Mindless Philosopher

I did well this weekend! Three social activities in a row.
First, Friday night: Manchester Monarchs hockey! We definitely sent, as one banner read, the Hartford Wolfpack packing. 5-2 victory though I was disturbed by the amount of violence. Do these hockey players really feel that it helps their team by getting in a fight and “earning” five minutes in the penalty box? And if they do, why are they on the team?
Second, Saturday night: little shop of horrors by teenagers at a local school. The set was amazing including the self-animation of a young “Audrey 2” by Seymour. In general the acting left much to be desired, except for Audrey herself, who nailed a New York accent. But, in the second act she showed more cleavage than appropriate for a 17-yr-old I thought–especially since her parents were probably in the audience.
Third, Sunday night: candlepin bowling. Regular readers of this blog have probably figured out that this is one of my favorite activities. Normally, in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville the bowling place is packed with kids and livelihood. It really adds to the atmosphere. Not so in Manchester, NH. At 10pm, we had the place to ourselves–literally. Thank goodness the owner entertained himself by watching TV and not our horrid bowling skills. I just couldn’t find my groove last night–didn’t break 90 in either of the two games.
And! Sunday morning I ran in a 5K to benefit local firefighters.
(P.S. hhampton rocks!)

I made a promise to eat dinner today, so I got a ride to Subway. Unfortuantely the Subway by our office serves neither Veggie Max’s nor Garden Patty subs; thus, I had to settle (yes, enjanerd, settle) for a Veggie Delight. I inquired as to when this franchise might be joining the rest of the Subway world in offering such vegetarian goodness. I was taken aback by the response of “never.” Cross-examination concluded that this was not a “vegetarian” franchise because to be one the store would have to meet all sorts of regulations (e.g., separate utensils, perpetually changing gloves, etc). Apparently some vegetarians are appalled when any part of anything that touches their food might have previously touched meat. Sheesh, are these people trying to keep Kosher or something?
I’ve always thought that my being a vegetarian helps the world by reducing the demand for meat. Whether a speck of meat might end up in my Veggie Max doesn’t affect that demand. Secondarily, I don’t wish to taste meat, but (at most) a simple wipe of the sub-cutting knife takes care of that. What planet are these other veggieheads on? Don’t they realize that they are ruining it for the rest of us–depriving me of my Garden Patty deliciousness?
Insight, please!

Log day at work, but I think I was somewhat productive. Dean was endorsed today by the SEIU and AFSCME. Also found out that Saruman will not appear in the theatrical version of the Return of the King; though the parley between Isengard and Gandalf will be included in extended edition DVD. Seriously, Mr. Jackson, I was going to buy the EE DVD anyway, you didn’t need to use Christopher Lee as bait.

Jake’s prediction of the party was correct: it was a “party,” and quite a fun one at that. The highlight was when a new acquaintance and I rocked the 13-year-olds at their own game: Coke and Pepsi. Yeah! Take that eighth graders! My bro came in second at limbo (despite being two feet taller than the competition), so ’twas almost an Annandale Strauss sweep.
Also got a tour of San Diego Saturday, which included downtown, oldtown, Mission Beach, La Jolla, and Roberto’s authentic Mexican restaurant.
Got back to work Sunday night to stories about people running around like chickens with their heads about the database. Shocking. But now, back to normalcy, ie., snafu.

I’m remote blogging from my cousin’s house in San Diego :) I’m on the left coast for a family Bar Mitzvah. The service this morning was beautiful and the Bar Mitzvah boy, Jake did a fabulous job.
This afternoon, taking advantage of the sunny, warm weather, we took a walk down the streets of El Cajon to get some Baskin Robbins ice cream. I don’t even want to think of how cold it is in Manchester right now. I’d say this was my last taste of warmth for a while, but in late December I get to go to a Bat Mitzvah in Miami ;)
The party is tonight: Jake says it’ll be “a party.” Well put Jake.

Yesterday, for the 7th time in my life, a candidate that I worked for lost. My good friend and former boss,Ego Ezedi, ran for Boston City Council (District 4), and lost 55% to 45%. As my Mom says, “I’m due to for a big one.” And as Governor Dean says, “That’s exactly what we’re going to do.”