Long time, no post

Well, it may seem like I died or took a really long vacation but, alas, I have not. I am alive and well, having survived a few hellishly stressful days filled with lots of work and studying. (I tell you, if I didn't love computers so much, I'd really hate them.)

There have been a lot of thoughts that I've collected since my last post, some of which have been lingering in my brain so long they're starting to decompose and smell like my rancid kitchen sink. So anyway, here's a quick rundown of what's going on in that big ol' lump I like to call a head:

- I went to the NIU football game last Friday and it was a lot of fun. They started off looking pretty bad against Bowling Green but turned it around in a big way and just crushed them after the first quarter. Hopefully the worst of their season is behind them and they can come out and make it to a bowl. (Hey, better late than never, right NCAA?)

- Well the Bears had a near repeat performance of their Packers victory in Minnesota last Sunday. The only thing missing was the win. Both games featured the Bears playing better than I--and most everybody--expected. Both also, unfortunately, featured season-ending injuries to key players. Rex Grossman is gone, and we don't know if he'll be able to recover from this. Let's hope so, 'cuz I like what I've seen from that young QB.

- The Cubs are sure making it hard on themselves in their pursuit of the National League wild card spot. LaTroy blew another 1-run save today and they lost in 12 innings to lowly Cincinnati. Meanwhile, the Astros just finished sweeping the Cardinals and the Giants are on their way to beating the Padres again. It's certainly been an interesting season no matter how it ends. Let's just hope that if the Cubs miss the playoffs they can make the necessary adjustments for next season. (Armando Benitez, anyone?)

- Bill, Chad, and I are still watching 24 on DVD. We're on to season 2, and I have to say I love this show. I am surprised by how enjoyable it is the second time through, having watched both seasons over the span of a month in July and August. Every night when I get back from class or need a break from schoolwork I crave the next episode of 24 like an alcoholic craves just one more drop of that sweet, sweet booze.

- I finally hunkered down and finished Doom 3 last weekend. Being a huge fanboy of the classic Doom games, I have to say the third iteration met and surpassed my expectations. Is it for everybody? No, I wouldn't go that far. The gameplay is nothing new and I can see how it could get old for some people. I, on the other hand, love creepy, atmospheric games like Resident Evil and, as such, this one was right up my alley. I never really got bored at the game and didn't mind the cheap scares (i.e., when bad guys suddenly attack you from behind... or jump out a closet at you.) I'd give the game a solid 9/10.

- Bush and Kerry have their "debate" tomorrow. I'll be watching it but I doubt there'll be anything substantial coming out of it.

Alright, I think that just about covers it. I'll be back again as soon as my new-found laziness wears off.

-Mark