identity crisis

While I went to my recent graduate classes on a campus adjacent to the main University of Maryland flagship school, I learned yesterday from my advisor that I am not officially a Maryland Terrapin. Upon hearing the news I was crushed - the school I got my degree from is an adult education satellite institution within the University of Maryland system that has no mascot. But it is not technically part the University of Maryland - College Park campus - it's just a campus that happens to be next to UMD proper. However, I did work at the main UMD campus for 4 1/2 years, so perhaps I am a Terp in spirit - but still not officially an alumnus even though I took a few courses on the main campus.

I'm pretty sure I'm not yet a Redskin, but I no longer feel the need to identify with the Packers either. The Ravens are nice but I don't live in Baltimore. The only thing I'm sure of is that I am still a Pointer. The mascots of the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point (where I got my undergrad degree) are German shorthair pointer dogs named Stevie and Stephie Pointer. My alma mater was a land grant institution that trained game wardens back in the day, so a hunting dog was an appropriate choice. UWSP recently adopted a live mascot named McKenzie. We probably have a battle cry but I will choose to just say "WOOF!" because I say it a lot anyway, particularly when my honey pot is on fire. I just noticed that they now have a women's hockey team! Go Pointer Grrrlz! No doubt the stout Polish girls of Central Wisconsin make sturdy adversaries on the rink.

Official Dungeons and Dragons soft drinks are now available. I haven't tried them yet so I can't say how they taste. Flavors include Potion of Healing, Sneak Attack, Bigby's Crushing Thirst Destroyer, Dwarven Draught, and my personal favorite Eldritch Blast. Purchases include a free drow assassin miniature while quantities last.

The Alice in Wonderland trailer has me excited for the latest Tim Burton creation.

Check out the images at the bottom of the article about a vile parasitic isopod that replaces the fish's tounge with itself.

Here is a nice image gallery of summer scene photos taken by photoman Dan from San Diego. I think they're nice.