Dear Diane,
I'm sure this probably isn't your type of show, but I just took a study break to watch the season two finale of 'Californication'. It's a great show.
Quick synopsis: David Duchovny stars as Hank Moody, a New York writer who moves to LA(which he hates) to write a screenplay for one of his books. He ends up staying because the love of his life and his daughter are there and he's trying to win them back. Through it all he lives a life of suspended adolescence through sex, drugs and rock and roll.
There's plenty of reasons to love the show, including the sex, drugs and rock and roll, but the part of the show that has me really into it is the emotional aspect of the story between Hank and his daughter. It may sound horrible, but the character of Hank Moody is exactly the type of father I want to be some day. Well, maybe not EXACTLY, but I definitely see the merits of his parenting style.
Let me explain; Hank is a guy who, no matter how screwed up his life is, is always there for his daughter. He trusts her to make her own decisions, but is willing to show parental discipline. He sets an environment where she's free to come to him with her problems and gives his 2 cents without judgment, dishing out the wisdom he's gained from his long list of mistakes. But most importantly, he makes it known how much he loves his daughter through actions, not just words.
This season ended with him letting his ex-common-law-wife go back to New York alone so that their daughter could stay in LA. His words as he gave up on his dreams were "At the end of the day it's all about her. It's always been about her. I can't control what happens between us; Lord knows I've tried, every which way. But what I can do is be the best possible me I can be for her."
I know I'm not even close to being the type of guy who is ready to make those sacrifices, but when the day comes that I have children, I'll be looking to the parenting advice of the tremendously damaged Hank Moody.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Sunday, December 7, 2008
A word of caution
Dear Diane,
I caught a little of the coverage of the Anti-Coalition rallys across Canada yesterday and, with particular interest, in Winnipeg. What I saw was a little disheartening. What was supposed to be a pro-democracy, anti-coalition rally turned into a pro-Conservative rally attended by many people that I look up to. I have no problem with our Conservative Cabinet ministers, MPs and provincial MLAs showing up to express their outrage at what has taken place in the past few weeks, but what did throw me was the overt partisanism in the crowd and what I observed as a bit of a spring in the step of those in attendance. It left me turned off and more disappointed than ever in the direction this crisis is taking.
In the past week, we have seen a backlash against the coalition by regular Canadians; people who have tuned out the political static for years because it all seems the same to them. This crisis put politics back in the forefront of their minds. It had them talking about it, not only at the coffee shops where small talk reigns supreme, but at the kitchen table. What happened in Parliament really mattered. And for the most part, people couldn't stomach the idea that a democratically elected government, minority or not, could be toppled before they could even produce their first budget. They took their outrage to the editorial columns; the talk radio airwaves; and most important to the politicos amoung us, the public opinion polls.
But along the way, the political junkies lost sight of what was really happening. What was a backlash against parliament's behavior(including the Conservatives) began to be thought of as a win. We started to puff out our chests and see it as a victory for the good guys, one that could possibly be used to get that coveted majority with. The public opinion polls that have the Conservatives up several points are a reflection of us being the best choice...of a bad bunch.
The stand against the coalition by ordinary Canadians is one that is principled and thought out and directly associated with the facts of this crisis. They didn't want the government they elected handed over to a smaller minority, backed by seperatists, and headed by possibly the biggest political failure of the past half century. It didn't make sense to do so and as a result, Canadians sided overwhelmingly with us as Conservatives.
But we must not forget that it was arrogance in our leadership that lead us to the brink of disaster in the first place. Our constant need to put politics ahead of policy drove the opposition to roll the dice and lose. But the game is not over. If we fail to be humble in the face of this parliamentary disaster and try to politicize it, we run the very real risk of having the pendulum of public opinion swing back to the left. Stephen Harper has never been a sympathetic figure and if it doesn't make sense to support him, the public will turn in an instant.
To sum it up, I'd really like to see my fellow Conservatives let this take its course. Instead of trying to push our way to the front of this anti-coalition movement, let's keep our heads down and work on solving the economic problems our country faces. Let the Coalition take their case to the people; we're the governing party and no one can take that away from us unless we let them. For once, let's not give them a reason to.
I caught a little of the coverage of the Anti-Coalition rallys across Canada yesterday and, with particular interest, in Winnipeg. What I saw was a little disheartening. What was supposed to be a pro-democracy, anti-coalition rally turned into a pro-Conservative rally attended by many people that I look up to. I have no problem with our Conservative Cabinet ministers, MPs and provincial MLAs showing up to express their outrage at what has taken place in the past few weeks, but what did throw me was the overt partisanism in the crowd and what I observed as a bit of a spring in the step of those in attendance. It left me turned off and more disappointed than ever in the direction this crisis is taking.
In the past week, we have seen a backlash against the coalition by regular Canadians; people who have tuned out the political static for years because it all seems the same to them. This crisis put politics back in the forefront of their minds. It had them talking about it, not only at the coffee shops where small talk reigns supreme, but at the kitchen table. What happened in Parliament really mattered. And for the most part, people couldn't stomach the idea that a democratically elected government, minority or not, could be toppled before they could even produce their first budget. They took their outrage to the editorial columns; the talk radio airwaves; and most important to the politicos amoung us, the public opinion polls.
But along the way, the political junkies lost sight of what was really happening. What was a backlash against parliament's behavior(including the Conservatives) began to be thought of as a win. We started to puff out our chests and see it as a victory for the good guys, one that could possibly be used to get that coveted majority with. The public opinion polls that have the Conservatives up several points are a reflection of us being the best choice...of a bad bunch.
The stand against the coalition by ordinary Canadians is one that is principled and thought out and directly associated with the facts of this crisis. They didn't want the government they elected handed over to a smaller minority, backed by seperatists, and headed by possibly the biggest political failure of the past half century. It didn't make sense to do so and as a result, Canadians sided overwhelmingly with us as Conservatives.
But we must not forget that it was arrogance in our leadership that lead us to the brink of disaster in the first place. Our constant need to put politics ahead of policy drove the opposition to roll the dice and lose. But the game is not over. If we fail to be humble in the face of this parliamentary disaster and try to politicize it, we run the very real risk of having the pendulum of public opinion swing back to the left. Stephen Harper has never been a sympathetic figure and if it doesn't make sense to support him, the public will turn in an instant.
To sum it up, I'd really like to see my fellow Conservatives let this take its course. Instead of trying to push our way to the front of this anti-coalition movement, let's keep our heads down and work on solving the economic problems our country faces. Let the Coalition take their case to the people; we're the governing party and no one can take that away from us unless we let them. For once, let's not give them a reason to.
One down, three to go
Diane,
Had my first exam in legal research today. I think I did relatively well, but who really knows. It was almost all multiple choice, and quite a few I knew were right, but there were 1/4 of the questions that I could only get down to two possible answers and had to take an educated guess. Right there is the difference betweeen a C and an A. I'll find out over the break if I was a good enough guesser.
I've been studying for Torts most of today and I feel okay about it. The exam is Tuesday and will be a tough one. I just have to do nothing but study for the next day and a half and hope that I understand it enough to put together answers that bring me to the top of the grade curve. We'll see how it works out.
Had my first exam in legal research today. I think I did relatively well, but who really knows. It was almost all multiple choice, and quite a few I knew were right, but there were 1/4 of the questions that I could only get down to two possible answers and had to take an educated guess. Right there is the difference betweeen a C and an A. I'll find out over the break if I was a good enough guesser.
I've been studying for Torts most of today and I feel okay about it. The exam is Tuesday and will be a tough one. I just have to do nothing but study for the next day and a half and hope that I understand it enough to put together answers that bring me to the top of the grade curve. We'll see how it works out.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Ashes, Ashes, We all fall down...
Diane,
I'm surprised I haven't written about this sooner, but it's time to get neck deep in the Coalition Crisis. Warning to those in the first three rows: You are seated in the splash zone and are likely to leave covered in spittle from my lunatic ravings.
Let's start out by admitting my bias; I am and always have been a partisan Conservative supporter who, while not always happy with the path of my party, will always mark my X next to the C. Today I'm as unhappy as ever with my political choices on the Federal level.
Our federal system is a mess. We have a Prime Minister who has decided to play in the political sandbox instead of working towards Canadian solutions in this global economic downturn. I agree with the decision to cut the funding to political parties; it's unnecessary and wasteful. But for it to be the first act of a new parliament was like rubbing salt in wounds of a beaten, but still dangerous animal. It was the final straw for those who saw Stephen Harper as nothing more than a bully who was using his important position to play political games. The opposition had had enough.
The Coalition that was formed between the Liberals and the NDP under Stephane Dion is one of the most interesting things I have seen in politics. You have to admire the pluck of a relatively small group of downtrodden MPs that stand up against an economic policy that is so offensive to Canadian sensibilities. In the early days of this Coalition talk, I actually found myself agreeing with "the other side".
But those days have long passed. Prime Minister Harper did what smart people do when faced with long odds...he moved away from his position. One by one he dropped the contentious issues in his economic statement, but all that did was add to the fury that was growing in the Coalition. It wasn't enough. It was never enough. The blood was in the water and the frenzy couldn't be stopped. Canadians were faced with an unreasonable, tunnel-visioned opposition that could not be prevented from toppling our seven week old Parliament before it could even get going.
Yesterday's prorogation of Parliament is one of the saddest days of my life watching politics. Our Governor General set a dangerous Constitutional Precedent that allowed the government to escape a confidence vote in the House of Commons. It closed our Parliament in some of the darkest economic days Canadians have seen in a long time. Our dollar is in free fall, our businesses are floundering as Canadians pinch their pennies at the busiest time of the year. All the while our elected officials can do nothing for 2 months because of the prorogation. But you know what? The Governor General made the absolute right decision. When faced with the choices of a new government, another election, or a time out for overheated MPs, Michelle Jean picked the best option of a bad bunch.
I place a heavy load of the original blame for this mess at the feet of our Prime Minister, but I have nothing but seething contempt for the Opposition for their role recently. Their inability to look past the slights of our bully of a PM and do what is best for Canada has dropped us into a nightmare the likes of which we have never seen. There was NO WAY that this Coalition could effectively govern under Stephane Dion. Sure, they could have toppled the government and had the initial confidence of the house to form Cabinet around Mr. Dion, but all that would be done from the moment the government fell until May's Liberal Leadership Convention would be for the Liberals and New Democrats to sit on their hands, doing nothing that might upset the bloc enough for them to topple the Coalition and send us into an election with their lame duck PM at the helm. In times like these, it's up to those who have been elected to show true leadership and earn the faith and confidence of the people they represent. We may not be seeing that from our Prime Minister, but I can guarentee that the majority of Canadians would rather have the Conservative Party govern over the next six month than a hodgepodge of Liberal, NDP and Bloc MPs under a PM on his way out the door.
Today I feel horrible about the direction of our government. They can't seem to get along and the opposition seems hell bent on destroying the government, even if they have to take the state with them. If they can't find the spirit of cooperation and goodwill that Canadians are stereotypically known for, then we are in for a long harsh winter. I pray those 308 men and women lucky enough to represent us will realize that.
I'm surprised I haven't written about this sooner, but it's time to get neck deep in the Coalition Crisis. Warning to those in the first three rows: You are seated in the splash zone and are likely to leave covered in spittle from my lunatic ravings.
Let's start out by admitting my bias; I am and always have been a partisan Conservative supporter who, while not always happy with the path of my party, will always mark my X next to the C. Today I'm as unhappy as ever with my political choices on the Federal level.
Our federal system is a mess. We have a Prime Minister who has decided to play in the political sandbox instead of working towards Canadian solutions in this global economic downturn. I agree with the decision to cut the funding to political parties; it's unnecessary and wasteful. But for it to be the first act of a new parliament was like rubbing salt in wounds of a beaten, but still dangerous animal. It was the final straw for those who saw Stephen Harper as nothing more than a bully who was using his important position to play political games. The opposition had had enough.
The Coalition that was formed between the Liberals and the NDP under Stephane Dion is one of the most interesting things I have seen in politics. You have to admire the pluck of a relatively small group of downtrodden MPs that stand up against an economic policy that is so offensive to Canadian sensibilities. In the early days of this Coalition talk, I actually found myself agreeing with "the other side".
But those days have long passed. Prime Minister Harper did what smart people do when faced with long odds...he moved away from his position. One by one he dropped the contentious issues in his economic statement, but all that did was add to the fury that was growing in the Coalition. It wasn't enough. It was never enough. The blood was in the water and the frenzy couldn't be stopped. Canadians were faced with an unreasonable, tunnel-visioned opposition that could not be prevented from toppling our seven week old Parliament before it could even get going.
Yesterday's prorogation of Parliament is one of the saddest days of my life watching politics. Our Governor General set a dangerous Constitutional Precedent that allowed the government to escape a confidence vote in the House of Commons. It closed our Parliament in some of the darkest economic days Canadians have seen in a long time. Our dollar is in free fall, our businesses are floundering as Canadians pinch their pennies at the busiest time of the year. All the while our elected officials can do nothing for 2 months because of the prorogation. But you know what? The Governor General made the absolute right decision. When faced with the choices of a new government, another election, or a time out for overheated MPs, Michelle Jean picked the best option of a bad bunch.
I place a heavy load of the original blame for this mess at the feet of our Prime Minister, but I have nothing but seething contempt for the Opposition for their role recently. Their inability to look past the slights of our bully of a PM and do what is best for Canada has dropped us into a nightmare the likes of which we have never seen. There was NO WAY that this Coalition could effectively govern under Stephane Dion. Sure, they could have toppled the government and had the initial confidence of the house to form Cabinet around Mr. Dion, but all that would be done from the moment the government fell until May's Liberal Leadership Convention would be for the Liberals and New Democrats to sit on their hands, doing nothing that might upset the bloc enough for them to topple the Coalition and send us into an election with their lame duck PM at the helm. In times like these, it's up to those who have been elected to show true leadership and earn the faith and confidence of the people they represent. We may not be seeing that from our Prime Minister, but I can guarentee that the majority of Canadians would rather have the Conservative Party govern over the next six month than a hodgepodge of Liberal, NDP and Bloc MPs under a PM on his way out the door.
Today I feel horrible about the direction of our government. They can't seem to get along and the opposition seems hell bent on destroying the government, even if they have to take the state with them. If they can't find the spirit of cooperation and goodwill that Canadians are stereotypically known for, then we are in for a long harsh winter. I pray those 308 men and women lucky enough to represent us will realize that.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Amazing still it seems, she'll be 23
Dear Diane,
Tomorrow marks a milestone: It's Holly's 23rd birthday. Why is 23 an birthday of note? Because my 23rd birthday was the day before our first date. Holly is turning the same age I was when we started dating. Oddly enough, that makes me feel old. I don't know, but it sucks being away from her on her birthday, even if we aren't together. She's still one of my best friends and I wish I could be there to celebrate with her this weekend. But I know she'll have a great time, with or without me.
Here's the song I was listening to nonstop throughout the days leading up to my 23rd, "23" by Jimmy Eat World:
I felt for sure last night
That once we said goodbye
No one else will know these lonely dreams
No one else will know that part of me
I'm still driving away
And I'm sorry every day
I won't always love these selfish things
I won't always live...Not stopping...
It was my turn to decide
I knew this was our time
No one else will have me like you do
No one else will have me, only you
You'll sit alone forever
If you wait for the right time
What are you hoping for?
I'm here I'm now I'm ready
Holding on tight
Don't give away the end
The one thing that stays mine
Amazing still it seems
I'll be 23
I won't always love what I'll never have
I won't always live in my regrets
You'll sit alone forever
If you wait for the right time
What are you hoping for?
I'm here I'm now I'm ready
Holding on tight
Don't give away the end
The one thing that stays mine
You'll sit alone forever
If you wait for the right time
What are you hoping for?
I'm here I'm now I'm ready
Holding on tight
Don't give away the end
The one thing that stays mine...
Happy Birthday, Holls. Love you Lots.
Tomorrow marks a milestone: It's Holly's 23rd birthday. Why is 23 an birthday of note? Because my 23rd birthday was the day before our first date. Holly is turning the same age I was when we started dating. Oddly enough, that makes me feel old. I don't know, but it sucks being away from her on her birthday, even if we aren't together. She's still one of my best friends and I wish I could be there to celebrate with her this weekend. But I know she'll have a great time, with or without me.
Here's the song I was listening to nonstop throughout the days leading up to my 23rd, "23" by Jimmy Eat World:
I felt for sure last night
That once we said goodbye
No one else will know these lonely dreams
No one else will know that part of me
I'm still driving away
And I'm sorry every day
I won't always love these selfish things
I won't always live...Not stopping...
It was my turn to decide
I knew this was our time
No one else will have me like you do
No one else will have me, only you
You'll sit alone forever
If you wait for the right time
What are you hoping for?
I'm here I'm now I'm ready
Holding on tight
Don't give away the end
The one thing that stays mine
Amazing still it seems
I'll be 23
I won't always love what I'll never have
I won't always live in my regrets
You'll sit alone forever
If you wait for the right time
What are you hoping for?
I'm here I'm now I'm ready
Holding on tight
Don't give away the end
The one thing that stays mine
You'll sit alone forever
If you wait for the right time
What are you hoping for?
I'm here I'm now I'm ready
Holding on tight
Don't give away the end
The one thing that stays mine...
Happy Birthday, Holls. Love you Lots.
Law School Thoughts
Diane,
I'm entering the final stretch here on my first semester of law school. I've done all the assignments that need to be done and I'm now in full exam preparation. It's amazing that I have been in Tulsa for 3 and a half months now and how that time seems like forever.
Right now I'm thinking about how much the classroom dynamic has changed since we started. In the past few days, I've talked to a couple of my friends about how they're so happy that they'll be able to change seats next semester, having chosen to sit next to somebody in every class that they immediately connected with, who they now hate. The people that you initially are best friends with eventually show who they really are and are no longer the people you want to associate with. I remember my first week here and the 8 or 9 people that I was close with, or thought that I'd be great friends with; of that group only 5 are close friends of mine and the others I could care less about.
This place is an island. You get locked into a routine with a small group of people who are now your peer group. With the amount of free time you realistically have, there's little opportunity to expand your circle and you end up running into the same people, day in and day out. There's bound to be gossip, hookups, blowups, and any number of decisions that come back to bite you by the time your first semester is over.
I don't think I've screwed up all that bad. I think I'm four good days away from a free ride in January. But I look around and see how much things have changed and you can't help but wonder if this stressful period will become a little more relaxed in January, or if it will keep climbing to it's crescendo in May. All I know is that I'll be breathing a little easier on the 18th...regardless of if that breath is sticking to the insides of my lungs like a frost-covered spiderweb.
I'm entering the final stretch here on my first semester of law school. I've done all the assignments that need to be done and I'm now in full exam preparation. It's amazing that I have been in Tulsa for 3 and a half months now and how that time seems like forever.
Right now I'm thinking about how much the classroom dynamic has changed since we started. In the past few days, I've talked to a couple of my friends about how they're so happy that they'll be able to change seats next semester, having chosen to sit next to somebody in every class that they immediately connected with, who they now hate. The people that you initially are best friends with eventually show who they really are and are no longer the people you want to associate with. I remember my first week here and the 8 or 9 people that I was close with, or thought that I'd be great friends with; of that group only 5 are close friends of mine and the others I could care less about.
This place is an island. You get locked into a routine with a small group of people who are now your peer group. With the amount of free time you realistically have, there's little opportunity to expand your circle and you end up running into the same people, day in and day out. There's bound to be gossip, hookups, blowups, and any number of decisions that come back to bite you by the time your first semester is over.
I don't think I've screwed up all that bad. I think I'm four good days away from a free ride in January. But I look around and see how much things have changed and you can't help but wonder if this stressful period will become a little more relaxed in January, or if it will keep climbing to it's crescendo in May. All I know is that I'll be breathing a little easier on the 18th...regardless of if that breath is sticking to the insides of my lungs like a frost-covered spiderweb.
Sean Avery and the NHL
Diane,
With all that's going on, I don't know why I'd want to write about Sean Avery, but I do. If you didn't know, a few days ago Avery got in front of cameras in Calgary and disparaged his ex-girlfriend, Elisha Cuthbert, and her new boyfriend, Flames' Defenseman Dion Phaneuf with these comments:
"I just want to comment on how it's become like a common thing in the NHL for guys to fall in love with my Sloppy Seconds. I don't know what that's about, but enjoy the game tonight."
It was crude, ill-timed, and not at all funny. Gary Bettman has suspended him indefinitely, possibly ending Avery's career over these comments. The move has been universally applauded, but I'm finding it to be another missed opportunity by the NHL.
For people who love hockey, it's the game that draws them in. They know the players, they love the tradition and nuances of the game itself. But in the Southern US, where Gary Bettman has always attempted to cultivate a following, Professional Hockey is either a forgotten giant, or a novelty for the masses to gawk at on occasion. For people who have never bothered to watch hockey, the perception of the NHL is that it is filled with burley goons that beat the holy hell out of each other, followed by short periods of time where players try and get a tiny black thing into a net. This is something that will never change unless people tune in for themselves. This is where Avery fits in.
Sean Avery is an Asshole. There's no denying that. But he is also a gifted hockey player that has crossover appeal. He's dated Actresses; He's Dated Supermodels; He has interned for 'Vogue'; He's a tabloid favorite. His comments and actions are horrendous and idiotic, but when ESPN bothers to cover an NHL story, it's not the game; it's something tawdry that will get non-NHL fans to momentarily take notice.
Months ago, Avery made some comments about Jarome Iginla and the NHL he said "the NHL does a terrible job of marketing" by not promoting its "villains," and that "nobody cares about Jarome Iginla and guys like that, they're just not exciting enough." He's right. Everybody loves to hate someone and they will tune in to see them get beaten. Not having Avery on the ice prevents the NHL from capitalizing on the infamy. Getting those rubberneckers to watch a game for Avery's antics allows the NHL an opportunity to bring in new fans. It gets people to cheer AGAINST whatever he is and sets a relationship with other players and teams.
Distractions may not be good for the locker room, but it makes for ratings gold. Bettman needs to wake up and realize that people need a reason to be drawn to hockey before they become fans. Sean Avery is a horrible person, but a great marketing tool.
With all that's going on, I don't know why I'd want to write about Sean Avery, but I do. If you didn't know, a few days ago Avery got in front of cameras in Calgary and disparaged his ex-girlfriend, Elisha Cuthbert, and her new boyfriend, Flames' Defenseman Dion Phaneuf with these comments:
"I just want to comment on how it's become like a common thing in the NHL for guys to fall in love with my Sloppy Seconds. I don't know what that's about, but enjoy the game tonight."
It was crude, ill-timed, and not at all funny. Gary Bettman has suspended him indefinitely, possibly ending Avery's career over these comments. The move has been universally applauded, but I'm finding it to be another missed opportunity by the NHL.
For people who love hockey, it's the game that draws them in. They know the players, they love the tradition and nuances of the game itself. But in the Southern US, where Gary Bettman has always attempted to cultivate a following, Professional Hockey is either a forgotten giant, or a novelty for the masses to gawk at on occasion. For people who have never bothered to watch hockey, the perception of the NHL is that it is filled with burley goons that beat the holy hell out of each other, followed by short periods of time where players try and get a tiny black thing into a net. This is something that will never change unless people tune in for themselves. This is where Avery fits in.
Sean Avery is an Asshole. There's no denying that. But he is also a gifted hockey player that has crossover appeal. He's dated Actresses; He's Dated Supermodels; He has interned for 'Vogue'; He's a tabloid favorite. His comments and actions are horrendous and idiotic, but when ESPN bothers to cover an NHL story, it's not the game; it's something tawdry that will get non-NHL fans to momentarily take notice.
Months ago, Avery made some comments about Jarome Iginla and the NHL he said "the NHL does a terrible job of marketing" by not promoting its "villains," and that "nobody cares about Jarome Iginla and guys like that, they're just not exciting enough." He's right. Everybody loves to hate someone and they will tune in to see them get beaten. Not having Avery on the ice prevents the NHL from capitalizing on the infamy. Getting those rubberneckers to watch a game for Avery's antics allows the NHL an opportunity to bring in new fans. It gets people to cheer AGAINST whatever he is and sets a relationship with other players and teams.
Distractions may not be good for the locker room, but it makes for ratings gold. Bettman needs to wake up and realize that people need a reason to be drawn to hockey before they become fans. Sean Avery is a horrible person, but a great marketing tool.
Friday, November 21, 2008
The Master of Useless information
Mrs. C,
Over the past few weeks, I'd helped organize an event for our law school called "Quiz Bowl". It was a night of trivia co-sponored by my fraternity, Phi Alpha Delta, and a new local pizza place called Joe Mamma's Pizza. You put together teams of 4, $5 per person, and answered random pop culture questions for school bragging rights. All the proceeds went to cancer research.
Our expectations were small; 12-15 teams and a small buzz around the event. What we got was the most talked about event in the law school over the past 3 days. By the end we had standing room only in the restaurant and 31 4 person teams! Being as competitive as law students are, everyone wanted the bragging rights as the best team out there.
Trivia junkie that I am, I made sure I had a team in place(made sure I wasn't part of drawing up or party to the questions either). Somehow it'd gotten out around the law school that I'm some sort of trivia genius and I was getting head hunted by other teams. I decided to make my own; Brent Parkey, Meghan King, Jordan Wiswell and I made up "The Unconscionables".
Last night, in front of an ultra competitve law school crowd, The Unconscionables were crowned 2008 Univerity of Tulsa College of Law Quiz Bowl Champions. It wasn't even close. Our final score was 162 pts and our next closest rivals were at 148. It was beautiful
I gotta say that felt really good to win it, but now it's time to prove that I've got knowledge that actually matters. Off to the library to polish off my paper and study for contracts...but you better believe I'm gonna be talking trash all day.
Over the past few weeks, I'd helped organize an event for our law school called "Quiz Bowl". It was a night of trivia co-sponored by my fraternity, Phi Alpha Delta, and a new local pizza place called Joe Mamma's Pizza. You put together teams of 4, $5 per person, and answered random pop culture questions for school bragging rights. All the proceeds went to cancer research.
Our expectations were small; 12-15 teams and a small buzz around the event. What we got was the most talked about event in the law school over the past 3 days. By the end we had standing room only in the restaurant and 31 4 person teams! Being as competitive as law students are, everyone wanted the bragging rights as the best team out there.
Trivia junkie that I am, I made sure I had a team in place(made sure I wasn't part of drawing up or party to the questions either). Somehow it'd gotten out around the law school that I'm some sort of trivia genius and I was getting head hunted by other teams. I decided to make my own; Brent Parkey, Meghan King, Jordan Wiswell and I made up "The Unconscionables".
Last night, in front of an ultra competitve law school crowd, The Unconscionables were crowned 2008 Univerity of Tulsa College of Law Quiz Bowl Champions. It wasn't even close. Our final score was 162 pts and our next closest rivals were at 148. It was beautiful
I gotta say that felt really good to win it, but now it's time to prove that I've got knowledge that actually matters. Off to the library to polish off my paper and study for contracts...but you better believe I'm gonna be talking trash all day.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
The "Big Break"
Diane,
My sister Katelyn has been working for PC Caucus on a temporary basis while they interviewed to fill the position full time. I've always been told how it was a bit of a conflict of interest for children of MLAs to work for the party, but they were caught offguard with a resignation, headed into session, and Katelyn was just starting at Ollies, which apparently meant she was available to fill in on short notice (leaving mom short staffed at the store was something we'd just have to live with).
Katelyn was great at it. She'd never been all that interested in politics, but once she was in the trenches she found that she did love it just as much as the rest of the family...the black sheep of the political tribe started to turn white. Best of all, her hard work didn't go unnoticed. Her two-week term was extended to a month, and then to two months as they felt they could take their time finding the right candidate because Katelyn was working out so well.
The term ended on friday. Katelyn, who's become a bit of a political junkie now, was pretty sad that she had to leave the job. She'd even started making plans to take Political Studies at University! But that's when the strange turn in this story happened.
The other assistant in PC Caucus, Barb Craven-who's been a steady hand on the affairs of caucus for years- broke her ankle last night. With a new employee coming in and no one to train her, they turned back to Katelyn and asked her to come back and work in Barb's position until she's able to resume her duties, which will be at least another 2 months! An eleventh hour stay of execution for someone who was really enjoying what she was doing.
Diane, I'm pretty happy for my sister. It's great to see that she's found something that she really enjoys and she'll get to do it for at least another couple of months. It looks great on a resume and will help her in the future, but more importantly, it's got her doing something that makes her feel great. It'll be alot of work and stress, especially since she'll be the senior staff member in the caucus room for an entire session of the Manitoba legislature. I've been doing volunteer work for the party for the better part of the decade and I know I'd proabably have my head in the toilet Monday morning, expelling some of those butterflies.
She knows I wish her good luck, although she won't need it. This is the big leagues, but I know Katelyn is ready for it.
My sister Katelyn has been working for PC Caucus on a temporary basis while they interviewed to fill the position full time. I've always been told how it was a bit of a conflict of interest for children of MLAs to work for the party, but they were caught offguard with a resignation, headed into session, and Katelyn was just starting at Ollies, which apparently meant she was available to fill in on short notice (leaving mom short staffed at the store was something we'd just have to live with).
Katelyn was great at it. She'd never been all that interested in politics, but once she was in the trenches she found that she did love it just as much as the rest of the family...the black sheep of the political tribe started to turn white. Best of all, her hard work didn't go unnoticed. Her two-week term was extended to a month, and then to two months as they felt they could take their time finding the right candidate because Katelyn was working out so well.
The term ended on friday. Katelyn, who's become a bit of a political junkie now, was pretty sad that she had to leave the job. She'd even started making plans to take Political Studies at University! But that's when the strange turn in this story happened.
The other assistant in PC Caucus, Barb Craven-who's been a steady hand on the affairs of caucus for years- broke her ankle last night. With a new employee coming in and no one to train her, they turned back to Katelyn and asked her to come back and work in Barb's position until she's able to resume her duties, which will be at least another 2 months! An eleventh hour stay of execution for someone who was really enjoying what she was doing.
Diane, I'm pretty happy for my sister. It's great to see that she's found something that she really enjoys and she'll get to do it for at least another couple of months. It looks great on a resume and will help her in the future, but more importantly, it's got her doing something that makes her feel great. It'll be alot of work and stress, especially since she'll be the senior staff member in the caucus room for an entire session of the Manitoba legislature. I've been doing volunteer work for the party for the better part of the decade and I know I'd proabably have my head in the toilet Monday morning, expelling some of those butterflies.
She knows I wish her good luck, although she won't need it. This is the big leagues, but I know Katelyn is ready for it.
Friday, November 14, 2008
The Beast Within
Dear Diane,
I started reading this book yesterday as a bit of an escape; It's called "Happy Hour is for Amateurs: A Lost Decade in the World's Worst Profession" by The Philadelphia Lawyer. I can't believe how much I love this book already.
Essentially, it is a book about a guy's life as a lawyer and all the things he does to escape his reality. I'm nowhere near his level and I actually enjoy what I'm doing, but his experiences have a ring of truth to them. The first couple of chapters deal with his law school days and had me in stitches, but one paragraph really hit me:
Twenty-six is a rotten age. You're not an adult by any stretch, but you're way past college jackass, going through the tail end of those lost years we all have just after graduation. You're facing thirty, but half of you is still 18. What you really want to say, think, or do is unacceptable. Suddenly everything's serious, staid and stoic, every day another exercise in acting "businesslike" and "professional", suffocating your personality, stifling all the rancid jokes in your head to play a bland office caricature. But that live wire of adrenaline you've been living on for the last decade-the fuel of that mad stretch from sixteen to twenty-five- doesn't just fade away. It builds- relentless, demanding release with nowhere to go, like the pressure in a clogged steam pipe on the edge of exploding.
Pretty much how I'm feeling today. I'm sitting in front of a computer on a Friday afternoon, attempting to work on a memo that's due in 11 days(worth 85% of my mark to boot) and all I want to do is have a good time. I'm not a kid anymore and I know that, but still, there's that part of me that will always long to be the guy who dives headfirst into a situation that where the consequences are far from certain. That Aaron is far from dead; He lies in wait, contemplating his next move. Every now and then he emerges to take a 7 hour drive to Ames in the middle of the night, or dance solo in the middle of a crowded dancefloor. Dr. Bruce Banner had his Hulk; Aaron Faurschou has the intoxication level known as 4Shaw-Drunk.
Will he appaear tonight? Highly unlikely, but like the Philadelphia Lawyer says, it's hard to suppress.
The struggle continues...
I started reading this book yesterday as a bit of an escape; It's called "Happy Hour is for Amateurs: A Lost Decade in the World's Worst Profession" by The Philadelphia Lawyer. I can't believe how much I love this book already.
Essentially, it is a book about a guy's life as a lawyer and all the things he does to escape his reality. I'm nowhere near his level and I actually enjoy what I'm doing, but his experiences have a ring of truth to them. The first couple of chapters deal with his law school days and had me in stitches, but one paragraph really hit me:
Twenty-six is a rotten age. You're not an adult by any stretch, but you're way past college jackass, going through the tail end of those lost years we all have just after graduation. You're facing thirty, but half of you is still 18. What you really want to say, think, or do is unacceptable. Suddenly everything's serious, staid and stoic, every day another exercise in acting "businesslike" and "professional", suffocating your personality, stifling all the rancid jokes in your head to play a bland office caricature. But that live wire of adrenaline you've been living on for the last decade-the fuel of that mad stretch from sixteen to twenty-five- doesn't just fade away. It builds- relentless, demanding release with nowhere to go, like the pressure in a clogged steam pipe on the edge of exploding.
Pretty much how I'm feeling today. I'm sitting in front of a computer on a Friday afternoon, attempting to work on a memo that's due in 11 days(worth 85% of my mark to boot) and all I want to do is have a good time. I'm not a kid anymore and I know that, but still, there's that part of me that will always long to be the guy who dives headfirst into a situation that where the consequences are far from certain. That Aaron is far from dead; He lies in wait, contemplating his next move. Every now and then he emerges to take a 7 hour drive to Ames in the middle of the night, or dance solo in the middle of a crowded dancefloor. Dr. Bruce Banner had his Hulk; Aaron Faurschou has the intoxication level known as 4Shaw-Drunk.
Will he appaear tonight? Highly unlikely, but like the Philadelphia Lawyer says, it's hard to suppress.
The struggle continues...
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Update time
Diane,
It's been a couple of weeks since I updated and I think it's time for me to get back on the blogging horse.
There was a big secret being hidden in my post about Jenna's graduation; I was heading home on the 30th for her birthday. The only person who didn't know was Jenna. Hell, even our waiter(a portager) knew what was happening.
The plan was that the family would take Jenna out for supper at the Olive Garden for 8:00 and I would show up at 8:30 because my flight was due in at 7:49. Holly had kindly offered to pick me up. My flight touched down almost an hour early and by 7:30 I was standing curbside waiting for my ride(which I had to run for because Holly didn't see me and kept on driving right past me).
As I was told later, Jenna had no idea. She was actually pretty depressed by her birthday because no one was making any effort to make her feel special. She thought it was because her graduation was only 2 days before. As she knew it, she was going out for supper with my mom, dad and Katelyn, but didn't know about anything else. My mom actually played it perfectly and bluffed that we could always do it some other night, which Jenna dismissed, saying "she at least wanted to do SOMETHING on her birthday" When she showed up, the almost the entire family was standing there.
I'd been picturing the moment I walked in since we planned for me to come home...and it went as well I could have ever imagined. I was outside the Olive Garden and could see the family just being seated at the table, so I called Katelyn and had her hand the phone to Jenna. I played dumb the whole time as I walked into the restaurant still talking to her on the phone. She was sitting at the end of the table with her back partially to the entrance and was so focused on the phone call that she didn't notice that the entire family had gone silent. My mom says "Jenna, Jenna..." to which Jenna replied "Mom, I'm on the phone...with Aaron". I had been standing 5 feet away from her for a good 7 to 10 seconds and said "Turn around". When she turned, I could see the shock in her eyes. She yelled "SHUT UP!!!" and jumped on top of me in the biggest hug I have ever had. I couldn't believe it went so well.
Went out friday for Halloween to Whisky Dix. I still say the name of that bar is probably the worst I have ever heard, but it's a pretty cool place, so I guess I'll have to suck it up and spend some time drinking at a living monument to alcohol-induced erectile disfunction. It was a good time, but spending $20 to get in anywhere is a steep price for a prairie boy.
Saturday was the Bomber game. It was nice to see the boys one last time on the field, especially in the beautiful November weather Winnipeg was having 2 weeks ago. They won handily, which is more than I can say for this weekend's steaming pile. But I digress.
Saturday night was back home in Portage. Holly, Josh, Jeff, Mark, Ryan and Dan came out from Winnipeg and we put a pretty big dent in the Texas Micky that I was given for my birthday. We sat around and talked about anything and everything, including creating a more interesting backstory for the house. Did you know: The house at 102 1st St was built by Frank la Prairie, founder of Portage la Prairie? His ghost still haunts the house and his inbred, illegitimate children remain in the attic, creating future generations of la Prairie's that the homeowners use for firewood. It's a sordid tale.
Sunday was lazy. I spent most of the day just cuddling with Holly, which was one of the things I had wanted to do since I left. I definitely had missed her and it was great to get to spend some quality time before I left.
Overall, it was a great weekend. I got to see family, friends and almost everyone that I wanted to see while I was back home for exactly 72 hours. I even got to see that lazy, good for nothing 104 year old son of your's, Harley Cardinal. Too bad about that hip replacement he needed.
But anyway, I will have a law school update relatively soon for you. I know you're interested.
Later Mrs. C.
It's been a couple of weeks since I updated and I think it's time for me to get back on the blogging horse.
There was a big secret being hidden in my post about Jenna's graduation; I was heading home on the 30th for her birthday. The only person who didn't know was Jenna. Hell, even our waiter(a portager) knew what was happening.
The plan was that the family would take Jenna out for supper at the Olive Garden for 8:00 and I would show up at 8:30 because my flight was due in at 7:49. Holly had kindly offered to pick me up. My flight touched down almost an hour early and by 7:30 I was standing curbside waiting for my ride(which I had to run for because Holly didn't see me and kept on driving right past me).
As I was told later, Jenna had no idea. She was actually pretty depressed by her birthday because no one was making any effort to make her feel special. She thought it was because her graduation was only 2 days before. As she knew it, she was going out for supper with my mom, dad and Katelyn, but didn't know about anything else. My mom actually played it perfectly and bluffed that we could always do it some other night, which Jenna dismissed, saying "she at least wanted to do SOMETHING on her birthday" When she showed up, the almost the entire family was standing there.
I'd been picturing the moment I walked in since we planned for me to come home...and it went as well I could have ever imagined. I was outside the Olive Garden and could see the family just being seated at the table, so I called Katelyn and had her hand the phone to Jenna. I played dumb the whole time as I walked into the restaurant still talking to her on the phone. She was sitting at the end of the table with her back partially to the entrance and was so focused on the phone call that she didn't notice that the entire family had gone silent. My mom says "Jenna, Jenna..." to which Jenna replied "Mom, I'm on the phone...with Aaron". I had been standing 5 feet away from her for a good 7 to 10 seconds and said "Turn around". When she turned, I could see the shock in her eyes. She yelled "SHUT UP!!!" and jumped on top of me in the biggest hug I have ever had. I couldn't believe it went so well.
Went out friday for Halloween to Whisky Dix. I still say the name of that bar is probably the worst I have ever heard, but it's a pretty cool place, so I guess I'll have to suck it up and spend some time drinking at a living monument to alcohol-induced erectile disfunction. It was a good time, but spending $20 to get in anywhere is a steep price for a prairie boy.
Saturday was the Bomber game. It was nice to see the boys one last time on the field, especially in the beautiful November weather Winnipeg was having 2 weeks ago. They won handily, which is more than I can say for this weekend's steaming pile. But I digress.
Saturday night was back home in Portage. Holly, Josh, Jeff, Mark, Ryan and Dan came out from Winnipeg and we put a pretty big dent in the Texas Micky that I was given for my birthday. We sat around and talked about anything and everything, including creating a more interesting backstory for the house. Did you know: The house at 102 1st St was built by Frank la Prairie, founder of Portage la Prairie? His ghost still haunts the house and his inbred, illegitimate children remain in the attic, creating future generations of la Prairie's that the homeowners use for firewood. It's a sordid tale.
Sunday was lazy. I spent most of the day just cuddling with Holly, which was one of the things I had wanted to do since I left. I definitely had missed her and it was great to get to spend some quality time before I left.
Overall, it was a great weekend. I got to see family, friends and almost everyone that I wanted to see while I was back home for exactly 72 hours. I even got to see that lazy, good for nothing 104 year old son of your's, Harley Cardinal. Too bad about that hip replacement he needed.
But anyway, I will have a law school update relatively soon for you. I know you're interested.
Later Mrs. C.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Busting with Pride
Diane,
Today my sister Jenna graduates from her Master's program in Occupational Therapy; She's set to get an award called "Future Leader in Occupational Therapy" and I couldn't be prouder.
All her life Jenna has had this incredible work ethic that has lifted her to where she is now. She's always had the ability to prioritize and keep focused on what she's wanting to accomplish for herself. It's something that I'm trying to do in law school right now. My version of "WWJD?" is "What would Jenna Do?". Whether I'm succeeding right now is up for debate.
There's no questioning that it is outstanding what Jenna has been able to accomplish and how the amazing things that are ahead of her. I can't wait to see what she's able to do in her professional career knowing what she was like as a student. It used to drive me nuts when I was little, watching Jenna get so nervous and uptight about every grade. I was always much more laid back and willing to accept mediocre grades, but Jenna worked for absolutely every mark she ever got. I'm not saying that she wasn't smart, because my sister is probably the most brilliant person I know, but she's always worked as close to her potential as anyone. She's been graced with God given talents that she refuses to waste by taking thing easy. It's exhausting to watch sometimes as someone who loves her and wishes she wouldn't walk the thin line between driven and nervous breakdown so often, but it's easy to root for and it feels so good when she succeeds, which is almost every time.
I'm missing her graduation today because I'm 1,100 miles away at school. You have no idea how much I wish I was there cheering her on, because it's the very least she deserves. She's always made me proud to be her brother and it's days like today that I wish I could be there to support her and show her how much she means to me and how great it is to have someone like her in my life.
Jenna Lee Catherine Faurschou, today is your day. You've lead the OT program over the past 2 years, and just like that award says, you'll lead the entire profession soon. I love you, I'm proud of you and I can't wait to see you at Christmas.
Today my sister Jenna graduates from her Master's program in Occupational Therapy; She's set to get an award called "Future Leader in Occupational Therapy" and I couldn't be prouder.
All her life Jenna has had this incredible work ethic that has lifted her to where she is now. She's always had the ability to prioritize and keep focused on what she's wanting to accomplish for herself. It's something that I'm trying to do in law school right now. My version of "WWJD?" is "What would Jenna Do?". Whether I'm succeeding right now is up for debate.
There's no questioning that it is outstanding what Jenna has been able to accomplish and how the amazing things that are ahead of her. I can't wait to see what she's able to do in her professional career knowing what she was like as a student. It used to drive me nuts when I was little, watching Jenna get so nervous and uptight about every grade. I was always much more laid back and willing to accept mediocre grades, but Jenna worked for absolutely every mark she ever got. I'm not saying that she wasn't smart, because my sister is probably the most brilliant person I know, but she's always worked as close to her potential as anyone. She's been graced with God given talents that she refuses to waste by taking thing easy. It's exhausting to watch sometimes as someone who loves her and wishes she wouldn't walk the thin line between driven and nervous breakdown so often, but it's easy to root for and it feels so good when she succeeds, which is almost every time.
I'm missing her graduation today because I'm 1,100 miles away at school. You have no idea how much I wish I was there cheering her on, because it's the very least she deserves. She's always made me proud to be her brother and it's days like today that I wish I could be there to support her and show her how much she means to me and how great it is to have someone like her in my life.
Jenna Lee Catherine Faurschou, today is your day. You've lead the OT program over the past 2 years, and just like that award says, you'll lead the entire profession soon. I love you, I'm proud of you and I can't wait to see you at Christmas.
Law? Yeah, I got game.
Dear Diane,
I just got out of my contracts midterm. It wasn't for a grade, but I'm excited. This is the first point where I've felt comfortable with my ability to apply what we have learned in class and I couldn't be happier. My catchphrase over the past few weeks has been "I just don't know what I know, y'know?" because I've felt like I've been learning, but I didn't have anything to hang that on. After writing this today, I feel like I'm turning a bit of a corner; like I know more than I think I do and I'll be alright in this legal rat race.
But with that I turn my attention away from my computer and back to the books in the Study Dome(my study carrol). Lots of work to do...always working for the weekend.
I just got out of my contracts midterm. It wasn't for a grade, but I'm excited. This is the first point where I've felt comfortable with my ability to apply what we have learned in class and I couldn't be happier. My catchphrase over the past few weeks has been "I just don't know what I know, y'know?" because I've felt like I've been learning, but I didn't have anything to hang that on. After writing this today, I feel like I'm turning a bit of a corner; like I know more than I think I do and I'll be alright in this legal rat race.
But with that I turn my attention away from my computer and back to the books in the Study Dome(my study carrol). Lots of work to do...always working for the weekend.
Monday, October 20, 2008
A plea for help...
Diane,
I need your help. A friend is missing and there's practically nothing I can do from Tulsa. Amber McFarland went missing on Friday night and her family and friends haven't heard anything from her since then. Her car was in the parking lot of the CanadInns Portage la Prairie and hasn't been touched since Friday. If you or anyone you know has any information on her whereabouts, I'm asking you to call the Portage RCMP at (204)857-4445.
If you could also say a prayer for her to turn up safely, it would be greatly apreciated.
I need your help. A friend is missing and there's practically nothing I can do from Tulsa. Amber McFarland went missing on Friday night and her family and friends haven't heard anything from her since then. Her car was in the parking lot of the CanadInns Portage la Prairie and hasn't been touched since Friday. If you or anyone you know has any information on her whereabouts, I'm asking you to call the Portage RCMP at (204)857-4445.
If you could also say a prayer for her to turn up safely, it would be greatly apreciated.
One More Football Post
Dear Diane,
I just read about our PCI Trojans going undefeated in Winnipeg High School Football regular season play. Very happy.
But I also wanted to give a shout out to my cousin Devin Faurschou. He tied the WHSF record for Field Goals in a season with 11. I just thought he deserved some credit for the accomplishment from someone who knows how to spell his name(Stupid Daily Graphic). Great Job cuz(and clean out your voicemail!!!).
I just read about our PCI Trojans going undefeated in Winnipeg High School Football regular season play. Very happy.
But I also wanted to give a shout out to my cousin Devin Faurschou. He tied the WHSF record for Field Goals in a season with 11. I just thought he deserved some credit for the accomplishment from someone who knows how to spell his name(Stupid Daily Graphic). Great Job cuz(and clean out your voicemail!!!).
Sunday, October 19, 2008
A football post!
Dear Diane,
Last night I went to the University of Tulsa football game against the University of Texas- El Paso(UTEP). What I saw was one of the greatest displays of offense I have seen in my life. The Golden Hurricane won the game 77-35 over a completely overmatched UTEP squad. The funny thing was how the game broke down.
1st Quarter: David Johnson(Possible Heisman candidate and the NCAA leader in QB%) answers a long UTEP opening TD drive with a 98 yard TD to Brennan Marion(who ended the game with 6 catches for 233 yards and a C-USA record for yards per catch at 38.8) that he caught at the UTEP 38. The ball seemed to hang in the air forever! The quarter went back and forth and ended on a kickoff return for a TD by TU on the last play of the Q to tie the game at 28.
At this point I'm thinking that our Defense is terrible and UTEP is going to hang around all game. At the end of the first quarter though the D stepped up and started playing. From there on the Hurricane outscored UTEP 49-7 and looked dominant in every facet of the game. At the end of the 3rd, the score was 70-35 and it took us turning it over to the 2nd team and running on 7/8ths of our plays from scrimmage to slow down the torrid scoring pace.
When the game was over, the Golden Hurricane had put up 77 points and 791 yards of total offense. We scored touchdowns on 11 of 14 possessions; a tipped pass for an interception ending one first half drive, and the other two ended because time expired at the end of the halfs(the game ended with a kneel down on the UTEP 20 as the crowd begged for a FG to make it 80).
The most unbelieveable part of the whole game? We lost the turnover battle! We did not force UTEP to give up the ball once. NOT ONCE. Our D stepped up and played well late in the game, but we should be better.
This morning I woke up to the news that the University of Tulsa had a ranked football team for the first time since 1991. We were just on the outside last week, but with this lopsided win and a few losses by ranked squads, we pushed our way in; 22 in the AP Poll and 19 in the USA Today Coaches Poll. There are only 9 teams in the country that are undefeated at this point and TU is one of them. It's insane.
But now for the bad news. Tulsa plays in Conference USA, which is a mid-major conference, and not one that gets much respect from the people who vote on the rankings and create the bowl matchups. The BCS(Bowl Championship Series) consists of 5 games- The BCS Championship, Rose, Sugar, Fiesta, and Orange Bowls- and those are the pinnacle games that every team strives to get to. Unfourtunately, with the strength of schedule problems that TU has(AKA playing crappy competition), there is little to no shot of TU getting to those games, even if we go undefeated. The only hope is if the other Non-BCS Conference teams that are undefeated at this point(Utah, Boise State, Ball State) all lose and Tulsa then has the strongest case for the one spot that is held open for a champion from a mid-major. It's a long shot, but it could happen. If not, I'm guessing you'll see us in the Liberty Bowl, which sees the winning school take home 1.7 million for academic and athletic use. That would be sweet.
Anyway Diane, the whole reason I write this is because I needed to get it out of my system. I was thinking about it all morning and it's time to focus on school. The game is over and the week is about to begin; Time to get prepared.
I hope all is well in your world.
Last night I went to the University of Tulsa football game against the University of Texas- El Paso(UTEP). What I saw was one of the greatest displays of offense I have seen in my life. The Golden Hurricane won the game 77-35 over a completely overmatched UTEP squad. The funny thing was how the game broke down.
1st Quarter: David Johnson(Possible Heisman candidate and the NCAA leader in QB%) answers a long UTEP opening TD drive with a 98 yard TD to Brennan Marion(who ended the game with 6 catches for 233 yards and a C-USA record for yards per catch at 38.8) that he caught at the UTEP 38. The ball seemed to hang in the air forever! The quarter went back and forth and ended on a kickoff return for a TD by TU on the last play of the Q to tie the game at 28.
At this point I'm thinking that our Defense is terrible and UTEP is going to hang around all game. At the end of the first quarter though the D stepped up and started playing. From there on the Hurricane outscored UTEP 49-7 and looked dominant in every facet of the game. At the end of the 3rd, the score was 70-35 and it took us turning it over to the 2nd team and running on 7/8ths of our plays from scrimmage to slow down the torrid scoring pace.
When the game was over, the Golden Hurricane had put up 77 points and 791 yards of total offense. We scored touchdowns on 11 of 14 possessions; a tipped pass for an interception ending one first half drive, and the other two ended because time expired at the end of the halfs(the game ended with a kneel down on the UTEP 20 as the crowd begged for a FG to make it 80).
The most unbelieveable part of the whole game? We lost the turnover battle! We did not force UTEP to give up the ball once. NOT ONCE. Our D stepped up and played well late in the game, but we should be better.
This morning I woke up to the news that the University of Tulsa had a ranked football team for the first time since 1991. We were just on the outside last week, but with this lopsided win and a few losses by ranked squads, we pushed our way in; 22 in the AP Poll and 19 in the USA Today Coaches Poll. There are only 9 teams in the country that are undefeated at this point and TU is one of them. It's insane.
But now for the bad news. Tulsa plays in Conference USA, which is a mid-major conference, and not one that gets much respect from the people who vote on the rankings and create the bowl matchups. The BCS(Bowl Championship Series) consists of 5 games- The BCS Championship, Rose, Sugar, Fiesta, and Orange Bowls- and those are the pinnacle games that every team strives to get to. Unfourtunately, with the strength of schedule problems that TU has(AKA playing crappy competition), there is little to no shot of TU getting to those games, even if we go undefeated. The only hope is if the other Non-BCS Conference teams that are undefeated at this point(Utah, Boise State, Ball State) all lose and Tulsa then has the strongest case for the one spot that is held open for a champion from a mid-major. It's a long shot, but it could happen. If not, I'm guessing you'll see us in the Liberty Bowl, which sees the winning school take home 1.7 million for academic and athletic use. That would be sweet.
Anyway Diane, the whole reason I write this is because I needed to get it out of my system. I was thinking about it all morning and it's time to focus on school. The game is over and the week is about to begin; Time to get prepared.
I hope all is well in your world.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Down the rabbit hole
Dear Diane,
Since I got here, I've started to try things that we don't have in Canada. Today it was the devil's pastry: The hot pocket.
I'm sure you've heard the Jim Gaffigan standup about them, and it's spot on. The Hot Pocket has a flaky crust that gets soggy in the microwave. It has a cardboard sleeve that doesn't seem to do anything. The taste is...meh. I have 3 more left in the freezer, so maybe they'll grow on me, but as of right now, they won't be on my next shopping list.
But it's been 10 minutes since I ate it, so I'm taking the fact that I have yet to go blind as a good sign. I'll let you know if I last though the night.
Update: I woke up this morning! I didn't break out into a cold sweat, there's no hair on the palms of my hands and I'm not craving human flesh. I think I'm going to be okay.
Since I got here, I've started to try things that we don't have in Canada. Today it was the devil's pastry: The hot pocket.
I'm sure you've heard the Jim Gaffigan standup about them, and it's spot on. The Hot Pocket has a flaky crust that gets soggy in the microwave. It has a cardboard sleeve that doesn't seem to do anything. The taste is...meh. I have 3 more left in the freezer, so maybe they'll grow on me, but as of right now, they won't be on my next shopping list.
But it's been 10 minutes since I ate it, so I'm taking the fact that I have yet to go blind as a good sign. I'll let you know if I last though the night.
Update: I woke up this morning! I didn't break out into a cold sweat, there's no hair on the palms of my hands and I'm not craving human flesh. I think I'm going to be okay.
Tough Day
Diane,
It's a tough day for me, as well as alot of people I know. A year ago today, one of my best friends, Garreth McDonald, was killed in a car accident. He was a great friend and a good man, someone who was taken far too soon. He was a guy who did everything he could in the short 22 years of his life. He ran for election...twice; He established himself as one of the smartest young political minds in the province and; he played as hard as he worked. I don't know if I ever met anyone who was able to work a 14 hour day and still be up to go out and do something at night, only to get up and repeat it all the next day. Garreth was an incredible person.
I'll miss you buddy. Rest in Peace.
It's a tough day for me, as well as alot of people I know. A year ago today, one of my best friends, Garreth McDonald, was killed in a car accident. He was a great friend and a good man, someone who was taken far too soon. He was a guy who did everything he could in the short 22 years of his life. He ran for election...twice; He established himself as one of the smartest young political minds in the province and; he played as hard as he worked. I don't know if I ever met anyone who was able to work a 14 hour day and still be up to go out and do something at night, only to get up and repeat it all the next day. Garreth was an incredible person.
I'll miss you buddy. Rest in Peace.
Friday, October 10, 2008
The Velvet Doves
Diane,
At the beginning of the year I joined a flag football team. It's an all first year(1L) law school team that we named after the defendant (Velvet Dove) in the first case we read for law school. Everybody on the team is good friends, but the problem is, we're not overly athletic.
First game of they year, we didn't practice, then went out and got demolished 49-0. The next week, we ran a few plays and did a few drills, but still got crushed 37-0. Better, but definitely not good enough. Last night was our third kick at the can. We played hard on D and shut them out in the 2nd half, but we did nothing on offense and lost 20-0. We can take some good things away from it, but we're 3 weeks into a 5 week season and we have yet to score a single point. I'm actually starting to have flashbacks to my days in the Outfield as a 9 year old baseball player, throwing rocks in the air and catching them in my glove. I like sports, but at some point I'd like to have that trophy, not add to my pile of purple participation ribbons. Next week, the Velvet Doves will fly.
Team VD, on Three...1,2,3...CATCH IT!
At the beginning of the year I joined a flag football team. It's an all first year(1L) law school team that we named after the defendant (Velvet Dove) in the first case we read for law school. Everybody on the team is good friends, but the problem is, we're not overly athletic.
First game of they year, we didn't practice, then went out and got demolished 49-0. The next week, we ran a few plays and did a few drills, but still got crushed 37-0. Better, but definitely not good enough. Last night was our third kick at the can. We played hard on D and shut them out in the 2nd half, but we did nothing on offense and lost 20-0. We can take some good things away from it, but we're 3 weeks into a 5 week season and we have yet to score a single point. I'm actually starting to have flashbacks to my days in the Outfield as a 9 year old baseball player, throwing rocks in the air and catching them in my glove. I like sports, but at some point I'd like to have that trophy, not add to my pile of purple participation ribbons. Next week, the Velvet Doves will fly.
Team VD, on Three...1,2,3...CATCH IT!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Funny Story...
Madame Cardin-al,
I haven't done much writing about my actual law school experience, so I think I should rectify that. It's alot of work, but it is a great experience. The workload is...manageable; the people are awesome and, on the whole, the professors are the best that I have ever had. There's one thing that sticks with me...no one can pronounce my last name.
Over the course of the past 7 weeks I've spent a great deal of time trying to teach people how to say it, and for the most part everyone catches on after 1 or 2 corrections, the one exception being my Torts professor, Professor Chapman. She's a good professor and does well teaching us, but she has a problem with a great deal of the names in the class, which makes it tough in an environment where professional conduct requires that she call us by our last names. After 6 weeks of getting my name mis pronounced ("Far-Shoo", "For-Show", "For-Shoo", ect.), I finally just said in class "Aaron will be fine"; which got a huge laugh in class. Today, Professor Chapman again called on me, but this time she just looked at my name and gave up, deciding to just call me "Mr., uh, Aaron", which again got a laugh. At the break, I decided to help her out. I went to the front of the room and spelled out "4-Shaw" above my name on the seating chart for her. After the break I again raised my hand and when she called on me and said my name right for the first time, the entire class erupted in applause for her. She got a little red in the face, but took it in stride. Didn't expect the response, but it was a pretty funny moment.
Ah well, back to my contracts book. Later.
I haven't done much writing about my actual law school experience, so I think I should rectify that. It's alot of work, but it is a great experience. The workload is...manageable; the people are awesome and, on the whole, the professors are the best that I have ever had. There's one thing that sticks with me...no one can pronounce my last name.
Over the course of the past 7 weeks I've spent a great deal of time trying to teach people how to say it, and for the most part everyone catches on after 1 or 2 corrections, the one exception being my Torts professor, Professor Chapman. She's a good professor and does well teaching us, but she has a problem with a great deal of the names in the class, which makes it tough in an environment where professional conduct requires that she call us by our last names. After 6 weeks of getting my name mis pronounced ("Far-Shoo", "For-Show", "For-Shoo", ect.), I finally just said in class "Aaron will be fine"; which got a huge laugh in class. Today, Professor Chapman again called on me, but this time she just looked at my name and gave up, deciding to just call me "Mr., uh, Aaron", which again got a laugh. At the break, I decided to help her out. I went to the front of the room and spelled out "4-Shaw" above my name on the seating chart for her. After the break I again raised my hand and when she called on me and said my name right for the first time, the entire class erupted in applause for her. She got a little red in the face, but took it in stride. Didn't expect the response, but it was a pretty funny moment.
Ah well, back to my contracts book. Later.
Retrace
Dear Diane,
The ‘I miss home’ post is here. There’s so much I miss right now; my family; my friends; the chill of a cool October day on the grey prairie streets; heck, even Beans is on my mind. There’s one person in particular that I wish I could see right now though: Holly.
No matter how much of a jerk I’ve been to her, no matter how much I’ve tried to forget what we meant to each other and move on (literally), she’s been a constant calming force in my life for the last four years. I love her; I always have and always will. I always said that one of the pre-requisites to be with me was you had to get at least 60% of my lame jokes and that girl hits on a solid 90%. It’s definitely more than that though. She’s organized, hard working, ambitious, funny, and beautiful. And I threw it away. Pretty stupid, eh, Mrs. C?
I got the new Anberlin CD last week, which is a band that we discovered together one random HMV trip when I just decided to pick up a CD to see what good music was out there. On the album is a song that pretty much explains everything I’m feeling, so I’ll close this post with those lyrics.
Oh, how I've tried to get you out of my head. And I lied, broken words I said. Never thought I'd walk on this street again. Standing where it all began. Tried to forget when I left this town, But it takes me right back when I come back around. Retrace the steps we took on that long summer night. I'm right there by your side. Retrace the steps we took when we met worlds away. Counting backwards while the stars are falling. Oh, how I find every subtle thing screams your name. It reminds me of places of times we shared. Couldn't live locked in these memories. Now I'm chained to my thoughts again. And I tried to forget when I left this town, But I'll take you right back if you come back around. Retrace the steps we took on that long summer night. I'm right there by your side. Retrace the steps we took when we met worlds away. Counting backwards while the stars are falling. I need some shelter, I need some safety. Photographs, they haunt me lately. Chasing shadows as the evening takes me. I'm still searching, but the picture's fading. Retrace the steps we took on that long summer night. I'm right there by your side. Retrace the steps we took when we met worlds away. Counting backwards, still counting backwards. And no where else has ever felt like home. And I can't fall asleep when I'm lying here alone. I replay your voice, it's like you're here. You move the earth, but now the sky is falling. Retrace the steps we took on that long summer night. In my mind, I'm back by your side. Retrace the steps we took when we met worlds away. Counting backwards while the stars are falling.
The ‘I miss home’ post is here. There’s so much I miss right now; my family; my friends; the chill of a cool October day on the grey prairie streets; heck, even Beans is on my mind. There’s one person in particular that I wish I could see right now though: Holly.
No matter how much of a jerk I’ve been to her, no matter how much I’ve tried to forget what we meant to each other and move on (literally), she’s been a constant calming force in my life for the last four years. I love her; I always have and always will. I always said that one of the pre-requisites to be with me was you had to get at least 60% of my lame jokes and that girl hits on a solid 90%. It’s definitely more than that though. She’s organized, hard working, ambitious, funny, and beautiful. And I threw it away. Pretty stupid, eh, Mrs. C?
I got the new Anberlin CD last week, which is a band that we discovered together one random HMV trip when I just decided to pick up a CD to see what good music was out there. On the album is a song that pretty much explains everything I’m feeling, so I’ll close this post with those lyrics.
Oh, how I've tried to get you out of my head. And I lied, broken words I said. Never thought I'd walk on this street again. Standing where it all began. Tried to forget when I left this town, But it takes me right back when I come back around. Retrace the steps we took on that long summer night. I'm right there by your side. Retrace the steps we took when we met worlds away. Counting backwards while the stars are falling. Oh, how I find every subtle thing screams your name. It reminds me of places of times we shared. Couldn't live locked in these memories. Now I'm chained to my thoughts again. And I tried to forget when I left this town, But I'll take you right back if you come back around. Retrace the steps we took on that long summer night. I'm right there by your side. Retrace the steps we took when we met worlds away. Counting backwards while the stars are falling. I need some shelter, I need some safety. Photographs, they haunt me lately. Chasing shadows as the evening takes me. I'm still searching, but the picture's fading. Retrace the steps we took on that long summer night. I'm right there by your side. Retrace the steps we took when we met worlds away. Counting backwards, still counting backwards. And no where else has ever felt like home. And I can't fall asleep when I'm lying here alone. I replay your voice, it's like you're here. You move the earth, but now the sky is falling. Retrace the steps we took on that long summer night. In my mind, I'm back by your side. Retrace the steps we took when we met worlds away. Counting backwards while the stars are falling.
Friday, October 3, 2008
A couple thoughts on the VP Debate
Dear Diane,
I watched most of the VP debate last night, suspended between fear and excitement about what gaffes might come out of Palin's mouth, or how possible it was that Biden would push too hard and make a sympathetic figure out of her, which would have made me very happy. What I saw was not much in the way of substance...until the subject of foreign affairs came up.
I heard alot of the same rhetoric coming out of Biden that I had heard this campaign; how it was wrong to go into Iraq; how McCain was lock step with Bush on going in; how it's time to get out. But it was the first time I had heard him use his own words on what he thought when the US went off to war in 2003. He said:
" But let's get straight who has been right and wrong. John McCain and Dick Cheney said while I was saying we would not be greeted as liberators, we would not - this war would take a decade and not a day, not a week and not six months, we would not be out of there quickly. John McCain was saying the Sunnis and Shias got along with each other without reading the history of the last 700 years. John McCain said there would be enough oil to pay for this. John McCain has been dead wrong. I love him. As my mother would say, god love him, but he's been dead wrong on the fundamental issues relating to the conduct of the war. Barack Obama has been right. There are the facts."
Let's assume what Sen. Biden is saying is true; He knew from the onset of this war, better than anyone else and this war would take "a decade, not a week, not six months". Well, my math might be a little fuzzy, but I think we're 5 years into this war. A war Senator Biden VOTED FOR! This man knew better, apparently, but felt it was still important to go in, and now with victory still far from assured, he falls in line with Obama on a plan to put timeline on when US troops will be out of Iraq...a full 3 and a half years ahead of his own timetable.
But that's only half of it. Literally seconds later, Sen. Biden busts out this gem:
"I always am focused, as you know Gwen, I have been focusing on for a long time, along with Barack on Pakistan. Pakistan already has nuclear weapons. Pakistan already has deployed nuclear weapons. Pakistan's weapons can already hit Israel and the Mediterranean...and by the way, that's where bin Laden lives and we will go at him if we have actual intelligence."
I understand wanting to get troops out of a place they never should have been to begin with, but this doesn't sound like a "bring our troops home" mantra. For all those who are voting Obama for that purpose, it's not going to happen. An exit from Iraq will only mean another failed state in the world that falls into the hands of a new dictator that takes control through increased bloodshed. And what happens to those American troops? They leave an increasingly stable situation in Iraq to go fight insurgents in the Mountains of Afghanistan and Pakistan, where death and dismemberment are much more likely. The fighting is far from over, but at least John McCain is man enough to stand his ground and try and fix the problem he helped create. That's more than I can say for Biden.
I watched most of the VP debate last night, suspended between fear and excitement about what gaffes might come out of Palin's mouth, or how possible it was that Biden would push too hard and make a sympathetic figure out of her, which would have made me very happy. What I saw was not much in the way of substance...until the subject of foreign affairs came up.
I heard alot of the same rhetoric coming out of Biden that I had heard this campaign; how it was wrong to go into Iraq; how McCain was lock step with Bush on going in; how it's time to get out. But it was the first time I had heard him use his own words on what he thought when the US went off to war in 2003. He said:
" But let's get straight who has been right and wrong. John McCain and Dick Cheney said while I was saying we would not be greeted as liberators, we would not - this war would take a decade and not a day, not a week and not six months, we would not be out of there quickly. John McCain was saying the Sunnis and Shias got along with each other without reading the history of the last 700 years. John McCain said there would be enough oil to pay for this. John McCain has been dead wrong. I love him. As my mother would say, god love him, but he's been dead wrong on the fundamental issues relating to the conduct of the war. Barack Obama has been right. There are the facts."
Let's assume what Sen. Biden is saying is true; He knew from the onset of this war, better than anyone else and this war would take "a decade, not a week, not six months". Well, my math might be a little fuzzy, but I think we're 5 years into this war. A war Senator Biden VOTED FOR! This man knew better, apparently, but felt it was still important to go in, and now with victory still far from assured, he falls in line with Obama on a plan to put timeline on when US troops will be out of Iraq...a full 3 and a half years ahead of his own timetable.
But that's only half of it. Literally seconds later, Sen. Biden busts out this gem:
"I always am focused, as you know Gwen, I have been focusing on for a long time, along with Barack on Pakistan. Pakistan already has nuclear weapons. Pakistan already has deployed nuclear weapons. Pakistan's weapons can already hit Israel and the Mediterranean...and by the way, that's where bin Laden lives and we will go at him if we have actual intelligence."
I understand wanting to get troops out of a place they never should have been to begin with, but this doesn't sound like a "bring our troops home" mantra. For all those who are voting Obama for that purpose, it's not going to happen. An exit from Iraq will only mean another failed state in the world that falls into the hands of a new dictator that takes control through increased bloodshed. And what happens to those American troops? They leave an increasingly stable situation in Iraq to go fight insurgents in the Mountains of Afghanistan and Pakistan, where death and dismemberment are much more likely. The fighting is far from over, but at least John McCain is man enough to stand his ground and try and fix the problem he helped create. That's more than I can say for Biden.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
The Shift from the Green Shift
Dear Diane,
Reading the political news over on the blog of my good friend the Hack at http://www.hacksandwonks.blogspot.com/, I was made aware of the about face Stephane Dion has made on his green shift plan. *Slow Clap*
I'll be honest with you, I believe that we should be doing as much as we can to be helping our environment and I believe that carbon taxes are probably the way we'll be moving in the future, but even I understood how stupid and useless it was to make the central plank of your campaign a tax on Industry in a climate of economic uncertainty. One of the cornerstones of business is that the producer almost never takes the hit when things get tough; the cost is passed on to the consumer. On top of that, the province of BC, probably the most progressive in Canada, is currently grumbling over the cost increases that are coming out of their Carbon Tax. Why, oh why, would anyone believe that this is a good idea at a time like this, is beyond me.
But having said that, why would you change your tune in the middle of an election? Right or wrong, the Liberals were providing a choice from the Conservative platform that has been run pretty safe and middle of the road thus far. The Green Shift was a bad idea in June, July and August and Dion felt that he could still fight an election on this issue, mainly because it is the only place where he has any credibility, which I still don't understand since he is the former environment minister and had his opportunity to make a difference on that front; But that is of no consequence to me.
When all is said and done in this election, I believe this backpeddle will be a big deal for alot of people in our country, Liberals or not. The party stuck their neck out on this issue and since then things have been going down the drain. To back down at this point shows just how disasterous the decision to place electoral hopes on an untested environmental policy has been. There is no question that the environment is important to Canadians, but the economic fears that go along with such an overarching initiative are too much to overcome in a general election for an opposition party.
Good policy? Possible. Good Politics? Not in the least
Reading the political news over on the blog of my good friend the Hack at http://www.hacksandwonks.blogspot.com/, I was made aware of the about face Stephane Dion has made on his green shift plan. *Slow Clap*
I'll be honest with you, I believe that we should be doing as much as we can to be helping our environment and I believe that carbon taxes are probably the way we'll be moving in the future, but even I understood how stupid and useless it was to make the central plank of your campaign a tax on Industry in a climate of economic uncertainty. One of the cornerstones of business is that the producer almost never takes the hit when things get tough; the cost is passed on to the consumer. On top of that, the province of BC, probably the most progressive in Canada, is currently grumbling over the cost increases that are coming out of their Carbon Tax. Why, oh why, would anyone believe that this is a good idea at a time like this, is beyond me.
But having said that, why would you change your tune in the middle of an election? Right or wrong, the Liberals were providing a choice from the Conservative platform that has been run pretty safe and middle of the road thus far. The Green Shift was a bad idea in June, July and August and Dion felt that he could still fight an election on this issue, mainly because it is the only place where he has any credibility, which I still don't understand since he is the former environment minister and had his opportunity to make a difference on that front; But that is of no consequence to me.
When all is said and done in this election, I believe this backpeddle will be a big deal for alot of people in our country, Liberals or not. The party stuck their neck out on this issue and since then things have been going down the drain. To back down at this point shows just how disasterous the decision to place electoral hopes on an untested environmental policy has been. There is no question that the environment is important to Canadians, but the economic fears that go along with such an overarching initiative are too much to overcome in a general election for an opposition party.
Good policy? Possible. Good Politics? Not in the least
Friday, September 12, 2008
Blue with Envy
Mrs. C,
As you know, I love working on campaigns, and I plan to do a little work down here on the Presidential race for McCain, but I miss the Canadian Political scene too. I was on the phone with a good friend of mine this afternoon when I got some news that made me really wish I was at home. Thomas Steen, Winnipeg Jet legend and fine, upstanding Winnipegger, has decided to run for the Conservatives in Elmwood-Transcona. I know, that's old news, but the people working on his campaign is news to me. My friend Jeff will be running things as the campaign manager; He's a very capable campaigner and has helped get many people elected, including himself. But the cool thing is the people that they have lined up to be co-chairs of the campaign; Winnipeg Jets legends and NHL Hall of Famers Dale Hawerchuk and Bobby Hull! If I was home right now, I'd be spending every spare moment in Transcona trying to get Thomas Steen elected...and trying to get war stories out of three of the best to ever step over the boards at Winnipeg Arena. I'm actually a little bummed out that I won't be around for it, but I'm happy for all my buddies who will get an opportunity to help Steen take his place in Parliament.
As you know, I love working on campaigns, and I plan to do a little work down here on the Presidential race for McCain, but I miss the Canadian Political scene too. I was on the phone with a good friend of mine this afternoon when I got some news that made me really wish I was at home. Thomas Steen, Winnipeg Jet legend and fine, upstanding Winnipegger, has decided to run for the Conservatives in Elmwood-Transcona. I know, that's old news, but the people working on his campaign is news to me. My friend Jeff will be running things as the campaign manager; He's a very capable campaigner and has helped get many people elected, including himself. But the cool thing is the people that they have lined up to be co-chairs of the campaign; Winnipeg Jets legends and NHL Hall of Famers Dale Hawerchuk and Bobby Hull! If I was home right now, I'd be spending every spare moment in Transcona trying to get Thomas Steen elected...and trying to get war stories out of three of the best to ever step over the boards at Winnipeg Arena. I'm actually a little bummed out that I won't be around for it, but I'm happy for all my buddies who will get an opportunity to help Steen take his place in Parliament.
Should I book a flight home?
Diane,
About a month before I left, I became a delegate to the Conservative Party of Canada Policy convention for the riding of Portage-Lisgar. I was unsure if I was going to be able to make it, since I was likely leaving for school, but I had such a great experience in Montreal at our last convention in 2004 that I didn't want to miss the opportunity if I was still in the province.
In the leadup to my leaving, I had a conversation with a wise political friend of mine who told me not to worry about it since we were likely going to have an election in the fall and they would call off the Policy convention. His logic was flawless; The CPC would be hitting up the core supporters for money during the election, the same people likely to go to the convention, where costs are considered donations to the party; election laws limit the amount of money you can give on an annual basis; therefore, no convention because alot of delegates would have hit their cap for donations.
I get this in my e-mail today:
Dear Convention08 delegate,
Even though a federal election has been called, the Conservative Party of Canadas Convention 08 will still take place, as planned, from November 13th-15th in Winnipeg, Manitoba. If you have not done so, please make travel plans and book your hotels as soon as possible to ensure you receive optimal dates and accommodations. Hotels and flights are booking up.
My wise friend was wrong and now I have a delegate spot from a country away. I want to go, but this is looking like it will be a last minute decision. Any ideas?
About a month before I left, I became a delegate to the Conservative Party of Canada Policy convention for the riding of Portage-Lisgar. I was unsure if I was going to be able to make it, since I was likely leaving for school, but I had such a great experience in Montreal at our last convention in 2004 that I didn't want to miss the opportunity if I was still in the province.
In the leadup to my leaving, I had a conversation with a wise political friend of mine who told me not to worry about it since we were likely going to have an election in the fall and they would call off the Policy convention. His logic was flawless; The CPC would be hitting up the core supporters for money during the election, the same people likely to go to the convention, where costs are considered donations to the party; election laws limit the amount of money you can give on an annual basis; therefore, no convention because alot of delegates would have hit their cap for donations.
I get this in my e-mail today:
Dear Convention08 delegate,
Even though a federal election has been called, the Conservative Party of Canadas Convention 08 will still take place, as planned, from November 13th-15th in Winnipeg, Manitoba. If you have not done so, please make travel plans and book your hotels as soon as possible to ensure you receive optimal dates and accommodations. Hotels and flights are booking up.
My wise friend was wrong and now I have a delegate spot from a country away. I want to go, but this is looking like it will be a last minute decision. Any ideas?
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Silver Lining...
Dear Diane,
I'm sure you watched the game today. A 34-31 loss after leading by 17 going into the 4th. I'm listening to Bob Irvine dissect the corpse of this all-but-dead team and actually I'm smiling. It's not because I hate my boys in blue, it's not because I jumped ship to the US and I'm not around to watch them find new ways to lose; It's because I'm thinking of my Grandpa Mazolleck and a story my Uncle Rob told me years ago.
My grandpa was a huge Bomber Fan and is one of the reasons I followed the Bombers as religiously over my life, but he was banned from the stadium by my uncle and his buddies when the Bombers had a huge lead over the Riders one season in the late 80s- early 90s. He yelled out "Put in Hufnagle!" at the Riders coaching staff and the did. John Hufnagle lead the Roughriders to a huge 4th quarter comeback and enraging the bomber faithful. For years my grandfather got flak for it, which he always took with a smile.
Not pleased that the blue pulled another loss out of the jaws of victory, but it's always nice when a good memory of my grandpa comes to mind.
I'm sure you watched the game today. A 34-31 loss after leading by 17 going into the 4th. I'm listening to Bob Irvine dissect the corpse of this all-but-dead team and actually I'm smiling. It's not because I hate my boys in blue, it's not because I jumped ship to the US and I'm not around to watch them find new ways to lose; It's because I'm thinking of my Grandpa Mazolleck and a story my Uncle Rob told me years ago.
My grandpa was a huge Bomber Fan and is one of the reasons I followed the Bombers as religiously over my life, but he was banned from the stadium by my uncle and his buddies when the Bombers had a huge lead over the Riders one season in the late 80s- early 90s. He yelled out "Put in Hufnagle!" at the Riders coaching staff and the did. John Hufnagle lead the Roughriders to a huge 4th quarter comeback and enraging the bomber faithful. For years my grandfather got flak for it, which he always took with a smile.
Not pleased that the blue pulled another loss out of the jaws of victory, but it's always nice when a good memory of my grandpa comes to mind.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
It's been a while
Dear Diane,
It's been almost 2 weeks since I last wrote, and I really should get back into the game, keeping you informed of the goings on in Tulsa. Right now, I think have just enough time to tell the story of yesterday afternoon.
I got my laptop on the 16th of August. It was a decent price to begin with, but with all the upgrades and modifications I made to it, the price went up a couple hundred dollars. But I needed it for school, so it was justified. Yesterday, I found out that I apparently hadn't spent enough.
I was sitting in a review session for Contracts and opened my Word processor to take notes. I was able to open the document, but for some reason I couldn't make any changes, like typing new notes. Since I had yet to find the Product Code that I needed to initialize my Microsoft Office, I figured that I had been locked out until I found it, so I called Best Buy to find out what it was. On the phone, I was informed that I didn't purchase Office and that what I've been using for the past 3 weeks was only a trial program; I needed to come in and pay an extra $100 to get the real deal. Not happy.
My little rant on him goes as follows: I'm a law student. I informed the guy helping me of this, even showed him a paper with the specifics that I needed for school. He took his time to go over the Product Service Plan that he figured I'd need, he even told me that they could install additional security on it for a $150(both of which I bought), but how in all that is Holy could they let me walk out the door with a trial copy of office when they knew that I would be using that program each and everyday?!? He didn't have anything to say to that.
I find out that through the school I can get a copy of the program for 10 bucks, so I don't need to deal with the good people over at Best Buy, but this happened at 4:50 on Friday afternoon. I have a research assignment that is due next Wednesday that I was planning on knocking out and had no way of getting it done, since I needed to submit it in word. The businessnoffice closes at 5 PM and I'm all the way across campus. So I dump my laptop on my buddy Jordan and take off running.
Just so you know, I've started running again lately, and I went to the gym to use the track for the first time yesterday(beautiful facility). I ran 3 miles yesterday, which is pretty much my max right now. Why is this important? Because I am now wearing skate shoes, with 9 minutes to spare, running on pavement with legs that are screaming for me to stop. I'm weezing, weaving and sweating my way across TU in a feeble last gasp attempt to salvage my weekend and keep my sanity, cursing Bust Buy the whole way.
I run through the doors of Twin Towers and see the housing office. I walk in and ask the woman at the front dest where I can find the business office.
"Business office? That's in MacRae Hall, across the quad. But it's 4:57, you're not going to make it!"
"I was told the business office was the place to go to get a copy of microsoft office. Is that really at MacRae Hall?"
"Oh no, that's the computer office. Up the stairs and to your left." Whew.
Twin Towers is under construction, so the place is an absolute mess. Doors are blown off; plaster and drywall reign. There is no sign of a staircase. 4:58.
I run to the other end of the hall andd find a guy to tell me where the stairs are. They're apparently hidden behind a door that looks like a closet with no sign. Guy looks at me like I'm crazy for not knowing that. Sorry buddy, but I was just looking for a staircase, I don't need to be flipping statue heads to find the batpole and Wayne Manor. 4:59.
I run up the stairs and down the hall, getting to the door with a second to spare. The guys were just walking out the door for the weekend. And now? I get to do my assignment! Yay, what I prize.
Moral of the story: Ask every possible question when dealing with buying a computer. It isn't fun when something like this happens.
It's been almost 2 weeks since I last wrote, and I really should get back into the game, keeping you informed of the goings on in Tulsa. Right now, I think have just enough time to tell the story of yesterday afternoon.
I got my laptop on the 16th of August. It was a decent price to begin with, but with all the upgrades and modifications I made to it, the price went up a couple hundred dollars. But I needed it for school, so it was justified. Yesterday, I found out that I apparently hadn't spent enough.
I was sitting in a review session for Contracts and opened my Word processor to take notes. I was able to open the document, but for some reason I couldn't make any changes, like typing new notes. Since I had yet to find the Product Code that I needed to initialize my Microsoft Office, I figured that I had been locked out until I found it, so I called Best Buy to find out what it was. On the phone, I was informed that I didn't purchase Office and that what I've been using for the past 3 weeks was only a trial program; I needed to come in and pay an extra $100 to get the real deal. Not happy.
My little rant on him goes as follows: I'm a law student. I informed the guy helping me of this, even showed him a paper with the specifics that I needed for school. He took his time to go over the Product Service Plan that he figured I'd need, he even told me that they could install additional security on it for a $150(both of which I bought), but how in all that is Holy could they let me walk out the door with a trial copy of office when they knew that I would be using that program each and everyday?!? He didn't have anything to say to that.
I find out that through the school I can get a copy of the program for 10 bucks, so I don't need to deal with the good people over at Best Buy, but this happened at 4:50 on Friday afternoon. I have a research assignment that is due next Wednesday that I was planning on knocking out and had no way of getting it done, since I needed to submit it in word. The businessnoffice closes at 5 PM and I'm all the way across campus. So I dump my laptop on my buddy Jordan and take off running.
Just so you know, I've started running again lately, and I went to the gym to use the track for the first time yesterday(beautiful facility). I ran 3 miles yesterday, which is pretty much my max right now. Why is this important? Because I am now wearing skate shoes, with 9 minutes to spare, running on pavement with legs that are screaming for me to stop. I'm weezing, weaving and sweating my way across TU in a feeble last gasp attempt to salvage my weekend and keep my sanity, cursing Bust Buy the whole way.
I run through the doors of Twin Towers and see the housing office. I walk in and ask the woman at the front dest where I can find the business office.
"Business office? That's in MacRae Hall, across the quad. But it's 4:57, you're not going to make it!"
"I was told the business office was the place to go to get a copy of microsoft office. Is that really at MacRae Hall?"
"Oh no, that's the computer office. Up the stairs and to your left." Whew.
Twin Towers is under construction, so the place is an absolute mess. Doors are blown off; plaster and drywall reign. There is no sign of a staircase. 4:58.
I run to the other end of the hall andd find a guy to tell me where the stairs are. They're apparently hidden behind a door that looks like a closet with no sign. Guy looks at me like I'm crazy for not knowing that. Sorry buddy, but I was just looking for a staircase, I don't need to be flipping statue heads to find the batpole and Wayne Manor. 4:59.
I run up the stairs and down the hall, getting to the door with a second to spare. The guys were just walking out the door for the weekend. And now? I get to do my assignment! Yay, what I prize.
Moral of the story: Ask every possible question when dealing with buying a computer. It isn't fun when something like this happens.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Bad news Travels fast
Dear Diane,
Katelyn called me this morning to let me know that our friend Arlan Asham was killed in a car accident on the Delta highway last night. I know how close him and Harley were having worked together at PCI and I just want to pass on my condolences. I'm in total shock right now and really can't come to terms with what this means.
Arlan was a great guy. I remember back when I first met him, when he was going to yellowquill with Katelyn. I've always been an over protective brother, always suspicious of guys that hung around my sisters, but when it came to Arlan I saw that he was exactly the same way when it came to Katelyn. I knew I could trust him with my sister and that he would always be there to protect her and look out for her, and for the past 6 years that's exactly what he's done.
Arlan and I actually started hanging out together in the past year or so. I'd always thought of him as a little brother, but recently he'd become a true friend. Being this far away from home is tough at times like this because all I want to do is grab my sister, hug her and tell her that no matter how hard it is right now, Arlan is in a better place and life does go on.
There seems to be too much young death in the world these days. I lost one of my best friends, Garreth McDonald, in a car accident in November and to add Arlan to this list saddens me more than I ever thought possible. Arlan, I'm going to miss you so much, and to all the people out there that knew and loved the guy, I hope that we'll remember how much joy he brought to our lives and remember the good times. Rest In Peace, my friend.
Katelyn called me this morning to let me know that our friend Arlan Asham was killed in a car accident on the Delta highway last night. I know how close him and Harley were having worked together at PCI and I just want to pass on my condolences. I'm in total shock right now and really can't come to terms with what this means.
Arlan was a great guy. I remember back when I first met him, when he was going to yellowquill with Katelyn. I've always been an over protective brother, always suspicious of guys that hung around my sisters, but when it came to Arlan I saw that he was exactly the same way when it came to Katelyn. I knew I could trust him with my sister and that he would always be there to protect her and look out for her, and for the past 6 years that's exactly what he's done.
Arlan and I actually started hanging out together in the past year or so. I'd always thought of him as a little brother, but recently he'd become a true friend. Being this far away from home is tough at times like this because all I want to do is grab my sister, hug her and tell her that no matter how hard it is right now, Arlan is in a better place and life does go on.
There seems to be too much young death in the world these days. I lost one of my best friends, Garreth McDonald, in a car accident in November and to add Arlan to this list saddens me more than I ever thought possible. Arlan, I'm going to miss you so much, and to all the people out there that knew and loved the guy, I hope that we'll remember how much joy he brought to our lives and remember the good times. Rest In Peace, my friend.
The Weekend
Dear Diane,
It's been a few days since I've updated you, and I'm sure you're starting to feel out of the loop... So let's get you up to date on the goings on of 4Shaw the law student.
I went through a difficult decision on Thursday about what I was going to do for the weekend. Long ago I had told Alex(my cousin) that I would come up to Des Moines for the first weekend after orientation because that would be the weekend that I had the least to do for, and the most time to hang out since I also had Friday off. At the last minute I started getting cold feet about going because of all the stuff I had to do, which consisted of approximately 200 pages of reading. In the end I chose to hold true to my word and head up to Des Moines, books in hand, right after my pro-bono seminar on Thursday. The seminar ended at 1PM and I was in the car by 1:15.
Alex is a student at Drake Law and, like me, is a 1L. Thursday night was a mixer on a patio just off campus for his 1L class as they finished up orientation. When I got there, I felt a strange feeling that I didn't expect; I felt like I didn't belong. For years I have always felt at home in the state of Iowa and I always assumed that Drake would be where I got my JD from. But Thursday night I felt out of place for the first time there. I knew that I'd made the right choice moving to Tulsa and I was more secure in my choice of law school than I had ever been.
Friday was the main event of the weekend...the Beer Pong Tournament in Ames at Iowa State. I went out in the first round. Even though I was out of the tourny early, it was still a great time and for the 9th consecutive night I drank but never even approached the now legendary "4Shaw Drunk". Mrs. Cardinal, it think you understand that is your name becomes an adjective for intoxication, you should probably take a step back from partying. I'm glad I've learned my lessons.
Saturday morning was my proudest moment; I left Des Moines early for the first time in my life. Like I said before, Iowa is like my second home, and for me to walk away from it because I had too much studying to do is probably the most surprising move of this entire experience so far. Lil'4Shaw is growing up.
On the way home, Lazurus suprised me again. For the past year or so, my old '98 Contour has been getting horrible fuel economy. I was actually considering getting rid of the old girl as the cost of gas went through the roof. But with all the driving I've been doing, something changed in Lazurus and she's getting better miles per gallon than I've ever seen. On the way home yesterday I went 661 Kms(around 425 miles) on my 42 litre tank, which is around 150 Kms over my average tank. At this point Lazurus is like Rocky at the end of a training montage.
Last night I got lost again. Tulsa's street grid is like a funhouse mirror. In some spots is is a perfect grid that can be navigated with ease, but at the drop of a hat, it can change, becoming distorted and winding, streets narrow and go in all different directions. Streets that once ran parallel to each other now intersect, and before you know it, you're on the other side of the city and you have no idea how to get back. That happened to me last night trying to find the apartment of one of my fellow 1Ls. Note to self: 71st St is not to be trusted as a way of getting anywhere.
Well, I think it's been enough of an update and I should probably hit the books. Tomorrow is the beginning of the real deal and I still have to brush up on my Torts.
Later Mrs. C
It's been a few days since I've updated you, and I'm sure you're starting to feel out of the loop... So let's get you up to date on the goings on of 4Shaw the law student.
I went through a difficult decision on Thursday about what I was going to do for the weekend. Long ago I had told Alex(my cousin) that I would come up to Des Moines for the first weekend after orientation because that would be the weekend that I had the least to do for, and the most time to hang out since I also had Friday off. At the last minute I started getting cold feet about going because of all the stuff I had to do, which consisted of approximately 200 pages of reading. In the end I chose to hold true to my word and head up to Des Moines, books in hand, right after my pro-bono seminar on Thursday. The seminar ended at 1PM and I was in the car by 1:15.
Alex is a student at Drake Law and, like me, is a 1L. Thursday night was a mixer on a patio just off campus for his 1L class as they finished up orientation. When I got there, I felt a strange feeling that I didn't expect; I felt like I didn't belong. For years I have always felt at home in the state of Iowa and I always assumed that Drake would be where I got my JD from. But Thursday night I felt out of place for the first time there. I knew that I'd made the right choice moving to Tulsa and I was more secure in my choice of law school than I had ever been.
Friday was the main event of the weekend...the Beer Pong Tournament in Ames at Iowa State. I went out in the first round. Even though I was out of the tourny early, it was still a great time and for the 9th consecutive night I drank but never even approached the now legendary "4Shaw Drunk". Mrs. Cardinal, it think you understand that is your name becomes an adjective for intoxication, you should probably take a step back from partying. I'm glad I've learned my lessons.
Saturday morning was my proudest moment; I left Des Moines early for the first time in my life. Like I said before, Iowa is like my second home, and for me to walk away from it because I had too much studying to do is probably the most surprising move of this entire experience so far. Lil'4Shaw is growing up.
On the way home, Lazurus suprised me again. For the past year or so, my old '98 Contour has been getting horrible fuel economy. I was actually considering getting rid of the old girl as the cost of gas went through the roof. But with all the driving I've been doing, something changed in Lazurus and she's getting better miles per gallon than I've ever seen. On the way home yesterday I went 661 Kms(around 425 miles) on my 42 litre tank, which is around 150 Kms over my average tank. At this point Lazurus is like Rocky at the end of a training montage.
Last night I got lost again. Tulsa's street grid is like a funhouse mirror. In some spots is is a perfect grid that can be navigated with ease, but at the drop of a hat, it can change, becoming distorted and winding, streets narrow and go in all different directions. Streets that once ran parallel to each other now intersect, and before you know it, you're on the other side of the city and you have no idea how to get back. That happened to me last night trying to find the apartment of one of my fellow 1Ls. Note to self: 71st St is not to be trusted as a way of getting anywhere.
Well, I think it's been enough of an update and I should probably hit the books. Tomorrow is the beginning of the real deal and I still have to brush up on my Torts.
Later Mrs. C
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
The Keynote
Dear Diane,
Tonight we had the keynote address of our orientation. It was delivered by Judge David Lewis, which was exactly what it was supposed to be; inspirational. He told us stories about his path to where he is today, and how it's a lifelong adventure. He urged us to become immersed in the profession of law and to take every opportunity to gain knowledge from our classmates and peers. He also challenged us to be the best we can be and read us this poem:
Be The Best
By Douglas Malloch
If you can't be the pine at the top of the hill
Be the scrub in the valley, but be
The best little scrub on the side of the hill
Be a bush if you can't be a tree
If you can't be a bush be a bit of the grass
Doing something for somebody's sake
If you can't be a muskie try being a bass
But be the liveliest bass in the lake
We can't all be captains, some have to be crew
There is something for all of us here
There is big work and little for people to do
And the task we must do is near
So if you can't be a highway then be a great trail
If you can't be a sun be a star
It isn't by size that you win or you fail
Be the best at whatever you are
This poem spoke to me and was the most important thing I will take away from Judge Lewis' address. It meant so much to me that I tracked him down at the reception to find out the name of the peom, which he gave to me. I felt honoured.
At times I have sat on the sidelines and waited for things to come my way, but today I feel like I am on the right path. I have an opportunity right now in front of me to be the best I can be, and that's exactly what I'm going to do.
Mrs. Cardinal, I swear to you, I'm going to make you proud.
Tonight we had the keynote address of our orientation. It was delivered by Judge David Lewis, which was exactly what it was supposed to be; inspirational. He told us stories about his path to where he is today, and how it's a lifelong adventure. He urged us to become immersed in the profession of law and to take every opportunity to gain knowledge from our classmates and peers. He also challenged us to be the best we can be and read us this poem:
Be The Best
By Douglas Malloch
If you can't be the pine at the top of the hill
Be the scrub in the valley, but be
The best little scrub on the side of the hill
Be a bush if you can't be a tree
If you can't be a bush be a bit of the grass
Doing something for somebody's sake
If you can't be a muskie try being a bass
But be the liveliest bass in the lake
We can't all be captains, some have to be crew
There is something for all of us here
There is big work and little for people to do
And the task we must do is near
So if you can't be a highway then be a great trail
If you can't be a sun be a star
It isn't by size that you win or you fail
Be the best at whatever you are
This poem spoke to me and was the most important thing I will take away from Judge Lewis' address. It meant so much to me that I tracked him down at the reception to find out the name of the peom, which he gave to me. I felt honoured.
At times I have sat on the sidelines and waited for things to come my way, but today I feel like I am on the right path. I have an opportunity right now in front of me to be the best I can be, and that's exactly what I'm going to do.
Mrs. Cardinal, I swear to you, I'm going to make you proud.
Thoughts on Tulsa
Dear Diane,
Tulsa is great city, but there are some interesting things I've noticed as a Canadian here in the Southern Midwest. Before I got here, I was tolf how friendly everybody is here, which is true in social situations, but just when you come across individuals on the street, no one is too talkative. I've always been a person who will acknowledge someone's presence when I pass a person on the street, but even when there's no one around, people seem to just keep their heads down and ignore others. It's a little odd to me, but maybe I'm just overly friendly.
The city is very easy to get around. The streets are on a grid that sees the East/West streets numbered from North to South, and the North/South streets with names after places like Universities(Harvard, Yale) and cities. The city named streets tend to bunch together by state, and are easy to find when you know where a geographically similar street is located. Trying to find the Grey Snail on Peoria, I knew I was getting close when I saw street names like Rockford and Racine. Makes things easier, but like I leaned last night, you can still get lost and end up on the other side of the city(eg. finding the street you're looking for after 2o minutes of looking, but being in the 8000 block when the address you're looking for is 2640).
But anywho, it's time to get back to class. I'll update you later.
Tulsa is great city, but there are some interesting things I've noticed as a Canadian here in the Southern Midwest. Before I got here, I was tolf how friendly everybody is here, which is true in social situations, but just when you come across individuals on the street, no one is too talkative. I've always been a person who will acknowledge someone's presence when I pass a person on the street, but even when there's no one around, people seem to just keep their heads down and ignore others. It's a little odd to me, but maybe I'm just overly friendly.
The city is very easy to get around. The streets are on a grid that sees the East/West streets numbered from North to South, and the North/South streets with names after places like Universities(Harvard, Yale) and cities. The city named streets tend to bunch together by state, and are easy to find when you know where a geographically similar street is located. Trying to find the Grey Snail on Peoria, I knew I was getting close when I saw street names like Rockford and Racine. Makes things easier, but like I leaned last night, you can still get lost and end up on the other side of the city(eg. finding the street you're looking for after 2o minutes of looking, but being in the 8000 block when the address you're looking for is 2640).
But anywho, it's time to get back to class. I'll update you later.
Monday, August 18, 2008
First Day Jitters
Dear Diane,
The day finally came! My first day of Orientation at TU. I have to say, it's an experience. Got my new ID Card, and parking pass and headed off to class. The law calls is 140 strong, and "the most qualified first year class in the history of the University of Tulsa". Sweet.
The day was pretty much without incedent, but during our introduction to stare decisis, one fine student of advancing years(AKA Oldie McOlderson) says to the professor that she should have had us write a brief on a case before we got there, which brought the eye daggers from the rest of the class. This is the first day buddy...slow down! You're like that one guy who sprints to the front of the Boston Marathon just so he could say that he was in the lead.
Other than that, I really don't have much else. Much like Winnipeg, Tulsa has it's fair share of Sketchy people, like the Tatoo'd shirtless guy walking his 4 year old faux-hawked son into the Qwik Trip to get some smokes...Class. But other observations are going to have to wait for another day. I just wanted to check in and keep current.
You Stay Classy, Mrs. Cardinal
The day finally came! My first day of Orientation at TU. I have to say, it's an experience. Got my new ID Card, and parking pass and headed off to class. The law calls is 140 strong, and "the most qualified first year class in the history of the University of Tulsa". Sweet.
The day was pretty much without incedent, but during our introduction to stare decisis, one fine student of advancing years(AKA Oldie McOlderson) says to the professor that she should have had us write a brief on a case before we got there, which brought the eye daggers from the rest of the class. This is the first day buddy...slow down! You're like that one guy who sprints to the front of the Boston Marathon just so he could say that he was in the lead.
Other than that, I really don't have much else. Much like Winnipeg, Tulsa has it's fair share of Sketchy people, like the Tatoo'd shirtless guy walking his 4 year old faux-hawked son into the Qwik Trip to get some smokes...Class. But other observations are going to have to wait for another day. I just wanted to check in and keep current.
You Stay Classy, Mrs. Cardinal
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Interesting times on the Central Plains
Dear Diane,
I hear that today there's going to be a sod turning in your neck of the woods. With that symbolic spade of dirt we are set to enter a new phase in the move towards Portage la Prairie getting our much needed and deserved multiplex. But really, how much closer are we than we were at the beginning of the year?
I want to start out by saying how much I respect and admire the work done by Brian Gilbert, Warren Neufuld and especially Jeff Bereza, without whom this project would have collapsed long ago. They have worked tirelessly on this and deserve all the praise in the world for what they have accomplished. Like a vocal minority of Portagers, my opposition lies in the placement of the multiplex. Spending my teenaged years on Crescent lake gave me an appreciation for the natural beauty of the lake and an understanding of the enjoyment that residents of Portage la Prairie get from it. In the past few months I've been disturbed by the look of the lake due mainly to the stagnation of water that came with the completion of the causeway. I know the bridge is old and needs to be replaced, but the standards to which this causeway was built is simply as a stopgap measure to get heavy machinery to the island to work on the multiplex. It's hard to fathom why we would be willing to sacrifice one of our most recognizable landmarks to build a facility that will bring ZERO economic spinoffs to the immediate area. The moratorium on development on the island makes sure of that. It would be much better for Portage la Prairie if we were building this on the East or West ends of town, where it would be likely that we would see businesses pop up to cater the the new clientele for our shiney new multiplex
That said, I've long believed that the planned placement of the multiplex on the island has alot to do with the split of funding between the City and Rural Municipality and the need for the RM to get something out of the deal other than the use of the facilities. The ownership of the facility and the rental of it by the City at least covers a bit of the enormous costs to the RM, but it's of little consequence to a Farmer near St. Ambrose that there's a swimming pool that he could use(for a nominal fee) 40 miles away as he watches his property taxes soar. But regardless, on another site, the cost to the RM are bigger and probably impossible to sell to an already bitter electorate. Without the RM ownership, there's no way this multiplex is this far along.
Diane, this whole thing is a bigger mess than anyone tossing the dirt tomorrow wants to admit. Federal and Provincial Funding -although promised- could still be a long way off; We're lopping pieces off the building like we're field surgeons at gettysburg; Funding is fragile; The Environment is suffering; and worst of all, people who were huge supporters of this iniative are turning against the idea of the multiplex entirely. It's very disappointing to see, especially knowing how much work has been put in by so many great and loyal Portagers.
This project is so much larger in importance and size than Splash Island, but the multiplex stands in the long shadow cast by the last cookie cutter solution to Portage's recreation deficit. If this isn't done properly, it might be the end of big ticket projects in the region. This project is a labour of love and to see it shelved at this stage would be horrible, but to see it go ahead, bugs and all, would be an absolute tragedy.
I hear that today there's going to be a sod turning in your neck of the woods. With that symbolic spade of dirt we are set to enter a new phase in the move towards Portage la Prairie getting our much needed and deserved multiplex. But really, how much closer are we than we were at the beginning of the year?
I want to start out by saying how much I respect and admire the work done by Brian Gilbert, Warren Neufuld and especially Jeff Bereza, without whom this project would have collapsed long ago. They have worked tirelessly on this and deserve all the praise in the world for what they have accomplished. Like a vocal minority of Portagers, my opposition lies in the placement of the multiplex. Spending my teenaged years on Crescent lake gave me an appreciation for the natural beauty of the lake and an understanding of the enjoyment that residents of Portage la Prairie get from it. In the past few months I've been disturbed by the look of the lake due mainly to the stagnation of water that came with the completion of the causeway. I know the bridge is old and needs to be replaced, but the standards to which this causeway was built is simply as a stopgap measure to get heavy machinery to the island to work on the multiplex. It's hard to fathom why we would be willing to sacrifice one of our most recognizable landmarks to build a facility that will bring ZERO economic spinoffs to the immediate area. The moratorium on development on the island makes sure of that. It would be much better for Portage la Prairie if we were building this on the East or West ends of town, where it would be likely that we would see businesses pop up to cater the the new clientele for our shiney new multiplex
That said, I've long believed that the planned placement of the multiplex on the island has alot to do with the split of funding between the City and Rural Municipality and the need for the RM to get something out of the deal other than the use of the facilities. The ownership of the facility and the rental of it by the City at least covers a bit of the enormous costs to the RM, but it's of little consequence to a Farmer near St. Ambrose that there's a swimming pool that he could use(for a nominal fee) 40 miles away as he watches his property taxes soar. But regardless, on another site, the cost to the RM are bigger and probably impossible to sell to an already bitter electorate. Without the RM ownership, there's no way this multiplex is this far along.
Diane, this whole thing is a bigger mess than anyone tossing the dirt tomorrow wants to admit. Federal and Provincial Funding -although promised- could still be a long way off; We're lopping pieces off the building like we're field surgeons at gettysburg; Funding is fragile; The Environment is suffering; and worst of all, people who were huge supporters of this iniative are turning against the idea of the multiplex entirely. It's very disappointing to see, especially knowing how much work has been put in by so many great and loyal Portagers.
This project is so much larger in importance and size than Splash Island, but the multiplex stands in the long shadow cast by the last cookie cutter solution to Portage's recreation deficit. If this isn't done properly, it might be the end of big ticket projects in the region. This project is a labour of love and to see it shelved at this stage would be horrible, but to see it go ahead, bugs and all, would be an absolute tragedy.
First Impressions
Dear Diane,
I arrived in Tulsa yesterday around 11:30 AM. As I drove down I-44, I had to smile; Oklahoma looks so much like Manitoba. It was incredible, actually. 1,100 miles from home and I felt like I was driving between Winnipeg and Brandon.
Campus is nice, but the residence apartments are so much better than I expected. I'm living in a 2 bedroom with a 2nd year law student that won't be here until next week, so I have the place to myself for a while. I'm on the 3rd floor with a balcony overlooking the pool. Niiice.
Once I got settled in, I headed down to McNellies Pub for a few drinks with the incoming law class. The place boasts the largest Beer list in Tulsa at over 300 varieties, so imagine my surprise when I couldn't get a Keith's. Go figure.
Met some great people and made a few new friends. The night ended at a place called 'The Grey Snail', which was pretty packed. I can see myself going back to both places.
No great stories yet, but when it happens(and you know it will), you'll hear about it.
I arrived in Tulsa yesterday around 11:30 AM. As I drove down I-44, I had to smile; Oklahoma looks so much like Manitoba. It was incredible, actually. 1,100 miles from home and I felt like I was driving between Winnipeg and Brandon.
Campus is nice, but the residence apartments are so much better than I expected. I'm living in a 2 bedroom with a 2nd year law student that won't be here until next week, so I have the place to myself for a while. I'm on the 3rd floor with a balcony overlooking the pool. Niiice.
Once I got settled in, I headed down to McNellies Pub for a few drinks with the incoming law class. The place boasts the largest Beer list in Tulsa at over 300 varieties, so imagine my surprise when I couldn't get a Keith's. Go figure.
Met some great people and made a few new friends. The night ended at a place called 'The Grey Snail', which was pretty packed. I can see myself going back to both places.
No great stories yet, but when it happens(and you know it will), you'll hear about it.
In the beginning...
Dear Diane,
Once, long ago, we were sitting around, having a few drinks with your 84 year old son, Harley, when he was asked how he liked something. His answer? "It's nothing to write home about". I disagree, but out of that moment comes the idea for this blog.
I've moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma to go to law school and I've decided to keep you up to date on the goings on around Tulsa, my thoughts on the US Presidential Election, the Manitoba political scene, sporting news, and other random musings. Most of the time I'll keep it short and sweet, but I'm sure there's a few things that will get a long rant out of me.
Once, long ago, we were sitting around, having a few drinks with your 84 year old son, Harley, when he was asked how he liked something. His answer? "It's nothing to write home about". I disagree, but out of that moment comes the idea for this blog.
I've moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma to go to law school and I've decided to keep you up to date on the goings on around Tulsa, my thoughts on the US Presidential Election, the Manitoba political scene, sporting news, and other random musings. Most of the time I'll keep it short and sweet, but I'm sure there's a few things that will get a long rant out of me.
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