U2 Conference

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It’s been a while since I last updated, so why not add to the entry list with a blurb about U2.

As you readers (all 3 of you) know, about a year and a half of my life was dedicated to the boys from Dublin, presenting my Interverse paper all over the country and writing/defending my dissertation at FSU.  Well, wouldn’t you know it, but this coming May, in New York City, there’s going to be an academic U2 conference (right now Mike is throwing up in his mouth a little.)  Here’s a banner to prove it:Print

I’m hoping to present at this conference and meet some U2 fans, scholars, and journalists.  I know it’s a far-fetched fantasy, but I’m not-so-secretly hoping some or all of the band will be there.  It’s not that far out of the realm of possibility; I mean, it’s a conference on them, so the way I see it, it would make sense form them to attend, right?  I guess they’ll be busy promoting the new album and planning another groundbreaking world tour, but it’s in NYC, so I’m going to keep hoping.

I know that there are some out there who are not all that enamoured with U2, be it their disdain for the band’s music or a lack of understanding of Bono’s intentions.  First of all, I think their music is fantastic.  Their hits stack up as some of the greatest songs of all time: “With Or Without You,” “Where the Streets Have No Name,” “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For,” “Pride (In the Name of Love),” “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” “New Year’s Day,” “One,” “Mysterious Ways,” “Please,” “Gone,” “Beautiful Day,” “Walk On” “City Of Blinding Lights,” and “I Will Follow” to name but a few.  I realize taste in music extremely subjective, and each person is entitled to an opinion.  But if Radiohead, who haven’t been on the music scene even half as long as U2, have a book out on their music (I saw it at the SMT conference this past weekend), then U2 deserves a conference, at the very least.  (That is not to say I have anything against Radiohead or think they’re not worthy of research or discussion.  I’m merely trying to make the point that U2’s longevity, if nothing else, warrants discussion and study of the band).  (As another aside, I hope to turn my dissertation into a book, so if there are any publishers out there who are willing to give me a chance, I won’t disappoint!)

And as I wrote back in a July entry, those who think Bono’s political work is for self-promotion are not getting all the facts or are simply jealous.  He’s got a lot of money, yes, but at least he’s using his cache and financial resources to try to raise awareness for some of the social and economic injustices happening across the globe.  SOMEone’s got to do it…why not Bono?

30 of 30(‘s)

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I turned 30 on couple of days ago, and frankly, it was weird.  I’m not freaked out, like some people get when they reach this “milestone.”  It’s weird in that I’m starting another decade of life.  It’s weird how much older 30 seems than 29.  It’s weird because it doesn’t seem any different from age 29, except when I say out loud “I’m 30.”  I used to use the phrase “you’re only as old as you feel” when I worked retail.  I said that to men who would come into the store and hesitate to buy an item because they felt they were “too old for that.”  The way I see it, I certainly don’t feel too old for anything.  In fact, I don’t feel like I’m 30, which is contributing to the weirdness of the occasion.  I still make crude fart jokes, poke Marty incessantly when we’re together, dance around my apartment in a silly manner when I’m giddy, and get excited to play new video games.  Again, I don’t feel like I’m 30, but I am.  So…there it is.

In honor of my 30th birthday, I thought I’d make a list similar to the monthly 12 of 12 I try to post.  This time, however, the list is comprised of things I hope to see and/or do while in my 30’s.  I’ve got a decade to complete the list, so I think I’ve got a pretty good shot at checking off everything.  Here goes (in no particular order):

  1. Watch the Cubs win the World Series.
  2. Pay off my student loans.
  3. Go whitewater rafting in the Grand Canyon.
  4. Learn Chopin’s “Fantasie Impromptu.”
  5. Write and publish a book.
  6. Meet U2.
  7. Buy a house.
  8. Go to Wimbledon.
  9. Watch the Bears win another Super Bowl.
  10. Learn to write left-handed.
  11. Celebrate Oreo’s 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th birthdays.
  12. Get married.
  13. Add a different stamp to my passport.
  14. See my parents retire.
  15. Win a tennis tournament.
  16. Become fluent in Tagalog.
  17. Learn Spanish.
  18. Get tenure.
  19. Present at an international conference.
  20. Buy a new car.
  21. See a sunset on the beach at Boracay.
  22. Drive on the Autobahn.
  23. Skydive.
  24. Watch FSU win another NCAA college football national championship.
  25. Have a child.
  26. Swim with dolphins.
  27. Visit all 30 (ha!) MLB parks.
  28. See Niagra Falls.
  29. Learn to cook more Filipino food.
  30. ?
You’ll notice that #30 was left blank.  That’s where you, the reader, comes in.  I’d appreciate your suggestions.  They could be silly or sincere (I prefer sincere).  In any case, I look forward to reading what you think I should do in my thirties.

Fox Sux, Part 2

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They did it again: Fox Sports screwed up yet again and chose to broadcast the Tampa Bay Rays game here in the Boston area.  Why?  I have no idea.  Perhaps it’s because I live near Boston, and since the Rays are in the Red Sox’s division, the coverage up here was tuned in to that team.  That’s the ONLY explanation I can think of.  But even that argument doesn’t hold water because apparently Fox broadcast the Cubs in Washington, D.C. area, which is very close to Baltimore, home of AL East team and division rival of said Sox.

Look, I’m happy for the Rays.  Theirs is a feel-good, improbable worst-to-first story that’s great for baseball.  But we’re talking about the Cubs here: one of the charter franchises of the National League, one with a storied past, with tradition, with a rabid, dedicated national fanbase.  Tampa?  They can’t even sell out their own stadium.  The way I see it, if the Rays’ OWN fans don’t care about the team (except when it’s for some wonky promotion for national TV), what makes the bigwigs at Fox Sports think that anyone else around the country cares about them?  If it’s truly about the numbers, then why didn’t Fox go with the Cubs broadcast nationwide?  They do it for overblown, overhyped Yankees/Red Sox regular-season matchups, so why not do it for a division-clinching game for another marquee MLB franchise?  Oh, that’s right: because FOX SUX.  It’s not like the 100-year thing for the Cubs hasn’t been covered tad nauseum this season.  There’s not a baseball fan (or perhaps even casual sports fan) who doesn’t know about the Cubs’ “curse” or World Series drought.  THAT is reason enough to broadcast the Cubs game over the Rays game.  If that’s not drama, I have no idea what is.

The Cubs are in the playoffs again, winning the NL Central title for the second time year in a row and third time in six years.  Thankfully, TBS has broadcast rights to the NLDS.  They’ll have their hands full covering all four series simultaneously, but I’m just glad it’s not Fox.  Unfortunately, Fox has rights to the LCS and WS coverage.  I can only hope that if when the Cubs make it to those rounds, Fox will send their “A” team to cover the games, even though I can’t stand Tim McCarver.  Joe Buck is an excellent play-by-play announcer, however, and because there’s no other playoff story bigger than the Cubs this year, Fox needs to wake up and smell the ivy.  Stop disrespecting Cub Country and give some other major market franchises NOT named the Red Sox and Yankees their proper due.

Changing the Culture: Welcome to Cubs Country!

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The Cubs lost last night.  In years past, this statement would have been all too common and, frankly, expected.  But something’s different this year.  I feel it, Mike feels it, and several other Cubs fans I’ve chatted with feel it, too.  Last night’s loss, and every loss since about mid-May has felt oddly strange.  The culture of Cubdom is undergoing a drastic change, one I think is beneficial, for the fans and for the organization.  In light of the team’s (albeit brief) playoff appearance last year and the sustained success so far this season, the franchise–players, staff, and fans alike–now expect to win.  This is what the Yankees and their fans have been accustomed to over the years, and what Red Sox fans now expect: victory.  Based on this year and last, the Chicago Cubs are no longer “Lovable Losers,” a moniker I’ve always hated.  I’m writing today to banish that title once for all.  Lovable, yes, but losers no more.  The Cubs’ World Series drought has been well documented this year, being the 100th anniversary of their last championship.  But with the team poised to win their second straight division title, there are now expectations of success placed upon Lou Piniella and crew.  Making it to the playoffs is no longer enough.  In fact, I dare say that merely making it to the World Series is no enough any more.  The city, Cubs fans, and the organization are starved for a champion, and I think the players and staff feel that desperation.  The way I see it, Cubs Country (hey, if the Red Sox can have “Red Sox Nation,” then the Cubs can have their “Country”…dibs on the royalties!) is die-hard, baseball-savvy fanbase that finally has changed from a happy-go-lucky, “oh well we lost again” bunch to a dedicated, “we-want-to-win-it-all” collective who won’t take no for an answer.  It is “gonna happen.”  Don’t believe me?  Check the numbers.  Then check the pulse of The Country.

Welcome to Cubs Country!

Be less dumb

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OK, now I know my dog is cute.  TOO CUTE, as Mike would say, and as evidenced by the picture above.  But here’s what I don’t get: when I’m out walking Oreo along the lovely Merrimac River, some people I pass compliment her (saying such things as, “Aww, hey there cutie!” or “Hi puppy!” then proceed to whistle at her, as if they’re calling her…then they just keep on walking.  It’s pretty obvious that she’s still a puppy who’s learning how to act calmly in public, and I’m trying my best to train her not to jump up on people.  But when we’re walking briskly down the esplanade with Oreo at my side and some stranger whistles at my dog, she wants to play with them (quite understandably), which causes her to break her stride and start jumping up or weaving all over the place.  The way I see it, if you’re gonna whistle at my dog and get her attention, you had better stop to pet her.  Otherwise, you’re just being mean and taunting her.  I’m sure you all don’t mean to tease her and get her all riled up, but you do, which doesn’t help me train her to walk calmly by my side.  Make up your minds, people: either pass us by with a nice head nod or a friendly “Hello” and keep on walking, or stop to ask to pet the cuteness known as Oreo.  Enough of this senseless whistle-n-walk.  In the words of the great Dr. Buchler: Be less dumb.

On a lighter note, Oreo in that raincoat is one of the cutest images I’ve ever seen.  And her eyes saying, “OK, really?  Seriously??  Honestly???”: just priceless.

Ike’s Aftermath

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My parents live and teach in Houston, so naturally I’ve been concerned about their well-being these past few days in the wake of Hurricane Ike’s devastation.  I talked to my dad briefly Saturday afternoon when Ike was barreling through Houston.  Over the cell phone connection I could hear the wind whistling and the rain pelting his windows.  The connection itself was crackly, as I’m sure the signal had trouble getting through the massive storm.  He gave me an update yesterday; he was at school to charge his cell phone and try to restore some semblance of normalcy to his life.  Their classes start up again on Thursday.  He still has no electricity.  In fact, I checked the power outages and he’s in an area that is still totally blacked out: 100% of CenterPoint customers in his zip code still are without electricity, as the chart illustrates.  Despite his troubles, it was good to hear from him and know he was at least safe and uninjured and that his place survived relatively unscathed.

On the other hand, I hadn’t heard from my mom since Friday morning.  I talked to her from school during the proverbial (and in this case very real) calm before the storm.  It was troubling, to say the least, not being able to talk her to check up on things.  I finally got a hold of my mom this evening.  Thankfully, she’s not hurt and her house is fine.  But, I could sense a little distress in her voice.  She said she’s never experienced anything like this power outage.  Houston’s got a curfew in effect, and she said it’s been disconcerting because, without street lamps or house lights anywhere, her area is “freaking pitch black at 8pm.”  Luckily, her friend came over and helped her fire up her grill (which hasn’t been used in quite a while) so that she can at least cook some rice and grill some fish.  Most of her food, however, is going to be thrown out.

It’s weird, but I wish I could be there to help my parents through it.  I mean, I’m glad I didn’t have live through Ike, but I a part of me feels guilty that I can’t help them.  The way I see it, I guess I just have to wait and hope and pray that electricity is restored sooner rather than later so that they can get their lives back on track.

September 12 of 12

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I was so tired last night I didn’t get a chance to post my 12 of 12 before I went to bed, as I like to do.  Here it is, a few hours late.

6:19 AM – The alarm had already been going off for 4 minutes.  Ouch.

6:24 AM – The parking garage on the first floor my building.  Oreo’s leading the way to the pet area.

6:55 AM – My clothes are waiting for me after my shower.  And yes, I did set them aside the night before, undershirt and all.

7:29 AM – My breakfast this morning.

7:45 AM – Making sure the playlist is complete for classes today.  Mozart?  check.  Sousa?  Check.  All-American Rejects?  Check.  Busta Rhymes?  Check.

11:45 AM – I head over to the convenience store adjacent to the Dept. of Music to grab some lunch before my office hour.  I decide to give Senor Miguel a try.  That was a mistake.  I should have known better.

12:15 PM – While waiting for a student (who never showed) during my office hour, I unload my bag and discover that I’ve a lot of grading to do this weekend.  A lot.

3:05 PM – Locking up my office, as I complete my first full week of classes (last week was only three days).  (P.S. You know it’s my office: amidst Red Sox Nation, it’s the only one with Cubs logos adorning the window.  Go CUBS!)

3:40 PM – I live only 2.0 miles from school, yet my commute averages about 25 minutes, no thanks to the Rourke Bridge, which I have to cross to get to and from school.  Essentially, three lanes bottleneck into one, then branch out again into three.  Here, I need to make a right, and would be able to if the jerk in front of me, who needs to make a left, would have gotten over to the left lane.  Moron.

4:07 PM – There’s a Dunkin’ Donuts right across the street from my apartment, and since Senor Miguel’s breakfast “burrito” didn’t do much for me, I decide to grab a sausage, egg, and cheese bagel.  This was not a mistake.

8:47 PM – Despite the mountain of papers I have to grade, I decide to take the night off because I’m utterly exhausted.  So, I play a little MarioKart Wii.  I won a few gold trophies in the 150cc league.  My only loss in this cup was due to a fluke pass right at the end, after I dominated the entire race up ’til that point.  Stupid spiny shells.

12:26 AM – I spend the rest of the night watching The Karate Kid and The Karate Kid Part II on AMC.  Oreo and I are in and out of consciousness pretty much the whole evening.  Man, my dog is cute.  Too cute.

One Week

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My “grown-up” life as a full-fledged faculty member of UML has carried on now for a week and I can safely say that life is good.  I’ve got a pretty cushy schedule, only teaching Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings at 8, 9, and 10.  When I first learned of my schedule, I was excited at the prospect of being “at work” only three days a week.  But as I soon found out, that’s not quite the case, as there are meetings and receptions and convocations and recitals scheduled throughout the week at all times of the day.  Also challenging about this schedule is the fact that I’m teaching three classes back-to-back-to-back, so I’ve got to be prepared with my lesson plans the night before as there’s no time between classes to plan for the next.  True, it’s only three hours of classroom time, but it’s three hours straight.  Being in front of 30 undergrads for that much time with no break is exhausting.  Add to that the fact that the copy center isn’t open before 8:30, so I’ve got to plan way ahead if I want to give a quiz or make a handout.

All in all, however, the job is great so far.  I know it’s still early, and I know that there will be days that don’t go well or weeks that are jam packed with extra-classroom events.  But the way I see it, until those days and weeks get here, I’m going to enjoy my free time while I still have some.

One monthaversary

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It’s official: I am now a full-fledged resident of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  I know, I know.  I’ve been living here a month now (I still can’t believe I live here, by the way), but it all became “official” last week, when the last vestige of my life in Florida went by the wayside: I got Massachusetts license plates.  I’ve discovered many things about this portion of the country, some good, some not-so-good.  My last entry was about the things I’ll miss about Tallahassee.  And sure enough, those all still hold true.   But rather than dwell on the negative of no longer being in a place I liked, I thought I’d make a list of the stuff that has impressed me about Lowell and the surrounding area.  Here goes:

1. The weather at this time of year is absolutely gorgeous.  I mean, for the last two weeks, it’s just been stunning.  Highs maxing out in the low 80’s (and by low 80’s, I’m talking 80, 81 tops.), bright sunshine, clear skies, light breezes.  And I live right on the Merrimac River, so it’s a pleasure walking Oreo (except that she still gets a bit crazy when other pets are around).  I know it’s only a matter of time before the weather gets miserable, so I’ll take as many perfect days  as I can get before Old Man Winter dumps all over the place.

2. I absolutely love my new apartment.  It’s bright and clean and spacious, thereby making me more fastidious about keeping it up.  I haven’t left dishes in the sink, I make my bed on a daily basis, and have been pretty good about not letting clutter build up.  Hopefully it keeps up once the school year starts.  Plus, I have a little balcony so I can enjoy the nice weather even more.

3. I have ready access to a major city (Boston) and its airport (Logan International).  Now, don’t get me wrong: I loved Tally’s airport and it’s ultra-low stress level, but it’s nice having travel options and seeing affordable flight prices out of an airport that’s less than an hour away.  Plus, I have access to Manchester’s Regional Airport, too, which gives me even more options.

4. I live two miles from school.  Literally.  My commute takes 10 minutes, tops, and that’s only because I have to deal with traffic crossing the Rourke Bridge.

5. The view from my UML office is great.  I’m on the fourth floor of the Fine Arts building, on the side that overlooks the Merrimac.  Here’s what I see when I look out the window:

6. The drive up to Nashua, NH (where I do a lot of my shopping) is scenic and low-stress.  It follows the Merrimac for the majority of the tree-lined 7-mile ride.  It’s going to be beautiful in the fall with all the leaves changing colors, and even in the early winter, with a light snowfall filtering through the canopy.

7. Since this area is so old, the streets are not organized very well (read: no grid and poor city planning), which can be interminably frustrating.  But instead of looking at it negatively, I’ve tried to see it as a challenge to learn a new part of the country.  I got to know Houston because I lived there for so long.  Chicago was very easy to get a handle on because the city is on a grid.  Tally was small enough that it didn’t take very long to know my way around.  Lowell is small, too, but the city’s one giant spaghetti bowl.  Learning my new digs will take some time, but the way I see it, if I can learn this place, I can get along anywhere.

It’s only been a month.  That month, however, has gone by rather quickly, and time is sure to fly once the school year gets rolling.  I can’t wait to discover more about Lowell and Boston and New England in general.