Farewell to Chief Illiniwek

Tonight is the final appearance of the some say 'beloved' mascot at the University of Illinois. The dance happy Chief Illiniwek is being retired partially as response to the money-forfeited ability to host NCAA Tournament events on campus. This hurt the recruiting for the school as well as offended many who wanted to see this mascot retired decades, or as recently as last month, ago. I don't necessarily see it as a problem at all. Honestly, if someone is going to have a problem with a Native American mascot, how are they not going after the NCAA to tell schools like Valparaiso and Holy Cross to change their mascot to something other than "Crusaders". I mean I've heard the discussions for both sides and I think that we're showing respect to our understandings of how Christians became what they are because of these holy wars for their religion. I respect what these men fought for so we could have open beliefs, not beliefs that are forced on us. I'm much happier with the freedom of beliefs than I would be if I was having to live under the auspices of the Church of England and forced to believe in something that I'd rather fight against.

Sorry, I got on a rant there, but that's my thoughts on why I think the whole matter is absurd and should be left alone. If the Native American nations had an issue with it, they could have spoken up and helped the universities find some options for new mascots that could work or ways to make the current mascot seem more respectful of what the tribe would consider a proper rendering of what they meant to the state or community in which the school is a part of.

Bracketbuster Weekend

It is the biggest regular season weekend for all of us who are college basketball fans and are alumni of what are considered mid-major schools. Some of our schools are getting some awesome exposure in top quality basketball games this weekend on ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU. This should be a fun weekend. I know I'm looking forward to these games most of all..to see which teams may have it in them to make a difference in my NCAA tournament brackets this season. I know tonight I'll be watching Winthrop play Missouri St. on ESPN2, and then I'll listen to Albany and Boise St. online. (This would be the same Boise St. University that won a BCS Bowl game in January.)

I hope we all get to enjoy this great weekend. In my excitement, I say "Go Valpo!" They'll be playing Western Michigan out of the Mid-American Conference (MAC).

Can You Smell It?

Baseball season is in the air! Pitchers and catchers have started to report. It is exciting and I can't wait for the first pitches to be thrown as the weeks come along. It sure makes listening to MLB radio more exciting knowing that they are talking about one of the great sports to go watch with a group of friends. Its not so fast-paced that you miss time with the friends you enjoy and you can cheer or jeer whomever you want and the drunk sitting next to you might join in and you can help create the next set of 'bleacher bums' just by being a fun group of fans.

Go Cubbies!

The Long Term Subbing Assignment

Well, the long term subbing position I had was cancelled officially yesterday. It was a great two week experience and they were ready to offer me the position full-time, but someone within the district who was already under contract moved into it. I met her yesterday, and I don't see her lasting any more than a week. It sucks because I really felt like I was some good for those kids, but when I get screwed by district policy, or as my girlfriend calls it...the woman, that's what I get.
Many of the kids were great, although there were some moments, but it was like a family setting for me. The kids started to enjoy my being there because it helped the routine, but for some reason that I'm mostly glad I don't know... these kids get lost in the translation of time and get hurt. I hope for these kids and hurt for them, as I cried yesterday after I returned home, but I'm glad that they'll call me as they need me to be there, and heck..based on who this lady is...I may be back there before I realize it. Here's hoping..otherwise, I'll just sit by my phone waiting to hear where I'll work next.

Another Random Songlist of 80s Tunes

So it has been awhile, but I thought it was a good time for a new list of songs I heard on Launchcast.

Hall & Oates Kiss On My List
Tears for Fears Shout
Don Henley The End of the Innocence
U2 Pride
Yes Owner of a Lonely Heart
Naked Eyes Always Something There To Remind Me
The Buggles Video Killed The Radio Star
Eric Carmen Hungry Eyes
Foreigner I Want To Know What Love Is
Joan Jett & The Blackhearts I Love Rock N' Roll
Phil Collins In The Air Tonight
Madonna Material Girl
Katrina & The Waves Walking On Sunshine
Chicago You're The Inspiration
After The Fire Der Kommissar
Fleetwood Mac Little Lies
Bob Seger Shakedown
Red Rider Lunatic Fringe
Berlin Take My Breath Away
Devo Whip It!
Paul Simon You Can Call Me Al
Heart Never
Breathe Hands To Heaven
Belinda Carlisle Heaven Is A Place On Earth
Suzanne Vega Tom's Diner
Big Country In A Big Country
Billy Ocean Get Outta My Dreams Get Into My Car
Prince Kiss
Madness Our House
Pet Shop Boys West End Girls
Bryan Adams Summer of '69
Elton John I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues

Well, there you have it. Yet another list of fun songs that I spent time listening to recently... It is always good times. Check back soon when a new list should appear.