I, Muehlenhaus. U, Riedermaus.

I spent my Friday evening at Macalester College celebrating "Founders' Day." No one seemed to know what we were celebrating, nor who the founder of the college was. I have to presume he was Scottish, as there were a bunch of bagpipes and men walking around in kilts carrying cake. (I'm serious, they were carrying this huge wedding cake that took four people to move. Not sure what that was about, but I will ask my students on Monday.)

Doesn't matter what the celebration was about. Everyone was there for the free booze the school was giving to students and faculty. They had some elaborate bracelet system for making sure we were all 21 years-old. And then you could have any two drinks you wanted for free.

A student earlier in the day had notified me that they had figured out how to forge the "drink tickets" the previous year, and that they were ready to get more than their two. But the first person I met after getting through security was the former Provost, and he said that last year students had figured out how to make counterfeit tickets; so they had created an elaborate system with the tickets attached to the blaze orange wristband. It was interesting to get the two different perspectives on this -- the students versus the administration. This year the battle went to admin, but by next year I am sure the students will be on to them and get the initiative back.

It was pretty fun just hanging out with students, chatting, and listening to them talk about grad schools, all over the noise of a less than outstanding salsa band.

This weekend is action packed... as long as you realize that "action packed" is a relative phrase. My weekend compared to a skydiver's or an Iraqi family's is probably pretty tame. I'm dog watching this morning while writing cover letters to several universities. Meeting up with Darren this afternoon. Then perhaps going to Glen's this evening. Creating a midterm this evening for Human Geography if I don't go to Glen's. (Hmm... which sounds more fun?) Tomorrow I get to grade my Central European Geography students' first paper -- on the mob in each country. I graded one yesterday. It was hilarious in a harrowing sort of way. My Bulgarian student wrote a stellar review of the Bulgarian mob since 1990. It is comprised almost entirely of former Bulgarian weight lifters and wrestlers! Unbelievable story! I'm going to see if I can't post it at some point, assuming he gives me permission. I also get to read about the mob in Romania, Ukraine, Kosovo, Macedonia, Serbia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, and Moldova. It will be fun and enlightening!

Well, I best get to it, I suppose. Pisti is not a Ron Paul supporter after all. I'm saddened by this development. But I forgot about our theory of not voting, Istvan... mental lapse on my part due to far too many pints that night. I recant my support for any candidate from this point forward. They are all complete bastards! Done. (Thanks for reminding me of our pact, Istvan. And remember, train your children not to vote and legitimate the tomfoolery of democracy!)

P.S. Adam, what the hell am I listening to right now? It is called Adjagas or something. I think I got it from you. It sounds like a bunch of Finns imitating the death songs of a clubbed seal. I love it!!! Where are they from? And what did you think of "Lost" this week?