Dustin found an article that discusses a second virginity.

I spoke too soon

Just when I thought things couldn't get any worse, an article from Airforcetimes.com was sent to my inbox. Since the article isn't viewable to those without a log-in, here are several excerps from it:

"From mandatory breakfast to enforced lights out, the Air Force Academy intends to get tougher, stricter and more regimented."

"Superintendent, Lt. Gen. John Regni, wants to make changes, including higher academic standards and more military rigor"

"He said he wants to enforce the breakfast rule by requiring cadets to attend a morning formation beforehand. "

Believe me, it doesn't need to get "tougher" around here, like some would lead you to believe. The article says that "Part of the impetus for the academy changes were conversations Regni had with freshmen cadets" but neglects to mention that nearly half of the class of 2009 was put on Academic Probation during last semester (mostly for failing grades in Chemistry). Stuff like this is just one more reason to love the administration at USAFA. I guess flexibility really is the key to Air Power.

Forgive Me While I Bitch

I have four weeks until spring break. I will try and survive until then. This next week will prove a big hurdle for me. Here is why:

• Four Graded Reviews/Tests (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday) each starting at 0630
• Five-page definition essay due on Thursday (defining Metrosexual or blogging)
• Computer Science Programming Assignment due Friday which I have not started
• Recognition is back and so is training. Most likely twice this week after school
• Knowledge Bowl on Tuesday morning at 0615
• Knowledge Test sometime Thursday or Friday

...and so much more. The picture above is of a three degree's room(sophomore) who is "voluntarily" leaving after failing six AFPFT's (Air Force Physical Fitness Test given every semester). He would have been kicked out but chose to resign instead. Leaving doesn't sound like a horrible idea right now, but I must press on; at least till next Sunday when I'm headed up to either Keystone or Beavercreek. Unfortunately next Friday seems like its years away.

Flickr vs. Facebook Photographs

I'm a big fan of Facebook's new Photo Album feature. Just like Flickr, I can upload photos, create special albums, and make special notes about the picture. However, with Facebook I am able to upload an unlimited number of photos versus the 20 MB limit set by Flickr. That being said, I am seriously considering upgrading to Flickr Pro: 2 GB upload capacity per month, unlimited storage, unlimited photsets and more. After uploading only 6 new pictures and expending 74% of my upload capacity, this is seeming like my only option. I actually have my own camera now and enjoy sharing my pictures via Flickr and Facebook. I just wish Flickr would expand its upload abilities for its free accounts like Facebook has done.

Don't do it

When a relationship is over it is over. Never try the post-relationship "friendship". It does not work.

No Gold for Kwan

This is pretty much old news by now, but I still find it hard to believe. Michelle Kwan pulled out of the Olympics due to a groin injury, ending her bid for the holy grail of figure skating: an Olympic Gold Medal. Since falling short 8 years ago in Nagano, and then again at Salt Lake in 2002, this was certainly her last shot at the prize. She never got the chance. Now, she will go down in history as probably the best female figure skater to never win the ultimate prize. Five world titles, and nine national championships, but no gold.

I bring this up, because I can remember cheering Kwan on at Nagano, Salt Lake, and at various competitions in between. She is likeable. She shined a new light on American figure skating after the Kerrigan-Harding fiasco of 1992. And now she is done- with the Olympics. Her talent will be missed, remembered, and cherished. Her person will probably end up as a mediocre broadcaster for the next twenty years. Either way, Michelle Kwan kicks ass.

The Prime Minister

I have been afforded the opportunity to hear Mr. Joe Clark, former Prime Minister of Canada speak tonight, as he is visiting the Academy. This is a mandatory event, but I am excited regardless. It won't compare to seeing George W. Bush or John Kerry (saw them both at the good ol' Jackson Country Expo), but its cool nonetheless. I can't say I had heard of Joe Clark before I was told about tonight, or that I know who Canada's Prime Minister is right now. It should be interesting to hear what this guy has to say about U.S.-Canada relations. More on this later...

Superbowl Predictions

Shaun Alexander will have a performance that doesn't demonstrate his MVP status. Seattle's passing game will dominate. Seeing the bag of bones they call Mick Jagger prance around the stage at half time will cause 5.4 million viewers to stop watching the game.

Seattle by 6.

Watching the game on a 14-inch laptop monitor is going to suck. Hard core.

Nap Time

So yesterday was possibly one of the longest days of my life... 21 hours without sleep. I woke up at 5:30 for a knowledge bowl and attended class. Wednesday afternoon parade at 4:30 followed by hours of homework, papers, lab write-ups, and studying for a test. I finally got to bed at 2:30, only to wake up again at 5:30 for my knowledge test. Crazy huh?