Twofer

Out on the road today, I saw a Deadhead sticker on a Cadillac
--Don Henley, "The Boys of Summer"

(I apologize if my opening lyric today causes anyone shock or illness.)

I know I JUST said, "Don't look back," but, upon a request from a fellow Blogoshpherian, I compiled a short list of the top ten albums of the year. If you are at all interested, you may access it here.

Plans for today include a short visit to Wilber, the Czech capital of Nebraska, to see if they have any kielbasa. Which reminds me that Chicago State actually has a dude on their team named Joseph Kielbasa. Monkey and I figured that if Chicago State had been playing Mizzou, the Antlers would have had an inappropriate field day with that one.

Also on the docket: possible visit to used book store, work party, watching the weather (a potential storm may scrub Tuesday's KC trip). Ah, the holiday season.

It' s Sunday. It's Dark. It's Snowing.

December arrived determined to wipe away any memories of a balmy November. Global warming is not on any one's mind today, here in Cornopolis. It's pretty chilly out there, and the snow has been falling slowly since about ten this morning. The next couple days could bring us six inches or so, all told. It probably won't close schools tomorrow or Tuesday, but it might be enough to make Parent Teacher conferences pretty poorly attended tomorrow night. You know how much I love PT conferences, eh?

It has been a pretty good weekend. The Florida-Alabama game was enjoyable. It wasn't a great game, but I was pulling for the Crimson Tide. I don't know why, but I have always liked Alabama, even as a tyke. And, equally inexplicably, I have never been a fan of the Gators. But, now that I think about it, that's probably Steve Spurrier's fault. Anyway, the Big 12 Championship game WAS exciting (unless you like offense), and unexpectedly competitive. Monkey asked me before the game if I thought it was going to be ugly. I told her I thought it would be, but I didn't mean ugly in the way it turned out.

In addition, the Steelers lost to the Raiders today. I feel a twinge of guilt, getting joy from others misery (see Florida, as well), but, when it comes to the Steelers, I know that their fans get as much satisfaction out of watching the Ravens flounder as we get out of their losses. But, in a less spiteful vein, Pittsburgh's loss (which is kind of inconceivable...as well as their loss two weeks ago to KC) opens up one more door, ever so slightly, for Baltimore to make it into the playoffs. Of course, the Ravens need to win on Monday night, and they need to keep winning, and they need Jacksonville to slip up at some point, but, with Pittsburgh's loss, they have an opportunity to move closer to the wild card.

Okay, no more sports talk.

Except to say that I jammed my finger playing b-ball this afternoon (not in the snow, in the church gym), and now I can't get my wedding ring on. Monkey is distraught, but I am wearing it on my right hand, and hoping the swelling subsides sooner, rather than later.

Okay, no more sports talk.

Except to say that the local ESPN radio station pulled my favorite talk show off the air this week. It was a show called THE SPREAD, and it featured former Husker All American Jason Peter. I liked the show for several reasons. One, it was on during my drive home (when I drove), so it became part of my routine. Two, Peter, a former defensive tackle who played a few seasons with the Carolina Panthers, was an unpolished, but thoroughly entertaining radio personality. And, three, Peter, a New Jersey native, had one of those East Coast accents (and attitudes) that used to make me a little homesick. Why the show was canceled, no one knows, but one day they were on the air, and the next day, they were gone. That happens in radio a lot.

Okay, no more sports talk.

Saturday, Monkey and I bought a new TV. But, they didn't have it in stock, so we have to pick it up Tuesday. I was thoroughly bummed, since we were going slightly larger, slightly more 16:9 aspect ratio, slightly more 1080p, and slightly more 120Hz. In sum, we were moving into the 21st century of TV receivers. I was thinking we would bring our shiny new LCD TV home on Saturday, hook it up, watch the Big 12 Championship, and then, on Monday, we could dig on the Ravens' Monday night appearance in all of their bright and shining (in black and purple) glory. Unfortunately, that ain't gonna happen. I got over it, but Monkey will tell you, I was one grumpy dude at the grocery store. At least I can watch the Army-Navy game (Go Navy!) on Saturday on the new tube.

I know, that non-sports item was awfully sporty. And, I haven't said a word about NCAA basketball.

New Things...Old Things

Tonight, I am picking up a new bike I just bought! Okay, it's not new, but the guy I am buying it from bought it in April, so it's practically new. It's a Giant FCR1, a flat bar road bike. I think I am going to love it! The guy I am buying it from is a friend whom I play basketball with. He is moving back to Philly (shout out!), and he is only taking what he can carry in his Jeep. So, I offered to lighten his load by one bike. I got a hell of a price on it.

And so, my bike history comes full circle, as I bought my current Giant Iguana from a friend (whom I never played basketball with) who was moving from Baltimore to Mechanicsburg, PA. I just love to buy bikes from guys who are moving to Pennsylvania.

Another thing: tomorrow is this blog's four year anniversary. That is cause for celebration, I guess. However, lately, I've been thinking about bringing it to a close. Honestly, any opinions? Suggestions? Donations? Coupons? Whatever.

Healing Up

Rode to basketball last night. I had to, since the best way to get over an accident is to get back up on the bike and ride it...isn't it? I hadn't played ball in at least a month, probably more, so, I was terrible on some levels, but, at least I didn't have any trouble keeping up. Usually, after a long dormant period, I feel like the first couple of games are strenuous--I am out of condition. For some reason, last night, I never had that re-acclimation period, I was good from the first.

This morning, it's back to work for Day Two of the Great Plagiarism Summit of 2009. Yesterday, we planned our agenda and began devising a statement on academic integrity. We decided to develop some department-wide strategies for instruction on plagiarism, what it is, how to avoid it, etc. We had a very interesting conversation about consequences and focus and decided that our focus in addressing these instances would be positive. We will have the opportunity to help students see the error of their ways, through discussion and consequence, and reteach some strategies that students may have missed the first time around. We also decided to have students sign an academic integrity agreement at the start of each term. Many of the examples of academic codes and plagiarism statements that we looked at successfully employed such "honor statements" successfully. We decided to incorporate that aspect into our plan.

Granted, we are simply drafting a document that will be brought before the department as a whole for discussion. Most likely, some things will change, but this has been a good process for the small group of us who volunteered for this committee. I am glad I was there yesterday, and I look forward to going again today.

And, as La Fashionista suggested, after our meeting, I just may go back and show that sidewalk what's what!

Please note: above screen capture borrowed from Context over Dogma.

Stupid Sidewalk!

I don't usually post twice in one day, but I thought I would get this news break out there ASAP.

On my way home from Day One of the Great Plagiarism Summit of 2009, I decided to turn right instead of left and do some exploring farther south of town. It was a bad choice. Not two minutes into my detour, a section of sidewalk reared up before me, perhaps two inches higher than the piece of sidewalk in front of it. On a stiff framed bike, that is quite a jarring bump. So, I decided to do what any fourteen year old would do. I hopped the bump. Unfortunately, I was going downhill rather fast, and as the bike regained the purchase of the sidewalk it shimmied and shook. I was jarred from the seat, but held on long enough to slow the bike considerably before I had to let go. The bike went to the right, and I went to the left, on my leg and my elbow. I think I rolled once or twice, and popped right back up (mostly from embarrassment).

My chain popped off, and one of the brake handles was scraped up, but, otherwise, the bike was fine. I reseated the chain, and the bike was as good as before. Me? Well, I have a nasty strawberry on my shin (it looks like I have been playing softball again), a big old burner on my knee, a mild road burn on my elbow (I was wearing long sleeves, thank goodness), and some rough skin on my right palm. I will spare you a picture, but full disclosure requires me to tell you that I am bleeding as I write this. How is that for timely journalism?

My first thought, after I checked myself and my bike for serious damage? I hope my leg scabs up enough so that I can play basketball tonight!

Old Man Down!

Cracked my ribs playing ball last night. Ugh. It is sore. It only bothers me when I am in bed and I try to lay on that side, or I have to roll over. You never realize how much you use your core muscles until you mess them up, somehow.

As a result, I have driven my car to work today. Here in the middle of Bike to Work Week. How ironic is that? But, after today, it's back in the saddle, partners!

Quick Hitter

Hey! I'm still around, just very distracted. I have had a few things to write about, namely Opening Day, Why I Hate April Fool's Day, Spring Snowstorms, The End of College Basketball Season, Work Stuff, but I have been too distracted to write about them.

I'll get around to them (or something else) soon. Until then, enjoy April: National Poetry Month, National Jazz Month, National Humor Month, International Guitar Month, National Welding Month, Keep America Beautiful Month, and National Anxiety Month (hereof late, hasn't every month felt like National Anxiety Month?)!

A Not So Long Northern Plains Story (Part Three)

Ah, Sunday. More breakfast at local diner/franchise Keys (good sausage), a drive by the James J. Hill house, and a drop off at the dome for second round hi jinx.

The opener, between Dayton and Kansas was a snoozer. Dayton was shooting poorly and had no answer for Cole "Triple Double" Aldrich. Dayton's band leader was a sight, however, in his sequined jacket. Unfortunately, his outfit was not shiny enough to distract KU from putting the smack down on his (not so high) Flyers.

The second game of the afternoon was a treat, as USC and Michigan State squared off. It was a back and forth affair, with State slightly leading most of the way, but USC's cold outside shooting and its inability to dominate the boards gave this game to the Spartans. A five point game was a great way to send us off into the evening.

The Ambassadors picked us up and we drove off to visit some Ambassador family. A Mediterranean style meal in a Minnesota farm house was a wonderful way to spend an evening. And, in a "file this under it's a small world" moment, Ambassador Aunt buys some of her organic seeds from the Monkey's CSA. Go fig!

Monday left the Monkeys on their own in a very rainy metropolis. We visited (briefly) some historic houses on Summit Ave., patronized Garrison Keillor's book store, wandered the Como Park Conservatory, and chilled out at the Ambassadors' pad. That evening, we had some very tasty Italian at Broder's, and then rested up for the drive back home on Tuesday.

In all, a great trip.

A Not So Long Northern Plains Story (Part Two)

On Saturday, the Monkeys and the Ambassadors headed to a place called Hell's Kitchen for breakfast. It's one of those "you gotta go there" tourista places. They have a whole corporate aura, some signature dishes, and a keen locale in downtown Minneapolis. The breakfast was good, though I found everything to be on the sweet side. I enjoyed my lemon-ricotta pancakes.

After breakfast (we spotted some red hats at the restaurant, so it's THAT kind of place), we motored over to the river and had a stroll along the old mill district and across the old railroad bridge. It was a beautiful day, and the river was flowing away, just a few ice patches clinging to the shadowy parts of the bank.

Our destination was the Guthrie, Minneapolis' internationally-recognized regional theatre. Our thespian fare for the afternoon would be Shakespeare's Two Gentleman of Verona. As we entered the performance space, it was clear that this was going to be one of those anachronistic productions. The stage looked like the set of a fifties TV show (which it turned out to be, with working cameras and monitors, to boot). I was wary, having had some bad experiences with "re-envisioning" Shakespeare; however, despite the musical number to start off with, I found the production to be pretty consistent and highly entertaining. I'd give it a thumbs up, for sure.

After the theatre, it was off to the Bryant Lake Bowl for a beer and some walleye, and Ikea for too much commerce (rugs and comforters and pillows and place mats and bowls...is that it? I hope so!). Then, an audible was called, as our original dinner destination was scrapped for the neighborhoodly charm of The Blue Door. There, we chowed down on some excellent "Juicy Looseys," burgers stuffed with cheese, purported to be a Twin Cities delicacy. Mine, a classic (American cheese), was pretty awesome, as was the Summit Oatmeal Stout I enjoyed with it.

And, with that, the night was upon us. We retired, prepared for a last hurrah of basketball and breakfast to come.

A Not So Long Northern Plains Story (Part One)

Greetings!

Monkey and I have returned from the Northern Plains, after a chock-full weekend. We watched some great basketball, ate some good food, saw some theater, got rained on, argued with Metrodome security, played with some new dog friends, and enjoyed some people-type company, too.

We arrived in St. Paul late on Thursday, after a six and a half hour drive in which we found ourselves searching the radio dial for clear AM radio sports stations every fifteen minutes. We managed to keep a pretty close tab on the first round action and were mildly entertained by American University's close brush with greatness against Villanova. Even with my money on Nova, it's still a blast to hear/see a big upset in the tournament. We settled in with the Ambassadors, and, after a short glass of wine, it was off to bed with the weary travellers.

Friday morning, we had breakfast at a local eatery (excellent hash browns at the Highland Grill on Cleveland!), and then headed off to the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome for some first round action of our own. At the parking facility, the attendant upped the price from ten to fifteen bucks just as we were pulling in. Monkey had the idea to ask for the earlier rate. We asked, and he let us in for the cheaper price, so our day was starting off great.

We got to our seats and were amazed at how close we were: three rows from the floor, on the right side of the end line. We could have hit Bob Huggins with a hot dog (and I would have liked to)! The only downside (maybe) was that we sat behind a pep band for every other game, so, when they stood up (never during a game), we couldn't see much. Really, no biggie.

The first two games of the day were great. North Dakota State had a ton of fans there, and they gave Kansas all they could handle. It was close the whole game. The second game, Dayton and West Virginia, was another tight one, with Dayton leading for most of the game on the strength of their inside game and pulling out the "upset" over Huggie Bear's alma mater squad.

And then, the fun started.

They cleared the dome before the evening games, so Monkey and I headed down to Washington Avenue to grab something to eat. There were two problems with this plan: it was raining, and everybody else was doing the same thing. We walked for about a half an hour, soaked to the bone, only to wind up in an epic line at the local Subway. At least, we were out of the rain.

It took a while to get up and order our sandwich (we split one), so we decided to walk back to the dome and eat there. Our tickets said nothing about food being prohibited, so we thought we were golden. Instead, we were just all wet.

At the gate, security told us we couldn't bring in outside food. We argued with them half-heartedly for a minute or two, then retreated to a dry patch under an overhang to dine al fresco on our veggie delight.

The evening action was not as good as the early games. USC versus BC was good, with BC's pep band winning the award for most entertaining and obnoxious band of the weekend. And Robert Morris held up to Michigan State for about fifteen minutes, but that game was exactly the kind of game that a 2-15 match is supposed to be. Another award, by the way, to Mike Rice, Robert Morris' coach, for most entertaining performance by a coach, as he spent the entire game animatedly involved in the action on the court (extra points for multiple foot stomps).

We drove back to the Ambassadors' pad near midnight on Friday, looking forward to a day with good friends, and the sights and sounds of the Twin Cities.

The Madness Begins

The NCAA basketballl Tourney will have a special shine to it this year. Monkey and I will be heading north to Minneapolis to watch some first and second round action at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome. We are stoked.

While we find it a mild bummer that the Terps got placed in KC (which was sold out by the time Monkey tried to get tickets), we are still a) excited to see the Terps back in the tourney (along with Mizzou as a Big 12 Conference Tournament-winning three-seed), and b) jazzed to see the likes of Kansas, Michigan State, Dayton, Boston College, West Virginia, USC, North Dakota State, and Northeast Conference powerhouse Robert Morris U.

I have to think, after spending several happy weekends of my life at various watering holes, quaffing adult beverages, consuming board-like chicken fingers, checking brackets, and screaming down managers who couldn't figure out which channel the Maryland game was on and rabid Duke and/or KU fans, that being there will be twice the fun (yet, I assume, totally alcohol-free). I am looking forward to it.

Oh, and do I need to even mention the fact that we will be reconnecting with the Ambassadors? What else could be better?

The Excitement Continues

I was remiss in keeping all up to date on the doings of myself and the Monkey over the last fortnight or so. The weekend prior to this just past, Monkey House Nebraska was headquarters for the Minnesota Ambassadors' Baby Birthday Ramble. Arriving late on Friday night, the Ambassadors took to the guest room bed of Monkey House Nebraska for a snooze, before some coffee and a damn-good scone in the morning. The Monkeys also enjoyed some Chines and vino with various friends and family of the Ambassadors. Sunday was departure day, after a bagel and coffee downtown. Fortunately, in three short weeks, we will be returning the favor as the Monkeys head to Minneapolis-St. Paul for the opening round of the NCAA regionals (which coincides with my Spring Break!)

This past weekend, as you know, Monkey and I headed back to the ol' stompin' grounds for T/F 09. I will spare you recaps of all the films (a dozen), but, I will say that I felt that this was perhaps the best fest yet. Monkey and I did not feel rushed between films (except once), we felt the films were highest-caliber (except one), I thought the music was spectacular (no exceptions), and, while it was perhaps the coldest True/False, yet, the snow held off and the weather was generally good for walking about. We also found additional time this year for stompin' on the ol' stompin' grounds. It was, as it always is, an exquisite pleasure to spend time with folks I truly miss having in my life on a daily basis. Every time I go back to CoMo, I get a little homesick. This was no exception. Driving out of town on Monday morning was a melancholy moment.

I believe that is all for now.

A Shocker!

In order to procrastinate grading a mountain of papers I swore I would have done by tomorrow (fat chance!), and per a special request, allow me to make you privy to some semi-important (and some completely unimportant) news of the last few days.

The return from winter break was a hellish one. I hit the ground running at full speed and have only slowed slightly this past week. Finals begin after tomorrow, and I hope to be able to put some ducks in a row, or fish in a barrel, or eggs in a basket, or something like that, just prior to The Dawn of a New Day, otherwise known as Inauguration Day. For that reason, I have been stingy in my posting, and then only focusing on irrelevant things (to most) such as Baltimore's NFL franchise. But, here's the real scoop: the beard got a trim. It was unintentional, and I have no photographic proof, but, that fierce man bush I had billowing under my chin is far less unruly today that it was a week ago. Here's the story: I intended just to shape it up a bit. I don't even know why I wanted to do that. I was getting antsy, and maybe a little bored with it. I am fickle like that when it comes to facial hair. Anyway, I went a little deeper than I wanted to at first, and, next thing you know, it was all professional-looking. However, it is still there, and it will grow back. At least that is the plan. Accompanying photo, however, probably not the plan.

I also got new glasses on Saturday (not that I want to steal any of comoprozac's "new look" thunder). So, the cephalic region has gotten quite a make over the past few days.

Now that I mention the cephalic region, let me also mention that during a round of basketball this past Sunday, I took a twenty-something's elbow to the temple. I tried to stay upright, but, my knees wobbled and I descended in slow motion to the hardwood. I think a couple of guys thought I was having a heart attack; they ran over with grave looks on their faces. After a few moments, I got up and tried to play, but after a couple of trips up and down the floor, I knew it was a bad idea. I hit the bench, and then wandered woozily home. Still today, it's pretty sore. Especially when I chew...and I LOVE to chew!

What excitement!

Ice, Snow, Volleyball

After dodging weather bullets twice this week, with storm fronts that passed through too late or too early, or that didn't pass through so much as pass by, we here in Cornopolis got an early Winter Break, as a layer of dry snow atop a layer of sleet atop a layer of ice was enough to call school for the day. It was a pleasure to go back to bed at 5:15 this morning (after feeding the dog), since Monkey and I stayed up pretty late last night to watch the Women's Volleyball Final Four. The Husker women took the #1 seeded Penn State Nittany Lions to a fifth set before bowing out of the tourney. It was a pretty amazing match, since Nebraska fell behind two sets to none to a team that hadn't lost a set all year, let alone a match. The Huskers stormed back to take sets three and four, and took a 10-8 lead in the final set. The Penn State women were just too much, in the end, however, taking seven of the last eight points to win the last set 15-11.

Unfortunately, the match before, between Stanford and Texas also went to a fifth set, with Stanford coming back after being down 2-0 to advance to a Championship rematch with the defending champions of State College. So the Husker-PSU match didn't end until 11:30. And that is way past maximum bed time on a school night!

But, it all worked out in the end. And, so, winter break is upon us, not a moment too soon. We'll be heading back east next week (weather permitting), and then we'll spend a few days resting up and turning a year older, before school ramps back up again on January 5. Between now and then will be a lot of flying, driving, visiting, toasting, consuming, football, basketball, and Holiday cheer (or maybe that's what all that previous stuff adds up to).

Central Standard Guide to What's In for 2009 (The Second in a Multi-part Series)

Sorry to leave you hanging for so long. Monkey and I were entertaining some Southern boys for the weekend. They left for Dixie on Sunday morning, firmly convinced that there is no place like Nebraska.

Here's some more up-to-the-second style tips for the coming year.

IN: Cambodian
OUT: Thai

At least, that's what I heard.

IN: Stermps
OUT: Stamps

Well, unless you want the terrorists to destroy your mail.

IN: The Wishbone
OUT: The Spread

Because, everything runs in cycles.

IN: Cool
OUT: Nucular

Need I say more (and George say less)?

IN: College Basketball
OUT: College Football

After January 8, all thoughts turn to March.

Thanksgiving Review

We will post a two-fer today, finishing up our decade of song after a brief description of yesterday's festivities (and an updated look at "The Beard").

Monkey and I spent yesterday preparing a meal for just the two of us. However, as we have experienced Thanksgivings for multitudes, we cooked enough food for about ten of us. Our pumpkin pie was finished on Wednesday night, prior to a Mexican extravaganza with the North-side Ambassadors (where I was dubbed "El Lechero"--there's no need to explain why).

On Thursday morning, we had a short cup of coffee and then launched into the preparation of an apple pie and cranberry sauce. After the pie was finished, we walked the puppy dog, and then settled in to watch a few snaps of the first of three really uninteresting professional football games. Around two o'clock, we were in full cooking-up-a-storm-swing.

At five, when it was all over, we had mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, corn-bread stuffing (from scratch, baby!), cranberry sauce, gravy, pork chops (no turkey), and roasted brussel sprouts. And it was all awesome.

We took a pause, watched the Maryland Terrapins men's b-ball team put a whoopin' on the #6 Michigan State Spartans, and then dove into a double slice of pumpkin and apple pie. I must say, the pumpkin was wonderful. The apple was a bit too tart and too mushy--I won't use Rome apples again. Bad choice.

Once the pie was consumed, Monkey and I began to fade. It had been a busy day, considering it was only a meal for two, and we needed our rest, in order to tackle the mountain of leftovers we would have to face in the coming days.

Weekend News from the Plains

We had our first snow of the season on Friday. Mere flurries, but the accompanying temperatures were cold, cold, cold. The wind didn't help much, either. Monkey and I stayed in and watched some DVRed TV. House, I think. And something else I can't remember. I must say, I'm getting a bit tired of this show. (House, I mean.) It's awfully predictable, and the main character has evolved from an intriguing curmudgeon to a full-fledged dick. So much for dynamic characters!

Saturday was nasty cold, too. So cold that a couple hundred students neglected to attend the Husker game versus Kansas at 1:30. Game time temps were in the low 30s, but, the last time I checked, this was Nebraska, where everybody is so proud of their rabid attachment to the scarlet and cream. And their staying home because it's too cold? Please. I find this to be an indication that maybe the vaunted Husker mystique is becoming a myth...after only four years of mediocrity. I have to think that people in Columbia are more dedicated. Even when that team stunk outright, when a win against the then-hapless Jayhawks was cause for tearing down the goal posts and carting them through the streets of town to Harpo's, the students packed their sections. At least until halftime. I hope this isn't a trend here in Huskerland, because once they lose their football rep, well, they ain't got much else.

Anyway, I raked some leaves (I compost them, by the way), we ran some errands, and we spent the afternoon reading by the fire. How pleasant is that. We went out for dinner and a movie Saturday night. Some BBQ and Appaloosa. I had a beer for the first time in two weeks--it was lovely, if only a Boulevard (limited selections). And, while the movie was not bad, the most intriguing thing about it, to me, was Viggo Mortenson's tonsorial choices--very period.

Today, I am hacking up a lung after playing basketball for the first time since the recent unpleasantness. I am taking it as a sign of recovery. What shall the rest of the evening hold...? Well, the possibilities are nearly endless, aren't they?

A Week in the Saddle

Well, after one week of dedicated bike riding, I am still going strong. We've been back to work since Wednesday, and so far, I am two for two on commutes! Tomorrow should make it three days in a row! As a matter of fact, the only driving I have done all week was yesterday. It was a short drive, and I really thought about biking, but, I had a guitar lesson at 6:30 followed by an outdoor basketball game at 7:00. I didn't want to leave my guitar out on the grass near the court, so, I stashed it in the trunk. That kind of out-of-sight security just doesn't come with a bike.

Some observations after one week of biking (and two real days of commuting):

The mornings have been magnificent here. Clear, cool, almost fall-like. I don't work myself up too much on my way to work, so, I arrive at the end of my 20-25 minute commute relatively perspiration-free. I also have been taking a change of clothes with me, but, I think once the weather turns for the season, I may be able to just ride in my work clothes. However, I may still keep that step, simply for the routine of it.

I find that people are friendlier in the morning than the afternoon. This could be a function of the weather (it is warmer in the afternoon, but it's not miserable), but, after two days of unscientific surveying, far more folks respond to my waves, nods, and greetings in the AM portion of my commute than do during the PM. Go figure.

As a relatively fit individual, I didn't think that I would feel any different biking, but I do feel a bit more energized (at least until lunch) than I remember being. I am hoping that the rides to and from school will help me alleviate stress and make my reactions to stressor at work even more low-key.

I am already shopping for a new bike. Any recommendations?

(FULL DISCLOSURE: The video is my brother.)

Mother Nature Owes Me Thirty-Five Bucks

We have had some heavy weather here in Nebraska the past couple of weeks. We have had serious rain, some places have had hail, many have been visited by twisters, all have experienced strong (60-75 mph) winds. We've lost many trees right here in the Monkey Hood, and some local shopping centers have had to put on new roofs.

Last night, however, was a pretty impressive display in these parts. We had a tornado warning for the first time since Monkey and I have been here. At least, it was the first time I have heard the sirens. The sky was darker than I have ever seen, and the clouds had a sort of green hue to them. Nothing touched down, and I was safely ensconsed in the basement gym of Basketball Church, so, no real worries, there.

However, when I got home, Monkey showed me a recent email from our CSA farm, where we have paid for a share of the fresh-picked crop this summer. They had been bombarded by heavy rains and large (baseballs, I heard) hail, maybe even a tornado. There buildings were not very damaged, but the crops were apparently wasted. No harvest this week--no veggies for you! So, unless we get an extra week at the end of the year, that's one less crop we get for our "investment." So, the way I figure it, we're out thirty-five bucks (at least--who knows what other long range effects the stom will have on the fields of the local producers).

It's been a rough spring for the ag business. It has been cold and wet. Nothing can be planted on time because it's so muddy, and nothnig is coming in on time because it has been so cold. This latest waether was just some poo icing on a crap cake. The farming life is tough.



Before Monkey showed me the email, I watched the sky the whole way home from basketball. It had been about two hours since the tornado warning, and a tornado watch had just expired. Above, while little or no rain was falling, the sky was an electric light show. I took a two minute video of some of the sublunary action. I hope it posts (Thanks, comoprozac.). It was like Nature was listening to Dark Side of the Moon and throwing lasers in the clouds. It went on for hours, until, at about 11:30, the skies opened up and dumped on us until 3:30 this morning. With acompanying scary winds.

Lucky for us, this morning, while windy, is clear (for now), and I see no damage on the grounds of Monkey House Nebraska.

As Spring Breaks, Spring Break; And The Madness Begins

Early this morning (I think, like, 12:54 am), Spring sprung. The Vernal Equinox. The start of the Earth's rebirth (at least in this hemisphere). Lovely.

This noon, in arenas around the land, the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament began. Having just gotten home from work, I really have no idea who has won or lost so far, and, in a new town, I have no idea where the best place to see all the games is, but, I have more important things to deal with presently (I'll get to them in a mo). Anyway, I like the college basketball, you all probably know, so, this is a joy of a fortnight (plus) for me.

To top it all off, at 3:03 today, Spring Break officially began for me. How great of a triple coincidence is all that (it doesn't happen every year, you know)? S, I am having what many folks would call a "good" day. (Note my ironic use of irony--is that a double irony, or do they cancel each other out?--or am I being sarcastic, which is not ironic?--who cares?)

While all that is great, Monkey's health issues continue, but, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. After several false starts, due to unfavorable test results (her hormone levels needed to be at a certain mark, and they weren't), Monkey is scheduled to take her radioactive iodine treatment on Tuesday. This is good, because once the treatment is over, she should be certified USDA cancer-free. It is also good, because once she takes the radioactive pill, she will be able to end this low-iodine diet she is on that allows her to eat leaves and nuts and chicken and that's about it. She is looking forward to crabcakes and macaroni and cheese and chocolate. This is bad, however, because, for at least the first four days, Monkey will be a glowing mass of radioactivity, not unlike a nascent superhero. She will have to be quarantined, and we will need to maintain a certain distance. But, as awful as that may be, it's only for a few days, and it will be necessary for her to get better, which is what we all want, right? Plus, she doesn't really like me that much anyway, and is, most likely, looking forward to having a whole radioactive bed to herself.