Shawn Plew
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Below are the 20 most recent journal entries recorded in
hoosierplew's LiveJournal:
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| Wednesday, February 22nd, 2006 | | 11:10 am |
| | Monday, January 9th, 2006 | | 7:42 pm |
| | Saturday, December 31st, 2005 | | 7:41 pm |
My personal 10 of 2005
Seems like there's a top list for everything in the world now adays, why not for me as well? 2005 was a banner year for me, and I want to share with my friends all of the great things that happened in the year that was 2005. It's much easier for me to focus on all the downright terrible things that have happened around the world, but in truth I only have control over what I do. So, without further ado, here's Shawn's 10 moments of 2005: 10. Launching Liberalindiana This one didn't make the blog, but it's a big deal for me. I've been trying to post to LiberalIndiana on a daily basis, but usually it's every 2 or 3 days. I really enjoy posting to the site, its actually taken most of my writing time for the last few months (hence the long delays between posts for my personal site). It's also taken over for what I used to write for the Indy Star. LibInd will be around for a while, it's become one of my favorite hobbies. 9. Getting a new car No blog post for this one, but this is the first year that my wife and I have owned a car of the same vintage (we bought an '05 Chevy Impala last month). It's been a nice car so far, and we're really happy to have it. We did not buy the car "brand new", it had a few thousand miles on it. I still consider it new. Its new to me, right? Anyway, having a car from the present year has always been a dream of mine. A stupid consumerist dream, but still a dream! 8. celebrating my best friends' engagement by going to a Drew Carey improv show My best friends got engaged a few months ago. It was so cool because I knew about it long before the fiancee did. Noah even asked for my advice, something I'm kinda proud of. Not that he followed any of it, but it was still cool to have him ask. We met up with the newly-engaged couple the next day in Merrillville, and caught a performance of Drew Carey's Improv All-Stars. It was a great night. The cast even used one of my suggestions when they called for a City in Indiana. I shouted "FRENCH LICK!" and they used it! 7. watching the first laps of the Brickyard 400 just a few feet from the pavement I have my involvement with Alpha Phi Omega - Tau Omicron to thank for this one. They raise funds for their organization by working at all the races held at the Brickyard. This year, they let a few of us into an area right next to the track which was cordoned off from other spectators, to watch the first few laps. It was amazing. The deafening roar of the engines, the sandstorm of debris pelting us from the track. Just amazing. And of course it was nice to have Tony Stewart, my favorite NASCAR personality, wind up as the winner. 6. moving into our place in Southport This has been a long time comin'. For the last 6 years, my wife and I have lived on my father's property in Shelbyville in a fairly nice 800 SqFt apartment we built on our own. We were proud of our work, and happy to live there during our college careers. With College out of the way, it was time to move. That, and my father and I had been arguing a lot for the last year or so, and I think it had a lot to do with our close proximity to one another. Our relationship is much better now, and I even find myself missing his presence from time to time (odd how it's feast or famine with our emotional relationship). We have moved into a nice brand-new 800 SqFt apartment in Southport, and I'm very happy about that. I miss Shelbyville from time to time, but I am mostly happy here in my old stomping grounds of Southport, where I spent my tween years, and where I hope to buy a house and raise my own family. 5. Watching Reggie Miller retire Reggie Miller is one of those people who, as a Hoosier, you just know about. IF you watch sports or not, hell, if you own a TV or not, you've heard of Reggie. His competitive spirit, his determination on the court, his ability to push his team (and it was his team) to perform at its best every time they did battle. Reggie is a part of Hoosier iconography. And so when it came time for him to retire, everyone wanted to be there. I was fortunate enough to get a ticket thru a very good friend. Hearing him speak of his emotional connection to our State was very touching, I felt as if he was talking to me personally. His tears of gratitude were sincere, and so were mine. 4. My wife taking a new job with Aii Jo took a big step toward our future family plans by taking a job with the Art Institute of Indianapolis. She made the decision to pursue a general education degree instead of her first love, special education, in order to advance our plans for children and a new home. I'm so proud of her for placing her family goals ahead of her personal goals. Its tough to do, and she did it willingly. 3. Taking the position of Chairman of the Shelby County Democrats Early in the year I had the unique opportunity to serve Shelby County as the chair of the Shelby County Democratic Central Comittee. During my brief time as chair (I had to step down when we moved out of the County) our organization made some important advances. We established regular monthly forums open to the public to share ideas. The leadership traveled out of state to receive training not offered by our own state party. We brought back the Shelby County Jefferson-Jackson dinner. We established ties to local Union leadership. We set up a nice little website to keep in touch with other Democrats. I hope my short time as Chair will spark momentum that will lead local Democrats to a strong showing in the '06 elections. 2. Taking my new job in Communications & Marketing The day I took my new job with Communications & Marketing was the day things really started changing. A double-digit percentage increase in my pay coupled with my wife's new job has allowed us to take the next big steps in our life: children. I hope to have a great #1 moment for next year's top 10 to tell you all about soon. 1. Relief trip to Waveland, MS Nothing that has happened this year comes close to my experiences in Waveland, Mississippi. I went as a volunteer relief worker, ready to help those in need of assistance in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. I expected to see large swaths of destruction. Destruction, it turned out, was not the word for it. Desolation. Desperation. These words are closer, but really there is no word that adequately described the circumstances on the ground. I have never experienced anything as powerful as the weekend I spent with the people of Waveland. I am grateful for the opportunity to help those in need, and they were grateful to receive the help. If you get a chance to travel to the Gulf Coast to aid those in need, take it. Well that's it. Thanks for taking this trip down memory lane with me, and happy new year to all. May 2006 be a year of peace, compromise, understanding, and reconciliation around the world. Current Mood:  cheerful | | 7:35 pm |
You're my boy, Blue! You're my boy...
In Memorium of Patrick Cranshaw, 1919 - 2005. I close my eyes, only for a moment, and the moment's gone All my dreams, pass before my eyes, a curiosity Dust in the wind, all they are is dust in the wind. Same old song, just a drop of water in an endless sea All we do, crumbles to the ground, though we refuse to see Dust in the wind, all we are is dust in the wind [Now] Don't hang on, nothing lasts forever but the earth and sky It slips away, and all your money won't another minute buy. Dust in the wind, all we are is dust in the wind Dust in the wind, everything is dust in the wind. Dust in the Wind, Kansas Current Mood:  sad | | Wednesday, December 28th, 2005 | | 12:53 am |
"the cinema is an invention without any future"
The Lumière Brothers, Louis Jean (5 October 1864, Besançon, France – 6 June 1948, Bandol) and Auguste Marie Louis Nicholas (19 October 1862, Besançon, France – 10 April 1954, Lyon), were the creators of the cinematographe, a three-in-one motion picture camera, developer, and projector, and were among the earliest key filmmakers.
-from Wikipedia
They have been attributed to opening the first Cinema in Paris on this day in 1896. And yes, they said "the cinema is an invention without any future". If only they had lived to the year 2006. They would have said " See? We were right!" Current Mood:  tired | | Tuesday, December 27th, 2005 | | 11:19 am |
That's me, the Southport 'Hood Rat
Rowhouse 'Hood
You scored 27 out of 40 on urban-rural and 28 out of 40 land intensity. | People know you as: The Bohemian Gentrifier
Quote: "That crack house just needed a little paint."
Your score indicates that you are a city-dweller of the old-school. You like a dense, finely grained neighborhood with restaurants, churches and brothels all on the same block. Although you've never spoken to him personally, you know that guy Eddie down the street is a pimp and you're sure to tell your lame suburban friends about him at every opportunity, just to freak them out.
The bad news is that as more and more people like you move into your neighborhood it gradually becomes less cool and more expensive. Enjoy things while you can, because in 5 years you're going to have to move to the next 'hood uptown.
Examples of places you should live: Baltimore, Philadelphia
All Categories
Secluded Hideaway / Farm or Ranch / Small Town / Little City / Suburb / Streetcar Suburb / Rowhouse 'Hood / Downtown Loft |  | My test tracked 2 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender: | You scored higher than 60% on urban-rural | | You scored higher than 77% on land intensity |
| | | Wednesday, December 14th, 2005 | | 3:21 pm |
| | Wednesday, November 30th, 2005 | | 4:54 pm |
personal injury law firm involved in accident, sues self
Okay, not really. Still, this story from IndyStar.com is pretty ironic. Here's the gist of the article:
Witness Christopher Fleck, 35, said he was driving north on Delaware directly behind the woman when he saw her run a red light, collide with a westbound Chevrolet Malibu, and then slam into the building.
“People get in a hurry, and when people get in a hurry things go wrong,” Fleck said. “I’m just glad she didn’t get hurt badly and that everybody walked away from this, for the most part.”
About a half-dozen fire trucks and several Indianapolis police cars closed the intersection of Delaware and Washington streets. Firefighters evacuated the building and are inspecting for structural damage.
The law office of personal injury attorneys Mitchell Hurst Jacobs & Dick are among the occupants.
According to the firm’s Web site, its motto is: “Accidents and injuries disrupt lives. We can help restore the balance to yours.”
Current Mood:  relaxed | | Monday, November 28th, 2005 | | 12:07 pm |
Things aren't getting better in Waveland.
You may want to believe otherwise, but things just aren't getting better in Waveland, MS [USA Today]. You may recall I went with a dozen or so other hoosiers to the Waveland area back in September to help with releif and recovery efforts. There is so, so much to do. The people I met in Waveland made me feel like I belonged there with their open doors and heartfelt gratitude for the work we did to help them get back on their feet. It's been around three months since Katrina took away Waveland's buildings, but it's heart still beats. You can hear it in the voices of happy schoolchildren running about their small tent-classroom. You can see it in the eyes of those residents who have determined to return Waveland to it's former small-town splendor. You can feel it in the rough bark of the old live oaks, fresh buds lining its limbs after all this time. Still, things aren't getting much better. Some residents still wait for a humble trailer to be provided by FEMA so they can have somewhere warm to stay. People still stand in long lines at whatever food tents are still providing warm meals. Schools make do with whatever supplies have been donated from generous people across America. All of this, and our Government proposes to cut taxes for the wealthy by $60 Billion dollars, about what the recovery efforts will cost in the long-run. All of this, and our Government proposes cutting funding of important social programs like Medicare and Medicaid; programs many in the Gulf Coast will doubtless need access to in the coming years of recovery. At the same time Americans seem to be scaling back their charitable giving for recovery, our Government has decided to cut future funding for programs which will be relied upon by tens of thousands of gulf residents. Something is terribly wrong with this picture. Please, during this holiday season, don't forget Waveland. Don't forget New Orleans. Don't forget the victims of this American tragedy. Give to a Charitable organization. Donate your time and effort on a relief trip. Encourage family members to give generously. Call your local officials and tell our Government to do likewise. Otherwise, Waveland may never recover. Our Country may never recover. Current Mood:  cold | | Thursday, November 17th, 2005 | | 3:25 pm |
I found Devon!
She wasn't lost or anything, but I found her nonetheless. That is all. Move along. Current Mood: cheerful | | Wednesday, November 2nd, 2005 | | 4:47 pm |
Jags to give ORU a run for its money, and other BBall stuff
Source: The Sports NetworkMy beloved IUPUI Mens' Basketball squad has been ranked 2nd overall in the Mid-con for the upcoming 2005-06 season by online paper The Sports Network: IUPUI: Coach Rob Hunter's squad should rule the glass this year, thanks in part to 6-9, 230-pound Xavier transfer Angelo Smith, and with the return of 6-6 Brandon Cole, who recorded six double doubles in 2004-05. Cole showed flashes of solid perimeter skills last season and will need to up his game for the Jaguars if they are to challenge Oral Roberts for the top spot in the conference. With the addition of 6-9 Michael Vavrek, a tough offensive rebounder, IUPUI's frontcourt depth should be better. Guards George Hill and David Barlow give the Jags experience in the backcourt, and both should help on the glass. If either struggle, the team has Penn State transfer Brandon Cameron and juco transfer Matt Burks ready to fill the void. Over the last two seasons, the Jaguars rank second in the conference in total victories (57). Hunter's up-tempo style is complemented by the all-around game of Coles. The addition of juco transfer James Thompkins (26.5 ppg, 10.7 rpg) will add depth to an already formidable roster. The addition of 10 new players will add even more depth to Hunter's club, which should give ORU a run for its money.
Of course, if you listen to the Mid-Con brains, we're third in line behind Valpo. Whatever. For those of you how missed the Jaguar Jamboree, IUPUI's b-ball kickoff event, let me tell you: this team is BIG. Really. Seriously. Look for consistent double-doubles out of a few of our big guys. Home games of note for this year:St Joe's (1st exhibition): Nov. 5th Indiana Wesleyan (home opener): Nov. 26th Ball State ~ Dec.r 7th. Valparaiso ~ Feb. 9th << This game has the added bonus of preceeding the Oral Roberts game. Listen to the unique chants of "We want Oral!" near the final buzzer. Oral Roberts (last home game): Feb. 11 << This is a big game for us. Most likely will have MCC tournament implications. A complete schedule can be found online at iupuijags.com Current Mood: excited | | 12:50 pm |
Dodgeball at IUPUI!
Who the hell plays Dodgeball with a manicure?
Whatever. I'm putting a team together. This will be so much fun! Current Mood:  creative | | Tuesday, November 1st, 2005 | | 4:04 pm |
| | Tuesday, October 25th, 2005 | | 4:34 pm |
Gone to graveyards, every one
2000 dead and counting. I cry for you, I thank you, I grieve you, I am angry for you, I will honor you, I will not forget you, I will not regret my feelings about your mission, I will respect your memory, I will not take your sacrifice for granted, I seethe for you, I wish others would feel the same way ---- Did you hear 'em talkin' 'bout it on the radio
Did you try to read the writing on the wall
Did that voice inside you say I've heard it all before
It's like Deja Vu all over again
Day by day I hear the voices rising
Started with a whisper like it did before
Day by day we count the dead and dying
Ship the bodies home while the networks all keep score
Did you hear 'em talkin' 'bout it on the radio
Could your eyes believe the writing on the wall
Did that voice inside you say I've heard it all before
It's like Deja Vu all over again
One by one I see the old ghosts rising
Stumblin' 'cross Big Muddy
Where the light gets dim
Day after day another Momma's crying
She's lost her precious child
To a war that has no end
Did you hear 'em talkin' 'bout it on the radio
Did you stop to read the writing at The Wall
Did that voice inside you say
I've seen this all before
It's like Deja Vu all over again
It's like Deja Vu all over again----
"Deja Vu (All Over Again)"
Lyrics and music Copyright John Fogerty, 2003
Listen to this song on NPR's website
Current Mood: tired | | Monday, October 24th, 2005 | | 4:31 pm |
Jack FM falls in ratings ranking
From indystar.com:
The randomly formatted WJJK-FM (104.5), better known as "Jack," lost listeners in the shuffle. The station, which replaced the popular oldies outfit WGLD in March, fell from sixth position to 10th.
Yup, I bet Susquehannah wishes they kept Gold going. Jack's format sucks, and people are tired of it already. Not that I'm surprised. Regular readers will remember my March tirade when Jack came on the scene. Luckily for old Gold listeners, Gold 95.9 has hit the airwaves. It's the same classic format as Gold 104.5 and most of the on-air personalities have moved over to the station. Dr. Don Riley continues to malpractice on our radio. Scott Records Roddy and his mom's tasty recelpies are back (as of Halloween day). I'm so happy!!! (Note judicious use of exclamation marks, a sure sign of sheer joy) Current Mood: excited | | 9:54 am |
I like to think of myself as a bold semicolon, but whatever.
apostrophe
You scored 76% Sociability and 70% Sophistication! |
You move so fast, and appear in so many places, that it is very easy
for your friends--and you have a lot of friends--to overlook your
subtleties. It's a little sad, in fact, how unappreciated you are. You
can sometimes be mistaken for the comma, though you exist at a higher
level. Sometimes, especially in England, you are mistaken for quotation
marks. And sometimes you are unsure whether you are feeling possessive,
or would rather just bring others together (and if something gets lost
in the process, well, it's the others' fault).
You haven't chosen the easiest life for yourself, but you can be happy
knowing you're doing good works. |  | My test tracked 2 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender: | You scored higher than 99% on Sociability | | You scored higher than 76% on Sophistication |
| Current Mood:  calm | | Friday, October 21st, 2005 | | 4:23 pm |
| | 9:15 am |
Flock Web 2.0 Browser
So I'm trying out a new Browser, called Flock. It has an integrated blog posting system, but it doesn't look anywhere near complete. It isn't importing my LJ info, so I'm not even sure if this will post.
Overall though, it looks like a promising product. Integration of many popular web 2.0 apps like Flickr and the aforementioned blog posting panel are welcome additions. And it also doesn't hurt that it's built off of Mozilla architecture.
| | Thursday, October 20th, 2005 | | 3:42 pm |
I've always thought of myself as Agnostic.
Once again, thanks go out to JennaNicole
You fit in with:
Humanism
Your ideals mostly resemble that of a Humanist. Although you do not have a lot of faith, you are devoted to making this world better, in the short time that you have to live. Humanists do not generally believe in an afterlife, and therefore, are committed to making the world a better place for themselves and future generations.
0% scientific.
80% reason-oriented.
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Take this quiz at QuizGalaxy.com
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Current Mood:  bored | | Monday, October 17th, 2005 | | 11:10 am |
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