligent". The next (or previous, depending on how you read them) was a two line post that he says was made when he was drunk. So here's my great debate: to blog for the sake of blogging, or minimizing my blogs until I have something intellectual to say (which reminds me of another story, which I'll create another post for). So, if for some reason you happen to fall across this canvas of rants and posts, please weigh in on this subject.
I've been browsing through many other blogs of people that I have shared interests with, according to our profiles. I've noticed a lot of them haven't been updated recently, and even when they were updated, they were crap. One started out by saying, "Some of you told me to write something intelligent, so, something intelligent". The next (or previous, depending on how you read them) was a two line post that he says was made when he was drunk. So here's my great debate: to blog for the sake of blogging, or minimizing my blogs until I have something intellectual to say (which reminds me of another story, which I'll create another post for). So, if for some reason you happen to fall across this canvas of rants and posts, please weigh in on this subject.
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
Your business
I consider myself an intelligent American. I am a loyal Democrat, but not so much that I feel I'm wearing blue-colored glasses. I would be willing to predict that I would be labeled a conservative on a majority of issues (having said that, I've never seen a definition of liberal, conservative, radical, etc., that I've taken the time to decipher). Which brings me to my latest beef.
Just last night, the Omaha Public School Board passed a resolution saying that it wanted to take over schools in Millard and Ralston because they lie within the Omaha city boundary. I get highly annoyed when people can't leave well enough alone. A few months ago, the city voted to annex Elkhorn. I can understand why, but they came out in the media before letting Elkhorn residents or city officials know. The same thing happened last night. Neither Millard nor Ralston officials had any knowledge of their plans before it came across the 10 o'clock news (actually, the news media must have called them before the showing, but you get my drift).
If they want to take over the schools, that's fine. I don't teach in those districts, and, personally, I would quit if my school got taken over by OPS. I don't feel they do a good enough job with keeping in touch with the schools that they have. I feel that my district pushes it, and we only have 13 schools, as opposed to the 60+ that OPS has. Their ability to do so, although it will be challenged by Millard and Ralston, seems to be perfectly legal. Why does this not include Westside? A law enacted in 1947 (which will probably be referred to as the Westside Exception) says, to some effect, that if a school district that maintains a high school and is unincorporated at the time of annexation will remain separate. The Millard schools were part of the City of Millard (which was obviously not unincorporated) at the time of annexation, and Ralston High School will not be part of the takeover. The Westside Exception, which makes absolutely no sense if you look at it from Omaha's point of view (why would the city allow the exception except for their must have been some buddy-buddy agreement), obviously only applies to Westside.
My whole beef is the way that Omaha is handling it's dealings. Be it the school board or the city council, neither is acquiring PR points. If you want to flex your muscle and participate in an eastern Nebraska takeover, that's fine. But handle it in a professional way. Don't let the first blow be in the media. It would be a lot less controversial if you would fire a warning shot by letting the affecting people (i.e., Millard/Ralston school boards or Elkhorn city government) know ahead of time. If you consider yourself a professional organization, act like it.
But that's just a conservative speaking.
Just last night, the Omaha Public School Board passed a resolution saying that it wanted to take over schools in Millard and Ralston because they lie within the Omaha city boundary. I get highly annoyed when people can't leave well enough alone. A few months ago, the city voted to annex Elkhorn. I can understand why, but they came out in the media before letting Elkhorn residents or city officials know. The same thing happened last night. Neither Millard nor Ralston officials had any knowledge of their plans before it came across the 10 o'clock news (actually, the news media must have called them before the showing, but you get my drift).
If they want to take over the schools, that's fine. I don't teach in those districts, and, personally, I would quit if my school got taken over by OPS. I don't feel they do a good enough job with keeping in touch with the schools that they have. I feel that my district pushes it, and we only have 13 schools, as opposed to the 60+ that OPS has. Their ability to do so, although it will be challenged by Millard and Ralston, seems to be perfectly legal. Why does this not include Westside? A law enacted in 1947 (which will probably be referred to as the Westside Exception) says, to some effect, that if a school district that maintains a high school and is unincorporated at the time of annexation will remain separate. The Millard schools were part of the City of Millard (which was obviously not unincorporated) at the time of annexation, and Ralston High School will not be part of the takeover. The Westside Exception, which makes absolutely no sense if you look at it from Omaha's point of view (why would the city allow the exception except for their must have been some buddy-buddy agreement), obviously only applies to Westside.
My whole beef is the way that Omaha is handling it's dealings. Be it the school board or the city council, neither is acquiring PR points. If you want to flex your muscle and participate in an eastern Nebraska takeover, that's fine. But handle it in a professional way. Don't let the first blow be in the media. It would be a lot less controversial if you would fire a warning shot by letting the affecting people (i.e., Millard/Ralston school boards or Elkhorn city government) know ahead of time. If you consider yourself a professional organization, act like it.
But that's just a conservative speaking.
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
My own welcome back
Well, it's been a while since I've updated. Now that summer is here and school is there, I'll be able to update to myself a little more often.
If you get a chance, check out http://www.tpmcafe.com/. It is a very cool political blog that I just hooked up with.
School's out for the summer. It couldn't come at a better time. Now I can spend my summer looking for other less stressful, more enjoyable, and better paying jobs.
My Cleveland Indians started out the baseball season pretty poor, but now we are only a game under .500. That's a pretty big step up from earlier in the season. As expected, Juan Gonzalez has spent most of the year injured. Thanks for the help.
One of the problems that I have with where I live is that I am a Democrat in a republican state. I was watching Pres. Bush today, and I feel that I lost brain cells listening to his stupid banter. From education (which is obviously dear to my heart) to foreign issues (name a country we don't feel we need to run), I don't understand how some people can be so in love with him? I do support some of his ideas (I can't think of any of hand, but I know there is a couple), but to feel that this man is the second coming is beyond ludacris. I would be willing to bet that someone, somewhere, is putting the exact opposite message on their blog or website. DON'T DRINK THE RED KOOLAID!
Well, gotta run. More info at a later date. Thunderstorms are rolling in, so I'd better check as to how severe.
If you get a chance, check out http://www.tpmcafe.com/. It is a very cool political blog that I just hooked up with.
School's out for the summer. It couldn't come at a better time. Now I can spend my summer looking for other less stressful, more enjoyable, and better paying jobs.
My Cleveland Indians started out the baseball season pretty poor, but now we are only a game under .500. That's a pretty big step up from earlier in the season. As expected, Juan Gonzalez has spent most of the year injured. Thanks for the help.
One of the problems that I have with where I live is that I am a Democrat in a republican state. I was watching Pres. Bush today, and I feel that I lost brain cells listening to his stupid banter. From education (which is obviously dear to my heart) to foreign issues (name a country we don't feel we need to run), I don't understand how some people can be so in love with him? I do support some of his ideas (I can't think of any of hand, but I know there is a couple), but to feel that this man is the second coming is beyond ludacris. I would be willing to bet that someone, somewhere, is putting the exact opposite message on their blog or website. DON'T DRINK THE RED KOOLAID!
Well, gotta run. More info at a later date. Thunderstorms are rolling in, so I'd better check as to how severe.
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
My Beloved Indians
I have been a big, dedicated, loving fan of the Cleveland Indians since I was about 15 and began to develop a love for the game of baseball. I loved the players: Albert, Jim, Manny, Jaret, and all the many others who became legends on their way to blowing the '97 Series against the rented World Champion Marlins. Since then, I've watched all of those players leave and have welcomed the new crop of talent with open arms. The Cleveland Indians are my love, 2nd only to my wife and family. Feel free to share in the joy that is watching the Indians this upcoming year. Please Juan Gonzales: bring back the power!
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