what did max mean when he said he'd see me at school?

**Note: I’m writing this while our internet is on the fritz, so it might be a little lengthy before we get it all sorted out**

Like I mentioned, I’ve been watching Heroes, season one, and I’ve seen a few plot hole connections in the third season. In the latest episode, Hiro and Ando are in that Texas comic book store. There have apparently been several more Isaac Mendez since his death almost a year ago, and in episode “.07%” Isaac says that the “last” comic about Hiro was the one where he went to the future.

First of all, how did Isaac Mendez write so many comics about Hiro already, when in reality the first time Hro really time travels it’s when he goes to NYC for the first time, the first real view of the “bomb?” It’s just a tiny plot hole, I guess I can let it slide…. I know I’ve had a plot hole or two in my day. But this is an epic show, and I will not say any more negative things about it.

I also started writing a new short story. I’m still a little unsure of how things are going to work out for my character, but I know the path she’s going to go in. How things are going to happen, but I don’t know how everything is going to end up yet. What kind of epiphany she will have, or what the “resolution of the conflict” will be. I do know the conflict though, which is usually my biggest problem (haha).

I’m really craving some pie a la mode. I’m not sure what kind of pie I want though. I could try some peach pie. Cherry pie. Apple pie. Those kinds of pies. I wish we had a diner that served pies, or a place like Big Pattie’s Pie House like on True Blood. I bet they’d serve their pies with ice cream. Yum.

We did a “group presentation” in World Civ 1. It was just like going back to high school. Only, the topic was slightly scholarly: a what if kind of situation for history: What if the Black Plague never reached Europe in the 14th century? It was rather interesting when I finally got around to really reading about it. I think we did a pretty good job with our class presentation though, I hope.

I realized while re-reading what I wrote for this blog, that I pretty much summarize the rambling I do. Each paragraph is pretty uniform and similar. I don't know how I do that or how it actually takes form that way.... It's just strange all-in-all.

I've been watching season one of Roswell. I forgot how wonderful it was, all those years ago, when I was still in middle school. 8th grade I think.... I finished Heroes, and now I'm almost done with Roswell. I have to go to the library tomorrow and get my blocked status taken care of so I can put seasons two and three on hold (of Roswell). I also need to put season two of Heroes on hold.

Our internet is working now, for the most part.

p&l
rachel

new spring 2009 schedule

No classes Monday or Friday.

Film as literature: Tuesday/Thursday
Theatre Production: Tuesday/ Thursday
Intro to Criminal Investigations: Wednesday night

Two online classes:
General Bio 1
New Testament Survey

Total hours: 14

This looks like more fun than my schedule before.

i can't really explain it, i heard the little girl whispering... -matt parkman

I'm watching season one of Heroes, and I'm reminded why this show is definitely worth watching.

It's so epic, even in the third episode. Hiro persuades Ando into going with him on the journey. He's like "So you'll come with me?" expecting Ando to drop everything at Yamagata Industries and go with Hiro on the epic quest to save the world. Then, save the cheerleader, save the world.

Mr. Sylar. Mohinder's Indian accent more prominent in the first episode than in any other episode. He sounds Indian-British mixture. Not as Indian as he started out in episode uno.

Also, Claire's Texan accent is pretty good, and keeps its swagger at the right times, and constantly. Ahem, Mohinder. Everyone in the "Texas" segment of the first season have decent accents, and keep it up. I guess Mohinder still has an "accent" but it just doesn't sound as Indian as before.

Whatev "Mohinder's accent."

Sylar (Gabriel Gray) has so many books in his apartment in episode three. Mohinder and Eden are checking it out, and they find the secret room with the map with "dozens more" ropes than Monhinder's father's map. FORGIVE ME! Chandra Suresh.

Parkman just saved Molly Walker. Sylar's getting away.

So epic. So wonderful season one is. I just love it so much.

It's probably the number one season of tv shows I've ever watched. My most favorite.

I don't really want to compose a list of my favorite first seasons right now, so I'm just gonna have to figure one out eventually.

Simone Deveaux, not shot dead yet.

p&l
rachel

bs

Why is Christmas the only time of year, other than birthdays, that we give gifts to people we care about? Why can't we just keep giving gifts all year round?

I think when I have my own family, we're not going to do Christmas. We'll give gifts constantly. Perhaps if people gave more than they took, people would be happier, generally. Probably not completely happy, but it would be something to look forward to all the time rather than in June or July waiting for months for gifts to look forward to.

I just feel like it's such a crock. Christmas. Who knows what I'm actually talking about.

p&l
rachel

what not to name your baby: batman

My legs have been itching so much today. I think it's the slight drop in humidity, and it makes me wonder if m y legs will always be dry in decreased humidity. Maybe I shouldn't think about that and just keep a hefty bottle of lotion around, just in case.

Well, the holidays have come and gone. Well, the second holiday has yet to come, Christmas that is, and hopefully that holiday will last much longer than this one did. Although I did get to see L and X, L more often than X, it was a wonderful, wonderful reunion.

Television has been pretty hectic as well. The last episode of Gossip Girl was full of Thanksgiving havoc. Serena wore an extremely short dress while trying to prove that she isn't a "bad girl" anymore to her saintly bf, Aaron Rose. Blair also got a wonderful surprise, her father came to visit, and he made his traditional Thanksgiving pie. I don't remember the kind it was.

I'm terribly sad that True Blood has ended and won't return until next summer. I suppose June isn't that far away.....

I really need to get my Christmas list done. If I don't say what I want, I won't get it. That's how it always works. So I need to get at least one thing in my mind straightened out right now and figure out what I want for the giving holiday.

Rachel's X-Mas List:

1. A new TV
2. A properly working vehicle
   
3. Fable 2 (xbox 360)
4. Infinite Undiscovery (xbox 360)
5. The Last Remnant (xbox 360)
6. Buffy Series DVD Collection
7. 6 months Xbox Live!
8. Penelope (DVD)
9. Clothes (I'll live with gift cards)
10. Books (gift cards still good here)

I can never decide what a good limit of things I want is. Am I asking for too much? Too little? I know my mom already got me some boots (x2).

This week's episode of Dexter has come on, I should probably pay attention.

p&l
rachel

sometimes my arms bend back

I'm watching Twin Peaks. I don't remember the first time I watched it, but this is very crazy. But I expect no less from David Lynch.

The season finale of True Blood was extremely spectacular. I didn't expect Bill to just go into the sun like that. I admit, I started the season thinking that Sam Merlotte was the killer, but I was wrong... and Rene - of all people - was the killer. I guess it's always like that.

Now I just have to read the books to see what HBO added into the plots and what they had taken away. I took a peek into the third book of the Sookie Stackhouse novel series, and it doesn't have a lot of the show's character names. Strange. We'll see how it goes when I get the first book.

Well, Thanksgiving is in a few days, which I'm 'thankful' for; the food, the friends and the time away from school. I'm not going to have that much time away from school. I have a paper to write for World Civ 1. I haven't even read the article I'm supposed to write the response for.

I need to also finish reading Roman Fever, by Edith Wharton for World Lit 2. I have to write Reader Responses for that and Babylon, Revisited by F. Scott Fitzgerald. I have ejoyed the both of them, but I'm just not into the whole Modern Realism thing, I guess.

Tomorrow is the last day of school for me until the holiday. I'm not looking forward to taking notes tomorrow. There's probably going to be a lot of notes. Ugh. Apparently, we're going to have a test in World Civ 2 the Tuesday I return from the holiday. So, that means I'll have a test to study for AND that paper to write. It's a 2 page, double-spaced paper, so it will be quite easy to dispose of. Sheesh, I have two papers to write, but the second one isn't due until the week after the week after the holiday.

My computer is fixed, hopefully completely... I think I still need a new battery though. My mother left a note on the table saying that I need to make my "wish list." This is going to be a little difficult trying to figure out the most important things I'm going to want for the giving holiday.

p&l
rachel

yoville apt update

I added a few new things, also updated my YoVille-person's look.

Check it:p&l
rachel

This is my YoVillian's apartment on YoVille on MySpace.

Everyone should join. It's a lot of fun. Like the Sims.

p&l
rachel

50% off boots and otter wear

Buster and I are sitting in the kitchen, posting this blog, since my computer no longer keeps charge. I called Apple today, and my computer cannot be called in for free technical service.

So I have to either go to my closest Apple Retail store (Metarie, LA) or call the support line and pay 49.99. BULL.

Whatever. I will get my computer fixed somehow.

Nothing much has happened of any particular significance. My bff ladies are coming home this weekend for Thanksgiving. This makes me very, very happy.

Thursday, Conor Oberst will be playing a show in New Orleans, and perhaps, if I go to the concert, I could bring my computer to the Apple store. I really hope we do go to the concert, since it will be awesome and whatnot.

UGH. I can't think of anything to really write about. There are lots of shows to talk about: Dexter, Desperate Housewives, True Blood, Ugly Betty, Grey's Anatomy (the latter two I haven't seen yet). Oh yes, and Eleventh Hour, which I also have not seen yet.

However, I can tell you that the first three shows were very watch-worthy. Mmm, only the season finale of True Blood left, which the last episode left me with a little relief knowing that I was right about Rene. He is NOT the sweet Cajun guy everyone thought he was. He is a killer. Unless he can come up with a justified reason for why he disappeared after his sister was murdered.

Gossip Girl is coming on soon, so I gotta go get ready.

p&l
rachel

honest to blog

I'm watching Juno. My computer is probably on its way out, so this will be a short post.

Tomorrow, I really need to call the Apple people so I can finally get all this over with and get it fixed.

I read the first chapter of Twilight again. I forget how innocent Bella Swan is in the beginning. She's so intent on not being happy in Forks, WA. It's a little cliche, which I remember the first book of the series being. The way Stephenie Meyer writes is right for the tone though. It's told from the POV of a 16 year old girl. It sounds like it's a 16 year old girl. So I guess it fits. It's just right.

I finished a short story. It's not my first, but it makes me so happy that I finished it. It needs a little work. The ending isn't really obvious yet. I had my intentions, but they are not clear, I guess is what I mean. 'The Scouting Isle.' I would post it on here, but ... it's too long. And incomplete.

How many drafts will author go through with one short story? Many, many, many. That is what I know. I wonder how many drafts Chekhov went through to finish The Lady with the Dog.

Jason Bateman is getting fresh with a 16 year old girl on Juno right now.

I can't say enough how much I love Michael Cera. So beautiful he is. Almost as beautiful as Buster. I want to see more movies with him in it. Not the younger, awkward Michael Cera, but the now wonderful Michael Cera.

Why is it with actors it would feel weird just calling Angelina Jolie just Angelina. Or Al Pacino just Al. Edward Norton... calling him just Ed, or Edward. All connotations of the name Edward. It just seems weird.

Jennifer Garner's character wants to be a mom so badly.

BTW: I did, in fact, make a 100 on my World Civ 1 test. GO ME!

p&l
rachel

i wanna do real bad things with you

Tuesdays. The night of my World Lit 2 class.

Tonight we had our first test. Yesterday, I had a test in World Civ 1 and I'm pretty sure I ACED it. Like seriously, a 100. I think it might be my first college test where I made a perfect score. But we'll find out tomorrow when we get them back.

Tomorrow.... ugh, tomorrow I have a Biology test. I'm pretty sure I'm ready for it, cause Genetics is a pretty easy chapter. Punnet Squares are fun. I should probably do some more of those just in case. I got some extra word problems yesterday at the "learning lab" on campus. That thing is quite useful. We get print outs for free (up to 25 pages). We get tutoring, free computer programs (not that I can use them on my Mac) and other things like that. It's pretty interesting. I've used it several times this semester.

This Saturday is the all-day World Lit 2 class. We'll be going into detail about The Metamorphosis which we just read for this class. We also read Anton Chekhov's "The Lady with the Dog" which I found to be quite profoundly wonderful after we analyzed it. Looking into books, short stories, plays and stuff like that is very interesting.

As for what I've been trying to get to: television. Sunday and Monday were good nights for tv.

Sunday night:

First of all, Desperate Housewives. As Edie said in the commercial that came before it: It's possibly the juiciest episode yet! Lots of things are revealed, such as Porter's affair with an older, married woman. Lynette attacking that woman is a good scene. Dave's shrink will be making an appearance in the next episode, I'm hoping, since he was booking a flight to Fairview at the end of this past episode. I can't wait to find out Dave's secret, although I still think Mike killed his brother in prison. Speaking of Mike, him and Katherine?! That is something that was very unexpected.

On Dexter, Miguel tries to talk Dexter into killing a defense attorney. Dexter's code makes him say no though, and Miguel respects him for it later. Dexter does help out a friend by giving her what she wants: the perfect key lime pie. This pie had a kick to it though, just the kick she needed to kick the bucket. Oh, Camilla. You did ask him to help you though. I'm happy to see that Deb is getting her groove on with the CI, Anton (not Chekhov). She also finds a new lead on the skinner case, which is a plus for the investigation, and towards Deb getting her shield.

True Blood. Always a surprise while watching this show. Exorcisms, vampire tribunals, shape shifters. So many things happen in this episode that prove the show to be "other worldly" (in more ways than one). I don't understand why Sookie was so pissed at Sam for keeping a huge secret like being a shape shifter. She does kinda overreact a little too much. I feel for Sam. I know now that he is not the killer, even though I did feel like he was when the show first started. Lafayette made me laugh in that scene with the suited man. Only two more episodes left now, and I'm definitely biting my fingernails.

Monday night:

I was very happy for the return of Heroes last night. A flashback episode. We see that Elle met Sylar over a year ago, before he really started killing people. She stopped him from committing suicide while working with Noah for the Company. We see how the series began with the addition of Arthur Petrelli and his incorporation with Linderman, Nathan and the court case. Peter's graduation party Arthur doesn't come to. We find out how Arthur got where he was, but not how he got involved with Pinehurst Biotechnical labs (or whatever it's called).

Gossip Girl was as wonderful as ever, this time turning more into the books than I imagined. Although we did see the addition of Aaron Rose (but no Mookie yet?) to the cast, so I shouldn't be surprised that Cyrus Rose made an appearance as well. Not exactly how I pictured him in the books. Blair does what she does best and goes behind her mother's back to try to sabotage her happiness (not intentionally, but just to prove she was wrong about Cyrus), but it backfires when Cyrus is two steps ahead of her. A grand appearance from Cyndi Lauper as a guest at Blair's birthday party. This season has been quite true to the latter books of the Gossip Girl novels. Blair kissing her Yale interviewer, Nate and Jenny (for like a NY-minute, just like in the books). But, watching the preview for next weeks episode, I'm really hoping we're not seeing the end of Nate Archibald. That would be quite tragic. He and Jenny should stay together. I did enjoy them together, in the novels and in the show. Chace Crawford is like 23, and Taylor Momsen is 15/16 I think. Is that legal?

For World Lit 2, I have to read some James Joyce and Virginia Woolf before next Tuesday. I think we're having a test next class, too. It's quite true, after checking my iCal.

I registered for my Spring 2009 classes today. I think I'm taking 6 classes. It's going to be fun. Here's my schedule for next semester:

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays:
American Government 9-9:53
Principles of Biology II (TBA)
Intro to Criminal Investigations 6pm-9pm

Tuesdays and Thursdays:
Film as Literature 9:30-10:50
Theatre Production 1 (1st 9 wks only) 12:20-12:50.

Online class:
New Testament Survey

I think it will be a lot of fun.

p&l
rachel

the times, they are a-changin'

Election Day. I voted. I'm gonna save my sticker, cause I feel (at 11:06pm) that we're gonna have a historical moment on our hands. Gobama!

I'm watching True Blood. Just in case you were wondering what I was watching. I always say what I'm watching anyway.

Gossip Girl last night was tremendous, as they often are. Chuck refers to himself as a thoroughbred horse. Serena encounters Aaron Rose again (still no Mookie?). Blair finally gets into Yale for REAL. Nate and Jenny get a little kissy-kissy that makes Vanessa jealous. Dan writes that story on "Charlie Trout." The littlest Humphrey child goes vagabond after a very successful guerrilla fashion show during an award ceremony for Bart and Lilly (former van der Woodsen) Bass.

Oh, Josh Schwartz, I do enjoy your productions. He did create The O.C.; and I'm gonna keep saying these things cause I don't know if you people actually retain the knowledge I spit out here.

Alexander Skarsgard is awesome in True Blood. The ancient vampire, Eric. The once Viking, Eric. He's so empowering, but he's so asexual, but I bet women are drawn to his beauty. Alexander himself has been voted "sexiest man in Scandinavia" for 5 years straight.

I skipped bio lab on Monday, so I'm gonna have to ask what the lab was on and perhaps make it up. We have lecture tomorrow... more sexual reproduction, and genes and whatever. Punnet squares. Rr, rr, RR oh the possibilities. Damn, we have a worksheet we're supposed to do, and be able to do for our test, I think.

Today, I read that Erica Hahn won't be on Grey's Anatomy anymore. WTF is up with that? No more Erica and Callie? Callie and McSteamy are gonna hook up then. Cause it just works that way, with Erica gone anyway.

p&l rachel

election day tomorrow!

I love, love, love the Yahoo Political Dashboard. It's fun. The graphs are all very neat and whatever. Check out Florida. That's the rate I want the rest of the red states to go.

Today I realized I still had green hair (dye/spray) stuff on my scalp. I really need to take a shower to get rid of it. I mean, it's not like I haven't showered twice already, plus washing my hair twice the day after Halloween, but apparently I missed something.

As for Halloween, it was productive, and fun. I didn't get any pictures - oh well. My computer has been acting up lately as well. I need to call the Apple people and ask them what it is I can do to get it fixed. Damn computers. (Although I do love mine) <3

Last night's television spotlight is on True Blood. There are only three episodes left, and the tension is growing sporadically. Questions are on everyone's minds: Who's the killer? Wtf is Sam Merlotte a dog? We can't wait for the next installment to find out why exactly Sam woke up naked on Sookie's bed. I mean, it's a little obvious, but ... something else could be awry.

As for the books, I haven't been able to get my hands on them yet. I owe the library $1.60, plus the first few books in the series are not even on the shelves. I'm sure they're on hold and once I get all that taken care of, I'll be like 50th in line for the first novel. I'd be better off going to Borders or whatever and getting them. I do have a Borders book card after all. Oh yes, and the author's name is CharLAINE Harris. Not Charlene. My b.

Dexter was spectacular as well. Miguel showing Dexter he wants to be a part of this vigiliante duo is really crazy. Dexter has a baby on the way! But who knows what Miguel will decide to do in the future. We're only 6 episodes into this season, with 6 more to go.

Desperate Housewives, oh, how truly I love thee. However, Lynette is really getting on my nerves lately. She jumps to waaaaay to many conclusions, even if they do appear to be wrongly viewed. Dave, Edie's husband, admitted that he had a brother who was killed in prison. I'm thinking that Mike Delfino probably killed Dave's brother in prison when Mike was serving time (5 years) for his first murder, of a crooked cop. We all know that Orson also served time (3 years) in prison, but Orson isn't one to kill, even if it is self defense. He did run Mike over that one time, which is why he went to prison in the first place, but .... come on. Orson isn't a killer. There aren't that many other people that Dave would want to hurt in the community of Wisteria Lane. It's mostly women, and we all know that women and men do not mix in the prison system. They have seperate prisons for that.

Anyway, besides Dave and his possible vendetta against Mike, Carlos and Gabbi are doing alright. Frances Conroy (best known as Ruth in Six Feet Under) made an appearance as a wealtlhy woman with an itch only Carlos can scratch, now that he's a masseur. She's ready to spend lots of cash on his hands and Gabbi's fashion advice. What is she up to?

Either way, all of these shows are proving to be very entertaining. I'm always ready for more scandal, and that's exactly what I'm looking forward to tonight with the newest episode of Gossip Girl. However, Heroes won't be returning until next week, which made me freak out a little when I remembered that today. I guess I'll give NBC an extra week to film more of my favorite TV show.

p&l
rachel

im drinking orange soda

I have decided I want to read the Sookie Stackhouse series of books by Charlene Harris. I think that's her name. Something Harris. I tried to put some of them on hold at the library, but I have a fine ($1.60) and I haven't paid it yet. So, perhaps I'll do that sometime soon. I have a lot coming up in the next few days, I suppose.

For one, Halloween tomorrow. I'm not going to the library tomorrow. I have to take a nap and take my sister to Wal-Mart. And cook some food for the party at T's tomorrow night. It will be fun. I need to charge some batteries for my camera.

Buster is very sleepy right now. He could barely keep his eyes open.

Ugly Betty tonight was wonderful. Although, I really don't like Lindsay Lohan's character, and am personally glad that she is no longer going to be on the show. Well, I think she'll be in more episodes in the next weeks, but after that, she's ka-put. In the show, she really showed some zest. I don't really mean zest, but something less Betty-like and more Fey Sommers (season 1)-esque. However, she turns out to be as Betty as Betty can be in the end, proving to be true to her heart. *aw* Is the idea of the show that Betty has to have a moral attitude about life in NYC in a fashion magazine? C'mon.

Anyways, also, Grey's Anatomy was a wonderful episode. I feel bad for Yang, we thought she was gonna get a man this season. Finally, over Preston! He was a promising match for her though. What a shame. The reason is dumb anyway. Well, not really. The new trauma surgeon went to Iraq in the war, and he was one of 20 soldiers and 19 of his men died. Blah blah. War is bad.

I like to use the same adjectives so that neither episode had to compete on which adjective is greater than the other one. Cause there are degrees to wonderful and awesome , I guess. Or, I'd like to think there are.

Whatever.

Today, the weather got warmer. I barely needed my jacket. It got chilly when the sun went down though. Quite so.

It's too late to read right now, but I've been wanting to read Breaking Dawn all day. I haven't really had time. Which reminds me that I really need to upload the pictures from the wedding onto my computer. Jeez. I should make a list of "things to-do." Maybe not.

It just felt like so much to do.

p&l
rachel

like a bass out of hell

I'm listening to/watching the latest episode of Heroes. It's a great episode.

I still have yet to see the new Desperate Housewives.

Anyway, the new episode of Heroes contained a well-welcomed-back Kristen Bell aka Elle Bishop in Heroesland. I was very happy to see her return. I knew it was only a matter of time before she came back after being fired. There are two very Veronica Mars-esque motifs:

1) Lyle (cheerleader's brother) says, "The bitch is back." right before the intro credits. That is actually the series final episode title.
2) Elle says, "...let's go see the wizard." The reference to the "wizard" from Wizard of Oz came up on two occasions in season one of V. Mars. Both in the very first episode of the series.

I love my knowledge of popular television.

Today in my World Lit 2 class we talked about Tartuffe, the play. I saw it once in high school, done by the competition class of theatre. I never tried out for the class, but I was asked to, so nah. Tartuffe, however, is a kinda terrible play. But it does have it's importance during the Enlightenment in France. It was even banned several times.

Oh yes! Last night's Gossip Girl. Let me just say one thing: mini-cooper. Oh, and what would the combo name be if Chuck and Blaire actually did get together? (combo name meaning "TomKat" "Bennifer" etc) My only guess would be: Bluck or Chaire. HA. Anyways....

Little Jenny Humphrey is a crazy in this episode and Willa Holland guest stars as Agnes the model for Eleanor Waldorf. Willa Holland, for those who don't know ... was Marissa Cooper's little sister on The O.C., Kaitlin Cooper (thus the name mini-cooper). Agnes gets Little J to quit her internship with Eleanor.

Also, Aaron (Aaron Rose, but not really the one from the book series) the artist is a "cutie" I guess one would say. He's very Conor Oberst....esque. He and Serena should hook up, but it won't last. Maybe Dan and Serena have another shot at romance next season?

I read recently that Dexter has been signed on to do antoher TWO seasons. Very exciting. Looks like it's one season that's not "jumping the shark," like another series that I love dearly: Heroes. Jumping the shark is when critics start to go badly. Whatever article I read today said that Heroes started getting bad in season two.

I know!? Who would want to get rid of Heroes? Did they say Lost was jumping the shark when people started saying that it was getting really crazy (mainly around season three)?

Who cares? Lost is still on for another two seasons after it's most recent season: 4. Still out on DVD, I think. I wonder when season 5 is going to premiere.

Sometimes I feel like when I'm writing my blog I sound like a Veronica Mars voice-over or Gossip Girl intro/outro. Whatever.

p&l
rachel

spice it up

Here we are again: that dreaded hour after dinner/before Gossip Girl and Heroes. It's somehow tolerable.

I'm getting a cold, I think. It's been a pretty rough day thus far. I came home after class and slept until 5. And I got home around 1.

Halloween is just around the corner, and every one is just ready to dress up. I suppose that's the reason for the season. Pretending you're something/someone you're not for a night. Or weekend, depending on where you are.

Today, at school, I felt very Veronica Mars. I mean, I feel like that a lot. Just being blonde makes me prone to V.Mars-ness. Being small and petite, blonde, and carrying around my messenger bag makes me feel very V.Mars.

Last night's Dexter and True Blood were both amazing episodes. They're growing on me every minute. Dexter Morgan and Sookie Stackhouse are wonderful characters, and in these seasons (third and first, respectively) the characters just seem to (in Dexter's case) blossom into completely different people from when we were first introduced to them. Dexter is experiencing things he never thought was possible, like actual feelings. And Sookie had just had a lot of bad shit happen to her.

I learned today that chocolate makes more phlem. Which is why I can't eat the chocolate cake my parents brought home from the BBQ the other night. Quite sad it is. I love chocolate cake.

I had a bio lab test today, which I think I did pretty well on. It was a lot of questions about mitosis, which is not hard whatsoever. But with my luck, it will turn out badly.

I have a headache.

p&l
rachel

hiss

This is what I would look like if I were a vampire.

p&l
rachel

all i have to say about today is

MOTHER FUCK!

I got a fucking ZERO on my research paper. All because I didn't go to peer review. Who fucking wants to read a bunch of terrible papers from terrible students at a second-rate education (terrible) college?

NOT ME!

Which leads me to my decision of never, EVER EVER EVER wanting to teach at a junior college.

p&l
rachel

ps: I also got a 68 on my Bio test. But I did get a 96 on my World Civ 1 test. That's the only good news of the day.

And because I'm wallowing in my sadness of the research paper, I'm going to post it. Because I know it's worthy of a fucking 100, not a fucking zero. Disregard my MLA citations.

Bible: Fact or Fiction?

Questions always arise when talking about the Old Testament and its truth as a reference to ancient history. There is no definite answer to whether the first books of the Bible are historically accurate. Some scholars even question the authenticity of the Old Testament itself; there could possibly have been early first or second century BCE, to as late as fifth century, editors who had made changes for, then, Persian-rule benefit (Wilson 17). There is also question as to if some of the most prominent men in the Old Testament, such as Abraham, Jacob and Joseph, were even actual historical figures (Wilson 10-15). However, through all the archeological and geological findings, there have been a few breakthroughs that have shed little light on some of the most baffling questions of the Old Testament and ancient history. These breakthroughs give a great deal information on what may have actually happened during this era of ancient history.

To research a story, one must start at the beginning: Noah and the Flood. Estimated to be roughly 6000 BCE, Noah is chosen by God to build an ark, put selected animals and his family onto the ark, and there would be rain for forty days and forty nights. He built the ark, and there was indeed a flood (Gordon, Rendsburg 39-40). Also around 6000 BCE, marine geological scientists have found that what became the Black Sea was once a freshwater lake that flooded, breaking land barriers and covering a probable 60,000 square feet. The marine geologists, William Ryan and Walter Pitman of Columbia University, found mollusks, native only to freshwater, embedded in the sediment of the Black Sea. Also, their research showed that as the Last Ice Age was ending, the glaciers were melting, which caused an overflow of the Mediterranean Sea, and surrounding waterways (Wilson 20-21). Where the ark landed is another topic that has been theorized by many. In the Bible, it is said Noah and his ark landed on the Ararat Mountain, located in modern-day Turkey, 200 miles from the Black Sea. There is a Turkish story about a man named Nahmizuli who had an ark very similar to Noah; Nahmizuli is the Turkish form of Noah. This ark also landed on Mount Ararat. Most religious texts tell a story told of a divine Flood covering the lands (19). Some, as in the Epic of Gilgamesh, are almost identical to the depiction of the Flood in the Bible.

Genesis 8:6-10
“At the end of forty days Noah opened the porthole he had made in the ark and sent out the raven. This went off and few back and forth. Then he sent out the dove to see whether the waters were receding. The dove, finding nowhere to perch, returned to him in the ark, for there was water over the whole surface of the earth. After waiting seven more days he again sent out the dove. In the evening the dove came back to him and there was a new olive branch in its beak. So Noah realized the waters were receding.”

Epic of Gilgamesh
“When the seventh day dawned I loosed a dove and let her go. She flew away, but finding no resting place she returned. Then I loosed a swallow, and she few away but finding no resting place she returned. I loosed a raven, she saw that the waters had retreated, she ate, she flew around, she cawed and she did not come back (Lawall, Mack 18).”
These texts, and others from the ancient Near East, are similar in theme and verse, such as the Sumerian tale of Ziusudra and the Babylonian “Atrahasis Epic,” which both date around the 19th century (Gordon, Rendsburg 51; Wilson 20).

Another story from the Old Testament is that of Abraham and his family. The Bible cites Abraham as leaving the city of Ur, “of the Chaldeans,” in Mesopotamia, traveling to Harran, in modern-day Turkey. Keeping in mind the possibility of early Persian editors, there has been archeological evidence that Abraham may not have come from Ur as first though, but from Urfa, which lies directly north west of Harran. Many of Abraham’s ancestor’s names relate to ancient names of places in the region of modern-day Turkey (Wilson 22-23). When Abraham journeys to Canaan, he was asked by God to sacrifice his son, Isaac. The description of the way he prepares Isaac to be sacrificed, tied in awkward fetal position, is significantly close to the sacrifices of the Minoans on the island on Crete. The religion of the Minoans on Crete had a great resemblance to the religion of the original Canaanites who worshiped the bull-god El (23-24).

Skipping ahead, the story of the Exodus is significantly important in trying to make sense of the Bible’s historic accuracy. Estimated to have occurred around 1500 BCE, Moses led his people from Egypt after the Biblical Plagues convinced the unknown Pharaoh to let them go. There are two possible pharaohs that could have ruled during the plagues: Ahmose or Queen Hatshepsut (Callahan 127; Wilson 45-51). Historically, this period was not well recorded; however, there are few historical documents, written by third century Egyptian historian Manetho, about Hyskos invaders in Egypt (Wilson 37-38). These invaders are believed to be the Canaanites brought to Egypt by Joseph. After the Hyskos took over Egyptian rule, they forced the Egyptians to live in Upper Egypt. A period of time passed, and King Ahmose created a militia that overthrew the Hyskos, recapturing Avaris/Ramsesses, the once Hyskos capital (Callahan 127; Miller 318). Some Hyskos were unable to flee from Ahmose fast enough, and became slaves, perhaps the slaves of Moses’ Exodus. Manetho wrote that within fifty years of Ahmose’s initial rule, a great disaster befell the Nile Delta. Simultaneously, around that period of time, a huge volcanic eruption occurred on the island of Thera, some 600 miles North West of Egypt. It was a massive eruption that affected a large scale of the surrounding area, even destroying the entire Minoan civilization on the island of Crete. This eruption could have aided in the idea of the story of the Biblical Plagues. There is scientific evidence from other volcanic eruptions that show the first nine plagues can occur from simply from an eruption (Callahan 141; Wilson 48-49). The final plague is easy to assume as “divine anger” by any who still lived in the Nile Delta and worshiped the Canaanite/Hyskos gods. A text was found at Ugarit, imposing a similar offer, “A first-born, Baal, we shall sacrifice. A child we shall fulfill” (Wilson 49).

Even with all the archaeological and geological evidence that has been accounted, still remain and cannot be truly satisfied with answers that are not definite. In almost all religions, it is important to have some sort of written account of beliefs, something to base their faith upon. Those of Muslim faith have the Qur’an, Judaism has the Torah and Hinduism has the Rig Vedas, among other religions respectively. One may never know the truth behind the history of the Bible; however, the facts that scientists have today can surely tell those with questions that whomever wrote and edited the Old Testament knew about physical happenings of ancient times. It gives a great insight to what the times would have been like back in the various Biblical eras.

i'm a carpetbagger baby...

I wish I had my own theme song, like Veronica Mars. I mean, I wish I had an intro too. Something flashy and catchy, perhaps written and performed by Jenny Lewis?

I took Buster outside earlier and there are people in the neighborhood that are making quite a ruckus somewhere. He barked, which was not acceptable.

I'm drinking a two day old Michelob Ultra (1 pint). It's been in the fridge, with some tin foil over the top... it's not too fresh though. Looking at it now, I thought there was less to drink than I thought. Le sigh.

I've been thinking about the dream again, and how I can put it down on paper(digital paper, that is). I need some input from X and L, since they were two of the main players in the dream.

Tomorrow I find out two test grades: Bio and World Civ 1. I'm ready to know these scores. I made an 80 on my French Revolution test which is much better than I thought it was going to be.

I don't really know what a carpetbagger is, so I guess I'm going to do some research. I was thinking about that earlier on my way to class this morning. Well, according to Wikipedia, this is what a carpetbagger is:

In United States history, carpetbaggers was the term southerners gave to northerners who moved to the South during Reconstruction, between 1865 and 1877. They formed a coalition with freedmen (freed slaves), and scalawags (southern whites who supported Reconstruction) in the Republican Party. Together they politically controlled former Confederate states for varying periods, 1867–1877.

I can't get rid of the links, so whatever. The picture was made by the Ku Klux Klan as propaganda against the carpetbaggers, claiming they would lynch them if they found them out. Or whatever.

Soon, in World Civ 2, we will be learning about the Reconstruction, well, the Civil War too. Just a little bit about it though, since it's not American History. I'm not too interested in American history. I had a little bit of that in high school, now I want to know about the rest of the world.

My cousin from NYC that was down went home today. We went to the Palace Casino and had the buffet, and I lost 2 bucks on the penny slots. He ordered two shots of tequila for us, and we did the shots with some salt and lime, of course. The way it's supposed to be done.

I'm kinda ready to be living in Mobile again, but I know I'm not financially ready to do so. I wish I could live on campus and still have Buster around, but we all know that's impossible. No animals on campus and all that. Not even to visit. Such strict rules.

Well, I have seen all the television episodes for Sunday and Monday, but I'm not feeling in the mood to write about them just yet. I probably won't even get to it. But I will say, about Gossip Girl: Chuck needs to get over himself and accept his humanity.

Jenny Lewis really is an idol of mine. She writes such wonderful songs, and sings them very wonderfully too. Listening to her is like listening to angels sing. It's the voice I assume Kristen Bell to have, although I know what Kristen Bell's singing voice sounds like. That last sentence just sounds weird, but whatever.

I have a headache.

p&l
rachel

if you want to go where they chain down the sun, see fernando

Ok, so my Bio teacher didn't give us back our tests today because she's absent minded. I'll get it bright and early on Wednesday though. How wonderful.

As for my ancient Greeks test, I believe I did wonderfully. I probably only missed one question. Ancient civilizations are a lot more interesting than what they grow into. (Thus my love for World Civ 1 and slight dislike for World Civ 2)

I probably won't be here tonight to watch Gossip Girl and Heroes, since I'll probably be at T's hanging out. Tomorrow night, I start my World Lit 2 class, where I'll be sitting in a classroom for 5-some odd hours. 5:30-10:30 pm are the times for the class. And one whole Saturday of that class. That's what I get for taking a "second term" class. Wtf are those anyway?

I got the new Jenny Lewis CD, Acid Tongue. I do enjoy it a lot, after only listening to it probably three or four times. I also downloaded the remainder of Rabbit Fur Coat that I didn't have. M brought me the new Jack's Mannequin, The Glass Passenger. Those two I haven't gotten to listen to a lot with my new found love of Acid Tongue. When I saw J.Lew and the Watson Twins in New Orleans over a year ago, she sang some songs from this album. It sure did take her a long time to come out with her solo CD. Not that I mind.

Oooh. Conor Oberst is going to be playing in NoLa on Nov. 20. I want to go, and hopefully M will drive, since my car is kaput.

"I went to a cobler to fix a hole in my shoe, he took one look at my face and said: I can fix that hole in you." I do love this song.

I'll report on all the TV shows I watched recently when I can write about them all.

I've been reading The Hotel New Hampshire, like I've mentioned a ton of times, and it is quite good. I remember the movie very well, and it's quite similiar to the book, and I'm looking forward to reading more of it. That's when you know you have a good book, when you look forward to reading more. Reading it does remind me of Jodie Foster though.

Hopefully this weekend I can go to Mobile (somehow) and see Malibu and Kasi. Kasi will be working a haunted house thing for the seminary school she's going to this semester. I'm very excited about seeing them, even though I saw Malibu in Nashville, it's been a while since I've seen Kasi.

"Lets build ourselves a fire." Oh J.Lew.

Buster is sleeping quite sweetly. Or at least he looks sweet.

Tomorrow in World Civ 2, we start the Industrial Revolution. We're also going to be covering Nationalism and Imperialism. So much this teacher covers, but at least he's interesting. And he promises to "have our backs if we'll let him."

I don't know how I can write endlessly about nothing inparticular.

p&l
rachel