UrbanSkies

Cool

Miles Davis' Eyes
picture from soulwalking

The class that I've been stressing over the last two weeks is done. Last night, I taught a class on Excel to the Executive MBA Program. It went....well, it went. And it's done; that's the most important part.

Basically, the goal of the course was to teach basic Excel usage to the Executive MBA class. I taught a very specific set of objectives. And I prepared well for those objectives. Moreover, some people had a computer in front of them, some did not. Some people had never seen Excel before, some would kick Bill Gates' ass in Trivial Pursuit - The Excel Edition. Designing the course proved difficult under those constraints. I aimed for middle of the road, and at least most people got *something* out of the course. The dynamics of the group threw me for a loop, as they tended to converse frequently, and sometimes jumped in and answered questions for me. They were just looser than I expected. I got through somehow, and I'm just glad it's over. The best part is that I'm getting paid extra for this course. That thought alone should be enough for me to lose the stress.

This week marked my return as a student. Jazz Appreciation is turning out well. We listened to music the first two days, analyzing "On Green Dolphin Street", performed by the Miles Davis Sextet in 1958. Very cool. My professor says "cool" a lot, which is to be expected from a jazz guy. And he's a cool guy. Two days in class, and I'm staying up-to-date with my reading. I think that's my best start to a semester, ever. Cool.

Today, my cool boss Beth took us out to lunch at PF Chang's. Since she was paying, I didn't order the Great Wall of Chocolate. That's a sin in someone's book. I don't feel too bad about not having cake, even if it's the best cake in the whole freakin' world.

Tonight, I start working my football gig: running the first down marker up and down the field. I'm excited. Basically, I'm getting paid to exercise. Not too bad (ie. cool!)

Speaking of cool jazz cats, a good friend of mine from high school is running for state assemblyman in New York. I had no idea until another friend emailed me the site, but Kenny would definately make an outstanding representative for the citizens of New York.

Very cool indeed.

Matriculation Ritual

It's that time of the year again, when mom and pop load up the ol' station wagon, drive to the big city, and kick junior out at the curb to attend the big city school known as The University of Texas at Austin. Then they rush home, and that's when the *real* party begins!

Yes folks, it's the beginning of the fall semester.

It's a yearly ritual that is familiar to us staff members. Signs that summer has ended abound. Parking on campus turns atrocious. Clueless parents turn the wrong way down one-way drives, both downtown and in the parking garage. Walking along The Drag is impossible because the "homeless" suddenly appear begging for money. If that doesn't keep you away, the endless organizations distributing fliers, or the dealers selling newspaper subscriptions, or the credit card giveaways should do the trick.

Last Thursday, Holly and I ate at Double Dave's Pizza (best pepperoni rolls ever!). We sit strategically in one of two booths by the window, for maximum eye candy viewing. The other one is filled shortly thereafter by "homeless" people. The guy reaks to high heaven. The girl is incredibly obese (very un-homeless like) and her boobs are falling out. I overhear their conversation about how much money they've got that day. Then the girl complains that a homeless guy asked her for money. She was insulted that her breathren couldn't identify her. "Just because I didn't dress homeless today doesn't mean I am not one of us," she bellowed. Ya. OK.

Then, as if God Himself opened the floodgates, thousands of identically dressed girls poured forth from West Campus. Unbeknownst to me, it was Greek Rush Day. I don't get fraternities and sororities...never have. So several dozen of these automatons march in to the Double Daves. The "homeless" people start asking them questions, trying to be all cool. "You're joining a sorority? Cool. Is that why everyone's wearing the same shirt? Cool." As soon as they're done with the rushees, they turn to their own conversation where they openly bash the girls. "Look at these cattle all wearing the same things!" "They're all the same, wearing the same shirt!"

Nothing but pure class. While I may think the same things, I don't openly diss the girls after chatting them up. Perhaps it's this lack of social skills that leads to their job of being "homeless". And yes, it's a job. Especially these younger ones; they have cars and a home, and just come down here because new students give them money. Hang out around sundown and watch them get in their cars and head home. Also, refer to the previously mentioned convo regarding "dressing homeless". They're not homeless; that's just their jobs. And that's why I put "homeless" in quotes: to differentiate between them and the real homeless of this city who need help.

I'm not too far from starting up the "Bond for Mayor" campaign. The biggest plank in the platform: round up the "homeless" and ship them off to San Antonio. Look for a website and official announcement soon.

Ok, off the soapbox and back to the original topic. The campus is chock full of new students. I swear they're more attractive each year. UT must require a headshot with each application, because my head perpetually swivels from side to side taking in everything. I'm like a kid in a candy store. The problem is that each fall, I'm a year older, and that makes me one step closer to being "Uncle Creepy". I'm only 27, but looking at 19 year-olds is becoming a little more weird.

Another great sign of the season is the sudden appearance of the Jesus Fan Clubs around campus. The "Christians on Campus" group always has a table across from the business school, offering water to passers by. As I walked to my office this morning, I noticed they've been bumped across the street, and a new organization, "The Navigators", moved in...and they're offering pizza! That's the first time in my 9 years (9 YEARS! OMG!!) on campus that competing Jesus Clubs have competed for real estate. It's almost like Lowe's and Home Depot: whenever one opens up, the other builds a store across the street. Coming back from lunch, I noticed a third Jesus Club, "Hope 242", is on the same corner as The Netscape Browsers, er Navigators. I don't think they're giving anything away, so I'm not sure what their gimmick is. But they better come up with something quick before they're walmarted* out of town.

Stealing real estate and giving away pizza to crush the competition? Yes, that's what Capitalist Jesus would do.

*YAY for urbandictionary.com - I just submitted my very own definition.

Mental Hiatus

So, I've been sorta "out" for the last two weeks. Just too much change, and not enough time to absorb it all in. I've been in a funk of a mood. And mostly, just don't want others to see me in this mood. I'm still sort of in it, but I'm starting to move forward.

What has happened the last two weeks? Let me tell you as I listen to my copy of "Avenue Q" (Thanks Chase!).

Chase and Evan	Me and Chase

Speaking of...two weeks ago, Chase moved to Chicago. We had his farewell lunch at 34th Street Cafe, a trendy eatery with great design and lighting (not to mention great food), which while creating good atmosphere, does not provide good photo lighting. It was short, since Chase was on a schedule. It was sort of difficult to believe that a good friend would be leaving. It didn't hit me then, but I think it's seeped in since, and partly why I've been in a funk.

Following Chase's luncheon, Eric, Justin and I headed to San Antonio to watch the DCI Quarterfinals broadcast at Regal Cinema's Cielo Vista 18 theater. Watching drum corps on a ginormous screen is one of the most awesome sights one can behold. Some patrons involved themselves a bit much in the cheering, but they're just supporting their corps. I find it fascinating that the audience claps after each performance. We're sitting in San Antonio, watching performances in Denver, so the applause isn't conferred to the performers. It's just a natural audience behavior. Another example of how humans remain in fixed patterns when logic dictates otherwise.

The next week were MBA Technology Orientations. My team gave four four-hour presentations. I presented last each day for one hour, so the folks were already anxious to get out of there. With each day, I became more comfortable in presenting the information, and with my presentation skills in general. It's been a while since I've given a presentation to a group, so regaining the comfort level provided positive reinforcement to my recent job change decision.

In fact, on Friday I mentioned to my boss that this is the first week where I feel comfortable at work, that I feel on top of what I'm doing, and I am being productive and contributing to the group. That's a great feeling, one I haven't felt in years. Hopefully, this will be a permanent feeling.

Lance Armstrong Wins Record 6th Tour de France!

The balcony at the Stephen F Austin Hotel is crowded!	The Paramount Theater congratulates Lance and advertises their wares.
These two cute bois caught my eye. They were all over each other. Very sweet.	Lance is shown on one of the big screens, as he rides his bike down Congress Avenue.

The Friday after Tech Orientations, Anant and I drove downtown for the Lance Armstrong Victory Parade. We arrived fairly early, snagging a great parking spot and good parade-watching perch. His co-worker Rez joined us shortly thereafter. The parade was short with the Stephen F Austin High School marching band, other cyclists, and random dignitaries in convertibles. My friend Will, an Austin police officer and member of the APD bagpipe brigade, was shown on the giant screens around Congress Avenue; the bagpipes played near the beginning of the parade route. Once the parade ended, Lance rode down the avenue, a bit too fast I thought, but received roaring applause throughout. After the parade, everyone lurched down to the stage in front of the capitol. Then ESPN's hunky anchorman Chris Fowler introduced Congressman Lloyd Doggett, who introduced yellow-jersey clad Austin Mayor Will Wynn (great name, don't ya think?), who introduced Texas Governor Rick Perry. Perry is not a popular man in Austin, as evidenced by the boos from the crowd. I thought it was a bit tacky, but I also don't feel for the man. He particularly deserved it for introducing Robert Earl Keen (the first act) as a "fightin' Texas Aggie". I'm sorry, but that shit don't fly 4 blocks south of the University of Texas campus.

Speaking of gay governors, I never in my wildest dreams thought this would happen! I mean, what? WHAT?!?

The Texas State Capitol, Now With Victory Stage!

Anant and I didn't care to listen to Keen, so we went back to his place and watched the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. Rob came over and we ordered pizza. As has been mentioned elsewhere in blog world, what are Americans doing wearing those hats? Otherwise it was exciting. So exciting in fact, that I fell asleep on Anant's couch. Perhaps, if I had seen more of this, I could have mustered the energy to remain awake.

The next night, I hung out at Justin's watching men's gymnastics. For a straight guy, he's a good sport listening to me talk about hot gymnasts. Like him. And him. And for gawd's sake, HIM! Also, Justin's moved out of the Dark Ages and purchased a cell phone. Let me just say: IT'S ABOUT DAMN TIME!

Last week, my sister went in to have surgery for a thing. It's routine, but still scares the hell of me. Fortunately, she's doing ok, and I'm relieved a bit knowing that she made it through. Fortunately, she has a great boyfriend who helps her out with everything. She also gave me her old wicker bowl chair. It's placed strategically for the optimal viewing and listening experience: completely perpendicular to my television screen and in the direct paths of both satellite speakers. A nice addition to my living room, even though I don't really have space for it.

This weekend, I've spent a lot of time purging more crap out of my apartment/life. My therapist says that purging like that is usually an indication of trying to clean up one's life and mind. It's a healthy process, so I'm going with it. Whenever I get the urge to be less packrat-ish (is that a word?), I don't resist. Good bye discontinued HP printer. Apparently my desk is made of wood. I didn't know that because it's been covered in paper since the day I purchased it.

Events coming up in the urban skies:

I enrolled in MUS 307, Jazz Appreciation, the first class I've taken in almost 5 years. I'm looking forward to this first step to getting a masters degree in music.

This week, I found out I am working on marker crew for high school football games. My job is to hold the first down marker on the field. Basically, I run up and down the field and hold a big stick in my hands. I should be pretty good, as I have much experience doing that at home.

Movies: Austin Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival (AGLIFF) opens this week, and I've already circled 2 dozen films I want to see. Narrowing that down will be necessary, as I am but a poor public employee and I cannot afford to see more than 5 movies.

I have a huge class to teach on Thursday, so I'm off to prepare for that as soon as this posting is complete.

Finally, I must call back the half dozen people who've called me this last week and left voice mails. This is the hard part, as most people will think I'm ignoring them or pissed at them or blowing them off. But that's not the case. I just needed a mental vacation to absorb all these changes and to react. I'm sort of done, but it's time to move forward. The mental hiatus is over.

Bushism No. 79285B-9

Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we.

-George W "Fool Me Once" Bush, giving a speech at the signing of a $417 billion defense spending bill (CNN story)

Now we know why Bush Sr. picked Dan Quayle as his Vice President...he reminded him of Georgie Boy. Only 88 days until our regime change!

Tear

A friend told me last week about a gay bashing that occurred mid-July in Austin. I was surprised that I hadn't heard about it until last week, but that's probably because I pay more attention to national stories than local. Allegedly, four men met the victim at Oilcan Harry's, a bar I visit when I go out. They went back to the victim's home, and once there, allegedly forced him to sodomize himself with an object at knifepoint. They allegedly yelled anti-gay slurs at him and quoted the Bible, then beat and robbed him.

Today, I discover that three men have been arrested, one a current UT student, one a former UT student, and one a minor. The fourth has not been arrested yet. The stories are at News 8's site and The Daily Texan. Ironically, one of the suspect's last name is Gay. I can only imagine the ridicule he endured as a child. Perhaps this planted the seed of hate towards gays. But he obviously isn't too smart, as he bragged about the incident, and that is how he was found.

I am unbelievably sad and frightened by this story. It shakes one to the core when a hate crime takes place in your town, and the incident's beginning is a bar you frequent. Another anti-gay hate crime took place not too long ago, where an off-duty police officer was dragged from his car and beaten in the middle of the day. How did the suspects know the victim was gay? He had a small rainbow sticker on his license plate. This occurred in the Warehouse District, an area where gay clubs mix with straight bars. I'm surprised the incident did not receive more press.

I don't know who the victim is in the sexual assault case, but I shed a tear for him. I shed a tear for each victim of an anti-gay crime. It is sad when one feels that violence is a better solution than communication. And it is frightening when that violence may be directed at you, simply for being you.

When others bitch about the need for hate crimes legislation, I need only point to these two examples, or to Matthew Sheppard, or to James Byrd. These aren't just random crimes. These people are targeted, not for their ideas or because they're evil, or because they have inflicted pain upon others. They are targeted because they are being themselves, whether it's being black or gay or female or Muslim. These crimes are ones that make you stop living as a free person because you are so filled with fear that you can't be yourself. And that is not what is suppose to happen in America.

Surreal

Ever have a night when everything around you feels surreal?

Friday night, I worked out at Gregory Gym. After I finished up, I noticed a girl by the front desk obviously very sick. As I exited the building, hunky firefighters rushed in to the building (I am always quick to notice hunky firemen). Then, as I crossed the front plaza to my car, an ambulance pulled up, and some very cute paramedics rushed in to the building (I am always quick to notice cute paramedics). En route to my apartment, I saw no less that four cops either on the road or "assisting" someone on the side. It's only about 12-14 miles to my apartment, and four was unusually many.

I quickly showered and ate before heading to Lynn's Birthday/Going-Away Party. On my drive out, there were two more ambulances at another building in my complex. OK, three ambulances tonight, and four cops so far. Driving back to campus, there were two more cops, who admittedly, may be cops from earlier. I met Chase outside Dobie, and we then proceded to Lynn's house. There was another ambulance and cop at the corner of Guadalupe and MLK. Too many flashing red and blue lights for me that night. I almost packed it in and went home, thinking they were some sign from the gods. Or from Tom Ridge.

Lynn's Party: it was nice. I didn't know many people there, but I had a good time all the same. Lynn and Eva looked fantastic! And I really liked Lynn's house. And talking to Drunk Lynn is really kind of fun. ;-) Saturday was Chase's party. I realize I no longer drink much. I'll nurse one drink all night long, and that's exactly what I did Saturday. Meeting Chase's and Evan's friends was pretty fun, and it was nice talking to them. Sunday, I got a massage from Mary (THANK YOU SISTER!) and then hung out at the mall with Chase & Co. Malls closing at 6 pm on Sunday is un-capitalistic. It's downright communism! Then Chase and I watched Anchorman, which is freakin' hilarious. It would probably be funnier if I was a little drunk when watching it.

So that's the weekend. I'm getting my haircut, and then Thursday is the DCI Quarterfinals broadcast. Justin, Eric and I head to San Antonio for a night of drum corps fun. And of course, Thursday also marks Chase's last day in Austin. So, yes, this is a busy week. So many changes this week, that it's almost surreal.