Snow Fort

Here are some pictures from today's winter carnival snow fort contest at WHS. The seniors and the freshmen, in particular, really really kicked butt on their forts this year. Because I teach all seniors, I included some pictures from their fort. Below, you can get a good look at the snow bank the students used for the construction of their "fort." The spray painted date is their graduation. They actually built a real staircase that led up to the top "floor" of their fort. You can't really tell from the picture, but the steps really had an equidistant rise/run . . .just like real steps. See one of the tunnels on the left? There was a whole network of tunnels and slides, etc. The kid with the shovel is my dentist's son. Just in case you needed to know that.
Our student senate president standing alongside another senior on top of the fortress. This is the back part of our campus, and you can see how the main snowmobile trail runs right in back of the fort. You can notice from the uprights that this is actually a football field . . .when there isnt like 4 four feet of snow on the ground. There are some pretty trails back there.

Here is a picture of my school, taken from the "living room" of the fort. See the port-a-potty the construction crews use? To the right of that is a door. To the right of THAT, you can see some windows which are obscured by a huge snow drift. That is my classroom. Just in case you wanted to know . . . Some of my seniors, standing on the main staircase of their fort. All the classes did a good job and their work really shows some strong school sprit. That is one thing WHS definitely has . . .school spirit! Tomorrow is the assembly, and then tomorrow night Sally and I are chaperoning the Sadie Hawkins dance. After this week, I think I will be "Winslowed out!"

Almost Done With February

Its hard to believe that we are just about into March! This time of year is definitely when teachers "earn their money" so to speak--no vacations or days off or holidays . . .chances of snow days wind down (plus you dont want anymore since that means a later schoolyear) and kids really start to get sick of school. Its the educational perfect storm. Oh well. I am sure all of you who have "regular jobs" feel so bad for me right? Ha ha . . .Well, at least in about three weeks I'll be heading off to D.C. with some seniors. It should be a great time!

Here are some "demotivational posters" I found on line today. I wish I made these, but I did not. I think they are hilarious.
Remember the old school Dunkin Dounuts signs? Before they got bigger than Wal Mart and started hiring wicked annoying Rachel Ray to say coffee was fantabulous and crap?
I used to be a stormtrooper, so I totally know where he is coming from . . . We had another huge storm last night, picking up about 10 inches of pretty wet and heavy snow. No snow day today . . .but we did have a one hour delay. I really dont like delays, and wish we'd either have school or not . . .but oh well. I did "cop out" and snowblow this morning instead of shovel . . .but the snow was REALLY heavy and I had to get to school.

Some of you know I am the faculty advisor for Student Senate at Winslow High (student senate is like student council, etc.) and this week is our annual "winter carnival" where classes compete against each other in "un-traditional" winter sports like pulp throw (shot put), egg toss, dogsled race (a strong guy pulls a small girl in a 5 dollar sled from Rite-Aid), tug of war, dodge ball, food eating relays, and more. I usually dont like winter carnival very much, but I have to admit I've been having fun this year. I will try to post some pictures tomorrow of the awesome snow forts each class is building for the "snow fort building contest." I have to run an assembly on Friday, for the culminating event of winter carnival . . .and I have to say I am dreading having to quiet down 600+ screaming adolescents . . .

Have a good day

My Five Favorites: Part 1 of a 10 part series

**Editor's Note** I stole the idea of a "series" from fellow blogger Mike Thurston. I decided to write about my five favorite things (in a bunch of random categories) so that I would have something on which to expostulate when it is a slow "blog day." Also, I hope that you all will comment on YOUR five favorites in whatever the category may be. **

Today's category is: BEER

1. Blue Moon Belgian White Ale: My drink of choice at the sellout's 30th this past weekend, and probably my favorite tasting beer. Period. I used to love dark beers only (Guinness, etc.) But this is excellent, light, and flavorful; it has a real wheaty flavor to it. And you can put a slice of orange in it! Beer with fruit . . .now its a health food! 2. Kennebec River Brewing Company "Loggerhead Lager": The best beer I've only had twice . . .and cannot, for the life of me, find anywhere in the state of Maine. The Forks is a town about 50 minutes north of us, famous for all the whitewater rafting, hunting, and snowmobiling lodges. They also sport a small brewery at Northern Outdoors, which is a large sporting camp (and home of last year's Raider Society symposium). The Loggerhead Lager is a winter beer and it is absolutely wonderful. It reminds me of the Blue Moon . . .but a little darker and grainier. Wonderful flavor packed by wonderful memories of time spent in The Forks. If anyone knows where I can get this, please tell me!

3. Oak Pond Brewery Dooryard Ale: Up in Maine, they call people's driveways their "dooryards." I havent gotten used to this yet. OPB is practically right up the road in Skowhegan . . .although I havent been there yet for the tasting and tour. We had a keg of this at my friend AJ's bachelor party. A good ale that is not overpoweringly dark and bitter . . .like I find many ales to be. A really great body to it too. OPB's slogan is "Try it cuz its local . . .drink it cuz its good." Okay. 4. Red Hook ESB: Speaking of memories (Loggerhead ale), no drink imaginable conjures up better memories than Redhook brews. I chose ESB because its their signature beer . . .but I could pretty much put any Redhook creation up here and it would work. They are my favorite brewery: hands down. Redhook sustained me through my years at UNH, since the brewery is right in Portsmouth NH (and there is one in Seattle too). I can think of no better way to spend an afternoon than sitting on the deck of the Tin Palace on Main Street in Durham, enjoying a cold Hefeweisen with JR, Brian, or Strazzer. Even Amanda likes Redhook . . .and she hates beer.

5. Sam Adams Boston Lager: Ah . . .the old standby and everyone's favorite. But for good reason. But here is something unique about Sam Adams: with most beers, as you "consume more" they all start to "decrease" in taste--in my opinion anyway. But with Sam Adams Boston Lager, I notice that the flavor intensifies the more . . .um . . .affected I become by it. And I like that. Plus they used to have the commercial with the hot girl with the German accent in the "House of Beer." So its got that going for it. Runners Up:
1. Sea Dog Brewery blueberry wheat ale
2. Molson Canadian-it tastes SO GOOD when its ice cold on a summer day
3. Guinness-I had to include this because I am Irish and I do love it
4. Killians Irish Red
5. Erin's Way Brewery's "Chelsea Stout." Hopefully I'll get to try it someday . . .

Friday Night Club: Revisited

Friday Night Club was what we used to call it when, while in high school, we'd all go out on Friday or Saturday nights, pile into Jay's Bronco II, give him gas money, go get taco bell, and then end up back at Maher's house to watch a movie and talk about how someday we'd all get girlfriends. We sort of have changed since then. Umm.

I am very very blessed to have a terrific group of friends from high school with whom I've kept in touch. Geography may be a physical barrier to our present day hanging out (I'm in Maine, Johnny C is in Nevada) but it does nothing to affect the true essence of the bond we all share. You know you've got good friends when you may not "physically" be with them for years, but, when you finally do get together, you somehow just pick up where you left off last time--its seamless. We have a great time when we get together, often leaving our wives and girlfriends befuddled when, in the course of normal conversation, we make 6 or 7 references to "The Jerky Boys," a Will Ferrel movie, or MTV's old sketch comedy show "The State."

Jen Ponticelli threw Jay (and his good college friend Mike . . .whom we all have grown to accept as one of our own) a 30th surprise birthday party at Coles Tavern in Franklin. So Amanda and I left early Saturday morning to head down to Mass. After our traditional fried oyster lunch with Hank and Babs (and a nice visit at their house after), we went back to my mom's, got ready, and headed over to the party. Here is the birthday boy dancing it up with his son (and my godson) while Jay's mom Anne looks on. I may or may not have consumed several "Blue Moon" ales . . .and I may or may not have answered Anne's question Jared, are you guys driving back to Maine tonight?? with "Well Mrs. Ponticelli . . .I was hoping I'd be staying with you tonight." I'm not sure though. The Greek, Bryan Maher, Nicole and Lennie Johnson. I hadn't seen Lennie since high school . . .he was the only other one there when we got to the bar, and he said hi to me and I didnt even recognize him. He and his lovely wife (and Molli Harris look-a-like) Nicole are also expecting a baby. To the left of Nicole is the newly engaged Mr. Bryan T. Maher--congrats again Bryan!!

I went to kindergarten with most of the guys here--including Tore. Here, Amanda poses with him and his beautiful fiancee Mi Hyuen. Really terrific to catch up with Tore, who is a college professor now, and his soon to be wife. A very charming, engaging, and sincere young lady who definitely has a lot of "Seoul!!" (wah wah wah) In fact they will marry there.
Jay, me, Bryan, and Timmy. Jay is a social studies teacher who makes 5 bajillion dollars since he teaches in Mass. I also got to hang out with some of the other folks on his "team," who were great. I told them about the "real" Jay. They dont like him now. Timmy the Greek is a project manager for Moriarti construction in Boston--he's in charge of some pretty important complex going up right off of Atlantic Ave in Beantown--am I right Tim? Bryan also works in Boston--doing information systems stuff. All I know is he reads this blog on a "live feed" or whatever the heck that is. I dont mean to sound too sentimental, but I really am very proud of all my friends and the success they've found.
I'd love your thoughts on a caption for this picture. Here are a couple:

a. Look Tim! Joanie is walking across the room right now!!
b. NOOO!!! The Patriots didnt lose the superbowl . . .where have I been???
c. I didnt think Louie and Anne were supposed to do that in front of JJ!
d. Tim's reaction to Jay informing him how much it was for a small box . . .of potatoes

We enjoyed a nice breakfast with Mom and Bob this morning before we drove back to Maine. We also opened up some stuff that the Bean's Nannie got him: some "choo choo express" items like hampers, a lamp, wall hooks, etc. Like we mentioned before, his room theme is going to be trains. It is going to be CAA YOOOT!!

Hell hath frozen over

Because the Goldsmiths now have a CELLPHONE. U.S. cellular presented us an award for the last two people in the world to own a cell phone. We got a free snack of baby carrots and melba toasts. . . .

RELUCTANTLY, Amanda and I bit the bullet and joined the rest of society by getting a calling plan. We are not really happy about it, but we figure that with the little guy on the way, Amanda's daily commute to work, and our constant travelling down south, we should have one for emergencies, etc. I will send out an email to people with our new number; I am all set with posting it on the blog, since then we'll get all kinds of calls from people wanting to see us Viagra and garlic on line.

We just go the basic plan with 450 minutes per month anywhere in the US. No "blue tooth"-alien-walkie talkie-ear pieces or anything like that. No text messaging (although we got one from Brick today). No internet blackberry stuff. Just a phone.

Okay. That's all. Have a great night . . .

Oh, to live in a mushroom

The Smurfs turn 50 today! Happy Birthday little blue friends! I have always been a huge smurf fan, and I think this stems from the way I used to watch them with my dad on Saturday mornings AND from the way I used to collect them. When I was little, my mom and dad would take Kristin and I to Sedell's Pharmacy in Easton where, if we were good that week, we could pick out a smurf as a reward. They were a pretty big deal back then; they were in a rotating glass case and had their very own space on Sedell's countertop. I became disenchanted when, out of the blue, the Smurfs sort of fell off the face of the earth--the only place, in fact, I could find the little figures was at "Planet," a store in downtown Camden. I have kept all my Smurf figures because I love them AND I am convinced they will be valuable someday. My dad makes fun of me all the time because he thinks I am nuts, but the smurfs are making a huge comeback, according to a story on NPR today. See dad . . .you can kiss my butt! Me and my smurfs are going to be huge I tell you . . .huge! Here are my four favorite smurfs, which I keep out all the time. There is Irish smurf, King Smurf, Doctor Smurf, and Hiker Smurf. King smurf is my favorite. Always has been. Here is a close up of the little guy

I was always insecure about Kristin stealing my Smurfs, because that is how she rolls. SO I used to label my initials on the bottom of each figure. This way, I could be sure she'd never steal mine. I think this was the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship with OCD. Check out the NPR story link if you are a smuf fan:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=18945311

They are releasing the series on DVD and I will be first in line to buy it. I will teach my son ALL about the ways of the Smurfs. Its kind of funny how, in pop culture, there are all these "conspiracies" about the smurfs. For example, some people would argue that they are promoting communism, since they all live together in a communal village, they all look equal, they all wear pretty much the same thing, they all talk the same, and they all take orders from the one entity who looks different then them . . .and is also RED. Some argue that the show is sexist and chauvanistic because Smurfette is the only girl and she is assigned all the "female gender roles." I have even heard the theory (totally serious) that the creators of the smurfs were trying to desensitize little kids to small blue creatures . . .in preparation for a mass alien invasion.

I love the smurfs!

Meanderings 25-In the recent media

1. Recently, an Afghan tribal chief was assassinated, and the Taliban is to blame. This isnt suprising, but what is interesting is the usage of the word "assassinate." How important do you have to be to be considered "assassinated" vs just regular "murdered?" There is a whole set of different words for rich people, did you ever notice that? Rich people become "bankrupt" while regular people just become "poor." Regular people "steal" stuff, and rich people are guilty of "extortion." Regular people just make fun of other regular people, but when rich people do it, it is considered "slander." What's with the doublespeak? I taught a whole unit on doublespeak this past fall for my public speaking class, and maybe I will write a whole blog on the subject. Its pretty funny. Anyway, I hope someday I am important enough to be assassinated . . .not just murdered.

2. Yesterday George Bush (the one who LEGALLY got elected) gave his endorsement to John McCain. If I were McCaine, I'd very kindly . . .no wait, I'd IMPLORE . . .that the Bush's stay as far the hell away from me as posssible. I dont think I'd want to be connected in any possible way to the Bush monarchy. That's just me.

3. The Post Office is raising the price of the stamp again. The Post Office really pisses me off, and here is why: First of all, the post office has, for decades and decades, enjoyed a very cushy place within the sphere of American capitalism. They are seemingly free from any anti-trust suits (who else could deliver your regular daily mail?), and they can regulate whatever the heck they want--they raise the price of stamps at will, and even your mailbox has to be "approved" by the "postmaster general" (like he is some ranking military officer or something). Finally, after over a hundred years of sitting in the "catbird seat," someone is giving the post office a little competition, with the onset of things like email, electronic bill paying, etc. And how does the post office react? They just raise their prices. And that is wrong. Our country is built on capitalism, and other businesses seem to thrive, adjust, and adapt to competition . . .and usually it is in the best interest of the customer. For example, consider Blockbuster Video. With the popularity of "Netflix," Blockbuster was losing business big time, since it was obviously more convenient to order movies at home on the computer than drive all the way to the store to get some arrogant pimply teen to give you attitude. Did Blockbuster respond by "punishing" their customers with higher prices? No. Instead, they used a little business savvy to try to compete with Netflix--they, too, offered movies through the mail, on a special monthly plan. PLUS, they offered the customer the opportunity to come in and get the movie themselves . . .so they didnt have to wait for the mail (which is often unreliable)to deliver it. Competition drives business. The Post Office should be "kissing our butts" (pardon the colloquialism) trying to get and keep our business. But they dont. They maintain their arrogant, precocious attitudes . . . .and instead penalize the consumers for utilizing what I THOUGHT was a free market.

4. Kosovo declares their independence from Bosnia. Congrats! Now we have another sovereign terrorist nation. But good for them. Seriously. Its so funny to listen to the news and hear about countries like the US, England, and France congratulate them. But its even funnier to listen to how countries like Spain, Greece (Timmy, y u be buggin'?), and Russia refuse to "recognize" Kosovo as an independent entity. Their reasoning is because they feel if they recognize Kosovo's independence, then it will "set a precedent" for other separatist groups (Spain's Basques for example) to declare their own independence. Isnt that the WHOLE POINT of declaring independence? The idea that "separatists" (doublespeak for colonists, pilgrims, tribes, races, communities, etc) made the conscious decision to NOT want to be oppressed by their current government? Furthermore, Russia called Kosovo's move "illegal and an egrigious crime." Umm . . .yeah . . .isnt that the point? Are revolutions usually amicable for both sides? I dont think so. Of course its "illegal." That's the whole point, and that's why we have things like the Revolutionary War, etc. But that's just me.

5. Finally: 2 stupid liberal politicians. One, a legislator in the Allagash (way north for all you non- Mainers) wants to make it illegal for minors to buy "highly caffeinated drinks" like Jolt, Red Bull, Monster Energy drink, etc. He admits there is no scientific evidence for this ban, but he just thinks caffeine is detremental to kids. Yeah, lets regulate everything. Let's also ban Cheetos and Doritos because kids can get fat. And lets only let them buy one can of coke at a time, since two cans contains MORE caffeine than one of these red bulls (Allagash politician doesnt know that). Oh, and Eliot Spitzer, the Democratic governor of New York, has proposed the idea of taxing drug dealers on their "bulk stashes" of illegal narcotics before they are sold on the street. This so-called "crack tax" is totally serious. I wont even write about the stupidness of this . . .you can ponder this one on your own

George is everywhere!

Two more George look-a-likes. To be fair, I think I look like a horse, and I will find some pictures that embody this idea.

1. Willy the Walrus
2. Wilford Brimley (the "quaker oats" and "diabetes" guy)

Train Show!

I love trains--model railroads, real trains, pictures of trains, etc. I wish I could get disciplined enough to set up my layout in the basement--I have all the stuff, since a few Christmases ago Amanda bought it all for me. I am sure I will have plenty of time to do that this summer . . .there really isnt anything else going on that I can think of . . .

Amanda suprised me today with a trip to the train/dollhouse show at the Augusta state armory. It was so much fun (and sensory overload) to see all the layouts, engines, and even dollhouse stuff. I was never one to play with dollhouses, but a lot of the stuff is antique, and I think its pretty cool. What was the best was seeing little kids (like 5 or 6) and old guys (like 70 or 80) all engrossed and enchanted by the same things: trains. I know trains were so popular when my dad was a kid, but it seems like today they have been replaced by video games and other electronics. If there were two things I'd like to see "stay," they would be both the popularity of model railroads and board games. We just need stuff like this in our world . . .even IF the layout of the HO scale trains doesnt come with an iPod docking station built in. Here are some pictures . . . fun!

An "L" scale layout they had. These are some pretty big trains--usually reserved for putting outside, in fact. Unless you have a HUGE basement. You cant really see it, but this locomotive blew "wood smoke" out of its smoke stack
Click on this for a larger view, but this model train club's layout replicated a Maine logging camp. Awesome: two of my favorite things are firewood and trains. The detail that goes into the layouts is impressive. I think I'd just enjoy all the detail stuff, since when I was a little kid I used to sit down in the basement and play for hours making "Lincoln Log" towns
Amanda and Jonathan at the train show. See the big stomach?? And Amanda has quite the round little belly too.)
A view of the train show floor. Lots of people showed up--young and old. Really neat to see people still interested in trains.

Callum/Charlie's nursery, we decided a while ago, is going to have a "train" theme to it. Already his Nannie has bought him all sorts of "Choo Choo Express" things for his room: hamper, rug, curtains, coat hooks, etc. We looked for other stuff today that might fit the theme of the little guy's room. We ended up getting a cool "Sandy River and Rangely Lakes Railroad" sign to hang in the room. Oh, and I got a treat too: a wicked awesome engineers hat! I've always wanted one. There is a picture, but I am not going to post it because I look like the type of person whom I would totally make fun of on this blog. Suffice to say I look like a tourist. I was "that guy" who went to the train show and bought a train hat. Oh well. I look totally hot in it though . . .

Lucky Garden

Tonight we went to Lucky Garden--a fabulous Chinese food restaurant in Hallowell, and one that holds a special place in Willard/Goldsmith/Walters tradition. We ate here when I first visited Amanda in Maine when we were dating. We eat there on most New Year's eves and other holidays. It is a beautiful restaurant that actually sits on a pier overlooking the Kennebec River. The last time we were there, believe it or not, was two New Year's eves ago--and consequently the last place Grandmom would eat before beginning her 8 month "vacation" in Maine General.

Today Grandmom and Grandpop celebrate their 61st!!!! anniversary. Wow. I can't even imagine being ALIVE for 61 years, never mind being married that long. That means my dad was one when Ensign Walters and his bride were married. Congratulations Grandmom and Grandpop!

Lucky Garden had a plaque hanging on the wall in the lobby this evening: Apparently, they have been awarded a spot in the list of top 100 Chinese Food restaurants in the USA by "Chinese Food News." Well done Chen. But the big question is this: where do you buy this magazine, and why am I not receiving it via subscription?? I need to get my hands on this publication, so I can begin writing for them right away. Here is what the cover might look like:

• General Tso: The reluctant soldier who started a chicken revolution
• Is "twice cooked" twice as good? Our panel decides
• "On the bone:" a trip down spare rib memory lane
• "The mustard was literally making him choke!!" and more stories of shock and embarassment from your favorite waitstaff
• Spring rolls versus Egg rolls: A "dummies" guide to explaining the differences to your customers
• Beyond Pad Thai: Encouraging your customers to eat "outside the box"
• HAVE YOU TRIED Sha sa beef?-Our monthly delve into the newest and most innovative cuisine (part 4 of 13)
• Rice, rice baby: A high carb restaurant in a low carb world--how I survived through the "Atkins Trend"
• Why "Moo Shi" is MORE than simply a "Chinese fajita"
• What's in a name?? Tips on how to name your Chinese food restaurant something that doesnt have the words terrace, panda, garden, dynasty, king, imperial, or the name of a Chinese city like Shanghai or Peking in it
• Thinking Green: Looking beyond broccoli and string beans as "the only" stir fry vegetables!
• Cashew Chicken: Why (still) no one cares
• An exclusive interview with the food chemist who invented the "Chinese Red" color that doesnt exist in nature, but DOES exist on all the pork products you serve
• Tips on discouraging high school boys from patronizing your buffet, eating all your food, clogging up your toilets, and leaving crappy tips
• Unlocking the mystery: why everyone just "sticks to water" when eating at your restaurant
• GOOD KITTY!!-The miraculous story of one midwestern Chinese couple who recorded the very first North American sale of one of those "cat clocks" where the tail and eyes move from side to side in synch with the seconds. "I thought it would stay behind the register forever!" explains the owner of the lucky restaurant

5th Snow Day

That's right. Number 5 for me this year. Actually, Amanda was home with me today as well, since the state government offices were closed. It was a pretty bad storm actually--we probably had close to a foot of snow before it changed over to sleet and ice at around 11. Then it rained and everything froze up, causing some of our power lines to fall this evening. We were without power for a couple of hours or so, but what was really scary was seeing all the sparks and bright blue flashes of light that ensued when the lines fell. The CMP guys were right in front of our house for a while, and it was neat watching them work. They went right up in their little cherry-picker bucket and graciously "pruned" our next door neighbors overgrown Maple.

Other than this evening's action, Amanda watched some NCIS and about half of "Schindler's List" (we'll watch the rest tomorrow). Suprisingly, Amanda had never seen the film before, and even though she is pretty sensitive to violence, she agrees it is an important film to see. I remember when my Dad took me to see it in the theater when it was first out--after we sat down, about 5 old yentas, clad in blu-blocker sunglasses and day-glo, came waltzing in, arguing about who paid more at their Chinese food luncheon that afternoon. My dad had a good line: "Jared, do you know why all those women's husbands died before they their wives?" I replied that I didnt know. "Because they WANTED TO."

Probably true.

I cooked dinner on the wood stove tonight, Amanda baked delicious chocolate chip cookies (her specialty), and we explored some wicked cool podcasts that iTunes has to offer. Only two more days 'til vacation.

Oh, and before I forget, let me provide the "comment" my mom would have made--if she still left comments on our blog . . .

"Cha Cha says: OH MY STARS, why do you put pictures of you with

the snowblower??? You could kill yourself with those things if you

arent careful . . . why do you PUT those things on the blog

it makes me very upset and nervous . . .BE CAREFUL!!!!

People who look like George

This is George S. Willard, my father in law. Here is a rare picture of him smiling, so he must be drunk. Actually, this was taken at our father's day cookout last June . . .so he really WAS drunk.
Here is "normal George." He might be overjoyed. He might be in extreme pain. He might even be experiencing a religious epiphany. No one really knows for sure . . . . Is THIS George? No, wait . . .its Don Carrigan, the local reporter for WCSH6! Hey, thats where Sharon Rose works! Awesome! But I think it looks like George . . .

Is THAT George? No . . .wait . . .its John Bolton, the U.S. ambassador to the U.N. I think what screwed me up is that Ambassador Bolton is making George's "I'm SUPER DUPER excited and I want the world to know it" face . . .
Could THIS be George? Nope, its Garrison Keillor. Now before you think I am crazy, picture Garrison with a 'stash like George. See what I mean? Will the REAL George Willard PLEASE stand up???

Hot News Anchors

Kate Amara: She is a UNH grad, which earns her big points. She was on WMUR 9 while I was in college, and while I taught in NH. Now she works in New York I think. She runs the Marine Corp marathon each year. A very pretty face. I likes her.
Campbell Brown: Why NBC hired that daytime-"Millionaire" chick instead of her to do TODAY is beyond me. She is graceful and elegant. But she is one of those girls who I think "knows" she is hot, but doesnt want you to know she knows that. Or something.
Cindy Williams: Probably the oldest woman on the list. She does WCSH6 news on weeknights. She has the old hot mom thing going on . . .This photo makes her look very young.
Ann Curry: I love her. She is smart and serious and professional. Too bad, supposedly, she was a terrible tenant and neighbor at her New York apartment. I guess she broke all kinds of laws and ordinances or something or other. Who cares though. The best thing about NBC.
Sharon Rose: My favorite. I watch her each morning while I get the fire going. She is very serious and not super-duper attractive. But for some reason I think she is extremely hot. She is my favorite part about commercial news. Other than that, I just listen to NPR, where the voices are hot, but the people are not. Hi Sharon . . .

I'm looking for a psychologist's help here: why do I find female news anchors so damn attractive? Could it be that I am attracted to women in power? Does it stem from my childhood? Am I a freak? Perhaps its their ardent "objectveness," meaning that they flaunt nothing, make no assumptions, and keep their true "personalities" private. They make me want to know more about them, and that is attractive: they are an enigma. Maybe its the fact that they are so "not" sexual (I mean, what's sexy about reading off a teleprompter?) that they are, in turn, indeed very sexual. Sometimes I wonder if they really arent all rebellious party-girls, since they are "pent up" in front of the cameras all day, stone faced and prohibited from creativity. You know they want to "get down."Its just that they are so professional at what they do, and I guess I find that very attractive. I should note, however, that none of the flusies on the "Bush Channel" a.k.a. Fox News factor into this theory whatsoever. They are not news anchors. They are stupid blondes who slept with their communication professors in college, and somehow landed a spot on the most biased and sensationalistic news station in the America.

Like I said, I dont know why I find these ladies so attractive. I do know, however, that I probably need help. Is anyone with me on this here? Does anyone know what I mean? What is so attractive about women on the news????

February Saturday

A beautiful, cold, clean Saturday morning in Fairfield Maine. The snow, combined with the freezing temperatures—it was 6 degrees this morning—created some beautiful scenery in both the icy-glazed trees and the seethingly wispy Kennebec River. Many times during the winter, the water is warmer than the air, and the result is a mist that filters and transmits early morning sun into a palette of mellow, layered colors. I met Eric at Bee’s for an early breakfast, and then I headed back home through Benton and across the Fairfield Bridge. There is a beautiful train bridge that traverses the river, and I love driving home while at the same time there is a train creeping across the river. No train today, but you can get a sense of the beauty of the river. I think it’s a good idea to post photos of your hometown. I have a “blog friend” who does the same thing for his town. I have included a picture of our “commons” in the village. You may notice a big “white tent” looking thing . . .well, in the spring, summer, and fall, this is a beautiful water fountain. They cover it up in the winter to protect it from snow. Also pictured is our “famous” “Lawrence Library,” which a terrific place to go and hang out, read a book, or talk with Mr. Spear, since he’s always there. A beautiful building both inside and outside. And librarians who would do anything for you.

After breakfast, I shoveled yesterday’s snowfall (about 3 or 4 inches or so) and we made a quick stop at Hillman’s Bakery before driving to Portland to conquer Babies R Us. We finished our registry today . . . .praise God. A thought I had while I was there: why, on earth, do grown males choose to work at Babies R Us? I counted 6 different men working there. Now, I had a great time today looking at stuff for our son, and planning his bedroom, etc. But after 2 hours, I don’t think I ever want to go there again. How do guys do this? I think I would smother half the mothers and their bratty little kids. I could go on and on but I wont. How cliché is it, by the way, when the male counterpart in the relationship handles the “gun” for the bridal or baby registry, and makes a big deal about the fact that they “have the gun” and get to “scan?” Its like corporate R&D folks knew the only way they could get the male to be involved was to give him a gun type phallus, and let him be “in control.” Its very Freudian. And anyway, that was me today. It was great.

But we ended up registering for about 89 items today, and I have to say I had a blast. I thought I wouldn’t. I am sure we forgot tons of important stuff, but that is why we have Nannie Bolger and Grandmom Willard as our consultants. For example, we didn’t register for any of the boob stuff today. I like to think I know a lot about boobs . . .but not when there is milking, padding, pumping, and ointment-ing involved. So Lynne and Amanda will go and get all that stuff. Yeah . . . .

A stop at Starbucks for a drink was also in order, as was a stop at Best Buy in the mall. We had a gift certificate from Christmas, and we bought season 2 of “The Office,” as well as a neoprene armband iPod holder for when I run and work out. We met Lynne George (who turned 65 today), Brick, Nacho, and Nacho’s mom at Craparitas (I know . . .I’m whipped. . . .I swore I’d never go back to the dive again . . ) But it was good to see people.

But I hate Craparitas . . .more than ever . . . .

Finally . . . .

I got my AC power adapter for my Roland . . .it only took a month and a half. Dont ever order anything from INSTRUMENTPRO.COM. They suck.

But I have it, my keyboard works again, and all seems well. I really dont know how I went for so long without my keyboard, my music, and my songwriting. Now I can sing to the little bean-man while he is in utero, and he can start to learn his Daddy's singing voice. This will both calm and swoon him--the same effect it has on all the ladies . . .

Without exaggeration, it has been snowing non-stop since Tuesday. What's funny though is how we havent had THAT much accumulation . . .when I got home from school there were probably three inches or so in the driveway . . . .and I said 'screw it' and didnt shovel. I'll do it tomorrow. Oh wait, its going to snow a ton tomorrow. I'll do it Sunday. Oh wait . . .its going to snow all day on Sunday too. Oh well . . .I'll just play the "Bronchitis card."

So when I got home, I took care of the fire, brought in some more wood, enjoyed a Redhook IPA, and played some music for the first time since November 30. I feel very creative, so the songs should start flowing. Funnily enough, my students have been asking me why I havent played any music for them during class (usually I play once a quarter or so--usually before vacation or something). Perhaps I'll play next week; it will be the first time I will have played in my new classroom . . .

Tomorrow I'll be joining Eric for breakfast, and then Sally and I are going to head down to hell--otherwise known as "Babies R Us" in Portland. Actually, it will be great to look around with her and register for all the crap we need.

Oh and UMaine hockey is set not to even MAKE the Hockey East tournment this year--they are in 9th place . . .and will probably fall more after this weekend. UNH took the first game tonight, 3-2, and they'll play a couple more times this weekend. So . . .it looks like vice-principal Atwood and I (the only two UNH alums at a school plauged with UMaine grads) will have lots of trash-talking to do on Monday. GO WILDCATS!!