As of 8:30 PM last night, I had no sermon for today. I finally got inspired, and put something together. I went waaaay long, maybe the longest in Cumberland Presbyterian history, but most people did not seem to mind. I think I finished about 12:15.

I am sort of dreading tomorrow, moreso than most Mondays. I hope it goes well.

Michelle had an interesting dream last night. She dreamt that she received horrible service at a fast food restaurant, and I think she may have said she got into a physical confrontation (in the dream). Today after church, we went to Burger King, and received the worst service ever. It took three tried for the guy to make a burger with "no pickles and no mustard". The first time, it had both pickles and mustard. The second time, it had pickles, and extra mustard. The third time, it was finally right. But of course, my burger and fries were cold by then. Jeez, it was horrible. Fortunately, she kept her cool and no blood was shed. Although, we were both pretty ticked off. LOL.

I have a paper due Thursday in philosophy, so I guess I had better read the other half of the material.

We went over to Tim's tonight to hand out candy. We left before they got back from trick or treating, so I relieved him of some of his DVDs. I am watching the Eagles' reunion concert right now, to be followed by Rounders. I also took back some DVDs of mine that he has had for quite some time. I bought a new rack to hold my cds and DVD's, but have not as yet assembled it. So, I have about 150 various cds scattered around the house, and all my DVD's are on the floor next to my bed. I guess I will get around to it sometime. Oh well.

I hope everyone has a wonderful week. Peace...

Michelle and I have been enjoying our Netflix subscription. We seem to be getting red envelopes nearly every day. Cool. We watched The Big Chill last night; it had been a long time since I had seen it and she had never seen it. We both enjoyed it immensely. It is one freaky flick, that's for sure.

I have a lot of work to do today, before I head to the football field this afternoon. I have 3 games at Kenwood starting at 1:30. These will be my last football games of the season. Our season-ending banquet is Monday night (whoever heard of scheduling a banquet on Monday-friggin' night, anyway?!?!?), and that will bring my season to a close. The playoffs start next Friday.

I realized yesterday that I used a fallacious argument in my philosophy paper. Jeez, I made an A in logic, and I still did that. I am pissed at myself. No telling what my grade will be; half the paper was based on that argument. Damn. This sucks. I have been under a lot of pressure lately, and I guess this is a by-product of that. By the way, the fallacy was that I used the word "immanence" instead of the word "eminence"; this is called the fallacy of equivocation. Oh well, life goes on. With a lower grade of course.

I am going to work on tomorrow's sermon after my football games. I sort of have an idea in my head, but haven't been able to get it down on paper. I think I am going to sleep at the church tonight, and shower at the minister's house in the morning.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. Peace...

I got some good news this morning when my philosophy prof said he was going to curve the grades from the test. The highest grade in the class was 31/40, so everybody sucked. I think he realized that was the hardest test ever given. LOL. I am in line for a B overall in the class, provided my papers are good.

Peace...

Several years ago, I read an article in a car magazine in which the author was discerning the differences between "car" guys and "non-car" guys. One of the points at issue was how two people would assess a muffler that is dragging the ground. The author said that if a "non-car" guy suspected his muffler was dragging the ground, he would get out of his car, look under the car, and say to himself, "Hmm. My muffler is dragging the ground". A "car guy" would get out his car, climb underneath the car and say, "Hmm. My muffler is dragging the ground". Earlier tonight, whilst driving to the library, I started to get the feeling that my muffler may have been dragging the ground. So, I got out of the truck, climbed underneath it, and said to myself, "Hmm. My muffler is dragging the ground". LOL. My muffler has a lifetime warranty, so until I can get to Midas, I will be riding in true redneck fashion, with my muffler being held in place by two wire coat hangers. I just hope that Joan Crawford, subject of the 1981 movie "Mommie Dearest", doesn't start beating me for using wire hangers. LOL.

Unbelievable, the Red Sox have won the first two games after making 4 errors in each game. The only thing worse than the Sox defense is the Cardinals pitching. Can the Sox snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, like they have done so many times in the past? I dunno. I just know that they are on a roll. If Schilling can reach deep down into his soul and get another win, the Sox will win as well.

Peace...

I got a lot of work done yesterday on my paper for existentialism. I just need to clean up the works cited page, and it will be ready. It needs to be good, after the horrendous test.

Earlier this week, Michelle and I signed up for Netflix. We received our first shipment of movies yesterday, so we are looking forward to watching them this weekend. Cool. We got "High Fidelity", which we both have already seen, and "Love Actually", which I have not seen (I think maybe she has). We also got a Bruce Hornsby concert. We both like Bruce a lot.

I have a youth council meeting in Nashville tomorrow morning. Joy. A meeting on a Saturday--what a concept! Stop the insanity, please.

I am preaching next Sunday, so I really need to start working on my sermon.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. Peace...

I havent had much to say recently, so it has been a while since I have posted. I don't really have much to say today, but I felt like writing something, so I am going sort of free-style.

I got the results of my existentialism test this morning. Uh, not good. The highest grade in the class was 31/40, and unfortunately, that was not my grade. I got 23/40. Damn that hurts. The prof told me that the grades overall were lower than what he expected, and relied by saying something like, "Well, duh. That was the hardest test ever known to mankind. Jeez." Something like that, not exactly. Anyway, I can still get a B in the class if I do well on the papers. Speaking of which, the first paper is due next Tuesday, so I guess I need to get started on it. I am almost finished reading the material, so I should be able to knock it out tomorrow. Cool.

Fall break was wonderful. Michelle and I had a great time hanging out, and I think we actually got some work done, although not much. LOL. I guess that's why they call it a "break". LOL.

Fidelio has been running wonderfully with his new RAM chip; I am so jacked.

The Red Sox somehow staved off the curse last night. Winning 4 straight against the Yankees was incredible. I am not sure who to root for in the Series, but I lean against rooting for Boston. That would be setting myself up for serious heartbreak. if they somehow do win, however, that city will burn in celebration. Hopefully Ellen's part of town will be OK. LOL. I guess Cambridge is a whole other universe anyway. LOL.

I hope everyone has a wonderful day. Peace...

Tomorrow is the official mid-term, and my Brit Lit class has yet to have a graded assignment. LOL. It's almost comical.

On my way home tonight, my headlights began to dim, and the radio started fading out. The battery voltage meter was reading 10 volts, and it was dropping. I made it about halfway home before the engine stalled. I called Michelle, and she took me home. I had to leave the truck (Xanthas) on the side of the road, but I will get it taken care of tomorrow. I hope it is still in one piece. Something must be wrong in the electrical system, because the battery, starter, and alternator are all new. Maybe its the voltage regulator, I dunno. Wish me luck.

The library is open during the break, which is good because I have a ton of work to do. I have to read two plays for existentialism, and write a paper about them. I also have to read "Hard Times" by Charles Dickens for Brit Lit. Joy.

Peace...

Fall Break officially began for me about 20 minutes ago. YAY!!

The exam this morning was really tough. We had seven questions we were responsible for. One was left off the test, and we had to answer 5 of the six. The one that was left off was the one that I am strongest on. Boo. So, I did the best I could, and I feel like I probably made a middle or low B. Although, I never really know. Some people can walk out of a test and know exactly how they did, but not me. I have a pretty good feeling about this one. I have to read two plays over the break and write a paper over them. Joy.

Peace...

Michelle just found me in the library, and brought me a gift to help me take my mind off my test tomorrow. She bought me a 96-count box of Crayola crayons!! COOL!!! Growing up, I never had more than the 16-count box, so this is really neat. It even has the sharpener on the back. YAY!! She suggested that I use an assortment of colors on the test tomorrow. I wonder how that would go over. LOL.

Actually, I am thinking of asking him if I could type the answers on the laptop, then print them out. My right hand has been hurting lately, and it is a bit difficult to use a pencil or pen. Two summers ago, I jacked up my index and middle fingers by getting hit with a foul ball, and on Mother's Day this year, I dislocated my thumb playing volleyball. Once it went back into its socket, I naturally kept playing, and knocked it out again. At that point I gave up. The next day, I had a final exam. That was tough. Ever since, the thumb gets weak and sore from time to time. This is one of those times.

I hope everyone has a wonderful day. Peace...

I have been up all night studying for my existentialism test. I am now so wired on Dr. Pepper, I cannot go to sleep. Uh oh.

The Red Sox suck. They should just quit playing. Jeez.

Peace...

Q. When was the last time I went 1 hour and 25 minutes without saying a word?

A. Earlier today in African American Lit class. I absolutely had nothing to say. I just turned in my paper and sat silent. Unfortunately for me, no one else did the same. The class turned into a shouting match, and by the time it was over I had a pounding headache. So, I went to see Michelle, she gave me a Tylenol and I felt better. Thankfully, it was extra-strength.

My game last night in Waverly was wet and miserable. I took my long cleats with me, and that turned out to be a smart move. I was so proud of myself. I think that may be my last high school game this year. I am doing baseball this Friday, and next Friday I am off as well. Maybe I will get a playoff game, but I am not counting on it. I'll see how it goes.

The double test in British Lit has been postponed to an undetermined date, so that is a relief. I am concentrating all my efforts on the Existentialism test Thursday, because it will be the most difficult test I have ever taken. Except for those tests my mom gave me in 4th grade math class :( Seriously, though, this test is gonna be a monster. There are only 5 questions, but each question has about 172 sub parts. Each question is worth 8 points, so the 40 points make up 40% of the grade for the semester. I need to be great on Thursday.

After the test, I will immediately start working on a research paper that is due 12 days from then. It should be interesting.

Most of my writing assignments this semester are essays, not research based. I am not sure which I like best. In essays, it is sometimes difficult for me to get focused on an idea. Anyway, I will spend my fall break writing and reading. Joy. Almost makes me long for the days before the fall break. Of course, nothing beats the clown professor I had who gave a test the day after the Super Bowl. That was the same professor who shot fireworks to celebrate the vernal equinox. Seems the two of us have different priorities. LOL.

Sometime in the next two weeks, I am going to have to put together a sermon for October 31. I am still considering whether to wear a costume. LOL.

I hope everyone else has a wonderful afternoon. Peace...

I have been studying all morning for my existentialism test, which is 40% of the total grade. It is going to be really tough. Wish me luck.

I made a wish list at Amazon.com, and I put a link to it in the left margin. Treat it like a Chicago election: buy (vote) early and often. LOL. Seriously, if you are thinking of getting me a gift for Christmas, there is a lot to choose from. Some are cheap, some not. Thanks.

I have a game at Waverly tonight. It should be a lot of fun. The head referee is a guy whom I really like. He is great to work with. Although, he must be a reptile. It could be 35 degrees outside, and he would be wearing shorts and a short-sleeve shirt. I am going to be cold tonight. Oh well.

I hope everyone has a wonderful day. Peace...

I have been so wrapped up in trying to get my blog to work, I forgot to write about my new RAM.

I arrived Friday after I had already left for my football game. When I got home, Michelle was there as well. She wasn't real hungry, so I installed the chip before we went out. It didn't work; in fact, I got the blue screen of death. Not good. I messed around with it for a while, but couldn't get it to work. I wasn't able to do anything with it, so on Sunday night I went over to my parents' house to get someone to look at it. My dad told me to do one simple thing, then another, and voila, it worked. I am now the proud owner of 640 MB of RAM. Fidelio is really happy. It's like he took Viagra or something. LOL.

Peace...

I finally gave up on ressurecting my blog, and have pronounced it dead. I copied and pasted as many old posts as I could, but the archives are gone. Oh well, all things must pass, and I will start anew.

Friday, October 01, 2004

I am still waiting for the UPS truck, and I almost ready to cuss, dammit.

# posted by Chris Winn @ 10/1/2004 03:22:11 PM

As Tom Petty once said, "The waiting...is the hardest part."

# posted by Chris Winn @ 10/1/2004 01:03:04 PM

Still waiting for my shipment...

# posted by Chris Winn @ 10/1/2004 10:28:46 AM

The Dodgers pulled out a win tonight, with David Ross hitting a two-run homer in the bottom of the 11th. That means their magic number is down to 1, so if they one of three games against the Giants this weekend, the Dodgers will win the division. Cool. Before the season started, I felt the Dodgers would finish no better than third in the division, so I am pleasantly surprised. I also feel bad for Kent, as his beloved Cubs have gone into the tank the last few days.

My RAM chip got to Nashville earlier, and just a few minutes ago, it left on a truck for Clarksville. YAY!! It should be at my door sometime tomorrow. COOL!!

# posted by Chris Winn @ 10/1/2004 01:26:52 AM

Thursday, September 30, 2004

Tonight after class, I did my usual check in the Harvill lot. I spotted 4 vehicles illegally parked, so I called campus police. The cop that questioned me last week was on duty, and he came right over. When he got out of his car, he asked me which cars were illegal. I told him I had my chalk with me, and that I could mark them for him if he wanted me to. He said, "Uh, no.". Anyway, Michelle and I spoke with him for a few minutes, and he started writing tickets. I guess vigilante justice works.

We watched most of the debate, and really I don't know why. It was nothing more than a bunch of ad hominem and red herring fallacial arguments. It was pretty clear that Kerry won, so we'll see what the poles do.

I guess I need to learn how to read a calendar. I thought today was October 1, but it obviously was not. My RAM is scheduled to be delivered on Oct. 1. It is in Nashville right now, so I guess it will be put on a truck for Clarksville either tonight or tomorrow morning. Cool.

Tomorrow, I have a game at Greenbrier. A guy from Mt. Denson coaches their middle school team, and I think he is an assistant with the varsity. So, it will be cool to see him. It will be an easy night, since I am working the clock.

I hope everyone has a wonderful evening. Peace...

# posted by Chris Winn @ 9/30/2004 09:52:29 PM

The Dodgers choked away the game in the 9th inning, but I got my reading done. Once I finish my writing, I am off to bed. Gonna be a long day tomorrow. Peace...

# posted by Chris Winn @ 9/30/2004 01:55:41 AM

Wednesday, September 29, 2004

Another local youth has died. A kid in Springfield, who was known by several of my kids, was killed Monday night. Apparently, he was skateboarding in a street and was hit by a vehicle. Not a smart thing to be doing on his part, but it still sucks. One of my kids was particularly distraught, so tonight was spent trying to minister to the kids on living our lives to the fullest, and not wasting time. On of the kids said that several kids in his circle of friends have been comptemplating suicide in the past few days. People react to tragedy in different ways, and I hope that none of those kids over-reacts and does anything drastic. Please pray for the family of the deceased, and his friends.

My RAM chip should be here tomorrow. It was shipped UPS 2nd Day Air, and is in transit now. I really need some new clothes, but I decided to upgrade my computer instead of my wardrobe. Oh well. Cue up the Rolling Stones' You Can't Always Get What You Want.

I have a paper due tomorrow, and I really should be writing it now. Actually, I should be reading the book that the paper is based on, so I could right the paper. However, the Dodgers are on ESPN2, and they are in a pennant race. So, you can guess what I am doing. Oh well, I can always do it before class. Oh wait, I have another class before that class. Oh well, I will figure something out.

There is a movie opening soon based on the book Friday Night Lights. The book was based on the (Odessa, TX) Permian Panthers High School football team. The author spent a year in Odessa, following the team and the town through every practice, pep rally, and game. It will shock and delight at the same time. It might make you sick to know that the football team's budget was larger than the English Department's. Anyway, it should make you sick.

I hope everyone has a great evening. Peace...

# posted by Chris Winn @ 9/29/2004 10:27:08 PM

I finally ordered additional RAM for Fidelio, my laptop. He is really happy. Since the day I designed the laptop, I have been wanting to get more RAM. It only took me a year to do it. LOL. I currently have (2) 128 MB chips. I ordered a 512 MB chip, and once I remove (1) 128 MB chip, I will have 640 MB of RAM. Cool. That should be plenty. So, the next thing is to upgrade my video card. Stay tuned.

They were giving away free copies of Microsoft's OneNote software today, so I picked up one. I tried a free beta version last year, but didn't think much of it. It seemed to be a solution to a problem I didn't have. Anyway, free is free, and I have been toying around with it a bit. I seem to be getting the hang of it. I normally use Word to take notes, so I do not know if I really want to switch. We'll see what happens.

I have noticed that the squirrels are working really hard, getting ready for winter. I don't think I have seen a squirrel without a nut in its mouth in several weeks. Today, as I was walking into Ellington, I watched a squirrel bury a not in the mulch beside the door. I started thinking about when Christ talked about how we should not worry about money and things here on earth, and that the birds do not store up for the winter, and yet God provides for them. I mentioned this to a friend of mine, and my friend wondered if this meant squirrels are Jewish. Ouch.

I hope everyone has a wonderful evening. Peace...

# posted by Chris Winn @ 9/29/2004 01:32:38 AM

Tuesday, September 28, 2004

The weekend was rather hectic, so I did not get a chance to post. On Friday, as Michelle and I were leaving her dorm, we counted 4 cars parked illegally. I also noticed a campus cop on the other side of the lot near Trahern, so I flagged him down (more on the technique later). He came over, and I pointed out the illegal cars. So, he began writing tickets. Cool. There has been some discussion about my "flagging down" technique. It was more of a taxi-cab hail than an "arms-flailing, building on fire" type of motion. I felt it was the proper maneuver.

Saturday, I refereed 5 football games at Clarksville High. That made for an extremely long day. I was really exhausted at the end, and was not in a real good mood. However, as I was walking to my car after the last game, I heard a familiar voice say, "Hey Chris". I looked up, and it was Michelle. She thought I had another game to go, and had come to watch. It really brightened my spirits to see her. We talked for a few minutes, and then decided to leave. I told her if she would go home, and change into some nicer clothes, we could go on an actual "date". She got really excited at that prospect. So, we went to Olive Garden, one of her favorite places, and enjoyed a great meal. Afterward, we rented a movie, but didn't watch it since I collapsed from exhaustion when we got back to her room. I slept until about 11:30, then went home. So, I guess we went on about half of a real date. LOL.

Sunday, there was a guest speaker after church who came to talk about her medical practice and ministry in West Virginia. The youth allegedly sponsored a sandwich luncheon, but what really happened was that Michelle and I did 90% of the work, while most of the youth group went home. We were not real happy with them at that time. Oh well, we got through it OK. That afternoon, I went back over to Clarksville High to watch the final game of a baseball tournament that had been going on this weekend. Mike Clark was behind the plate, so it was good to see him. We talked for about an hour after the game, until I got a call from Michelle saying she was hungry enough to eat the paint off the walls of her room. So, I told her to order some pizza, and that I would be over soon. I went over there, and we enjoyed pizza and wings. We still didn't watch the movie, but just hung out.

Yesterday, Steve and I went to Bowling Green, KY to pick up a ping-pong table that was on clearance at Toys R Us. As we were leaving, I spotted several cars parked illegally in the Harvill lot. So, I called Campus Police, and they said they would send an officer over.

We had a nice trip, since it was a great day for a drive. We came back to Clarksville to the store here, and Steve got another table. The one I got I am going to take to the church for the kids to play with. Steve's girlfriend Tina just got promoted to Store Director, so she donated it to the church. It was really nice of her to do that. Someone donated an air hockey table recently, so I am putting together a bit of a game room.

Last night, I was really excited about the Cowboys-Redskins game. There are few rivalries in the NFL that are more intense. I was disappointed that the Skins didn't play better, but they are just not real good right now. They made several mistakes that were the result of being confused and unprepared. That is uncharacteristic of a Joe Gibbs-coached team. Hopefully, they will able to turn it around.

Things are looking better for me in baseball, as the Dodgers came from behind last night to win, moving ever closer to clinching the division. They have been playing much better over the past week or so, although I still doubt if they can win a playoff series. We'll see what happens.

I read today that the extended version of LOTR Return of the King will be relesaed Dec. 14. The article said that the total running time of the three extended versions will be 11 hours, 23 minutes. That is a lot of movie. Cool. I need to get the extended version of Two Towers. I only have the regular version.

I have a vocab quiz in Spanish tonight, so I am going to study for that this afternoon. I don't think it will be too difficult, but I still want to be prepared. I made a B on the test last week, so that's not too bad. I need to do better though. Wish me luck.

I hope everyone has a wonderful day. Peace...

# posted by Chris Winn @ 9/28/2004 11:36:38 AM

Thursday, September 23, 2004

My career in traffic enforcement came to an abrupt halt tonight, when a campus cop spotted me writing on a violator's car. He politely asked me to cease and desist. He said his office had been getting calls today asking why the police were writing on cars. LOL. Michelle and I told him we were tired of so many people parking illegally in her lot, and that no tickets wee being written. It turns out a student died today, so the cops were tied up in dealing with that situation. Obviously, prayers and condolences go to the family of that student.

I read in the campus newspaper that a student at the University of Wisconsin was supplementing his income by writing fake parking tickets, and having the payments sent to his house. I quickly decided not to do that. LOL.

I hope everyone has a great evening. Peace...

# posted by Chris Winn @ 9/23/2004 10:49:54 PM

When I got to school this morning, there were four cars parked illegally in the Harvill lot. This forced Michelle to have to park about a mile away on a seedy side street. So, I started my glass chalking campaign. I wrote messages on the back windows of the illegally parked cars, letting everyone know what was up. It was a lot of fun. After my first class was finished, I looked out a window and saw a campus cop writing tickets to the violators. COOL!!

We have a quiz in African American Lit today, which will be tough since I do not have the book we were supposed to read. No one around here has it, so I may have to fire up the BS machine. I found some commentary about it online, so it will be interesting to see what happens.

I watched about half of Episode VI last night, and am sort of watching it now. AA Lit starts in 15 min, so I can't stay long.

I hope everyone has a great day. Peace...

# posted by Chris Winn @ 9/23/2004 01:37:40 PM

When I got to school this morning, there were four cars parked illegally in the Harvill lot. This forced Michelle to have to park about a mile away on a seedy side street. So, I started my glass chalking campaign. I wrote messages on the back windows of the illegally parked cars, letting everyone know what was up. It was a lot of fun. After my first class was finished, I looked out a window and saw a campus cop writing tickets to the violators. COOL!!

We have a quiz in African American Lit today, which will be tough since I do not have the book we were supposed to read. No one around here has it, so I may have to fire up the BS machine. I found some commentary about it online, so it will be interesting to see what happens.

I watched about half of Episode VI last night, and am sort of watching it now. AA Lit starts in 15 min, so I can't stay long.

I hope everyone has a great day. Peace...

# posted by Chris Winn @ 9/23/2004 01:25:54 PM

When I got to school this morning, there were four cars parked illegally in the Harvill lot. This forced Michelle to have to park about a mile away on a seedy side street. So, I started my glass chalking campaign. I wrote messages on the back windows of the illegally parked cars, letting everyone know what was up. It was a lot of fun. After my first class was finished, I looked out a window and saw a campus cop writing tickets to the violators. COOL!!

We have a quiz in African American Lit today, which will be tough since I do not have the book we were supposed to read. No one around here has it, so I may have to fire up the BS machine. I found some commentary about it online, so it will be interesting to see what happens.

I watched about half of Episode VI last night, and am sort of watching it now. AA Lit starts in 15 min, so I can't stay long.

I hope everyone has a great day. Peace...

# posted by Chris Winn @ 9/23/2004 01:25:26 PM

Wednesday, September 22, 2004

I am in full rampage about the parking situation at Michelle's dorm. Today, we tried to park and every spot was taken. Four of those spots were taken by cars that were parked illegally. After I called campus police to report them, we went to Wal-Mart. I bought a can of stuff called "Glass Chalk". This is what parents use to write on their car windows when their kids are playing in sports tournaments and such. I plan on using it to write crazy messages on the windows of cars that are illegally parked. I have phrases such as "THIS CAR IS PARKED ILLEGALLY", "PLEASE WRITE ME A PARKING TICKET", "I AM TOO LAZY TO WALK, SO I PARKED ILLEGALLY, and "I AM COLOR BLIND; I DO NOT KNOW WHERE TO PARK". Michelle asked whether this was legal, and my response was "sue me".

I went to Nashville this morning to visit Daphne in the hospital. She is doing well, and should go home tomorrow. Her surgery went better than they ever could have expected, so everyone is upbeat. When I had been there about 15 minutes, she hit the joy button for a shot of morphine, and I knew it was time to go. She is at St. Thomas, which was founded the Daughters of Charity, a Catholic women's group. Daphne said every morning that Holy Communion is brought to the patients' rooms. I thought that was really neat.

It is my opinion that most people, when faced with a serious situation such as sickness, injury, death, or divorce, or any other such life-altering event, go in one of tow directions. Some people draw closer to their faith, and some go completely away from it. It appears Daphne and Kent are moving towards getting closer to their faith, and I am glad to see that. I will continue to pray for them.

One of the kids in youth group has not been attending church for quite some time, so Michelle and I stopped by her place of work on our way home tonight to see how she was doing. She is waitressing, and working a lot of hours. She is also making pretty good tips, which scares me a bit. I am afraid she will get addicted to the money she is making, and that she will start putting work/money/possessions above her faith. I did that for several years, and it can be destructive. I will continue to pray for her as well.

I got named to the Food Service Committee, which should be pretty cool. If not, at least there is free food at the meetings. LOL.

I bought the Star Wars trilogy yesterday, and have watched Episodes IV and V. I may watch VI in a few minutes. I also bought a pack of figurines that included Vader, a stormtrooper, and the Emperor. Today, while at Sam's I saw they had a Millennium Falcon, with a bonus pack containing 6 figurines. I am sort of glad I didn't have $60 with me, or I would have probably bought it. LOL. Nothing like reliving your childhood.

I hope everyone has a great day tomorrow. Peace...

# posted by Chris Winn @ 9/22/2004 11:37:17 PM

Tuesday, September 21, 2004

I saw this post on someone else's blog. How many of these books have you read? Books that I have read are in italics.

Celebrate your freedom to read!
"Banned Books Week" is September 25 - October 2, 2004.

Each year, since 1982, the ALA has encouraged association libraries to celebrate the freedom that we, as American citizens, have to read what we choose.

Although most of the books on the Top 100 list are "merely" challenged works, the ALA has chosen to maintain the title "Banned Books Week" because a challenge *is* an attempt to have a book banned from public and school libraries. A successful challenge would result in the book being unavailable to the public at these resources.

Sure - you could order it online, or go down to Barnes & Noble and buy it - but that's not the point. The point is that there is a movement to have BOOKS BANNED. Period.

As a culture, books are our touchstones, our means of communicating thoughts, ideas, and concepts. Poetry, religious literature, and pop culture works reflect our society as a whole - who are we, as members of various subcultures and groups, to restrict other groups from having their voices heard?

Many of the books on the ALA Top 100 lists are challenged by parents in an attempt to shield children as a whole from offensive language, sexual situations, or violent material. Yet what is acceptable to one parent may be unacceptable to another, and vice versa. The ALA has taken the stance that it is the parent's right, as a parent, to assist a child in chosing appropriate literature for their child.

I've included the Top 100 Challenged Books for 1990-2000, and just for kicks, I've bolded the works I've read. Seems like I have a lot more reading to do.

I encourage everyone to pick up a book on this list next week and read it - in honor of our freedom of expression, and our freedom to read. I know *I* will.

Scary Stories (Series) by Alvin Schwartz
Daddy’s Roommate by Michael Willhoite
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
Harry Potter (Series) by J.K. Rowling
Forever by Judy Blume
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
Alice (Series) by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Heather Has Two Mommies by Leslea Newman
My Brother Sam is Dead by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
The Giver by Lois Lowry
It’s Perfectly Normal by Robie Harris
Goosebumps (Series) by R.L. Stine
A Day No Pigs Would Dieby Robert Newton Peck
The Color Purple by Alice Walker
Sex by Madonna
Earth’s Children (Series) by Jean M. Auel
The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
Go Ask Alice by Anonymous
Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers
In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak
The Stupids (Series) by Harry Allard
The Witches by Roald Dahl
The New Joy of Gay Sex by Charles Silverstein
Anastasia Krupnik (Series) by Lois Lowry
The Goats by Brock Cole
Kaffir Boy by Mark Mathabane
Blubber by Judy Blume
Killing Mr. Griffin by Lois Duncan
Halloween ABC by Eve Merriam
We All Fall Down by Robert Cormier
Final Exit by Derek Humphry
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
What’s Happening to my Body? Book for Girls: A Growing-Up Guide for Parents & Daughters by Lynda Madaras
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Beloved by Toni Morrison
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
The Pigman by Paul Zindel
Bumps in the Night by Harry Allard
Deenie by Judy Blume
Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes
Annie on my Mind by Nancy Garden
The Boy Who Lost His Face by Louis Sachar
Cross Your Fingers, Spit in Your Hat by Alvin Schwartz
A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
Sleeping Beauty Trilogy by A.N. Roquelaure (Anne Rice)
Asking About Sex and Growing Up by Joanna Cole
Cujo by Stephen King (Chris' note: I saw the movie)
James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
The Anarchist Cookbook by William Powell
Boys and Sex by Wardell Pomeroy
Ordinary People by Judith Guest
American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis
What’s Happening to my Body? Book for Boys: A Growing-Up Guide for Parents & Sons by Lynda Madaras
Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume
Crazy Lady by Jane Conly
Athletic Shorts by Chris Crutcher
Fade by Robert Cormier
Guess What? by Mem Fox
The House of Spirits by Isabel Allende
The Face on the Milk Carton by Caroline Cooney
Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
Native Son by Richard Wright (Chris' note: this is on the reading list for my AA Lit class)
Women on Top: How Real Life Has Changed Women’s Fantasies by Nancy Friday
Curses, Hexes and Spells by Daniel Cohen
Jack by A.M. Homes
Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo A. Anaya
Where Did I Come From? by Peter Mayle
Carrie by Stephen King
Tiger Eyes by Judy Blume
On My Honor by Marion Dane Bauer
Arizona Kid by Ron Koertge
Family Secrets by Norma Klein
Mommy Laid An Egg by Babette Cole
The Dead Zone by Stephen King
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison
Always Running by Luis Rodriguez
Private Parts by Howard Stern
Where’s Waldo? by Martin Hanford
Summer of My German Soldier by Bette Greene
Little Black Sambo by Helen Bannerman
Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
Running Loose by Chris Crutcher
Sex Education by Jenny Davis
The Drowning of Stephen Jones by Bette Greene
Girls and Sex by Wardell Pomeroy
How to Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell
View from the Cherry Tree by Willo Davis Roberts
The Headless Cupid by Zilpha Keatley Snyder
The Terrorist by Caroline Cooney
Jump Ship to Freedom by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier

# posted by Chris Winn @ 9/21/2004 02:42:23 PM

In lieu of studying for my Spanish test, I decided to go to the IT dept to see why it was taking so long for my wireless card to get registered. Turns out, the instructions being handed out last week were wrong. Instead of emailing the IT director the pertinent information, students are required to go to the help desk office and show their ID, along with the wireless card. Duh. So, I am now fully hooked up to the newly expanded wireless network. The University Center, the Library, the Sundquist Science Complex, Kimbrough building, and Claxton building all have wireless access now. Cool. Except for the fact that all of my classes are in Harned. Oh well. I am in the library now, enjoying my freedom from the tether known as an ethernet cord. Cool. Peace...

# posted by Chris Winn @ 9/21/2004 02:29:41 PM

I got to school really early today, something like 8:30 or so. In my haste to leave the house, I didn't realize I was wearing a black belt with brown shoes. Not until Brit Lit class did I realize I didn't have the book with me, nor did I have a notebook to write in. My Spanish test is tonight, so I have just been concentrating on that. Everything else is just details. LOL.

None of the options for lunch were exceedingly attractive today, so I chose the meatloaf. It is actually much better than I had expected, so that is nice. I am eating solo in the coffee shop, banging away on the keyboard.

The parking crisis on campus is at an all time high due to the record number of freshmen, so Michelle and I have taken upon ourselves to report any violations we see. Yesterday, as we were leaving her dorm, we noticed a woman sitting in her car parked in a brown spot (brown spots are reserved for Harvill Hall, Michelle's dorm) with a red tag (red tags are for faculty/staff) in her window. Parked next to her were two cars with green tags (commuter students). So, I called campus policia and the dispatcher said he would send an officer over ASAP. Today, there was another car with a green tag in the Harvill lot, so I reported it. This is really fun. The Harvill spots are especially valuable because there is EXACTLY one spot for each resident.

After my examina de la Espanola, I have a football meeting. Then, I think I am going to buy the Star Wars DVD. I imagine my brother Steve probably camped out in front of a store last night to get one of the first copies, but I had to wait. I am really jacked up about it. Next major DVD: Seinfeld. YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I hope everyone has a wonderful day. Peace...

# posted by Chris Winn @ 9/21/2004 01:13:07 PM

Monday, September 20, 2004

The picnic yesterday was great fun. It was nice to see some old friends, and meet some new people. I took my really comfortable lawn chair, with full intentions of catching a nap, but the nap never happened. Oh well.

When we got back to Clarksville, I took a test for my online class, and also completed the lab that was due. The lab involved looking at light from several sources through a spectrometer. I am sure I looked like a doofus walking around campus looking at light bulbs with that goofy looking thing. All in the name of science. So, that was about 2.5 hours of my life that I will never get back. Oh well.

When I got done with that, I made a late-night run to Wal-Mart for a coffee maker and some supplies. I got a really nice one, "Mr. Coffeemaker" brand (Joe DiMaggio used to advertise for them, so that is cool), 2 varieties of coffee, a travel mug (in Dodger blue, of course), and some filters. I made my first pot earlier this morning, and I am enjoying it immensely. I am going to leave the coffee maker in Michelle's room, so now when I am on campus, I will not have to pay the exhorborant prices that APSU charges. Last week, when we were at Sam's Club, I bought a big can of chai, so instead of paying $3.75 for a cup on campus, each cup I make will be about 40 cents.
Cool.

There was an email sent out today by the school that said the Food Service committee is looking for a commuter student to serve on the committee. It said that they meet once a month, and that there is food provided. It took me about 2 seconds to reply, saying that I would like to help out. I am waiting for a response, and hopefully I will get picked. Wish me luck.

I have a test in Spanish tomorrow, and I really should be studying. I am not too worried, as most of what is on it I already know. Nonetheless, I will OCD about it until its over. I have been speaking a lot of Spanish lately, and as a joke, Michelle's suite-mates posted a sign in the bathroom saying "No Mexicanos". LOL. Her suite-mates are really funny. One of them is a cello player who hates Richard Wagner. "Ride of the Valkryies" is one of my favorite pieces of all time. Who can ever forget Robert Duvall in Apocalypse Now, saying "That smell, that gasoline smell, nothing else on earth smells like that, son. I love the smell of napalm in the morning. It smells like...Victory. Someday, this war's gonna end."? Anyway, we have had some interesting conversations about Wagner. LOL.

I also have a JV football game tonight. The home team is Clarksville Academy, but since they do not have their own field, they borrow fields from other schools. The game tonight is being played at Jo Byrns in Springfield. I was hoping that the game would be here in town, but oh well. There is a good chance that a supervisor will be there, since I know of at least once that lives in Springfield. And, the next schedule is released tomorrow, so if I do well, I would hazard a guess that I may get another varsity game. I sure hope so.

I don't think I will have any more baseball this year. Although there are still games being played in Hendersonville, I-65 past Briley Parkway is reduced to 1 lane due to construction, and Saturday I spent over an hour sitting almost motionless. So, I was late to my game. Unbelievable. It's just not worth it to sit through that crap. I am not sure how much baseball I will be working next year. College ball cuts into my time quite a bit, because once travel in factored in, most games take a full day to work. With everything else going on, I just don't know if I want to put that much into it. I am sure I will still work High School and travel ball, but I am not sure how much of those I will work. I need to concentrate on school (gotta graduate sometime), and my work at Mt. Denson is really important, too. So, I will have some tough decisions to make over the winter.

I decided not to check into the job at that church in Dover. I feel like I am really making some inroads with the youth at Mt. Denson, and I do not want to leave. Since the majority of the youth group is girls, Michelle has really been a big help to me. The girls feel that they can talk to her about their issues, so they are comfortable with her. I am glad that she is willing/able to serve with me. In early October, she has planned a "girls night" with the girls from the group. They are going to do whatever it is that girls do (I don't even want to know), and I am sure they will have a great time. Meanwhile, the guys and I are going to go watch a football game, and maybe ride some go-karts or something like that. We should have big fun, too. We may even stage a late night raid on the girls encampment. LOL.

I noticed that the Blogger ads are becoming tailored to the things I talk about. I have noticed ads for Elton John (right after the Levon post), and also for Eric Clapton. That is all being done automatically, and it is really cool. Although, I have yet as to make any income from the ads. So, people, start buying some stuff. Please. LOL.

I noticed last week that I am number one on Yahoo's search engine. Cool. I am way down the list on Google, however. That is further down than I have ever been. Boo.

I hope everyone has a wonderful day. I am off to the world of hombres and grinkos. Peace...

# posted by Chris Winn @ 9/20/2004 10:49:19 AM

Saturday, September 18, 2004

I read earlier today that many people in Florida are going to have to pay 2 insurance deductibles to fix their houses. Seems the insurance companies, in their infinite greed, have determined the recent hurricanes to be completely separate events. So, let's see. If the roof of my house is blown off by a hurricane, and while I am waiting for the rood to be fixed, another hurricane destroys everything inside my house (since it has no roof), wouldn't the destruction of the interior contents have been caused by the fact that my house has no friggin' roof?!?!?!

The article I read said the typical owner of a $200K house would have to pay about 8,000 in deductibles.

Gov. Jeb Bush said he may convene a special meeting of the state legislature in order to look into the problem. I hope so.

Think about what type of businesses have the largest office buildings. Insurance companies and banks do, that is who. The reason they do is because they regularly give it to their customers in the ass, and they get away with it. This is why I hate banks and insurance companies. Don't even get me started on the power, water, and phone companies.

Peace...

# posted by Chris Winn @ 9/18/2004 01:12:31 AM

Michelle and I had a wonderful evening together. We went to Loew's and got her a shelf for the room. I guess I will assemble it either Sunday or Monday, most likely Monday. After Lowe's, we went to eat at Outback. My coupon came in handy, and everything was great.

After dinner, we repaired to her dorm room with intentions of watching a DVD, but we ended up just sleeping, and watching a bit of TV between naps. It was a long week for both of us, and I guess we were tired.

Ivan veered off to the east, so my baseball game tomorrow is on. Cool. After that, we are going to Jazz on the Lawn, which will be great. This summer was so out of control for me that this will be the first time all year I have gone. Michelle has never been, and she is really excited. We should have loads of fun. I have never heard the band that is playing, but I am sure they are great.

Sunday is the Unity Picnic for Nashville Presbytery. All churches in the Presbytery gather at Montgomery Bell Park in Dickson, the birthplace of our denomination, and have a big picnic. After the meal, there is a worship service. Last year, about 30 seconds after the minister started to preach, it started pouring rain. I am sure some people were relieved...LOL. We packed up everything and went to the Dickson church, and it was great. I got to meet several people I otherwise would not have, such as the new President of MTS. He was really nice.

Peace...

# posted by Chris Winn @ 9/18/2004 12:30:23 AM

Friday, September 17, 2004

I gave up on Blooger's comments, and went back to Haloscan. I also have no clue how to get the email feature to work. Oh well.

I also eliminated the mood indicator. It was never a true indicator of how I was feeling, and could never be so unless I decided to constantly update it.

I have a test today in my online class, and I really need to log on to do it. I think I am gonna eat lunch first, though. You can't run a horse unless you feed him.

Peace...

# posted by Chris Winn @ 9/17/2004 10:54:10 AM

Yesterday after I got out of my last class, I went to Michelle's room with full intentions of taking a nap before I went home. She was having none of that, and implored me to go with her to get something to eat. I stalled until she volunteered to pay, and then we went to Austin's. It was good fun. I put $3 in the juke, but instead of 9 songs, it only gave me three. I informed the manager, and she gave me my credits, plus an extra one. I put on a bunch of old country music, just to see the reaction from the people. It was funny.

Yesterday on my way to Brit Lit, I passed the prof's office just as he was walking out. He asked me, "So, what was it that we read for today"? I stammered and said, "Uh, actually, I didn't do the reading. Sorry." He said, "Well, it may be a good day to bullshit anyway." LOL. As it was, we read Coleridge, Wordsworth's friend and sometimes foe. Truly great stuff.

Today, I am going to work on some stuff (hopefully get caught up on the reading), and I am not sure what we are doing tonight. I do not have a football game, although I have a JV game Monday, and a varsity game next Friday. I am supposed to have a baseball game tomorrow afternoon, but Ivan may cancel it. We are also supposed to go to Jazz on the Lawn with Kent and Daphne tomorrow night, so I hope it doesn't rain too much.

I have changed the comments on my blog to the comment service provided by Blogger. I am not sure if they are working correctly. I have also turned on the feature where readers can email each post, but I am quite sure that is not working properly. I will try to get it all fixed.

My favorite quote of all time has long been from William Blake's The Marriage of Heaven and Hell where he said, "If the doors of perception are cleansed, then everything will appear as it is, infinite. My philosophy professor pointed out to me today that Mother Teresa said, "It is not in perception, but love, that one glimpses the infinite." I think she may have been closer to the truth.

I hope everyone has a great weekend. Peace...

# posted by Chris Winn @ 9/17/2004 08:39:08 AM

Monday, September 13, 2004

Several weeks ago, I meant to make this post, but something came up and I had to leave the computer.

I was listening to the Elton John song Levon, from his Madman Across the Water album. I really like the song, and was trying to figure out what it may be about. A web site that I really enjoy is called Leo's Lyrics Database. It has the lyrics to almost any song you can name, and I enjoy listening to songs while reading the lyrics. Registered users can also leave comments about each song. Levon had several really intereting posts. I did not know what I was getting into. I will share some of the posts with you. What do you think about this song?

Post:

Whether or not Elton meant it, I think the song somehow refers to the origin and separation of Christianity from Judaism, and the uncertainty and isolation of Judaism in the modern world.
Some of the metaphors in the song seem to refer to stereotypes between these two groups (Levon and Jesus, respectively), especially directly with Levon who has war wounds (holocaust), and is hard working, business-like, family oriented, and education oriented.
Jesus is Levon's son, just as Christianity is Judaism's offspring. Just as Christians infrequently acknowledge the origins of their beliefs in the Judaism, so a child's desire for independence blinds him from acknowleging his parent's ways, and only stresses differences.
In this song, The New York Times represents the modern world, a convenient element, here, which boldly renounces divinity. In this trend, Jesus (modern Christians) further distract and alienate themselves from their origins through science...they are dreaming of "Venus," representing the goal of transformation to pure secular humanism and scientific reason (with unknown consequences). The good man Levon is left behind.

Post:

After reading the comments I think I'll add my two cents...
"Levon" is more basic than some of the implications. It is simply as it says where a man has come home from the war, with a battle scar. I do believe this is where Levon has gotten most of his money. In fact, he has either invested or been wounded such that he recieves disability or another form of settlement. This allows him to have started a humble business selling novelties such as baloons. His son, whom he calls "Jesus" is a gifted child, perhaps with a mental disabilty-while able to function, he is not one who would be considered a normal child, hence he puts him in the finest schools to help him gain as much independenace as he can afford.
He would however be sufficent to perhaps run this business one day.

Jesus has other plans though, and is frustrated about Levon nudging him into this avenue-so frustrated, his disdain for Levon makes him contemplate life on Venus. (not out of the ordinary for a child, but a bit far fetched for a normal kid)

Levon's idea of providing for Jesus is noteworthy, however this carrying on by your boot straps means nothing to Jesus and he is so frustrated that he wants to leave his Father to further sink and fall more ill and to then be rid of him.

The irony is that Levon thinks he is doing well by his son, as most likely did his Father.

Post:

Levon is Jesus.

Many would view mine as a far-fetched interpretation, but please, bare with me.

"...war wounds like a crown..." could be construed as being the crown of thorns that Jesus war.

"He calls his child Jesus cause he likes the name, and he sends him to the finest school in town..." Jesus of Nazareth taught that His children, here represented as "Jesus, Levon's son," should love as He loved, and do as He did. In the song, his manner of teaching is naming.

"Levon likes his money," could mean that he likes the followers that he makes. "He makes a lot," obviously, as Christianity is a hugely popular religion today. "He spends his days counting in a garage by the motorway," denotes his lack of open involvement since his death, when he first began claiming followers, or "money." A garage is a disclosed place, away from the hustle and bustle of our society, i.e., the "motorway."

"He was born a pauper to a pawn," Jesus to Joseph, a carpenter to a carpenter, a Jew to Jew. In His time, this was not living in the lap of luxury. "...on a Christmas day," could be the most obvious clue as to the meaning of the song, as it is commonly believed that Jesus Christ was born on Christmas day. "When the New York Times said 'God is dead,' and 'the war's begun,' are allusions to Roman society in the time of Jesus' birth, and their decrees as to the existence of the Jewish God.

The lines "Alvin Tostig has a son today," and "He shall be Levon" both ring very majestic and impressive, as if the day should be marked well.

"And he shall be a good man," is a basic, descriptive statement, when regarding Jesus Christ's nature: goodness. The word "man" is more symbolic, implying "the son of Man."

"In tradition with the family plan," is referring the other workers of God, and the Lord Godself. Abraham, Moses, Joseph, and all the prophets of the Old Testament were involved in this "family business," and they were all, in respect to their work for God, good men.

"Levon sells cartoon balloons in town. His family business thrives." Jesus' business is a simple one. That is, love others. It's working pretty well, or at least so the song states. "Jesus blows up balloons all day, sits on the porch swing watching them fly," could mean that Jesus, or us, listens to the teachings of his Father, but does not all-together grasp them.

"And Jesus, he wants to go to Venus. Take a balloon and go sailing, while Levon slowly dies," is basically Jesus, us, misinterpreting God's teachings, and abandoning Him.

I doubt you will find means to defer me from this opinion, and am equally skeptical as to whether you will in any way buy this analysis. This interpretation is what makes me like the song the most, so please, don't strip it from me.

Post:

I looked this song up just to see what the words were -- I couldn't even understand most of them. But now, I'm intrigued. I think the song is a commentary on the sad state of society and is meant to cause controversy because of its references to war and greed and religion. First, Levon is a product of the mainstream, thinking that his war wounds are valiant when he was really just a pawn. He sends his son to a good school so that his family business will keep thriving and because he is successful, has proven himself to his father, Tostig. His son, Jesus, doesn't want to follow his father's lifestyle and sees him as slowly dying, whereas he wants to actually go places. The chorus refers to Jesus because it's his destiny to become like him. But the song also makes references to the biblical Jesus through both Levon and Jesus. Levon wears his wounds like a crown, and Jesus wore a crown of thorns. Jesus was born a pauper to a pawn, which is Levon, and the historical Jesus was really born on Christmas day and was poor, and perhaps the song is saying that God is a pawn for mankind. Hmmm . . . something to think about. But I think the most important part of the song is the simple beauty of the words and the music.

# posted by Chris Winn @ 9/13/2004 01:43:46 PM

I am in the cafe at school, allegedly studying Spanish. Hola, amigos. Como esta? Bien. Gracias.

Last night, Michelle and I took a couple of the youth to a meeting in Nashville. The Bethel College admissions people were there, telling everyone about the school. The funny thing was, the kids from our church that wanted to go are not kids that I would envision ever going to college. None of the kids in the group who I would think will go to college wanted to go. Oh well. I know the kids who did go all had a good time, and Michelle inquired about the grad school programs. I got to see some people that I know from other churches, and it was good to reconnect with them.

I have a football game tonight at Hickman County, which is about a 2 day drive from here. Gosh, I hate going there. I guess a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do, though. I also really would prefer to study tonight, since I got nothing done this weekend. Oh well. Hopefully I will feel like reading something when I get home. Maybe I could take my existentialism book with me and read in the car. We'll see.

There is also an author speaking on campus tonight whom I would like to hear. I am fairly certain I will not get back in time to go, so that is a bummer.

Kent's wife Daphne recently found out that she has cervical cancer. She has already had one surgery, and will have another a week from today. Six weeks later, she will have another. Please keep them in your prayers as they battle this terrible disease.

I hope everyone has a wonderful day. Peace...

# posted by Chris Winn @ 9/13/2004 11:57:22 AM

Saturday, September 11, 2004

Michelle is at the Kenny Chesney concert right now, and I am at home. Hmmm. She has been calling/text messaging me constantly, letting me know how much fun she is having. Hmmm.

Speaking of text messaging, I just added it to my account yesterday. Michelle and I have been having tons of fun texting each other. I really like it.

Every time I say, "I have seen it all", I see something new. During my baseball game today, there was a pop fly behind first base. No one caught it, and it hit the ground on the foul line. Chalk flew up. The coach of the defensive team comes out to argue that the ball was foul. He said, "When the ball hit the ground, white stuff flew up' that has to be foul"! I almost fell over laughing. Coaches will say anything they think will help them, no matter how ridiculous. That was even worse than the coach from last year who wanted me to call a balk on his own pitcher. Yes, it was worse than that.

I got a letter from a church in Dover, TN, saying that they are looking for a part-time minister. Their minister left about a month ago. I am completely happy doing what I am doing, but that "grass is greener over there" mentality that I have is hard to fight.

I have been watching the Texas-Arkansas game. One of the seminal college football rivalries. It's a shame that they don't play more often. Tonight's game is the last time they will play for 10 years. It has been a great game so far. If Texas loses to Oklahoma this year, Steve Spurrier will be their coach next year. Write it down.

I have a JV football game at Hickman County on Monday night. That means I will get back at about midnight. It is a long way to go. It is also the place where the last time they gave someone a free hot dog from the concession stand was in 1972. That is a true story. Unbelievable. I am not real excited.

I also have a bunch of reading to do. I will try to some of it tomorrow afternoon. I don't feel real confident writing that. Oh well, I'll see how it goes.

I hope everyone is having a great weekend. Peace...

# posted by Chris Winn @ 9/11/2004 09:47:53 PM

I just got out of a big jam. I was scheduled to work a football game and a baseball game at the same time later today. I discovered this last night at about 8:30, and had been frantically searching for a sub since then. I luckily found a sub for the football game, so I can go do the baseball game. Cool.

I took a quiz for my online class earlier this morning. I don't think I did too well, maybe and 80 or 85. Plenty of time left to make up for that.

Something really interesting happened in brit lit Thursday. We were discussing Wordsworth's Tintern Abbey, and the prof started talking about iambic pantameter, and how he loves that form. He then quoted a line from a song, but he couldn't think of the name of the song. The line was "do you believe in rock and roll; can music save your mortal soul"...Everyone immediately knew that was from Don McLean's American Pie. He started going on and on and on about how he loved that song, its meter, rhythm and rhyme. After a while of his bantering, I said we could play that song if we wanted to, since I have it on my laptop. He said, "Sure, hit it.". I booted up the laptop, but couldn't find it. He almost gave up on me, but I eventually found it, and we played it. All of it. During class. Cool. Everyone sang along, and the prof even danced a bit. This might turn out to be the best class ever. LOL.

Later Thursday night, there was a gathering in the plaza to honor the grand opening of the new burger joint on campus. It's a 50's style diner with burgers and shakes and stuff like that. Everything you can get at Johnny's except you can pay twice as much. Oh well. Anyway, they had some drawings, and Michelle and I won a $25 gift certificate for the burger place, and she also won a Sierra Mist wall clock. She promptly gave the clock away, and started making plans on how to spend the $25. I think we decided to invite her roommate and suite-mates to join us next week. It should be fun. We also decided not to use my Outback coupon, so I am still holding that. It's cool to have access to free food.

I found out the other day that there is going to be an intramural Ultimate league starting soon. I gave serious consideration to playing, but have decided not too. Michelle's first reaction was, "Don't you think you might get hurt"? Ouch. I must be getting old. I played in a league several years ago in Nashville, and had lots of fun. I would like to play in this league, but I just don't think I have it in me. Maybe I could play in the Frisbee Golf league. LOL.

Well, I shant tarry. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. Peace...

# posted by Chris Winn @ 9/11/2004 09:57:06 AM

Tuesday, September 07, 2004

Last Thursday, I missed Spanish class due to my sinus infection. Today, we had a quiz. Somehow, I dug deep into my brain for what little Spanish I learned in high school, and got all but one correct. Cool. BTW, I still don't have my book. I ordered it online, and it should be here within a couple of days. So, basically what I am saying is that I took a quiz that I had not studied for, had no book for, and generally was unprepared for, and still made a nice score. Wherever you are, you should be able to hear me laugh. HaHa.

I decided to move out of my expository writing class, and into the African-American Lit class. The professor emailed me on Friday saying there was a spot open, and that I could have it. I emailed the expository writing prof, and she fired back with, "So, I'm your second choice. Good luck." Ouch. I told her I had hoped it wouldn't sound like that, and that she should look at it as one less paper to grade. I really like her, and hope to have her again.

Today in AAL, we watched a video where about 8 men of various races were gathered in a room to talk about race from their world view. Leave it to the stupid white man to say, "Why can't you coloreds just get over it", and to repeatedly use the term "coloreds" in every other sentence. Jeez. Brutal.

After AAL, I was in the prof's office getting a copy of the syllabus, and a guy came in to talk to her. I wasn't listening to their conversation at first, since I was checking out her bookshelves for something to borrow. However, when he mentioned to her that he attended the Church of Christ, my interest piqued up, because I am always interested in what they have to say. I wasn't disappointed, as it wasn't long before he said that people of his denomination are the ONLY people who will go to heaven. Wow. I didn't know God left him in charge. I sort of got a chuckle out of it all. I guess we all have our opinions, but whenever discussing admittance to heaven, I always add a disclaimer saying that it is not my decision, it is God's. This guy didn't share the same viewpoint. Oh well.

I am really liking existentialism. I had never heard of it before, and I don't really agree with much of what I have read, but it is an interesting viewpoint.

I am already looking forward to the weekend. Michelle is going to see Kenny Chesney in concert, and she is really excited. Speaking of country music, have you seen the video to Tim McGraw's new song, "Live Like You Were Dying"? It tears me up every time. In a sense, we all are dying, as we move day closer to death every day. But for those who are told that they are terminally ill, and death is imminent, I guess there are two ways to take it. Once could either say "why me" and go into a period of deep anger/depression/general pissed offness at life, or say "hey, I'm gonna make the most of the time I have left." The song is about Tim McGraw's father Tug McGraw, who took the second point of view when faced with imminent death. I would like to think that is how I would do it.

I hope everyone had a wonderful day. Peace...

# posted by Chris Winn @ 9/7/2004 09:35:56 PM

I have given up on my old blog, conceding that it has been erased. Too bad...I should have been more careful with it. Oh well, all things must pass, and I will start anew.

Next Thursday, I have a test in Existentialism, and a test in Brit Lit. Actually, the Brit Lit test in two-in-one. The first test was supposed to be a couple of weeks ago, but we are so far behind that the prof decided to combine the two. I am not thrilled. This coming seven day period will be very hectic.

I am watching the Dodgers self-destruct on TV. Jeff Weaver is the worst pitcher in the major leagues, and yet the Dodgers insist on running his noodle arm out to the mound at every opportunity. It's sort of like the myth of Sysiphus, pushing his rock up the hill. The Dodgers know Weaver cannot win, and yet they still keep trying with him. This is sick.

When two of your starting pitchers are Weaver and Hideo Nomo, it is impossible to win more than three games in a row. It's also really hard to beat the best team in the majors, the Cardinals. The sad thing is that back in March, I knew the Dodgers had been eliminated from World Series contention. It is a sorry feeling; sort of like being a Cubs or Red Sox fan.

I am going to start studying, because I cannot stomach any more of this crap.

Peace...

I wanted to try out some things with the format of my blog, so I created a test blog to use as a beta. After a while, I wanted to delete the beta, but I deleted the real blog by mistake. Fortunately, I had the real blog open in another window (thanks, tab-browsing), so I copied the source back into the real blog and saved it. Jeez, I crack myself up sometimes.

Peace...