Imagine...

Overread...

crawling across the desert. He is bedraggled. His lips are cracked. His clothes are torn - he has tied a shirt around his head to shield himself from the merciless rays of the sun. He crests a dune and sees before him an oasis of crisp pure water. That oasis is his only chance for salvation.

It's only 9 papers away. I'm into the single digits. Finally.

By the way, I know it's all a mirage. I've still got the monster 3 hour essay exams to grade after that, but hey, the oasis is a goal to strive for, even when I know the sweet clear water will only turn to silica grit in my teeth.

Bonus cafe stories:

There's another group of graders across from me. One howler they got must have been especially good. The guy reading in burst out laughing. He tossed the paper to his friend who also started laughing - loudly. All I heard was the quote, "Monkeys all over campus!" talk about intriguing. It could be as good as Snakes on a Plane

Also, dude over there reeks of pot.

Also, dude behind me is trying to sing along with the jazz standards on Starbucks Radio. He's failing miserably.

Running Rumbling Tumbling Tummy

8.32km - 38'39"

I almost trod on a black furry caterpillar. It was most distressing.

Also: Although the skittles, they call to me, it might not be the best idea to eat a bag before going on a run.

You Can Tell I'm Grading, Can't You?

Taken from Metafilter's Ask pages

Q Why does Lenin drink peppermint tea?
A Because all proper tea is theft.

Karl Marx goes to visit his friend Friedrich Engels, they have tea and cake, and Marx excuses himself to use the bathroom. As he flushes the toilet, he hears the unmistakable sound of a string quartet. He shrugs and goes back to Engels.
Over the next few weeks, Marx continues to visit Engels and use his bathroom, and every time he flushes, there's the sound of a string quartet.
Finally he confronts Engels: "Look Friedrich, every time I flush your toilet, I hear a string quartet, what's that all about?"
"Oh that," says Engels, "That's the violins inherent in the cistern."

An angel appeared at a university faculty meeting and told the dean that in return for his exemplary behavior, the Lord would reward him with his choice of infinite wealth, wisdom or beauty. Without hesitating, the dean selected infinite wisdom. "Done," the angel said, then disappeared. The other faculty members looked at the dean, who was surrounded by a halo of light. One colleague said, "Say something wise.” The dean sighed and said, "I should have taken the money." - Playboy's Party Jokes

Originally uploaded by Overread.

Holy Hacking, Batman!

Giant exam today. Is there any place more unhealthy than a lecture hall in the spring full of people taking a 3-hour exam that is crucial to their grade? I haven't heard so much hacking and coughing and wheezing since that supporters of Philip Morris convention I stumbled into. Yeesh. I'm almost fully recovered from the ick that I got earlier, but how can my poor immune system hold out against that assault?

(And but the way, the (electronic) stack of papers that I have left to grade seems to be multiplying. Anyone have any essay prophylactics? And anyway, add another 50 essay exams to that pile. Happy spring break!)

Treadmillin'

9.9km - 45'

V For Vendetta

I just got back from seeing “V for Vendetta.” I know, I know, frivolous frivolous.  Shouldn’t I be grading?  Well, yes, but I am now getting ready to grade, so the day still will be productive, so there.  Now that I think about it, productive may be a bit ambitious, but it’s best that I not think to hard about that lest I become sad.

The movie!  I should first say that I’m getting rid of the X out of ten review system.  I’ve never really liked how it makes certain movies ‘equal’ when they ain’t.

As I’ve mentioned about other movies, I was pretty well-disposed to this one before I went in the cinema, so there wasn’t much chance that I’d not like it.  So, big surprise – I liked it.  I liked it quite a bit.

There aren’t many blow-em-up movies with genuinely thoughtful ideas, and, while there are some over-wrought speeches, the film pushes its ideas across with minimum vocal soap-boxing.  The points it does push well – generally around the theme of ‘the slide to authoritarianism comes from fear’ come through clearly though.  I imagine that much of this depth of story is probably due to the background of the comic book (graphic novel?) from which the film is drawn, but I haven’t read them, so I couldn’t say.

The world, a fascist Britain, is very convincing, and they’ve gone to great pains to weave familiar points into the story.  It’s easy to recognize the talking head ideologues in the films ‘Voice of London.’  Stephen Fry (who I still think of as the guy in the old Black Adder show) comes through as a mash-up of Graham Norton and Benny Hill – complete with sped up tape of a chase sequence to that Benny Hill tune.  That the Voice of London is a drugged up egotist shouldn’t seem that far from our world, but his vitriol is simply take a few steps forward.  Fry’s character is similarly pushed a bit beyond, but is still very recognizable.  

Another wonderful problem is central to the ambivalence that a lot of folks seem to be feeling about the movie.  ‘V’ is branded a terrorist, and it’s hard to argue that he’s not one.  He assassinates, spreads chaos, and well, terrorizes, and yet we are led to sympathize with him.  The movie does depict gruesome, bloody death, but only that of evil men and their henchmen.  The henchmen are often ‘Fingermen,’ the film’s version of brownshirts, as in the opening scene when the lead is saved from being raped by them, but they’re also occasionally just cops.  That which he attacks is undeniably evil, so are his bombings and killings excused?  

I hope that people who take a blind faith point of view toward our current situation go see this movie.  I hope that they are drawn in to the film because they think Natalie Portman is hot, or because they liked Batman.   And I hope they think a little about the story.

All that bather said, it’s a very entertaining movie.  The filming is done quite nicely.  The expressions of a motionless Guy Fawkes are captured well through angles and lighting.  The acting is generally good – certainly above par for an action movie, which is, after all, what category this film will fill.  The fight-scenes are handled well in a suitably comic-bookish way, but without too much over-the-top super-heroics.  

So without recourse to an X/10 system, I’ll just say I highly recommend this movie.  And anyway, Natalie Portman is hot.

Follow Me, Your Considerate Leader

Considerate Leader
(mouse-over for absolute truths about my personality!)

It's not nearly as cool as The Dear Leader, The Great Leader (or a little classier, the Eternal President), The Great Helmsman, Il Duce, Der Fuhrer, Man Of Steel (sorry Supes, you ain't the one!).... Hmm... Lenin doesn't seem to have a cool name like that, does he?

iMeme

(note that I'm blogging a lot, so it must mean I have a lot of work I should be doing - big surprise)

Now I don't actually have an iPod, mainly because they are popular, and I do my best to avoid popular things unless there aren't any other options, and in this case there are not only more options, but, in my humble opinion, better ones. I like the Zen Micro, it's got a radio receiver, recorder and a removable battery - beat that Jobs! :)

Ok, that being said, almost all I've got on the Zen are audiobooks (right now is Mike Wallace's bio - it's surprisingly bland) Sooooo, I'll use the Yahoo unlimited station built on my preferences. Here we go!

1. How does the world see me?
"One For My Baby" Sinatra [Ah, Is this why all the gals think I'd be good for someone else?]

2. Will I have a happy life?
"Voices Carry" Til Tuesday [So, I'll be happy as long as I'm quiet?]

3. What do my friends really think of me?
"Afternoons and Coffeespoons" Crash Test Dummies (a song about getting old; either they think I'm old or really relaxed)

4. Do people secretly lust after me?
"When All Is Said And Done" Abba [So they do, but not until later? Great.]

5. How can I make myself happy?
"Point of Know Return" Kansas [ummm... First off, I didn't know it was spelled that way. Secondly, huh?]

6. What should I do with my life?
"Closer to the Heart" Rush" [Interesting...]

7. Will I ever have children?
Tune" Paul Simon [Ok, now the iMeme spirits are just being coy]

8. What is some good advice for me?
"Mammal" They Might Be Giants [umm, ok... Good advice indeed...]

9. How will I be remembered?
"Miracles" Jefferson Starship [That's positive at least :)]

10. What is my signature dancing song?
"Skin and Bones" The Sundays [This fits - I'm not sure anyone could dance to this song - Or is this because of the wight loss? hehe]

11. What do I think my current theme song is?
"Janie's Got A Gun - Water Song" Aerosmith [That's a little scary]

12. What does everyone else think my theme song is?
"Ride Like The Wind" Christopher Cross [Well, I am on my way to another university]

13. What song will play at my funeral?
"Addicted to Love" Robert Palmer [Oh, my! That would be hilarious! Could I get the expressionless musicians from the video to dance behind my casket, too?]

14. What type of men/women do I like?
"Drive My Car" Bobby McFerrin [I don't even have a car. Is that why I don't have a girlfriend?]

15. What is my day going to be like?
"Short Skirt/Long Jacket" Cake [Are you kidding? I'm not even going to put on shoes today, much less a long jacket... or a skirt, for that matter]

Oh No

Please, if you value productivity at all, for god's sake do not click on this link.

Remember, you've been warned.

Aww...

Almost All Hobbes You are 10% Calvin and 90% Hobbes

You're a clever tiger with a dash of little boy. A bit pessimistic about human nature, you think most people would be better as meals than as friends, and maybe you're right. At least, I've known several guys who fit that description. But your cannabalistic streak notwithstanding, you're a sensitive, (mostly) patient, and supportive friend. You have a few wild ideas here and there, but over all, you're quite sensible. Finally, my guess is you're the kind of person who gets along well with others, but who really needs space to be alone, like me.

My test tracked 2 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender: You scored higher than 0% on calvin You scored higher than 99% on hobbes

Link: The Calvin Or Hobbes Test written by gwendolynbooks on Ok Cupid, home of the 32-Type Dating Test

The picture scares me a bit though

Random Ramblings

Well, I apologize for the lack of blogging. I'm slowing getting back to speed (although only one run this week -bad, bad overread), but I'm still feeling a bit icky. And I've got a stack of papers that don't seem to be grading themselves. Oh yeah, and the massive three hour exams are coming in for me to grade on Monday.

sigh.

I need a break.

Luckily there is a break on the horizon. Maybe it'll mean a movie (V for Vendetta?) Maybe it'll mean more blogging. Maybe it will mean a prize for my weight loss goal being reached (more or less, I'm not going to obsess - I hit -25 pounds) I wanted to get two weigh-ins under a certain number, but I figure I'm ok, so I'm going on to the 'maintain' phase.

Maybe it'll mean a few music quizzes :)

I'm a Failure

I would completely fail the 8th grade final exam for those poor students in Salina, Kansas in 1895.

Sick and Befuddled

For those of you playing at home, it seems that it was a flu/cold thing. Last night was yucky. Body ache, sore throat yuck, yuck yuck. I ended up just going home early (out of the office before 5pm! Scandal!) and going to sleep early too. Seems to have worked ok though. I feel better this morning, just a little sinus ick and throat pain. bleh. Not bad enough to keep me home though.

On a completely unrelated note, I got an email from one of the two remaining PhD departments.

[drumroll]

Waitlist?!?!?! I didn't even know they did that for grad school. Problem is that it was one of the schools I have to really consider if I get accepted (great school, great profs, huge reputation, very unfortunate location).

So, one school remaining. I'm still batting .500, but only because I don't know how to call this one. Balk? Hit by pitch?

What Could It Be?

I woke up this morning with mucho sniffly nose, stuffy head and scratchy throat.

So here's the fun game - Is it just the annual return of allergies here in pollen-land? Or is it the more insidious cold/flu that has been wracking the campus of late?

Pro-allergies:

• It's about that time.
• I did go running outside yesterday amongst all native flora
  
• I'm usually fairly cold/flu resistant

Pro-cold/flu:

• Almost everyone has had this but me
• I usually don't get a scratchy throat with allergies (but it could be the nasal drainage - that happens sometime. I sure you were all dying to know that)
• This is the worst possible time to get the cold/flu.

The suspense is palpable.

Here They Come

Students have papers due tomorrow, so what do I find in my inbox tonight at a little after 9pm?

An email saying that Stu can't write the paper:

Help help. The text that we're writing on is completely unrelated to the prompt. Plz can u giv me hints or ideas!?!?!!?!!1111oneoneone.

Ok, so it's not a direct quote exactly...

as a bonus, here are the google ads on the sidebar:

Custom Term Papers $14

Non-Plagiarized papers

100,000 Term Papers

Custom Essay Writing

My favorite is the 'Non-Plagiarized papers' one. Now that's clever.

Round and Round I Go

I am so swamped. Barely time to run. Feeling blah. Papers to grade coming in tomorrow. Ugh.

But I did run today :)

8.29km - 38'30" Personal Best :)

Cat Fight

I know just about everyone has seen this before, but I saw it again on Cute Overload and just had to put it up here.

Cat Fight

Email Meme Thing

1. What time did you get up this morning? ~7:30am. I've got an early schedule at school now, so I wake up early every day :( I did get my 8 hours though :)

2. Diamonds or pearls? Um... Neither, really.

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Oh, jeeze... I'd have to look at my sidebar, I guess, but it's screwed up right now...

4. What is your favorite TV show? Not my fave, but I'm a sucker for any VH-1 "I love..." show. Can't believe that the Hoola Hoop won the best toy ever. Feh! Legos beaten by Barbie? Give me a break.

5. What did you have for breakfast? Special K crunchy bar thing - Peaches and Cream (only 90 calories! aren't I becoming pathetic?)

6. What is your favorite cuisine? I love good Chinese food

7. What foods do you dislike? I'll keep Jayfish's answer here: "meat on the bone, offal, giblets"

8. Your favorite Potato chip? Plain tortilla chips with tons of salsa

9. What is your favorite CD at the moment? Um, CDs? How very last decade. I listen to Yahoo Unlimited mostly now. Last one I bought was Alone in IZ World by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. Trust me - it's cool!

10. What kind of car do you drive? No car. My bike is a Bridgestone XO-3 (mine's a better color though) though :)

11. Favorite sandwich? Turkey and Bacon with heaps of veggies

12. What characteristics do you despise? despise is pretty hash, isn't it? Let's turn it around - I value honesty very highly.

13. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? There's no one place that I really feel I have to go to, but I would like to see Turkey

14. What color is your bathroom? grungy white

15. Favorite brand of clothing? In my quest for blandness and convenience, I've started getting some stuff at Land's End - embarrassing, I know.

16. Where would you want to retire to? Retire? No chance!

17. Favorite time of day? I'll stick with Jayfish's answer here too, "the golden hour"

18. Where were you born? A hospital

19. Favorite sport to watch? a toss-up football or basketball. I've been watching soccer too, but there's no time anymore :(

20. What laundry detergent do you use? I have no idea. It's in a blue bottle

21. Coke or Pepsi? I couldn't tell you why, but I've always been a Coke guy

22. Are you a morning person or night owl? I'm not really big on eating mice, so I guess I'd have to say morning person.

23. What size shoe do you wear? 7-7.5 Yes, yes, I have little girlie feet.

24. Do you have pets? Not right now

25. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with everyone? c'mon, I've got a blog! All the new news is already up there! :)

26. Favorite Candy Bar? I've always liked Twix, but a nice plain dark chocolate bar is also a winner in my book.

27. What is your best childhood memory? just one?

28. What are the different jobs you have had in your life? Actor, secretary, electrical techie, soldier, door-watcher, teacher, etc, etc...

29. What color underwear are you wearing? grey, I think...

30. Nicknames? 'Hey you'

31. Piercing? nope

32. Ever been to Africa? not yet - I'd love to go though

33. Ever been toilet papering? once, a long long time ago

34. Love someone so much it made you cry? Oh yeah.

35. Been in a car accident? yuppers

36. Fruit or Vegetables? I need both!

37. Croutons or bacon bits? If I had to choose, I'd go with croutons

38. Favorite day of the week? I've always been a fan of Thursday - no idea why

39. Favorite restaurant? umm... One I can afford?

40. Favorite ice cream? Cherry Garcia!

41. Disney or Warner Brothers? Pixar (no Disney about it!)

42. Favorite fast food restaurant? Taco Bell (sad, but true...)

43. What color is your bedroom carpet? white-ish?

44. How many times did you fail your driver's test? Honestly, I can't remember. I think I got it the first time...

45. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Any computer-geeky kind of store

46. What do you do most often when you are bored? sometimes video games, but mostly read

47. Bedtime? I try to get to sleep before 11, but I don't have a set time

48. Who are you most curious about their responses to this questionnaire? everyone!

49. Last person you went to dinner with? a group of folks from the department

50. What are you listening to right now? Starbucks vague and inoffensive piped tunes

51. What is your favorite color? green

52. Lake, Ocean or river? hmmm... I've never lived next to a river, but I like the idea of it

53. How many tattoos do you have? 0

54. Who sent this to you and what is something you didn't know about him/her? Jayfish. Arby's? I had no idea he where he was born :)

55. Time you finished this email? Just check the timestamp! :)

Yeesh

Bibleman is now oogling the coeds.