I’ve just registered BostianFamily.org – a website designed to help link together my mother’s side of the family. Now, it helps that this part of my family holds a reunion every year (at which I have been absent for the past 7) and that in general, they’re all pretty close-knit. But it is quite difficult
Winter Holidays. Also, Yacht Race!
With some sadness, I announce the end of the winter holidays. Though I have no official work to do until January 20, and a vacation from the 3rd to the 9th, I’m through seeing all my relatives and will be heading down to campus today. I’ll probably work on the syllabus for next semester, as
Winter Travel Fun
Ever since I’ve been made to eat my words about the lack of a severe winter, travel has become especially difficult with snow storms coming every 2-3 days. And now, what with it being Christmas Eve, I would really like to get over to Milwaukee and Lauren to her dad’s. But you can hardly leave
More on Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
Amos makes a good comment on the last post. In “Dracula”, those being stalked by the Count suffer from dreamless, non-refreshing “sleep.” Really, Dracula hypnotizes them so he can sip their blood during the night. Obviously, Meyer is tickling readers with this reference to the original vampire classic. But, seriously…while waiting to check out at
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
What an awful book. I just finished it, in less than 24 hours. The writing style is such that I had no trouble reading over 100 pages per hour. The story was dull, the writing was awful, and I really don’t see a point to the entire book. The plot, summarized: Bella moves to Washington
Madison Metro – Where’s My Bus?
I had an interesting bus trip down to campus today. For those of you out of the loop, Madison got hit with a pretty big snowstorm overnight and into this morning. Word on the street is that we got 9 to 12 inches of blowing, awful snow (can’t wait to go skiing this weekend!). Because
What’s in a Jobs?
No Steve Jobs at MacWorld this year means a potentially disappointing event. Whereas previously, we Mac faithful have waited anxiously all morning to start reading live-blogs of the event, and then drooled over the newly released products, it’s quite possible that this MacWorld will offer none of the past excitement. I had hoped for an
Again, To Fiction!
The last time I completed any fictional work of great length was in 8th grade. So what’s that… 11 years ago? That was a story, covering two notebooks, of attempted murder, mob connections, and a wild international chase for justice – all done by me and two friends (and yes, we were in middle school).
Teens Don’t Date, says Charles M. Blow
Leave it to Charles M. Blow, op-ed columnist for the New York Times, to expose a dark secret about America’s youth. It’s probably news to you all, but according to Mr. Blow, young people no longer date; instead they just hook up. Shocked? Read the full article here. Reports Mr. Blow, young people are dating
I’m in Politics for the Cash
Oh Blago, who did you think you were, trying to sell Obama’s Senate seat? Maybe a mob boss, just asking people to be your friend? Too many views of The Godfather probably. Or maybe you modeled yourself after other Illinois’ politicians, figuring it’s just expected that you would act corrupt. Maybe you thought yourself a
First Grad. Semester Winding Down
I just finished up my take-home stats exam, which means I have two research proposals and final grading to go before I am completely done with the semester. Those two papers (and the exam) are due on Monday, meaning next week will be grading and final grades. I’m sure to spend most of the weekend
A Poem for My Students
I wrote this poem today to put up before my students’ final exam today. It is, without a doubt, the worst poem I have ever written. It’s Hallmark quality. The Cheesiest Poem Ever By Michael Braun Written December 11, 2008 Your dreams are wings, so take to flight. Your hopes are candles. Use their light!
Necessary Questions for Gay Marriage Debate
Last night, I had the non-pleasure of watching the often inept John Stewart debate the complete moron Mike Huckabee. It was more than painful. Specifically, hearing John Stewart tell Huckabee that he understood why the Religious Right wanted to ban abortion and saying that he agreed that we should try to end the practice. John
Two Criticisms of Blogging Today
Two brief comments on the state of modern blogging. 1. Increased propagation leads to vapid, look-at-me entries. As more and more individuals begin to have blogs, more and more people are writing about themselves. That’s great. It’s healthy to be able to express your emotions and cathartic to put it down in type. But there
Stimulus of Dreams
Barack Obama, our can’t-be-soon-enough and de facto president, is a great man. He’s also got some great ideas. Whether they are mostly talk, will be blocked by Congress, or won’t do any good is another question, but I love his ideas for a stimulus that goes far beyond pumping cash into banks. Obama seems to