Band: Arizona State University Sun Devil Marching Band
University: Arizona State University
Founded: 1915
Current Director: Mr. James G. Hudson
Fight Songs: "Maroon & Gold" and "Go, Go Sun Devils"
We head to Tempe for our first trip west of the Rockies. "Maroon & Gold" is Arizona State's official fight song. It was composed by Felix E. McKernan in 1948. "Go, Go Sun Devils," also commonly played at games, was composed by Albert Davis.
All This and Football, Too
My Picks for the Week: 19/21 (1st place out of 3 players)
My Picks for the Season: 168/260 (3rd out of 3)
My monster week puts me in a very strong position going into Week 14, the finale of the pick 'em season on Yahoo! I'm only two points out of first. With only three of us, I suppose I'm guaranteed a trophy but it would still be great to win, especially since I've been dragging behind all season.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Saturday, November 26, 2011
12 Books in 12 Months: A Tear-Jerker
Book: The Time Traveler's Wife
Author: Audrey Niffenegger
Image via Heroes and Villains
No, the book didn't make me cry. I wondered briefly if that meant I had really fulfilled the requirement. Then I decided that a quest to find a book that would, in fact, bring tears to my eyes would most certainly be unhealthy. There is no doubt that the intention of this story is to make the reader cry so I'd say that's close enough.
I'm still working out how I feel about this book. As previously written, I am skeptical of time travel narratives in general. I do appreciate the fact that this one sets up the rules early: despite his temporal escapades, Henry can change nothing. At the end of the day, he is just another of life's wanders, even if his path meanders in unusual directions.
Here's the question I'm chewing on: how much does time travel actually add to the story? Imagine the same tale told without it. The Henry & Clare romance is a compelling narrative - yet somehow, it's not quite enough to stand on its own. Their everyday dealings with loss are easy to relate to: deaths of loved ones, confrontations with one's own mortality, miscarriages, etc. The time travel permits an extra-dimensional perspective but the science fiction fan in me is less impressed. Apart from the narrative convenience which time travel provides, there seems little point to it. Does Henry's abnormality serve a higher purpose in the end? Not really. It's a quirk, a novelty, a frequent inconvenience with occasionally tragic consequences. Is there any meaningful resolution as to the science behind it? No.
That said, there were moments in the book I really enjoyed. I thought the description of Clare drawing Alba while the latter slept was lovely. In fact, I would have liked knowing more about Clare's art. I doubt many readers know much about the paper making process so clearer explanations would have been handy. In truth, I found Clare a more interesting character when she was apart from Henry - less so the other way around.
As a romance novel, I would say the book hits its mark cleanly, even if I didn't cry. As a science fiction tale, it falls well short.
**********
And so, I have completed the 12 Books in 12 Months challenge. I managed it in just under five months. I'm glad to have knocked out the first several during the summer as the going has definitely been slower once school started.
I would certainly like to do this again but I'm going to wait a while so I can read other things, too. Please send category ideas my way if you should have any.
**********
I hope that you, too, will join the 12 Books in 12 Months challenge. Details are here. My own list and books read by others shall be maintained on the pages list on my sidebar. Other blogs currently participating:
My Wife - Wikes! Hikes on the Long Trail
Mrs. Mock - Exclamation Point (!)
Two friends of My Wife are also participating: TonTon via Facebook and The Hermitess via Goodreads.
If you'd care to join the challenge, please let me know by commenting below or e-mailing me at armchairsquid@gmail.com. Also, please tell me how and where I can follow your posts. Don't be shy about suggesting other categories, either. It is my intention to compile a new list of 12 once this one is completed. My only parameter is that no one should have to buy anything in order to complete the challenge - nothing beyond a library card required.
Author: Audrey Niffenegger
Image via Heroes and Villains
No, the book didn't make me cry. I wondered briefly if that meant I had really fulfilled the requirement. Then I decided that a quest to find a book that would, in fact, bring tears to my eyes would most certainly be unhealthy. There is no doubt that the intention of this story is to make the reader cry so I'd say that's close enough.
I'm still working out how I feel about this book. As previously written, I am skeptical of time travel narratives in general. I do appreciate the fact that this one sets up the rules early: despite his temporal escapades, Henry can change nothing. At the end of the day, he is just another of life's wanders, even if his path meanders in unusual directions.
Here's the question I'm chewing on: how much does time travel actually add to the story? Imagine the same tale told without it. The Henry & Clare romance is a compelling narrative - yet somehow, it's not quite enough to stand on its own. Their everyday dealings with loss are easy to relate to: deaths of loved ones, confrontations with one's own mortality, miscarriages, etc. The time travel permits an extra-dimensional perspective but the science fiction fan in me is less impressed. Apart from the narrative convenience which time travel provides, there seems little point to it. Does Henry's abnormality serve a higher purpose in the end? Not really. It's a quirk, a novelty, a frequent inconvenience with occasionally tragic consequences. Is there any meaningful resolution as to the science behind it? No.
That said, there were moments in the book I really enjoyed. I thought the description of Clare drawing Alba while the latter slept was lovely. In fact, I would have liked knowing more about Clare's art. I doubt many readers know much about the paper making process so clearer explanations would have been handy. In truth, I found Clare a more interesting character when she was apart from Henry - less so the other way around.
As a romance novel, I would say the book hits its mark cleanly, even if I didn't cry. As a science fiction tale, it falls well short.
**********
And so, I have completed the 12 Books in 12 Months challenge. I managed it in just under five months. I'm glad to have knocked out the first several during the summer as the going has definitely been slower once school started.
I would certainly like to do this again but I'm going to wait a while so I can read other things, too. Please send category ideas my way if you should have any.
**********
I hope that you, too, will join the 12 Books in 12 Months challenge. Details are here. My own list and books read by others shall be maintained on the pages list on my sidebar. Other blogs currently participating:
My Wife - Wikes! Hikes on the Long Trail
Mrs. Mock - Exclamation Point (!)
Two friends of My Wife are also participating: TonTon via Facebook and The Hermitess via Goodreads.
If you'd care to join the challenge, please let me know by commenting below or e-mailing me at armchairsquid@gmail.com. Also, please tell me how and where I can follow your posts. Don't be shy about suggesting other categories, either. It is my intention to compile a new list of 12 once this one is completed. My only parameter is that no one should have to buy anything in order to complete the challenge - nothing beyond a library card required.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
My Football Fantasy: Stafford, Part 3
College League: lost, 82.54-69.83 (5-6 overall, 11th place out of 12 teams)
Vermont League: lost, 98.00-87.00 (6-5 overall, 3rd out of 12)
My Player of the Week: Matthew Stafford (Quarterback, Lions) with 335 yards passing, 5 touchdowns, 2 interceptions and 2 yards rushing
Photo via ProFootballFocus.com
It was my second week in a row losing in both leagues. The standings are still very close in the college league. Even in 11th place, I'm still only one game behind the guy in third. The problem is that mine is the lowest scoring team in the leagues. So, even if I can manage wins in my next two games, I may be on the outside looking in for the playoffs. My position in the Vermont league is stronger. The first and second place teams clinched playoff spots this week. Mine is one of four teams at 6-5 but mine is the second-highest scoring team in the league. It is possible I could clinch this week but only if I win and two others lose.
Stafford was the double-edged sword for me this week. He's mine in the Vermont League but he belongs to my opponent, Michigan native Special Dinner in the college league. 5 touchdowns will make up for 2 interceptions anytime.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Family Adventures: Belden Dam
It was a Novemberish weekend - very grey and occasionally rainy. But oddly enough, it still isn't especially cold with temperatures in the 50s today. Saturday was quiet but we headed south today to meet some friends. First, we went letterboxing at Belten Dam in New Haven, Vermont. We didn't find the first box but we did get the second. I got some nice pictures along the way.
Afterwards, we went to Two Brothers Tavern in Middlebury. My standard order for my first time at a restaurant is a club sandwich if they have one or a burger if they don't. I figure if they can get one of those right, the rest of the menu is likely to be pretty good, too. I went with the tavern burger today and it was a good choice. Nice beer list, too - 17 on tap alone. I had the Wolaver IPA, a local brew. Service was good as well.
I'm with the Band: Notre Dame
Band: Band of the Fighting Irish
University: University of Notre Dame
Founded: 1842
Current Director: Dr. Ken Dye
Fight Song: "Notre Dame Victory March"
For me, this one's all about the fight song. "Notre Dame Victory March" was also my high school's fight song. I did four years of marching band in high school. The first year, I was just an instrument holder - essentially there to fill the space in the formations - as I had not yet learned to play the trombone. It was my sister's clever trick for getting me to follow her footsteps into the band program. It's not easy to "pretend" to play the trombone. The slide's a dead giveaway. I had to keep a close eye on the guy next to me to be sure I was in approximately the right position.
Knowing now how seriously marching band is taken at many high schools, our program was very low-key - just one hour of rehearsal a week, very modest formations, rarely moving and playing at the same time. I doubt any of us, director included, would point to marching band as the highlight of our high school musical experience. And yet, I'm glad to have done it. Marching bands are scarce in Vermont. Our local high school doesn't have one. The high school in the town where I teach doesn't have one. I completely understand why but I'm a little disappointed that my daughter may have to wait until college to have that experience, if at all.
The Band of the Fighting Irish is the oldest college band in the country. The "Victory March" was written by the Shea brothers, Rev. Michael J. and John F. It has been called the best of all college fight songs and in my humble opinion, it's not even a close call. Everyone else is battling for a distant second. I suppose I am biased.
The Glee Club:
The Dropkick Murphys:
I could not, in good conscience, write about Notre Dame without a tribute to Samwise Gamgee... I mean, Rudy:
All This and Football, Too
My Picks for the Week: 10/19 (tied for 1st place out of 3 players)
My Picks for the Season: 149/239 (3rd out of 3)
University: University of Notre Dame
Founded: 1842
Current Director: Dr. Ken Dye
Fight Song: "Notre Dame Victory March"
For me, this one's all about the fight song. "Notre Dame Victory March" was also my high school's fight song. I did four years of marching band in high school. The first year, I was just an instrument holder - essentially there to fill the space in the formations - as I had not yet learned to play the trombone. It was my sister's clever trick for getting me to follow her footsteps into the band program. It's not easy to "pretend" to play the trombone. The slide's a dead giveaway. I had to keep a close eye on the guy next to me to be sure I was in approximately the right position.
Knowing now how seriously marching band is taken at many high schools, our program was very low-key - just one hour of rehearsal a week, very modest formations, rarely moving and playing at the same time. I doubt any of us, director included, would point to marching band as the highlight of our high school musical experience. And yet, I'm glad to have done it. Marching bands are scarce in Vermont. Our local high school doesn't have one. The high school in the town where I teach doesn't have one. I completely understand why but I'm a little disappointed that my daughter may have to wait until college to have that experience, if at all.
The Band of the Fighting Irish is the oldest college band in the country. The "Victory March" was written by the Shea brothers, Rev. Michael J. and John F. It has been called the best of all college fight songs and in my humble opinion, it's not even a close call. Everyone else is battling for a distant second. I suppose I am biased.
The Glee Club:
The Dropkick Murphys:
I could not, in good conscience, write about Notre Dame without a tribute to Samwise Gamgee... I mean, Rudy:
All This and Football, Too
My Picks for the Week: 10/19 (tied for 1st place out of 3 players)
My Picks for the Season: 149/239 (3rd out of 3)
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
My Football Fantasy: Gostkowski
College League: lost, 88.88-61.84 (5-5 overall, 10th place out of 12 teams)
Vermont League: lost, 94.30-71.86 (6-4, 3rd out of 12)
My Player of the Week: Stephen Gostkowski (Kicker, Patriots) with 1 field goal (20-29 yards), 1 field goal (30-39 yards), 1 field goal (50+ yards), 4 PATs and 1 solo tackle
Photo via DUELING COUCHES
Gostkowski is my kicker in both leagues and he was my high scorer in both this week. It's probably not a good sign when your kicker is your high scorer. Gostkowski was Mississippi All-State in three sports in high school: football, soccer and baseball. He went to Memphis on a baseball scholarship and walked on for football.
It's a big week. The trade deadline in both leagues is Friday. It's also the last bye week. While I'm in 10th place in the college league, I'm only one game out of 1st - crazy.
Vermont League: lost, 94.30-71.86 (6-4, 3rd out of 12)
My Player of the Week: Stephen Gostkowski (Kicker, Patriots) with 1 field goal (20-29 yards), 1 field goal (30-39 yards), 1 field goal (50+ yards), 4 PATs and 1 solo tackle
Photo via DUELING COUCHES
Gostkowski is my kicker in both leagues and he was my high scorer in both this week. It's probably not a good sign when your kicker is your high scorer. Gostkowski was Mississippi All-State in three sports in high school: football, soccer and baseball. He went to Memphis on a baseball scholarship and walked on for football.
It's a big week. The trade deadline in both leagues is Friday. It's also the last bye week. While I'm in 10th place in the college league, I'm only one game out of 1st - crazy.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Family Adventures: The Family Table
It was a pleasantly quiet weekend at our house. November is very grey in Vermont, historically the fewest days of sunshine of any month - a time of year when it's important to find excuses to get out of the house and not let the gloom invade. Our Girl and I played some backyard soccer this morning and we finally managed to draw some chickadees to our feeders. My Wife had the brilliant idea of using recorded bird calls to draw their interest. I sat out on our front porch with The Backyard Birdsong Guide: Eastern and Central North America by Donald Kroodsma playing the chickadee songs until the real birds finally came to call.
We went out to lunch today to The Family Table in Jeffersonville, essentially a comfort food joint. We'd never been and knew nothing about it but it seemed worth a try. After all, we are a family and we enjoy eating at a table. The food was decent and the service friendly, if a bit slow. I had an Angus burger that hit the spot. The hand-cut fries were the highlight for me. It was a little too pricey to justify regular visits.
On the way home, we stopped at Boyden Valley Winery. There are a surprising number of wineries in Vermont and Boyden is our favorite - not least for the fact that we know the family through Our Girl's old preschool. We particularly like their glogg, a mulled spice wine. We generally have a few bottles on hand for the holidays. I like their fruit and dessert wines, too.
We went out to lunch today to The Family Table in Jeffersonville, essentially a comfort food joint. We'd never been and knew nothing about it but it seemed worth a try. After all, we are a family and we enjoy eating at a table. The food was decent and the service friendly, if a bit slow. I had an Angus burger that hit the spot. The hand-cut fries were the highlight for me. It was a little too pricey to justify regular visits.
On the way home, we stopped at Boyden Valley Winery. There are a surprising number of wineries in Vermont and Boyden is our favorite - not least for the fact that we know the family through Our Girl's old preschool. We particularly like their glogg, a mulled spice wine. We generally have a few bottles on hand for the holidays. I like their fruit and dessert wines, too.
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