The Virtual Apimpment

Happy birthday Richman!

2008-05-31T21:16:00.001-04:00

Happy birthday! How goes Brooklyn? Fill us in!

Strulson's Ancestors

2008-05-23T09:55:00.000-04:00

'Allo! We're Strulson's ancestors! Got any grub?!

Sorry, completely random memory that popped into my head and I thought (one of you or maybe more) would enjoy.

Happy birthday, Mark!

2008-05-05T13:45:00.001-04:00

You're officially an old bastard! How's it feel?

Funny!

2008-04-15T15:15:00.000-04:00

Funny ha-ha, not funny thought-provoking:

See more funny videos at CollegeHumor

My Favorite Kind of News

2008-04-09T23:37:00.002-04:00

News about myself. As I may have told some of you I've been in the process with the government for almost a year now and today I got The Call. I head down to the academy in Georgia at the end of May and get back to NJ on Sept 30th. Just in time to go to Homecoming and brandish a firearm.

From now on, if you call me I will most likely answer the phone with "Dammit! There are millions of lives at stake!" Jack Bauer-style.

Sorry for being kinda vague, but this is a public website.

Mad Cow Halloween Murderfest

2008-04-09T13:05:00.001-04:00

Movie Time, YAY

2008-04-03T09:29:00.003-04:00

Richman -- I've encoded your film in quicktime as well, but it's too long for YouTube. I have to split it up. I'll send all of the files to you guys or find a way to upload them soon.

Hear me on the radio!

2008-03-24T11:12:00.003-04:00

So I appeared on Rowan Radio to talk about writing, and it airs tonight at 5:30. You can listen at http://wgls.rowan.edu/ or download the podcast by searching for "Rowan Radio" in about a week, when it becomes available.

Been a while

2008-03-14T01:06:00.002-04:00

Been a while since I meandered over here. Sounds like the Mad Cow reunion was awesome. The pictures look great and make me a little teary-eyed for the good old days.

Chris, your Onion experience sounds so awesome! I read the "susan sarandon for old-time's sake" article the other day. What a coincidence. And I love ONN. We're all so proud of you for even being in the same building it's created in!

Hope everyone's doing well. Great to see you a few months ago.

For Erik

2008-03-11T12:58:00.003-04:00

Since you requested a description of The Onion, here it is.

So they're located in SoHo. I got there 45 minutes early and walked around the building for a while so I didn't seem like an Early Eddie. I went up at quarter to six and there was a big ass onion on the door with a small note to us ONN headline contributors to meet in the back. I walked in and there was no receptionist or anything, just a giant open room with a bunch of people who couldn't care less that I was there.

The office is very nice. Hardwood floors, framed headlines on the wall, open work stations with computers everywhere set up in different clusters for different groups of writers, advertising people, and art folks. They had separate offices for the editors.

I went into the back and couldn't find anyone who knew anything. I told a guy I was there for the contributor's meeting and he was like, "Wasn't that last night?" After freaking out for a second, I found out it was the right night and sat in a conference room used as the writing room. On the walls were a bunch of white boards with headlines scrawled with dates next to them. I saw a couple really good ones that have since been on the site, like "Susan Sarandon Masturbated to For Old-Time's Sake."

Since I was the first one there, I just sat there twiddling my thumbs until another writer showed up. He was like, "Um...is this the writer's meeting?" I said, "Sure" even though i obviously didn't know any more than he did. After sitting around for a minute and reading the headlines and trying to play cool, I said, "So, on a scale of 1-surreal, how surreal is this?" and he was like, "Thank God you said something!" Then we giggled like a couple of schoolgirls backstage at a Ricky Martin concert. After that the first guy and I watched as every other writer sulked in and was like, "Is this the writer's room?" It was like sitting in the bordello and watching all the virgins creeping in.

The actual meeting was cool. It was led by Carol who used to be Editor-in-Chief and now runs the ONN. They gave us tips, told us what they are and aren't looking for, and showed us two videos that were still in post-production, including the one about the 500 kidneys that went up last night and a great one called "The High School Tony's" which I'm sure will be up soon.

Overall it was a fun experience. It was nice to hear the editors tell us not to get discouraged by rejection, because they submit lists every week, too, that are full of rejections. Even if I never end up catching on with them, it was great to, at least for one night, be in the place and looked upon as a writer for The Onion.

For Fleming

2008-03-06T10:05:00.000-05:00

Who knows if he even comes here any more, but if he does, he should read this:

http://www.theonion.com/content/amvo/dungeons_amp_dragons_creator_dies

Fantasy Baseball

2008-03-03T09:58:00.001-05:00

The yahoo ads caught my eye this morning -- nice to see J. Roll as the face of fantasy sports. When is the league starting up, Monseur Richman?

Dudes!

2008-02-25T11:24:00.002-05:00

Great seeing everyone Mad-Cow related this weekend. I've got songs from Rock Band stuck in my head. I've invited Mr. Dave into our little community here, thereby proving once and for all to anyone who doubted it that I love him. Let's get a chant going for him....DAVE! DAVE! DAVE! DAVE!

Brett Myers is a Dick

2008-02-18T10:56:00.000-05:00

Here's why...

Santana to the Mets

2008-01-29T17:50:00.000-05:00

All together now...

ugh.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/2008-01-29-twins-mets-santana_N.htm

The Onion

2008-01-09T15:03:00.000-05:00

So I told some of you how I applied for a position as a contributor to the Onion New Network...today I got an e-mail telling me I'd made it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So now each week I have to submit 15 ideas and I get paid per accepted idea. Pretty sweet, huh?

Mad Cow Alumni Show

2008-01-03T11:33:00.000-05:00

Good news, everyone!

Agh, actually, more like a question... I just wanted to say that. Thought it might be easier to post here than email chain it.

I just responded to the Mad Cow email with my personal facts, but I didn't pick a date for alumni shenanigans. What works best for you all (y'all, uhaul)?

January 18 @ 8pm

February 22 @ 8pm

March 28 @ 8pm

Happy Holidays, Everybody!

2007-12-12T10:45:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone! Hope the holidays are treating you well and that you have a safe and happy trip home in the coming weeks. Not much new to report down here in D.C. -- working a lot because my boss is about to head out on maternity leave. I just sold a bunch of prints of my photography at a PBS holiday craft sale, so that was pretty nice. I used the leftovers to make a portfolio ( I even bought a case), so I now all I need is a beret and a fake mustache and I can walk around feeling pretentious.

The weather is strange, recently -- we had snow about a week ago, but it feels like its 70 degrees outside today.

I'm running out of interesting stuff to talk about, but I want to make sure I put enough text up here to get that fat lady off of the screen. Hmm...

How are you all doing? I hear Fleming is telling people he's engaged...I wonder if the girl knows too?

Your cities

2007-11-25T12:50:00.000-05:00

So remember last year how St. Louis was voted the country's most dangerous city? Luckily Camden, NJ has earned back that dubious award, pushing St. Louis back to third. However, things aren't looking as good for our friend Steph, as San Antonio was voted as the country's third most obese city.

Careful, Steph: you don't want this to be your future.

J Roll is MVP

2007-11-20T17:40:00.000-05:00

Woooo! But did he deserve it? Discuss.

My bad decision

2007-11-15T09:35:00.001-05:00

I am running a half marathon in April........what the hell am I thinking?

Phils get Brad Lidge

2007-11-08T09:57:00.000-05:00

Lose Geary, Bourn, Costanzo

Gain Lidge and infielder Eric Bruntlett

Myers goes back to starter

Strat-o-matic Baseball

2007-11-06T13:57:00.000-05:00

Sup fellas?

Check this out:

http://www.sportingnews.com/baseball/1986/teams/managers.php#team4

The Sporting News is running a Strat-O-Matic (read: fantasy baseball for supernerds) season with actual baseball personalities. For instance, Schilling is managing the Sox and Doug Glanville is managing the Phils.

I've always been sort of fascinated by Strat-O-Matic, and I'm kicking around the idea of starting a league once fantasy football is over. Basically, you control everything -- lineup, pitching, trades, drafts, etc., and then each night the teams play their simulated games.

Anyone interested? It's like $25 a piece on Sporting News, but I'll see what other options are out there.

Bender

2007-11-03T13:32:00.000-04:00

Even better than the Zoidberg.

Bender (from CollegeHumor)

Awesome Halloween Costume

2007-10-30T16:00:00.000-04:00

Dude, imagine if you'd thought of this and could pull it off?

Dr. Zoidberg (from CollegeHumor)

Another Get-Together

2007-10-22T10:43:00.001-04:00

Homecoming was great, but the most obvious thing to come out of it is how depressingly few opportunities we all get to just come together and hang out. So I'm proposing a time where we all meet up.

I don't know if Strulsy is planning to have a New Years party, but regardless, I'm taking off the entire week between Christmas and New Years. I figure that's the best chance of everyone having some time to spend together.

So I propose:

Somewhere inbetween the 27th or 28th of December and December 31st, we all try and get together to hang out for a little bit. Maybe at Richman's house or beach house? Maybe someplace we rent.

What does everyone think? Too close to the holidays and family time? I'm completely willing to organize.

Too long

2007-10-18T08:02:00.000-04:00

What's with all this baseball jibber jabber? I've been away for too long, but will try to be more diligient in the future. There's a funny youtube video going around making fun of all the Jersey shore/Queen Guidos out there. Do a search for My new haircut.

Other than that looking forward to homecoming

Too Funny

2007-10-09T19:33:00.000-04:00

For me not to post.

Mr. Met's Agony Continues

2007-10-03T10:52:00.001-04:00

Phillies!

2007-10-01T19:53:00.000-04:00

To Mark Fleming, who always scoffed at our baseball enthusiasm, suck my dick.

eagles

2007-09-19T01:17:00.000-04:00

Speaking of pro sports, despite the fact that the Eagles are, well, not on a winning streak as of yesterday (and the week before), I have great news ... great news for me at least! I am going to my first NFL game when the Eagles come to Cowboys country in December. I just ordered tickets for Jim and I -- he is a Cowboys fan and I am, well you know, so it will be a nice bonding experience and by bonding I mean lots of trash talking.
Anyway, I'm hoping everyone will be in tip-top shape again (including Westbrook who I hear is supposed to be fine soon) so I can wave my Eagles hat in everyone's face and gloat. Of course, I will still gloat, even if they don't win.
E-A-G-L-E-S!
I'm so excited!

Crazy Camden Yards Experience

2007-09-10T12:34:00.001-04:00

I work with a ton of Red Sox fans, so I joined them for a trip up to Camden Yards to see yesterday's day game. Orioles versus Red Sox, Beckett pitching, so sounded entertaining. We grabbed a block of tickets in left field, about five rows back from the field. It was one of the first time I've sat in true home run territory -- kind of freaky to see the balls flying out towards you.

All was good through the 6th inning -- entertaining game, although a bit hot in the 90+ weather in the sun. Then a series of events happened rather quickly -- a dropped cheeseburger brought the mood down a bit. Then the Orioles' Nick Markakis hit a homerun to my section, about three rows in. The guy two seats in front of me put his hands up to catch it, but missed and it nailed him in the face. Here's a still of the scene:

You can just barely make out my face directly under the Boston scorebox. The guy dropped like a bag of rock salt onto the seats, and the Orioles medics came out pretty quickly to check on him. He was down for a little while, but eventually was helped out of the stadium to be checked on.

I've been to a ton of games this season between Nats and Os and even a Dodgers trip in there, but this is the first time in my life I've ever witnessed someone really drilled by a hit, much less a homerun. It was pretty intense, and the mood afterward never really lightened because we were all wondering if the guy was okay (and if so, did he at least get the ball?)

A verified Met-killer

2007-08-30T17:16:00.000-04:00

It's time, once again, to celebrate the geek of streaks, Mr. Pat the Bat Burrell!

4-game sweep of the Mets! Woo hoo!

Check this shit OUT

2007-08-29T20:16:00.000-04:00

Sooooo...I got an e-mail from a woman who is the acquisitions editor at National Lampoon. I gave her a call; they're looking for writers to pitch comedy books. I called today, pitched a book based on my historic IMs, and she's sending me a template for a book proposal because she's actually moving on to another job next week.

Bottom line: There's a chance I may have a book underwritten by National Lampoon. Or I'll get rejected. Either way, I'm going to start making people call me Van Wilder at all times.

Happy PRE birthday, Erik

2007-08-25T00:28:00.001-04:00

I just had to do it, since I'm on a streak. Erik, yours is coming up too and I'll do a pre-emptive belated birthday wish. Pretend this was the day after your birthday and I'm wishing you a happy belated birthday.
Good glad we all got that taken care of, since I don't want to forget to forget your birthday and then remember it.

Happy (belated) Birthday Jake

2007-08-25T00:23:00.000-04:00

This is becoming my little tradition. Didn't get to a computer with blogger capabilities yesterday ... so happy birthday Jake! I hope they insert birthday wishes for you into the "Wordgirl" show. That would not be to cumbersome, I think :)

Happy (belated) birthday Struls...

2007-08-16T18:39:00.000-04:00

So I'm only a few days late, but Happy Birthday Strulson! Hope it was one that at the end of the day you could say of it, "sick. I didn't hate it."

Rudd's BBQ - 8/25

2007-08-13T16:41:00.000-04:00

Who's going? I'll be there -- not sure if I'm coming out on Friday night or Saturday morning.

Also if anyone needs my new address because I didn't have you on the email list, let me know.

Superbad

2007-08-08T23:02:00.000-04:00

Got tickets to an advanced screening of superbad tonight...the previews do it no justice. It's hilarious. See it in theaters. GEORGE MICHAEL FOREVER.

Hilarious

2007-07-24T10:52:00.000-04:00

So I'm pretty sure the guy who wrote this, Dan Gurewitch, is the funniest guy I've ever met: http://www.collegehumor.com/article:1736384

Movin' On Out

2007-07-21T10:27:00.000-04:00

So the time has come for me to finally move out of the friendly bosom of my parents' care. Perhaps you've marveled at how long it has taken, but I'm finally freeing myself and moving into a place with a longtime friend and his girlfriend. Smell like a recipe for disaster? Perhaps. But at least I'll be able to have a girl over without my mom checking her I.D.

Question

2007-07-05T08:09:00.001-04:00

Is Craig coming back to America tomorrow?

How to break up with your girlfriend in 64 easy steps

2007-07-03T09:06:00.001-04:00

I don't know if any of you have seen this before, but it certainly feels true enough.

Get together at Chateu Eberz

2007-06-26T15:17:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone remember when I said you guys should all come over. Well you should. We picked a date. Hopefully it will work for many of you, if it doesn't we will have to try plan B.

We can be available all day or half day Friday July 27th thru the 29th.

I hope Craig is in the US by this point.

Also Jake, Kate and I would like to get a liberal tour of DC one of these days...at this point it's looking like fall, let me know.

E to the Z

Thanks for the cold, Richman

2007-06-26T12:53:00.001-04:00

Last time I smooch with you, Typhoid Hairy.

best headline ever

2007-06-20T00:41:00.001-04:00

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070620/ap_on_sp_ba_ga_su/bbo_phillies_indians

Fun St. Louis Facts

2007-06-19T10:53:00.001-04:00

From wikipedia:

- St. Louis is one of several cities that claims to have the world's first skyscraper. The Wainwright Building, a 10-story structure designed by Louis Sullivan and built in 1892, still stands at Chestnut and Seventh Streets and is today used by the State of Missouri as a government office building. Sullivan is said to have built the structure as an ode to the greatest erection of his life, lasting 4 hours, 35 minutes and 15 seconds.

- Nikola Tesla made the first public demonstration of radio communication here in 1893. Addressing the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the National Electric Light Association, he described and demonstrated in detail the principles of radio communication. The apparatus that he used contained all the elements that were incorporated into radio systems before the development of the vacuum tube. It was powered by two battery clamps attached to his balls.

- St. Louis did not segregate people on street cars like other cities, but there was still some discrimination. During World War II, the NAACP successfully campaigned, through protests and picket lines, to persuade the Federal government to allow African-Americans to work in war plants. Some 16,000 jobs were gained in this way. White southerners no longer had to be brought to St. Louis to do the work, leaving their time free for Klan rallies.

- According to the United States Census Bureau, St. Louis has a total area of 171.3 km² (66.2 mi²). 160.4 km² (61.9 mi²) of it is land and 11.0 km² (4.2 mi² or 6.39%) of it is water. The city is built primarily on bluffs and terraces that rise 100-200 feet above the western banks of the Mississippi River, just south of the Missouri-Mississippi confluence. Much of the area is a fertile and gentle, just like its women.

- The Missouri Botanical Garden, also known as Shaw's Garden, is one of the world's leading botanical research centers. It possesses a beautiful collection of flowering plants, shrubs, and trees, and includes the Japanese Garden, which features a lake filled with koi and gravel designs; the woodsy English Garden; the Kemper Home Gardening Center; a rose garden; an enclosed basement for researchers to grow pot and assemble doobs; the Climatron; a children's garden and playground; and many other scenic gardens.

- St. Louis was also home to three prominent twentieth-century boxers, Henry Armstrong, and brothers Leon and Michael Spinks. The two are the only brothers in boxing history to have both captured the Heavyweight boxing title. Leon's son Cory Spinks has also held a world title, and is also famous for punching a 55 year old woman, hard, in the ovary.

- St. Louis is also one of the few cities in the country that plays host to local Corkball leagues. Corkball is a "mini-baseball" game featuring a 1.6 oz. ball and bat with a barrel that measures just 1.5". Corkball is St. Louis's classic baseball game. Originally played on the streets and alleys of St. Louis in the early 1900s, today the game has leagues formed around the country as a result of St. Louis servicemen introducing the game to their buddies during World War II and the Korean conflict. It has many of the features of baseball, yet can be played in a very small area because there is no base-running and copious amounts of screwing.

- Washington University in St. Louis which is one of the top research universities in the nation, internationally known for its schools of Medicine, Architecture, Social Work and Law; the University's school of law is the oldest continuously operating law school west of the Mississippi. Also worth noting is its admission of Matt Strulson, whose unending dedication to chemistry has lead to significant advancements in the nacho ("cho") cheese technology.

email address

2007-06-14T11:59:00.003-04:00

Does anyone have a new email address for Sruls? I just have his Bucknell one ...
(Or Strulson, do you have a new email address for yourself?)

On the road (the silk road)

2007-06-10T09:08:00.000-04:00

Ok guys i am outta here. I leave Japan tomorrow for China. I will see you in a few weeks. Wish me luck.

Phils Sweep Mets

2007-06-08T10:13:00.000-04:00

I believe this to be proof that God loves us wants us to be happy. Especially because it was Pat the Bat Burrell that came through in the clutch.

In honor (and for the laideez):

Fun Story

2007-06-03T12:48:00.000-04:00

Not really an update on life, but a fun story I heard, to let you all know I'm still alive, even if posting infrequently:

So me and some some of my friends are watching the Sox game last night (hate the lack of Phillies here), and as you could be aware, Kevin Youkilis had a 22 game hitting streak going. My housemate Conor has loved Youkilis since his first major league game, so we find ourselves discussing him quite a bit.

One of the guys watching tells this story. He had a few female friends who went to a Sox game a year ago, one of whom knew the kind of car Youkilis drove. So they waited around after the game to try and meet him, and when they gave up they passed his car. So the one girl left him a note with her number.

While they're driving home, they get a call: "Hello?"

"Hi, who is this?"

"This is Girly Von Noname, who is this?"

"This is Kevin Youkilis, you left me a note with your number."

They didn't believe him until he gave the note detail. So they chatted a little bit, and he asks them what they're doing, or if they want to party. They are psyched, but then he asks, "How old are you girls?"

"Seventeen."

"Aw, that's too bad. I can't get involved in that." And hangs up.

The hero worship of Youkilis only grew from there. Not for me, though. Chase Utley still rules my world, if not my fantasy team. Speaking of which, how can I be so dominant in one league, and so bad in another?! How is that possible?!

Speaking of which (x2), I still owe you money for the season, Chris, right?

Happy birthday princess!

2007-05-31T08:40:00.000-04:00

New Pics

2007-05-31T05:12:00.000-04:00

I put up a whole bunch of pictures of Japan: pictures from Kochi Prefecture, a day trip with Roo, some karaoke, and Kazura Bashi (bridge of vines)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/56526620@N00/

I will try and put up some pictures from Nepal when i get home.

ps. I love you all

Yet Another Update

2007-05-28T21:52:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone -- so I just got in from a week in Cape Cod with my family, which was really nice, and it seems like everyone has left a message (which is even better!). I feel like I should probably be the guy to grind the party to a halt, so here goes.

I guess the biggest news is that Laurie and I have split up -- I think both of us have been unhappy for a long time; me because I was planning on Laurie moving in with me after a year or two living about an hour apart, and her because I guess her plans changed.

I might sound a little bitter, but that'll fade in the coming months I'm sure, as otherwise life is pretty good. Work is still going really well and I think I'm going to be apartment hunting for the fall, so I'm looking forward to a change of venue. My mom's been on this really successful diet and lost like 90 pounds in the past year, so I'm really happy for her. My dad is kicking my butt in fantasy baseball, so I'm begrudingly happy for him. My brother and sister are both doing well, and I'm still taking photos and trying to figure out just where life is going to take me.

I want to echo Chris' sentiments and say how much I miss all of you -- life after college has its rewards and challenges, but i still think of you all as my second family. If you didn't catch it in Erik's message, I think he's willing to let us trash his beautiful new house later this summer, and I wouldn't miss it for the world.

Posting

2007-05-28T10:23:00.000-04:00

Hey guys! Thanks, everyone, for posting updates. I know it may seem silly to some of you, but I for one read every word and enjoy hearing what everyone is up to, now that we're so far away. As I knew would happen, it's so hard staying in touch now that we're all spread around the country (and the globe, with Craig). I really miss having everyone as a daily part of my life, so it just cheers me up to hear from you guys. You're all the best.

My turn

2007-05-28T03:00:00.000-04:00

Ok here i go. just like the rest of us i am also very busy. Other than making inappropriate comments to friends, I'm working alot and i am getting ready to leave the country that was my home for over a year. I leave in two weeks! It is a bitter sweet moment. I want to get home to see you guys and start moving in my life, but i also met some awesome friends here that i will miss, not to mention that i have a girlfriend that i have to say goodbye to. She is coming to visit in October and stay awhile so she can experience the 4 big holidays in America. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years.

This year has been one of the best years of my life. Not only have i gotten some great, resume boosting, experience that i recieved working out here. But i have done some stuff that i will never get the chance to do again, Played on vine bridges, seen amazing gardens, shrines, and temples, met and shook hands with dolphins, held a baby tiger, pet a baby lion, rode a boat into one of the biggest whirlpools in the world, touched the Pacific for the first time at Ashizuri, Traveled to Nepal where i walked though the jungle, played with an Elephant in a river, rode an elephant through the jungle to see Rhinos. And in two weeks i will start my trip to China where i will spend a whole month adding more amazing things to this list. I absolutely, wholeheartedly, recommend something like this for everybody. Especially for you guys in school who haven't started your careers yet, even if you have started, it might not be too late.

I will be landing in Philadelphia July 6th. I don't have any plans to get a job soon and i wanna see a whole bunch of people. Send me an email to let me know where you will be!

2007-05-27T22:54:00.000-04:00

It's fun to read everyone's updates, and I'm adding one of my own. Like Jake, I feel that my own life is boring, but Erik tells me it's not, so I will share with the rest of you. I just realized that both Erik and I are doing this at the same time- so you'll probably all get to read the same stories twice, but oh well.
It has been fun being home owners. The mortgage part is not as fun, but coming home to an entire house with multiple rooms and open space has been wonderful. I feel very spoiled to have all of this, and I know that we are incredibly blessed to have been able to buy this home. There are lots of little projects we need to work on now, but even that is kind of fun.
Work has been exhausting lately. I've been in the adoption unit for about six months now, but I kept several of my cases where the biological parents are still involved, and we are nearing the point where their rights will be terminated and I will start working on adoptions for those kids, which can be an emotionally trying time. It also seems that I have some kind of bad effect on all of the new families I got to work with, when kids are in homes that are supposed to be potentially adoptive. In several cases, when I have gone out to meet with the family and explain the adoption process, they have told me they don't want to adopt and what the child out of their home asap. Fun! And by fun I mean incredibly stressful- but the good news is that I am finally getting to work on a handful of adoptions that are actually going well!
We've been spending a lot of time with family, and next weekend we're heading up to my hometown for the Relay for Life event. It has a special meaning for me, because family friends of ours started a team in memory of my mom, and this year it has a special meaning for Erik too, so it will be good to see friends and camp out on the lawn of my old high school.
For fun, I've been going to Karaoke just about every week. Usually I go alone, which sounds lame (and it could very well be) but it has been fun because no one I know actually has to hear me.
I'm also planning on going to grad school in the fall. I'm either going to Temple or Widener (I haven't made up my mind yet) to the Harrisburg program. I'll be working full-time and going to school part-time which should make for an interesting 2 years, but my work is paying for it, so I will do my best not to complain. I'll be getting my Masters Degree in Social Work, which hopefully will allow me to do jobs I will really love in the future- after I "repay" my time at the Agency, so I'll be there for at least three more years.
Erik and I also wanted to extend an invitation to you to come visit- but apparently he's writing about that, so I won't make you read it twice. Also, remember that if you are coming to Homecoming this year, you are more than welcome here, and we actually have room this year!!!
I miss you all!

Finally Erik Has Returned

2007-05-27T22:53:00.000-04:00

Well hello all I guess I need to post an update as well or face the wrath of Chris.

I am still working at RMS occasionally selling reprints. We recently had a reorg where they let go 3-4 sales people and some support staff. Then a few more people quit. This was all about a month before our busiest time of year, so suffice to say I have been just buried in work. I have also had some differing opinions than management on some of our core practices, which has made things a bit tense at times.

On a positive note I recently got to visit Chi-town on business. On Monday attended the National Restaurant Association show which is absolutely massive (if you have been to the auto show in Philly someone told me it's about 1.5 times larger). Strulson would have loved it because there are samples of everything including full size hot dogs from all the major vendors. I had a pork and beef "twist" dog...which you should be seeing realitivly soon.

My dad is doing pretty well with the cancer and treatments. He's shaved his head and it actually looks pretty good. I am convinced that 75% of it is mental. The weather's been good and the prognosius has been realitively positive so he is trucking along. I have a feeling though if on his next check up this week they say it has spread his health could change just like that.

Kate and I have remained busy visiting with friends and family on weekends and even during the week. Factor in a lot of overtime hours and we actually haven't spent much time in the new house...which is fine because we're going to be here for awhile. Along those lines Kate and I wanted to extend an invitation to everyone to come up and hang out for a few days. We don't have an ocean or anything but we do have a decent deck with grill, a few couches, and a theater room, plus all of the attractions of the greater Lancaster region. If anyone is interested just leave a post and I will pick an arbitrary date and we'll see if we can get something that will work out for everyone. Also anyone is welcome to stop by on their own if they are in the area...just let us know when you'll be around.

Kate's posting now, so I imagine she will fill in any blanks I missed.

Later
Erik

I once was lost but now am found

2007-05-24T23:15:00.000-04:00

Hey guys.......its been too long since I have written anything on here, and well its really been too long since I have been able to see any of you or even talk to you. Sorry for the long hiatus but I was having a tough time with school and all, but I made it through my first year and hopefully now things will start to get slightly easier. I will be in St.Louis all summer for any of you who would like to come visit (Chris and Jake are coming out, and Steph I got ur message and I will be around that week you are driving so let me know exactly when u may be passing by the Lou). I am currently in Yardley tonight after driving back last week to attend Meghan's graduation. She is also living with me for the summer, which I am extremely excited about, because as Jake said its difficult when you date someone who doesnt live that close to you. Although she will be leaving me in the fall again ( She is going for her PhD in chemistry at Indiana University) this summer will be a nice break from the distance. I think that is about all that is really going on in my life, well that and I really think I am getting gayer everyday (I have been watching Gray's Anatomy and I get urges to listen to Justin Timberlake alot). Again I apologize for my abscence, but I am sure after having to read this you are all going to hope I dont post again for a couple more months. Hope everyone is doing well, oh and Craig I heard you made some innappropriate comments to Story and Tim about sexual positions in Japan, they seem pretty scarred by it. PEACE!!!!!!

Matt Strulson's Update

2007-05-16T11:01:00.000-04:00

Since Matty's been too busy to chime in, I'm taking the liberty of updating for him.

Yo! Chemistry rules! I dont hate it! Yo fatty, way to get married! Go Phils!

Update

2007-05-13T16:00:00.000-04:00

Craig requested separate posts, so here it goes.
I too loved reading everyone's updates. In 12 school days, I will have officially made it through one year of teaching. I'm not sure teaching high school is for me (by that I mean right now I hate it), but I went ahead and signed my contract for another year to see how I feel after next year. Right now I'm looking forward to summer like never before.
I'm still in San Antonio, living in my own apartment (garage) with a big boxer outside my door who likes to break through my door when it rains and dirty up my whole apartment ... yeah it's luxurious. Really I can't complain because it is pretty cheap and I'm not tied down to a lease, meaning I can leave whenever I want.
Living alone is a bit too lonely for me, so I'm exploring some other options for next year like moving in with different friends, but am also too lazy to pack everything up and move again.
I bought a new used car so I can get around without wondering when it will blow up. I'll be driving that car back home in a few weeks to go to my brother's wedding and then stay for a while. I would love to stop by and see all of you at some point. I'll probably give you a call or email you closer to the time.
I am still with Jim. We are not quite at your stage Laura (no house or diamond), but we are at a stage where we are both considering grad school more seriously and are therefore considering how that is going to effect the other.
I would love to go to grad school in the next few years even though I'm not close to paying off the first go round, but I'm not sure .... I'm thinking I might wait another 2 years or so ... but then everyday on the way to school I want so badly to quit and apply to school. I guess we'll see.
I'm always glad to hear how everyone is doing -- I still love you all!
Steph

Post an Update

2007-05-07T08:51:00.000-04:00

Hey guys,
The blog has been slowing down, but we're approaching the three year anniversary of graduation (for most of us). I thought maybe we could each try to post an update of what's going on right now, maybe a collection of things that are going on, where we are in terms of jobs, where we hope to be, etc. I won't start, because it's my idea.

Nepal ikimasu

2007-04-29T03:21:00.000-04:00

Ok guys, I am on my way to Nepal. I will be spending the next few days riding on elephants and in canoes on safari. Wish me luck. I am sure i will have a great time but here are a few things I need to beware of:

1) Elephants can kill me easily if i piss them off.
2) Crocodiles can also kill me
3) Malaria
4) That weird bug that swims up your pee and eats your urethra
5) There are Leeches that jump out of trees!!
6) Tigers
7) Maoist insurgents that want to kill me for my money

6 dangers is the maximum for a vacation... 7 officially make it an adventure!

0nly 2 monthes until i come home! Chris you are top of my list to come see... lets try and do something with Rudd. Jake if you can spare the trip it'd be awesome to see you too... and the Eberzeses too!

Best Friend

2007-04-20T14:59:00.000-04:00

Video made my Mark Fleming's comedy group...if he ain't gonna post it, I will:

Phillies

2007-04-19T12:13:00.000-04:00

I was at the game last night, all 13 innings. It would have been a complete letdown if not for the fact that Chase Utley hit a line foul ball directly at me.

I caught it in my hat. The crowd (all 15 people left in the stands) cheered. I was king for 5 tenths of a second.

Now I have to name my firstborn "Chutley." Maybe "Chutlerina" if it's a girl.

Official play details

2007-04-17T00:11:00.000-04:00

The publisher has officially posted the play online here. Tell all your theater connection friends to buy copies.

Setup Help

2007-04-11T08:58:00.000-04:00

Dude and dudettes,
I have a joke that keeps getting rejected as "Not quite there" by this collegehumor thing. The joke in its original form was:

One of these porno films will never be made. Can you guess which one?
A) Backyard Babes VI
B) Cheerleader Sleepover, Pillow Fight, and Naughty-Time Jamboree
C) My Sister's Hot Mom

The dude likes the punchline, but not the setup. I changed it to: One of these is not like the other and Spot the Fake. He says they're both close. Any ideas for a better setup?

thank god you're here

2007-04-09T22:22:00.000-04:00

What do people think about the new nbc improv show "thank god you're here?" I haven't seen it ... I'm out tonight but actually taping it because it looks like something I'd like.
What do ya'll think?

Take a Chance

2007-04-04T01:41:00.000-04:00

So you'll remember that I got my one act play "Take a Chance" accepted for publication a while back...well, today the first sample arrived in the mail for me to proofread! It feels cool actually holding something in my hand that is going to get published, although now when I read it, I like it a lot less than I did two years ago when it was first written. I guess that's the artist's curse...writers hate their words, painters hate their art, Strulson hates the girls he hooked up with years ago...Fleming hates his characters in Dungeons and Dragons...

173

2007-03-26T10:19:00.000-04:00

In honor of Jake's great performance and my dream last night where I sat and watched the first 30 minutes of the Spiderman movie (and they were AWESOME), today's suggestion is: 173 superheroes.

Hi Everyone

2007-03-21T12:57:00.000-04:00

So how am I supposed to brag about being in the lead of the NCAA pool if nobody ever posts over there? I'm just going to have to drag my shameful lack of humility over to the blog.

I noticed I was the only one with a 173 joke so far this week. I take it as a testament to my awesomeness that I silenced each of you with a joke so witty that you literally had no follow-up.

I've told this story a few times already, but I don't think I've ever posted it, so here goes:

I was walking off the DC metro a few weeks ago on my way home from photography class, minding my own business and daydreaming about who would win in a fight, batman or tommy the green ranger, when the girl in front of my stopped suddenly. It seems she was taking off her headphones and accidentally managed to wrap them around a pole in the middle of the train.

The headphones were the type that clip onto your ear, rather than the headband style or earplug kind. The reason this is important is because the clips actually caught on the wire, like a miniature grappling hook. The girl had pretty much grappled herself to the metro car's pole (+1 for batman).

Two other people in front of me turned around to help her, but when a metro train stops, the doors only remain open for a few moments and then close somewhat violently. It's unlike an elevator in that these doors will not retract. If, in a moment of sight-gag hilarity, you ever decide to visit DC and thrust your balls outward towards the pentagon, you can be sure that your protest will be quickly neutered.

The girl was totally screwed as she had yet to remove her ipod from her pocket and the headphones were becoming more and more tangled around the pole. The two other helpers bailed so that they could get off the train before missing their stop, so it was just me and her frantically trying to undo the knot. As I worked the cord, my inner maniac magee took over. I worried that I would make the knot worse and have to abandon her, but, as if in slow motion, I unkinked the cord and hurried her off of the train just as the doors were closing. If I had been wearing a hat, I would have surely knocked it off of my own head just to experience the thrill of reaching back for it in true Indiana Jones fashion.

On the long walk up the platform to exit the metro, the girl I had helped was incredibly embarrassed -- I could tell from her red cheeks and ample bosom. She thanked me profusely, and when I just smiled, she thanked me profanely, which seemed rather unlady-like, but who am I to judge? I am just one man, riding the train and helping unshuffle those whose shuffles have gone kerfluffle.

173

2007-03-19T09:08:00.000-04:00

Trains.

Erik and Kate Update

2007-03-13T19:17:00.000-04:00

Ok I feel bad I haven't even been to the site for a few weeks let alone even post a comment. I want to stay connected with everyone so an update is neccessary. So here it is some good news some bad news and some random musings.

Actually first thing responses to other posts.
Craig you'll love China, I would have had you hook up with my brother but he's actually in the states for the next few months.

The spiderman trailer is no longer on the NBC site. I found something on YouTube that was mostly him fighting Harry. Is this the most current one? Only a quarter second of Venom, but at least they put him in. Movie would have sucked as the triology conclusion with the Sandman as the main villian. ZZZZ. Not sure how Topher Grace fits the mold of brock though. Mark please weigh in with full nerdom

Chris I need to know how to get to or at least the name of the piggies restuarant in the poconos.

Ok update. Kate and will be closing on our first house March 26th. For those not informed it is Bryan and Evie Pittinger's place. We are excited but a bit stressed with packing, bills, planning, insurances, and a myriad of other things. Plus we have the excitement of purchasing right as the housing bubble readies to fully burst so I guess we aren't going anywhere for 10 years till prices are back up.

Kate is also applying for Grad school and should hopefully be starting this Fall. This means I will be cooking dinner everynight as well as minor cleaning. Boo. But I will also be watching the simpsons again yea.

My latest project has been planning the home theater in the basement. I just ordered my Optoma HD70 projector and upconverting Sony DVD player. Now to spend $500 on HDMI cables. For anyone in the market for a cheap HD projector you can't miss with the Optoma... the reviews are incredible...now if I'll just be able to mount it proper.

Has there been any talk of a get together weekend or anything. We would be interested in hanging out.

If Com classes at Etown taught me anything it is to end on a sad note, so as to depress and demoralize your listeners. My father was diagnosed a few weeks back with cancer in just about every part of his body, lung, rib, pelvis, spine, and brain. Prognosis is about 4-6 months however from what I'm seeing from his rapidly deteriorating condition it is going to be sooner than that. Life has been crazy as my bro had to rush his family of 5 home from Beijing for the next three months. My sister, brother and I have been trying to get together a last minute vacation and family photo and other things while there is still time. With that and the house we've been busy, but it's been good. I am thankful that I will get a chance to say goodbye and spend quality time with my whole family and I've been filled with a sense of peace. This will be the first major death I've had to deal with so I hope that I am able to deal with the grief and loss well enough. Right now I think about it in small doses and try not to dwell on it too much.

Well those are the major things, Kate and I hope to have visitors in the new house so please don't feel bad about inviting yourself over if you are in the area. I'll try to stay current with board happenins and even make a 173 joke here or there.

Best Regards,
Erik "Linthands (soon to be on YouTube)" Eberz

Spiderman Trailer

2007-03-06T09:25:00.000-05:00

My fellow nerds! Today and today only NBC.com is posting an exclusive 8 minute trailer of spiderman 3. View it: http://www.nbc.com/Spiderman/

173

2007-03-05T09:20:00.000-05:00

Wallets

new news

2007-02-27T22:58:00.000-05:00

I know this is going to sound strange, because i complained about everything over the winter. That was because it was the winter and i was cold (i didn't use my heater to save money) and lonely (all my friends moved to Tokyo). Well i extended my contract until June. So i will be staying about two months longer. There were three teachers leaving on the same week for my area and they couldn't replace us all. So i said i would stay for the following reasons:
1) I have a girlfriend and new friends now... these people are going to show me around to all the fun places that i may have missed.
2) It is the spring time... in Japan the spring time is very beautiful, with many festivals and the cherry blossoms blooming. Also, i get a week off of work for a huge holiday called Golden Week.
3) I have alot of money... it is amazing how in just one winter of hermitage (sp?) you can save a buttload of cash. All thanks to free online video games and dollar movie rentals (RIP).
4) because i am saving GEOS they are giving me a full years of Paid Sick days +1. So on my last working day at GEOS they will pay me (upfront) for 11 working days. Plus, they are sponsering my Visa for another year. So on my way back from China I can stay with Dave for a lil bit... or i can comeback no problem this year.

Finally Some Free Time

2007-02-26T18:22:00.000-05:00

I know everyone's really busy, but I just thought I'd send a quick update about things in my life. I finally have some free time- finished up my licensure classes, and my girls just finished up their championship indoor game (sadly they lost). I have about a moth before things start to get crazy again. Track starts the first week in April so I'll have little free time.
I just got back from a conference in Georgia. I thought I was going to start preparing for the new international baccalaureate program. However, somewhere there was a miscommunication and I find myself thrown into a leadership position in the building that I'm not sure I'm qualified for. I'm not even tenured until the end of this school year! As a third year teacher I'm concerned about telling seasoned teachers what to do. Who would listen to me?
Other new things in my life...my sister is engaged. I had a moment of jealousy when I heard the news. As the oldest sister, I just always thought I would be first. Ryan and I aren't quite there yet, but things are going really well. We're going to Myrtle beach in two weeks for spring break. I was concerned about my sister at first(he's 36 years old, the manager of coldstone, and he's divorced) but, her fiance is a great guy and I've really gotten to like him a lot. He's hilarious.
That's all for now. I hope you all are doing well!

173

2007-02-26T08:37:00.001-05:00

Atoms

Quick Update

2007-02-21T21:44:00.000-05:00

I guess everyone is busy. Just a real quick update about my life in Japan before work.

-I got to pet a baby lion and shake Hands with a Dolphin.
-I did not get a job in Thailand, so i will be travelling around China for a week and then i will be home in the end of April.
-My job is very busy now, so i don't like it.
-I have a girlfriend... which sucks because she is really awesome but i leave in 2 months.
-I will be sending a few boxes home so let me know if you want anything from Japan. I can stuff it in a box and give it to you next time i see you.
-I will put some more pictures up soon and i will tell you when they are up.

173

2007-02-12T10:30:00.001-05:00

Bridges

Why ask Why

2007-02-08T11:34:00.000-05:00

Wasup ya'll?(ya'll whered u learn to speak like that?) I was informed by Mr. Richman that, and i believe this is a direct qoute, I should stop being a turd nugget and actually do something blog related. Despite the insult, I feel that perhaps the young man is right so here I am. As an update on my life, I am still in St.Louis and had a rough time last semester so I need to do very well this semester to stay in St.Louis. I will be back in PA on Feb.16th, but I am heading up to Bucknell to celebrate Valentine's Day with Meghan. Anyone who wants to come see the gateway to the west is more than welcome to come on out, just give me a heads up, I even have a fouton u can sleep on. Lets see what else is there, ummm, well not much really, i do lots of school work and talk to my gf and thats kinda my life right now. Hope everyone else is doin well, feel free to give me a call or im me or hatemail me (Mr. Richman). Does anyone else here enjoy the Sarah SIlverman program? I am excited for the 2nd episode tonight. And well I miss u guys. Peace!!!!

I should do this for a living

2007-02-05T15:34:00.000-05:00

So, as you guys, I'm sure, remember, we made predictions before the season started as to who would end up winning the super bowl. I'm proud to say I'm the only one to get it right, correctly predicting that the Colts would beat the Bears. Booya! See the original predictions here.

Wedding Dance

2007-01-31T11:22:00.001-05:00

If I ever get married, can we PLEASE do this?

http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1739206

173

2007-01-29T09:59:00.000-05:00

173 washing machines.

88 mph

2007-01-26T12:50:00.001-05:00

Go here:

http://delorean.com/dmcstore/onlinestore-search.asp

...and enter "flux" into the search.

173

2007-01-22T10:12:00.001-05:00

Caterpillars.

A sonnet

2007-01-19T12:48:00.000-05:00

Hey guys,
I got my first poem published! Sure, it's on collegehumor, but I'm proud nonetheless. Read it here.

Look at my baby!!

2007-01-17T14:00:00.000-05:00

This is her. Her name is Sora and that means sky.

Here we are at a Shrine.

If you were girls you would be impressed by my fatherly ways and probably want me to father some, if not all, of your children. All i can hope is that some beautifl woman stumbles accross the Apimpment and sees this photo. Whith out seeing any photos of you guys. Then my chances are gone.

It's humid, he said

2007-01-15T14:46:00.000-05:00

I have a brief quote in the Washington Post this week -- not for anything exciting, of course, but because I happened to be downtown in DC near a water main break. You might have to login to see the article.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/13/AR2007011300596.html?sub=AR

My quote sounds kinda stupid upon reflection --
***

At the U.S. Botanic Garden, which was open but had to close its restrooms because of the water outage, Drew Saunders, 29, and Jake Landis, 24, said the lack of water wasn't a problem. They said they were there just to take pictures.

"But I did overhear people saying, 'Where's the water fountain?' because it's so humid inside," Landis said.

***
Kind of "these pretzels are making me thirsty" effect -- no matter how I say it, it doesn't sound right.

my weekend

2007-01-15T06:57:00.000-05:00

I had a pretty eventful weekend. I went out to a Karaoke bar with one of my students. I wasn't too excited to go because he is a older gentleman and i wasn't sure how fun it was gonna be. But he is my student so i gave him a shot. The bar was a half snack bar and half karaoke place. Which means the Girls that work at the bar try to make you sing. I sang, i danced, i made new friends and have pictures of people whom i will never meet again. I was even propositioned by a woman... who was married... to a guy at the bar... who was totally cool with it.
My student was pretty cool, he was singing with me, and dancing like an old Japanese man, and he translated the proposition.
He left before me and that's when all the trouble happened. I called a taxi and left. The taxi dropped me off by my bike and i realized that I didn't have my book bag or my bike keys. In my drunken state i walked home. I called Dave to keep me company for the 10 min walk in the freezing cold. I got home and my door was locked... i couldn't unlock it because the apt keys were attached to my bike keys! Two seconds later my phones batteries die. So now i am stranded, drunk and i cannot call for help.
I walked back down the hill and went into the twenty-four hour restaurant near my house. I asked if there was a lock-smith open now. She said no. So i asked her to call the police.
When the police came they were absolutely no help. All they did was give me a list of phone numbers. I asked them to call now and they said i had to wait until 9. It was 3 am. I asked them where i should wait... they said they didn't know. Thank god for the waitress standing near buy. she told me i could stay there, and sleep.
So i curled up in a booth and slept for 5 hours. I woke up to find the restaurant was pretty full and everybody was staring at me. So i turned over and tried to fall back a sleep. I am not a violent person, but i wanted to kill the 10yr old that was screaming, keeping me awake.
9:00 sweet. i asked the waitress to call the locksmith and i walked back to my house to meet him. He ended up being the most crooked person in the world. First thing he asked me was if i had money. I said yes, he actually asked me how much I had... my spidey sense went off and i gave him a shrug of my shoulder to signify that i didn't understand the last question. we got to my door and, after about 25min, he couldn't open it. Luckily my neighbor was awake and came out to see what the noise was. Finally some luck.
He called the landlord to get the master key. Then the locksmith told me i owed him 30 bucks for coming out and doing nothing. I payed him... not because i liked him, and not because i thought it was right. Only because i don't know enough of the language to dispute him. I did make a noise to signify that i knew he was a crook though. That'll show him.

I miss you guys

2007-01-12T17:28:00.000-05:00

I miss you guys so much. I haven't been on here to check things out in so long, but I actually made my way here today and wanted to check in. I'm also very excited about the game and will be watching it with my roommate!! Ryan may actually let me cheer out loud. He usually gives me dirty looks (he's a steelers fan. BOOOOO). Don't tell him I said that, he'll be so mad at me. I have had some fun rubbing in the fact that they had a terrible season. He is desperately trying to convert me to the dark side, but I'm resisting!!
I do hope everyone had a great New Year's.

A New Post to Shock and Thrill You

2007-01-12T12:53:00.000-05:00

SO, my friends, somewhat quiet this week so I'm taking a very special piece of my lunch hour to talk to you about a film I enjoyed recently. It's called Children of Men, and it's very cool. It features a futuristic plot where all women are barren and, in turn, civilization begins to collapse. Laughs a minute! In all seriousness, it is a very excellent film, directed by the dude who did Harry Potter 3, my most favorite of the Potters (because it features time travel by replacing the flux capacitor with an hourglass and special magiks).

I took Laurie to see it by promising that Will Ferrel makes a cameo appearance, which is entirely untrue but it did get her into the theater.

Also -- very excited for the Eagles game this weekend -- I will actually be watching the game with others, rather than typing WOOOO very often with Strulson on instant messanger (not that I didn't enjoy it...in fact, I think we bonded a little.)

This concludes my message -- until next post, may the surprisingly warm winds of January warm your hearts and ruin your local ski lodge economy.

173

2007-01-09T08:33:00.000-05:00

Okay boys. She asked for it, now she gets it:

173 go-carts.

Atlanta

2007-01-05T14:27:00.001-05:00

Hey guys (and girls)...I'm off to Atlanta for a few days, so I'll be back posting and commenting on Monday. Have a good weekend.

Finally...good news

2007-01-04T16:18:00.000-05:00

In the midst of working 60 hour weeks (ask Jake, that is not even a slight exaggeration) I read the news online to keep up with what's going on in the world. I have thought many times about stopping this because there are many, MANY depressing stories and so many bad things going on out there - but yesterday there was one that made me glad I still read the news - Check it out.

reunited

2007-01-02T21:35:00.000-05:00

I just want to say how happy it made me to see the following people this weekend who I know contribute to this blog (in the order I saw them, I believe):

Chris, Jake, Laurie, Kate, Erik.

To the rest of you who couldn't make it to Linds' party or some such gathering:

Struls - "Family thing?" is that what they're calling it these days? Ha. And if they are, why not bring your whole family to the party? I can see your mom cleaning up at the pong table and I don't mean in the Clorox wet-wipes way.
Mark - Don't tell me there's no highway between Jersey or Mass. and PA. And if there is none, did you ever consider using your archeological skills to dig your way to the party?
Craig - Also don't tell me there's no highway between Japan and PA. Okay, if you tell me that, did you ever consider teleporting or a similar mode of easily accessible speedy transport?

No seriously, I do wish I could have run into (most likely literarlly) the rest of you as well and I hope you all had great holidays .

Maybe we can somehow all get together when I'm home in June. If not, I will continue to remain involved in your life by blogger-stalking you while eating warm snickerdoodle cookies and expired cranberry orange juice.

Everyone have a good start to 2007 .... it's back to the dreadful trenches. :(

Steph

The Onion Sports Review

2006-12-28T08:34:00.000-05:00

For those who don't go there often, The Onion is doing a year review of the biggest news stories. It's pretty sweet.

www.theonion.com

**Mavericks To Incorporate Machetes Into Hack-A-Shaq Defense

Spring Camping Trip

2006-12-27T11:59:00.000-05:00

I've been mulling over some ideas for a spring camping trip, and I'm still in favor of getting a cabin or a suite at Skyline Drive in VA for a long weekend. Here's a site with some info:

http://members.aol.com/adnascar/skyland.html

and here's another with some rate info:

http://www.visitshenandoah.com/rates.shtml

I think a suite would be best -- it has the most amenities and sleeps up to six. I can't seem to figure out availability without calling, though, so it's just an idea at the moment. Let me know what you think.

Happy Day-After-Christmas!

2006-12-26T09:34:00.000-05:00

I was too drunk to post last night (although it may have been funnier), so I just wanted to wish everyone a great December 21st, the day when God gave us our first look at actor Jared Leto. While he got his start on My So-Called Life, Jared has gone on to star in such hits as Panic Room, Urban Legend, Fight Club, and Lord of War.

Here are some of Jared's personal quotes, and two I made up. Can you tell which are which?

"I sometimes bathe in chicken fat. It makes me horny."

"I don't think Requiem for a Dream (2000) is for children, but I think if you went home and looked at the video games that your kids are playing, you'd be much more shocked."

About My So-Called Life cast mate Claire Danes: "We actually didn't hang out much off-set; at the time, she had bad breath."

"I used to like to break into other people's houses and sit in their rooms. I found it very comforting to be in someone's empty house."

Happy Jared Leto's Birthday!!!

Great video

2006-12-21T12:28:00.000-05:00

This is sort of in the style of Stella and Wet Hot American Summer.

http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1732361