The Orioles are currently undefeated and winning the AL East. Yes, in baseball. Yes, the Baltimore Orioles. No, it's not April Fools Day anymore. Look, I have this picture to prove it:

So far we've had great pitching, excellent defense and timely hitting. What more could one ask for? A season with a winning record. That's what I ask for. There are good omens though, apparently. The last time the Orioles started a season 3-0 was in 1997 (yeah 14 years ago), the same year that we last made it to the playoffs and had a non-losing record.

This coming week marks the first of the quarter during which I will have to deal with homework for every class and teach twice as well. I've been a bit uneasy without being constantly inundated and flanked from all sides by responsibilities, but this should kick things into high gear again. I'll probably not be able to watch many Orioles games, but I'll survive by virtue of sushi and soccer alone if I have to.

EarthBound Segment 4: The Color Blue
It turns out that the Peaceful Rest Valley was named by a madman. Far from the scenic stroll promised by its name, Ness's journey though the Valley was fraught with peril at every step. He was hounded by explosive trees, UFOs that spread the common cold, and parachuting photographers (I'll get a video of this guy later). With the help of Apple Kid's ingenious invention, the Pencil Eraser, Ness finally arrived at Happy Happy Village, the location of the kidnapped Paula. Unfortunately names continued to betray and deceive as the town's moniker failed completely to convey the fact that it was filled with insane cultists bent on painting the entire world blue for the betterment of humanity.

After fighting my way past hordes of cultists Ness found Paula locked tight in a mountain cabin. See can't get out, but leaves Ness with the Franklin Badge and word that the leader of the blue-fanatics has the key. Minutes later I stand before this man, Mr. Carpainter.

A strange man by all accounts, he gives his all to "end your pitiful game!" Mr. Carpainter stands at the heart of Happy-Happyism, the religious movement bent on painting the world blue. Moreso, he possesses the power to call down lightening on those who defy him. Thanks to Paula's warning, Ness can easily knock some sense into this old geezer since the Franklin Badge contains the power to deflect electrical blasts right back to their source! Yet it's what's behind Mr. Carpainter that is especially troubling...a shining statue that seems eerily familiar to Ness...and why is it that Paula was the target of his madness? Can that really be a coincidence? These questions and more will be answered next time, on EarthBound!