The Orioles have finally started looking like the Orioles unfortunately. Perhaps after they escape this horrendously difficult part of the schedule they can start playing better again. I'm having the most fun watching Vlad at bat and on the bases at the moment. His hilariously aggressive and straightforward approach makes me laugh every time. My friend and I postulated that should he become a third base coach he would demand that every baserunner steal home (moreso, his secret sign for such action would simply to be stare his player in the eyes and point to home plate demandingly).

You might have noticed that it's been a while since I last posted. Well, that's what happens when the quarter really ramps up to speed. I'm truly in the thick of things now. Between learning more about magnetic materials for this summer, evaluating 144 ladder operator expectation values, computing volumes in 3N-dimensional phase space (they're the same as surface areas, by the way), determining the quality factor of a resonant cavity and explaining total internal reflection to my 60 students, I've had little time for leisurely typesmanship. Of course, that only covers what I've done in the last 24 hours. I have midterms for the next two weeks and have to grade next week, so yeah...don't expect it to be blog central around here anytime soon.

Did you know Moonbows existed? What about Absolute Hot? I learned of these things just this week. Though the best news of the week was that the entirely of this manga has finally been translated into english. There is but one applicable reply:

EarthBound Segment 5: Quote's a plenty!
Ness and Paula, united and ready to kick some butt made their way back to Twoson and with the help of Everdred and the World's Greatest Bluesmen, the Runaway Five, managed to journey to the next town, aptly named Threed. Unfortunately the town is swarming with ghosts and zombies. After being captured their only hope was a third boy, Jeff, located in the snowy country of Winters. Hearing their plea, Jeff rushed to their rescue in UFO known as the Sky Runner. Along the way he had the help of a legendary monster, a monkey who loves to blow bubbles and his genius father, Dr. Andonuts. Remember how I said I wanted to post great quotes? Here's fewer than half of the ones I really liked from this section of the game (not even including hilarious battle antics):
"Money, that's what I want. Money, that's what is hot. Money, that's what I want. Money, it's what we ain't got 'cept freedom, freedom, freedom is what we've really sought!"
"Tessie may unexpectedly be living in the woods. I personally think so."
"By combining my skills and Dr. Andonuts intelligence, I can become Dungeon Man, the first combination of human and dungeon in history."
"Hey sidewalk, get out of my way!"
"But you'll never run out, 'cause it's a super jumbo pack!"
"Would you like a donut? Well, I was only offering."
"Watch for falling materials! ...Brick Road" (What follows can only be described as the most appropriate fanfare in the history of surprise photography)
"This Bulletin Board greets you this evening. All is well, Good Night."


I expect to play some soccer tomorrow and probably watch Aladdin. Sadly (or perhaps gloriously), this guy has already appeared on the blog in all his malicious elegance. Have no fear though! For today's villain is another of the Disney greats, Ursula.

She's a vile, plotting witch whose flamboyant personality is complemented by her knowing grin and the depths of her unfathomably cold gaze. The only question is if you will you first be ensnared by her sinister plots or her sinuous tentacles. There's little more to say here, but frankly, if you haven't experienced what she has to offer already than you're nothing more than a Poor Unfortunate Soul!

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!