The Bar Exam Is A Test Of Minimal Competence...

and I am OFFICIALLY minimally competent!

GIVE ME A "HELL YEAH!"

The funny thing is most of my friends and family have already known the results for a few hours I'm betting. I got called in to teach and I don't have computer access at school. When things were busy I didn't think anything of it. When things were slow I admit I started thinking about the results.

I think once it sinks in I will be happy. Right now at this very moment I feel relief more than anything else. This process has taken four and a half years to get to this one defining moment.

I passed! I said GIVE ME A HELL YEAH! WOOOOO-HOOOOOOO!

No I'm Not Fired!

I perfectly understand why a school system wants real teachers to administer standardized exams. I simply wish they would warn poor substitutes like me ahead of time. "Hi, you're likely not going to work for 2 weeks because the regular teachers are under threat of death to stay on the job." Okay I could work with that.

Learning disabled kids aren't that bad. My job is to follow the lead of the Instructional Assistants. They know what they are doing so I'm just an extra pair of hands. Sadly I have to wonder if some of these kids will ever be truly independent. One child can make sounds, but not words. Does he truly understand what I'm wanting him to do? Does he truly associate the pictures with the words? I held up a symbol of the girls restroom and he just left the classroom to hit the boys room! He did wash his hands afterwards as I chased him down. Maybe he understood the picture pretty well.

As I read a book one girl attached herself to me. It appears red headed third graders and learning disabled sixth graders are the ladies attached to me. Oh dear what vibes am I sending off!!!

I hated to leave in the middle of cookies and a movie, but I was needed elsewhere: Social Studies! This was the outright coolest classroom I've ever seen. It had artifacts and representations from Egypt, Asia, Europe, and South America. It was a one room travel bazaar. Sadly the normal kids were worse behaved than the L/D kids. I see that again I'll go ahead and pull the trigger on sending half the class to detention at one time. Sometimes I have to accept the paperwork of getting a disruption out of my way and making an example out of them so others will do their work. Some must be sacrificed so the rest can learn.

By the way, it is cool to watch their heads snap in concern when my voice raises 20 db and drop 2 octaves when I express my extreme displeasure. I coulda been a drill instructor!

My Hate Makes Me Powerful

No I did not write this, but it echoes my thoughts as to why I HATE Notre Dame (subway alums, cocky attitudes, bad representatives in office, and more).

Rivalries: the last socially acceptable place where you can HATE a human being simply because they exist. Just like that ESPN commercial where the Michigan and Ohio State fans are making out and whispering sweet nothings into their ears: without sports this wouldn't be disgusting.

If I have time before Saturday I'll post about the greatest ND story ever.

Happy 63rd Plus 3 Days

Sorry I meant to post this Monday, but whoopsie!

Boy meets girl in the wild lands of Kentucky. Boy getting shipped off to England to work on Army trucks and jeeps and avoid Germans. Boy marries girl before stepping onto the train.

Happy 63rd Grandparents :-)

Confessions How To Guide: Becoming A Notre Dame Fan

Courtesy of the Pillar of Hoosier Centrism.
A flow chart on being a Notre Dame lover.

The Job Fair

Last week was a job fair that wasn't really a job fair. It was more a meet and greet shindig to see the players and hand out some resumes. Most people I know hate these things. No good way exists to ask the question, "Do you have any positions open and would you like to look at my resume?" This proves more frustrating when most of the operations there admit that nothing is open with them now, but they'll keep your resume on file in case something opens up. The fact almost no potential applicant is licensed yet compounds the empty feeling we have.

Neither fish nor fowl: degreed but unlicensed because the bar results aren't in yet. MBAs have it easier in this respect: once they have the degree they're already assumed to be minimally competent.

No longer being a student represents change. The first change was figuring out where to park as my old parking pass is no longer valid. Luckily a parking garage where 'Visitors' can park is only 2 blocks from school. I'm a visitor now.

Two blocks in a black suit and a hot, muggy afternoon is not fun. I'm already having streams of water coming down my scalp. Despite appearances I'm not really sweating that much, but I took a shower just before I drove downtown. My hair is long (and thick) enough now that it traps the water beneath the outer layer of hair that gets dry from the hair dryer. My hair is way too thick to allow the hot air to reach my scalp so humid days are horrible for me. The humidity squeezes out the shower water. It didn't help that our atrium is impossible to maintain at a decent temperature and is running hot this summer. Hot, humid air makes it look like I'm taking a shower yet again in my suit. Oh what a lovely confidence inspiring sight I must have been. I just get a paper towel and dry off a bit. This is why I love a military buzzcut from April to October. The hair gets dry in 5 seconds if it is short enough. I’m thinking it is time for another haircut.

Another change is I see many of the same people, but I don't belong with them now. Plenty of new 1L faces that I've never seen before and don't care about to be honest. I chat with someone from Professional Development. She’s right once we graduate we quickly find it easy to not step foot in the building again.

I know to not even bother with one group. I’m intrigued by the work, but I’ve heard their reps for three years always say they NEVER hire anyone just out of school, but prefer people with some experience. It is odd to chat with the legal side of work many of my engineering friends work on. Someone has to grab land for those engineers.

I feel incredibly stupid with one group. Aside from what was learned in bar prep I know nothing about their area of law, but the employer is interesting so I want to chat a little bit with them.

I’m chatting with an employer that has seen me several times over the past few years. The diversity of law they offer is the most appealing to me. They stress they’ll train you, but you’ll get to handle real responsibility quickly. The only downside is I have a good guess what the paycheck will be and I wish it were just a little bit more. Still the position offers great benefits, health care insurance, and the paycheck is still more than I ever earned in my previous career. If money is an issue I can swing a part time retail job if need be. Assuming I pass on Friday they asked I send them an email with an updated resume just to let them know if I still want a position.

The lesson in all this is odds are no perfect job exists. The key is to find something that is good enough for at least awhile, get experience and see what the real world is like from a legal point of view. At least I do have the advantage of real world experience. I am very different than a 25 year old and my experience is an asset in many ways, regardless of the fact my experience was in other fields. I have proof of past performance and not mere potential. Not a slam on you Gen Y people, but it is the truth.

Oh well I’m not nervous about passing. I’m more anxious just too finally have the knowledge. If PASS go to Plan A. If FAIL go to Plan B. I just prefer Plan A.

Boston Legal Has Jumped The Shark!

Boston Legal was my guilty sin of TV. Where did half the cast go? Who are all these junior associates I don't care about? Do you think I care about attorneys fresh out of law school working at a big firm on TV. No, I can hear that from many of former law student blogs. I want William "I'm moving beyond Kirk and T.J. Hooker" Shatner, James Spader, Rhoda Mitra, Candice Bergen and Monica Potter. Where is Monica? I saw a special guest slot or something similar, but just because she's pregnant is no reason to get rid of her. I didn't even see her in the episode at all.

Anyway a mute woman doesn't need to speak "cello" when she has two functioning hands, either use sign language or just write on a friggin' piece of paper. I don't care what Close Encounters Of The Third Kind said, music isn't really a language. The show has jumped the shark I tell ya!

These new people already bore me. They need to die in a horrible elevator accident resulting in a nice wrongful death suit.

"Denny Crane, no bigger ass...asset."

Let's bring back possibly the best Denny Crane line ever to remind us how good Boston Legal was, "It's a good feeling, you know, to shoot a bad guy. Something you Democrats would never understand. Americans... we're homesteaders, we want a safe home, keep the money we make, and shoot bad guys."

Like There Was Any Doubt!

Swiped from E.McPan.

Your Daddy Is Darth Vader

What You Call Him: Old Man Why You Love Him: He's the Mack Daddy

Who's Your Daddy?

Does Anyone Else Think This Is Funny?

Have you seen the new commercial for the newly redesigned Honda Civic coupe with Danica Patrick? She is speeding down the road and gets pulled over by a cop. Danica attempts the infamous unzip the jumpsuit a little bit gig straight out of Cannonball Run. The female police officer calls her a rookie.

I found it hilarious.

More Football

I'll add to this throughout the day as I don't have time to type everything now. A few thoughts for now.

Four teams had byes, one game postponed due to Hurricane Rita, and three of the remaining six won their games. My pool took a hit. I'll have to see how back I did in comparison with everyone else later.

Purdue returns 10 starters on defense and is still unable to stop a 4th quarter comeback that allows Minnesota to tie the game. This was a dark horse team to win the Big 10. Now we're going to play a cocky, scum sucking Notre Dame team that is on fire with a wobbly option for an offense and a defense that falls apart when it counts the most. Maybe they'll rise to the challenge.

Nice to see a live NFL game and I'm happy for the Colts win, but what happened to our offense? Everyone is back except for one tight end from last year and suddenly the Colts can't sustain a drive to save their lives. Defense is playing great and Corey Simon is a run stopping monster, but Baltimore, Jacksonville, and Cleveland aren't offensive powerhouses either. The Colts need touchdowns soon or we're in trouble.

The hallways of the HoosierDome...err...RCA Dome are way too narrow. Once lines formed at the concession stands people going through had to squeeze through at the back. Very bad traffic flow and I hope the new stadium fixes that flaw.

Speaking of concession stands all of them need to be full service. The one nearest me offered pop, beer, hot dogs, and candy only. I went to the other one that offered all of the above and nachoes. I spent two-thirds of half time AND THE ENTIRE THIRD QUARTER standing in line for nachoes. That is insane. I literally got back to my seat just at the beginning of the fourth.

Speaking of concession stand lines I need to kill the drunken, loud mouthed, would never shut up dumbass who kept asking for scores to the other games and wouldn't believe us when we kept correcting him about the Bears score.

That is all.

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things

Words I love: FREE COLTS TICKET and YOU WANT TO GO TO THE GAME?

Should be a good day for me!

Guys Night Out

Hey look at this, especially the letterhead.
Ummm..bridal show. This can't be good for our boy.

So you already got the ring?
No we're talking and planning things through right now.
Oh, the plan the wedding before you actually propose method. RIIIGGGGHHHHTTT!

Hey she's the youngest one here so she gets the beer.
Excellent we finally have a beer wench!
Can he make me do that?
According to our by-laws yes.

I have no problem with the words. It's a matter of putting them all together. The phone can ring and I'll engage the phone to answer it. We can talk about mints over the phone. But why say engage-mumph-mumph-ing? Besides I'm just waiting for her to say the three magic words.
*quick ponder* Honey I'm pregnant?

The coupon is only good for a one topping on the second pizza so our boy is flirting with the manager to see she'll approve what we wanted in the first place. *listens for a few seconds* Oh. My. God. She approved it.
That boy has a magical way with words.

Hey don't worry about the offense problems the Colts had the first 2 games. The entire offense didn't really play together very much during the preseason and Peyton is ready for a breakout came. This is the Browns we're talking about. Peyton will score 5 touchdowns - in the first half.

So are you a real lawyer yet?
Nope, I don't find out until next Friday.
Are ya nervous yet?
If everyone will just shut up about asking me if I'm nervous I won't be nervous!

Do you have a job yet?
Nope, I'm still a bum.
Even with a job you're still a bum.
True.

So what kind of lawyer do you want to be?
The paying off student loans kind.
I thought all lawyers were rich!
No that is a myth perpetuated by Hollywood and hack writers.

Now that you're living with your girlfriend you haven't proposed to yet at least we know you aren't answering the phone and leaving us in the middle of the night. We're already in your house, but we have the beer so you're not going anywhere.

Say Good-Bye To The Hi! Car

I admit it, I have a soft spot in my heart for Neons. When they came out in early 1994 with their goofy SuperBowl ad I was intrigued. 2.0 liter, 132 HP 4 cylinder engine with 104 inch wheelbase and a continuation of Chrysler's cab forward design theme where the wheels are pushed out to maximize interior room. It also came in British Racing Green, though Chrysler didn't call it that. On paper it looked like the perfect first car. More powerful and sporty than the Japanese equivalents, inexpensive, and expressive. The Japanese feared the Neon before it came out when they heard a Right Hand Drive version was engineered for export to Japan. Do you remember the ads: "$8,900 to start, $12,500 nicely equipped." Of course I wanted the nicely equipped version.

The rear seats actually could fit me. I couldn't say that about the Chevy Cavalier at all, while the Ford Escort was a bit tight as well. They styling and instrument panel were vastly superior to the Saturn sedan. The 5 speed stick was nice and slick, while the single overhead cam 4 banger was a rev happy motor. The antilock brakes did a good job of slowing while the suspension allowed me to play in the curves. After the test drive, my dad looked at me and said, "This is a very good small car." The Neon was my first choice for a vehicle. Instead of having Tales of the Mighty Green Ranger it almost was Tales of the Mighty Green Neon. The main reason it wasn't is due to being an under-25, single, male driver. The insurance for a truck was 40% less than for a car.

Was the Neon the small car that finally got Detroit back into the small car game? It seemed like it at the time. The first 2 years had 410,000 of them sold. Yet Chrysler, and Detroit, were putting most of their resources into the ever expanding truck and SUV market. Their car lines, especially the small car lines, got table scrapes from the engineering budgets. An infamous head gasket recall, sticking with a 3 speed automatic transmission FOREVER, and failing paint spoiled the poor Neon by giving it a bad reputation.

Still the little car became feared competition at SCCA meets. In the end it had the most wins ever. A second generation Neon came out moving away from cute to a more sophisticated demeanor. Eventually a high octane SRT-4 version came out for the Fast And The Furious crowd. When introduced both times it was good competition for your entry level dollar. Sadly the Neon was never updated to keep up with the competition. Chrysler became Daimler-Chrysler and trucks/SUVs/large cars were the order of the day. The humble little Neon didn't get much attention. Toward the end you could get them for as little as $11,000 with employee financing and rebates.

The last one rolls off the Belvedere, IL assembly line this Friday. The Neon's replacement is an exciting small wagon called Caliber due out very early next year. Much like it's predecessor the Caliber looks like a winner on paper. If the reality matchs the potential I'll want one despite the apparent lack of British Racing Green. Yet somehow the bold, bad, bitchin' Caliber won't have that friendly bug-eyed humble demeanor of "Hi!" the Neon did.

Neons will never have the classic panache of Mustangs, Camaros, Corvettes, and Thunderbirds. The greatest failing of the Neon was the expectations being set too high for it. But damned if it didn't at least try to meet them. Good bye old friend.

Full Day Ahead

EVERYTHING got squished into today! The To-Do List:

• Mow lawn.
• Shower and put on the fancy clothes.
• Go to ye olde school to sell a supplement.
• Attend a job fair at ye olde school. I'm told some of them are even hiring.
• Attend a board meeting so I can put a hole in an exterior wall.
• Go back to school and work on someone's moot court argument.

To put things in perspective before that pesky bar exam I spent damn near every day at that building. Post-bar exam I've only been there twice. For today I'll likely spend a quarter of my day there. Okay I wish some of this could be spread out over a few days.

Where Are My Aegis & Bow?

Athena


?? Which Of The Greek Gods Are You ??
brought to you by Quizilla

Chocolate Fest At The Artsgarden Today

I'll be busy today, but for those of you who want to bust their diets $5 at the door and binge on all the chocolate you want. Money goes to some charity I think so think of Chocolate Fest as a public service.

Hunting Me Down

Don't you love it when someone goggles you and they land at your blog? Of course you know exactly who did the googling as well. (Yes I think google has turned into a verb so this is acceptable use.)

Of course this makes me wonder about the plusses and minuses of a public blog. To be honest if I had to do it over again I would make this bad boy private.

Talk Like A Pirate Day!

It is 5:42pm and I am JUST NOW finding out it is "Talk Like A Pirate Day!" Who forgot to send me the memo on this one?

I'm gonna have to keelhaul someone! Arrrrrgh!

Ad hominem

I've seen the above term on the blogosphere lately. I didn't really know what it meant though. Based on the context I had an idea; however, I'm never too ashamed to either ask someone or look it up myself (hard to have a useful conversation if you're not sure about the lingo). In this case the internet and Wikipedia was my friend.

Turns out I'm very familiar with the concept and I've always decried the use of such tactics. Ad hominem is means to attack the person, not the argument of the person.

A says X.
B say A is bad/evil/stupid/not qualified to say anything.
B doesn't counter X in any way.

I've always believed that ad hominem is a sign of intellectual bankruptcy. If you have to attack the person instead of the position you're either lazy or you have no legitimate counterargument. The sad thing is such personal attacks aren't necessary. People are so afraid of being challenged or simply admitting they don't know the answer to a question. I know I don't like it being challenged or ignorant about something, but I view it as a chance to refine my position or to look up a piece of unknown information. Sometimes people are afraid of not winning. Not winning isn't the same as losing. Sometimes you have two or more rational viewpoints on a subject. Sometimes no correct or incorrect answer exists to an issue. The 'correct' answer depends purely on your values and what you view as priorities.

Trust me I'm not going wishy-washy over here. Facts are facts and those are things that are correct. Interpretations, opinions, and analysis of those facts is usually, but not always, open to discussion. Sometimes some opinions are more worthy of consideration than others. Yet sometimes you just have to agree to disagree. NO ONE has to right to say the other side of an issue shouldn't exist and lacks the right to have their opinion. Also, if you can't counter what someone has to say without attacking the person, perhaps you shouldn't say anything. Better to have someone wonder if you're a fool, than to open your mouth and prove it.

Dare You Walk In My Mind?

Trust me, this quiz is far superior to the underwear one.

Your Brain's Pattern

You have a dreamy mind, full of fancy and fantasy. You have the ability to stay forever entertained with your thoughts. People may say you're hard to read, but that's because you're so internally focused. But when you do share what you're thinking, people are impressed with your imagination.

What Pattern Is Your Brain?

I Think I'll Stick To Relearning Spanish.

You Should Learn Chinese

Surprised? You shouldn't be - Chinese is perfect for an ambitious person like you. You're a natural entrepreneur, and a billion people are waiting to do business with you!

What Language Should You Learn?

The Hollywood A-List

Now THIS is funny!

Speaking of college football, can't somebody broadcast the Purdue-Arizona game? I guess not.

Dear Michigan State Spartans, I know it is a lot to ask out of your young and inexperienced team, but can you lay the smackdown on the Irish? Thanks.

EDIT: Yes I'm an Irish hater and I freely admit it. The fact MSU is in my pool is merely a fringe benefit to myself.

A Fundamental Flaw In The Basic Assumptions

Have I been fired and no one bothered to tell me? I realize the nature of substitute teacher in a bit haphazard, but I truly figured I could be working 3.5 -5 days a week with no effort as long as I was flexible.

Granted not working this week allowed me to work out, have some fun, have a few naps, clean the living room, clean the sink (oh boy was that fun), clean the stove (ummmm...lemon scented stench baking), and other miscellaneous things.

Still I'm a capitalist at heart and I demand money. I'm more than willing to trade my labor for it. I think I require a different job. How about one that makes use of the degree I got. Novel concept I know and it would be a first time in my life where my degree and my job are related. I'm talking about the law degree, not the psychology one. Only thing worse than a psychology degree would be history, philosophy, or general management.

How long until those bar results come out? Surprise of all surprise will be an actual Job Fair next week at the school. I found the text of the email interesting, "Attorneys are welcome to attend and submit resumes! Several [employers] will have representatives sharing information and collecting resumes. Employers may not be hiring." Talk about covering the bases! If you're going to be a job fair I believe you should have a reasonable chance of wanting to hire people. I realize circumstances can change, but an employer at a job fair should have a reasonable chance of hiring people within a reasonable timeframe. I suspect I know what is happening, it is more than a job fair. It is also a chance to introduce students to these potential employers even though they may not be hiring right now. Mixed audience with mixed purposes.

All those books preparing you for law school had one flaw, they were written by those who already had jobs lined up upon graduation. Perhaps I should write a book for the other 80% of graduates. Once we're past this neither fish nor fowl syndrome of degreed, but unlicensed, it does get better right?

Indy Cultural Tidbits: Historic Homes, Drinking Green Beer And Italian Boatrides.

This late summer weekend has plenty to see and do

IrishFest: this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at Military Park just south of the IUPUI campus. Purchase your tickets early and pay $8 or get a weekend pass for $20. Friday night includes a 5K run/walk that you can still register for.

Old Northside Home Tour: the biannual home tour of this revitalized historic neighborhood is back. Tickets proceeds fund the neighborhood association for their numerous neighborhood improvement projects. The tour appears to be set up a bit differently than in years past. Instead of all homes being available both days it looks like half are open Saturday with the other half available on Sunday. Tickets are good for both days and if you don't have a large gap of time on the weekend this might be a better way.

Gondola Night On The Canal: this occurs NEXT Wednesday the 21st from 7 - 11 pm, but I'll put it down now or else I'll forget. It appears to be a benefit for Cystic Fibrosis. Wine and cheese provided (yummy). $20 gets you a gondola ride and party and is tax deductable. Make a call to 317-413-0029 for a reservation. Sounds like walk-ups aren't a good idea.

NOLS Bus and Workshop: Today THURSDAY, THURSDAY, THURSDAY from noon to 7pm you have a tour bus from the National Outdoor Leadership School to demo rockclimbing, backpacking, and other cool outdoor related stuff. Demonstrations on alternative energy resources are available including the bus itself: it runs on vegitable oil and solar power. On the IUPUI campus just east of the University College building (a building that needs a better name for sure).

I'll add more stuff later as I'm heading out and will pick up my usual sources for the tidbits I pass along.

Oh How Charming

I do have a way with words. I think I need an even better way with words though. That or I need a chance to have my way with words. I believe some women should take the chance of engaging in conversation with me. Just don't be a redhead please. After five of them...

Your Seduction Style: The Charmer

You're a master at intimate conversation and verbal enticement. You seduce with words, by getting people to open up to you. By establishing this deep connection quickly, people feel under your power. And then you've got them exactly where you want them!

What Is Your Seduction Style?

Veronica Mars vs. Smallville

First I would like to note these two show will not be going head to head when the upcoming fall season begins. VM keeps the Wednesday night slot and will compete against The West Wing (grrrrrr somebody better TiVo VM for me), while Smallville moves to Thursday nights (great move as nothing is on Thursdays now).

Second, this hasn't happened yet so I'm presented with a quandary for tonight: which rerun gets my viewing patronage? Quality-wise Veronica Mars is vastly superior to Smallville. The only reason I became addicted to Smallville was because it was one of the few American shows in France that was on. Smallville is so simple I could follow the major points in the show even though it was dubbed in French. My vast Buffy knowledge allowed me to follow Buffy in the improper language. You know it is bad when I'm giggling at the dialogue because I know what Xander and Buffy were saying by memory, not because I understood French. Couldn't they have gotten a British actor who knew French just to keep Gile's British accent? A French accent is so wrong with Giles.

Okay I've drifted from my point. VM is vastly superior (superiour if you're Giles) to Smallville, but you have Allison Mack as Chloe on Smallville and tonights episode really features her. Long time Confessions readers know my appreciation of Allison Mack. Allison Mack versus Kristen Bell. This isn't fair!

Is It Wrong To Want To Show Off A Little?

This has nagged me a bit all summer: the fact my high school class should be having a reunion this year, but isn't. I'll grant the year is one of those that isn't as popular or significant as a 10, 20, or 25 year reunion. I haven't kept track of anyone from high school at all, but I just wanted to go for once. I wanted to say I ran the Mini-Marathon, graduated from law school, and took the bar exam.

Showboating and bragging a bit, oh yeah I'll admit to that. Is it wrong to feel some pride in the things I've accomplished every now and then though?

Besides at the last reunion I ran into she who was the most intelligent and beautiful girl in all of high school in which I had a huge crush. Of course I never told her she was "the one" when we were in school. A shame she just got married before the reunion and turned in her single and eligible card! Maybe I should have told her while we were classmates. Hey she could be divorced and eligible again by now, but since we're not having a reunion I'll never know!

Waiting For The Phone Call

No it isn't from a fantastic woman who is a great date, but from the substitute teacher coordinator. I wasn't called in Monday or Tuesday. I realize this job might not be a 40 hour a week job, but I can't afford to not work.

Will someone please call in sick so I can be a sub today? I may have to find another temp job to supplement my current temp job. When are those bar results coming out? When are those legal jobs coming out? I have got to be one of the most highly educated persons living below the poverty rate in this country. This isn't funny anymore.

I might have to enact Plan B ahead of schedule.

Don't Forget To Celebrate The Constitution This Weekend!

This Saturday, Sept 17th, makes the first official celebration of the most important document in the United States: our Constitution. It was signed Sept. 17, 1787 after we realized the Articles of Confederation sucked. That is a trivia question folks, we had another constitution before the current one.

Any school or university that receives public funds (i.e. damn near EVERYTHING if you think about it) is required by federal law to recognize this document this week. I'm sure if you search your local school, college, or university you can find some event that demonstrates how the Constitution affects you.

BioTown?

Gov. Daniels, working with the Dept. of Agriculture, wants to convert the 550 person town of Reynolds, just north of Lafayette, into a city run entirely on renewable energy sources. Part of the plan could use methane from sewer gases and local hog farms (pig droppings are a fertile source of gas as any driver on I-65 will swear to) to power electrical generators.

Step One appears to be asking the town's only gas station to offer E85 fuel, a mixture of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. The task force hope Reynolds residents alter vehicles to use the fuel. Okay it sounds like regular gasoline will still be offered and several new vehicles can run on unleaded gas and E85. However I don't know about people willingly undertaking the expense to convert their personal vehicles to run on E85. That requires gaskets, hoses, and other parts of the engine and fuel system to be resistant to the corrosive (for lack of a better word) effects of ethanol. The state is thinking about incentives to assist with the cost for individuals and businesses. The town owns three vehicles and agreed to the conversion process.

""We want to make this a model for other communities in the future," said Deborah Abbott, spokeswoman for the Department of Agriculture."

Gov. Daniels wants to demonstrate the worth of our crops. Currently agribusiness is a $6 billion a year industry to the state. His hope is to demonstrate alternative energy sources to citizens.

It is bold and ballsy. Everything mentioned has worked elsewhere on a small scale. Granted 550 people is still pretty small scale if you think about it. I say go for it. If we as a society want energy independence we'll need to see if things like this work. If a smooth transition occurs that wins the hearts and minds of people. If it is a pain in the butt it'll turn people off to taking risks.

Phrases That Don't Sound Right Together.

The local news reporter says, "A shooting happened at a popular nightclub on the west side: popular for hip-hop and country."

Maybe my coffee hasn't kicked in yet.

Confessions Poll: The Best Time Of Year

College football is playing. Professional football is playing. If you're a baseball fan the playoffs are approaching. IS THIS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR? If not, what is the best time to you?

I Care Not About An 0-5 Preseason

Oh yeah, the pros are kicking off as well. With the signing of run stopper Corey Simon can the Colts FINALLY get past the Patriots hump? I hope so. I hate New England almost as much as I hate Notre Dame.

A shame the game is on ESPN as I don't have cable! *deep sigh* GO HORSE!

EDIT: The local UPN affiliate tapped into the ESPN feed. I forgot the game WILL BE SHOWN ON TV one way or another. Some TV stations remember that not all of us have cable. Defense did a great job against Baltimore. I'll grant you the Raven's offense is anemic, but they didn't score until 13 seconds were left in the game. The missed field goals helped a lot as well. Still 3 picks is 3 picks including Cato June running one back for a TD. Payton Manning learned patience last year. He isn't trying to force the ball someplace it shouldn't go. Colts' offense was stymied the first half, but they made adjustments against a very strong Raven defense and finally scored. 24-7 victories don't look exciting, but a win is a win when you want home field during the xteen 2-0 victories if I have to.

The Road To The SuperBowl begins now.

The Honor Of The Big 10

This is my favorite time of year: college football season. I had a nice post on this topic last week, but Blogger ate it. Last Saturday was a big screen TV watching, bring yummies and beer with you kind of weekend and it didn't disappoint. Yesterday was good because Purdue finally kicked off their season (no team should have a bye week the first week of the season). The mighty Akron Zips put up a good battle, Purdue had numerous first game jitters and it was a good game overall with the Boilermakers winning 49-24.

My problem was with the rest of the conference. In order to have Big 10 supremacy they must win their games against inferior opponents. Teams I normally despise due to conference rivalries I cheer for in non-conference games. I'm sure most fans are like this. If a team has to lose at least make it an entertaining tough fought game such as the 25-22 loss Ohio State suffered to Texas. Ohio State had their chances, but they converted 3 turnovers into only 3 field goals instead of touchdowns. A sure touchdown pass was bobbled and dropped. At least the Buckeye upheld the honor of the Big 10. That game was everything the fans wanted.

Sadly Michigan and Iowa have no honor left. Are these two predicted powerhouses paper tigers? I don't know, but Michigan was embarrassed in The Big House by Notre Dame 17-10. The game wasn't even that close. This victory gives the overinflated egos of the Irish the thought they're still relevant to college football. The Fighting Irish need to be smacked down hard and often. Michigan should have nuked them in that ruthless efficient overpowering style they're known for, yet the Wolverines choked.

Even more embarrassing is the 23-3 loss the high-flying, highly ranked Iowa Hawkeye had to the Cyclones of Iowa State. Okay, Iowa's first string QB Drew Tate got a concussion and didn't play most of the game, but man was that game a pain to watch especially since the Hawkeyes are my Wild Card team in the pool! Give Iowa State credit they played well.

The pool...that 70% rating I had last week is going down this week.

I Noticed LAWYER Is Not On This List.

Your Career Type: Artistic

You are expressive, original, and independent. Your talents lie in your artistic abilities: creative writing, drama, crafts, music, or art. You would make an excellent: Actor - Art Teacher - Book Editor Clothes Designer - Comedian - Composer Dancer - DJ - Graphic Designer Illustrator - Musician - Sculptor The worst career options for your are conventional careers, like bank teller or secretary.

What's Your Ideal Career?

I SO Need This Sweetshirt.

I try to be tolerant and understanding of others, but sometimes I really need one of these.

Pictures Of Your Personality

I'll accept this as an answer.

You are sexy, powerful, and bold. You're full of passion and energy... Sometimes this passion has a dark side. You feel most alive when you're seducing someone. You never fail to get someone's attention. Quick minded, you're also quick to lose your temper!

The World's Shortest Personality Test

Water

I bet you didn't know your water heater, if electric, has two heating elements. One powerful element to heat the high quality H2O and a weaker element to keep the water tepid. Trust me on this, when the big element goes out you get the most tepid water imaginable. Washing the dishes isn't a problem, but showering since Saturday has proved annoying. I almost wish the water was cold instead of providing the tease of slight warmth.

I can always take a hot shower at the gym, but that isn't going work on days I sub (most days during the week). I realize many people are in far worse conditions so I feel petty feeling this way. However I just want a hot shower. Can I get a real paycheck soon? Can I get any paycheck soon?

Fashion Advice By Me.

Look, I got home and changed into some gym shorts and a t-shirt so I could be comfy. I needed something out of my truck so I put on the nearest shoes to me. The black dress socks and brown dress shoes you're just going to have to live with for a few minutes.

SCIENCE!!!

Ahh...Devo, what a classic band. Devo has nothing to do with this post to be honest, but hey I like to throw in the occassional pop reference. I'm much like The Simpsons, Family Guy, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, and Stargate SG-1 that way.

I guess my horrific performance Friday wasn't enough to fire me. I dealt with a fight, an injury, and a dodgeball game where the players decided to practice for New Orleans looting instead of sportsmanship. Some days it just doesn't pay to get out of bed.

Today, 6th grade science will be my job. Please let there be a detailed lesson plan! I keep thinking some obscure way to tie together law and education must exist. Sadly the only thing I've come up with is "When they get out of line you can't kick their butts no matter how badly they deserve it." Wait a second I did come up with another observation: third graders and some law students tend to use the same logic. That isn't good. Hopefully today will go well.

Lessons Not Learned

I don't have time to write what I want to write so I'll boil my thoughts down to the following. The response was inadequate in strength. The relief was unorganized. Lines of communication filled with vital information couldn't get from the people with information to the decision makers that needed information. The labyrinthian organizations chart that is the Dept. of Homeland Security resembles the wiring diagrams of a late-model Volkswagen, sadly with similar results. FEMA needs to pay a few staffers to watch CNN, Fox News, and CNBC so they can find several thousand people in a convention center. Every news helicopter should have dropped a bundle of MREs to every person they found on a rooftop. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff is at best an ill-informed decision-maker, at worse a incompetent tool.

When people are suffering relief can never move fast enough. I know that. I'm being realistic. I just heard someone on a FEMA team say they were prepositioned in Mississippi before Katrina hit; it still took them 7 hours to go the last 110 miles to their assigned area after the winds died down. I know glitches will pop up to frustrate pre-made plans. Yet with a Force 4.999 hurricane bearing down on the Gulf Coast and three days notice ahead of time this was the best we got? From Mayor Ray Nagin, to Gov. Blanko of Louisiana, to President Bush himself there is plenty of blame to spread around in my opinion. While victims are still in the water and on rooftops, this isn't the time to have that discussion. Our first priority should be to evacuate New Orleans and assist 90,000 square miles (the size of Great Britain) of emergency zone. Will someone allow the multimillion dollar mobile hospital to get where it needs to go? With stories like the one I just linked to I fear the after action report dissection. It won't be pretty. Now I wonder about our response to emergencies where we don't have notice: earthquakes or man-made disasters. If anything positive comes out of the Katrina aftermath I hope we figure out how to do better next time.

Miscellaneous Quotes

I haven't had a good quotes post in a long time. Some are things I've said. Some are things said to me. Some are things I've heard or read. WARNING: some of this isn't kid friendly or friendly to you.

Why Mountain Dew Baja Blast is found only at Taco Bell.
"Oh this stuff is great. It's like a fruity liquid crack!"

Timing is always an issue.
"Setting the alarm for 5:30 is one thing. Waking up at 4:30 and not falling back asleep is another."

When referencing why a...ah...spitfire is fun to have as a girlfriend despite all the trouble she gives you.
"A good bitchy woman is like a hand grenade. Toss her at the enemy and watch the fun."

One of the more interesting politically incorrect ways to discuss political correctness.
"Political correctness is the facade pussy-ass liberals use to hide from reality."

You're just going to have to trust me on this one.
"Well, I'm finding more and more people who disgust me. Can I be blamed for that?
Maybe they should stop disgusting me, and I'll stop hating them. Until then..."

"What odd, yet strangely persuasive, logic."

The loan terms are quite reasonable for my friend.
"Look, he has value. We just need to figure out. Only thing I'm coming up with is parting him out like a '67 Chevy. He has a spare kidney and lung. Is that enough to cover his debt on the black market?"

On the beauty of cool summer days.
"Alright I know what you're staring at. Just tell me which you find more appealing, the Harley or the blonde?"

Concerning New Mexico sand from Trinity.
"Oh it is pretty cool and only a little radioactive."

Sometimes you gotta go for food in style.
"I'm hungry. If we go for Taco Bell can we take the hearse?"

"Yeah when we get to the Bell just open the rear door and I'll just rise out."

Concerning the latest toy.
"Oh man, this does smell like grandmother's car."
"Come on, you know this thing was well taken care of. It probably never got above 40 miles an hour."
"Whatever you do, don't park this next to a retirement home."
"A supercharger, I like that idea."

Proper football rituals.
"I need to burp so bad. [pause] BUUURRRRRRRAAAWWWPPPP!"

Chief Justice William Rehnquist

I just saw this before going to bed. His death will change everything. I didn't know him personally, but every time I saw him on TV or read his words he seemed a very nice person and an excellent legal scholar. I hope his replacement is as wise and kind.

What Color Should Your Blog Be?

For once the result matched the reality. Good, because I refuse to redecorate around here. I still haven't updated all the links from the last template update. Thoughtless people need not reply.

Your Blog Should Be Green

Your blog is smart and thoughtful - not a lot of fluff. You enjoy a good discussion, especially if it involves picking apart ideas. However, you tend to get easily annoyed by any thoughtless comments in your blog.

What Color Should Your Blog or Journal Be?

The Lost

The alternative school. An alternative in what way was the question I should have asked. It would be great if all children could learn in a normal school. That doesn't happen for many reasons. Sometimes you need kids diverted to a place with a tough-love philosophy. Each class would only have 10-12 students. That was the good part. Many of them were the worst of the worst in attitude though. Many would be in their own self-entertained world.

It was odd to observe the students. Many would be a teacher's worst nightmare. Shouting, foul language, only one fist fight occurred before I had a chance to intervene. Actually my neighboring teacher just happened to wander by and call out the fighters as I was busy writing on the board and answering two other questions. Yet others I wondered what they were doing there. One or two were helpful and wanted to assist with the work. A few others, while introspective and quiet, did what they were told, asked good questions, and never tried to disrupt class at all.

I felt very sorry for the pregnant girl. I was dealing with middle school students again, but when we chatted she spoke of being anxious to drive her car after her pregnancy. Middle school is normally ages 11, 12, and 13 I think. Driving a car is for older students obviously. Perhaps she had other problems than pregnancy to keep her in my class. To be so young and about to have the responsibility of a child is a mind-boggling thought. She was one of my best students of the day.

So many just didn't care. I told them I would deduct points if they didn't behave or do what I said. If they didn't get enough points over the day they had to stay after school. One young man would be forced to stay after school and miss his appointment with the probation officer. I remarked he'll likely be seeing my classmates in a few years for their services.

What a world some of them live in. I'm betting many of their home lives aren't the best. You hope the system can help as many as possible. Yet I felt with some we just warehoused them until they finally graduated or dropped out. The schools and teachers would put as many resources into these kids, but it isn't enough. What some need a school can never provide them. I don't know that it takes a village to raise a child, but it takes more than what many of us got. The reality is not everyone can succeed. I wish everyone would at least try.

Price Gouging Anyone?

I don't know where this picture is from originally since it was emailed to me. I can't credit the photographer nor give the proper copyright notice.

Oh yea about the pic itself: YIKES!!!

What Mixed Drink Are You?

You Are a Strawberry Daiquiri

You're a fun, playful drinker who loves to party. You may get totally wasted, but you're always a happy drunk!

What Mixed Drink Are You?

Someone Else?

Someone Else?
Queensryche - Promised Land

When I fell from grace
I never realized
how deep the flood was around me.
A man whose life was toil was like a kettle left to boil,
and the water left scars on me.

I know now who I am.
If only for a while,
I recognize the changes.
I feel like I did before the
magic wore thin and the "baptism of stains" began.

They used to say I was
nowhere, man,
heading down
was my destiny.
But yesterday, I swear,
that was someone else not me.

Here I stand at the crossroads edge,
afraid to reach out for eternity,
One step, when I look down,
I see someone else not me.

Looking back and I see
someone else.

All my life they said I
was going down,
but I'm still standing,
stronger, proud.
And today I know there's
so much more I can be.

From where I stand at the crossroads edge,
there's a path leading out to sea.
And from somewhere
deep in my mind,
sirens sing out loud
songs of doubt
as only they know how.
But one glance back reminds, and I see,
someone else not me.

I keep looking back
at someone else... me?

Oh You've GOT To Be Kidding Me!

If I hadn't read it myself I wouldn't have thought someone could be so stupid. Robert Kennedy Jr., nephew of Senator Ted Kennedy and President John Kennedy, blames Hurricane Katrina on Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour, the former Republican National Committee Chairman and advisor to President Bush, for not following the Kyoto Treaty on greenhouse gases.

How about the concept that a natural disaster is no place for politics? Just food for thought.

Okay, the world's climate has been changing for the past 10,000 years. No one disputes that. We have Ice Ages, we have warmer periods as well. That climates run in a cyclical pattern over time has been proven as a fact for years. Back in the 1970s (for those in my audience that weren't even alive then) we worried about Global Freezing. Many magazines such as Time and Newsweek had articles describing the potential for another ice age and wondering if humanity's actions had something to do with it. 20 years later in the 1990s we have people worried about global warming and wondering if humanity's actions had something to do with it. You have thousands of scientists on both sides of the argument saying yes or no as the answer to whether or not humanity's actions affect the Earth's temperature. I think the most accurate answer is: No theory has captured the majority of scientists yet. Since they, you know ... the scientific experts, study this I care more about their opinions than your's, mine, or Robert F. Kennedy's.

Since I love facts so much I guess we have this one to contend with: Mr. Kennedy shame on you for trying to score politcal points on the misery of a million displaced people with who knows how many deaths.

But hey, partisan politics and personal bitterness have to come first sometimes.