So I'm happy. Fucking elated that my team won. So fucking elated, I'm using expletives to show my level of elation.

TAKE THAT SAN ANTONIO!!!! The Spurt-ettes were no match for the [cue evil music] DETROIT SHOCK [/end evil music] !!!!

Ok, so I get a bit obsessed with my sports. Its not like I went and found a Notre Dame/Iowa (same difference) fan's blog and posted one of these:

Yes, I have problems. And yes, I'm obsessed with Detroit Basketball/ Michigan State sports.

Just don't look up my ESPN page. It may scare you.

I'm done here. Happy tidings.

"Dying to be Heard tells the story of Michigan State University professor Dr. George J. Wallace, who discovered a link between DDT and dying birds on the MSU campus. His work was highlighted in Rachel Carson's book "Silent Spring," which helped launch the modern environmental movement.

The film, produced by students and faculty in MSU's Knight Center for Environmental Journalism, is based on MSU professor Jim Detjen's editorial "Breaking the 'Silence'" that appeared in the fall 2005 issue of EJ Magazine."

You can watch a short promotional clip at the site above, and I encourage you to check out Detjen's article. Some of the best evidence for the toxicity of DDT came from Michigan, and a quiet birder concerned with robins laying on his campus, wracked with tremors.  Not only was he one of the first to link DDT and bird deaths, he figured out that it was biomagnification from DDT in earthworms that was the source of the problem.

Wallace paid a heavy professional price for his research--especially since a DDT manufacturing plant was located in Michigan until 1978.  That manufacturing plant is now a superfund site, and has not been remediated yet, BTW.

There is a surprisingly large literature of DDT, robins, and university campuses--New Hampshire, Vermont and Iowa also kept careful records of deaths and recovery.

Why not do a little investigating for your campus, and ask your PBS station to pick up this show?

By now, most teams have started their conference schedules. So naturally, here's a top 10 (if I don't get lazy) Heisman ballot.

1. Chase Daniels, Missouri, QB. Daniels had a great season last year and he's building on it even more this year. Daniels has already thrown for 12 touchdowns, and has a 76%(!!!!!) completion percentage. Mizzou's got a great play maker in Maclin who is definitely helping Daniels' Heisman push. Daniels has a chance to really distance himself from the other Big 12 qbs with games against Nebraska, #21 Texas Tech, and #5 Texas coming in the next few weeks.

2. Sam Bradford, Oklahoma, QB. Bradford experienced some early success last year, but a lot of credit was given to Oklahoma's outstanding offensive line. He's proving that he's a terrific qb in his own right, with 16 touchdowns and a 209 rating.

3. Colt McCoy, Texas, QB. McCoy's actually got the highest rating of the 3 Big 12 QB's. He's also got a lot more Vince Young in him than I realized (the good Vince Young..not the emo NFL qb stuff. How is VY not even an NFL starter??!!?!?!? WTS!?!?!? Expect the winner of the Red River Shootout to get a leg up in the Heisman chase.

4. Knoshown Moreno. Moreno was a trendy preseason pick for the Heisman and he's been doing his part to carry Georgia's offense. Moreno's racked up 10 touchdowns and some unbelievable hurdles, but his Heisman candidacy took a hit (along with Georgia's national title chances) following Alabama's beat down. Looks like the black was for a f&!@**** funeral. But this hurdle was huuuuuuuuuuuuuge for points:

5. Javon Ringer, Michigan State, RB. Ringer has been an absolute stud for Michigan State so far, putting the offense on his back. He already has a 187 carries, and is still averaging 4.7 ypc. Not bad for the "little-brother" school in Michigan.

6. Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech, WR. Crabtree's been tagged as the top NFL wide receiver draft prospect in the country. His stats are definitely impressive, but some of it's gotta be a product of that pass-wacky system in Texas Tech.

7. Jeremy Maclin, Missouri, WR. I guess it's hard for noobs like me to distinguish between a qbs success and his star wide recevier. According a to the one Mizzou fan I know, Maclin is the better player. Meh. Mebbe I should swap Daniels and Maclin then.

8. Eron Riley, Duke, WR. We gotta give some love to the surprising Dukies, who actually destroyed (not just beat) an ACC team (although it was Virginia). Riley was mentioned by Mel Kiper as a legit NFL prospect, and he's 2nd in the NCAA with 6 touchdowns. Riley's definitely the cog of the Duke offensive. Look at this sick catch: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3133/2500723805_24b320bacc.jpg?v=0

And check out this amazing touchdown catch.

9. Tim Tebow, FL, QB. Max Hall, BYU, QB. FL's loss to Ole Miss was a huge blow to Tebow's heisman hopes. He's already had some subpar (by his insanely high standards) game so far. People have been talking about how a Tebow with lesser stats means a better FL; so far, the same old problems have plagued the gators. No reliable rushing attack outside of Tebow and Harvin, and a questionable D. But Tebow could shoot up these rankings if he follows his promises in the press conference following the Ole Miss loss; Tebow guaranteed he would work harder than any other player in college football. We'll see. In other news, tim tebow's a playa.

10. Max Hall, BYU, QB. Meh. I'm not a fan of non-BCS conference Heisman hopefuls.

What a Lovely day today is. I woke up this morning, the sky was perfect, the sea breeze was crisp, sweet, and delicious and Tweetie bird was chirping along. But as great as I am feeling, I know a few fellows that are probably having better days than myself. Lets face it Internet, every day there are hundreds of college football players who walk around like they are reincarnations of Jesus, Buddha, and Walt Disney combined. They dont have to buy meals, kids ask for their autographs, and they get more high fives and girls number's then Brad Pitt. And who is at the top of this lucky list? Tgemayels Heisman Hopefuls of course.

Leading My Heisman Hopeful's list is Mizzou Quarterback Chase Daniels. Chase has been flat out spectacular so far this season. He has completed 101-of-133 of his passes for 1,412 yards. He has also thrown 12 Touchdown and has only thrown 1 Interception Daniel's has even added some rushing yards with 14 rushes for 74 yards. Daniels is currently my front runner for the Heisman but he and the Tigers have some challenges to overcome this season If he wants to hold onto first place. The Tigers have to head down to Texas to play the Quarterback Colt McCoy and the #5 Longhorns in what should be a huge game. If the Tigers can pull out with a win in Texas, and beat Oklahoma in the BIG-12 Championship game, Mr. Daniels will be known as Mr. Heisman, and The Tigers may very well be on their way to a national championship

[caption id="attachment_383" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Oklahoma's Sam Bradford"][/caption]

Meet Norman's most eligible bachelor, Sam Bradford. Oklahoma's Heisman Hopeful is only a sophomore but as Tim Tebow proved last season, age is nothing but a number. Bradford sure has produced Heisman like numbers. In just four games, Bradford has completed 83-of-115(72.2) of his passes for 1293 yards. He has also tossed up 16 touchdowns and thrown only two interceptions. Oh, and his OU Sooners are also ranked #1 in the nation. Its only September though, and Bradford still has to knock off #5 Texas, #7 Texas Tech, and #16 Kansas. As if that isn't tough enough, the Sooners will also most likely have to play a Mizzou team that has revenge on it's mind. If the Sooner's can make it through their incredibly tough schedule, I will hand Sam the Heisman myself.

[caption id="attachment_384" align="alignleft" width="200" caption="Michigan State's Javon Ringer"][/caption]

Last and my overall favorite on this list is Michigan State Running Back Javon Ringer. Internet, every Saturday without fail, Javon Ringer gets it done.I don't know how Javon Ringer get out of bed on Sundays? How is he still able to walk, let alone play football the next week? You take any man and hand him a football that often and he would be in a wheel chair already. He has carried the ball 143 times in 5 games. That is almost 30 per game. The closest running back to matching his carries is 30 behind. Internet, that means Ringer could take a Saturday off, and probably still lead in carries. Ringer has rushed for a total of 699 yards and 11 TDs. He also has 4 receptions for 37 yards and 9 kickoff returns for 200 yards. This kid does it all. If Michigan State can piece together a few signature wins, this kid deserve the Heisman. His body deserves the Heisman. I'm putting it out there right now Internet, and you take it or leave it, but no single football player is as important as Javon Ringer is to Michigan State. None. Not Tebow. Not Beanie. Not Sanchez. Ringer is so involved in the offense that even T.O. would be satisfied.

Now, the bad stuff.  Ole Miss defeated #4 Florida 31-30 at Florida Field.  The Rebels played well and took advantage of two Florida turnovers in the early part of the second half.  By the time the game was over, they had hit a long pass for a TD, blocked an extra point and stopped Tim Tebow on 4thand 1.  Now, I have to deal with Ole Miss fans driving around Tupelo with flags on their cars and walking around doing the "Gator Chomp" at anybody who isn't blind.  Plus, these shirts are gonna be all over the place. 

Quite possibly the worst thing to happen over the weekend was Alabama's convincing defeat of #3 Georgia in Athens.  Not only did they move up in the polls, the Crimson Tide now sits at #2 in the country.  If you thought Bama fans were hard to deal with before, you haven't seen anything yet.  Nick Saban has already been anointed as the second coming of Paul W. Bryant, and all other NCAA teams should bow down to the Tide and concede defeat, just to save everyone a lot of trouble. 

Please Sylvester Croom, let our one SEC victory this year be against the Crimson Tide.  You can even lose to Ole Miss, for all I care.

I'm not a morning person.  The fact that I'm even up for breakfast means there was something else going on that caused me to get up.  I was at DeMartin Stadium for a soccer game on a Sunday morning.  J told me to call her when I got my lunch (breakfast) break and she would meet me somewhere in East Lansing for breakfast.  I was released for lunch at 9:00 and I called J and told her to meet me at the Jukebox Grill for breakfast.

I know you're confused by now because I just called it The Jukebox Grill, but the title is O'Neil's.  I'm guessing they just changed the name to O'Neil's very recently.  The menus now say O'Neil's and we were given a coupon that says they are now called O'Neil's (formerly Jukebox Grill).  The outside of the building still says The Jukebox Grill, but there's also a sign in the window that says O'Neil's.  So, since everything said O'Neil's, that's what I'm going with.

O'Neil's sits right on Grand Avenue with no parking in front.  We found parking behind the restaurant.  When we walked in, we didn't realize there was an entrance around the side for those parking in the back.  We walked all the way around the front.  We walked in and found a booth near the front.  There are a handful of booths, a couple tables and a lunch counter.  It's not a very big place.  The booths are all big enough you could probably fit six people in them.  The walls are painted a light yellow color and there's a big, old fashioned jukebox in the middle of the dining room.  The place has a real homey feel to it.

J found right away something that sounded good to her.  I was so tired I just ordered off the a la cart menu.  J found the cinnamon chip french toast.  The bread was from Great Harvest and it was delicious.  Before our meal was brought out, the server put a squeeze bottle of syrup on the table.  Great idea.  I use squeeze bottles at home all the time and it makes things so much easier.  With the syrup, you didn't have a sticky mess of syrup getting stuck to the serving dish or dripping.  The squeeze bottle made for easy syrup control.  J was impressed by this.  With her french toast, she also got a side of bacon.  She's very picky when it comes to bacon.  She doesn't like it too fatty and it has to be crispy.  This bacon was perfect for her.  It was nice and crunchy and there wasn't much fat on any of the four pieces.

I ordered two eggs, two pancakes and an order of bacon.  I never know how to get my eggs, so I just ordered them over medium.  They came out more over easy, but that's fine.  I like the runny yolk, but I ended up leaving so much of it on the plate.  Probably better for me that way, but the yolk's the best part...just like everything else that's not good for you.  I already said the bacon was perfect and the pancakes were a pretty good size.  They were really good, light and fluffy cakes.  Butter was served in this little disposable packages and again, there wasn't really enough.  The squeeze bottle syrup came in handy again.  I could just lift up the top cake and squirt the syrup in between. 

Our bill for breakfast was $15.20.  I mention an exact price this time because I need to throw in a little story about the waitress.  I have no doubt that it was done on purpose, but still, we come back to waitressing 101.  J paid cash for the meal.  She put $20.20 with the bill expecting to get five singles back so she could leave a tip.  The waitress brought back the little black book and when J opened it up, there was a five in there.  I don't think they waitress was fishing for a big tip.  She seemed a little timid during the meal like she just started.  She was fine as a waitress.  Not overbearing and our order was right.  We got out of there fairly quickly and everything.  She just acted a little nervous.  No big deal, I just assume that's why she came back with the five.  She didn't even think about the tip.  Fortunately, I had some singles so we didn't have to embarrass her and ask for singles nor did we have to leave a huge tip on a $15 meal. 

O'Neil's was a great spot for breakfast for two people that don't normally eat breakfast.  It was a really nice laid back atmosphere near the MSU campus.  I only had an hour for lunch and we both had a hard time getting there do to a walk or a marathon or something going on in East Lansing that shut down roads.  O'Neil's is tucked into a strip of road that is really commercial due to the students, but they keep that down home atmosphere that's so important when you're looking for a good meal.

REALIZE #1

Haha. Suddenly I woke up this morning, I realized quite few things.

I NEED MOTIVATION. Hoho.

For what?

To face the final exam peacefully (I GUESS)

The atmosphere of FINAL EXAM is now whispering into my ears. Waiting for it to SCREAM. Hoho.

Lately I've been using this wallpaper which I found around the net and that doesn't really works. I managed to ignore the message and continue browsing. Eyarghhhh.. what kind of motivation that I need? Ya Allah…

FINAL XM's TIMETABLE

Creative Thinking;

06th Oct 2008 - 1530hrs - 1830hrs

English Language Awareness;

07th Oct 2008 - 0830hrs - 1130hrs

Psychology in Education;

09th Oct 2008 - 0830hrs - 1130hrs

Introduction to Information Technology in Education;

13th Oct 2008 - 1530hrs - 1830hrs

Introduction to English Literature;

14th Oct 2008 - 1200hrs - 1500hrs

Sociology of Education;

17th Oct 2008 - 0830hrs - 1130hrs

REALIZE #2

I cant remember who started it but why people calling me APPA mushrooming these days.

APPA APPA APPA.

Where's AZFAR, ASPA?

Even my new found friends called me APPA.

OMG.

To my knowledge that I recalled,

Rara call me AZFAR

Ainur call me JEPA.

That's all is it?

The rest of my friends call me APPA?

Nahhh…I have to do a post mortem on this.

Sarah Palin?

Probably not, but ya never know...

Also, there is going to be a linear accelorator even more powerful than the LHC by 2018, but with a different task, and less of a capability to destroy the world. It is the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, and will end up either at the Argonne National Laboratory near Chicago, or NSCL (National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory) at Michigan State University. I say it should go to MSU. Go State! Of course, since there isn't much of a chance for the thing to end life as we know it, it has gotten much less media coverage unless you happen to live in Michigan or Illinois. Of course, if you do live in either of those states, you are probably busy eating corn and living in a smallish town *coughOwossoMichigancough*, or Chicago.

UPDATE: I was just told that FRIB is actually a linear accelerator (or lineac) and not a cyclotron. Do'h! *smacks self on head* I have just changed the information, and I am sorry about the misinformation. The sad thing is, I think I knew this before, but my brain let a royal fart a few months ago causing me to think it was a cyclotron. I guess I don't know everything after all...

Georgio's Gourmet Pizza is the elusive pizza-by-the-slice I've been hoping to find.  I've spent a lot of time on the campus of the University of Illinois and there is more than one place to get a late night slice of pie.  I've checked out the other place along Grand River and wasn't all that impressed.  Georgio's was a totally different story.

I was in East Lansing fairly late on a Saturday night after working a volleyball game at the Breslin Center.  I was exhausted and really hungry.  J had sent me a text message asking if I wanted her to go get me something, but since I was out, I thought it'd be easier if I just took care of it myself.

I pulled into the parking lot off Grand River Avenue where Georgio's sits.  I was a little worried they had just closed or something.  I could see lights on and people inside, but the "open" sign in the window was turned off.  I drove around so I could see the hours of operation on the door.   It said they were open until 3 AM on Friday and Saturday, so I parked the truck and gave the door a tug.  Yay!  It opened. 

Georgio's isn't your typical pizza place.  They do the same old boring pizzas that everyone knows and loves, but they also a do a line of gourmet pizzas.  I really didn't realize that when I walked in.  I was looking at the pizzas in the case and none of them looked like a cheese or a pepperoni.  I asked the kid behind the counter if the one in the back was cheese.  He said no, it was chicken and bacon, but they did have cheese in a warming locker near the stoves.  I got two slices of cheese for J and two slices of the chicken and bacon for myself.  I didn't ask a whole lot of questions and they didn't have labels on the pizzas, so I didn't know what was sitting there.

Like most by-the-slice places, the slices were tossed in the oven to reheat while the clerk rung up my order.  Unlike most by-the-slice, these slices cost more than a couple bucks.  The total for the four slices was about twelve bucks.  I was expecting it to be eight or so.  The slices are huge so you're getting what you pay for.

I made my way home where J and I dug in.  The pizza was delicious.  It had a great crust, great sauce and the chicken and bacon pizza was like no other pizza I've ever had.  I'm convinced bacon is the most perfect food in the world.  Add it to some chicken and you've got a great pizza. 

J was a little jealous of my pizza and asked for part of my slice.  The cheese was good, but not as good as bacon and chicken.  We put a slice in the fridge so I would have breakfast the next morning. 

Georgio's was great.  The pizza was really good and didn't taste like it had been sitting in case for a while.  Next time we have a late night craving for pizza, we'll know that Georgio's is worth the trip to East Lansing.

The shredded and chopped lettuce was sold to restaurants and institutions from wholesalers, including Aunt Mid’s Produce Company of Detroit. Officials are still determining other wholesale sources of the contaminated lettuce. Bagged lettuce in grocery stores is not affected, they said.

The investigation will continue as the health department looks for the original source of the contamination. Its possible that other sellers of potentially contaminated lettuce will be identified. Retailers and institutions have been urged to remove any lettuce purchased from Aunt Mid's from their stock.

One thing not mentioned here- I've seen Aunt Mid's products in the stores. While a local grocery store may not carry these large bags, I do wonder if a bulk store would. Can't hurt to check your fridge if you shop in those places.

Many of Michigan's E. coli Cases Linked to Lettuce
Genetically linked cases consumed lettuce from wholesale distributor

Lansing - As a precautionary measure, the Michigan Department
of Community Health (MDCH) is issuing a public health alert due to
illnesses from the 26 cases of E. coli strain O157:H7 that are thought
to be associated with bagged, industrial-sized packages of iceberg
lettuce sold through wholesale venues to restaurants and institutions.

There is no evidence that the bagged lettuce at grocery stores is
affected.

Some of the 26 Michigan cases consumed shredded or chopped iceberg
lettuce in restaurants or institutions purchased from Aunt Mid's
Produce Company, a Detroit-based wholesale distributor; and other
distributing outlets could be identified. Product trace back and
additional tests results are still in progress.

"Our top priority at the Michigan Department of Community Health
is to protect the public," said Dr. Gregory Holzman, chief medical
executive for MDCH. "We appreciate all of the assistance from Aunt
Mid's. They have been very helpful in this investigation. We want to
ensure that the public's health and well-being is protected. Even
though the investigation is ongoing, available evidence is strongly
pointing to iceberg lettuce."

The 26 genetically linked cases are present in eight Michigan
counties including seven at Michigan State University (Ingham County),
five inmates at the Lenawee County Jail, three students at the
University of Michigan (Washtenaw County), four in Macomb County, three
each in Wayne, two in Kent counties, and one each in St. Clair and
Oakland counties. Of the E. coli O157:H7 cases that are genetically
linked, 10 have been hospitalized. These linked cases range in age from
11 to 81 years old. Symptoms of these confirmed genetically linked E.
coli patients began on Sept. 8. More confirmed cases could surface as
the investigation continues.

The symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 may include severe stomach cramps,
diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. If there is fever, it usually is
not very high (less than 101 F/less than 38.5 C). Most people get better
within 5-7 days. Some infections are very mild, but others are severe
or even life-threatening.

###

Hedwig Brouckaert, an accomplished sculptor, will host a two-day workshop titled Re/producing Complexity in 3 Dimensions, in which she will teach students the process of silicone mold making.  Many contemporary artists have used the process of mold making in their work, continuing many ancient techniques.

Dr. Peter Lodermeyer, an expert in modern and contemporary sculpture, will curate an exhibition titled Re/Producing Complexity in the Helen E. Copeland Gallery in Haynes Hall, and provide highlights and criticism of various sculptors in different European countries, including famous artists as well as interesting new talents.  He will be able to give a well-informed survey of subjects, themes, materials and formal innovations in European sculpture today.  The exhibition will consist of complex and large-scale drawings by Hedwig Brouckaert, Nelleke Beltjens, and Jorinde Voigt, three young European women from three different countries.  Lodermeyer will give a brief gallery talk in which he will discuss the works individually and give critical insight to both artists and audience.  This will coincide with the gallery reception, Tuesday, October 7 from 5-7pm.

Lodermeyer will also give the lecture New Tendencies in European Sculpture in SUB Ballroom from 5:30-6:30 pm Monday, October 6, which is free and open to the public.  Using slides to help demonstrate, Lodermeyer will highlight some positions of various sculptors in different European countries.  He will give a will-informed survey of subjects, themes, materials and formal innovations in European sculpture today.

Hedwig Brouckaert will host a workshop for students called Re/producing Complexity in 3 Dimensions in which she will instruct mold making using silicone rubber for casting complex objects.  They will work from small objects that the participants bring to class.  Part one of the workshop will be held Monday, October 6 from 1-5pm in Haynes Hall 119, followed by part two on Wednesday, same time and place.   Limited space is available so please contact before Monday.

Brouckaert will also be giving a lecture and presentation of her work Thursday evening at 5pm in Cheever Hall 215.  She will discuss her life as an artist and show images of the work she has created and discuss works currently in progress.

This project has been made possible by the MSU Provost Office, School of Art, ASMSU, and NSF EPSCOR. The Helen E. Copeland Gallery is located on the second floor of Haynes Hall on the MSU-Bozeman campus.  Haynes Hall is on 11th Avenue near the duck pond.  For more information, please call Erin W. Anderson at 994-2562.

This afternoon, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has informed
the Michigan Department of Community Health that other states have E.coli
cases with the same genetic link as the 24 in Michigan. Those states include
Illinois (2), Ohio (2) and Oregon (1).

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