Life Happens: Weather, classes, being an adult

WHY is it so hot out? I think I'm slowly melting...

I'm hating my classes right now. And I don't think I'm even doing bad in any of them. Math went really great this morning, my websites for ENG I think are pretty cool, and all I'm doing today is writing a paper and putting the Echo comic on the server.

Well that and being an adult. Which quite frankly, I'm sick of. This month had so many expenses - so many more than I usually have. Jason was in his brother's wedding which cost a lot. Preston had to go to the vet which cost a lot, and then I bought two pairs of shorts for myself which cost a lot. I think we spent an extra $250 this month - which HELLO I'm a college student, $250 is a lot of extra money.

So basically I just don't want to be an adult anymore. We only plan to stay in Ypsi til the beginning of Jan. and our lease is up in August and I think we're going to move. I don't want to. I like Schooner Cove, I like how big my apartment is, but I don't like the rent. And namely, how they keep increasing it even though our rent history is PERFECT. We've never been late. Never. We always pay on time. SO WHY? And in all honesty, I don't think I'd be half as mad about it except for the fact that it's so hot outside.

So if the weather could just cool off a bit, I think my life would be easier and better.

Life Happens: Computer, classes, that damn cat

Life is just crapping on me lately.

My stupid cat (I love him dearly, but sometimes I dislike him too) thought it would be cute to chew through my laptop's AC adapter. It was cute at first. He would grab it at the very base from where it would be plugged into my laptop and pull it out as if to say "stop working! play with me!" but then the cord started breaking. And then it did break. And then my laptop lost power. Mmm, he's not so cute anymore!

But I finally got a new adapter, as of this morning from Best Buy, a store that I do not like going to based on other reasons, but in drastic times, you take drastic measures.

So now my laptop is up and working and I have a huge project due tomorrow for ENG 444 and a huge math test. YAY - not. So I'm spending all day, in bed, with my laptop and math book and alternating between the two. Hopefully, tonight before I go to bed I will be prepared for math properly and be done with my ENG stuff. Then, I am taking tomorrow off from school work to focus on opinions.

My weekend is going to be super busy too. I have a dentist appt. on Friday which is in Birch Run which makes me loathe gas prices even more. Then on Saturday, my evil future mother in law and my possibly stoner future grandmother in law are visiting from Allegan. Not that I know her specific illegal activities, but his grandmother is pretty loopy... I don't much care for either one of them. In fact, I dislike them very much. The feeling is pretty much reciprocated. Last time I saw his mother we kind of had a blowout... but what can you expect from someone who converses with convicts and was dating and cohabitating with an alcoholic? But therein, don't take your problems out on me lady. You choose your life, I chose mine. Which so happened to be your son. Yay for me - not.

Alright, then. So... wish me luck for this weekend and hopefully I'll survive!

American Idol: Finale over, what's next?

Jordin Sparks won it all, possibly even my heart! Her rendition of the sappy "This is My Now" proved that she was what America wanted and needed. But her take on "Fighter" which closely mirrored the original singer's interpretation didn't win my heart. It made it want to crumble and it made my hands want to cover my ears.

All in all, it was a disappointing performance night. All in all, it was a disappointing finale night. Crappy vocals, less star-studded than last year, the whole thing made me realize that I may be outgrowing this AI thing after all.

So what happens now? Jordin and Blake may have made it to the top of AI, but will they make it to the top of the charts?

I'm not sure how anxious I am to find out. I'm not sure I even care.

Echo: Changes

The meeting and copy editing got moved to today from yesterday which I have mixed feelings about. I mean, it's not really a huge deal. But I do like my routine and besides that, I wish we knew the reasons for moving it when we do. But whatever...

Our editor-in-chief, Amanda, took an internship with the Ann Arbor News for the summer so this coming Sunday is the last issue (of spring) that she can really be there for. This is not the best. Rick, production manager, entertainment editor, etc., (also Amanda's boyfriend), will be the managing editor for the remainder of summer. I think he's good at what he does, so hopefully it won't be much different, but Amanda's really good so I think it sucks.

I'm really nervous about the fall semester though. It's so intense! Especially compared with spring. I'm glad I started in spring because then I get could adjusted to learning what being an editor is really about, but in some ways I wish I had started in fall so I would really know what it's like. But I'm trying to prepare myself. What I really need to do is recruit more writers so my mind can rest... hmm...

Echo: Firing a writer

How I hate the positions people put me in.

I had to fire someone yesterday from writing for the opinions section. Not entirely firing... I don't like to use that word because then I get power hungry... but I did have to let him go.

He was completely insubordinate - he didn't turn in his column AT ALL twice and never checked his e-mail, never communicated with me at all.

The worst part is that he is one of my fiance's *friends* so there may possibly be some awkwardness in the future.

But the funny part is (and call me evil I suppose) is that he's getting evicted. Which is no surprise considering the fact he got fired from his job (not the Echo, his actual real 40 hour a week job), and the fact that he's just completely and totally irresponsible. Case in point: He lives within a McKinley property which practically dominates the area. I live in one too with my fiance and everyone's rent is due the 1st. BTW, Schooner Cove, where I live, is pretty pricey, but the benefit is that's in a more rural area - next to all the rich homes! But anyway, his rent, and mine was due the first. That's now 25 days ago. Sometime after the first, but before the seventh, I know he, my fiance, and I all went to eat at Bennigan's. AND it was this guy's idea!!! I was intent on cooking dinner for everyone because HELLO! expensive gas and I'm trying to save money. But nope, he wanted to go so we went. He spent money on dinner when he KNEW he didn't pay rent! And then you're shocked and say on the phone to the person who was going to give you money if you turned in a column "I've been busy getting evicted." I'm sorry, but no.

I guess I'm kind of ranting, but this just reminds me of every single person out there who's puffing on a cigarrette saying "I'm so poor." Or watching your cable and saying "I'm so poor." Being on your internet and saying "I'm so poor." Those things are LUXURIES. When my fiance lost his job and I fractured my wrist last year, we cancelled our cable and internet. We don't do any type of drug (well maybe alcohol once in a while, but we're both over 21). We cut out every fun thing from our lives except each other and our cat.

I just despise people who insist they can't pay their bills, but yet they see the latest movie or buy a CD, or do drugs... where are people's priorities?

Echo: Website, a slacker writer, etc.

The Echo website is up and running again.
www.easternecho.com

So I have to deal with this slacker writer who I didn't want to hire in the first place, but I did anyway and now I regret it. He's creepy, he doesn't turn in his stuff on time, and I don't even think he reads my e-mails I send out. Now I know that I can be a bit self-indulgent at times in my e-mails and some of them are a bit long, but they all contain useful information. I would fire him, but I don't think he's done enough "bad" stuff yet. So I'll keep him on and in the meantime, I'll make sure we always have enough stuff so that I don't get screwed when he doesn't turn his stuff in.

Other than that, work is going pretty good. Spring is so easy. Fall is going to be so much more intense and I'm trying to get myself ready for it.

American Idol: Results

Goodbye Melinda!!! I got to say those words! Not that I don't like her, I do, but I'm super excited it's Jordin and Blake in the finale.

Who should be crowned this year's Idol? Although Blake is still my favorite, I think Jordin has been more consistent. I would buy more of their records, which is amazing to do say because it's been awhile since the winner is the one I liked most.

Past Winners:
Season 1 - Kelly Clarkson
Season 2 - Ruben Studdard
Season 3 - Fantasia
Season 4 - Carrie Underwood
Season 5 - Taylor Hicks

For Season 1, I bought Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guirani's (second place) CDs. Kelly, however, is one of my favorite artists, whereas I probably will never buy another Justin CD.
For Season 2, I bought Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken's (second place) CD. I like Clay better than Ruben, but it's unlikely I'll ever buy another record from either.
For Season 3, as far as I know, I bought nobody's CD. Bad year.
For Season 4, I have bought no one's CD, but Carrie Underwood is one of my favorite artists. I will buy her CD soon.
For Season 5, I bought Chris Daughtry's (fourth place) CD. I like it, but am unsure if I will stick with him.

May the best Season 6 contestant win!

Eastern Echo: Website down, opinions, etc.

The Echo's website is down and we do realize that. We're having issues with our host who insist we're taking up too much processing space. We're hoping to have a new host by August and we're not sure when the website will be up for viewing.

For those of you that want to read the Echo, but are not regularly on campus, check local coffee houses, libraries, etc. for the Echo because we do put them out into the world.

Onto opinions...
Which has been going really well lately. Some of the latest topics we've done have been really well.

Want a teaser for next week? We have columns on maternity leave and Don Imus. Staff edit will focus on "why we like EMU."

American Idol: Last Week's Results and this Week's Prediction

Hey kids!

Well I'm happy to say it was Lakisha Jones who was sent packing after last week's BeeGees themed AI night. While she was strong in the beginning, performance-wise, week after week she dealt a blow to her reputation as a powerhouse singer.
Goodbye Lakisha!

Tonight, America will know who their two finalists are and I can't believe this season is already almost over!!!! Crazy.
I just want to let everyone know too though that So You Think You Can Dance is starting next Thursday and that show is just as awesome! It airs on FOX and I'm not sure what time, but check your local listings!

I have a feeling my boy Blake is going home tonight, but nothing would please me more than seeing Jordin and Blake in the final two. So in other words, I want to be able to say goodbye to Melinda, but I'm skeptical that will happen.
Who knows? Watch tonight and find out!

American Idol: Prediction

Last night was a BeeGees themed night for AI and it was rough, to say the least.

Although she wowed us all in the beginning, I'm ready to say goodbye to Lakisha Jones. She just didn't seem as though her heart is in it and she's basically admitted to being on the show and wanting to win only for the money. I respect her wanting to take care of her daughter, but if I want someone to look up to, I want someone who wants more out of life than money - no matter what the reason is.

Who will be in the bottom two with Lakisha? It's hard week to call because Blake Lewis is my personal favorite, along with Jordin Sparks. So to that end, I could predict Melinda Doolittle. Either way, it'd be nice to see Blake and Jordin duke it out in the end. So I guess that's who I want to go to the finale.

Eastern Echo: Orange Amir Taylor III Pretrial

Today was Taylor's pretrial at the Washtenaw County Courthouse. I know a bit about law, but very little since I'm not pre-law, but if they didn't adjourn it to a later date, I assumed they (meaning Alvin Keel, Taylor's attorney, and Taylor) would enter the plea they're making. I don't think Taylor would plea not guilty to all of it. He's already basically admitted to being in Hill Hall and there's too much evidence, complete with videos and photos to disprove he was there, and he said he was there to steal items. So for the larceny charge, I expect him to plea guilty, but to the rest, I'm unsure.

Either way, they adjourned until Wed., June 13 at 1:30. I'll likely to go back, even if just on my own to see what happens.

I'm positive there will be a jury trial and I think the evidence that comes out will be astonishing. I think this is something everyone who goes to EMU should be interested in. I was a bit surprised to see basically no one from EMU there (as far as I know) but I guess it was kind of known they were going to adjourn and postpone the pretrial hearing. I didn't know until today (through other research not affiliated with the Echo) that Dickinson had a boyfriend, so it'll be interesting to see who all comes to the hearings.

Taylor's family was there, which was interesting as well.

Stuff to think on anyways.

Eastern Echo: First spring issue and upcoming investigative stories

Today was the day our first spring issue hit the stands and it is such a great issue! The news section really worked it out and have some great stories about campus safety, criminals, and everything else. Good stuff.

I was really excited for this issue because it's my first issue as opinions editor. It was nice seeing my name with everyone else's. But I can see some things I need to work on - for writing the staff edit. But overall, the writing of this issue was superb.

Articles I would Read:
Review of Spider-Man 3. I saw it and Rick Kunz is so right on. He critiques the movie correctly. Great article.
Campus safety article. The Echo will be doing a lot of these articles until problems are resolved on campus. Since that's so uncertain when that will be, look for many other articles to follow.

Leading me to...
The Echo is currently working on investigative pieces about the stolen University keys. The rumor is that they were stolen in summer of 2005. It's so hard to get information, though, because not many people have it, and the people that do, aren't willing to give it up. I talked to Mark Higbee and he had some good speculation about what went on. The staff edit for next Tuesday's issue will focus on the keys, as well as an in depth news article. This is a really interesting topic that people need to know about.

Additionally, I want to clarify some issues about a column I wrote last March.
Link to the column:
(Apparently, our server is down right now, I will post the link later)
It was in the March 16 issue and it was about how I do not personally believe that all campus information should be available to the public. I still stand by my opinion as the core of it has not changed.
However, I want to clarify that I do not believe we should know if someone has died, been raped, items stolen, etc. If a purse was stolen from the Rec center, I think we should know it (or be able to know it, which everyone can because police reports are public property and can be viewed at Pittman Hall). However, if campus officials know who the person is that stole it, we shouldn't know it.
How this doesn't make sense to others, I don't know, but I respect your opinion if you don't agree.
I realize that the Eastern Echo isn't as widely read as say, the Detroit Free Press, however if I printed the name of the person who stole something, there's a likelihood that person would read the article and flee the area. If, for example, I had known (which to clarify I didn't and I am not privy to this serious of information) that Laura Dickinson's death was not innocent and there was a chance of foul play, I don't think we should print that either.

A NOTE: While these are my opinions, please be rest assured that I do not make these sorts of decisions for the Echo. In fact, I am sure I am the only one at the Echo who feels this way. Additionally, I comply with the Echo's rules, even when it is against what I believe. My opinions do not affect my work and what I should be doing.

So I hope that helps to clarify what exactly I meant in that column.

Echos will hit the newsstand every Tuesday from now until June 26th. We'll resume regular issues in September.

American Idol

American Idol is currently in its sixth season and while I'm so happy it's on, I have reserves about the show.

To see other posts about American Idol, please visit my livejournal at http://carkbabe.livejournal.com/. Instead of continuing to post predictions and results on my livejournal page, I'll start posting them here. Obviously I haven't posted there in a while because school was kicking my butt for a while there. But I'm recommitted to AI.

Also here's a link to a column I wrote for the Eastern Echo's last winter issue about American Idol.
http://www.easternecho.com/cgi-bin/story.cgi?31738&highlight=American+Idol

Enjoy!

Introduction

Hi everyone!

This is my blog for ENG 444 at Eastern Michigan University.

What will be the nature of this blog?
American Idol, politics, the Eastern Echo, campus safety, and general things about my life!

Hope you all enjoy!