Ramblings for the Evening (1/24/06)

Let's just get right to it.
So, without further ado: OOOOHHH DOCTOR!
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The Most Depressing Time of the Year:
So a British psychologist created a formula to decide what the most depressing day is:

[W + (D-d)] x TQ
M x NA

The equation is broken down into seven variables: (W) weather, (D) debt, (d) monthly salary, (T) time since Christmas, (Q) time since failed quit attempt of resolution (such as stop smoking, to diet, etc), (M) low motivational levels and (NA) the need to take action.

Apparently, the average equation comes out to January 24. That would be today.
With the day almost over, how was everyone's day? Mine was a giant pain in the ass, but we'll get there.
I find it fascinating, however, that many people took stock in this guy's equation.
The people who took it super seriously? Travel agents. Why? They said that today is great day to book a trip somewhere nicer (like say a $1000 cruise).
Still, I talked to both my sisters, my wife, and my mother and learned that three out of the four were not really having good days.
I myself was not aware of this equation until I started reading the paper.
So I ask again: How was your day?
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Wine Ban:
Ok, I have, for some reason, been banned from leaving comments on my fellow Aggregator neighbor Winecast. I left a comment once about screw top wines, and it was well received.
The next time I attempted to comment (and every time since) I have been told I am spam. That's right: I AM SPAM!
I cannot leave my thoughts on a nice merlot, because I'm Spam.
Fine.
So, because I cannot even leave ANY of my thoughts on the website, you, dear reader, get to read some of my thoughts on wine.
(Hopefully this does not scare you off forever from reading this little part of the blogosphere.)
I would like to give you some recommendations:
1. Domaine Laroche Chablis: Les Vaudevey. It's a little more expensive (around $40), but it has a crisp taste and firm finish.
2. Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc (from Marlborough, New Zealand) has a clean finish and a nice citrus taste. It's a great summer wine.
3. The 2003 Alexander Valley Cabernet from Blacksmith cellars is divine. If you can find it, drink it.
4. Screw cap wines can be really good. Conundrum, for example, is a wonderful white wine in a screw cap bottle. Check it out.
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Promises, Promises:
A colleague and I were supposed to be heading to Los Angeles at the beginning of February for training. We were told, "Everything is set."
I make a hotel reservation.
I then call my sister who lives close to L.A. and say, "Hey dude, I'm going to be in Cali. We should get together."
"Awesome," she says. "I'll bring my boyfriend down. You can finally meet him."
"That would great. I can't wait to see you."
This is great. I haven't seen my sister in about a year.
Then, at about 12:30 today, I learn I'm not going to L.A.
It seems that paperwork was filed late, and the training session I was supposed to go to is now full.
What does this mean?
It means my sister is out $100.
It means that I don't get to see my sister.
It means I now have to go to Niagara Falls instead of L.A. (Another way to put this is going to 20 degree weather instead of 70 degree weather...sigh.)
Biggest issue here, however, is that I heard about this problem from a colleague. That's right. The teachers were discussing this before I heard it.
"Hey Leab, I just heard you're not going to Los Angeles. Bummer."
"Huh? Where'd you hear that?"
"Oh (insert teacher name here) told me."
It's one of the only problems of being a teacher: You're whole life is on display for your colleagues.
Plus, the place I'm staying in Niagra? Yeah, there's NOTHING THERE!
Dammit.
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Karma...She is Evil:
Poor Jason Lee.
He of My Name is Earl fame has been stricken with: Adult Onset Chicken Pox.
Because of this, production on the show has to be halted. Sure, there will be a second season (it is a funny show), but what no one is talking about is how Lee could be in trouble.
Has no one heard about the fact that getting Chicken Pox when you're an adult can be potentially fatal?
On the flip side, how funny is it that a man on a show about getting better karma is struck with Chicken Pox which makes his life worse?
Anybody think maybe Karma had something in store for Mr. Lee?
Anyone?
And finally....
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Birthday Boy:
Happy birthday to Jason DeRusha.
Everyone should write him tonight (jrderusha@wcco.com)
and wish him a happy 31.
Do it.
Right now!
Ok, not right now, but soon.
May you have a fantastic year.

That's it for this evening folks.
There may be a story tomorrow (it depends on how grading goes. I mean the semester does end in...48 hours).
Namaste.