Fly on the wall

24

2006-01-16T23:56:00.000-05:00

Did anyone catch the scene in 24 last night where the Secret Service guy is in the bathroom? If you didn’t, check it out on your Tivo because it was very strange. The First Lady walks into the bathroom while this guy is taking a leak and starts questioning him. She forces him to give her the access card to a locked archive room. He does after much persuasion on part of The First Lady. The interesting part is that the Secret Service agent never washes his hands before he hands the card over to The First Lady, who in turn places it in her mouth while fixing her blouse and stockings....gross...

Food For Thought

2006-01-03T22:20:00.000-05:00

Not All Negative Progress is being made in Iraq.

By Bill Crawford

The mainstream media is failing in its reporting on Iraq. The American people are being fed a steady stream of negative stories about Iraq that in no way represent reality, and even if a positive story is reported it can be hard to spot. The New York Times reported on the ratification of the Iraqi constitution by attempting to calculate how many “yes” votes would have needed to change to “no” in order for the constitution to have failed. The week the ratification of the constitution became official was the same week the number of U.S. fatalities in Iraq reached 2,000. Some papers in the U.S. reported the casualty “milestone” on their front page, and completely ignored the story about the ratification of the constitution. Is it any wonder that more and more Americans are starting to believe that removing Saddam was a mistake? In stark contrast, 71 percent of Iraqis believe that Iraq will achieve long-term stability through the democratic process. The truth is that great things are happening in Iraq every day.

One of the biggest misconceptions about Iraq is that the U.S. “broke it” when we invaded, but the reality is that Iraq was a broken country long before we arrived. Nowhere is this more evident than in the area of education, where only one in six Iraqischool children had textbooks under Saddam. A huge effort is underway to repair the Iraqi education system. In the Sulayminyah province of Iraq, which includes the city of Mosul, seven of the area’s ten schools have undergone $354 million worth of renovations, benefiting more than 6,000 Iraqi school children. The repairs included new paint, sewer and electricity upgrades, new bathrooms, and ceiling fans in the classrooms. Across Iraq, more than 2,500 schools have been renovated or received repairs. In addition, USAID is training 100,000 primary and secondary teachers throughout the country.

A similarly impressive effort to rebuild Iraq’s infrastructure is also underway. Opponents of our efforts in Iraq often point out that prior to the invasion Baghdad had a continuous supply of electricity, but that today supplies are intermittent. What they don’t say is that Saddam achieved steady supplies of electricity in Baghdad by poaching it from other areas of the country. The truth is that Iraq’s electrical grid, roads, bridges, health system, water systems, and oil infrastructure had been neglected for more than a decade. Not since the Marshall Plan rebuilt Europe has the world seen an effort as massive as the one now underway in Iraq, and many signs of success go unreported in the MSM: Iraq’s power output is now higher than pre-war levels, and oil revenues in September of this year were the highest in Iraqi history. Here is a short list of individual reconstruction projects announced over the past two weeks:

In Baghdad, the first of 120 new family health centers was opened. The clinics will be located in areas where access to healthcare is usually nonexistent;

15.65 km of roads in Samawah have been paved;

A suburb of Mosul is getting a new underground sewage system. When completed it will provide service to half of Mosul’s 1.5 million residents;

Also in Mosul, a new electrical substation will provide power to 6 million Iraqis;

A new primary school is being built in the Qadisiyah governorate;

In Babil, a new $4.9 million electrical substation will provide electricity to 20,000 Iraqis;

In Ninewah, an electrical plant that had not been used in for several years now provides 50,000 Iraqis with power thanks to a $3 million renovation; and

15,000 Iraqis have been hooked up to a new water-distribution system in Baghdad. In all, more than 100 km of new water lines have been laid in Baghdad.

Iraqis are often the ones doing this work. The Iraqi Contracting Office monitors over $18 billion in reconstruction projects all across Iraq. This amount includes $520 million for water and sewer treatment, $1.2 billion for the electrical grid, $100 million for agricultural revitalization, and $45 million to repair the seaport at Umm Qasr. Thousands of projects have been completed since the fall of Saddam, but the American people never hear of them.

Progress is also being made in the fight to secure Iraq. One of the stated goals of the terrorists in Iraq is to prevent democracy from taking hold, and yet they were only able to launch 19 attacks on polling places during the October referendum, down from 108 during the January election. Evidence like this makes it hard to believe the mainstream media when they tell us that the “insurgency” in Iraq is growing stronger. A few days before the election, Iraqi security forces reached an important milestone: 200,000 soldiers and police on duty. Many are now fighting alongside U.S. forces, and several dozen battalions are capable of taking the lead in an operation. Security for seven provinces in southern Iraq was handed over to Iraqis in August of this year, although it wasn’t reported anywhere here in America. In north-central Iraq, half of all security operations are now conducted by Iraqi forces, and in Baghdad Iraqis have primary responsibility for four of the city’s districts. The crime rate dropped 90 percent in Najaf after Iraqis were given responsibility for security. Iraqi civilians are also stepping-up in the fight for a free and democratic Iraq by calling tips in to coalition and Iraq forces. A national tip-line was recently installed to make the process easier.

Iraq’s economy is starting to reflect the optimism felt by the Iraqi people. A poll conducted by the Center for International Private Enterprise showed that 77 percent of Iraq’s businesses believe the national economy will expand over the next 24 months, 54 percent expect sales to increase during the next 12, and 69 percent are optimistic about the future of Iraq’s economy. The Iraqi dinar has stabilized since it was first introduced, and the multi-national forces in Iraq now pays Iraqis in the new dinars instead of U.S. dollars.

The story of Iraqi Airlines mirrors the growing fortunes of the economy as a whole. The airline’s first flights out of Iraq in 14 years started in September of 2004. In August of 2005, the airline announced that it would begin direct flights to Dubai. In September of 2005, flights to Turkey resumed for the first time since 1991. Just this week the airline announced that it is expanding beyond the Middle East with flights to London and Frankfurt.

Perhaps the most promising news to come out of Iraq since the fall of Saddam is the Iraqi government’s recent offer of assistance to Pakistan to aid in relief efforts after the recent earthquake in Kashmir. After decades of being a pariah on the international stage Iraq is rejoining the community of nations. Liberals would describe this as the ugly face of American imperialism. I call it progress, and although there is still plenty of hard work to be done, the American people can be proud of what we have achieved in Iraq.

— Bill Crawford blogs at All Things Conservative.

Stories From Grandpa

2005-12-30T13:32:00.000-05:00

As the Christmas season comes to a close it is fun to reflect on the time spent with your friends and family. For some this time can be very difficult and for others it can very enjoyable. Some people have a strange uncle Phil or an aunt that just got out of jail, others have a crazy brother or a significant other they just can’t stand. Despite all of these factors many family gatherings end with a fun story and can be look back upon in a few years as funny. (Even though at the time it may have seemed to be a disaster) The story that follows below was shared with me by my grandfather in the car on the way to a family gathering. It is written as he told it and in his words.

What is that? (Pointing out the car window) Oh yes, the Assembly of God Church. That reminds me of the church that was in our old hometown of El Campo Texas. They were the first church in the whole town to have a neon sign. It was a really big thing to have a neon sign, most churches just had wood signs light by a small white light. This church was advanced in technology and everyone was jealous of their modern sign. Shortly after they installed the sign they experienced a problem with the neon its self. One evening the church sign was seen displaying the words “Ass of God” in bright red neon lettering. A few letters had failed to light up. As a result the news of this failure of technology spread quickly through our small town. Within minutes of nightfall cars could be seen filled to the brim with people slowly driving by the church to see the show. Ass of God....Ass of God....I wonder why someone just didn’t turn it off.....Ass of God....

Ouch

2005-12-04T18:05:00.000-05:00

Life is a little bit overwhelming right now...my head hurts...my heart hurts...my soul hurts...

Blackmarket Video Games

2005-11-28T20:10:00.000-05:00

I was having a few beers at a friend’s house the other day and came across his collection of Nintendo games. I love to go through these old games and remember my childhood. We never had a Nintendo at my house but I remember looking forward to traveling to my cousin’s house to indulge in the wonders of advanced technology.

While I was going through his games I found this:

Yes, you read it right, Bible Adventures!

When you look closely at the game you will see it doesn’t bare the NES seal if approval. An underground Christian video game...talk about mind blowing....

A few beers later I decided to take on this game and see if I could win. As I placed it in the machine giving it the classic tap-tap and of course blowing on the cartridge (Who knows if this really helps), I was wondering what I would win. Could I receive eternal salvation for beating the game? Maybe I could be an action hero Jesus! This game looks as if they just stole the game play from Super Mario Bros, it is a side scrolling game. It contains three mini-games.

The first is Noah and the ark in this game you play as Noah and collect animals (two by two) in order to fill the ark. This is all well and good but some animals put up a fight and you have to knock them out with a bail of hay. Another interesting feature is the fact Noah can pick up a cow with one arm and hold it over his head.

The second game is Moses and the river. You play as Moses’ mother and you must carry baby Moses through the level to the river. As you do this you have to run from Pharaoh’s men and dodge wild animals. It is interesting to note that if you drop the baby at anytime he is fine and that you can simply go back and pick up a new baby Moses at the beginning of the game.

The third game is David and Goliath. In this game you endlessly collect sheep and put them in a pen. I never made it to the point where I got to fight Goliath, so if you can get your hands on this game let me know how it ends!

This Nintendo game just makes me laugh, I can imagine the Saturday Night Live skit showing kids finding Bible based video games under the tree at Christmas....too funny...

A Time For Change

2005-11-27T23:15:00.000-05:00

It has been awhile since my last post, I need to get back into the swing of my blog. Since my last post things have really been looking up. My cousin is out of the hospital and at home. She is doing really well considering she was hit by a truck. She is a fighter and has many obstacles to overcome. She will get through it, I know she will.

Another great thing has happened in my life, I guess it is a mix of good and bad. I started playing hockey and it has taken over. I love it, I love being on the ice, skating, the game, everything about it. The problem is I am addicted. I have become addicted to all things hockey. This weekend I spent some time Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at a hockey rink of some kind. I also watched the Red Wings on T.V. and listened to an AHL game on the radio. Crap, I am hooked! On the other hand it’s a great addiction. I have something to look forward too. I look forward to the time I can spend alone or with friends just enjoying life. It makes things a lot easier when you can get away from the stress of work and life, even if it’s just for a little bit.

Things are looking up and that’s nice for a change...

Reflections Since August

2005-11-13T22:31:00.000-05:00

I have had a lot on my mind lately and it all has finally come to a boil and just feel like I need to vent. So forgive me ahead of time is it seems like I am rambling, this is more for my own mental health then anything else.

Since I returned home from Africa my life has been full of huge changes in my life. I returned to the United States and was hit by extreme culture shock. Readjusting after being in what seemed like another world for two months took some time. Everything I knew or seemed to know about my reality had changed soon after I stepped off the plane. While I attempted to get over that I had to come to grips with the fact that two of my best friends were taking off for a long time. Two of my best friends joined the Navy and won’t be around for a few years. That is taking its toll on me. At the same time I started student teaching in Detroit in a second grade classroom. As well I am taking two graduate classes. The classes suck and the teaching sucks. I am so frustrated with it all...my kids are nuts...my teacher is not what I was hoping for...the school has no leadership or direction... I don’t get paid...I could go on forever...

Then my grandma died...add another shot of stress in my life...

Then my cousin got hit by a car...add another shot of stress in my life...

On top of all this I miss my old church and the supportive friends I have there...

...enter sappy music here...

Not So Happy Birthday

2005-11-06T22:06:00.000-05:00

Well tomorrow is my birthday...I had a wonderful night on Saturday. My friends went out to rumors with me and we had a great time. Then I awoke today to find out my cousin is in an ICU after being hit by a truck. Talk about back to reality...I will have more to say later...I need some time to think it all out...

Great Lakes Naval Training Center

2005-10-31T16:59:00.000-05:00

Scott, Me, Jamie

I am proud to say I have two of my best friends serving our country in the U.S. Navy, kickass and take names boys.

Heavenly Protection

2005-10-31T16:51:00.000-05:00

I saw this stuck to a car in a Chicago suburb...thought it was funny...

Thankful For Art

2005-10-24T12:52:00.000-04:00

I never thought I could ever be so happy to have my kids at art… they are bananas today…seriously…when this day ends, I will be a happy man…

Dog ate your homework?

2005-10-09T17:42:00.000-04:00

Well it was inevitable that sooner or later I would have to deal with students that don’t return their homework. As a teacher we all hope our students not only complete their homework but also make their best effort to return it in a timely manor. Now what happens when students don’t bring their homework to school? Most students when confronted will just tell you they have forgotten it at home and return it the next day complete. Others will tell you that they left their homework at home and it is complete, when in fact it is still sitting in their desk and not complete. Some may shoot for the classic “my dog at it” or the modified “I left it in my mom’s car” excuse.

One of the teachers at my school experienced what many would consider an unbelievable homework excuse. Upon questioning of a young boy in her classroom a student responded with these words, which appear unaltered.

“I don’t gots no homework. Last night my family was in the livin room and it was a drive by and my brotha jumped up yellin get down get down and he got shot and he be in the hospital.”

What do you say to that? What human response can invalidate this student’s excuse for not having his homework? If I was teaching in Bloomfield Hills I would question the validity of this statement, but after over a month of teaching in Detroit I didn’t think twice. It is almost unbelievable and sad the community in which my students live. It amazes me that I can stand here today even considering this as something that could be true.

The scary thing is the kid was telling the truth...

Digital Video Fun

2005-10-06T16:30:00.000-04:00

Check out Noel's post of a video I made the other day... Check It Colzilla

Sleep Tight Tiger

2005-10-02T16:57:00.000-04:00

Check out the new featured website => www.myspace.com/sleeptighttiger

Test

2005-10-02T16:51:00.000-04:00

I have a new look for my blog, its simple but I think it will do the trick for now. There may a few test posts to make sure everything is working okay...

Detroit Public Schools

2005-09-12T21:26:00.000-04:00

So now that I am teaching in DPS I think I may change the name of my blog. Not sure yet what I will call it...

My kids walk through a metal detector to get in the school every morning. There is nothing like seeing a 5 year old pushed to the wall for a pat-down search before school. Welcome to a new world...

Happy and Sad

2005-09-06T23:11:00.000-04:00

Over the past three days my life has been quite a roller coaster ride. My emotions have run high and low. When I found out my grandma passed away today my mind flooded with a million thoughts and emotions. The sudden and dramatic loss of a loved one just tears at your heart. As I reflect about the last few days I realized that I learned an amazing lesson about God.

Last night I prayed a prayer that I never before in my life have prayed. With my grandmother laying on her deathbed I prayed to God a simple prayer, the prayer was that His will would be done. During this tough time in my life my first thought was to pray for her to be healed. So that when I opened my eyes today I could stand by her side and it would be like nothing even happened. Then I thought I would pray for her to die in peace. I never wanted my grandmother to suffer... Then out of the blue I was reminded of God's awesome power and his ultimate control over our lives. I was reminded how important it is to put everything in God's hands and trust him in everything that happens in my life.

My grandmother passed away today...and that was God's will...

I can stand before you today saddened I will no longer have her in my life...

I can stand before you today happy because I know I will see my grandma again in paradise...

Tired

2005-09-05T02:07:00.000-04:00

I just returned from the hospital, my grandma had emergency brain surgery tonight. If your the praying type my family could use your prayers...

My Telefunken TV and My Best Friend

2005-08-22T11:30:00.000-04:00

Pics

2005-08-22T11:23:00.000-04:00

Home At Last

2005-08-22T11:03:00.000-04:00

Well I am home for good now...my adventure in Africa is over and I am getting ready to get back to school. Here are some more pic's from the trip, if you want to see them all drop me a line.

Howdy

2005-08-02T04:53:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone! I have like two seconds to write! Things are going great here in S.A. the kids at my school are wonderful. They all are very excited about learning and having me in their classroom. I wish kids in the U.S. were as motivated as these kids. All in all my trip has been awesome and it is coming to a close. I have whirl wind next two weeks and home on August 14th. The time seems like it has just flown by and the experinces I have had here will never leave my memory. I will try to update on last time before heading home with some more pictures. If you want to see the whole lot of them just let me know when I get home I will be happy to show them to you. Peace out, I gotta jet!

Check out the msu website for pic's too!

www.msu.edu/~annes

More Pictures

2005-07-22T11:58:00.000-04:00

Pictures From Africa

2005-07-22T11:50:00.000-04:00

I hope this works...

Richards Bay

2005-07-11T15:28:00.000-04:00

Well I had a great adventure in Cape Town! The city is very interesting and has a lot to offer tourists. I hiked up Table Mt. the first day to get over the jet-lag and than abseiled down off the 1000m rock face. That was awesome to say the least. I went to Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope on a day tour, saw lots of cool things. The most interesting and impactful part of my trip was my visit to the Cape Flats. This is where people were removed to during this countries horrible past, I will try and post some pic's when I can. I will post a more in depth response to this on eriv.net, too much to say and my time is running out in the internet cafe. More updates to come...

Noel or anyone who knows: I need the web address for the Rivblog log-in! Please post it in a comment for me! I want to update onto the site while I am here in Africa.

Cape Town

2005-07-06T03:29:00.000-04:00

I made it...I am headed to hike up Table Mt. More updates to come.

Yikes

2005-06-30T22:12:00.000-04:00

I am getting geared up to head to South Africa, in only a few days I will be in Cape Town! I am really excited about my trip and can't wait to hit the road. As much as I am excited to go I still have feelings of apprehension. Different people, culture, lifestyles, etc. It will be an adventure to say the least.

This picture reminded me of those feelings you get when you know your leaving home for a while.

I will try my best to update while in Africa, my posts may appear here or on eriv.net

Peace, Paul

Darwin Awards

2005-06-21T22:38:00.000-04:00

This made me laugh and it even happened in Michigan. Nice...

The Ann Arbor News crime column reported that a man walked into a Burger King in Ypsilanti, Michigan, at 5 a.m., flashed a gun, and demanded cash. The clerk turned him down because he said he couldn't open the cash register without a food order. When the man ordered onion rings, the clerk said they weren't available for breakfast. The man, frustrated, walked away.

Seems an Arkansas guy wanted some beer pretty badly. He decided that he'd just throw a cinder block through a liquor store window, grab some booze, and run. So he lifted the cinder block and heaved it over his head at the window. The cinder block bounced back and hit the would-be thief on the head, knocking him unconscious. The liquor store window was made of Plexiglas. The whole event was caught on videotape.

Okay,one more...

After stopping for drinks at an illegal bar, a Zimbabwean bus driver found that the 20 mental patients he was supposed to be transporting from Harare to Bulawayo had escaped. Not wanting to admit his incompetence, the driver went to a nearby bus stop and offered everyone waiting there a free ride. He then delivered the passengers to the mental hospital, telling the staff that the patients were very excitable and pronet to bizarre fantasies. The deception wasn't discovered for 3 days.

A Greater Freedom

2005-06-16T15:26:00.000-04:00

(This post published on www.eriv.net)

Being a recent college graduate I have found out something really exciting. No longer bound by classes and required reading, I now can read books for fun. I enjoy reading and always have. It is just very different when you can read for yourself and not because some professor is making you. It rocks! Anyway I have been reading a book lately a few chapters at a time, the book is titled A Greater Freedom: Stories of Faith from Operation Iraqi Freedom. This book dives into a bunch of cool stories about soldiers serving over in Iraq. Below is a Psalm that is referenced a few times in the book and thought it was worth a second look.

Psalm 91

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust."

Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare
and from the deadly pestilence.

He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,

nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.

A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.

You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.

If you make the Most High your dwelling—
even the LORD, who is my refuge-

then no harm will befall you,
no disaster will come near your tent.

For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;

they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

You will tread upon the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

"Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.

With long life will I satisfy him
and show him my salvation."

Summer Jobs Rock

2005-06-02T00:15:00.000-04:00

I have a great summer job. I get to be outside all day, everyday. I get to work on my tan while listening to the radio. I meet lots of interesting and even many famous people like Chris Chelios, the Winans, the Morton salt lady, the Vlasic pickle family, and the president of General Motors. Yes, I even get paid to do this.

I am a pool boy.

Now this post is about assumptions and in my line of work this comes up a lot. Anytime I am in a social setting, mention my job, smiles and sneers ensue. People make assumptions of what my job function is or entails. My character and ethics are immediately in the balance. I am here to set the record strait, don’t believe what you see on Desperate Housewives and day-time soaps. All I do is clean pools.

So what is the point? The point is we go through our daily lives and make assumptions about people, things, or ideas without even thinking twice. Yesterday I assumed that two woman I met were mother and daughter, when in the fact they were sisters. (I learned to never do this again, the older sister got upset, the younger was flattered) Today I assumed a person was less intelligent then me because of the way they spoke. Tomorrow I may assume that someone is out of reach of being saved.

I need to stop thinking about what I “know” and start seeing the truth. The truth is I am not always selfless and more often judgmental. I don’t always treat everyone equally and I make assumptions about people everyday. I struggle with this a lot and know I am not alone. This is something that people deal with everyday, something that consumes our daily lives. It is everywhere and all the time. Assumption...you know when you assume you make a... I know, I know, I will keep it PG. I am going to try to pray every time I make an assumption or judgment about someone. Just a quick prayer up to the big guy that I will be able to overcome this. Hopefully it will help in my quest for some much needed change in my life. Now all I have to do is to start seeing people for who they really are...It seems a lot harder than it sounds and I know it will be.

New Featured Site

2005-05-24T00:02:00.000-04:00

Hey go check out the new Riverview website, it rocks.

Bed Time

2005-05-20T22:31:00.000-04:00

I feel like an old man, I go to bed so early now. Of course early for some is late for others...working everyday is wearing me out, but hey gotta pay the bills. I forgot the power supply for my ibook at the church on Sunday, my internet use and blogging has taken a dive into nothingness. This is a short blog due to my power running out quickly, 24% and dropping, I gotta run...

New Featured Site

2005-05-15T12:25:00.000-04:00

Since I am headed to Detoit this fall to teach, here is a historical look at the city's past.
Forgotten Detroit

Prank War

2005-05-15T10:39:00.000-04:00

RivKids (K-5 kids ministry) and Chaos (Middle school) have entered into an ongoing prank war over at the church. Don’t misunderstand this to be something done with malice. It’s just a fun thing that occupies the time between services for us who work in the ministry. We do it out of love. Today RivKids struck back with this statement:

3000 Cups of water...

Not Perfect

2005-05-13T22:14:00.000-04:00

So things have been a little crazy around here. Getting back into the groove of working six days a week is hard. I am so thankful I was able to get a college education so I don't have to clean pools all my life. I was riding in the pool truck today as the rain poured from the heavens and I saw an interesting bumper sticker. This bumper sticker was displayed next to the stereo typical Jesus fish on the bumper of an old lady’s mini-mover. It said, "If you think your so perfect, try walking on water." At first after reading this I was thinking about how I was soaking wet from working all day out in the rain. Then I thought about how trying to walk on water would work out, which for anyone short of God, not so much. I guess I would just end up the same as anyone else and in this case even more wet than I already was. This got me to thinking about the idea of our perfect God, someone who is without flaw. This truly blew me away, at that very moment it hit me, my God is perfect and Holy...and I am anything but that. Lot of us these days fall into the trap of uplifting ones self. In a society where individualism and personal achievement is pushed upon everyone, I can see why. Although we try to live up to example our God has set before us, we crumble at times and struggle. We put ourselves first, we disregard the needs of other, and we are simply not selfless. What I do hold close to my heart is that, yeah our God is perfect, and he knows I will never be truly perfect. All that he asks is that I try to be like him, with all my heart, soul and mind. But when I do fall he is there to pick me up off the ground and help me get back on my feet. That is something I can always count on...

Back To Work

2005-05-09T23:40:00.000-04:00

Well I had my two day weekend to relax and now its back to work. People want their pools open ASAP. Long days are no fun and I am hoping for little rain. Off to bed...

Time to Relax

2005-05-05T18:43:00.000-04:00

Well it is official, I just finished the last final of my under graduate career! I am now just going to chill and enjoy the weekend before heading to work on Monday. I am sitting here with an ice cold PBR and enjoying the beautiful sunset over the MSU campus.

Life is good...

Home Away From Home

2005-05-02T23:40:00.000-04:00

I spent my last night at Noel's watching 24, no more Monday night gatherings for me. I feel so lucky to have made so many sweet friends at Riverview over the past two years I will miss seeing them a lot. The good news is I will still be leading music and teaching the kiddos for two more months. So I will get to see the gang every few weeks. That makes me happy...

I am now only one test away from being a college graduate! Today was crazy busy with tests and my arms hurt. No, not from writing like a million word essay for a final but from a tetanus shot. I am trying to get all up to date and took a hepatitis A shot today too. One in each arm! So now I am sore, my brain is tired, so I am going to bed.

Excited

2005-04-30T21:56:00.000-04:00

Tim Burton + Johnny Depp + Charlie And The Chocolate Factory = Awesome!

Thinking About Dinner

2005-04-29T18:02:00.000-04:00

At least we know they are trying to keep school kids safe => School Mistakes Huge Burrito for a Weapon

His attitude and personal hygiene may be suspect but his documentary skills are quite advanced

2005-04-28T03:56:00.000-04:00

Well, I just finished a paper and I feel like a million bucks. There is something amazing about writing a seven paper and just being done. I have this IAH class right now, that is what the paper is for. The class stinks, it was one of the ones I let fall through the cracks. I am the oldest person in the class besides the instructor that only has me by a few years. We have been studying art history all semester and lately we have been studying film.

Michael Moore....I know I cringe too when I hear about him...you either love him or don’t. Personally I don’t agree with the majority of the things he says but I have gained some respect for him. (Insert collective sigh here) Yeah I did say it. I have been studying his documentary techniques for my class, my paper was on Fahrenheit 9/11. My teacher picked this as our topic despite many pleas from people in the class.

His attitude and personal hygiene may be suspect but his documentary skills are quite advanced. I am not saying I agree with what he presents but the artistry in which it is done is second to none. That is why for some people they will be saying “hell yeah, go get em” throughout the movie and others “shut up you big ogre”. He strikes a nerve of either pleasure or pain, there is really no middle ground.

The way he captures the morning of 9/11 is intense and sends chills down your spine.

The videos of burned and wounded men from Iraq are very hard to look at.

Next Week Is Finals Week

2005-04-26T20:24:00.000-04:00

The end is finally in sight, four years of college went by fast. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I would be at this point in my life. I am on the verge of the biggest change a kid will face. The big shift from college student to the real world is a scary one. I am ready, or at least I tell myself that. This week I need to write a paper, this weekend I need to write another paper, next week three finals and then I can call it quits.

I am running out of steam to get all this done. At this point my will to continue is wearing thin. I know I complain, but I know I will get through it, sometimes it just helps me feel better to vent. The end of the semester is like the ring master of this crazy circus we call college is standing at my side saying "jump, jump, jump".

...how about one more time and we will call it even...

New Stuff

2005-04-24T16:54:00.000-04:00

I added some new links of interest to my list. If your on it and don't want to be, let me know. I will now also have a new featured link every week or so for you viewing pleasure.

Big Time

2005-04-23T14:31:00.000-04:00

My friends Kenny and John have a new music video out on CMT, you can check it out here=> Big and Rich

Hasidic Reggae

2005-04-20T17:15:00.000-04:00

This is Matisyahu, hasidic jew and reggae extraordinaire. His music is amazing, he sings in English, Yiddish, Hebrew and is a great beatboxer. If you like reggae or just find the idea interesting give it a listen=> King Without A Crown

Sunny Day

2005-04-19T16:06:00.000-04:00

The zoo was great! The kids had an awesome time running around exploring everything it had to offer. The kids in my group told me right away to watch out for "Animal poop", stating that it won't smell good on my shoe. I am really going to miss these little dudes, I have been with them a whole year! I guess I will always have pictures to remind me of them.

This little guy sure does love giraffes.

The gang.

This trip to the zoo was so sweet even Fieldy from Korn came.

Excited

2005-04-19T07:38:00.000-04:00

Kindergarten + The Zoo = Awesome

I will update later, I know the zoo is going to rock!

Kiwi

2005-04-14T16:03:00.000-04:00

The kids in my class never stop amazing me with the things they say! Today’s quote comes from a kid in my class who is a true space cadet. If you don’t know what that is, it means a kid who is “one taco short of a combo meal” or “not the sharpest tool in the shed”. I don’t mean to be judgmental of the little dude, I love her to death, but she is just one of those kids.

My school received a grant that provides fresh vegetables or fruit daily for every student in the school. The students have been receiving these snacks for almost a month now! A lot of my students suffer from poor nutrition and really need this healthy snack. Today the kindergarten classes were given kiwi. (I was pumped, kiwi is by far my favorite fruit) Some students in my class have never eaten or even seen a kiwi. This led to an interesting discussion on how a piece of fruit can be hairy.

When I asked, “What does it taste like?”

The student in question responded: “Mr. K, my kiwi tastes like teddy bears and babies!”

Z

2005-04-14T00:09:00.000-04:00

I have the wonderful pleasure of spending two days a week in a Lansing kindergarten classroom. Throughout the year with my students I have seen and experienced many things. I have watched students succeed, watched students fail, I have dodged bodily fluids of every imaginable type, and listened to every word they had to share with me. Today I will share one story I heard from a little dude I will call Z.

Z is like most kindergarten students, short little guy, maybe 50 pounds or so. He always has something to say and loves to be at school. Z does have one attribute that sets him apart from the other students. He is constantly singing, all the time, while reading, writing, drawing, you can even hear him all the way in the bathroom singing away.

Tuesday I noticed Z had a new pair of sneakers. You could tell they where new from the bright white leather, they had that untouched look. My teaching partner Katie asked Z about them.

This is what he had to say:

Katie- Are those new shoes?
Z- Yeah, I I I g g got them at at at a birthday party
Katie- Oh really?
Z- I I It was off the hisszzy! (Waving his hand up and down across his chest)

The affect of pop culture on six year olds is amazing! No person is safe from the influence of the Dog Father, the OG, I am talking about Snoop Dog (Snoop Dizzle)

If you want to talk like Snoop, check out this Snoop Dog Translator: Fo Shizzle

Yikes!

2005-04-12T23:24:00.000-04:00

I just found a power point presentation on the internet, that has my picture in it.

Wonder Showzen

2005-04-12T22:59:00.000-04:00

I am watching a show on MTV 2 that is just indescribable. I have no words...

Okay one word, terrible...

You can find video clips here: Wonder Showzen

Preserving History

2005-04-05T17:30:00.000-04:00

The 7-Eleven at the corner of Grand River and Michigan has been a fixture in the East Lansing community for years. As a resident of the student community that is located just a stones throw away from this fine establishment it has a special place in my life. Where else could you go at 3 AM for refreshments and snacks? It was a place where brianfreeze was the buzzword and people could come together as a community. It was the sight of multiple robberies and even a murder. Of course the interesting and dynamic employees that worked there embodied the very spirit of 7-Eleven.

Our 7-Eleven is closed as of today...the new owners moved in this morning. It is now a privately owned convenience store. The walls are bare, the employees are new, and sadly the Slurpee machine has disappeared.

As I walked out of store today, disappointed by this sudden change, I walked by the dumpster containing the remains of our dismantled 7-Eleven.

Be honest we have all done it at least once in our life, we have spotted something in the garbage that we want. As repulsive as it may sound to go neck deep in a dumpster to retrieve the item, somewhere in our brain we figure it is worth it. Besides, when the item is of historical value the idea doesn’t seem so bad. It may even become necessary to preserve the history the item represents, and in my situation this was the case.

With the help of a team of devoted 7-Eleven customers, to preserve the history of this historical landmark we managed to save a piece of the store’s legacy.

Here it is:

(Note the authentic riot damage)

geez

2005-04-04T00:26:00.000-04:00

...i am sick of school...

South Park

2005-04-01T00:07:00.000-05:00

This flash web-site is sweet, thanks to Joel for the link. You can make South Park characters that look like you. Here is my try at it:

Make your own South Park Kid Here!

RivKids

2005-03-27T23:49:00.000-05:00

Today Is A New Day

2005-03-27T07:54:00.000-05:00

Happy Easter

Reflections On Tim

2005-03-26T12:19:00.000-05:00

1 Tim 4:12
Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love and in purity.

This verse really struck me when I read it because it hits home. It hits at the very nature of why I am involved in kids ministry at Riverview. Lots of people just disregard what kids have to offer as a part of the church. People think they are “cute” and “adorable”, they are truly much more than just this. Of course they make you smile, but what they really have to offer is an example of how to pursue God and show his works. We should look to them as models of an attitude to live by. Kids have inherent love for one another that transcends gender and ethnicity. Do adults? They see the world in a way we do not, with hope and joy. Do we, everyday? Some people will say I am naive, they will tell me that the world isn’t like this in reality. They will say our society isn’t all peaches and cream. True, but what better way to combat the dead individualistic society we live in than with love. Our kids show us this everyday... Jesus commanded us to love one another. This wasn’t just a foot-note, this was something Jesus said with power and grace. This command was only second to the most important command to love the Lord our God.

What’s the point, what am I getting at? Be honest, next time you see a little dude ask yourself this question: Do I share the love, hope and joy this kid shows me everyday?

Think about it...

A Rivkid Past His Bedtime

2005-03-25T02:29:00.000-05:00

So I couldn't sleep and thought I would work on some stuff for RivKids on Sunday. I was going through some new music trying to find some more hip tunes for the kids to rock to, and found this awesome song based on a verse. Check out the verse...

1 Tim 4:12
Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love and in purity.

I will add my thoughts on this after I get some rest.

Food For Thought

2005-03-24T08:10:00.000-05:00

SAN FRANCISCO, California (Reuters) -- A diner at a Wendy's fast food restaurant in San Jose, California, found a human finger in a bowl of chili prepared by the chain, local officials said Wednesday.

"This individual apparently did take a spoonful, did have a finger in their mouth and then, you know, spit it out and recognized it," said Ben Gale, director of the department of environmental health for Santa Clara County. "Then they had some kind of emotional reaction and vomited."

Local officials launched an investigation after the incident Tuesday night and the medical examiner determined Wednesday that the object was a human finger.

Officials are trying to determine whether the finger came in the raw materials Wendy's used to prepare the chili, Gale said.

Wendy's International Inc. corporate office did not immediately return a call for comment. Wendy's is the third-largest hamburger chain.

Swap Meet Jesus

2005-03-19T23:39:00.000-05:00

I came across this spoken word piece and thought I would pass it along. Yes, you read it right, it is called Swap Meet Jesus. If you do proceed to listen I will warn you ahead of time there is some language in it and yes the Lord’s name is used in vain. If you can get beyond this I would encourage you to take a listen. It’s an interesting story about old school revivals of the 1950’s.

Oh and by the way it is read by a circus midget name Little Jack Horton.

Listen Here: Swap Meet Jesus

Spring Break-Charlotte

2005-03-13T19:28:00.000-05:00

Here are some pic's of my trip:

Pam and Lee - The reason I went to Charlotte in the first place!

Eliz, me, and Pam- DEI Inc. NASCAR what!

Lee #21- Taking the face off March 11th, he had a good game that night, two goals and a fight!

"The Boys"

You just had to be there.

Spring Break

2005-03-07T23:46:00.000-05:00

Well I am off to North Carolina in the AM, should be a exciting trip!

Student Teaching

2005-03-02T16:26:00.000-05:00

So I found out what school district I will be teaching in next year! I am really excited!

Here is a hint...

Wrong Number

2005-02-27T20:49:00.000-05:00

It is the most interesting thing to receive a phone call that turns out to be the wrong number. I had one tonight and it made me think of all the times this has happened. We all have experienced what can be the most humorous or sometimes most awkward moments in life. Here are the categories that these callers fall into (In no particular order):

1. The Apologetic – After learning that they have dialed the wrong number, they proceed to apologize numerous times and try their best to let you know they didn’t mean to cause you any interruption.

2. The Breather- As soon as they hear your voice and realize that they have the wrong number, the caller simply doesn’t know what to do. They proceed to breath heavily into the phone while weighing the options to ask if they have the right number. (Not to be confused with the stalker call)

3. The Confused- This caller can’t get it through their head that they have dialed the wrong number. They proceed to ask you questions regarding your phone number, your name, the area code, etc. They continue until convinced they have indeed dialed the wrong number.

4. The Conversationalist- My personal favorite, after telling this caller they have the wrong number this person isn’t phased one bit. They proceed to have a conversation with you instead of the person they intended to call!

I frequently get calls from the 313 area code asking for this mysterious Jerome. Most of these calls don’t fit into any of these above categories.

Michael Glabicki

2005-02-26T22:31:00.000-05:00

Great show last night!

This one goes up there in my list of best shows I have ever seen.

Snow Trouble

2005-02-22T16:24:00.000-05:00

After struggling through the snow the past few days I decided this math formula is true.

My car + snow = not going anywhere fast!

If I had money this is how I would fix the situation...

Maybe once I get my first real job!

Walking On Water

2005-02-16T14:30:00.001-05:00

Sometimes things happen in life that are just very humorous. I feel bad, because the situation I witnessed yesterday was not pleasant for the person involved but extremely funny to the observer. Here is my story...

Yesterday while returning from a quite challenging and exhausting art history test with Hayes we saw something that seemed as if it were out of a cartoon. First let me set the scene, it was raining, a lot. We aren’t talking puppies and flowers here, the real deal hard rain was coming down. Buckets of rain to say the least. As we approached the union a bus pulled up to the bus stop and it began to disembark its passengers. As we watched students rush to get on the bus to avoid the raindrops, out of the corner of my eye I could see a young man running towards the bus at full tilt. Being in a hurry as he was to not miss the bus, he chose the shortest possible path to the bus. This meant he must cross a large expanse of now snow-less grass. Due to the large amounts of rainfall and snow-melt this grass was not all it was cracked up to be. As he bounded forward it happened, one foot at a time his shoes became suck in the mud and each foot, now only covered with a sock, left his shoes behind and both planted firmly in the mud. It happened so quickly that when the young man finally realized his shoes where missing he let out a heart breaking sigh and dropped his head to his chest with exclamation. In an attempt to still reach the bus before it left, he then put his now mud covered feet back into his shoes. Soggy, muddy, and wet, the young man continued on to the bus stop to arrive just seconds after the bus went on its way.

Pow Wow

2005-02-11T22:53:00.000-05:00

Awesome! That’s all I can say about the Pow Wow of Love. I don't have a ton of experience with Native American culture but have gained so much respect for it today. It was so great to see the young and old all dancing together. Must I not forget the great music! Tribal drums are so loud, they hit you in the chest with sound and the singing takes on a very unique tone.

Check out this picture of one of the little dudes:

Lost And Found

2005-02-11T00:31:00.000-05:00

I found this list the other day and thought it was of interest. This is a list put out monthly by the Michigan State University Department of Public Safety.

University Lost and Found (Please post untill 2/1/05)

Miscellaneous Items:
52 textbooks
12 day planners
20 notebook binders
93 music/textbook CD’s
279 3.5” floppy diskettes
3 cassette tapes
2 data file cassette tapes
10 folders
32 notebooks
1 box paper cutouts
1 bike lock
6 computer cords
1 medicine bottle
1 box of flash cards
1 fanny pack
1 tent
6 umbrellas
2 bike helments
3 plastic water bottles
3 thermoses
1 cell phone clip
3 hair pieces
2 kid’s toys
2 bookmarks
1 cell phone charger
1 mechanical spell checker
1 computer CD drive
1 pack of Polariod picture refills
1 six disc car CD changer
39 pairs of glasses
2 empty case for glasses
1 pair of rollerblades
1 sleeping bag

My thoughts:
1 fanny pack + 3 hair pieces + 1 computer CD drive + 39 pairs of glasses + 279 3.5” floppy disc = major nerd

Wow

2005-02-09T22:37:00.000-05:00

This is why I am getting excited to go to Africa...

Go Speed Racer ! Go!

2005-02-07T15:44:00.000-05:00

This one is for anyone that has kids, put your car keys in a safe place!
Click on the link to read more about this little dude from Sand Lake Michigan that drove his mom's car to the video store. Yes indeed he is only 4 years old.....
Check it out

Little Joey

2005-02-02T14:34:00.000-05:00

Get Up And Dance

2005-01-31T23:33:00.000-05:00

I traveled to the library tonight to study. As I worked I was struck by the peaceful tranquility that I found in my cubical on the fourth floor. My mind wandered from my studies as I tried hard to find a place in my memory to put this feeling. Full of quietness, serenity, and peace… It is a feeling I would like to have often, but so often don’t get. Time for reflection and thought. Time for carefree ideas and childhood dreams. I felt at home, safe and relaxed. My eyes started to move around the cubical that surrounded me. Right in front of me I found a message written on the wall. Many years have past since the first students visited the stacks of the library and many have left their mark. This one made me smile, it read…
Get up and dance, you’re alone!

Everyone Has A First

2005-01-28T11:05:00.000-05:00

Well, I bought my first pair of hockey skates last week. After getting sick of renting junk skates from the ice arena that had rivets coming through the floorbed. Now it's time to get serious about brushing up on my skating skills. Maybe by next winter I will have good enough chops to try and play some hockey. Some day, it's my dream, I just wanta play, I don't care if I am not super good, I just want to be on a team and play. Check em out:

Thanks Noel

2005-01-28T10:48:00.000-05:00

I got sucked into this online quiz, I can live with being a wannabe nerd.

Context And Perspective

2005-01-24T15:36:00.000-05:00

Today I was sitting at lunch and overheard a young couple talking as they walked by. I first saw them from a distance, I could see by their clasped hands they weren’t strangers. As they approached they seemed to be making flirtatious movements and walking with their shoulders almost touching. It was at the moment they just had arrived near my table I overheard the young man say this to his significant other, “If I could, I would bathe in your blood.”

This comment really caught me off guard, I almost filled my plate with kiwi-strawberry fruit drink. This reminded me that everything you hear or say is done so in a certain context or perspective. I wish I knew the context of that remark, and the perspective from which it was delivered.

Who Lives In A Pineapple Under The Sea

2005-01-21T01:34:00.000-05:00

Interesting...
Check it out

Darth Tater: The Real Deal

2005-01-19T14:22:00.000-05:00

This is tight...

Check it out

Back To The Basics

2005-01-19T01:26:00.000-05:00

Well it was my first day back to kindergarten and my students where in rare form as always. I was excited to see that we had a new student in our class but disappointed by the loss of one who moved. The little dudes worked on writing in their journals today. It’s so cool to watch early writers and their attempts at print. It’s very encouraging to see students trying to complete letter sounds and print individual letters. It is also a reality check when observing students that struggle.

On another note I saw one of my students riding a bike in the hallway today! Adaptive PT, it’s so cool that she doesn’t have to leave the school for PT. When she saw me she let out a familiar noise of excitement, then rode away with a smile on her face. I continued down the hallway with the k-garteners in tow feeling warm and proud of her.

Then it happened, a student from my class started to make fun of the fact that the students was riding a bike with training wheels. My heart broke as the young girl giggled to herself in delight, kids are mean. I have been thinking about that a lot today. The girl that giggled and carried on didn’t understand the situation. She didn’t know that the girl on the bike had special needs that prevent her from riding without the help of training wheels. She didn’t know how much of an accomplishment just pedaling the bike was for this girl. She doesn’t understand how lucky she is to be in good health and free from the disabilities that weigh on the other girl. Sometimes I get mad, mad that people don’t take the time to understand. I am not talking about little kids, I am talking about adults. People in our society don’t take time to think of others. We are plagued by mass media and pop culture that emphasizes the individual. People live their lives for the greater glory of…you guessed it…themselves.

Back to the basics, the number one thing I have learned by spending time with kids with special needs, respect.

RIVKIDS

2005-01-17T01:25:00.000-05:00

My new pal, Levi

Holy Coldness Batman!

2005-01-15T23:04:00.000-05:00

Dang it's really cold here in Lansing...they where talking on the news about sub-zero temps! Anyway, here are a few photos that I took to enhance the feeling of how cold it is.

ICE!

SNOW!

MORE ICE!

Pass Me A Bottle, Mr. Jones

2005-01-13T16:12:00.000-05:00

After much work on part of the Sparty Mascot Program it has happened at last! Sparty Jones Soda! Of course you only can get it in Green (Apple) and White (Cream Soda). There are six limited run bottle labels, I had four of them but now only three. One of my cream soda bottles grew a mind of it's own and exploded ontop of my dresser. My room now smells like a cotton candy machine despite my efforts at odor removal. Cream soda also makes socks and boxers smell great too, before I know it I will have fat kids chasing me thinking I am made of candy. Oh well, back to cleaning...everything I own to remove the smell.

Feeling Old

2005-01-11T22:36:00.000-05:00

Returning to Lansing turned out to be a lengthy process of multiple trips to my car bringing lots of clean (my mom is the best) clothes and boxes to my dorm room. It funny to think that this will be the last time I move back into the dorms. Four years of living on campus and I still come back for more. I enjoy the dorms, lots of energy, activity, spontaneous crazy things happen, its great! I feel ready to tackle my last semester as an undergrad to prepare for graduate study and student teaching. Classes look good, a few may require a bit of work but nothing I can’t deal with.

I feel old. I was surprised today with a message left on my AIM while I was away. It’s read something to the tune of, “Guess who is going to be a daddy”. No not me, a friend of mine from growing up as a kid. At first having friends getting engaged and married was strange. Now kids, yikes…

Books

2005-01-08T21:42:00.000-05:00

Anyone have the book Blue Like Jazz? I read the first chapter online, I liked it. I have heard much buzz about it being a good read. Someone willing to give it up for a week or so? Also I am looking for other books to check out if anyone has suggestions. Back to packing up my stuff...to Lansing tomorrow...peace

Update

2005-01-05T18:37:00.000-05:00

working and relaxing...busy week...this is all I have for an update, I will catch up later...

Home Sweet Home

2004-12-31T21:02:00.000-05:00

Well I made it home from Ohio, sick as a dog. Food poisoning or the flu, it's rocking me hard. Ignite was awesome lots of really good speakers and I had fun spending time with friends. Back to bed to rest...

Ohio In The AM

2004-12-26T17:34:00.000-05:00

Getting ready to head out tomorrow to Ignite! I am super excited to go, it's going to be a blast!
I got a new toy today, a Canon DigiCam ! I am reading the manual to figure out how everything works. Christmas was great, time with the family was awesome. I got passed the football on Christmas eve, got to hold my cousin's new baby. Joey is 5 weeks old now and is a pretty cool little dude. Kinda stunk last night when my mom's car died on the way home from my Grandmas. What makes a new car overheat, who knows... Thinking about hitting up the mall tonight, it's great not having school or work. Rock..

Work

2004-12-20T20:33:00.000-05:00

So I am done with the semester...thank God for that! Huge weight off my shoulders and now I am home working a bit for my cousin. Worked an 11 hour day today. To bed soon...

Christmas + Chanukkah = Chrismukkah

2004-12-16T20:47:00.000-05:00

Only a show on FOX could come up with something this funny.

The Yarmuclaus is the ultimate Chrismukkah fashion statement. Approximately 8 inches in diameter, red velvet, and fuzzy white faux fur. Available in extremely limited quantities.

One More Something

2004-12-16T09:43:00.000-05:00

One more test, one more paper, one more class, one more e-mail, one more everything.

This semester has been crazy, I am ready for it to be over. Soon I will be at heading back to Detroit for the holidays to spend time with my family. It is such a relief to go home some times, it is comforting and safe. A break from college life is needed and welcomed. I have a lot on tap for my break, working, shopping, Christmas, going to Ignite, working more. This should keep me busy.

The Rivkids are putting on a Christmas program this weekend at church. I am excited to see all the kids, they have been practicing hardcore for like three weeks. Julie rocks. I told her if she needed me I would be a tree or something, she said they could manage without me. Ha ha, maybe a rock would be more suiting, that’s the thing about Julie that I really dig she understands that simplicity and quality beat out costumes and fluff. I am so thankful she is in charge of it.

I am really excited for Ignite its only a few weeks away! Check it out Ignite Dec27th-30th Anyone have extra room for another person in their car?

Kindergarten Christmas Program

2004-12-15T11:56:00.000-05:00

It was awesome, my class did so well and remembered all their songs!

A few missing! 24 in total!

This little dude is my favorite, Alan.

Kids and Sports

2004-12-14T09:59:00.000-05:00

Playing sports as a kid rocked, I want to play on a team again…

...i am proud of you joey...

The New Baby

2004-12-13T09:11:00.000-05:00

Now that I have figured out how to post pictures. Here is a long overdue pic of the newest member of our family.

Here he is sleepin' , Joseph Michael Morrissey.

Coffee + Beer = Coffee Beer

2004-12-11T14:40:00.000-05:00

It was only a matter of time until someone figured this neat idea out...

Check it out

And to boot it is made with Rwandan Fairtrade coffee beans!

Monsters INC.

2004-12-10T13:59:00.000-05:00

I just finished watching the movie Monsters INC. I love that movie it’s so great, I find myself attracted to any pixar movie. I can’t honestly tell you another company that makes animated movies these days, I guess pixar is just the best. Anyway I think its interesting that in the movie the monsters are so afraid of “Boo” the small child that comes into there world. They think she has a disease and is a killing machine. If you haven’t seen the movie I suggest seeing it, I wont tell you the rest of the story. Anyway it made me think about the things we don’t know about and things we aren’t familiar with. How we judge people or things by a set of preconceived notions that society has dreamed up before even learning the truth. Being open-minded is hard sometimes, I find myself falling victim to this thinking at times. Not being open enough and judgmental. Maybe that will be my new years resolution, to fix this…

Are You Kidding?

2004-12-08T16:12:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I wonder what parents are trying to teach their children.........

http://www.cnn.com/2004/EDUCATION/12/08/jell-o.school.ap/index.html

Until The Day I Die

2004-12-04T15:38:00.000-05:00

So I have decided that my college experience is very different from most of my peers. I realized today that 90% of my time in class is spent with women. Yes, you heard me right, I have classes all with women. I have a few other men in some of my classes but I can count them on one hand. My TE class has one other guy, thankfully I have Nick with me to deal with all these women. It’s like a secret window in the female mind, spending all your time surrounded by 30 women daily. Some people would pay to be in my position but I have just grown accustom to it. It’s funny in all the years I have been an elementary ed major I have never found a girlfriend. I don’t see this as a bad thing, I have been using the time to further understand women. I will use these experiences in life and find myself eternally grateful to all the women I have been in class with. Good and bad experiences. I will use the knowledge gained from my very unique college experience until the day I die.

Everything Is Relative

2004-11-30T22:52:00.000-05:00

Wow, things couldn’t get busier around here! Seems like every night I have to bust my butt to get everything I need to complete done for classes in time. Oh well I keep thinking to myself that in May I will graduate! Speaking of graduating, my post grad summer may now officially be spent studying abroad. Things are starting to fall in place for the second half of the summer, I am excited already and it’s eight months away. Tonight I have been thinking about Albert Einstein, that guy was crazy smart. He has many mind blowing theories about the world around us that I can’t stop thinking about. For example Einstein said that if you have two identical clocks. Put one in a system of motion (for example a rocket ship) and relative to the same clock that is standing still on the ground. The clock on the rocket ship will run slower then the one on the ground. The crazy thing about this is that is also works in reverse. A clock on the ground will run slower then the one on the rocket ship if view from the ship’s perspective. Relativity, who’da thunk it….

Yesterday

2004-11-27T15:53:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was good for a few different reasons. I got a chance to sleep in, spend time with a friend, I got to see my pseudo brother play hockey, I got to see the new member of our family who is only a week old. Life is good…

Winter Wonderland

2004-11-24T17:33:00.000-05:00

I can only laugh at the sight outside. I am not sure how I will make it home tonight. Weather.com isn't helping much, they even have strange weather predictions I have never heard of......"Thunder Snow".......what the heck it that? Must be a typo, or some new kind of snow that is really loud. Who knows........