misogynist???

ah, the esteemed Brown tried to tactfully drop that word in on me, albeit as a joke, but thought he might slip that one by me... Of course, the esteemed Brown realizes that that is absolutely not true, especially when he remembers the good ole college days...

by the way, when some one who makes more money in one year than me, my children, their children...and probably THEIR children will make in their lifetimes goes into the stands to catch a ball, and scratches his face, I dont see what the big deal is. ISNT THAT WHAT HE IS SUPPOSED TO DO? afterall, he is the Captain of the FREAKIN NEW YORK YANKEES!!!...he better go diving after that ball...

...raining a lot here in Greenville this summer. Only one day over 90 degrees so far. People complaining about the rain... hmm, are these the same people who were complaining about the drought a couple of years ago? Rather have the rain and lower temps anyday, than dried up brown grass and dead vultures in the road. People cant stand prosperity.

Propaganda and the Elite Academia

The Head Librarian came to my office today to ask about a placement of a control panel in the new renovations. When she is about to leave, she ask me if that is Rush Limbaugh I have on the radio. (I always have the radio on either Talk Radio, or Sports Talk in my office, and either Foxnews or MTV on the TV) I said yes (although it was actually Mike Gallagher), and she proceeded to tell me that she "hope you don't believe the stuff he says"... Now, I was annoyed because that was a rather pretentious thing to say (this coming from someone people call pretentious at times) to someone you hardly know, outside of the professional relationship we have at work.I told her that I listen to Conservative Talk Radio because it gives me a different point of view, blah, blah, blah... kinda funny, because I think she almost immediately realized that she was out of bounds and started talking about being in the Library, and it being a place of information, and knowing as much as possible....WHATEVER, she was just trying to keep me from being pissed off. Plus the fact that she seems to want to micromanage everything about the library, including me...but I dont answer to her, nor does her name appear at anypoint in the heirachy flowchart running all the way up to the President. I can see problems on the horizon with this...

Now, I must admit that I have become more conservative as I have gotten older. But I would not classify myself as a Republican, or right-wing. I think Moderate, or conservative democrat, or...perhaps... Independent is more what I am right now. I agree with "conservatives" on many issues, and I agree with "liberals" on many issues. I also disagree with both groups on some issues. So... anyway, I listen to talk radio because i like to hear what that side is saying. And I must admit, the Air America solution drove me batty after about 20 minutes. I just wish the Air America people didnt have to act like an extension of NPR. It just sounds like a bad Saturday Night Live Skit of NPR all the time.

getting old...

This is getting old...Im sitting here watching the Yankees/Red sox game on ESPN... Ive got tickets to the Old Timers game in Yankee stadium in a week and a half, and I am looking forward to sitting in the bleachers and all that...but ...I am really, really, really...really... really... REALLY....REALLY...really tired of the Yankees. But i must admit that I am looking forward to grabbing a dog and perhaps a unsalted pretzel in Yankee Stadium.

seriously.

Bathroom internet, Money trees, student workers...

Ah, you gotta love the cable modem...especially with the wireless...Im sitting here in the bathroom with the twins while they take their bath. Five years ago, this would have been stuff of science fiction...now I can surf the web while Ian splashes around and turns the bathroom floor into a lake...again.

Someone has stolen 3 projectors from Furman during the last week, over the last 3 weeks. It is amusing to me how I submit a budget request, and can be told that there isnt anymore money (although I must admit that my budget is pretty sizable in comparison to say, the Helpdek), but suddenly, with the spector of the Falcons arriving in 3 weeks and their being a couple of rooms with wires hanging from the ceiling, I suddenly get an email from a vice president essentially saying, "here's $24,000, make it happen..." kinda funny... gotta love those contingency funds that are usually used to fund those "conferences" and "seminars" suddenly appearing...

My newest student worker came in today and told me that her job at the hotel is paying her more and has offered her more hours, and that she has to quit. It seemed as though she expected me to stand up and beg her not to go or something... I was like, "make sure you leave the key on the workstation desk.." these students seem to fail to realize that they are all replacable, especially at 7.50 an hour... sigh... and its always the female workers who are whacked... I think I may seriously give thought to never hiring a girl again. they have proven to be my most unreliable workers, always bringing thier boyfirends in with them, etc... well, I take that back. There are 3 currently who cut the mustard. The others are shaky, real shaky. I guess I will hire females in the future, but they better be good, damn good... Cant really discriminate, but it sure makes me think twice sometimes.

Interesting...

QUOTE OF THE DAY
Be civil to all; sociable to many; familiar with few; friend to one; enemy to none.
- Benjamin Franklin

Tonight, I am watching "Everyday People" on HBO. It has gotten mixed reviews, but I think it is pretty cool. About a bunch of people in a restaurant and some others, etc...and all the different types of people. Basically, this show is a contemporary view of race and all the crap that comes with it...Complex people, complex answers and the constant tug of war. A great quote from this show, that I think someone else once said... "We all want to be better than our Fathers" Too bad it is just a 90minute movie. Perhaps it will become a show. I need something to replace the Sopranos.

Had a nice conversation with Lynn earlier on AIM..kinda funny that it was probably more talk than we had last week, when we were actually together for a couple of days. How ironic.

Staring to think about racheting up Xmas shopping... I am compiling my list. It is going to be shorter his year...as in less stuff, perhaps more quality and thought behind it.

10:45pm...Time for bed.

Ah..waterguns... as they try to "squeak" me

Rylee posing for camera. this is a very good example of her personality...

Ian views the Stegasaurus

Rylee and Ian visit the Farm...errr Zoo!

The weekend

It was a both an eventful weekend, and an uneventful weekend.

Yesterday, we went to the Greenville Zoo. Yes, it was exactly what you might imagine the Greenville Zoo to be, but it was just right for the twins first visit to the zoo. I will post a couple of pix later on Monday. Kim had mentioned getting together in the future with the Keaslers and the Millers at Riverbanks in Cola... I think that will be a lot of fun when they are ready to do that. The Zoo yesterday was almost all young families (parents with kids under6 or 7) and it was a great atmosphere.

We got one of those inflatable pools and put it in the backyard yesterday evening. Need less to say, the twins loved it. Brandy and AJ came over afterward, and we played Canasta or something like that.

Sunday was pretty much a nothing sort of day. I dont think the twins ever got out of their pajamas, and we all just sorta lounged around the house. I watched the race in the evening, and just kinda did nothing. Tomorrow is back to the grind of work and summer camps... look for pictures on Monday in the afternoon of the twins at the zoo and in the pool...

goodness....

Greece takes out France in Euro2004. I feel for the French...sorta. I know what it is like to be a fan of the prohibitive favorite, only to watch said team go down in a fiery heap of flames, disgraced and made to look like pompous idiots. Of course, I dont think I can have too much sympathy for the French, given thier reactions toward the USA recently, and their historical propensity to roll over and die at the first sign of adversity...

With all due respect to all the women in my life, especially my wife...


I thought Brown would get a kick out of this one. As well as TJ, and Wyatt, and Clemons, and well, any guy who might read this...

KBA, or Kiddie Basketball Association

As I watched the draft last night, actually switching between the Braves, the draft, and surfin the web on the laptop, I kept thinking..."WHO ARE THESE GUYS?" and "WHY ARE THEY DRAFTING THESE PEOPLE?" And I pondered more than once what Brown would be thinking about all this...alas, into my INBOX came the article from Brown. It is kinda ironic, because I was kinda sitting there last night pondering those sorts of things... wishin I had someone to comment about those sorts of things with, but realizing that everyone who I would do that with are hours away...Oh well...

When I heard about VP Cheney cursing on the Senate Floor, I chuckled. I can somehow visualize him doing that, for some reason. Seems like that type of guy.

you choose, unwisely

..today, i thought I would wear shorts to work. I thought my space heater could keep me warm in my office. I've been here since 7:20... I have $12.00 cash in my pocket... I am wondering if there is a sale at Old Navy up the road on pants right now. Or..since I didnt pack a lunch, i might have to head home for an early lunch. And some pants.

Its always kinda sad when I leave for work in the mornings, especially during the summer. jessica and the kids are usually still sleeping, and I always feel a little sad leaving them.

No beheadings today in Greenville...gotta feel lucky.

that clinking sound in the distance...

that sound you here is the chain clinking against the flagpole...the flag is a white one, and I am running up the flag of surrender for the Braves. I always knew this day would come..eventually. Oh, i've gotten the flag out a couple of times over the past 13 seasons, looked at it and pondered if it was time, but I never had to. This is it. It is over. The run was great while it lasted. Time to rebuild. Just dont change the uniforms.... Long live the Atlanta Braves!

Had a couple of projectors stolen sometime over the past two days. I kinda wanted to see if I could catch the people, but I had to keep the kids while Jessica was out, so I dont think i am going to be able to do it.

Ian seems to be no longer sick. We eliminated milk, going to Lactaid instead, and he immediately seems better. We havent gone back to regular milk or yogurt yet.. we may test that out this weekend. Drop in a cup of whole milk, take him outside and see what happens...

my new evening worker seems to be spending more time with her boyfriend than in the office. She is coming late, leaving early and spending more time either visiting with her boyfriend in the office, or out in the library. Why would anyone NEW think that they could come in and start doing this? Wouldnt common sense say that you need to toe the line in your job when you first start working? And why is it that it is always the girls who are the slack workers for me?

My Japanese name

Kaito (big dipper of the ocean)Akimoto (autumn book)

I think that will be my alternate ego from now on.

QUOTE OF THE DAY
If you scatter thorns, don't go barefoot.
- Italian Proverb

African art for office, a gift from Brown.

Classic

...sitting here watching Denmark vs Sweden in Euro2004 Soccer. It just... doesnt... get... ANY ...better than this!!! You can throw out the record books when these two get together...!!! actually, the Danes, with their fans all wearing Haggar the Terrible hats, started into their "Na, Na, NAH, NAAHHH...HEY, HEy, HEY, Goodbye!" song with about 15 minutes left and a 2-1 lead. I noted to myself that they were breaking the cardinal rule of gloating/trash-talking...that being.. YOU NEVER TALK SMACK UNTIL YOU ARE 100% sure the game is in hand and that there is NO WAY...NO WAY POSSIBLE, even with a miracle that would tie the score...that you can be made to look like an idiot. Well...under 1:00 minute left,and guess what??? The Swedes score, breaking the hearts of all of Italy, which needed Denmark to lose in order to advance into the playoffs...

Classic

AH...a perplexing sickness

Ian seems to be having some sort of reaction to something, and we are not sure what it is. He keeps throwing up, and he doesnt seem to have much of an appetite anyway. I am starting to think that it is Milk that is causing the problem. He drank some milk when I got home today, and he threw up about 10 minutes later. The same thing happened this morning. But the ladies at daycare did not mention him throwing up today when I picked them up. Thinking back, when he threw up the other day, he did just eat a couple of yogurt thingies he seems to love. I think we are going to cut off the milk and see if his stomach is reacting to that. That really sucks for him, as he constantly asks for milk to drink.

They seem to have racheted up the AC in the library, as my space heater in my office didnt seem to be working as well today. Also, when I looked out the window at my students, one had a heavy sweatshirt on, the other was wearing some sort of wool headgarb/sarong/something or another (she seems to be of Indian/Pakistani/middle East ) and both were looking somewhat frostbitten.

..note, its been awhile since Ian last threw up (over an hour) and he has been drinking juice and eating Cheese (chedder). i dont know...perhaps he is allergic to whole milk now, or something...Not sure that could be possible this soon. That is the great thing about kids...as many books that we have, it still is a learn by experience sort of gig in dealing with them, as everyone is different. Rylee and Ian are twins, but the only thing that is the same about them is the fact that they were born the same day. They are not identical, and are essentially just like two people who might have the same birthday, but different mothers. Except this case, they have the same mother. So what might be true for Rylee is usually NOT true for Ian, and vice versa.

I got this cool peice of African art from Brown. He noted my mention of needing some for my new office and came through with an authentic piece. Clutch, as usual, from Brown. Boy needs to settle down and get him some white woman to marry... just kidding. He needs to settle down and find someone, period. But.. i always remind myself that i didnt marry until I was 32, so I guess need to cut the bruh some slack, as my HBCU Frat would say when i questioned them as to how they can afford 300 dollars for a weekend at Tuskeghee, but cant afford to pay 75.00 for dues..

I am starting to ramble...

..but anyway, i am going to post a couple of pics tomorrow afternoon. Until then i am going to try to avoid going to Iraq or Saudi Arabia...for ANY reason, lest I get beheaded. Hopefully, i can get the twins through bath and into bed before I have to be paraded before Al Jazeera...

Interesting

It is pleasantly surprising to come home from being away from your kids for a couple of days and actually have your kids start an actual conversation with you that both of you seem to understand. Its amazing how fast they learn and pick up things, and how fast developments happen.

ian seems to have some sort of stomach virus that is somewhat nasty. I am just hoping he doesnt give it to me or Jessica or Rylee. But he has definitley lost some weight because of it, but he is eating better now, and seems to be recovering.

Seems like a couple of football players for Furman are working for the Post Office. Kinda funny, considering that they delivered 3 game tapes that coaches trade among rival schools to me. It said on the outside of the package "GAME FILM" on the outside of it. In big bold print. Hmmm.... it also said on the package "To Furman University Football Video Coordinator". Now, while I have filmed a few Marching Band shows, and my students have filmed the basketball team a couple of seasons, I havent gotten a sniff or whiff of anything football related (except for when their LCD projector in the above mentioned film room when offline, and they were in a panic for me to fix the situation), except for standing beside the football trainer stooges waiting for halftime to film the band. I get more play and perks from the NFL Falcons than the the furman football team.

Yesterday was the longest day of the year. THANK GOD!!! i hate the long days. I much prefer when the sun goes down at 5:30. Anc I also dont have to fight with the twins, who wonder why they have to go to bed while the sun is pouring through thier window...

Lynn ... superfriend...

Lynn

Ian, at Furman...

Rylee, enjoying the long winded, ear piercing, meandering church services...

At the Chum (er..Shrimp) Bucket

We fully endorse Pepsi products


jessica and i have very few of those informal types of couple pics. I think this one will do, for now.

This is Lynn. She is cool.


Despite the cigarette, Lynn is an old pal...she dates back a few "generations" of friends, and is the oldest friend I have that I keep in constant contact with. I am still not totaly sure it was a good decision to change my mind about her, but...oh what the hell?... it was a good decision...and i wish I had more time to spend with her. Oh, to go back to those days of raiding the president's box for free stuff after games...

At the Chum Bucket...

Soon to be getting married...Brandy and AJ

Gone for a couple of days

Just got back from a jaunt to the woods, etc. It was alot of fun and a break from the kids for a couple of days.

QUOTE OF THE DAY
Even if man could understand women he still wouldn't believe it.
- AW Brown

That isnt Erik Brown quoted above, but it might as well be him. Three weeks will mark a drive to New Jersey to see Kristen, and a swing into Brooklyn to see Brown. I look forward to seeing Kristen in her "with child" state. That should be...funny. Depending upon my money situation, i will either try to do the drive up in one day...or leave Wednesday night and drive to somewhere like Salisbury, then drive the rest of the way to Somerville, NJ the nextday. Then I might try to hit up the elusive Mr JDWYATT on the way back on Sunday, and drop by and see him, then come the rest of the way on Monday morn. but JDWYATT has got to come out of hiding first...

I was going to Audioblog this weekend, but I just never got around to it. However, I will post a few pics tomorrow, with a short little blurb for each one. i think i am going to just a couple, so dont get all excited about some huge slide show...

i just wanted to do quick update to let you know thatwe are still alive.

whoa..wait a second here... what is up?

The other day, Ray Charles died. I took the time to listen to Ray Charles Mp3's and just celebrate the music...

...And now this... Sportswriter Ralph Wiley Dies at 52... I get the AP news wire sent to my Blackberry. When I saw this, I stopped in my tracks. He was my favorite writer, and he wrote and spoke eloquently. He reminded myself of me, if I was to be a sports writer. He probably was chided growing up for speaking "too white" or making good grades, etc... he always paid homage to the history of sports, the history of all things (black or white), taking special care to not forget where we have come from, but not losing sight that we have to move forward as a people, and a society.

You know how when you read some peoples writing, you read it and you hear their voice talking. I always heard his distinctive voice, with a little edge... a little anger, a little reflection, a little arrogance, and a little homage to those he was writing about. I heard his voice, not mine, when I read him.

Ralph Wiley was huge, if only to me. I am saddened because I placed a sports blackout on myself because of the Lakers, and are just now finding out. I cut on my Blackberry and got my backlog of messages, and there it was. Like a rock in my stomach.

Ralph Wiley was huge, if only to me.

This is what i do

A few weeks ago, while I was over in Mcalister Auditorium, I suggested to the stage manager that she should think about getting their own LCD projector, instead of having to rely on reserving one from my office everytime, and hoping I have a good one available. So yesterday, they call me in a panic... they have money, and its the end of the fiscal year (always xmas time for departments) and they want to order a projector. Well, well, well, I say... time to pay the piper, huh? I ask them..."how much you got to spend?"... you can feel the sweat building up on the other end of the phone..."well, we're thinking about something in the $5,000 area"... I tell them that I would see if I could pull some strings and hopefully find one for that price. I hang up...hop on the phone to one of my vendors and ask him for a 3000 lumen portable LCd projector, and what he can do for me... $3500.00 for a 3000 lumen projector that will suit their needs nicely is what he quotes me. I say, pack it up and send it to me...ASAP! No problem... I get in a RQ number and thats settled... I then call back the stage manager and Im all like, "well, I called round and searched for a while, and I was able to haggle what you need for 3500...will that be alright?" Of course, much glee and joy from he Mcalister people...

This is me, and this is what i do.

QUOTE OF THE DAY
Foolishness always results when the tongue outraces the brain.
- Unknown

Fathers Day

"Anyone can be a father, but it takes a real man to be a daddy."
- Anonymous


Since I will be out of town from Thursday evening to Sunday morn, i thought I might put out a little Fathers Day thing I read for all the relatively new fathers (and mothers) who might be reading this.. definitely something to think about for the future.

12 Traits of a Great Father
By Julian Marcus

1- He's a good disciplinarian
A good father loves his children, but he doesn't let them get away with murder. He strongly disapproves of his children's misdeeds, using tough love to prove a point. He does this through the power of his words, not his fists.
Likewise, a father doesn't reward his children for actions that are expected of them, such as helping with house chores or performing well in school. If his child drops out of school, the father demands that he provide for himself, considering the child no longer wants to invest in his own future.

2- He allows his kids to make some mistakes
A good father realizes that his children are human, and that making mistakes is part of growing up. Spending money recklessly, getting into minor car accidents, getting drunk and sick for the first time, even dating questionable women are rites of passage, and a good father recognizes this. However, he makes it clear that repeated irresponsibility won't be tolerated.

3- He's open-minded
A good father understands that times, people and tastes change over the years, and doesn't try to maintain some gold standard of his own time. For instance, he realizes that body piercings are more commonplace than before, that more couples have premarital sex, and that people talk more candidly about personal issues. In other words, he allows his children to be citizens of their day and age.

4- He teaches his children to appreciate things
A good father never lets his children take what they have for granted. From the food on the table to the good education he's paying for, a good father will make his children see the value in everything they have. He'll ask his child to get a job to help pay for a part of his first car, and take the time to illustrate how important a good education is. He doesn't let his kids treat him like an ATM.

5- He accepts that his kids aren't exactly like him
Everyone is different and a father knows this well. He won't expect his kids to live the same kind of life he does, and do the same kind of work. He also respects their values and opinions, as long as they don't harm the family or anyone else.
To use a pop culture example, he's like Martin Crane from Frasier; the everyman blue-collar dad who allowed his pompous sons to steer their lives in a different direction, even if he didn't quite agree with them.

6- He spends quality time with his children
A dad knows how to have fun with his kids too, taking them out to games, movies, and supporting their sports teams by attending their matches. He takes the time to listen to his kids and have a good, easy chat with them. He also makes time to help them with their homework, every night if necessary.

7- He leads by example
A good father is above the old "do as I say, not as I do" credo. He will not smoke if he doesn't want his kids to do it, and definitely won't drink heavily. He teaches them to deal with conflict with a family member and with others by being firm but reasonable at the same time.
A good father also illustrates the importance of affection by professing his love for their mother in front of them. And he won't fight with her in their presence. In all, he adheres to the values he'd like his children to follow.

8- He's supportive & loyal
Although he may be a football fanatic, if his son doesn't share his love for the game, he accepts it. He may be loyal to his alma mater and dream of having his kid follow his legacy, but if his son prefers to study abroad, he'll support his decision to take a different path.
A good father is also his children's public defender, standing up for them when needed. He waits for privacy to administer discipline. A safety net, a good father is also the person his kids turn to when things go wrong.

9- He challenges his kids
A father wants his children to be the best they can be, and gives them challenges that help them grow as human beings. This means giving them some liberty to face setbacks and resolve conflicts on their own. Or it could be a task, such as building something for the house.
If a father wants his children to take over the family business, he teaches them how to keep it flourishing -- provided that's the path they want to take.

10- He teaches his children lessons
A father figure is the prime source of knowledge in the ways of men, and teaches his kids accordingly. From shaving to being courageous, a father molds his kids into well-rounded members of society. He especially instructs them in proper etiquette, on being honest and keeping their word, and on being thankful.
A great father knows he must sacrifice his own comfort for his fatherly duties. For instance, if he comes home from a hard day at work and catches his kids looking at porn on the Net, he'll take the time to address an awkward situation even though he's tired.

11- He protects his family at all costs
As the main provider of security and necessities, a father will do whatever he can for his family. He'll take a second job to provide for them, and he'll put his own safety on the line to keep them out of harm's way. This is how a father instills in his children the importance of personal sacrifice.

12- He shows unconditional love
This is the greatest quality of a good father. Even though he gets upset at his children's faults and may lament that they did not attain what he hoped for them, a father loves his children no less for it.

QUOTE OF THE DAY
The easiest thing to find is fault.
- Unknown

Today we went to my church that I grew up going to in Gray Court. We go only occasionally, and I juat have some major issues with that church. WHY, WHY!!!??? do you have to have a microphone system turned up so loud it is almost unbearable? keep in mind that i have spent many years in band...the majority of those in the sax section right in fron of Quints who thought it a right a play constantly. So loud sounds and persistent noise is not something I havent dealt with.But this is ridiculous... and the disorganization of the service. they follow a servie outline that is pretty much the same as it has been for probably 50 years, and is probably similar to most black baptist churchs across the South (wait, who am I kidding...that should read most black churches...period). So why does this stuff take so long? WHy does it take so long to take up the 3 (THREE!!!) collections they take up?

One thing I have noticed recently is the trend of the youth to wear casual clothing to church. Now, i understand that you rather have them there than not,blah, blah, blah... So...that being said, i can deal with a nice polo shirt (even if it is Fubu or Phat Farm, or whatever...) and jeans. Times change..not every kid has a suit (or a clean one), all that rhetoric. But when a kid comes to church looking like he just ran off the basketball court down the street, AND YOU KNOW HE DIDNT JUST RUN OFF THE BASKETBALL COURT DOWN THE STREET!!!!, but actually thought to put those clothes on to go to church, then Ive got a problem. Cant someone kindly suggest to them that if they arent going to wear a suit, then the clothes you wore last night to run the rock down the street might not be cool either?

Corinthians 1 book 13:11
When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.


"Can I have jewwce?" "No, you have had enough"
"Can I have wahhder?" "No, you have had enough"
"Cheeeez?" "No, you have had enough"
"Frish Friz?" "No, you have had enough"
"Daddy, Eeyan..he hit me!" "Ian, dont hit Rylee"
"Riiileeee..she hit me!" "Rylee, dont hit Ian"
"Can I have jewwce?" "No, you have had enough"
"Can I have wahhder?" "No, you have had enough"
"WAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH" stomp feet, fall on floor in agony....


just imagine the above conversation...at least 10 times a day... sigh..

QUOTE OF THE DAY
On any given Sunday you're gonna win or you're gonna lose. The point is -- can you win or lose like a man?
- Tony D'Amato in Any Given Sunday

ah...sports... me thinks I am going to quit caring for a while. At least until, say tomorrow...

and another thing

..not to linger on this, but... I got chills a few minutes ago watching clips of Ray Charles singing America the Beautiful...while Rylee swayed back and forth to the music. Erik mentioned to me that great Cosby scene in which the Cosby family dances and lip syncs to "The Right Time"...and that is perhaps one TV moment I will NEVER forget, not just because of the actors, but because of that unmistakable song...

it is also surreal to hear your daughter sing along to the Jimmy Neutron themesong...she knows the words, and the pitches. It is really weird, but plain out funny too. SHe already knows the Spongebob song..that was a moment I will never forget, hearing her sing that out of the blue. And dont forget Fairly Odd Parents.... But the first one was.."Come on, Vamanos . Everybody, Let's Go"... and another thing, The daycare they go to has Spanish ladies working there, and it is shocking to watch Rylee and Ian stop in their tracks if I put the TV on a Spanish speaking station. They will stop and simply watch the TV, abd they seem to understand what is being said. WHile we know thatthe ladies speak Spanish, it is really cool that at this point, the twins probably have some understanding of two languages

I great man passes...

Ray Charles passed away today. In some ways, it saddens me more than the Reagan event. I am saddened by reagans passing, for he was a great man, despite his flaws. WHich made him all the more popular, i think. But Ray Charles...man, it makes me havea knot in my stomach. How many times have I listened to Georgia on My Mind or America the Beautiful...what wonderful music this man made. What wonderful music...

OK...finally, i have moved

I have finally moved to my new office n the Library. The movers came and moved most of the equipment this morning, leaving only the stuff I figured we'd move ourselves with the next week or so. The only thing that really sucks about this move is that my furniture isnt ready, so I am working off a table and using some random chair I stole out of a storage room. And it is that usual feeling...you know, you've anticiapted moving for so long, then you move. You get all the important stuff moved, so you kinda are set, but you still have stuff at the old site. Plus, there is all this crap you could care less about atthe old site, but you dont really have the excotement to go back, once youve set up n the new place... I get my official furniture in 3 weeks, so then I will set up the pictures, wall stuff, plants, etc... I will get my Aeron chair, and cool lamp as well. So I guess, i have moved, but I am kinda in limbo in my own office until the furniture arrives, then I will be set

The Library staff folks keep coming by. They are getting a little annoying. And Library people are sort of like band people.. a separate family/group with shared experiences and a bond that usually cant be described, but to the outsiders screams..."Geek!" And since they are all chicks, they remind me of geeky piccolo and flag chicks...kinda...

Since I dont have my cable hookup in my office yet (another "it will be in by mid july" sort of thing), i am having to watch Braves game on the internet. Annoyance level is pretty high right now..."Gopher ball" Alfonseca has allowed the tying run to score, blowing a 3 run lead. Sigh... ok...now.."Oil Can" Alfonseca has now given up the go ahead run to Detroit. WHY DOES COX STAY WITH THIS LOSER?!!!!!!! Ok..now I am really pissed... another run from this loser. I shouldnt be getting worked up about this...but, the inning started 4-3 us...now it is 7-4 them. Good grief!

Rylee and Ian say "Hey Everybody"

In the Stone

Is there a better opening 16 measures of a song than the opening 16 bars of In The Stone, by Earth Wind and Fire? There might be some that equal it, but not many. Im talking about the first 16 measures... just kicks all types of ass. For those of you unfamiliar with the actual song, it is pretty close to the arrangement that Tiger Band played back a few years ago. And the lyrics to that song are pretty profound too...

Speaking of Marching Band, I had a 20 minute converstion with Jay Bocook this morning...if you dont know who Jay Bocook is, and you are/where in band, well... its too late now to save you. We were discussing my students filming the Furman Band this fall at pregame and halftime, etc. To actually talk to someone who arranged so much AWESOME marching band literature is way cool.

Sound?

I've been tryin to find a way to add sound to play in the background of the blog. Pretty unsuccesful so far, but I did notice that you can now add sound files as a blog post using your phone. Pretty ingenious... it will come in handy when I have the traveling I have to do over the next couple of months. Look for occasional sound clips from me and some friends soon. Tomorrow, i will have Rylee and Ian say "Hello" to you.

Reagan, Josh and bacon

So...Ronald Reagan dies. Since I am now officially leaning Independent, i think I can safely say things about him without feeling hypocritical... Reagan was president while i was basically in Highschool. And I remember him fondly as someone I thought was pretty damn funny all the time. He always seemed to never take all that stuff serously, but never gave you the impression that he wasnt taking it seriously. he was a great leader, and depite some tendencies of mine to disagree with the Republicans, was a republican I have had a hard time disagreeing with.

Where the Hell is Josh Wyatt? Dont think for a second I dont know you have taken a look at this site... And why are you using Windows now?

the twins love them some bacon. just give them a slice and it shuts them up for at least 40 seconds...

New Virus/trojan horse

There is a new trojan horse/virus out called eggdrop. This one is a little nasty deal... i will be busy today getting thatthing off the office machines. I am now worried about the three machines at the house, all sitting on the Internet. They are behind a hardware firewall, but still, I am anxious to get home this evening and make sure they arent infected.

Today begins Jessica's classes in the evenings, so I have to pick up the kids everyday, fix dinner and getthe kids a bath and put them to bed. Oh joy! actually, I doubt it will be that bad, except for the fact that everytime you tell one of the twins "No", they immediately start crying. Kinda funny when you think about it here at work...not funny after about the 300th time at home...

Lakers lost has meant that i avoid sportstalk and internet sites today and tomorrow. i guess I will actually get work done until the Lakers right the World and win on Tuesday.

No joy in Mudville tonight...

the Lakers go down in flames...pride cometh before a fall, someone once grumbled...

By the way, Diana Langseth and Scott Hendrickson are the two brothers I was talking about who are no longer with us.

Isn't Technology awesome?

As I write this, I am sitting outside in the front yard watching the twins run around. I have the gamecast of the Braves on the computer and I am also surfin for some new shoes on Ebay. You gotta love the wireless basestation....

Yesterday, we went to Ryan's for dinner. It actually seemed to go much better than recent eating expeditions have gone. The time before, I had to climb the kiddie playground and retrieve Ian from the very top because he seemed to want to stay there forever and wouldn't come down. And usually, the attention span is something like 2 minutes before they are ready to leave their seats and go elsewhere. That doesn't jive with usual restaurant schedules. Yesterday, we got them their french fries and bread from the bar immediately and they seemed to be satisfied to the duration of the stay. One can certainly hope that they are starting to get more manageable.. we even went to the mall afterward and walked around for a while. Usually, venturing out without at least Grandparents, aunts, uncles and parents have led to frustration on all parts.

QUOTE OF THE DAY
Pride is the crutch of the insecure.
- Unknown

Seriously, how difficult can it be?

I'm a patient man. i dont get too worked up about things. It generally takes a lot to make me mad or upset, and certainly, I tend to look at the "Big Picture" more than sweating the minute details, although I can do that too, if it is needed. But....

THERE IS NOTHING....NOTHING!!!!!...MORE FRUSTRATING THAN GOING TO MCDONALDS AND GETTING A REGULAR COKE INSTEAD OF A DIET COKE, LIKE YOU TAKE PAINS TO MAKE SURE TO ASK FOR EVERYTIME!!!!!!! what is up with this? This is the second time in a week this has happened. Now I know I dont need to be going to that place anyway, but occasionally I treat myself to a BIG and TASTY meal. The one thing I my diabetic body cannot handle is the amount of sugar in a regular coke. Good grief! And I always find out about it 5 miles down the road...

Other than getting married, the birth of your kids, and perhaps the passing of your parents, is their a bigger moment in a persons life than graduating from high school? I know that most people reading this are either in college, attended college or have graduated from college. But think about it... So many significant things are usually tacked on to high school graduation. So much symbolism. Sure, you may still be tied to your parents while you are off to college, or even AFTER college, but a symbolic tie is cut upon graduation from high school. High Schools are graduating and using Furman today for their ceremonies. Seeing all the families is pretty cool, and looking back upon that time brings back so many memories. Do you make more lifetime friends in college?...probably. Can you score a job in college?...certainly. But is their a defining moment in most families that can be directly tied to your college graduation that is more important than High School graduation. I say, there isnt.So much happens right out of the gate after High School to a graduating class. By the time an "average" person graduates from college, their classmate from highschool can have a kid ready to enetr kindergarten. I have a classmate from highschool who has a kid who is entering her first year at Clemson this Fall. How weird is that? I dont know ..just the kids with their families go t me thinking.

Point to ponder

QUOTE OF THE DAY
The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn't being said.
- Unknown

Where is everybody?

Students are always wanting more hours to work for more money. Always asking if they can work during break, etc.... except when the break actually gets here, THEY DONT SHOW UP!!! I guess sleepin in late and screwing around is more important than actually showing up to do work when they are always complaining about money. I am trying to get ready to move next week. I was counting on a couple of students who said they wanted to work to show up to help me pack and move some equipment. Alas, no help, so I am now woefully behind in preparations... and let me guess what will happen when the students do show up next week.. they will whine and complain about actually having to do stuff. I hate to break it to them, but they are going to be in for a big change once we move. No more sitting around studying...no more playing games...no more AIM... not when my boss is sitting across the hallway from them. They are going to have to atually work for a change.

I found this new game online...its called Zuma. it may very well be the greatest game...OF ALL TIME! well, maybe not. but it is addictive. Sort of like Snood or Tetris.

I think I am going to spend my lunch hour today going home and trying to clean up a couple of rooms of the house. As I have said before, the house is one big disaster area. It is so difficult to keep things orderly when you have two little ones going around and picking up every single loose item and looking at it, and then throwing it down on the ground. But I am getting tired of the constant clutter, and it may be time to start cracking down on Rylee and Ian's curiosity.

why not know?

I talked to my friend Kristen today during lunch...I asked her again if she was going to find out when she has a kid if it is going to be a boy or girl. She says she doesnt want to know...wants to be surprised. I dont get it.. I would want to know so I can prepare mentally, as well for if friends/family might want to supply gifts , etc. But, hey...everyone gets to do things their way, and Kristen is no different. I look forward to seeing her in a month or so. My relationship with her is one of those few everyone has in their lifetime that seems to remain constant, no matter the distance, time, family...whatever.

That New Jersey/New York trip should be fun... New Jersey on Thursday evening, hang out with Kristen, probably hit a diner and drink a cup of coffee. Then, into Brooklyn on Saturday to meet up with Erik, going to the OLD TIMERS game at Yankee Stadium. Probably hit some sort of something that night in the city, then bring it back to Carolina late Sunday evening.

Lakers pull it out last night..whew... i must admit that i was wondering why I get worked up about the Lakers, yet I never seem to get nervous about my NUMER ONE team, the Braves.

Some sort of cookout/party jessica has us roped into this evening. The kids have left Furman...all is quiet at Eastside High, 13th grade.

Here is a classic pic from last years USC/Clemson game where DHAM just chewed up the Lamecock D for ayet another touchdown. Notice the admiring Gamecock fans... 

Weekend, and the ghost town this morning

This was an weird drive into work this morning.. no traffic, no people, unusual stuff on the radio... I guess people in the real world have Memorial Day off.

The weekend was good, but I am starting to realize the the "Terrible twos" are probably now officilly here with the twins. imagine dealing with two people whom everything you want them to do, they wont do...and everything they want to do, you dont want them to do. And their official response to "NO!", "Stop!", or "Not right now!" is to start bawling crying...sigh. It should be fun this afternoon because I have to bring them to work with me since the daycare is closed, and Jessica can only keep them till noon. Oh boy!

at any rate, we went boating on Lake Greenwood this weekend. That was fun, and since it was a tad cloudy, that was even better, because i cant stand that sun thing. Today i think my mother is coming over with my brother for Hotdawgs and hamburgers, after 6 or so.

Contracts for work, Tainted Gas?

Yesterday, i signed a new contract for work. nothing unusual about this as we have year to year "contracts" for our jobs that follow the fiscal year. I am always happy to get that little folder, for it means that come June 30th, I still have a job. But this time, their was a twist. At the bottom, in BOLD and UNDERLINED, it says... "THIS DOCUMENT IS NOT A CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT. YOUR EMPLOYMENT WITH FURMAN UNIVERSITY IS A VOLUNTARY ONE AND IS SUBJECT TO TERMINTAION BY YOU OR FURMAN AT WILL." Now at first, i was thinking..."uh...am I about to get axed?" I then read the next page addendum and it talks about how South carolina has been an "employment at will" state for many years, meaning that people working for an institution/company, it is considered voluntary and either the employee or the employer can end the employment at anytime. And our Governor signed some sort of bill reaffirming this recently. It says that this disclaimer must be on slary letters and policies Manuals for employees. The Furman Lawyers are covering their asses, I guess. And EVERYONE has to sign it here at Furman...all staff members, including VPs. The only people not signing are tenured faculty. So I felt better, thinking that everything was alright. But it still made the day a little darker...

And now Shell is closing down gas stations because their gas has too much sulfur right now that can damage vehicle fuel gauges and make an empty tank appear full. Considering my gas card is Shell, i am annoyed...however, i do drive a Diesel (45 city, 60 highway) so I think Im fine... I think. We'll see...if i drive 600 miles and my gas gauge is saying that I still have 3/4ths tank, I will know something's up.

Watching the Lake show

ya know, the Lakers court looked better when it had yellow 3 second lanes

This weekend series(Braves) with the Phillies signals whether or not I am going to pull out the white flag for the first time since 1990. Oh, I checked on it a couple of Mays ago when the Braves were struggling, just to make sure I still had it, and it wasnt mothball eaten. been a long time since I have even had to remotely consider the Braves not winning.

Another QUOTE OF THE DAY
Politicians are like diapers and need to be changed for the same reason.
- Unknown

Rylee yucking it up... 

Ian in the tub, not a care in the world! 

Quote for today?

The question, in the NBA and in life, is not whether or not you can shoot.The question is whether or not you can get your shot.

- Ralph Wiley

Funny how he is saying this about my new favorite player, Derek Fisher. But it is true...tis true.

Exams...Friends...Car overheating...Pictures

Today is study day at Furman. Tomorrow starts exams. I have no students working for me today, so I HAVE to sit in the office and do everything myself. Woe is me, you say? Not really, but it does kinda tie me down to the office and not allow me to get some maintenance in. I also move out of this office into my new place in a week and a half, and I really need to start going through all this junk.

Do you ever kinda wonder what's up with certain people? I usually operate under the "no news is good news" philosophy with my friends, but I am kinda starting to soften that stance. I wonder if it is because I am growing older and realize that the times and circumstances that we will get together are growing farther and farther apart. I now have two fellow colony members who are no longer with us. Everyone is getting families and married, etc. Life goes on, which is good and the way its supposed to be, but I sometimes wonder if the quality of life is better. I want my wife ad kids and they are the most important thing to me. But I am starting to feel that I need to someway, somehow keep better in touch with my friends. That is one of the reasons I started this blog. While I know some of my friends will read this, as well as some people who knew me as a brother or acquaintance who could care less about me, it is a way for me to let people know kinda what is going on with me, in general. I doubt many people will comment, or post anything in the little post-it note on the side, but I hope that at least they will see that the same crap they are going through everyday, I am too. The little kids, the daily commute and work, the pondering about when/of the USA will be attacked again, cheering on Clemson, dealing with the Frat...Whatever. Its all good, and ... as Mufasa would say..."We are all apart of the Circle of Life"

My car overheated slightly the other day, but has not ever since then. I wonder if that extremely humid night had anything to do with it, but the temp has stayed locked at 190 ever since then...

I am going to publish a couple of pix of Ian and Rylee from last night in the bathtub. That will probably be the last for a while. I have a couple of pix I am going put up tomorrow probably...

Looks like Kobe's accuser slept with someone else AFTER she was raped...Supposedly... Can we guess where this is all heading?

Starting phase 2 of the weblog

Until today, only a few people knew of this site...I had mention of it on my AIM screename, so I know some brothers and friends have stumbled across it. Today I am sending out an email to my friends, alumni of the chapter, etc. telling them about this webpage. I hope they get a glimpse as to whats up with me these days. I will try to start putting up more pictures of the twins, as well as Jessica and me, whenever we dare to get in front of the camera. But this will still be a place where I might have a random thought, or a position on politics, perhaps a comment on the Fraternity, or just a rambling sentence or two. Let me know if you visit...you can type over to the side or leave a comment.

This is Rylee and Ian's 2 year 4 month picture. Actually, there are several poses, but I scanned in this proof that we had before we turned them back in. They hardly EVER wear anything remotely matching or coordinated, but on this day they did. 

more random stuff

My car was overheating last night on my way home from work. Not blowing up overheating, but I noticed that the temp was at about 210 instead of its normal 190. This morning it didnt seem to run hot, but I did not run the AC on the way into work, so I dont know if there is a problem or not. I think I am going to flush the system and change the coolant entirely this weekend.

I was listening to Jazz yesterday in my office. Miles Davis "All Blues" has to...just HAS to be... the best single Jazz song of all time. i fyou ever get a chance, listen to it. I mean, REALY listen to it with a critical mind. It isnt a perfect performance. Miles cracks a couple of notes, but they somehow add to the performance, rather than detract. Cannonball Adderly is just pure genius in his solo. And this was done in one take, from what I have been told.

I am tryin to get Jessica to post stuff in her blog, but she doesnt seem to keen to that yet. I think she is a little leery of strangers reading stuff about her, so she might not really ever do it.

BUSTED!!!

Ok...so the ole laptop was starting to act a bit sluggish, so I decided to investigate the ole laptop. I mean, this is a 2.8 machine with 512 ram, so there is NO way it should not be screaming all the time. Ran NETSTAT, and...lookie what I found...all types of random IP addresses accessing my machine. What for, I dont know. I do know that I did have a security hole because I liked to remote login to my laptop from other places on campus...seems like those days are over. Closed that hole, and all those IP addresses are now gone, the the ole screamin laptop is back to Nasa-like mainframe speeds...well, not quite that fast, but fast enough so i dont have to wait for a page to download.

Perhaps i was a tad bit premature...

...Ok, I said that The Sopranos "jumped the Shark" last week with their whacked dream episode. Last night, they bounced back strong and showed that perhaps i spoke in haste. It was a great episode and the season ender is in two weeks, and should be pretty good, from what I could tell from the previews.

QUOTE OF THE DAY
Nobody will ever win the battle of the sexes. There's too much fraternizing with the enemy.
- Henry Kissinger

Got the Chapter Summary report from the Kappa Beta President. The report looks good, and should be able to give a great endorsment of the chapter operations to the National HQ. Now, if we can just get the chapter mindset heading in the right direction, instead of focusing on "Who has done me wrong today" mentality.

Heard that a friend of mine got engaged on her cruise last week. IMAGINE THAT!!!...who would have thought THAT would happen... not like anybody coudnt see that coming from about 40 miles away...but it is still cool, all the same.

the weekend so far..

Yesterday, Jessica and I went to the Nascar Race in Charlotte with Lynn and Trent. I must admit that it was very entertaining, especially since we had seats at the Start/Finish line, around 10 rows up. We were right in front of the big stage that they put up for TV to introduce the drivers, perhaps 30 yards max away. While I am somewhat an enthusiast, the others with me are probaly more casual fans, so it was a releif to me that the race was fairly entertaining. I know that I have doubts as to if most of my friends could deal with the 500 mile events on a regular basis. But I definitely plan to try to get a good group of people to go next year. The only major problem was the heat, which was somewhat higher than expected.

Ellen, my sister-in-law, is moving to Charlotte. That will mark a somewhat subtle change in Jessica's family, in that now her brother and sister are both graduated and away "from home". I am interested to see how the dyanamics of things work, since the built-in events like football games and concerts will no longer be there to help facilitate get togethers. I anticipate that holidays and other days will take on a far great significance now.

Why do white people, specifically white males, think that it is cool to walk around with no shirt on in public? And I am not talking about buff, weight lifter types or fashion model types. I am talking about 40 pound overweight, hairy, pale beergut hanging over the belt, white guys walking around. Who tells these people that this is acceptable? well, i guess all the others who are doing it, to answer my own question... and we wont even talk about the white women (same desciption as above) walking around with bikini tops on.

weekend...

The weekends here!!! heading to Clemson to help Ellen move out of her apartment, then getting ready for a eventful weekend. Going to be hanging out with Lynn Trent and Jessica tomorrow. The I will probably have to return to work Sunday afternoon to prepare for events on Monday.
I will post some pix of the weekends activities on Sunday or Monday.

Ian in Easter outfit being...well, Ian. 

Rylee in her Easter dress, with the usual "attitude" 

Finally..

finally CWebb has the opportunity to get that monkey off his back...to justify his shaky status as a...superstar. Finally, he has the ball in HIS hands with the game on the line, to join the Pantheon of great heros...Magic as a rookie leading the Lakers to the title, imitating the skyhook to kill the Celtics... Bird dropping buzzer beating threes and stealing the ball against the Lakers to win a title... Isaih leading the Bad Boys finally past the Celtics, then over the Lakers...Dr. J leading the 76ers with those majestic slams...The Dream spinning to the baseline, dropping that rainbow , fallaway jumper (albeit while Jordan was playing baseball, but still....)Kobe with those long strides dribbling past Nicholson and Denzel, leading the Lake Show with The Diesel. Jordan...'nuff said. Instead, we see Garnett blowing by CWebb, making plays... we see GARNETT dropping the bomb trey from WAY downtown... and we see CWebb down on the floor, crying, lookin like he is some college kid who called timeout when he didnt have any left...

GIMP!!!!

you know, Cwebb should have done what any self respecting black kid from educated, middle class family upbringing does...JOIN THE BAND!!! You know EXACTLY what I am talking about, and you are laughing now, because you know...you know... you feel what he feels, because you know...you just know. You see it in his eyes... his tortured soul, and you feel for him...sorta...

GIMP!!!! and I aint talking about no FRAT bear either.

Always weird

Its always weird at the end of the year here at Furman, because Clemson is already out, yet Furman still has 2 more weeks to go in their year. When the Clemson kids are talking about getting out for Summer and graduation, i'm always thinking that I still have another month to go before any sort of break.

A few days till i get to go to the race in Charlotte. I am definitely looking forward to it, but I still need to download my scanner frequencies

...started thinking about Xmas and gifts today. Spent a few minutes writting down a list so I can work from it as the year goes. Jessica and I are already saving money so we can have some cash to spend on gifts when we go to New York for Jessica Dean's wedding. too early, you say? I say better to be early than to be broke come January.

ah, music...it makes you think...

"Ice Cream"

Your love is better than ice cream
better than anything else that I've tried
and your love is better than ice cream
everyone here know how to fight
and it's a long way down
it's a long way down
it's a long way down to the place
where we started from
Your love is better than chocolate
better than anything else that I've tried
oh love is better than chocolate
everyone here knows how to cry
it's a long way down
it's a long way down
it's a long way down to the place
where we started from...

Sara Mclachlan

A few years ago, i went to Lilith Fair with Jessica, Brandy Smith, and Jamie Clemons. I remember that a huge rainstorm came in the middle of the concert and that girls took off their tops and were mudsliding at the park where we were. The best part was Sheryl Crow..man, she absolutly rocked.Anyway, Sara McLachlan was there and the song above was one she sung, and I never will forget the part where she let the crowd sing. It gives me chills remembering that.... it always amazes me how powerful music can be. For example, as I was walking from my car this morning, a white, red-neck "looking" (key word here) guy on a construction crew was singing that Mario Winans song "I Dont Want to Know" and he started rapping along with P Diddy. It kinda startled me, but amused me as well. Twenty years ago, that would have been UNHEARD of. I am reminded of the Ritual of the FRAT, and some of the stuff that is talked about in regards to Music... and I smile. It is so true.

Today, May 17, 2004

Today was my birthday... not much happened. Got a card from jessica and Brandy. got a phone call from my mother at 6:30am. Jessica gave me a small frame with the twins in it. Of course, she also got me the digital cable and the cable modem a couple of weeks ago for my birthday, so I really didnt expect much else from the family, which is cool. I did get a phone call from Lisa, which was really unexpected, but was very welcome. Although I was in a meeting and couldnt take her call, i appreciated that message more than she will ever know, for I always wish that I could talk to her on a more regular basis. Perhaps this will be the catalyst of good things to come with my friendship with her. It has been dormant for far too long.

The Sopranos might have "jumped the Shark" last night. Just to make sure I wasnt in a fog, i watched it again tonight and yep, I think I saw Fonzie jump over the watertank...

..had a meeting with the vendors and Library "types" today and wallked through the rooms where AV will be installed. i think the Library folks may believe me now. i tried to tell them that what they were asking for was WAAAAYYYY out of their budget. they found out that they are asking for 750,000 dollars worth of equipment on a 250,000 budget...i dont think thats going to work...but hey, i tried to warn them. but of course, what do i know...I have just been doing this for close to five years now.

up and runnin

Ok, the webcam is running now... you can see it at webpages.charter.net/jecca0330

that is where you can see a snapshot from over the PC every four minutes. I dont think it will be something we will be mugging for, or anything. Perhaps, i will invest in a wireless camera soon, so we can see into whatever room we place the camera.

the new computer i setup on the cable modem is screaming fast. I am impressed. i guess it pays to live on a street where everybody is over 80 years old. No chance of the local pipe getting used up by grannies downloading porn or anything... and isnt it great to be able to sit with the laptop on the couch in front of the TV and browse the net?

new stuff at the house

Ok...got the wireless access point up and running at the house. Now i cn be on the internet from anywhere at the house with a laptop. Also have the webcam connected to theCPU, although THATS not running, yet... more on that later.

...tomorrow is my birthday. I used to really get excited about my birthday, but now, it just seems like another day.I get the "Happy birthdays" from jessica, and maybe my mother, but..other than that, I usually dont hearfrom anybody. Which is fine, because i usually dont talk to too many people on their birthdays either. And dont get me wrong..I do like it when Jessica recognzes my birthday. She always remembers and tries to make some part of it special, which I always appreciate.

lakers win the series... does Fisher not look like he is the coolest dude on the planet? what I mean is that he seems like the type of person who is cool, but doesnt really go out of his way to be cool. of course, all the lakers have that "pretty boy, Hollywood" look about them. Rick Fox, Devean George, Fisher, Kobe...even Malone looks a little more like an action hero now...

Got to me that Black Lakers tee sometime soon...

Fisher, Derek #2, Los Angeles Lakers

* Full name is Derek Lamar Fisher
* Communications major at Arkansas Little-Rock
* Close friends with NBA player Corliss Williamson, an Arkansas native
* Would like to run a business following his basketball career
* Active in several community service organizations, including American Cancer Society and Big Brothers and Big Sisters
* Has a brother, Duane, and a sister, DeAndra
* Enjoys fishing, listening to music and traveling
* Lists grilled chicken and chicken parmesan as his favorite foods

oh, and I almost forgot...

The Lake show won last night... Kobe says "Not Guilty" then drops 42 on the Spurs...Seems like the NBA is FINALLY getting it, next game on Thursday, then the next on Saturday, instead of the next game being next week, then the following next month.

Ian got a new Spongebob Vw beetle for using the potty last night. That puts his toy count at something like 2371 items scattered around the house... I can put up with it for now, for he needs to learn that concept, but I could easily see Ian's next Christmas being sometime around 2012.Of course, Rylee is still wimpering about her lack of toys, but doesnt want to give up that convenience of the diaper, I guess.

This Senator...Robert Byrd, from West Virginia... dude, he is another Strom thurmond. Senile and blathering. Can someone get him into a home? And does anyone ever remember that he was once a leader of the KKK?

anyway...

well, damn....

..that guy those people beheaded played Tuba in highschool...

..damn...

So, what are they going to say now?

just wondering what all the people are going to say about the video they just released from Iraq showing an American CIVILIAN getting killed. Ok, so you say that has happened some... Ok, but this is a video showing Iraqi terrorist CUTTING OFF THE HEAD OF THE CIVILIAN, THEN HOLDING IT UP FOR THE CAMERA!!!!!!!!!!

Wonder who the press is going to blame this on?

The 29 is getting props

QUOTE OF THE DAY
We hate some persons because we do not know them; and we will not know them because we hate them.
- Charles Caleb Colton

Ian seems to be figuring out the potty thing pretty good. I wonder if the fact that he gets a new toy everytime he does the potty has anything to do with it. So he is adding to the 1048 toys he currently has strewn around the house. But he has taken to the #29 Kevin Harvick car that he got a few days ago. Clutches it in his hand while he sleeps... gotta like that since that is my favorite Nascar driver.

oh, and by the way...

...today was perhaps one of the hardest days I have ever had to endure at work. I am running a fever, and I feel about as bad as I can EVER remember. It sucks to sit here all day and just wish you could go home and sleep... .. and this bloeer stuff has added a whole bunch of new templates. I havent had a chance to check them out, but I will probably stick with this one anyway...

Its been a week....

...so, I better post something, i guess. I actually think about stuff to post all the time, but the past week was somewhat busy at work, and since my time on the CPU at home is limited by the twins wanting to play Teletubbies on the computer, well.... gotta put the kids first, I guess.

I think that listening to talk radio on my drive into work is starting to have its affect on me. I wonder if I am starting to lean to the conservative side because of the Limbaugh, O'reilly, Gallagher stuff I hear all day. I have it on in my office all day, so I hear the "Right" side point of view (propaganda) all the time. Interesting that I also have MTV on the tV all day too... But everytime I hear Janine Garafolo whining, or any of those people on that Air America crap, i get annoyed. I actually LIKE the characters that Janine plays, but when she starts screaming, I just tune out now... But I ask this question...Why was their no outcry from the "Left" when American soldiers were dragged around and burned and hung up and shown on TV, yet they are screaming because of the photos from the prisons? Dont get me wrong... I think that what those MPs did was wrong, and I think they need to be prosecuted. But there was no indignation when the photo of the American burning inside his car was published all over the world... I dont know. Erik turned me on to the Kerry website. I am still not impressed. I just wish the Dems would run somebody else...

Its really cool to have children. It is so cool to be able to see them develop in huge spurts. For example, it just seems to me that Rylee made a huge jump in her vocabulary and social development over the past 2 or 3 days. "I dont Know" and "Supercool!" are a couple. As well as strategically placed "No"s. SHe is going to be quite a handful, and she has made a turn to "Diva status" rather quickly. Oh, and I forgot to mention the "Crying and yelling, and then when I show up and ask her whats wrong...Its always "He hit me", with Ian standing ther looking dumbfounded". i sometimes wonder if he actually hit her, or she is just honing her skills...

hmm...... just makes you wonder....

QUOTE OF THE DAY
It is impossible to defeat an ignorant man in argument.
- William G. McAdoo

Changes at the house

Ok..so we (jessica) broke down and got digital cable and a cable modem. Jessica got it as a birthday present for me. Really cool. Now the picture looks like it is supposed to on my Sony. of course, all this stuff to watch, and whats on right now?.... FINDING NEMO!!!, for the 972nd time....

..the cable modem is cool...now I dont have to dial in all the time. I think we will invest in a webcam for the house, and put it in the den...that wll probably be a few weeks, though... need to get a wireless access point up and running and then a camera. Jessica is going to have her Instant messenger running all the time here at the house.

... nothing much else is going on....counting down the days till i get to go to the race in Charlotte, getting work stuff done at Furman, for I make my move to my new office on June 6th. Fraternity stuff has quieted down for now. Still need to make sure they get the CSR done on time....

weekend is in sight...

QUOTE OF THE DAY
Keep your words soft and tender because tomorrow you may have to eat them.
- Unknown

Todays uplifting moment to ponder...heh, heh...

I like to listen to music...and I always listen to all aspects of songs, from thee bass line to how the melody is put together, to the lyrics... Someone once toldme something about music being the greatest of the arts. I still thinks thats true... today, sitting here in the office, I am listening to my somewhat large mp3 collection and a song comes up that ALWAYS reminds me of the Fraternity. Funny how certain songs can remind you of people or places or things... It's a song by Celine Dion called "thats the way it is". But it always reminds me of the fraternity and the struggles brothers go through to deal with band, school, friends..and putting it all together. Kinda reminds me of lessons that we are supposed to learn in our rituals...

I can read your mind
And I know your story
I see what you're going through, yeah
It's an uphill climb
And I'm feeling sorry
But I know it will come to you, yeah

Don't surrender
'cause you can win
In this thing called love

When you want it the most
There's no easy way out
When you're ready to go
And your heart's left in doubt
Don't give up on your faith
Love comes to those who believe it
And that's the way it is

When you question me
For a simple answer
I don't know what to say, no
But it's plain to see
If you stick together
You're gonna find the way, yeah

So don't surrender
'Cause you can win
In this thing called love

When you want it the most
There's no easy way out
When you're ready to go
And your heart's left in doubt
Don't give up on your faith
Love comes to those who believe it
And that's the way it is
That's the way it is

When life is empty
With no tomorrow
And loneliness starts to call
Baby don't worry
Forget your sorrow
'Cause love's gonna conquer it all... all

When you want it the most
There's no easy way out
When you're ready to go
And your heart's left in doubt
Don't give up on your faith
Love comes to those who believe it

(And that's the way it is
When you want it the most
There's no easy way out
When you're ready to go
And your hearts left to doubt)

Don't give up on your faith
Love comes to those who believe it
And that's the way it is
That's the way it is
That's the way it is
Don't give up on your faith
Love comes to those who believe it
And that's the way it is

all i have to say is that the brothers should take these times to heart. As I say to them every year, this will all be over before you know it. and all the bickering will seem so damn silly. And you will be sitting at a job somewhere wishing you could just have the carefree time to worry about who is saying what about you, because you will see that the time you actually had to spend with your brothers and friends was way too short, and perhaps...way too wasted.

what in Hell?....

what kinda world is this?...I mean, why the hell do those yahoos in Iraq think it is fair to stand in a mosque and lob grenades at our troops, yet when the troops shoot back, complain that we are shooting at mosque? what the hell? I feel like the Britsh must have felt back in the 1700,s when the patriots were hiding behind trees shooting while the Redcoats were marching in straight lines across the fields... but the American Patriots werent building churches and hiding inside them either....

...and then, I see Nelly on BET... has a vido out call "Tip Drill"...I could not believe what I saw...ON BET!!! this was pretty much soft core porn. Now, when I saw the title pop up, I KNEW that this was going to be interesting, but..come on, now...Nelly???...you know better.... i mean, im all for you getting paid and all that...but, Nelly...come on, now....

...went out to my car this morning and it wouldnt start....acted like it was out of gas.... well, IT WAS. I thought for sure I had enough to get back out to the Texaco in the morning. Evidently, the chalkboard, er, Jetta had other ideas... had to call Jessica and get her to come home during her planning period. Dropped a gallon in and the Jet fired right up... kinda pissed, since I miscalculated so badly.

...still tryin to get the Gamecube back online...it hasnt recovered from the beverage Ian dropped on it a while back. Going to take it apart today...

...and now, John Kerry flip floppin all over the place. this fool is going to go from Front runner to Garry Hart so quick if he is not careful....

...Braves, coming along...Lakers, just winning, baby...

Ian is having a problem...

Ian is looking for some perfume for his mother. He tells me that he has looked for the perfume that she wants, and that he is stunned at how expensive this stuff is. Ian tells me that he looked on Ebay and still couldnt find a suitable stash of perfume for his mother. I told Ian to keep lookin...the Richs charge card is the last resort option, buddy....

Africana?

for some odd reason that I cant even remember, I started thinking about if I wanted to have some sort of African art in my new office that I move into in June. Now, i know that most of you who know me have probably never known me to start opining about the Dark continent and its ramifications... but I DO try to keep up with stuff, because it IS a part of who I am, even if it isnt a major part of my overall persona (again, those who know me well understand). I think I will put up one of those masks like you see at Pier 1. I already have a print of Jackie Robinson and a print of Martin Luther king. I would like to find the print of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King shaking hands on the Capitol steps in their one meeting...that would be cool....

...Oh, i suddenly remembered... last night, I came across Tavis Smiley on ...not BET...but ETV. I KNOW some of you know who the esteemed Tavis Smiley is. Just mentioning the name invokes that sound bite type of memory of him speaking in the distictive voice. He is on ETV now at about the same time as he used to be on "BET Tonight, with Tavis Smiley" (again, invokes that soind memory, doesnt it?)...the other night, he interviewed Dule Hill....

But the whole issue is one that I must deal with in regards to the twins. It is obvious that they will be probably further intwined in the "white" world than even I was. But there will be no denying that they are not "white". I can only hope that I can do for them what my parents did for me and present the information about my race, heritage, etc.... and let them pick their own friends and path. But I also know that I have the ability to steer them down certain roads...dont you think getting them into Band at an early age will place them into a certain type of culture, as opposed to Athletics? That is probably what happened to me.... But then again, my twins are coming into a world far more integrated than what I came into. I was in the First integrated class to go from 1st through Highschool in South Carolina.

... oh, and this little stuff about re-instating the draft? Uh, while Jessica has always stated that she would be against the twins being in the military. I have alwasy thought that if you are good enough to earn a commision to West Point or Annapolis, you are doing pretty damn good. But...the draft is another whole ball game. While I doubt anyone reading this that I know has to personally worry about picking sand from your boots a year from now, your kids might very well have to do that IF they bring this draft back into line. Being selected to go to West point is one thing. Being selected to go to Fort Bragg is another...

hmmmm....

Quote for today
Ideals are like stars: you will not succeed in touching them with your hands, but like the seafaring man on the ocean desert of waters, you choose them as your guides, and following them, you reach your destiny." -- Carl Schurz

Ramblins

...While I was putting diesel in the Jet a while ago, i noticed where Ian had decided to use my car as a drawing board with his playground chalk. Not too bad...just a straight line, that I got most of removed with a little hard rubbing... have to keep a closer eye on him now....

... The temps go up, and you see the summertime fashion trends come out here at Furman. Girls are wearing skimpy tops with the cheerleader style skirts, or... white blouse, gray skirt with tall black boots, or...jeans that are about ten inches too long, but the legs are turned up. Guys are, well, still sporting either Abercrombie or Hollister. If you are a guy and you aint wearing that, you are obviously a dweeb, or something like that....

...Only one month till I get to go to the Nascar race...

...Does anyone want to babysit the twins when Jessica and I go to the race in May? Money would be paid, as well as access to the well stocked fridge, etc. It would probably take two people to deal with them.... yep, no takers...thats what I thought...

..for some reason, I seem to have developed allergies to all this pollen. Never have had problems before...guess its just another sign of me getting older.

...i took my laptop and went snooping for wireless access point on campus that are illegal. Jesus Christ, there are more illegal access points than there are legal points. Kinda funny. Then I went driving down the road. I was stunned at how many access points I could pick up on the way home. At least fifty. And the majority of those were not encrypted or anything. Just asking for trouble..just askin...

gotta go, ..oe of my students just turned over a TV cart and blew up the TV.

Today will be busy...

QUOTE OF THE DAY
Too many people are looking for the right person, instead of being the right person.
- Unknown

thought for now....

"For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others." -- Nelson Mandela

My sports viewing goals for the next 3 years

I was thinking about some things I wanted to do sometime since my kids are now getting a little older and it isnt as much a burden on anyone to leave them behind for a day or 2. Mostly, this is a personal list. I doubt Jessica would want to do any of these things, outside of just wanting to go along to experience the towns or travel... but it is mostly sports related...

1) go see a foorball game between two HBCU's. i think it would be fun to go see a game between sombody like Hampton and Howard... NOT one of the hyped classics, but a normal game in one of those rickety stadiums where the bands blast away at each other the entire time, and really...no one cares who wins the football game.

2) Go see a Nascar race at Talledega, Bristol, or Rockingham ( before it goes away )

3) Go see a Red Sox game at Fenway

4) go to either a Michigan football game, or a Ohio State football game. get into town Friday midday, take in the college spirit, tailgate Saturday and go to the game....

5) See the Lakers... perhaps when they come to Atlanta or Charlotte next year. Perhaps they will still have Kobe, perhaps not. But the Diesel will still be there... all hail the Diesel.

not much else right now.. I need to get these done before the T Ball leagues and dance recitals start taking up the weekends... then after that will come soccer leagues and piano recitals...then come either the marching band/ drum corps contests, or the traveling softball teams and AAU baseball...or... perhaps Quarter midgets for Ian on his way to Nascar.

oh, and another thing...

Jessica tells me the other day that Kristen replied to her email the other day, asking for some updated pictures of the twins.... wait a second, my mind is thinking..... Kristen REPLIED to an email JESSICA sent? are these the same two women who barely spoke to each other while here at Clemson? What thy Hey?... seems as though Jessic sent Kristen an email about congratulating her on her pregnancy, etc... and Kristen responded back. Of course, no email sent to me... no,no, no..cant do that...I sometimes wonder how it is that 3 of my closest female friends from college (Lynn, Kristen, Brandy) all seem to call and email Jessica (who did nothing but make snide comments about them at that time) and NEVER call or email me... I am thinking that something is wrong in my approach suddenly...perhaps a review of some game tapes from the college years era will show some aspect of the mechanics in my delivery that I have gotten away from. I think my release point has gotten off and my throws are sailing..or something.

by the way...that is mid June for the mountain thing...

[Petey Pablo:]
Let's take some calls from the request line.
Caller number one.....

[Caller:]
Ay,..man...whats up.
This Dominique from shay lil' shack bar.

[Petey Pablo:]
Whats up Dominique.

[Caller:]
I wanna hear that song from Lil Jon and Petey Pablo.

[Petey Pablo:]
Aight, I got that coming right up for you.
Now shoutout the radio station that gave you what you
wanted.

[Caller:]
Double-u Boom Boom B baby!

Life goes on...

I found out today that ANOTHER Frat alumni, and his wife, an alumnus herself, are expecting a child later this year. This will make 4 brothers who i served exstensively with in the Fraternity will have had children in this calender year. It is weird to think that we all used to bitch and argue about stuff in meetings, etc... I bet those meetings and all that wasted time are not even in the radar these days with those brothers. But then again, what do I know... experience means nothing if you are a current active brother. Silly old man...go away. Dont bother us with your drivel....

Lakers won their division... Looking good right now... Braves off to a 4-4 start... could be better, could be worse.

My summer plans... Late May, Nascar All star race. Early June, InfoComm in Atlanta Week after, possible mountain trip Early July, go visit Kristen in New Jersey, perhaps see Erik too.take in the Yankees Oldtimers game. late July, Falcons are in camp here at Furman

Joke for today

What, Exactly, Are Cats?

1. Cats do what they want, when they want.
2. They rarely listen to you.
3. They're totally unpredictable.
4. They whine when they're not happy.
5. When you want to play they want to be left alone.
6. When you want to be alone, they want to play.
7. They expect you to cater to their every whim.
8. They're moody.
9. They leave their hair everywhere.
10. They drive you nuts.

Conclusion: Cats are small women in fur coats.

Weekend, D.S.T., Easter and the end of the world...

Lets see... since I last posted on Wednesday, this is what has been going on...

...answered a ton of emails concerning voting concerns in the FRAT. I estimate that I spent at least 3 hours alone on Friday answering emails. And that was while I was supposed to be working....

... Daylight savings time screws me up. I mean, yesterday, its 7:45pm and I am sitting there thinking...oh..its about 4:00 in the afternoon. The kids were napping and Ian didnt even wake up until almost 8pm. He goes to bed normally at 8:00pm. I mean, i used to think it was cool and all when I was in college, when my schedule was probably somewhat skewed anyway. Now... It seems logical that I eat dinner when it is getting dark. I put the kids in bath and bed when it is getting dark...Idont know...I will get over it i guess...

..Easter was yesterday. Went to my church... dressed up Rylee and Ian in some Easter outfits. Nothing spectacular...nice basic dress for Rylee, buttondown shirt, wool pants for the boy. Made my mother happy..she always likes to show off the grandkids, etc...

...was watching a show last night on the History Channel where they were talking about the year 2012 and the end of the Mayan calender and the supposed end of the world. Jessica got somewhat upset about that, as she is want to do at times. But she did get me to thinking... and I remeinded her of the very thing I always try to tell her, and others as well. WE WASTE TOO MUCH TIME SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!! ...by this, I mean, why do we waste time arguing over details that really dont matter? For example, the FRAT has wasted a week of its time arguing about some obscure line in Roberts Rules, nitpicking over whether or not they are following rules that they have never had reason to follow before, but now suddenly seem to need to follow. Arguing over the merits of education majors and if they should/should not be MEP trainers? WHAT THE HELL? never has been an issue before. We have had all types of people be VP, INCLUDING education majors. NEVER has been an issue. NEVER. i dont get it... being an education major should NOT be a reason to discount someone. If they want to incoprotate something taught to them in the MEP process, I dont see anything wrong with that. And dont give me that crap about it being maternal or something...Anyway, I sat and watched an implosion about that. its silly, and more time has been wasted...Friends have wasted a week not talking to each other, a week they WILL NOT ever get back. 5 years from now, will nitpicking procedures or arguing moot points like this been even remotley important. NO...HELL NO... it wont even be close. But the time lost will be remembered. And I KNOW, people will regret this lost time.

...but then again, what do I know? what I do know is this... I am 37, almost 38 years old. I am NOT goig to waste time arguing about silly stuff. I have lived probably half my life, and I plan to finish out raising my children and living with my wife in some semblence of happiness. Arguing with my friends is a waste of time, because you only get so much of that time to use. Why spend it arguing with each other?

Finally, someone answers my question....

...about why I should consider John Kerry for President. My friend, Erik "Hootie" Brown responed to the question with somewhat reasonable, thought out answers about his opions on Kerry, Bush and politics in general. He then directed me to a website which gives me the Kerry platform in a somewhat clear manner. THATS what I am talking about. His email reminded me why he is way too far away from here...or is it the other way around? Sometimes, I just feel blah, and he certainly would be a great guy to have around to bounce thoughts off of. While I definitely love Jessica and the twins, I sometimes feel isolated. I wish I had someone I consider a peer to talk to at times... the FRAT is wonderful, but the current actives are not my peers...they are my brothers, and we share a bond in that regards, but you are not going to see me sitting around drinking a beer talking about the Lakers, or women (serious talk), or the state of affairs of the New York Knicks basketball franchise. Sadly, the only time I ever voice anything remotely like that might be in this forum, or in an email conversation with Dr. Hosler, or Erik Brown. Other than that, its pretty much dealing with work, dealing with occasional issues with the FRAT, or playing/teaching with the kids and being with Jessica.

...i guess I have started into a woe is Jerome sort of ramble... better be careful with that, because I really am blessed. And I am fortunate to have a well paying job, with plenty of benefits. Its just that sometimes I wish I could go out and hang out with someone...instead I am usually just sitting at home with the kids. Nothing wrong with that. I actually like it . But I would like the option at times to go get a cup of tea and shoot the bull sometimes. Guess thats what happens when you grow up...

Hmmm....

QUOTE OF THE DAY
Tact is the art of making a point without making an enemy.
- Howard W. Newton

Was i right?

...after reading an email sent out by a brother, I actually had a doubt in my mind that I made the right decision regarding a candidates eligibility, the votes cast, abstentions, etc. So, i went ahead and called Chris Haughee. No email for this one. A direct phone call. Told him the entire story, from who was running, to what their status was, to what was said in the meetings regarding the candidates, the the vote totals..everything. I told him all this and asked him what the ruling should be. He told me that I was 100 percent correct. That a conditional brother is NOT eligible for office. That a chapter should not be pulling shenanigans to "wait" on someone to arrive in the Fall, especially when qualified candidates stand ready to serve. that my interpretaion of Roberts Rules and the abstains and illegal votes was correct. I think that if the National Parlimentarian of the past few National Conventions, a trial lawyer of over 25 years, SED governor for over 15 years and someone who has counted votes for officers countless times says that I am dead on right, I feel secure that I made the right and fair decision.

Runnin for office, leadership and formal

...Well, Formal for Kappa Beta was this past weekend. While I wasnt exactly thrilled with the location of the hotel, sometimes those things can jump up and bite you. But the Evening itself was wonderful, and well executed. The hotel was nice to the group and the dinner was tasty. I think the dance went well, and I learned a few things about using my computer for music... a shield cable is a must to eliminate LCD panel interference... I think Hamilton did an outstanding job getting the hotel, room rates, meals and all that stuff the social chair has to pull off for that gig...

...Kappa Beta installed a Candidate class. I see a LOT of potential with these guys...

Last night was elections for the Frat. And for a change, EVERYONE was very qualified to hold the office they were running for. I always hate the elections because you see the dissapointment in peoples faces, and this time, i feel that all the people running could hold office. I can see Hamilton as a Service chair. I can see Missy as a Social chair. I can see Tripp as a fundraiser.. Mishelle as A PR person. I can all these people in positions

...i hope that people realize that you do NOT have to have a leadership "position" to be a leader. Yo u can still bring business before the chapter, you can still voice your opinion, and you can still do service....

...later

ah, music....

...its really difficult to come up with songs sometimes. I have downloaded almost seven hours worth of music for this formal. I will probably only 3 hours max...11/2 hours for dinner... 1/12 to 2 max for dancing, unless they all get the party hop going on until getting kicked out.... It is difficult for me not to basically put in songs that I like. i just hope that I have stuff that THEY like. I am also a little worried about the lyrics of some of the songs...While I dont mind them, I worry that some might be offended by the lyrics...especially since the popular songs of today on the radio are NOT the actual songs... and frankly, if you are a woman, and not in the frame of mind to take the lyrics with a grain of salt, they can be downright offensive...

Coolest song

The coolest song I downloaded yesterday for the Formall was "Humpty Hop", by Lil' Okra, Low Fat Chesse, and ODR...

you gotta look this song up.

Quote of the Day
"It has always been the prerogative of children and half-wits to point out that the emperor has no clothes. But the half-wit remains a half-wit, and the emperor remains an emperor."
- Neil Gaiman, Sandman