pet peeves

1. The inability of some people to properly use "their", "there" and "they're".

2. The inability of some people to properly use "your" and "you're".

3. The inability of some people to distinguish among other homophones (like "hear" and "here").

4. The misuse of the word "prove". Science doesn't prove a whole heck of a lot. But that's ok. Science isn't a court of law. But scientists, with the use of experiments and statistics, have very rigorous ways to support hypotheses. Although things such as global warming are not "provable" by science, the data can be overwhelmingly convincing. Moreover, one piece of data does not force me to accept an argument or dismiss one. Show me a Ph.D. and I'll show you someone retarded.* Average their IQs and it'll be the same as yours. Don't show me someone so mentally challenged and expect me to conclude we're all retarded.

5. High society and high class are poor substitutes for "those with high income". High society is an empty term. High class implies social stratifications. There are many rich "lower class" people. There are many poor people with "high class" tastes (blogger among them). The term "middle class" is generally acceptable as a scholarly term, but please, let's not be too strict classifying ourselves in social class. Let's just keep it all on the 1040 form, meaning people are "rich" or "wealthy" or "poor" or somewhere in between. Jeff Foxworthy is wealthy but the dude ain't high class or high society.

To my students: you should lose at least 5% on any assignment for each time you commit such an error.

*The term "retarded" is often used in a derogatory sense. I am not using it this way. No offense to anyone with mentally challenged love ones. I could use the phrase "mentally handicapped" or "mentally challenged", but those are merely definitions of "retarded".

Audi 4000 (a rave)

I just have to rave about the Audi 4000 quattro. In spite of its poor electrical system and failure of door handles and the locking mechanism, this if one fine piece of work. Slap some good snow tires on it (I have Michelin Alpins) and this bad boy is unstoppable in the worst snow.

I love my Audi 4K. Next significant snowfall, hit me up for a ride. You'll learn how amazing this vehicle is. Much of it is the quattro with good snow tires, for sure, but some of it is the 4000 itself. It's one bad ass beast.

I think I'm in love with my car.

Hendrick's

In light of the previous rant:

Moreover, I can no longer get Hendrick's gin in this god-forsaken town.

Bah!

Is it so weird?

Today is President's Day, or Washington's Birthday as it is officially known (but the 3rd Monday in February will never fall on his actual birthday). In honor of this birthday we celebrate by closing banks, the post office, and government offices. The celebration continues with the infamous Presidents' Day Sale. That is, except for the Wine and Liquor stores in Pennsylvania. Here in Indiana PA, they are closed. Since this is a state-run enterprise we don't find it surprising. However, it is a rare case of the state in the business of retail sales. They arguably have no business in retail. Moreover, they are acting counter to the celebration of the holiday: sell something!

As you all know by now I grew up in Ohio. Back in the day we had state-run liquor stores which were even more sterile than the wine and liquor stores in PA. However, Ohio got out of that business. The state realized that all they needed to do was control its sale by liquor retail licensing and taxation. So yeah, we can buy liquor, as well as beer and wine, at many grocery stores and other beverage stores.

I was enjoying a beer here in PA with a new friend who, learning I was from Ohio, said "Ohio is so weird." "Why so?" I inquired. "Well, you can buy beer in convenience stores." I was taken aback that he believed it to be "weird". For someone enjoying beer most people would find it "cool" that you can actually get beer at 7-11 or Sheetz.

My point: PA is weird. It continues to be an odd place for this Ohio boy. As much as I try to find this place quaint or enchanting, I continue to find it a step behind. Let's get with the program, folks: beer at Sheetz and liquor at Martin's. That's the way it should be.

Amber Pub, R.I.P.

The Amber Pub in Akron, Ohio, has closed.

It had been a west side hidden gem for over 40 years. For me, it has always been there.

Only in the last few years have I come to realize its true beauty and importance for myself, my family, and my community. It will be missed.

The Amber Pub is owned by Gayle Johnson, who also runs the O'Neil House on Akron's west side. I'm sure she misses the pub she loves dearly.

It was reported by my sister in communication with Ms. Johnson that the owner of the property on which the Amber Pub was locate sold the property. It is clear that she was forced to vacate the property. It is also believed that she was not offered an opportunity to purchase the property. She was given 30 days upon the sale to vacate. I went home for Christmas. It was closed.

I'm sad. Nostalgic sad a little bit. But mostly sad just for a personal loss. It was my place to escape for a drink and late dinner when visiting my parents. Watching the game. Drinking one of the finest martinis. To-die-for sauerkraut balls. Chatting with Gayle. Buying Miss Daisy a drink after work. (She's a fine cook!)

Will I get over it? Maybe. For now, tho, I don't want to get over it. It rots.

There is love

As much as I may complain or point out the shortcomings of IUP, I really like my classes this semester. My students rawk.

Good luck on your upcoming tests and keep up the good work.

J

grrrr

It's one of those days...

IUP--you suck
APSCUF--you suck too
Pennsylvania Faculty Health and Welfare Fund--you are chief among those that suck

I wish I could quit you all.