The Super Bowl Halftime Show featuring Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band is nearly upon us. For years, I’ve enjoyed trying to pick the songs played during the show. I started off humbly with the not very bold assertion that Paul McCartney would close with Hey Jude. Nailed it! Last year, I tried to take bets on Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (somehow finding no takers) and totally called his entire set list, in order—American Girl, I Won’t Back Down, Free Fallin’, Runnin’ Down a Dream (typing that made me realize that Tom Petty is a big fan of elision and superfluous apostrophes; Cormac McCarthy would be unimpressed with all that extra punctuation). The Boss, however, has been a tough nut to crack. Will he go obvious or take the Prince route and play almost nothing you would expect? Here’s my best guess:
1) Born in the USA
2) Radio Nowhere
3) Glory Days
4) Born to Run
I think the only sure thing is Born in the USA. The real issue, though, is this: opener or closer? Its anthemic stomp seems more suited to beginnings, while the hurried squall of Born to Run seems a more fitting note on which The Boss can go careening into the Tampa night.
Oh, there’s a football game involved somehow, too. No one seems to think the Arizona Cardinals, generally regarded as a pass-first team, have any chance against the Pittsburgh Steelers, specifically against the Steelers’ league-leading (during the regular season) pass defense. On the other hand, the Cardinals have been quick to go to the run in the post-season, a fact that probably caught the Falcons, Panthers and Eagles off guard. Pittsburgh has had two weeks to prepare for this, but their offense seems to have been improvised for the last couple games. I’m very tempted to go against the grain and take the Cardinals at +7, based on their stouter-than-expected defense, embrace of the run and renaissance of Kurt Warner. So I think I will. Go Cards!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Lynn's 25
I was tagged by Dana to make a list of 25 random things about myself. According to Ben, I'm a very strange individual. This should be interesting, so here goes:
1. I've always wanted to be tagged to do something like this. Seriously, I'm never asked to participate in any "tag" games on Facebook or the blog.
2. I rarely have time to make the bed before I leave for work in the morning, but I always make the bed right before I go to sleep at night. I straighten the fitted sheet, tuck in the straight sheet, fluff the duvet, and turn down all the covers. I get visibly upset if Ben or the dog lays down before I've made the bed. Ben thinks this is the weirdest thing I do.
3. A few years ago, I worked in the sports department of a pretty big newspaper. Three days a week I was insanely busy and often worked overtime; the other two days I sat at my computer emailing, looking up recipes, working crossword puzzles, or reading books and newspapers. The strange thing is, I complained about this incessantly. What the hell was I thinking?
4. Now I'm a teacher. I occasionally email or look up a recipe. I cannot remember the last time I worked a crossword puzzle, read anything besides a school newspaper, or finished a book for fun.
5. I do love to read books, watch movies, and listen to music. I think about themes, messages, and lyrics more than most people. I always put myself in the place of the character, role, or speaker; this usually makes me emotional.
6. Did I mention I'm very emotional? I sobbed walking down the aisle at my wedding, even though I'd already seen Ben. I once cried at the end of a movie I'd been watching for 5 minutes [ed. note: this movie was Just Like Heaven. Ugh.] I'm especially prone to cry when I'm very stressed, very tired, or very happy.
7. I love television. I'm drawn to reality shows, teen programming, award shows, reruns...I'm obsessed. My favorite time of the year is when I have a television show for every night of the week.
8. I'm also obsessed with my dog. I never thought I could become that person. My sister gave me my dog, Rupp, when I was lonely after my move to Lexington. He is still so cute and snuggly. When I don't feel good, Rupp mopes around the house too. He is smart and sympathetic. Although I admit this is weird, I'm comforted that so many people behave in the same manner.
9. Rupp and I have only had one fight: when I neutered him. Poor guy.
10. I was also obsessed with my husband. I thought he was absolutely perfect for years. I don't think that way anymore; I just think he is perfect for me.
11. One of my favorite things about Ben is his vocabulary.
12. I love love love my college friends. My kids at school think my life is so tame...if they only knew of my past life!
13. I don't always like Seinfeld. This baffles Ben. I don't always like Days of our Lives. This baffles Dana.
14. I love to cook dinner every night. I devote more hours to our dinner than I do to grading papers or planning lessons at home.
15. Ben and I go out to eat one or two times a week. Unless it's a special occasion, we always go to the same Mexican restaurant.
16. My mom, sister, and I planned my wedding in 4 months. We should go to the Olympics or something.
17. I have a pretty vivid imagination. I credit my mother with this. She used to make my sister and I play all alone--Barbies, dolls, dress up...we rarely watched television on weeknights and I didn't have IM or email until college. I think it is sad when my kids at school talk about spending their lives in front of the TV, Myspace, or Facebook.
18. With that, I have a small internet addiction.
19. When I'm stressed out with school or worried about one/a group of students, I dream about it. Once the school year starts, I worry more and dream about my students all the time.
20. I cannot stand styrofoam; I don't want to hear the pieces rub together. This means I can't take objects out of large boxes and I can't carry home leftovers from restuarants.
21. I'm always sick. I don't mean that I'm a hypochondriac, but I have a very weak immune system and pick up every little bug that goes around my school. My allergies escalate this problem. Carrie, Mom and Ben make fun of me for being so sickly, but I really can't help it.
22. This is just one of the parts of life I complain about. I complain about sickness, chores, work, and the temperature. I would love to change this part of myself...
23. When something is going wrong, I try to blame somebody else. Even if it is my fault. Carrie, Ben and my students are usually the recipients. Is this a coping mechanism for a perfectionist?
24. I have a love-hate relationship with snow days. When winter hits Kentucky, I desperately pray for them; when summer finally comes, I wish I hadn't prayed so hard.
25. I love a glass of wine in the evening, but my favorite drink has to be the bloody mary at Keeneland!
I'm tagging Ben, because no one else reads this blog!
1. I've always wanted to be tagged to do something like this. Seriously, I'm never asked to participate in any "tag" games on Facebook or the blog.
2. I rarely have time to make the bed before I leave for work in the morning, but I always make the bed right before I go to sleep at night. I straighten the fitted sheet, tuck in the straight sheet, fluff the duvet, and turn down all the covers. I get visibly upset if Ben or the dog lays down before I've made the bed. Ben thinks this is the weirdest thing I do.
3. A few years ago, I worked in the sports department of a pretty big newspaper. Three days a week I was insanely busy and often worked overtime; the other two days I sat at my computer emailing, looking up recipes, working crossword puzzles, or reading books and newspapers. The strange thing is, I complained about this incessantly. What the hell was I thinking?
4. Now I'm a teacher. I occasionally email or look up a recipe. I cannot remember the last time I worked a crossword puzzle, read anything besides a school newspaper, or finished a book for fun.
5. I do love to read books, watch movies, and listen to music. I think about themes, messages, and lyrics more than most people. I always put myself in the place of the character, role, or speaker; this usually makes me emotional.
6. Did I mention I'm very emotional? I sobbed walking down the aisle at my wedding, even though I'd already seen Ben. I once cried at the end of a movie I'd been watching for 5 minutes [ed. note: this movie was Just Like Heaven. Ugh.] I'm especially prone to cry when I'm very stressed, very tired, or very happy.
7. I love television. I'm drawn to reality shows, teen programming, award shows, reruns...I'm obsessed. My favorite time of the year is when I have a television show for every night of the week.
8. I'm also obsessed with my dog. I never thought I could become that person. My sister gave me my dog, Rupp, when I was lonely after my move to Lexington. He is still so cute and snuggly. When I don't feel good, Rupp mopes around the house too. He is smart and sympathetic. Although I admit this is weird, I'm comforted that so many people behave in the same manner.
9. Rupp and I have only had one fight: when I neutered him. Poor guy.
10. I was also obsessed with my husband. I thought he was absolutely perfect for years. I don't think that way anymore; I just think he is perfect for me.
11. One of my favorite things about Ben is his vocabulary.
12. I love love love my college friends. My kids at school think my life is so tame...if they only knew of my past life!
13. I don't always like Seinfeld. This baffles Ben. I don't always like Days of our Lives. This baffles Dana.
14. I love to cook dinner every night. I devote more hours to our dinner than I do to grading papers or planning lessons at home.
15. Ben and I go out to eat one or two times a week. Unless it's a special occasion, we always go to the same Mexican restaurant.
16. My mom, sister, and I planned my wedding in 4 months. We should go to the Olympics or something.
17. I have a pretty vivid imagination. I credit my mother with this. She used to make my sister and I play all alone--Barbies, dolls, dress up...we rarely watched television on weeknights and I didn't have IM or email until college. I think it is sad when my kids at school talk about spending their lives in front of the TV, Myspace, or Facebook.
18. With that, I have a small internet addiction.
19. When I'm stressed out with school or worried about one/a group of students, I dream about it. Once the school year starts, I worry more and dream about my students all the time.
20. I cannot stand styrofoam; I don't want to hear the pieces rub together. This means I can't take objects out of large boxes and I can't carry home leftovers from restuarants.
21. I'm always sick. I don't mean that I'm a hypochondriac, but I have a very weak immune system and pick up every little bug that goes around my school. My allergies escalate this problem. Carrie, Mom and Ben make fun of me for being so sickly, but I really can't help it.
22. This is just one of the parts of life I complain about. I complain about sickness, chores, work, and the temperature. I would love to change this part of myself...
23. When something is going wrong, I try to blame somebody else. Even if it is my fault. Carrie, Ben and my students are usually the recipients. Is this a coping mechanism for a perfectionist?
24. I have a love-hate relationship with snow days. When winter hits Kentucky, I desperately pray for them; when summer finally comes, I wish I hadn't prayed so hard.
25. I love a glass of wine in the evening, but my favorite drink has to be the bloody mary at Keeneland!
I'm tagging Ben, because no one else reads this blog!
Friday, January 16, 2009
Hypothetical Hundreds: Special Northern Kentucky Edition
James Bricken and I are currently stuck in a hotel lobby in Covington, Kentucky, watching the first NBA game I've watched this season. Long story. We were up here for a New Lawyers Seminar, a.k.a. The Biggest Gathering of Douchebags in the State, a.k.a. Why the Terrorists Hate Us. Or so I thought before we came. We actually had a decent time, got to catch up with some old law school pals, and, of course, gambled like degenerates. On a whim, about ten of us ended up at the Argosy Casino in southern Indiana (where, apparently, they only sell warm beer in the gas stations; turned out to be a blessing in disguise). I ended up winning about $100 playing blackjack. Big time stuff!
The casino got me in the gambling mood, and I realized I hadn't made my NFL picks for the week. I've been dominant in the playoffs this year, missing only one pick. Sure, I got very lucky in that Titans-Ravens game last weekend, but I'll take it where I can get it. Anyway, here are the picks (home team in caps):
1. ARIZONA CARDINALS (+4) over Philadelphia Eagles
2. Baltimore Ravens (+6) over PITTSBURGH STEELERS
There you have it. Scientific facts.
CURRENT RECORD: 7-1
The casino got me in the gambling mood, and I realized I hadn't made my NFL picks for the week. I've been dominant in the playoffs this year, missing only one pick. Sure, I got very lucky in that Titans-Ravens game last weekend, but I'll take it where I can get it. Anyway, here are the picks (home team in caps):
1. ARIZONA CARDINALS (+4) over Philadelphia Eagles
2. Baltimore Ravens (+6) over PITTSBURGH STEELERS
There you have it. Scientific facts.
CURRENT RECORD: 7-1
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
WTF, Tilly
The list of things Tilly has demolished since she began to "play"
A jar of moisturizer
An entire bottle of Cumin
My Calphalon pot holder
My favorite Calvin Klein flats*
A roll of grosgrain ribbon
An entire roll of wrapping paper
Two TV remotes
One Wii remote
I'm beginning to have terrible visions of Tilly chewing her way through my favorite things; furniture, books, wedding pictures. Seriously, what's next?
*I originally thought these were salvageable when Ben called to tell me Tilly chewed off "some of the leather" on the CK flats. I suggested covering up the "some" with black shoe polish. Ben's response: "I think our definition of 'some' might be different." Sure enough, Tilly had ripped huge strips of leather from the once-amazing shoe. I mean, these shoes went from black leather to white-cloth lining. I buried them last night.
A jar of moisturizer
An entire bottle of Cumin
My Calphalon pot holder
My favorite Calvin Klein flats*
A roll of grosgrain ribbon
An entire roll of wrapping paper
Two TV remotes
One Wii remote
I'm beginning to have terrible visions of Tilly chewing her way through my favorite things; furniture, books, wedding pictures. Seriously, what's next?
*I originally thought these were salvageable when Ben called to tell me Tilly chewed off "some of the leather" on the CK flats. I suggested covering up the "some" with black shoe polish. Ben's response: "I think our definition of 'some' might be different." Sure enough, Tilly had ripped huge strips of leather from the once-amazing shoe. I mean, these shoes went from black leather to white-cloth lining. I buried them last night.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Hypothetical Hundreds: C.R.E.A.M.
The divisional round of the NFL playoffs ended today and I'm proud to report that I correctly called every game. I started the weekend with (an imaginary) $700, and ended it with $1,100. Not too shabby! Take that, experts!
Friday, January 9, 2009
Hypothetical Hundreds
In my quest to be the best attorney in
LOOK AT ALL THAT MONEY AND THAT ASIAN CHICK OMG AND THAT CRAZY RING IT COULD ALL BE MINE HAHA THANKS NFL SUCKERS!...which is a dangerous road to go down without knowing if you could actually do it against a fickle point spread. So, last week, during the NFL Wild Card weekend, I decided to start keeping track, betting a fictional $100 per game, to see if I really had what it took to be the next Sam Rothstein. Here are my picks (home teams in caps)
I probably violated every known gambling rule in the universe in making those picks. I can spot one right now—I bet against every home team and every divisional champ. But you know what? I came out 3-1. $400 wagered, $300 plus the three bets coming back, and just like that, I’ve got (an imaginary) $600! Add to that another $100 from the Florida/Oklahoma game, and I’ve almost doubled up in a week.
Some bold picks there, if I do say so myself. No one likes
CURRENT RECORD
4-1
Tilly!
We love Tilly, the beautiful chocolate lab we adopted in July. When she first came to our home, she hid in corners, behind beds, and in the very back of her crate--every hiding place was an attempt to avoid affection. She couldn't do anything normally: walk, run, eat.
But since that time, Tilly really improved. She walks on a leash--or without a leash--outside, she runs on the golf course beside our house, and eats large amount of food. She's also comfortable enough to produce large shoestrings of drool in front of us. Although she's still a little nervous around company, the friends and family who frequently visit have definitely noticed an improvement.
Now, my Rupp loves to play. He plays fetch perfectly with the Kong or the Cuz. Sit, throw, return, repeat. Sometimes he'll mix it up by laying down for you. He's very impressive. He also loves soft toys. He latches on for dear life and falls asleep as he mimics a nursing kitten. Very adorable. We just couldn't get Tilly to play along; her instincts wouldn't kick in. Until now.
Well, Tilly learned to play. I'm just concerned about the things she wants to play with. Her first toy was a bottle of moisturizer. She unscrewed the lid, licked the contents clean, and chewed on the packaging until her gums bled. The other day, Tilly went after a container of Cumin. Yes, you read correctly. Silly Tilly must have been after the smell, because after she opened it up and poured it all over the living room floor, she didn't try any of the seasoning. She did destroy the plastic bottle. Today, Ben just informed me that Tilly tore apart my Calphalon pot holder.
I don't even know how to conclude this post. Suggestions? Even weirder pet stories? I doubt that's possible!
But since that time, Tilly really improved. She walks on a leash--or without a leash--outside, she runs on the golf course beside our house, and eats large amount of food. She's also comfortable enough to produce large shoestrings of drool in front of us. Although she's still a little nervous around company, the friends and family who frequently visit have definitely noticed an improvement.
Now, my Rupp loves to play. He plays fetch perfectly with the Kong or the Cuz. Sit, throw, return, repeat. Sometimes he'll mix it up by laying down for you. He's very impressive. He also loves soft toys. He latches on for dear life and falls asleep as he mimics a nursing kitten. Very adorable. We just couldn't get Tilly to play along; her instincts wouldn't kick in. Until now.
Well, Tilly learned to play. I'm just concerned about the things she wants to play with. Her first toy was a bottle of moisturizer. She unscrewed the lid, licked the contents clean, and chewed on the packaging until her gums bled. The other day, Tilly went after a container of Cumin. Yes, you read correctly. Silly Tilly must have been after the smell, because after she opened it up and poured it all over the living room floor, she didn't try any of the seasoning. She did destroy the plastic bottle. Today, Ben just informed me that Tilly tore apart my Calphalon pot holder.
I don't even know how to conclude this post. Suggestions? Even weirder pet stories? I doubt that's possible!
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