Book Log #68, 69 & 70: The Cave of Time, Outlaws of Sherwood Forest, Statue of Liberty Adventure by Edward Packard (The Cave of Time) and Ellen Kushner (the other two)

Kind of a cheat to get to a round number at year's end: all of these are Choose Your Own Adventure books, which I thumbed through one afternoon soon after we moved into the house. I'd liked the series as a kid, and had started buying them through eBay a couple of years ago (though I haven't bought any in some time).

The Cave of Time is the first book in the series, and is still pretty enjoyable. I was less enamored of the other two, which didn't seem to have as many interesting endings other than the "main" ending.

When I was getting these originally, I worked up to about book 22. Looking back at the list, the ones I remember most fondly were The Race Forever (an off-road rally similar to Paris-Dakar) and Escape (where you try to escape from a totalitarian state in the western part of the US).

Anyway, fun nostalgia to end the year.

Book Log 2006 #67: Braniac by Ken Jennings

As a fellow trivia geek, it's not surprising that there are many things about Braniac that I liked and found familar, from growing up a trivia geek (though I didn't play it down as Ken did) from his descriptions of various trivia subcultures, including quiz bowl and pub trivia. I also enjoyed the description of the Stevens Point weekend, and some of the history, especially the chapter he spent with Fred Worth, one of whose books was the only gift one set of grandparents gave me that I ever found useful (let's just say that they never quite knew my shirt size, as well as they meant in sending something).

What I would have liked was more about Ken's actual Jeopardy! run. While there are past and present behind the scenes books about the show (such as Prisoner of Trebekistan), winning 74 games is so different that I'd think there's something to be said there beyond what Ken wrote. I assume the brevity comes, in some measure, from Ken's unassuming nature. I'd have been OK with him showing a tad more vanity.

I also found that I did pretty well on the trivia questions that were in most chapters, pleasing the geek within. In any case, I think it's a good book for people who are interested in trivia, but may disappoint folks expecting more about the run.

Book Log 2006 #66: Imperium by Robert Harris

The first book in a planned trilogy on the life of Cicero, written as the lost biography of the man by Tiro, his secretary. It's less of a thriller than his other books, but no less dramatic given the perils of Roman politics that Cicero traverses on his quest to become consul. I don't think it's as good as some of Harris's earlier books, but it's still pretty good.

Back to the Cabot tonight to see The Departed, which I really enjoyed. Not sure if it's the best movie of the year, but I've seen few enough movies this year to make that call. It is the best movie I've seen this year, intermittent Clavenesque accents notwithstanding. Parts of the film were shot near the wife's office, so it was neat to see some familiar streetscapes.

I feel like I should have more to say about the two most notable deaths of the last few days, but I don't. I watched some of the Ford coverage today and it was pretty typical - fill with whatever you can while we wait for something to happen. As for Hussein, I've only seen the stuff they had on early saying he'd been hanged, and that it probably wasn't going to effect the current situation in Iraq too much. Which, sadly, seems true.

Book Log 2006 #65: The Demon Under the Microscope by Thomas Hager

This is a very interesting history of the discovery and use of sulfa drugs, the first antibiotic drugs. The description is a little dramatic - they weren't quite discovered by the Nazis - but is spot on in the way sulfa dramatically changed the prospects of surviving infection. What was most interesting to me is what the description doesn't really mention - that sulfa was already a well-known and widely available substance at the time its antibiotic properties were discovered.

I think that common nature led to the one drawback to the book: there's almost no discussion as to where sulfa came from. It appears in the book as this stuff that chemists tried in due course as they tested the efficacy of a wide array of compounds. I'd have liked a bit more on how sulfa got to that point.

In any case, it's a very good medical/scientific history, with a healthy dose of social and legal history, given the wide range of changes sulfa caused. It's even a cautionary tale on the incomplete and over-use of antibiotics, given how quickly sulfa fell from use. Recommended.

Book Log 2006 #64: Remembrance Day by Henry Porter

Having enjoyed Brandenburg Gate and not finding anything else interesting, I decided to pick this up, the only other of his books at our library. It's apparently the first book in a trilogy (albeit a loosely connected one), which I'll now have to seek out, given that I really liked this one. Very solid spy-type thriller about an Irish scientist caught up in what appears to be an IRA bombing campaign in London using bombs set off by cell phones. Which I suppose makes this the British equivalent to Tom Clancy's use of a jumbo jet to take out Congress in Debt of Honor. Just better-written and not as lengthy.

Book Log 2006 #63: Washington's Spies by Alexander Rose

Using new research from both American and British sources, in this book Rose tells the story of the Culper Ring, a spy group that got information out of British-held New York for use by Washington. It also provides some background into syping during the war (starting with the story of Nathan Hale) and into the mechanics of spying and the position spies had in war and society in general.

I never got as into this book as I thought I would. Rose takes long detours from the main narrative to provide biographical and background information, and perhaps detoured a bit too long or too deeply at times. The information is relevant, but when reading the book as I did (on a trip and by commuting), it can take a while to remember who everyone is, never mind things like motivations and relationships between ring members.

That aside, I do think that I would have liked the book more if I'd read it under more controlled conditions.

Book Log 2006 #62: In High Places by Arthur Hailey

Perhaps the only Cold War thriller based in the world of Canadian politics, In High Places follows Prime Minister James Howden as he tries to negotiate an immigration crisis and a dark personal secret in the days leading up to a historic agreement with the US. The story alternates between Howden and a newly minted lawyer named Alan Maitland, who is hired by an opponent of Howden's to fight the government in the immigration case of a ship stowaway. Maitland realizes to some extent that he's been hired for political reasons, but after meeting the stowaway feels compelled to take his case.

There are also subplots about a blossoming romance between Howden's secretary and his party chief, and the mental stability of a cabinet minister. Only the latter plays a significant role in the book.

Hailey was the Michael Crichton of his day, undertaking significant research to write topical works such as Airport and Hotel. This work appears to be more of a straight fiction undertaking, and perhaps suffers for it a bit, as the political machinations aren't particularly complex or surprising. This may be hindsight talking a bit, as the book was written in 1962, before Watergate made us all cyncal. Still, it is a contemporary of Seven Days in May, a very good political conspiracy novel. Maybe things are just less complicated in Canada.

I wound up picking this up when I was away over Thanksgiving and needed a book to read. And while I wasn't wowed by it, it was an OK read.

Happy Boxing Day! I hope you're having better luck finding the fights on TV, because I can't seem to find any.

(Have I used that joke before? Or does its lack of quality just make it seem like I have?)

Anyway, just returned from a few days up country, where we pretty much did nothing but eat and watch things on TV. It was very instructive, as I learned that Carrie Underwood and Tony Romo are approaching item status (good thing, now that we don't have Tom and Bridget to follow) and that the combination of Mentos and Diet Coke does some interesting things (this may be old news to many of you; I don't always get the fads from the Internets that quickly). I've also managed to see at least some of every bowl game so far this season, kind of dubious distinction given some of the contests. I did see the second half of the Hawaii Bowl, which was pretty much all you needed to see. Colt Brennan may throw for 60 TDs next year, asssuming he doesn't get Major Harris disease and opt for the NFL.

Really not much more to report. It was a very lazy holiday, which I suppose is for the best.

Book Log 2006 #60 and 61: Dandelion Wine and Farewell Summer by Ray Bradbury

The summer between 7th and 8th grade I participated in a reading program started by my 7th grade English teacher. Well, "participated" may be a little strong. I took the books on the last day of school. And as of the day before we were supposed to meet to discuss them, I'd not read a word in any of them. It was the summer, I had other things to do, apparently.

But, feeling like I should at least make an effort, I grabbed the thinnest book from the stack and dove in, figuring that within a day I'd be able to read and skim enough to discuss that book. I never skimmed the book and never went to the meeting, using all of that time to actually read Dandelion Wine. It is still one of my favorite books.

I think that comes from reading it at an age similar to that of Doug Spaulding and in a place that, in a pinch, could pass for Green Town (without the menacing gorge, though). I also had Spaulding's nostalgic bent, though I don't think it was fueled by the discovery of my own mortality.

Anyway, I read it every few years, and find that I do take things away from it now that were different from when I first read it. I assume that'll be the case when I'm closer in age to Spaulding's grandfather.

My latest venture into the book was sparked by coming across Farewell Summer, the decades-in-the-making sequel to Dandelion Wine. Made sense to me to read them back to back. Unfortunately, and perhaps not unexpectedly, the sequel does not stand up to the original at all. It introduces a number of new elderly citizens of Green Town with whom Spaulding and his friends take on in an attempt to never become old.

The sequel is very linear, and is disappointingly lacking in the sort of magic (for lack of a better word) that marked the original. Suffice it to say that when I do read Danelion Wine again, I won't be following it with its sequel.

I've been messing around a bit with labels, a feature that's been added to Blogger recently. While I like the concept, I'm not thrilled with the way it looks on the page. So if things look a little wonky here for the next couple of days, it's me messing with things.

Book Log 2006 #59: Let Me Tell You a Story by John Feinstein and Red Auerbach

After seeing this book referenced in a few obits after Red's death, I figured I'd check it out. I'm very glad I did, as it is an endlessly entertaining stream of anecdotes about Red's life, both in and out of basketball. Highly recommended.

Not sure this will help the NHL's image, but a write in candidate is currently polling second in the voting for Western Conference All-Star defensemen. That candidate is Rory Fitzpatrick, a journeyman currently with the Canucks. He's actually very close to taking over the lead.

As this may be your last chance to participate in this kind of mischief, you may want to vote while you still can. You have to think that the league will do something to prevent this from happening again next season.

Notes from the weekend.

Friday night was spent primarily watching UMass lose to Appalachian State in the 1-AA title game. Or, as we were reminded something like 20 times, the title game of the "Division 1 championship subdivision." Which, by extension, makes the Fake Bowl the title game of the "Division 1 bullshit subdivision."

Even with the loss by Our State U, this game will still wind up being more entertaining than at least a half-dozen of the coming bowls.

Saturday saw us do exactly what we didn't want to do - go Christmas shopping. Another year of planning to do things early goes by the wayside. Still, we completed the vast majority of the shopping we needed to do, so I can't really complain.

That night we saw The Prestige at the Cabot Cinema, a local theater that shows indie and second-run movies. I won't go into previews too much, given that four of the five were for movies that have been out for a while (The Queen, Flags of Our Fathers, Marie Antoinette, and Flushed Away). The fifth, Keeping Mum, is about a woman (Maggie Smith) who becomes a housekeeper to a vicar and his wife (Rowan Atkinson and Kristen Scott Thomas), who only learn after the hiring that Smith's character spent most of her life in a facility for the criminially insane... and may not be all that cured. This also stars, for reasons I cannot fathom, Patrick Swayze. One scene in the trailer had him wearing only a red codpiece. For reasons I'd rather not fathom.

(Apparently, Keeping Mum has been out for a while, too, as it was a 2005 release in the UK and was released over here last September. So perhaps it's better described as the one film I'd not heard of from the bunch.)

Anyway, it was fitting to see The Prestige at the Cabot, as it's best known as the home of Le Grand David and His Own Spectacular Magic Show, which has been resident at the theater since 1977. I've never actually seen the show. The only times I've been in the theater are for movies, and even then none since high school.

And while it's called a cinema, the Cabot is clearly a theater primarily for stage productions. It's not a bad place to see a film, but it's clear that it's not going to try to keep up with the multiplexes. Which is fine with me, if it keeps the tickets at $6 and the concession prices as low as they are.

Anyway, enjoyed the movie, but glad I didn't pay regular theather rates to see it.

Sunday was mostly football, punctuated with a run to get a red onion (for a dish I brought in for a divisional potluck today). Figured out I needed it at 9:45, got to Stop & Shop at 9:50 only to discover it closed at 9. So I raced across town to get to Shaw's before 10 (thinking it closed then), only to find that it closes at midnight. Good to know.

Book Log 2006 #58: The Templar Legacy by Steve Berry

Steve Berry is to Dan Brown what Scott Turow is to John Grisham: a better writer in a genre where someone else gets the lion's share of hype.

I don't think Berry is as good a writer as Turow, but if we're thinking about novels that would fall into whatever genre The DaVinci Code would fall into, Berry writes rings around Brown. From character to plot to pace, Berry wins on all counts.

Similar to his other books, Berry's protagonist is a guy who gets roped into a series of events after intervening in an act of attempted violence. This leads to a mad dash around Europe as the protagonist - quasi-spy turned book seller Cotton Malone - and his former boss at the US Justice Department try to solve the puzzle of the Knights Templar - a puzzle that led to the death of the boss's husband several years earlier. Throw into this a man who wants to return the Templars to their former glory, and you've got a pretty good set-up.

It does get a little dopey at times, but the entertainment value makes up for it. A fun read.

Following up on the holidays in the office, it turns out that I am the only person not participating in the Secret Gift-Giving Occasion. And while that could be a little isolating, it turns out to have worked in my favor.

We recently had a personnel change here, resulting in one less person in the office. That person was participating, of course, and their departure meant that someone was looking to go presentless. And, thanks to the decentralized nature of things, no one knew who that person would be.

Which is where I come in. The person coordinating the event had me get names from everyone so I could, by process of elimination, find out who was going to be ungifted and give their name to the person who had the person who left. So, really, my innate disdain for the SGGO turned into a positive. It's a Festivus Miracle!

Book Log 2006 #57: Berlin Games by Guy Walters

A reasonably interesting history of the 1936 Summer Games, from their awarding to Berlin, talk of boycott by the US and British teams, to the actualy competition and their aftermath. Pretty good balance of bouncing between organizers and athletes, though I imagine American readers would prefer more about Owens and other US athletes (Walters is British, as evidenced by his regular use of the term "cockahoop"). Though I'd have to think that descendents of Avery Brundage would have liked less coverage. He comes off very poorly, which is not much of a surprise given that he could be the smallest, pettiest person to ever be involved in American sports.

While I found it interesting, I will say that the writing was a little dry. Probably not the best commuter reading.

Not much to report on of late, just work and life and stuff. Been trying to get more into the holiday spirit, and in that vein put up a Festivus pole at work. People seem to like it, and my boss has put me in charge of some sort of Festivus committee (which currently is just me), for which I'm planning a lunchtime celebration on our last day. We'll watch "The Strike", air some greivances, and then have a (mental) Feats of Strength holiday quiz. Should be a fun time for all.

In a more traditional vein, we got a wreath for the house yesterday, though we've not put it up yet. Looks like we're passing on a tree this year, which makes sense given the state of the house.

We also got to go to the wife's holiday party for work, which was a surprisingly good time for an event where I don't know 90%-plus of the people. The party was at the World Trade Center, and thus we were able to get a reduced deal to stay overnight at the Seaport Hotel, one of the newer, swankier places that's been developed over by the new convention center. And while it was very nice, I can't say I felt like it met the hype. I liked the rooms we had at the Park Plaza and whatever the Swisshotel is now better.

Closed out the weekend watching the Pats get whipped (it's not good when a 21-0 score isn't as close as it looks, the offense was doing nothing) and wishing that I could carry Drew Brees' performance over to next week (had a bye in our fantasy football playoffs thanks to an inexplicable division title win). Oh, and while I missed it due to the party, Our State U. took out Montana to punch their ticket to Chattanooga, where they'll face Appalachian State. Were I younger, not married, and hadn't just been there, I'd mull a road trip. But then I'd wuss out.

Book Log 2006 #56: The Thinking Fan's Guide to the World Cup, edited by Matt Weiland and Sean Wilsey

You'd think it odd to read this so long after things were decided in Germany, but given how little this book actually had to do with this year's World Cup, the delay in reading it was not a problem.

While there is the minimally-required soccer information needed to consider this a guide to the Cup, the 32 national profiles that make up the bulk of the book don't touch on the country's chances. Rather, it uses the Cup as a chance to look at national character through the lens of soccer, though at times that lens has just the barest of curve to it.

The articles are generally well-written, but I didn't find that they made as much of a personal impact. It was interesting reading, but at this point I only have the impression of what was written, and even then not for all 32 articles.

In any case, it's still worth a read - as long as you aren't expecting a lot of writing about the event in the collection's name.

We made our return to bar trivia last week for the Tournament of Champions. Kind of a funny story - the team qualified by finishing second to a team called the Out of Towners, who were literally from out of town, visiting Boston for work and not scheduled to return at all, never mind for the tournament.

There was some rust, as shown by the greater than usual number of wrong answers, including one glaring one by me that hamstrung us. Still, we managed to climb back and finish a surprising third. This got us money towards our bill, which I think we actually preferred to the Bruins tickets being offered up as the grand prize (Sam Adams is again the sponsor, so I assume they're the same seats as last year).

Anyway, questions for you:

What city's shopping district is centered on Orchard Road? Singapore (Anthony) - we had no idea, but it sounded colonial, so we went with Hong Kong. Of course, there is no actualy city called Hong Kong, but we were in the weeds enough to not consider that.

What sport's hall of fame is located in St. Augustine, Florida? Golf (Paul) - I did the exact same thing Paul did, answering swimming. I was so sure of myself that I ignored a teammate who'd answered golf and went in with full marks. And, once I was proven wrong, we'd lost five points instead, putting us in the hole that we never quite got out from. I was under the impression that golf's HoF was at Pinehurst - which it used to be before moving to St. Augustine.

The element lutetium is named for what European city? Paris (Julie) - our collective French knowledge was apparently not up to snuff, and went with Lisbon because it starts with the same letter as the element. We were just that confused.

Made by monks, what liqueur is believed to be the oldest made in continual production? Benedictine (Anthony) - this combination of 27 plants and spices in a cognac base was first produced in 1510. We went with Frangelico, which was the first one to come to mind and, really, would have been the only one. But it only goes back about 300 years.

Who was the first rap act to appear on the cover of Rolling Stone? Run DMC (Paul) - seemed obvious, though I feared it'd be something stupid like Vanilla Ice.

Shakespeare's Measure for Measure takes place in what city? Vienna - the wife was the resident Shakespeare person, and she came up with Verona. Which is closer than any of the rest of us would have gotten.

Who are the only brothers to be nominated for acting Academy Awards? Joaquin and River Phoenix (Greg) - the former for Walk the Line and Gladiator, the latter for Running on Empty. We had no idea, and talked it out for a long time before throwing out the complete guess of Sean and Chris Penn (I thought Chris may have picked up a nod for The Funeral). Still kind of amazed that we missed with a full bet and still finished third.

Got our first snow today, most of which melted on contact with the ground. We had a dusting by the time it was over, but once the sun came out it melted. As odd as that was given that we were in the 60s less than a week ago, at least we didn't go the way of the midwest.

Also kind of funny to think that we had snow later in the year than Seattle.

With all this snow business you'd think I'd be more acclimated towards the looming holidays, but I'm not. No good reason for this, just not that enthused. Doesn't help that we're doing a Secret (Santa/Snowflake/non-offensive item of choice) rather than a Yankee Swap at the office this year. I wound up opting out; I don't like buying generic gifts for specific people, and invariably I pull the name of the person I know least well. So I feel kind of grinchy for that. But I suppose I'll brighten up when I finally put up the Festivus pole.

Blogalicious College Football Top 10

1. Ohio State (idle) - the one thing we can all agree on. Next opponent: Florida in the Fake Bowl.

2. Michigan (idle) - I was originally not keen on the idea of a repeat, but I warmed to it, as having seen all of these teams play I think Michigan really is the next best. Not that I get to vote in anything that matters. Next opponent: USC in the Rose Bowl.

3. Florida (def. Arkansas 38-28) - even if I'd favor a rematch, I'm not sure I have the same fervor against Florida's title shot that others have. I would ask those that do to get their pitchforks and torches and head to Indy. That may be what it takes to get a playoff. Next opponent: Ohio State in the Fake Bowl.

4. Louisville (def. Connecticut 48-17) - I know that others ranking the Cardinals this high is part of the reason why we're getting OSU-Florida, but like I said I don't get to vote in anything that matters. So if I want to throw them a bone for their 11-1 season, so be it. Too bad they didn't get a better bowl game. They deserve it more than Notre Dame. Next opponent: Wake Forest in the Orange Bowl.

5. Boise State (idle) - ditto for the Broncos, though I like their bowl placement. Next opponent: Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl.

6. Wisconsin (idle) - hope they've got a good run defense. Next opponent: Arkansas in the Capital One Bowl.

7. LSU (idle) - they lost the battle but won the (small) war, landing a BCS bowl and an extra week off to prepare for what is essentially a home game against a team that loves to get blown out in bowl. Laissez les bons temps rouler!. Next opponent: Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl.

8. Oklahoma (def. Nebraska 21-7) - from out under the woodwork come the Sooners, who can finally put the losses to Texas and Oregon behind them. Next opponent: Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl).

9. USC (lost to UCLA 13-9) - I'm not a big believer in ESP and the like, but I have to think that negative karmic energy was as much a factor in this result as anything. Did anyone not affiliated with USC want the Trojans to win? Next opponent: Michigan in the Rose Bowl.

10. Massachusetts (def. New Hampshire 24-17) - Our State University rolls on, but they've got a huge test in the semis. Keep your powder dry, Minutemen. Next opponent: at Montana.

Out of top 10:

Rutgers - I've been asked to note that the Scarlet Knights were robbed of a TD, a prime factor in their OT loss to West Virginia. I didn't see the game, but agreed to pass this along. Note that the person doing the asking is a Rutgers alum.

Book Log 2006 #55: Worlds to Explore, edited by Mark Jenkins

While current issues of National Geographic covers such topics as dance and soccer, Worlds to Explore goes back to the Society's roots by presenting over 50 classic articles (edited) on explorations of remote corners of globe. Most date to before 1950 (a few before 1900), and are arranged by the location being explored.

I think I'd have liked it better if, rather than one book of edited articles, the Society published several books, one per location, that included several full articles. I'd also have liked it if there were more maps and photos. For a book from the National Geographic Society, there was a conspicuous lack of both.

Still, there's some great reading here, both from an exploration context and from the underlying social context (let's just say that reflections on the native population weren't always that charitable).

After going to the Celtics game last night, I can now tell you with all certainty that Red Auerbach did not die of a heart attack.

He was killed by the Celtics Dancers.

Red was a long-time opponent of this sort of thing, so when the team put this group together while Red was still living - and NBA TV then went and made a special about the team's formation - how could it have not led to his demise?

In any event, it appears that the primary qualification for being on the team is to have hair long enough to toss around sexily. There was a lot of that.

This was also my first time seeing the TDFleetBanknorthShawmutCenterGarden's new scoreboard (or, as Wikipedia puts it, "HD entertainment board"). Which, from our seats near the floor, looked like the Mothership ready to land at center court and disgorge the P-Funk All Stars. While it has four "sides" (one for each screen), it also has three circular video ribbons and a flared bottom that looks like a bell for a rocket engine.

Oh, and there was a game, which the Celtics lost in grand fashion, blowing a 15 point third quarter lead en route to a 106-103 decision for the New Jersey Nets. The Celts didn't play poorly per se, but rather decided at some point to stop defending. They also don't have much of an inside game, which doesn't help matters. We did not stay for the post-game concert featuring Akon, which I know will come as a surprise to all.

So I just read that Miami has accepted a bowl bid - to play Nevada at the MPC Computers Bowl in Boise. For whatever reason, this just makes me grin like an idiot. Enjoy the famous potatoes, Hurricanes.

In a completely unrelated football note, the playoffs ended with a thud yesterday for my high school, as they lost 34-0. Tough way to end a good season.

A couple of football points (with apologies to Greg, who probably hasn't read this thing since August):

* Turning things around quite well from the last couple of seasons, my old high school made the playoffs this year (in the first year of actualy playoffs, more on that in a bit). The Manchester-Essex Hornets get to take on Ipswich, a team they've not played in over 40 years due in large part to the size difference in the two schools (Ipswich has roughly 200 more students in a school that serves two fewer grades).

Which leads to the playoffs. For many years, there was only a Super Bowl for each of five divisions, making the season very much like top-level college football in that losing one game pretty much knocked you out of the running. For my first three years of playing, this is exactly what happened to us.

Over the last few years, the body that oversees state high school sports reapportioned schools over seven divisons, but still with only one game. Finally, it's now set up so that each division has a playoff involving one of four conference winners (the exception being the bottom division, which is too small).

The upshot of all this reorganization is that there's more fairness with making the playoffs - MERHS made it this year with an 8-3 record - but less so in terms of playing teams from schools of a similar size. At least that's my perception where Manchester-Essex is concerned, but it's a small enough school that I think playing in anything but the lowest division would lead to this problem.

Anyway, more ranting than planned, good luck Hornets!

* For the first time since at least 2003 (and quite possibly earlier), I'm going to make the playoffs in the fantasy league I run. I think I've even clinched a bye. I won't bore you with details (again), but I'm pretty happy given that my team was centered on Shaun Alexander and Donovan McNabb... who played in the same week I think three times.

Book Log 2006 #54: Sweet and Low by Rich Cohen

A combined history of a product and a family, Sweet and Low tells the tale of how the Cumberland Packing Corporation went from a small time independent sugar packager to dominating the artificial sweetener market, and the familial implosion that came in the wake of success. It also purports to tell the history of post-WW2 Brooklyn and America's obsession with weight and dieting, though in those areas I think the book description is a little over the top.

Even so, the story that the book does tell is fascinating, especially as you see how the changes in the business changed the family and vice versa. It helps that the story is spiced with things like disinheritance, embezzlement, and Mob ties. The book jacket - which gives the basic story in comic form - is icing on the cake. Definitely recommended.

Book Log 2006 #60 and 61: Dandelion Wine and Farewell Summer by Ray Bradbury

In the summer between 7th and 8th grade, I participated in a summer reading group started by my 7th grade English teacher. Actually, "participated" is way too strong a word. I took the books home with every intention of reading. But as the days ticked off the calendar, I never quite got around to reading them.

So, on the day before we were supposed to meet to discuss the reading, I figured I should at least start one book, read what I could, and skim the rest. Taking the thinnest of the volumes, I dove in.

I never got around to skimming, and needless to say I never went to the meeting. But I did find a book that I've enjoyed ever since, and have returned to from time to time, much as the characters in the book would get some bracing from the title substance during the cold of winter.

Dandelion Wine struck a chord with me, probably due to the fact that I was not that much older than Douglas Spaulding, lived in a small town (smaller than Green Town, certainly), and, like Douglas, had a certain sense of nostalgia (though I don't think mine came from the same place as his). And while I'm taking away some different things from the book now that I'm older, I still enjoy seeing the transition from unfettered youth to the knowledge of what's to come.

Sadly, not much of this came over to Farewell Summer, the long in the making sequel. It's a much more straightforward work, where the conflict between young and old that slips in and out of Dandelion Wine comes home to roost. It's too literal and too linear, and is really kind of a downer. Do yourselves a favor and skip this.

Blogalicious College Football Top 10

1. Ohio State (idle) - Next opponent: TDB (1/8/07).

2. Michigan (idle) - After watching Florida struggle with Free Shoes U and USC ring up what might have been the most lackluster 20 point win by any team this season, I'm surprisingly still on board for a rematch. Next opponent: TBD.

3. USC (def. Notre Dame 44-24) - what a strange game this was, as it was hard to feel that USC was ever challenged, but at the same time that they weren't really dominating (first 10 minutes excepted). I fear that they are going to make the Fake Bowl, and that OSU will win 54-3. Next opponent: at UCLA.

4. Florida (def. Florida State 21-14) - this game was odder still, even if it was in Tallahassee. I know, rivalry game and all, but Florida needs to play high on the hog next week to have any title hopes. Next opponent: Arkansas (@ Georgia Dome).

5. Louisville (def. Pittsburgh 48-24) - not that they're going to get this high in any mainstream poll, but I think they're the best team of all the ones left with fewer than two losses (even though they got beaten by one of them). Next opponent: Connecticut.

6. Boise State (def. Nevada 38-7) - the Wolfpack went into this game leading the division in turnover margin - and promptly went a -3 for the game. Going 12-0, the Broncs should get a shot at a BCS game. Next game: TBD.

7. Rutgers (def. Syracuse 38-7) - welcome back, Scarlet Knights. All may not be forgiven, but we'll be amicable as long as you're in contention for a BCS bid. Next opponent: at West Virginia

8. Wisconsin (idle) - When do you get no love as an 11-1 team? When four of your wins come against Bowling Green, Western Illinois, San Diego State, and Buffalo. Next game: team TBD @ Capital One Bowl.

9. LSU (def. Arkansas 31-26) - had to let one two-loss team in, and LSU is probably the best of the bunch given that they beat Arkanasas on their field to end their national title run. Next game: TBD.

10. Massachusetts (def. Lafayette 35-14) - Our State University opens the playoffs with a big win. It doesn't hurt that their starting QB is named Liam Coen (unrelated, as far as I know) Next opponent: New Hampshire.

Out of top 10:

Notre Dame - here's a reality check - the last ND coach to lead the Irish to a win over USC was Bob Davie. Sorry, Charlie.

Arkansas - their running game is no problem, at least. Just need to tune up everything else before taking on Florida.

West Virginia - lost to South Florida - in Morgantown. They went from national title hopes to out of the BCS in less than a month.

Appalachian State - sorry, time to suck up to the Minutemen. Besides, how do you let Coastal Carolina hang around that long?

I was surprised to hear about this explosion this morning, given that we only live a couple of miles away. There is enough intervening stuff (hills, water, buildings, etc.) to buffer the noise. That or we're both heavy enough sleepers to miss it.

My brother and his wife, who live less than a mile from the site, did not get our night of uninterrupted slumber. Based on the noise that woke them up, they thought a plane had gone down. No damage to person or property for them, which is good. In fact, the relative lack of serious injury is pretty amazing. So there's that to be thankful for, at least.

As I'm wont to do when I have nothing to write about, I went back and looked at past entries from this time of year. Turns out I have a tendency to write about unseasonable warmth (which we had last week in spades; roughly a week ago from right now the car's outside thermometer read 70 degrees) and Thanksgiving food. Then I ran across a piece in the Globe about how no one's stuffing is as good as your mom's, but when you marry you get not only in-laws but their (inferior) stuffing.

This leads me to admit that I like my mother in law's stuffing quite a bit. It not really that comparable with my mom's, which was a much more traditional cooked inside the bird sort of affair. So, in this case, I feel completely justified at liking both versions.

I can't say the same for that staple of middlebrow American Thanksgivings, the green bean casserole topped with French's French Fried Onions. My mother in law doesn't make this (being English and all), and no one in my family makes anything close.

Getting back to the Globe article, the author also mentions that there are two types of families: football families and parade and dog show families. I grew up in the former, and while I don't care for the parade, I am very happy to flip between football and the dog show. This is especially true this year, given that the early game is Miami versus Detroit. If the turkey doesn't knock you out, this match-up will. Later offerings - Dallas versus Tampa Bay and BC versus the U of Miami - aren't much better. The best game of the day - Denver against KC - is on the NFL Network, which I don't believe my in-laws get anymore.

Maybe NBC can repeat the dog show?

Blogalicious College Football Top 10

1. Ohio State (def. Michigan 42-39) - well, that settles that. Or at least half of that. Next opponent: TDB (1/8/07).

2. Michigan (lost to Ohio State, 39-42) - OK, I was in that camp that didn't want a rematch in the national title game. But now I think that there'd be worse things. So for now, the Wolverines hang tight. Next opponent: TBD.

3. Florida (def. Western Carolina 62-0) - I suppose having a game like this late in the schedule is a nice breather, but it seems a little odd to be playing a patsy when everyone else is fighting for their lives. It doesn't help that the Gators next game is shaping up to be a breather, too. Next opponent: at Florida State.

4. USC (def. California 23-9) - if USC does run the table, it's going to be hard to deny them a trip to Glendale. Next opponent: Notre Dame.

5. Notre Dame (def. Army 41-9) - kind of a breather here, too, but at least Army is in the same division as Notre Dame (nominally). An interesting match-up this week, at least in terms of who you root for: the team everyone is sick of because they've been in the title game so much of late, or the one everyone is sick of because they're Notre Dame? Next opponent: at USC.

6. Arkansas (def. Mississippi State 28-14) - an ugly conference win on the road, perhaps looking ahead a bit to the regular season finale. Next opponent: LSU (11/24).

7. Wisconsin (def. Buffalo 35-3) - this really should only count as half a win. I suppose it's a nice way to guarantee a win to close out the regular season. Next opponent: TBD.

8. Boise State (def. Utah State 49-10) - you know, Western Carolina may not have been that bad an opponent. I bet they'd be competitive in a game against Utah State. Next game: at Nevada.

9. West Virginia (def. Pittsburgh 45-27) and Lousiville (def. South Florida 41-8) - I like the idea of keeping these guys together, the Chang and Eng Bunker of the Big East. Getting to be too few one-loss teams to do this, though. Next opponents: WVU v. South Florida; UL at Pittsburgh.

10. Appalchian State (idle) - the Mountaineers took the top seed in the NCAA Division I Football Championship (the NCAA is apparently hoping to confuse us by not using the 1-AA label). Next opponent: Coastal Carolina.

Out of top 10:

Rutgers - for a week it was great fun, thinking that lightning would strike and we'd get a most unexpected team in Glendale. But then they had to go and get slapped around by a Cincinnati team that needed the win just to become bowl-eligible. Sad times along the banks of the Raritan.

I will admit to being somewhat concerned about US Air's hostile takeover bid of Delta, not because of the anti-trust concerns (the combined airline would be the US's largest carrier and would basically own the Boston-NYC-DC shuttle routes), but because US Air sucks. If forced to fly a legacy carrier I opt for Delta (with American a close second), for no reason other than having good luck with them. On the other end of things, I think the only airline I avoid more than US Air is Continental.

Looking at the data, they're all about the same on on-time performance (Continental beats the other two nationally and at Logan, while Delta is better than US Air at Logan but not nationally). Quick comparisons suggest that I should really avoid Northwest and United. Interestingly, two of the best airline for being on-time - Southwest and Frontier - don't fly into Logan. I suppose that says something.

Following up on Rutgers, Chris Rosenberg sent along an article from a local paper detailing how the Scarlet Knights can wind up in Glendale playing for the national title. They are:

Step one: win out

The biggest step, as without this nothing else matters. This may also be the toughest step, as Rutgers has to go to Morgantown to take on West Virginia to close the season. They've never beaten West Virginia at home. West Virginia is also on an 11 game winning streak against Rutgers.

Step two: have the loser of Ohio State-Michigan take a tumble in the polls

Probably the next most important step, but also the least predictable given that it's about off the field stuff. The article thinks that the best bet here is to have Michigan win, as the combination of a loss at home and lack of wins over currently-ranked opponents (just Texas; Iowa and Penn State were ranked when they played Ohio State but aren't now) would lower Ohio State in the eyes of the polls.

There's also some talk about not having a re-match in the title game (not sure if it's a lot of talk, saw an article on it on ESPN or Yahoo), so voters may try to do the math to keep it from happening either way.

Step three: USC loses to Cal or UCLA

Certainly possible, but USC gets Cal at home and then has to "travel" to UCLA.

Step four: Notre Dame loses to USC

Also possible, as the game is in L.A. and Notre Dame hasn't won this game since 2001. Alternately, ND could lose to Army this weekend and then beat USC to take both out of the picture. That'd be something.

Step five: Arkansas loses to LSU

Difficult given the way the Razorbacks are playing, but they have to go into Baton Rouge and may be looking ahead a bit to the SEC title game (assuming they don't lose to Mississippi State this weekend and go into the LSU game needing the win to make the title game).

Step six: Arkansas beats Florida in the SEC title game

Thus giving Florida its second loss.

Theoretically, all the other teams that could be undefeated (Boise State) or have one loss (Wisconsin, Louisville, and Wake Forest) would be too far back to catch up. Though I'd have to think a little bit more about Wake - they end the season with two ranked teams (Virginia Tech and Maryland), and (assuming wins over those two) an ACC title game tilt with nationally-ranked Georgia Tech. While none are highly-ranked, that'd be a lot of wins over ranked teams for the computers and voters to consider.

So there it is. It's just that easy, Rutgers.

Had a follow-up visit with the doctor yesterday (nothing serious), and was given a vaccine for pneumonia. I didn't know such a thing existed. Doing a little reading on it, I'm not sure why I got one - it seems like they're mostly given to the elderly, little kids, and the immunocompromised. I don't fall into any of those groups. I suppose it's related to the breathing thing, which I guess puts me more at risk to getting pneumonia. In any case, it's good for several years, so I won't have to deal with it again for a while.

My arm is hurting a bit where I got the shot, which I find odd (it didn't hurt yesterday) but is apparently not unusual.

Anyway, more fun to come with the flu shot. I've only gotten one of these before, thankfully without the common complaint of the shot making me sick.

The other odd thing is that I've apparently sprained my right middle finger. Not sure how that happened - unlike what Dave Barry says, I don't use it when driving - but my best guess from when it started hurting is that I did it in my sleep. Which comes as a surprise to none of you.

Blogalicious College Football Top 10

1. Ohio State (def. Northwestern 54-10) - the countdown has begun. Next opponent: MIchigan.

2. Michigan (def. Indiana 34-3) - Manningham's back, and just in time. The Wolverines look for their first win at the Horseshoe this century (OK, it's only their third oppotunity, but it just sounds so dramatic. Next opponent: at Ohio State.

3. Rutgers (def. Louisville 28-25) - they're undefeated and in a BCS conference, so there! You reap what you sow. Next opponent: at Cincinnati

4. Florida (def. South Carolina 17-16) - the Ol' Ball Coach nearly pulled it off. The importance of special teams has never been clearer. Kind of sad to think that the Gamecocks are on the bubble for a bowl, they play the big teams so close. Florida, meanwhile, should coast to the SEC title game. Next opponent: Western Carolina.

5. USC (def. Oregon 35-10) - solid home win over a ranked opponent. Now they just have to do it two more times in a row. Good luck with that. Next opponent: California.

6. Arkansas (def. Tennessee 31-14) - it only took 10 weeks, but the Razorbacks are getting BCS notice. Now you just need to win next week to get into the SEC title game. Next opponent: at Mississippi State.

7. Notre Dame (def. Air Force 39-17) - if they win next week, do they get the Commander in Chief's Trophy? Next opponent: Army.

8. Wisconsin (def. Iowa 24-21) - they never win pretty, but the Badgers have fought their way to 10-1. They'd be toast of the conference... if they didn't play in the Big 10. Enjoy the Outback Bowl. Next opponent: Buffalo.

9. Boise State (def. San Jose State 23-21) - undefeated and unloved by the BCS. Sorry, Broncs. Next game: Utah State.

10. West Virginia (def. Cincinnati 42-24) and Lousiville (lost to Rutgers 25-28) - they know how the other feels. Misery loves company. Next opponents: WVU at Pittsburgh (11/16); UL v. South Florida.

Out of top 10:

Texas, Auburn, California - two losses and out you go.

Hawaii - they blew out Louisiana Tech, but already had two losses.

Legal scholars and foodies, take note. The burrito is not a sandwich.

At least that's the ruling of a court here in Massachusetts. For those not wanting to hit the link (or if the Globe has hidden the article in the part they want you to pay for), a Panera in Shrewsbury sued their landlord contending that by renting another space in the same plaza to Qdoba, they violated a condition of the lease allowing Panera to be the plaza's exclusive sandwich-maker.

Now, cases like this makes me wish I had gone into practice. I'd just need to make sure I had enough Oust for the conference room.

Book Log 2006 #53: Heretic by Bernard Cornwell

The final book in the Grail trilogy, and I have to say it was disappointing. I didn't buy into the new female character that was introduced (too forced), and I was able to sort out how the quest was going to end pretty early into things (though the ultimate resolution fit the overall story).

I'm a little concerned about the final book in the Alfred the Great trilogy going the same route. I'll apparently be able to find out in January 2007.

Book Log 2006 #52: Knights of the Black and White by Jack Whyte

The first book in a promised trilogy about the Knights Templar, this hefty novel covers their founding and the search for a treasure based on a previous legend. There are various side stories involving a princess of Jersualem and an assassin in her employ, which just adds to the bulk.

For all of what happens in the book it never feels like its moving all that much. There's also a shift in the middle of the book with the addition of a new knight, and the shift pretty much pushes the main characters out of the picture for a decent number of pages.

So while it filled the time while commuting, I don't think I'd search out the next installment.

Not sure why, but election nights have maintained a Christmas Eve-like level of wonder and excitement for me. I don't leave milk and cookies out for Wolf Blitzer or anything, but there's something about watching the process unfold over the night that I find fascinating, inasmuch as it verifies that our system, flawed as it is, still works.

I turned on the TV last night at about 8:01, just in time to see Deval Patrick get named the winner of the governor's race here. No big surprise there. Spent the rest of the night (minus an interlude for House forced by our recording two shows at once) flipping between CNN, Fox, and New England Cable News to catch results. This was the first election where I spent almost no time with the on-air networks, focused mostly on the last few minutes of Nightline's coverage on the bedroom TV (no cable). I suppose this comes, at least in part, from the networks not going to election coverage until later in the night, by which time I'd gotten used to flipping between the cable outlets.

Between CNN and Fox, I am surprised to say that I favored Fox's coverage a bit more. CNN had way too many talking heads, from Blitzer and Jeff Greenfield walking back and forth looking at various large monitors (it felt like they were window shopping at the mall), to Anderson Cooper moderating two different groups - one group of four with Carville, Begala, JC Watts, and Bill Bennett, the other of three people I didn't recognize. Fox kept it to a few of the expected people - Hume, Barnes, Kondracke, and one other guy whose name I think I'm misremembering (Juan Williams?) - and had better graphics, I thought (though CNN's "see-saw" depiction of the balance in the House, Senate, and governorships was neat).

Not surprisingly, the Fox coverage was a little more subdued. I had expected funerial music and a black border around the screen, really.

Not much to say about the crop of people we elected up here. No real surprises, and while I'm still wary about Patrick's ability to pay for everything he'd like to do without soaking us further, I'd rather have him giving it a go than continuing on with the current leadership. Besides, this frees Healey up to stump for Mitt.

The ballot question on wine sales in food stores lost pretty handily, which was our one surprise. The folks opposing this question seemed to get more ads on air in the last week or so, not sure if that made the difference or not. That makes it a pretty bad election year all around for the Stop & Shop supermarket chain - Deb Goldberg (whose family founded the chain) lost the Democratic lieutenant governor primary, and it's estimated that they put up about 70 percent of the money in support of the question.

Blogalicious College Football Top 10

1. Ohio State (def. Illinois 17-10) - it's apparently possible to be looking ahead more than one week in advance. That or purple scares the Buckeyes more than I thought. Next opponent: at Northwestern.

2. Michigan (def. Ball State 34-26) - do they know they were playing Ball State and not Louisville? I know it's the same mascot, but the similarities end there. Next opponent: at Indiana.

3. Texas (def. Oklahoma State 36-10) - do you get the sense that there are a whole lot of new Rutgers fans in Austin nowadays? Next opponent: at Kansas State.

4. Louisville (def. West Virginia 44-34) - well, they kept West Virinia below their usual scoring average. That has to count for something. Still, I didn't know these guys played in the WAC. Next opponent: at Rutgers (11/9).

5. Florida (def. Vanderbilt 25-19) - the Gators gave up 391 yards to Vandy, and played a little more closely than they'd like going into this week, given how the Gamecocks are playing most teams close. Throw in Spurrier, and it should be an uncomfortable week of practice in Gainesville. Next opponent: South Carolina.

6. USC (def. Stanford 42-0) - hope the Trojans enjoyed themselves this week, as they've got actual opponents for the rest of the season. Next opponent: Oregon.

7. Auburn (def. Arkansas State 27-0) - it's kind of funny to think of Georgia and Alabama as a favorable schedule, but with Arkansas playing Tennessee and LSU to close the season, Auburn has room to be optimistic about the SEC title game. Next opponent: Georgia.

8. California (def. UCLA 38-24) - they've come back nicely from their season-opening blowout at the hands of Tennessee, and should continue the trend this week before taking on the Trojans. Next opponent: at Arizona.

9. West Virginia (lost to Louisville 34-44) - defense wins championships, even in college. Next opponent: Cincinnati.

10. Hawaii (def. Utah State 63-10) - the (Rainbow) Warriors became the first team to accept a bowl bid, taking a berth in the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl to be played on Christmas Eve. This guarantees that the stadium will be at least one-third full. They'll play a Pac-10 team (my guess is either Arizona or Washington State, depending on how they finish up). Next opponent: Louisiana Tech.

Out of the Top 10:

Tennessee - No two loss teams allowed. Sorry, Tennessee!

Cal Poly - lost to Montana, who should get promoted to the WAC or something.

Temple - planted the seed of a new losing streak in the fertile ground of Lincoln Financial Field, getting thumped by Central Michigan.

Book Log 2006 #51: The Mission Song by John LeCarre

I'm not sure if this is LeCarre's best post-Cold War book, but it's pretty close. Bruno Salvador, the son of a missionary priest and a Congolese woman, is an interpreter specializing in local languages of East Africa. Now living in London, he is chosen to interpret a secret meeting between some locally powerful players in a section of the DR Congo (formerly Zaire) and a British group that may or may not be an official government delegation. From there, his background and involvement with a nurse originally from the area being discussed leads him in some very unexpected directions (I know that's a little vague and blurbish, but I'm not going to get into specifics).

LeCarre has done very well making the transition from the Cold War to a much grayer world (with some less savory forays), and his focus on Africa (between this book and The Constant Gardner) throws some welcome light on to what are generally unknown issues and conflicts. Recommended.

I just got this announcment:

"On Saturday Nov 4 and Sunday Nov 5, work on COFAN is being scheduled during the 5:00am - 7:00am maintenance windows. The work's primary purpose is to further increase the level of resiliency of COFAN's core to fiber failure by re-balancing traffic within COFAN's internal mesh. This is achieved through adjustments in OSPF routing on selected core links. These adjustments do not affect data delivery to the Schools, except for guaranteeing the extra resiliency."

While most of the words look familiar, is this English?

We've just started our spring registration period at work. Generally, I like registration because we're busy and there's more interaction with students (which is not always positive, and sometimes more one-sided than I'd like, but generally positive).

What takes away from it is when we have to shut the whole thing down because of a server error which wasn't corrected until after noon. We wound up just moving everything back a day, which was a pretty easy solution based on events. Still, it a definite hip deep in pie sort of day.

Luckily, I got to unwind after work at the Barenaked Ladies show. It was the usual good time, I liked the songs from the new album, and they played "Grade 9," which is always a treat thanks to the riff from "Tom Sawyer." It's like the Canadian rock equivalent of lobster stuffed with tacos. They closed with "Brian Wilson," encored with a couple of newer songs, and - bam! second encore! - with "If I Had $1000000."

Opening act was Mike Doughty's Band. Don't know how it measured against his stuff with Soul Coughing, but he was a solid opening act. Certainly better than the woman who opened for David Grey.

We're now less than a week from Election Day (thankfully), so it's time for the vaunted Blogalicious endorsements!

Governor: OK, it's pretty easy to start with who I'm not endorsing: Kerry Healey and Christy Mihos. Healey gets the gate for a myriad of reasons, from her ugly campaign to her sparse record. I wouldn't have endorsed her if she were running unopposed.

Mihos, meanwhile, has run more of a personal vendetta than a campaign, a tantrum disguised as a run for office. He had a chance to use his fiscal conservatism and socially moderate stance to attract the large group of moderate, unenrolled voters that helped Romney win in '02, but didn't make the connection.

That leaves us with Grace Ross and Deval Patrick. Ross, like Jill Stein in '02, is a thoughtful presence in the campaign. But she's a little too far to the left for my taste. This leaves Deval Patrick.

But I can't quite endorse him. He's also thoughtful, and inspiring in a way that we've not seen in the governor's race in some time. But he's a little too glib for me; Mihos's comment that Patrick favors uttering "sweet nothings" is probably the most insightful thing he said in the entire campaign. Patrick is in favor of a lot of things, but doesn't seem to have a cohesive plan to pay for his ideas. Or even pay for some of the ideas he'll inherit, though all the candidates are hazy there.

There's also the issue of Patrick's forgetfulness, which between his advocacy for Benjamin LaGuer and how he voted on the tax rollback, is clearly his favorite defense mechanism for answering questions he's not prepped for. I'm not saying that he needs to remember everything in detail - I have no idea how I voted for the rollback - but saying "I don't remember" is as much of a dodge as using the question to give a different answer.

I like Patrick, and think he's probably the closest candidate to what I believe, but I can't quite pull the trigger. Thus, I am endorsing no one. I may still vote for Patrick if I feel like adding to the assumed landslide, or may vote for Ross to give some votes for the Greens. Or I may go the wife's route and write in Shawn DeVeau. We'll see how I feel when I'm in the booth.

Attorney General: Middlesex County DA Martha Coakley is facing off against Larry Frisoli, and is expected to win handily. I knew nothing about Frisoli until this morning, when I got a flier from someone at North Station. Main points to take away from it:

* Does pro bono work on cases against NAMBLA
* Is an avid outdoorsman and is a high mucky-muck in state soccer
* Is in favor of changing auto insurance rates to reflect individual driver history, rather than set rates by age or class
* Would have convicted drug dealers register their addresses, similar to what's done for sex offenders
* Wants to force private universities and colleges to take a certain percentage of state residents, and force them to give an in-state rate.

There's nothing about the Big Dig on the flier, which concerns me given that prosecuting cases related to it will be high on the AG's agenda. And as someone who works at a private college, I can't say I'm thrilled with the idea that the state's going to muck about in our business.

Martha Coakley it is. Maybe I'll write her in for governor, too.

Secretary of State: Incumbent Bill Galvin is taking on former Green Party gubernatorial candidate Jill Stein. I didn't get to vote for Stein in '02 given the close race that year, and wish I could vote twice for her now. Jill Stein gets the nod.

Treasurer: Tim Cahill is running against Green Party candidate James O'Keefe, and based on how it's gone so far Tim Cahill can stay.

Auditor: For some reason, the antipathy I feel for Bill Galvin doesn't extend to Joe DiNucci, who has been auditor for decades. Rand Wilson of the Working Families Party is opposing him, which is about as thankless a task as can be. Joe DiNucci gets my vote, for what it's worth.

US Senator: Speaking of long-time party hacks, Teddy Kennedy is vying to get into his fifth decade of representing Massachusetts in the Senate. And in asmuch as I dislike the hackishness, I (like many here) have a hard time not voting for him. But I'm going to resist the urge, though not to cast a ballot for Ken Chase, his opponent. Instead, I am going to endorse me. It'd be a nice change of pace, and the raise would be welcome. Remember, that's C-O-E-N.

Question 1: Only slightly less distasteful than Healey's ads is the entire campaign over this question, which would OK wine sales in supermarkets and similar locations. The campaign, styled as a battle between consumer choice and public safety, has been a proxy war between the retailers who will benefit from the question's passage and the liquor store owners who stand to lose business. If there was a voting option that would punish both sides, I'd recommend it in a heartbeat.

Without that, though, I'm going to vote yes on Question 1. While it does increase the number of liquor licences, cities and towns are under no obligation to issue them. So if this passes and you're really concerned about the impact, get to know your licencing board members.

Question 2: This quesion would effect a number of changes in voting laws, most notably by introducing "fusion voting," where a candidate would be listed on the ballot under each party's endorsement. Voters could then vote by party, giving votes to smaller parties while voting for better known candidates.

I like the idea in theory, but in practice this sounds like a disaster. So I'm voting no here. Come back when we get touch screen voting that could handle this better.

Question 3: There's something very unthreatening about letting day care workers unionize, to the point where there doesn't seem to be any unified opposition to the question. The Globe endorsed a no vote, saying that the issue should go back to the legislature based on its complexity. And for the Globe to not endorse a union position (the SEIU is heavily involved in this) makes me think that their arguement has some merit. No it is, then.

My enthusiasm for the new college hockey season - or perhaps I should say BU's role in it - appears to have been a little misplaced, as the Icedogs have limped out of the gate. (It didn't help that I thought we only lost 3 seniors last season - that was the season before - when we actually lost twice as many, including our entire first line).

2-1-1 doesn't look like too much of a limp, but consider that comes against RPI, Northeastern, Merrimack, and Lowell, who are a combined 7-10-6. Granted, NU managed to beat Michigan this past weekend (thanks to a goalie who made 45 saves), but this isn't exactly Murderer's Row.

(On the other hand, consider the sad case of UNH, who beat North Dakota out there twice, only to return home to lose to UMass and Yale. I saw the OT for the latter, where UNH had an overtime goal disallowed due to a quick whistle - some things never change in Hockey East - and then gave up the game-winner on the next shift down ice. Beautiful.)

I suppose I shouldn't complain - this start is pretty much on track with the last three editions of the Icedogs - but the way they're playing, and with an upcoming run of Maine, at UNH, and at Vermont, I'm nervous.

Blogalicious College Football Top 10

1. Ohio State (def. Minnestoa 44-0) - Now it's just avoiding injuries until Michigan. Next opponent: at Illinois.

2. Michigan (def. Northwestern 17-3) - see above regarding injury avoidance. Next opponent: Ball State.

3. West Virginia (idle) - continuing a thought from last week: both West Virginia and Louisville still have to play Rutgers. Are we concerned about the wrong Big East team making the BCS? Next opponent: at Louisville (11/2).

4. Texas (def. Texas Tech 35-31) - they did what USC couldn't do, and are thusly rewarded. Still, down 21-0 after the first quarter? Next opponent: Oklahoma State.

5. Florida (def. Georgia 21-14) - a little sluggish in the World's Largest Outdoor Non-Alcoholic Football Gathering, but they've got a week to tune up for their last big conference test. Next opponent: at Vanderbilt.

6. USC (lost to Oregon State 33-31) - almost another comeback, but for nought. I wish I hadn't changed channels, thinking that the Beavers had salted this one away. Still in good position if they can win out, given the run of ranked teams they get to play at home. This week is not one of those. Next opponent: at Stanford.

7. Tennessee (def. South Carolina 31-24) - Spurrier didn't have the weapons for his usual knife to the heart that Tennessee fans know so well. But he may have given them more than they wanted going into another big game. Next opponent: LSU.

8. Auburn (def. Mississippi 23-17) - If you're going to squeak out a conference win on the road, can you at least do it against a team that's going to go to a bowl game? Next opponent: Arkansas State.

9. Louisville (idle) - Louisville plays in a stadium named for pizza chain Papa John's. Hate to see their training table. Next opponent: West Virginia (11/2).

10. Cal Poly (def. San Diego State 16-14) - so much for back-to-back wins. The Chuck Long era slouches along. Next opponent: at Montana.

10. Temple (def. Bowling Green 28-14) - Sweet Fanny Adams, Temple won a game! Sure, it's a team that should be 1-AA beating a team that used to be 1-AA, but a win's a win, and snapping a 20-game losing streak merits notice. Duke is now your paragon of futility, riding a 16-game losing streak. Next opponent: Central Michigan

Out of the Top 10:

San Diego State - this is not going to help the Mountain West gain credibility. Not that it's an issue this year.

Book Log 2006 #50: The Nasty Bits by Anthony Bourdain

This new book is actually a compendium of stories, some (perhaps most) previously published. But as I don't often pick up Gourmet or the like, they were all new to me!

I still like Bourdain more as a writer than on TV, and if the writing is anything to go by, he seems to think of himself in the same way. The only thing I didn't care for in the collection was how comments about each story were put together at the end. It'd have been more useful to put them after each story. Not all of the stories are jewels, but in the balance there's no bit that's too nasty.

Book Log 2006 #49: The Rommel Plot by John Tarrant

OK World War II novel about a British agent who is going forward with a plot to assassinate Rommel, even though he's been warned off of it by his superiors in the hopes of Rommel leading Germany in the wake of Hitler's demise in the von Stauffenberg bomb plot. As you might be able to tell from the link it's out of print, so good luck finding it. I came across it during the same browsing session that landed me Dallas Down, so it wasn't hard to think positively about it in comparison.

I've been meaning to post about the governor's race, but it's gotten pretty dismal, and I'd prefer not to think about it. The dismality (dismalness?) comes from Kerry Healey's race to the bottom, as she seized on Deval Patrick's intercession on behalf of a convicted rapist to play the "soft on crime" card, devolving into a fairly controversial ad that is reminiscent of the Willie Horton ad that helped torpedo Mike Dukakis. Making things worse is that Healey's been spending pretty freely on ad time, so her spots are hard to miss.

Patrick didn't help himself in this by his lack of clarity as to his involvement in the case, saying he didn't know how often he'd written in the guy's behalf, when he did, or if he'd given money to help fund a DNA test. While some (Healey especially) have latched on to this as a sign that Patrick will open up the cell doors, to me it's another instance where Patrick is missing the ball when it comes to substance.

Patrick has had one ad air about his stance on crime, but it doesn't feature him. It features the Attorney General-presumptive, Martha Coakley. It does a decent job of pointing out Patrick's past and the deficiencies in the current administration's approach to crime, but it has one problem. It makes me want Martha Coakley to be governor.

In any case, Healey may have let the negative ads run a little too long. Polls had Patrick's lead down to the teens, but new numbers released yesterday put his lead back out in the mid-20s. Healey and Patrick have already sparred over the ads in the last debate. It'll be interesting to see what comes out in the next one.

Book Log 2006 #48: Baseball Before We Knew It by David Block

You've heard of baseball history books that are "scholarly," but this book takes a literal approach to the term. Growing out of a bibiliography of old texts that mention baseball or baseball-type games, Block went from cataloging sources to actually using them to show that the American Pastime is as much a European transplant as anyone who came over on the Mayflower.

I like that Block doesn't take a simple chronological approach to the task, but rather starts by showing how the widely-accepted myths about baseball's "invention" - be it Abner Doubleday or rounders - are false. This sets up his later examination of texts from Britain and Germany (!), showing how baseball came to the fore among the variety of bat and ball games that were out there.

This latter part of the book tends to drag a bit, though, and waiting until this part to define terms does lead to a little difficulty in reading the first part. For example, if you didn't know what the "old cat" games were before reading this, mention of them in the book early on may leave you a little lost. It's clear that it's a bat and ball game, but there are no details given until some time into the book.

In any case, though, it's a very readable and unique baseball history that comes recommended. The University of Nebraska Press has an interesting selection of baseball books, which is pleasantly surprising given the school's football focus. They also put out Fleet Walker's Divided Heart, one of the more interesting selections during my Baseball Book of the Week reading list.

Blogalicious College Football Top 10

1. Ohio State (def. Indiana 44-3) - Indiana opened the game with a field goal and then gave up 44 unanswered points. Is anyone surprised? Next opponent: Minnesota.

2. Michigan (def. Iowa 20-6) - solid win to segue into filler. Next opponent: Northwestern.

3. West Virginia (def. Connecticut 37-11) - what can I say, I'm feeling cranky. I do look forward to seeing this offense butting heads with a ranked team. Finally. Next opponent: Louisville (11/2).

4. USC (idle) - from watching things this weekend it sounds like a loss here is more a matter of when than of if. Which means that they'll run the table just to confound us all. Next opponent: at Oregon State.

5. Texas (def. Nebraska 22-20) - a good reminder that they can beat good teams, too. Now they just have to hope that there's plenty of BCS opportunity for a one loss team. Next opponent: at Texas Tech.

6. Auburn (def. Tulane 38-13) - see above re: BCS opportunities for a one loss team. It just may be that they won't be the SEC team that manages to only take one loss. Next opponent: at Mississippi.

7. Florida (idle) - OK, so not so much the party anymore, at least officially. I'd have to think that Bulldog fans may want to keep some spirits handy for this one, though. Next opponent: Georgia.

8. Tennessee (def. Alabama 16-13) - not the way you want to go into a testing three game stretch. Will Spurrier kill the Vols again? Next opponent: at South Carolina.

9. Louisville (def. Syracuse 28-13) - I was really looking for a 40 point win here. I feel cheated. With the big game coming up, wouldn't it be interesting if the Cardinals knocked off West Virginia and then turn around and lose to Rutgers? Next opponent: West Virginia (11/2).

10. San Diego State (def. Air Force 19-12) - The Aztecs not only avoided the worst start in school history, but they gave Chuck Long his first win as head coach. They may even win next week. No promises, though. Next opponent: Cal Poly.

Out of the Top 10:

Vanderbilt - They lost to South Carolina, allowing Steve Spurrier to keep his perfect record against the Commodores. That includes his time as head coach at Duke, so he pretty much has Vandy's number. He could probably beat them with a Pop Warner squad.

Book Log 2006 #47: Dallas Down by Richard Moran

An epic drought leads to the severe depletion of aquifers, with the result that Dallas in in danger of collapsing into a giant sinkhole. A Texas billionaire has a devious plan to prevent this (don't click the link if you don't want to know what it is), but a world-famous spelunker (on a mission to find a boy lost in underground caverns) may thwart his plans.

The plot is equal parts audacious and ludicrous, and in both plot and writing it seems to be trying for Clive Cussler, and falling short. Probably only worthwhile if you find the concept too interesting to pass up.

So tonight is the first home game of the new college hockey season (the Icedogs went up to Troy last week and salvaged a 4-4 tie with RPI). I have to say I'm pretty excited, more so than in past years. I've been walking around the office all morning supressing the urge to check co-workers into the walls.

I think I'm more excited because I have more optimism going into this season than in the recent past. The team is coming off of a great season (NCAA tournament result notwithstanding), and while they'll be pressed to repeat their run of Beanpot title and Hockey East regular season and tournament titles, they've got the players to do it.

There was some temptation to run a college hockey top 10 here to compliment the football top 10, but I think I'm a little too close to things. I'd probably keep BU too high, and would have significant problems the other way with the team up the street. I'd rather break my keyboard than use it to put them at the top spot.

Blogalicious College Football Top 10

1. Ohio State (def. Michigan State 38-7) - I assume the biggest hits of the day for the Spartans would have been John L. Smith slapping himself again. The best press conference schtick since the many personalities of Clinton Portis. Next opponent: Indiana.

2. Michigan (def. Penn State 17-10) - yes, I'm doing this to crank up the Ann Arborites. Enjoy! Next opponent: Iowa.

3. USC (def. Arizona State 28-21) - given how close run its been for them to get through Washington State, Washington, and Arizona State, I can't imagine how they're going to get through Oregon, Cal, and Notre Dame unscathed. Next opponent: at Oregon State (10/28).

4. West Virginia (def. Syracuse 41-17) - I know it's Syracuse and all, but I have to love a team whose QB runs for over 200 yards and 4 scores. So for this week at least, a bump. Next opponent: at Connecticut (10/20).

5. Texas (def. Baylor 63-31) - I think I may have been too high on the Longhorns given the amount of fluff in their schedule (Oklahoma win notwithstanding). No fluff this weekend, though. Next opponent: at Nebraska.

6. Auburn (def. Florida 27-17) - 27 points, no offensive TDs. I should really just rank the Auburn defense and special teams here. I have a feeling the offense will get back on track this week. Next opponent: Tulane.

7. Florida (lost to Auburn, 17-27) - they're still very good, the class of the SEC East thanks to their win over Tennessee. Now they just have to avoid getting too drunk to win the World's Largest Cocktail Party. Next opponent: Georgia.

8. Tennessee (idle) - speaking of the SEC East, what are the odds that the Vols will win the divison with remaining games against LSU and Arkansas? Thinking about that makes this week's game seem tame by comparison. Next opponent: Alabama.

9. Louisville (def. Cincinnati 24-17) - I know Brian Brohm is coming back from injury, but even the second string should be able to beat the Bearcats by more than six points. At least Brohm's got another week to get back into shape. Next opponent: at Syracuse.

10. Vanderbilt (def. Georgia 24-22) - winning between the hedges on the game's final play, Vandy registered its first defeat of Georgia since 1992. It's only their fourth win in the last 43 clashes with the Bulldogs. It was also Georgia's homecoming. Way to spoil a party, Vandy. Next opponent: South Carolina.

Out of the Top 10:

Detroit Tigers - beating the A's isn't nearly as gratifying (to me at least) as taking out the Yankees. Still, nice job on making the World Series.

Book Log 2006 #46: The Archer's Tale by Bernard Cornwell

So it turns out that I never actually wrote anything up on this book, the first in the Grail Quest series whose second book I mentioned a couple of days ago. Whoops.

In any case, the series is set during the Hundred Years War, and follows Thomas of Hookton, the illegitimate son of a priest who chooses being an archer over following in his father's footsteps into the church. A mysterious raid leads to the destruction of the town, the death of Thomas' father, and the theft of an artifact that is believed to be the lance St. George used to slay the dragon. Thomas enters military service to reclaim the spear and avenge the death of his father. Along the way he gets drawn into a much more complex quest - can you guess for what? - and learns about his family's equally complext past.

Cornwell started this trilogy before the one about King Alfred, and there are some clear paralells between the two main characters - both are dispossessed sons of nobles with a faculty for languages, a twisted family history, and a disdain for organized religion. History keeps them from being too much like each other, but there's similarity enough.

Given my comment on the second book, you've probably guessed that I liked this one. It's solid history fiction, focused more on the war than the Grail, series title notwithstanding.

So for all the talk about the governor's race here, I should mention that we do have three ballot questions to vote on.

The first is a measure that would allow grocery stores and related outlets to sell wine. Proponents of the question say it will give consumers more choice and lower prices through competition. Opponents argue that this measure would lead to an increase in drunk driving and the attendant accidents/injury/fatalities that come with it.

Standing lightly off to the side are the large supermarket chains and the liquor distributors, both of whom are looking to their bottom lines. Most of the money for ads are coming from these folks.

Question 2 would allow candidates for office to be listed on ballots multiple times, once for each party that puts the candidate forward. For example, if the Democrats and the Green party were to have the same candidate for governor, the candidate would be listed twice. Votes would be tallied by party, with all of the votes counting for the candidate. There are also some other changes to election laws, related to candidate party enrollment history and what level of voter support a party needs to be officially recognized by the state.

Proponents say that this will allow voters to support smaller parties while voting for a more viable candidate. Opponents point to the likelihood of voter confusion.

Question 3 would allow child care workers who participate in state-subsidized child care to bargain collectively with the state. Where both previous questions had someone writing pro and con blurbs, apparently no one felt strongly enough against this measure to write something on why we should vote against it. You think there'd be some anti-union group who'd bite the bullet.

In some towns, there's also a non-binding question asking if the local state rep should be instructed to vote for a resolution calling for the immediate withdrawal of troops from Iraq. We won't get to vote on this one.

Book Log 2006 #45: The Great Stink by Clare Clark

It's a story of murder and madness in the sewer system of Victorian London, as a respectable yet troubled Crimean War vet and a member of the city's lower classes have their lives intersect just enough to send both into surprising directions.

While I liked the book, I think it could have benefitted from being a little leaner. I found it hard to get engaged, and when I did it was never a full engagement. It may not be the best book to try to read during the commute.

Book Log 2006 #44: Vagabond by Bernard Cornwell

This is the second in Cornwell's Holy Grail trilogy. Pretty simple, if you liked the first book you'll like the second. And if you didn't like the first book, why are you reading this one?

I was just over at Boston.com, and they have a feature where readers can send in photos of their pets - in Halloween costumes.

Folks, no matter how much you think your pet loves being dressed up, please don't do this. There is no dignity in a dog wearing a ladybug outfit. And for those of you who had to use treats to get your pet to stay in costume long enough to snap a photo, be ashamed of yourself. And don't blame Fido or Fluffy if they leave you a "treat" of their own. You had it coming.

(Full disclosure: the second generation of Coen dogs all suffered dress-up at some point. Both of the daschunds got sweaters one Christmas, and it did not go well. We were risking back injury from the contortions they made trying to get out of them. Our yellow Lab was also made to wear antlers on occasion, with a resulting look that said "OK, I'm not enjoying this, and it's beneath both of us. Can we just take these off now? Thanks.")

It was clear from a young age that should any of the Coen children have a future in a line of work where the use of hands and some sort of creative capacity is required, it would be highly unlikely that I would be that child. I was always the kid who was coloring outside the lines and whose attempts at cursive writing looked less like English and more likesome undiscovered (or discovered and recovered due to its ugliness) language.

As I got older, this lack of skill shifted into the industrial arts, as I proved myself incapable of even the simplest wood shop tasks. The simple box that was one of our earliest projects turned out, in my hand, to be less of a box and more of a collection of wood that was nailed, glued, and otherwise fastened in relative proximity. I was able to do some things, but they were the most basic things. I could turn pieces of the lathe and use some of the less complicated machines to do simple, repetitive tasks, but it was clear that when I was called upon to find my life's work, it would not be anything requiring me to be handy.

Jump forward a couple of decades, to my entry into the world of home ownership with a domicile that, kindly, can use some updating. It is now where those failings in shop class have come home to roost. This was put in clearest relief this past weekend, when my father in law was down to help with some of that updating. Between the discussion of our beams, the problems with our basement stairs, and an earnest discussion of what tools I will not be able to live without, I was left wondering why we didn't do the smart thing and get one of the new, ready to move in condos that are sprouting up all over town.

Not that progress wasn't made. My father in law, while using me in my best capacity (carrying and holding things), was patient and gave me some pointers that will, hopefully, be the start of learning how to do some of the things that need doing around here. I'll still mostly be the guy in the Home Depot ads who goes to classes to learn about angle stock and such (as our hose attachment is actually broken), but when my father in law explained how I should use the pieces he cut to build a new staircase for our cellar entrance, it actually made a little sense.

Not that I'll tackle it myself. I'll rope my brother into helping. He's the one who got the handy gene.

Blogalicious College Football Top 10

1. Ohio State (def. Bowling Green 35-7) - wake me up in November. Next opponent: at Michigan State.

2. Florida (def. LSU 23-10) - a good win that made them the only undefeated team in the SEC. We'll see how long that lasts; once again, the SEC may be too competitive for its own good, BCS-wise. Next opponent: at Auburn.

3. Michigan (def. Michigan State 31-13) - who did Sparty piss off to get Michigan and Ohio State in back to back weeks? Anyway, the Wolverines are playing well, though the next couple of weeks should be more challenging than the last couple. Next opponent: at Penn State.

4. Texas (def. Oklahoma 28-10) - nice to know that Texas can beat a team that's better than Rice or Sam Houston. But it's back to the weaklings to tune up for Nebraska. Next opponent: Baylor.

5. West Virginia (def. Mississippi State 42-14) - back to their perch, with another laugher next week. Next opponent: Syracuse.

6. USC (def. Washington 26-20) - East Coast Bias, or concern over the Trojans difficulty with the representatives of the Evergreen State? You decide. Next opponent: Arizona State.

7. Louisville (def. Middle Tennessee State 44-17) - probably too high based on their schedule. East Coast Bias, or reflection of their talent? You decide. Next opponent: Cincinnati.

8. Tennessee (def. Georgia 51-33) - good win between the hedges, what will have to be the first of several big wins given their upcoming schedule. Next opponent: Alabama (10/21).

9. Auburn (lost to Arkansas 27-10) - so much for a BCS controversy involving the Tigers. Now they get to try to knock off the league's last undefeated team. Next opponent: Florida.

10. Detroit Tigers (def. New York 3 games to 1) - OK, they're not so much a college football team, but anyone who takes out the Yankees is OK in my book. Next opponent: Oakland.

Out of top 10:

LSU - even if they're to top teams, they've got two losses. Sorry, Tigers.

Rutgers - Took the week off, so they pay the price.

While I've not been able to watch either of the gubenatorial debates, I have come to the conclusion that Christy Mihos is crazy crazy rather than good crazy. Which is too bad, as he had some promise. For evidence of the crazy crazy, please watch the following TV ad:



It should be noted that the woman among the state politicians fairly resembles the current lieutenant governor (and Republican nominee for governor), Kerry Healey. Mihos has also spent most of the two debates attacking her rather than Deval Patrick, an odd strategy given that (using the latest poll numbers) even if he got all of Healey's support, Mihos would still be about 20 points behind Patrick.

Book Log 2006 #43: Denison, Iowa by Dale Maharidge and Michael Z. Williamson

Denison is the home town of Donna Reed, and they've taken "It's a wonderful life" as the town motto. Not all is wonderful in Denison, though, as the town struggles with both economic problems and a growing Latino population. Maharidge and Williamson spent a year in Denison, interacting with locals and documenting these problems.

It's a pretty interesting book, as the local views of economic, security, and immigration issues add depth to the usual arguments trotted out by politicians and the like. There's also a very interesting comparison of the new Latino population to the influx of German immigrants to Denison in the early 20th century.

Outside of these major themes, there's also a number of smaller insights on small town life and the occasional venality of local government officials.

Maharidge and Williamson have written on this sort of topic before, and their interest and experience is obvious. So is their left-of-center political orientation, which may prove irritating at times. But if you're interested in this sort of thing, I'd recommend it.

Blogalicious College Football Top 10

1. Ohio State (def. Iowa 38-17) - the only thing standing between the Buckeyes and being undefeated when they end the season against Michigan is several weeks of drudgery against mediocre (at best) teams. At what point will they dress the band to take a few snaps? Next opponent: Bowling Green.

2. Auburn (def. South Carolina 24-17) - I was thinking about dropping them a spot, but they held the ball for the entire third quarter in this game. I have to give them some props for that. Next opponent: Arkansas.

3. USC (def. Washington State 28-22) - so much for it being an easy week to get things back in order. Perhaps some home cooking will help. Next opponent: Washington.

4. Texas (def. Sam Houston State 56-3) - as expected, and probably a good week to take it easy heading into the annual border war. Next opponent: at Oklahoma.

5. Florida (def. Alabama 28-13) - good win at home, and I like the throwback unis. Something to build on given a looming nightmare stretch of games. Next opponent: LSU.

6. Michigan (def. Minnesota 28-14) - be sure to wash the Little Brown Jug thoroughly before using. Who knows who's been drinking out of it. Next opponent: Michigan State.

7. West Virginia (idle) - tempted as I was to maintain the three-way tie (or expand it into a four-way tie), it didn't seem fair to dock Florida and Michigan while you guys were on your duffs. Not that you'll really need to get off them this week. Next opponent: Mississippi State.

8. LSU (def. Mississippi State 48-17) - see above. Next opponent: at Florida.

9. Louisville (idle) - even with the week off, Louisville looked more impressive than Georgia. Throw in Virginia Tech's loss and ND still tainted by the big loss at home, and there you have two Big East teams in the top 10. Next opponent: Middle Tennessee State (10/6).

10. Rutgers (def. South Florida 22-20) - OK, make it three teams. With no division 1 teams knocked off by their 1-AA cousins (closest we could come this week was Northern Iowa falling one point short againt Iowa State), might as well honor a team who, in my lifetime, has mostly played like a 1-AA team. Nevertheless, Rutgers is in the top 25 for the first time since Gerry Ford was tripping over coffee tables in the Oval Office. Mr. Magoo would be proud (of Rutgers, not Ford, though perhaps both). Congrats, Scarlet Knights, even if your kingdom is built on wins over Illinois, Ohio, and Howard. Next opponent: at Navy (10/14).

Out of the top 10:

North Dakota State - Stephen F. Austin has been dead for 159 years. How can you only beat him 17-9?

OK, so after complaining about the time Verizon was going to take to set up our DSL, I got an email from them today saying it was ready. Not that we've set up enough to have a computer ready. Heck, we're still moving the last bits out of the apartment.

We are moving forward - also slowly - with getting some of the necessary work done to the house. We have quotes for window replacement and work for our chimney, and while they're a little higher than expected, they aren't too far off of what we thought. We've still got a couple quotes to go, though. Even so, I can already see what work is going to have to wait. The joys of home ownership, from what I'm told.

Otherwise, it's been a week. I've been in training most of this week, and unlike previous trainings (we're changing the information system we use here), it's been very productive. Wonders never cease.