Jon LaJoie

History 297D

I was just up in Northampton, MA a few weeks ago to see my friend's band, NBFB, open for one of the few bands that get me dancing, the New Deal. It was funny to be the older kids at the show as I honestly felt taller than everyone else. It's not that I was better than the young-uns, it was just that I felt old.

In related news UMASS just announced they have a class on the Greatful Dead: History 297D -How Does the Song Go? The Grateful Dead as a Window into American Culture. Good ol ZooMass, keeping the dream alive. I can't wait till there's a college class on my exploits: Theology 36C- Do You Know Who I Used To Be?


{bernard}

Save the cheerleader

Cheerleading actually got started in New Jersey, when the Tigers of Princeton University decided the best way to distract their opponents -- the Rutgers University Scarlet Knights -- would be by yelling what they called "The Scarer," that is, blood-curdling shouts anytime one of the Rutgers faithful ran with the ball.

Of course, yelling while playing football makes it difficult to concentrate, so Princeton lost that first game, way back in 1869, by a count of 6-4. The next time out, they figured a better way, which was to have supporters stand on the sidelines and yell at the Rutgers players to distract them. This time, it worked, and Princeton ended up winning, part of an ongoing feud between the two schools that goes on to this day.

{source unknown}

Ennie

My parents never were pet people and so my first pet was a sea monkey. My second were freshwater fish. Now I was lucky to be around many dogs but the one milestone that was acheived by only one dog, was the permittance of Ennie to slobber my face. There was something so disarming about Ennie. In the 6 years I have had the pleasure of growing close with Karina and her faithful dog Ennie, I never once felt any negativity except for a whimper here and there due to hunger (and then Ennie would tell Karina to stop whining and make herself a snack).

This past Thursday Ennie was released from this world which had quickly become one of suffering. I cannot imagine what Karina is going through and I won't till the day my future dog passes onto doggie heaven. The crazy part is that I just saw Ennie 3 weeks ago and while she was getting old, I did not think that would be the last time I ever saw her. I'm glad I gave her some kisses as her record with my visage is yet unbroken. It makes you think about how fleeting our time is. Do we throw caution to the wind and live unregretful or do we hold those that we love close to ourselves and never let go?

It's crazy because now that I think about it, Ennie is the closest living being to die in my life. Ennie was a good dog and she set the standard for love that I seek in my dog-to-be.

Rest in peace lady. You will be missed greatly.

Repeal Day

So today is the day that the United States government did away with Prohibition back in 1933. So drink away and remember alcohol loves you more than Jesus.