I'll wager that half of the people who read that title assumed that I was mad b/c I went out tonight and am annoyed b/c I didn't get laid. That's not even close to the case at this point. I'm annoyed primarily b/c I had a great day today that got ruined by some zero that I don't even know.
Anyways, on to the random story.......so I have an old friend (a female one) who recently moved back to town after getting divorced a couple of months ago. When she moved back, I was still in the midst of the MJ thing. She made very clear statements about wanting to date me, which of couse, I had to rebuff to an extent b/c I had recently started dating MJ. Sadly though, I had a crush on this girl a long time ago, and she knew that, and I basically told her that I was sorry, but the timing was just bad for us. She took at well, and wanted to be friends, which I liked, and since MJ and I broke up, I had more time to hang out. We tried to connect this weekend (or so I thought), and I called her before I went out tonight. Then, at 1 something, I get a call, from her phone, and a voice mail from a guy that says "Dude, I know who you are and what you're all about, and you're calling my girl, and if you call this number again, there's going to be trouble." What? Are you serious?
Now, obviously, I'm should be intimidated by this guy for a number of reasons. 1) He's obviously a threat, since he doesn't actually know me.....2) He threatened my on my voice mail
Honestly, who does that? Are we in high school? He couldn't find my locker, so he left a voicemail from someone else's phone? Douchebag. Nevertheless, I found it very annoying, and rather childish, thereby further backing up my theory that if you are female, live in Cleveland, are in your mid-20's and single still you're either 1) Very picky about who you date 2) Very into your career or 3) Completely fucking crazy.....
Sadly, I seem to attract a great deal of #3.......
Saturday, April 30, 2005
Friday, April 29, 2005
Taking Ridiculous to a New Level....
So I'm perusing the internet for something worth talking about or commenting on, when I come across this little tidbit about May sweeps on Yahoo!. Apparently, their not obsessed with themselves enough, they need to put their home videos on national television. (Now, I'll freely admit that I've shown my own obsession by talking about them twice this week, but we'll just look past that...Okay?) The only reason that I have a curiousity towards this event is because I don't think anyone's heard Federline speak publicly. If anyone has, please tell me now, so I can search for a copy of this and use it for my own personal mockery/amusement. At the very least, I'm hoping for a least one shot of him stealing money out of her purse.
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Today's Sign of the Apocalypse
Look at your calendar. It's April 28th. And it's snowing in Cleveland. This is so the opposite of funny. Come on, I have sandles that I bought that I should be wearing right now, instead I'm digging my wool coat out of storage in order to go to work. Not good times at all. I wasn't kidding about moving to the south....I mean it. Really, I can live without Browns games and the LVT if it means spending December in shorts and a tshirt.
****Note**** To the guy in my department who participates in every opportunity to kiss up, then says he's doing it for "resume building purposes"---try building your resume w/my hands around your neck....everyone hates you.
****Note**** To the guy in my department who participates in every opportunity to kiss up, then says he's doing it for "resume building purposes"---try building your resume w/my hands around your neck....everyone hates you.
This is atrocious, but I know I'm going to Tivo it....
Remember the teacher in North Carolina who was put in jail for having sex with her student, who was only 12 or 13 at the time? Well, they're getting married now. She's 43, he's 22....ridiculous.....but that's not the best part. This is the best part.
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Death Trap w/ Headlights.....
Two Words:
Stress. Headache.
As in, that's what I have right now. Really, two grad school classes and a full time job? Really, I'm about to just take a toaster into the bathtub with me and take my chances.
Regardless, listening to Sarah talk about her first kiss made me think of something. Guys rarely remember their first kiss. At least, I certainly don't remember mine. Guys remember other stuff, like their first car. This is primarily because the car provides multiple memories, and the means to a lot of other firsts that probably end up far outdoing the first kiss. (We don't need to discuss that here) Also, we are the least sentimental group of people, as a collective, on the entire planet.
My first car was the completely amazing 1985 Pontiac Fiero. Please bear in mind, that I was 16, had almost zero dollars to my name, and was ecstatic to have a car of any kind. Then feel free to laugh at this car, because everyone else did too. However, this car held several advantages for both myself, and for my parents, which I still believe is the ONLY reason I got the car.
The reasons I enjoyed it are as follows......
-It was a car.
-It ran 90% of the time.
-It allowed me to leave the house at my leisure.
-The head lights were the kind that flipped up out of the hood when you pushed a switch inside the car.
-Did I mention that it was a car?
My parents had their own set of motivators......
-It was a two seater, therefore I wasn't going to be able to go out joyriding with a large group of people at one time. (Mom, seriously, it's not like I was the only kid with a car)
-It was paid for, therefore, there was no collision insurance on it, meaning, if I wrecked it, I was SOL.
- The car wouldn't go faster than 85 miles an hour (at least that's where the redline was) so my odds of killing myself via speeding were reduced.
Of course, the car had it's own set of shortcomings, which did not thrill me.
-The engine was actually in the back of the car. In the same place as the gas tank. Meaning, if I got hit in the back, there was a high probability that I was turning into a 4th of July fireworks display.
-The car was about 1.5 feet off the ground, which when you live in Erie, PA, where snow can accumulate to the tune of 2 feet at a time, can be a problem.
-It's cold 10 months out of the year in Erie, and this would freeze the headlights, and prevent them from coming up out of the hood.
-It was built in 1985, and only had a tape deck. Lame.
-It would run out of gas at the quarter tank mark on the meter, thereby stranding me in random places. This happened far too many times.
All in all though, the vehicle was still awesome, as it was my first....I give it a solid 6.5 out of 10.
Stress. Headache.
As in, that's what I have right now. Really, two grad school classes and a full time job? Really, I'm about to just take a toaster into the bathtub with me and take my chances.
Regardless, listening to Sarah talk about her first kiss made me think of something. Guys rarely remember their first kiss. At least, I certainly don't remember mine. Guys remember other stuff, like their first car. This is primarily because the car provides multiple memories, and the means to a lot of other firsts that probably end up far outdoing the first kiss. (We don't need to discuss that here) Also, we are the least sentimental group of people, as a collective, on the entire planet.
My first car was the completely amazing 1985 Pontiac Fiero. Please bear in mind, that I was 16, had almost zero dollars to my name, and was ecstatic to have a car of any kind. Then feel free to laugh at this car, because everyone else did too. However, this car held several advantages for both myself, and for my parents, which I still believe is the ONLY reason I got the car.
The reasons I enjoyed it are as follows......
-It was a car.
-It ran 90% of the time.
-It allowed me to leave the house at my leisure.
-The head lights were the kind that flipped up out of the hood when you pushed a switch inside the car.
-Did I mention that it was a car?
My parents had their own set of motivators......
-It was a two seater, therefore I wasn't going to be able to go out joyriding with a large group of people at one time. (Mom, seriously, it's not like I was the only kid with a car)
-It was paid for, therefore, there was no collision insurance on it, meaning, if I wrecked it, I was SOL.
- The car wouldn't go faster than 85 miles an hour (at least that's where the redline was) so my odds of killing myself via speeding were reduced.
Of course, the car had it's own set of shortcomings, which did not thrill me.
-The engine was actually in the back of the car. In the same place as the gas tank. Meaning, if I got hit in the back, there was a high probability that I was turning into a 4th of July fireworks display.
-The car was about 1.5 feet off the ground, which when you live in Erie, PA, where snow can accumulate to the tune of 2 feet at a time, can be a problem.
-It's cold 10 months out of the year in Erie, and this would freeze the headlights, and prevent them from coming up out of the hood.
-It was built in 1985, and only had a tape deck. Lame.
-It would run out of gas at the quarter tank mark on the meter, thereby stranding me in random places. This happened far too many times.
All in all though, the vehicle was still awesome, as it was my first....I give it a solid 6.5 out of 10.
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Someone Call Children's Services...NOW....
- Just a quick though I had this morning while I was in the shower (Don't ask)
Can we get a pool going on how long it will take for Children's Services to show up after Britney Spears gives birth? Honestly, there's no way that she or K-Fed are fit to be parents. Allow me to prove this.
Britney has apparently forgotten that she is rich and fabulous, therefore stipulating that she must marry in similar fashion. Unfortunately, she's married down twice now. First, she married some guy that looked like he thought he was still on his high school football team. Then she married Keven Federline, also known as the guy that used to change my oil.
Seriously, someone should remind her what happens when a famous female celeb marries some guy off the street. Please see J-Lo and Judd, Chris, for more details. This guy is one step away from showing up as a contestant on Elimidate. (By the way, chicken fingers as the entree at the wedding reception? There wasn't a Hooters nearby apparently. What was at the open bar? Kegs of Natty Light and Colonial Club Vodka?)
This is not to mention the fact that she's bound to screw this kid's life up with some horrific "I'm trying to show how cute and unique I am by giving my child a ridiculous name" move. Think about it, didn't Gwenyth Paltrow name her kid Apple or something? What's wrong with these people? However, in an effort to be supportive of Britney, I'd like to reccomend some possible names for her new baby that would fit in this vein of unique, and completely cruel. I've even broken them down into categories......
Random, horribly random:
Poncho
Strawberry
Shoebox
Princess
Bookmark
Mango
Cocktail
Vintage
JT-hey...Federline's gone after the second trimester anyways, might as well name it after the ex.......
Perhaps, if the couple is hurting for money, they could go for a promotional tie-in
Britney Spears Federline the Second, prouldy presented by Pepsi....
I have problems. Lots of them
Monday, April 25, 2005
Quote of the Weekend
Background: The NFL Draft is one of those occasions for high comedy, especially when you watch it with the same group of guys every year. Needless to say, insults, bad jokes, and high comedy across the board. I figured I'd share this rather humorous (and short) discussion from the first round. With the 6th pick, the Tennessee Titans selected Adam (Pacman) Jones, a cornerback. Now, like that name isn't comedy enough, when they flashed the screen to where he was sitting at home, he was in a dimly lit space, wearing sunglasses, and generally looking very "unique". I tried to find a picture of it, but the best I could come up of him was this one here, so use your imagination. The following exchange ensued.....
Me: Did the Titans just draft Lil' John??
Drew: (doing a very good impression of Dave Chappelle doing an impression of Lil' John)---Whaaaaat???? Oookaayyy??? (He's very good at this)
Me: No, really, dude, they just drafted Lil' John, look, he's dancing (he was definitely dancing)
K: I'm pretty sure someone in the Titan's front office just threw themselves out of a window after seeing that.....
Me: Did the Titans just draft Lil' John??
Drew: (doing a very good impression of Dave Chappelle doing an impression of Lil' John)---Whaaaaat???? Oookaayyy??? (He's very good at this)
Me: No, really, dude, they just drafted Lil' John, look, he's dancing (he was definitely dancing)
K: I'm pretty sure someone in the Titan's front office just threw themselves out of a window after seeing that.....
A Case of the Mondays...
I. Hate. That. Phrase. A lot. Sadly thought, it's a pretty true statement today. Honestly, is there anything more depressing than waking up to snow in the last week of April?? Hey, Mother Nature, I like the fact that my car has seat heaters, but that doesn't mean I like using them to warm myself while I sit in snow-induced traffic, so knock it off, seriously. Skank.
Also, I made another note to self after I woke up yesterday with a headache that roughly resembled the feeling of being hit with a rock shot out of a pitching machine at close range. Just because you mixed up something to drink that you knew would get everyone hammered, doesn't mean that you need to have a large amount of it yourself...genius.
Fortunately, because of that beautiful hangover, I was able to avoid going outside, or even looking out the window to bear witness to the wonderfull snowstorm with which we were graced. Granted, I became aware of it when I had to wade to my car this morning and dig my snow brush out of semi-retirement.
That's it...I'm moving...who has room for me down south? I'm clean, fun, and make really good Captain and Cokes......
Also, I made another note to self after I woke up yesterday with a headache that roughly resembled the feeling of being hit with a rock shot out of a pitching machine at close range. Just because you mixed up something to drink that you knew would get everyone hammered, doesn't mean that you need to have a large amount of it yourself...genius.
Fortunately, because of that beautiful hangover, I was able to avoid going outside, or even looking out the window to bear witness to the wonderfull snowstorm with which we were graced. Granted, I became aware of it when I had to wade to my car this morning and dig my snow brush out of semi-retirement.
That's it...I'm moving...who has room for me down south? I'm clean, fun, and make really good Captain and Cokes......
Sunday, April 24, 2005
Here, Hold this....
Random Eighties Item of the Week.....
Trapper Keeper
Seriously. How great were these things? Why am I even thinking about this right now? I have no clue.
And when I say they were great, I mean completely frustrating, cheap, and easily damaged. I mean, really, the velcro on mine lasted all of about a week and half, and then the damn thing wouldn't stay closed. Then the folders would rip so that they would fall out, taking whatever homework I had in there with them. Is there a more traumatic event in the life of a dorky 10-year old than watching your report on penguins tumble into the snow because your Trapper just couldn't hack it? Okay, so they were aesthically pleasing, espeically when we were kids, with their 'futuristic' designs, and the sight of your teacher cringing every time she heard 20 pieces of Velcro ripping was spectacular, but still.
Granted, at least my parents would make me use the same one for 2 years in a row, which made me look poor, and lame, infuriating me to the point that I would be tempted to throw it under the school bus so that it would be destroyed and I could get a new one. Not that I would ever do anything so childish......
Trapper Keeper
Seriously. How great were these things? Why am I even thinking about this right now? I have no clue.
And when I say they were great, I mean completely frustrating, cheap, and easily damaged. I mean, really, the velcro on mine lasted all of about a week and half, and then the damn thing wouldn't stay closed. Then the folders would rip so that they would fall out, taking whatever homework I had in there with them. Is there a more traumatic event in the life of a dorky 10-year old than watching your report on penguins tumble into the snow because your Trapper just couldn't hack it? Okay, so they were aesthically pleasing, espeically when we were kids, with their 'futuristic' designs, and the sight of your teacher cringing every time she heard 20 pieces of Velcro ripping was spectacular, but still.
Granted, at least my parents would make me use the same one for 2 years in a row, which made me look poor, and lame, infuriating me to the point that I would be tempted to throw it under the school bus so that it would be destroyed and I could get a new one. Not that I would ever do anything so childish......
Only so I don't have to tell this story anymore......
It became clear to me last night that I'm getting stuck telling the same story several times, and it's getting a little annoying. Not because I don't want people to know what's going on, but because I can get sick of the sound of my own voice. Oh, and I'm keeping it short.
MJ and I are obviously not seeing each other anymore. She hasn't called me since Sunday, and I haven't called her since Tuesday. I left her one message on Monday, just saying hello, then on Tuesday, after no returned calls, left a message telling her to call me and let me know if she was okay, because it's unlike her to not return calls the same day or early the next. She didn't call, hasn't sent a text or an email, hasn't left a note on my door, or even thrown a brick through my friggin window. Annoying? Definitely. More so because she always made it out that she would want to be friends regardless, would be honest with me about what was going on, and would never just stop calling out of nowhere. Sadly, she went oh-for-three.
I deleted her phone numbers last night before I got too drunk and tried to call her. It's better that way. Her loss. Thanks to anyone who was concerned about how I'm taking it, but really, at this point its easy to laugh off.
MJ and I are obviously not seeing each other anymore. She hasn't called me since Sunday, and I haven't called her since Tuesday. I left her one message on Monday, just saying hello, then on Tuesday, after no returned calls, left a message telling her to call me and let me know if she was okay, because it's unlike her to not return calls the same day or early the next. She didn't call, hasn't sent a text or an email, hasn't left a note on my door, or even thrown a brick through my friggin window. Annoying? Definitely. More so because she always made it out that she would want to be friends regardless, would be honest with me about what was going on, and would never just stop calling out of nowhere. Sadly, she went oh-for-three.
I deleted her phone numbers last night before I got too drunk and tried to call her. It's better that way. Her loss. Thanks to anyone who was concerned about how I'm taking it, but really, at this point its easy to laugh off.
Friday, April 22, 2005
I HAVE PROOF!!
Jerry O' Connell is at best a B list actor. Here's your proof. The only thing saving him from C-list status are the films Scream 2, Jerry Maguire, and Stand By Me. Otherwise....seriously...Joe's Aparment? Lame. Body Shots? Like I needed proof Tara Reid is a skank. Sorry SLC Urban Princess, it's true.
Notes---
To the lady in my building who almost made me late today-- I understand that the skill of parking is something that you've only been doing for what? 10 years now? The parking space is truly one of life's little Rubik's cubes, I know. But to hold me up from getting a spot for almost 5 minutes while you back in and out of the spot? Not to sound like an impatient porn star but....PUT IT IN ALREADY!
Thursday, April 21, 2005
Needles and lightheadedness
This is so definitely not what you think, but it sure made a nice sounding heroin addict-style title, didn't it?
Sometimes (rarely lately) I find my job to be almost tolerable. Granted those moments usually coincide with me doing everything but my job for the better part of the day. In this case, I have the Red Cross Bloodmobile to thank.
***Caution*** Random getting-up-on-my-soapbox moment here***
I know a lot of people don't donate blood for a variety of reasons, the fear of needles being the most prevelant. However, let me be the first to tell you that I'm very much not a fan of the needle, especially large ones designed to make me bleed....heavily. That being the case, as you may or may not know, the Red Cross has some blood shortages, primarily because donated blood has only a limited shelf life. Therefore, right now, surgeries and the like are being put off because of a lack of blood for transfusions. The message: If you're able to donate, please do.
****Random getting-up-on-my-soapbox moment over****
Today, though, was not my best donation experience. For one, the wait was ridiculous, not that I minded so much being away from work, but I had nothing to read, which left me making small talk. Lame. Then, once seated, I gave the volunteer my left arm, due to the fact that I'm right handed, and it is imperative that I do no damage to my right arm in order to fully participate in our flag-football league. However, after much prodding with the needle (which is still big) and digging around with it under my skin, there was no vein to be found. Mind you, this lasted at least 5-7 minutes. She then yanked it out, and informed me that she could try my right arm if I would like, and of course, I said sure, because I wasn't about to go through all that and not give any damn blood. Fortunately, my good arm came through, and I was able to donate, even managing to offend a couple people by saying "well since you stabbed me two times, do I get two juice boxes?"
There is an unfortunate side effect here. Now I have needle marks, bruises, and remains of marker on both arms where the volunteer tried to line my vein up. This gives me the appearance of having done heroin plungers with a toddler. Awesome. Also, the Red Cross did not have any vanilla sandwich cookie things with them at the snack-and-juice table, which basically killed my day, because I was really looking forward to some vanilla sandwich cookies and apple juice once I was done. What am I? Seven years old?? Seriously. cookies and fucking juice. Nice work.
Sometimes (rarely lately) I find my job to be almost tolerable. Granted those moments usually coincide with me doing everything but my job for the better part of the day. In this case, I have the Red Cross Bloodmobile to thank.
***Caution*** Random getting-up-on-my-soapbox moment here***
I know a lot of people don't donate blood for a variety of reasons, the fear of needles being the most prevelant. However, let me be the first to tell you that I'm very much not a fan of the needle, especially large ones designed to make me bleed....heavily. That being the case, as you may or may not know, the Red Cross has some blood shortages, primarily because donated blood has only a limited shelf life. Therefore, right now, surgeries and the like are being put off because of a lack of blood for transfusions. The message: If you're able to donate, please do.
****Random getting-up-on-my-soapbox moment over****
Today, though, was not my best donation experience. For one, the wait was ridiculous, not that I minded so much being away from work, but I had nothing to read, which left me making small talk. Lame. Then, once seated, I gave the volunteer my left arm, due to the fact that I'm right handed, and it is imperative that I do no damage to my right arm in order to fully participate in our flag-football league. However, after much prodding with the needle (which is still big) and digging around with it under my skin, there was no vein to be found. Mind you, this lasted at least 5-7 minutes. She then yanked it out, and informed me that she could try my right arm if I would like, and of course, I said sure, because I wasn't about to go through all that and not give any damn blood. Fortunately, my good arm came through, and I was able to donate, even managing to offend a couple people by saying "well since you stabbed me two times, do I get two juice boxes?"
There is an unfortunate side effect here. Now I have needle marks, bruises, and remains of marker on both arms where the volunteer tried to line my vein up. This gives me the appearance of having done heroin plungers with a toddler. Awesome. Also, the Red Cross did not have any vanilla sandwich cookie things with them at the snack-and-juice table, which basically killed my day, because I was really looking forward to some vanilla sandwich cookies and apple juice once I was done. What am I? Seven years old?? Seriously. cookies and fucking juice. Nice work.
Poor Dinner Choices...
Note to self....A Ben n' Jerry's hot fudge sundae with chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream and whip cream as garnish...not a good dinner. The chocolate covered chocolate chip cookie dough ball on a stick didn't help as a desert. I spent the entirety of my exam last night feeling like a) I was going to puke....b) like I had eaten 4 million grams of sugar and given myself a giant sugar-buzz headache thing. Not good times. Let that be a lesson to you folks who think sugar is good for you in large doses. Write that down...
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Because I'm a Narcissist
If this isn't a microcosm of my week...I don't know what is.....
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Twelve hours to Go.......
Two Words
School. Dazed.
Good news- By this time tonight, I'll be out of my exam. Bad news- I'm still so far from ready for it that I think my head's going to explode. I'm not sure why, but I've always had a habit of putting off my studying until the last possible second, then stressing myself out, and then ultimately scambling and somehow pulling a decent grade out. I don't know why I even bother getting concerned about tests, considering that in my entire academic career I've failed only one test, and that was becuase I was caught cheating on a spelling test in the second grade. Apparently, spelling tests are not open book or open note. Of course, if someone had made me aware that that was wrong, I would have been more careful. Nevertheless, between that, the usual work is annoying stress and the MJ-dropping of the face of the earth thing (72 hrs, no contact-dude, just tell me to F off, I'll be fine, I just need to know), the stress level is a little rough right now, so I figure I need to change subjects completely. So I figured I'd relate an interesting story about something that took place up here in Cleveland, in the city schools, and give my little commentary on it, because, of course, I'm qualified to comment on these things.
Let me start of by prefacing this story with the fact that Cleveland city schools are terrible. And I don't mean bad is in they're kind of dirty and kids get into fights once in a while. I'm talking 4th graders punching teachers bad. I literally wouldn't send my worst enemy's children to these schools, b/c literally no child deserves to be put in an environment like that. In fact, rather than try to recount the story, here's a column about the school's from the Cleveland paper last week that will give you a pretty good idea of how bad it is.
Honestly, are you kidding me? I know that we're not the only city where this is going on, but it's ridiculous that this is happening everywhere. I know that we spend so much time blaming these things on the parents, the teachers, etc. After reading the article, the part that bothers me is the fact that they don't discipline these kids, and that's at home or at school. If I ever threw a bottle at someone, anyone, especially in school, I wouldn't even bother going home, because my parents would kill me for showing that kind of disrespect.
So what do we do about it? I have no idea, for I am not a government official, but then again, the schools being run by our government is probably a big part of the problem. I'm not even touching that.
Now I acknowledge that there are definitely students in these schools who do want to learn, but obviously, the teacher is spending more time trying not to die than teaching, which is bad for everyone involved. Now mind you, we have plenty of kids in these schools who have next to no business even being there, especially once they hit the age of 16 or so and have proven that they have no interest in being educated. What I don't understand is why they don't just start booting these kids, and I don't mean put them on the streets.
It's very simple. As many of you know who live here, there are plenty of places in downtown Cleveland that are very very dirty and undesirible. So, you don't want to go to school? Grab a broom, we'll pay you minimum wage. It's about all those kids would be able to do w/ out having even a high school education anyway. Plus, it'd be cheaper than paying city workers to do all that menial work, plus it would reduce student/teacher ratios and make the school tax dollars more effective on a per student basis.
Wait. You don't want to grab a broom? That's fine too. I'm sure we can find a nice, empty deserted island
somewhere in the South Pacific we can drop you off on, where you can't detract from society anymore. What? We can't just banish a 16 year old kid with out his mother/father/terribly irresponsible parent figure? Great. Send them too. Chances are that they are draining society in someway as well.
Is this feasible? Probably not. Is it politically correct? Absolutely not. Is it kind of interesting to think about. Apparently I think so. Regardless, it's depressing to me to see people who have dedicated their lives to educating our children having to live in fear of doing their jobs.
School. Dazed.
Good news- By this time tonight, I'll be out of my exam. Bad news- I'm still so far from ready for it that I think my head's going to explode. I'm not sure why, but I've always had a habit of putting off my studying until the last possible second, then stressing myself out, and then ultimately scambling and somehow pulling a decent grade out. I don't know why I even bother getting concerned about tests, considering that in my entire academic career I've failed only one test, and that was becuase I was caught cheating on a spelling test in the second grade. Apparently, spelling tests are not open book or open note. Of course, if someone had made me aware that that was wrong, I would have been more careful. Nevertheless, between that, the usual work is annoying stress and the MJ-dropping of the face of the earth thing (72 hrs, no contact-dude, just tell me to F off, I'll be fine, I just need to know), the stress level is a little rough right now, so I figure I need to change subjects completely. So I figured I'd relate an interesting story about something that took place up here in Cleveland, in the city schools, and give my little commentary on it, because, of course, I'm qualified to comment on these things.
Let me start of by prefacing this story with the fact that Cleveland city schools are terrible. And I don't mean bad is in they're kind of dirty and kids get into fights once in a while. I'm talking 4th graders punching teachers bad. I literally wouldn't send my worst enemy's children to these schools, b/c literally no child deserves to be put in an environment like that. In fact, rather than try to recount the story, here's a column about the school's from the Cleveland paper last week that will give you a pretty good idea of how bad it is.
Honestly, are you kidding me? I know that we're not the only city where this is going on, but it's ridiculous that this is happening everywhere. I know that we spend so much time blaming these things on the parents, the teachers, etc. After reading the article, the part that bothers me is the fact that they don't discipline these kids, and that's at home or at school. If I ever threw a bottle at someone, anyone, especially in school, I wouldn't even bother going home, because my parents would kill me for showing that kind of disrespect.
So what do we do about it? I have no idea, for I am not a government official, but then again, the schools being run by our government is probably a big part of the problem. I'm not even touching that.
Now I acknowledge that there are definitely students in these schools who do want to learn, but obviously, the teacher is spending more time trying not to die than teaching, which is bad for everyone involved. Now mind you, we have plenty of kids in these schools who have next to no business even being there, especially once they hit the age of 16 or so and have proven that they have no interest in being educated. What I don't understand is why they don't just start booting these kids, and I don't mean put them on the streets.
It's very simple. As many of you know who live here, there are plenty of places in downtown Cleveland that are very very dirty and undesirible. So, you don't want to go to school? Grab a broom, we'll pay you minimum wage. It's about all those kids would be able to do w/ out having even a high school education anyway. Plus, it'd be cheaper than paying city workers to do all that menial work, plus it would reduce student/teacher ratios and make the school tax dollars more effective on a per student basis.
Wait. You don't want to grab a broom? That's fine too. I'm sure we can find a nice, empty deserted island
somewhere in the South Pacific we can drop you off on, where you can't detract from society anymore. What? We can't just banish a 16 year old kid with out his mother/father/terribly irresponsible parent figure? Great. Send them too. Chances are that they are draining society in someway as well.
Is this feasible? Probably not. Is it politically correct? Absolutely not. Is it kind of interesting to think about. Apparently I think so. Regardless, it's depressing to me to see people who have dedicated their lives to educating our children having to live in fear of doing their jobs.
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
I wonder if.....
My company insurance policy covers nervous breakdowns? Or do I have to somehow slip into full-out foaming at the mouth, incoherent speaking dementia? Because at this point, I'm open to both options, but I'm guessing if I just have the nervous breakdown that I'd still be able to hang out and have some semblance of independence. Besides strait jackets are always white, and I look terrible in all white.....
Not so good.....
Two Words
Train. Wreck.
That's what today is going to be. I'm still very far away from being ready for my exam tomorrow, and only have this evening to study for it, and I'm working late tonight. Sweet. Honestly, it wouldn't be that big of a deal if that was the only thing going on. Sadly though, I'm having a hard time generating any kind of focus. MJ is back to her pattern of saying she'll call and not doing so, and has now even taken to not returning my phone calls. It's a good deal. I'm guessing she's just overwhelmed with work, but it's still annoying. If I need to take the hint, I would hope that she would just come off with it. I mean if we had gone out like twice and she hadn't been returning calls, I would have gotten the message. However, we've been dating for a couple of months, I think at that point you would owe the person a "Hey I don't think we should see each other anymore" conversation. Then again, I am completely socially inept, so I could be way off here.
Crap. I just looked on my computer desk and saw the invite to my cousin's wedding that I still haven't sent in yet. Well, this will be simple. Attending? Check. Guests? Negative. Problem solved.
Train. Wreck.
That's what today is going to be. I'm still very far away from being ready for my exam tomorrow, and only have this evening to study for it, and I'm working late tonight. Sweet. Honestly, it wouldn't be that big of a deal if that was the only thing going on. Sadly though, I'm having a hard time generating any kind of focus. MJ is back to her pattern of saying she'll call and not doing so, and has now even taken to not returning my phone calls. It's a good deal. I'm guessing she's just overwhelmed with work, but it's still annoying. If I need to take the hint, I would hope that she would just come off with it. I mean if we had gone out like twice and she hadn't been returning calls, I would have gotten the message. However, we've been dating for a couple of months, I think at that point you would owe the person a "Hey I don't think we should see each other anymore" conversation. Then again, I am completely socially inept, so I could be way off here.
Crap. I just looked on my computer desk and saw the invite to my cousin's wedding that I still haven't sent in yet. Well, this will be simple. Attending? Check. Guests? Negative. Problem solved.
Monday, April 18, 2005
Help!
Okay, the exlamation point probably wasn't necessary, but I'm annoyed. I need to be able to set something up so that I can track how many people have viewed this joint, and also a thing so I can link to everyone else's blog. Oh, and I need a new template, b/c as much as I enjoy Sarah's blog, I don't want mine looking just like hers. I need some "bling" or something for mine. So one of you really smart people out there, fix that up for me. Awesome. Also, if someone could hook me up with about 5 million dollars and a girlfriend that actually wanted to hang out with me, that would be awesome. Granted, if I had the 5 mil, I could probably hook up the second part of that......
Why I hate the Cavs....
Two Words:
Downward. Spiral.
Not the Nine Inch Nails album, we'll discuss that some other time. I'm talking about Cavaliers basketball. Has anyone informed the Cavaliers that they are on the verge of knocking themselves out of the playoffs with their awful play? Do they think they're on vacation already? Seriously, I've seen some pretty bad basketball in my day, and I know it's a long season, but come on. Maybe someone should make the guys aware that if they would like a LeBron James highlight tape, that the teams' media relations department could put that together for them. In the meantime here's a thought: Play! Do Something! I swear I do less standing around at a bar than they do on the court. It's awful. LeBron missed that 3 at the end of the game yesterday b/c he's played almost every minute of every game for the last 3 weeks. He doesn't have any legs left...it's sad to watch, but alas, not surprising. Honestly, I would pay somebody to put one of those shock collar things on Ira Newble's ankle, and shock him every time he takes a shot outside of 12 feet, or anytime he takes a shot with someone guarding him. It wouldn't be a small shock either, I'm talking about burn his stupid braids off his head violent.
Regardless of this, it's Monday, which means school. Which means I'm in a bad mood all day, especially since I didn't finish the homework and won't have time to do so. Yes! And I have a test on Wednesday that I'm not studying for. Why did I think grad school was a good idea? Right, because I'm an idiot. If anyone needs me, I'll be stuffing my hand in a blender.
Downward. Spiral.
Not the Nine Inch Nails album, we'll discuss that some other time. I'm talking about Cavaliers basketball. Has anyone informed the Cavaliers that they are on the verge of knocking themselves out of the playoffs with their awful play? Do they think they're on vacation already? Seriously, I've seen some pretty bad basketball in my day, and I know it's a long season, but come on. Maybe someone should make the guys aware that if they would like a LeBron James highlight tape, that the teams' media relations department could put that together for them. In the meantime here's a thought: Play! Do Something! I swear I do less standing around at a bar than they do on the court. It's awful. LeBron missed that 3 at the end of the game yesterday b/c he's played almost every minute of every game for the last 3 weeks. He doesn't have any legs left...it's sad to watch, but alas, not surprising. Honestly, I would pay somebody to put one of those shock collar things on Ira Newble's ankle, and shock him every time he takes a shot outside of 12 feet, or anytime he takes a shot with someone guarding him. It wouldn't be a small shock either, I'm talking about burn his stupid braids off his head violent.
Regardless of this, it's Monday, which means school. Which means I'm in a bad mood all day, especially since I didn't finish the homework and won't have time to do so. Yes! And I have a test on Wednesday that I'm not studying for. Why did I think grad school was a good idea? Right, because I'm an idiot. If anyone needs me, I'll be stuffing my hand in a blender.
Sunday, April 17, 2005
Getting Schooled
Two Words:
Hung. Over.
Here's a little science quiz for today. What is the best way to treat your body after you've done your first bout of true physical activity in a month or two. Should you A) drink plenty of water, eat something healthy, and let your body relax, B) Stretch, go through an appropriate cool down, and sleep well or C) Drink plenty of beer, eat fried foods, and stay up to late. Well if you guessed C), you're as dumb as I am, because I feel like garbage today.
That being said, Columbus was good times last night, except for the part where I drank too much and spent entirely too much money being so. The highlight of the night was watching a bouncer grab some little punk kid by his 70$ dress shirt and run him out of the bar, quite physically I might add.
I'm curious to see how this blogging thing will work out...I got inspired to try this by a friend of mine---Sarah, but I'm certain that she is much more entertaining to read than me, so if you just clicked on the link to her blog, I've probably lost you forever. Nevertheless, I figure this will be a good spot for me to make fun of people, make fun of myself, bitch (which is like a sport to me) and right...make fun of people.
***One other note---I hate you Tops...everytime I go to the store and try to say "I'm going to buy healthy and nutritious things to eat, you put crap like chips and Fudgeshop Cookies on bogo.....screw you, when I have my heart attack, I'm suing.
Hung. Over.
Here's a little science quiz for today. What is the best way to treat your body after you've done your first bout of true physical activity in a month or two. Should you A) drink plenty of water, eat something healthy, and let your body relax, B) Stretch, go through an appropriate cool down, and sleep well or C) Drink plenty of beer, eat fried foods, and stay up to late. Well if you guessed C), you're as dumb as I am, because I feel like garbage today.
That being said, Columbus was good times last night, except for the part where I drank too much and spent entirely too much money being so. The highlight of the night was watching a bouncer grab some little punk kid by his 70$ dress shirt and run him out of the bar, quite physically I might add.
I'm curious to see how this blogging thing will work out...I got inspired to try this by a friend of mine---Sarah, but I'm certain that she is much more entertaining to read than me, so if you just clicked on the link to her blog, I've probably lost you forever. Nevertheless, I figure this will be a good spot for me to make fun of people, make fun of myself, bitch (which is like a sport to me) and right...make fun of people.
***One other note---I hate you Tops...everytime I go to the store and try to say "I'm going to buy healthy and nutritious things to eat, you put crap like chips and Fudgeshop Cookies on bogo.....screw you, when I have my heart attack, I'm suing.
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