Professor J's Place

This is the line this morning at 8:45 at UTSA. I am so proud.

The other night, Susan and I were having a discussion about McCain and Palin and their liberal use of the word maverick . I said that I rather resented the use of Maury Maverick's name by a couple of right-wing nuts. After all, among liberal Texans, especially liberal San Antonians, Maverick is a name that evokes some of the finest memories. Susan hastened to inform me that a maverick is an unbranded cow or horse. Yes, I said, but I'm sure it comes from the name Maverick first--at least that's what I've always heard. Since all of this was pillow talk (aren't you guys jealous?), I waited until morning to look it up. It turns out that we were both right and both a little bit off. The word maverick does indeed stem from the men of the Maverick clan, but it comes from Samuel Maverick (Maury's grandfather) who was a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence and a great liberal who, by the way, didn't brand his cattle. So an unbranded cow was often called ...

My bloggy friends, I have been unfaithful to you. I have been spending all of my computer time on Spark People . This is a weight loss website similar to many others, I am sure. I know it is similar to Weight Watchers. It offers food and exercise tracking, a recipe calculator, advice and information, exercise videos, blogs and support groups. And it's free. So, two weeks ago, Susan and I joined a group called TOPS club , inc, and we started using Spark People. In other words, my ass project started in earnest. This may well be a good combination of programs for me. The TOPS group is something I never imagined I would do. People join together once a week to weigh in, sing songs, report whether they have gained or lost (out loud--in front of everyone), sing more songs, and talk a little about diet and lifestyle changes. It is corny and goofy, and I kind of like it (after I got over feeling uncomfortable and a little superior to it all). And, of course, I like being online and playing...

"The Democrats underestimate Palin at great risk." --Michele Norris (NPR) We need to focus here, folks! The stupid commentators (are you listening Bill Maher?) who joke about Palin's inability to lead because of her gender are working against us. Focus on the record. --Palin is against abortion even in the case of rape, incest, or the health of the mother. (Though perhaps it is acceptable to save the life of the mother.) --Palin is for drilling for oil in delicate ecosystems. --Palin said we "should not be afraid" of going to war with Russia over Georgia. --Palin does not believe in evolution. --Palin believes in "abstinence only" sex education. --Palin says we should not ban assault rifles. Is that not enough? We can also look at the serious allegations that face Palin about abuse of power, nepotism, and book banning. And we can look at the truth (or lack there of) in some of her claims. The fact that she took the money for the "bridge to nowhere...

Thank you darlings for your notes of concern. I have many things to write about: my trip to Northern Ireland to bury one friend and offer small comfort to another, Sarah Palin (because sometimes a vagina is not enough), and the changes in my life (once I figure out a way to do that with some semblance of decorum). In the mean time, I am beginning new semesters at three schools and preparing to move--it's been a heck of a summer, gals! I'll be back. And I'll be checking in on you all.

Here's Prof. J before coffee or comb. I gained two pounds last week and then lost them--leaving me even. I did, however lose 1/2 an inch on my waist and 1 inch on my hips. So that's progress, I guess.

Tropic Thunder opened in theaters today. It is a satire of adventure/war movies and self important actors starring Ben Stiller, Jack Black, and Robert Downey Jr. What's not to like? Plenty. This morning, when I was watching Good Morning America and drinking my coffee, Ben Stiller assured me that the frequent repetition of words like "retarded" and "retard" are meant to make fun of actors , not intellectually challenged people. I suppose I'm just too tight assed to "get it," Ben. When you use the word retarded to make fun of people, you are not making fun of actors. Retarded means "slow development." It is comparable to nigger, kike, or faggot when used as an insult. It's not funny. This is very much like the discussion we all had when Don Imus opened his big mouth one too many times. There are many people who are arguing that "political correctness" has robbed us of our sense of humor and made us a nation of uptight maiden ...