a GREat day

This weekend was dedicated to the GRE (think of it as SAT for grad school). I had purchased a review book (Kaplan's) and read through it...once over the past several months. On Saturday, I took a practice test and did fairly well. In fact, I even said that if promised an equal score, I wouldn't even show up for the test. So anyway, on Sunday I opted to take it easy. I went to church, then watched bowling on TV, the Colts game and the NASCAR race. Bowling was pretty good...some decent matches. The Colts won the track meet against the Bungles...I mean Bengals. And Tony Stewart (one of my favorites) won the Nextel Cup Championship (season champion). A solid day.

Then came Monday....test day...

I arrived and got checked in. Sat down and begin testing. I go through the motions and answer some questions. Then the moment of truth: it asks "Do you want to submit your scores?" I say Yes. Then it asks again "Are you sure? Last chance to quit and pretend it never happened." I think, 'does this computer know something I don't?' Well, I decide I really don't want to take it again, so I say Yes. Then Bam!! My scores flash up. Let us just say, I beat my practice test (and kicked some serious quantitative butt). I'm pleased and excited. Now, my writing grade is still out, but I feel I wrote a decent essay.

After the test it was video games for me. Then bowling, where I proceed to shoot 234-202-224 = 660. A nice night and I came out with a bit of cash. What a day! I believe I used all the gifts God gave me (some smarts, some hand-eye coordination, and then some bowling)...see, not tooting my own horn...I know where the credit is due.

Now for a night of TV (NCIS and Amazing Race are sweet).

Proud owner of....

an 18-pound turkey. Yep, that's right, I have an 18-pound turkey in my freezer. Why do I have an 18-pound turkey (this is a question you may be asking yourself)? Well, let me explain (in a round about way). I bowl in a league on Thursday nights at Expo Bowl on Indy's south side. Apparently, this league has a tradition of giving away turkeys. Last night, I throw the ball very well and shoot games of 243-204-203 = 650. I was clean (no opens) in game 1, 1 open in game 2 and 2 opens in game 3 (Good thing there was no game 4 or else I would have had 3 opens...I know a pattern when I see it). Pretty decent shooting...above my 208 average I currently had out there (that should be going up after last night). Ok, back to the turkey. This league has a tradition where every team gets a turkey...that's right, 1 turkey for all 40 teams in the league. How do they determine who gets the turkey on each team? Well, I'm glad you asked. The answer is of course, high series with handicap. So I shoot 650 + 3 (1 pin handicap/game) = 653. The next closest on my team was around 600 to 620 with handicap (I think). That makes me.... Another Lucky Winner!!!

With no personal need for a turkey of any size, let alone an 18-pounder, I offered to my other teammates (seeing as they have more people to feed than myself). However, they were both going to be out of town (for turkey day) and didn't want/need it. So, I'm donating the turkey to Christ UMC in Washington, IN, where I will serve it as part of the free Thanksgiving dinner they put on for the community.

A good night of bowling and a good deed done. Be sure to read up, 3 posts this week!

I Missed a Birthday (I Feel Old)

So, during a recent period of boredom, I stumbled across these series of articles about the original Nintendo (NES) http://www.1up.com/do/feature?cId=3144947 As it turns out, the NES turned 20 on October 18th. Released in 1985 in the US, Nintendo took the video game world by storm, revolutionized it, and took it mainstream. I've spent innumerable hourse playing our NES. In fact, I still have the NES in original packaging in my closet at home. My sophomore year at college, I had the NES hooked up...and yes I played it, and even had friends come over to play it. Now, I cannot remember the exact year that my parents bought the NES for us (my brother, sister, and myself), but I do know it occured somewhere during our Milan, IN years (4 yrs thru Grade 3). Without a doubt, Nintendo was a huge part of my childhood. I have played every Nintendo console developed and owned/possessed the NES, SNES, and 64. I've sinced crossedover to PS2 (better game library) and most likely will stick with Playstation. To be honest though, the ability to get a Gamecube for around $100 is tempting...especially with a new Zelda on the horizon. But I digress.... Nintendo compromised a great time and will always be a part of my foundation. It set me on the road of great video game enjoyment. I'm predicting that I will continue to buy and play video games until I can no longer pick up a controller. In tradition with recent posts, let me give a list of my fondest NES games (ie, those that I played alot)

5. Duck Hunt -- loved that light gun and I was pretty stinkin' good at the game (less so on the clay shooting game)
4. Double Dragon -- the first beat'em up I remember playing...never made it very far (couple of levels), but loved playing the first couple of levels
3. Super Mario Bros. -- the original game that probably hooked me on video games
2. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles -- the side-scrolling version, not the overhead game. This was extremely fun, and opened the door to co-op play. My brother and I played this one alot.
1. Little League World Series -- The best baseball game ever made (until recent ones). This game was fun and was superior to every baseball game clear until Playstation/Nintendo 64 games. It is still a blast to go back and play. Fond memories of this game: Tournaments with friends, playing while in the hospital, playing with family...a great game.

Note: Zelda's are not present because we never owned them and I never really got into those at the time.

Honorable Mention: Tetris -- the best puzzle game ever for a game system...still fun to play.

Ah, video games and a trip down memory lane...foundations for a good post, eh?

Impressions of Retail Pharmacies

So on Friday, Butler had set up "Interview Day". They invited many companies to come in and allow students to sign-up for 30 minute interviews. Based on my current career plans (graduate school), I opted to interview with retail pharmacies. My gameplan is to work full-time from May-August, then move off to school, and work part-time (10-20 hr/wk) during school. The retail world gives me the most flexibility of hours at the highest pay, and the ability to work in IN and another state easily. With that said, I interviewed with 8 companies. Here is my impressions (worst to best) from each of them after my 30 minute interviews. I asked the same questions to each: how do part-timers get hours? state-to-state transfers/work breaks? and why choose you?

8. Target -- The first 20 minutes of the interview consisted of situational questions ("Tell me a time when...How did you handle this.... etc."). After these were done, the next thing out was "What questions do you have for me?" I've never been to a Target pharmacy and don't know anything about their hours/workflow/computer system or anything. All I know is their vials/bottles are really cool. So, in other words, I learned nothing of Target pharmacy. E-mailed open slots in advance notice to get hours.

7. Williams Bros. -- Now this is an independent chain (4 stores) housed in Washington, IN (where my parents live). They had 2 interviewers. The one was very professional, the other was crazy. The guy would ask nutty off-topic questions. It seems like a good pharmacy, but not really what I need since they are only local. The nice thing is I can work during breaks (when I'm home) without having a contract with them.

6. Rite Aid -- Former employer of mine. This one felt most like a sell. They (2 interviewers) were really pushing some far fetching statements ("The only company with this....We are the first..."). No offense, but these just seem like strange statements coming from Rite-Aid. With that said, they did make it sound like Rite Aid was trying to turn things around. They are offerring some neat services. Plus, Rite Aid treated me very well as an Intern while I worked for them. Scheduling through a district scheduler.

5. K-Mart -- This interview got messed up a bit, it was 1 interviewer for 2 interviewees (the other interviewer had an important call to take). Anyway, K-Mart sounded reasonable. Their script count isn't very high (average 120-150 rx/day... note: an adaquately staffed store with 1 RPh should be capable of doing 250 as a steady/busy 12 hour day). Scheduling through a co-ordinator on a monthly basis working 2-4 weeks in advance. Easy transfers and can work breaks.

4. Walgreens -- The first 20 minutes was the company line (ie. Propaganda -- we're the best, we're the coolest, etc. etc.....Walgreens is arrogant!). So, you're asking then why is this one #4. Well, the reason is their set-up for scheduling as a part-time/floater. They put up open shifts on-line 2-4 weeks in advance, and you can sign up from there. This was very nice because there is no in-between, no working with a scheduler, just look and sign-up for what I want. Plus, despite their arrogance, they are fast growing and not going to be sold/closed anytime soon.

3. Osco -- Another with 2 interviewers. Seemed very honest and straightforward. They either don't BS, or cover the smell really well. Scheduling through schedulers and DM, but they also allow for working directly on the store level to set up times. Transfering state-to-state is also simplier. However, there are rumors about the company having financial difficulties and possibly selling (I asked and was told "We are NOT for sell").

2. Kroger -- Now Kroger's are only in the midwest, but the Kroger company owns grocery stores/pharmacies pretty much nationwide. Again, floater schedules are worked out via scheduler 1 month in advance. The different organizations may make working breaks and state-to-state transfers slightly more difficult...or at least have a few more hoops to jump through. This ranks higher because the interviewer was very adaptable to my situation and extremely honest.

1. Wal-Mart -- This was the most impressive interview I had. No situational questions, No BS, mostly a quick rundown of what the company is, then opened up to questions. Most schedules are made on the store level, but this differs by district. A scheduler exists to aid with fill-ins. Stability is huge, this company is NOT going to be bought out. They are everywhere (Sam's Clubs included). Easy transfer state-to-state and working breaks. What put this over the top was a demonstration of their computer system (the only company that did it). A very nice system that seems organized to streamline the process and allow techs to do more, which allows the pharmacist more time to counsel patients.

Note: I work with CVS (and have an offer from them) so I did not interview with them. Generally, CVS is a good company. They have treated me well and I sense a general concern for their pharmacists. Also, as the largest (in store number) retailer, I am not concerned with them being sold. They also use a scheduler. However, they do not have stores in CO which is #1 on my graduate school list.

There you have it. Anyone with deeper insight into these companies, please feel free to elighten me. Until next time....

A Night of Presidents (Real and Fictional)

{this is a long post...you've been warned} As previously mentioned, last night was the speech by President Bill Clinton at Butler University. Also yesterday was the "Live" West Wing Debate episode (which I recorded due to the speech). So, I will give you my opinion of both of these items. It was a really good evening. Onto my thoughts:

President Clinton
I'll be honest and come straight out and say it: Clinton was the best President I've seen in my years (especially in my since begining to think on a national/political level). With that disclaimer said, here is the gist of his 1 hour speech. The man has great charisma and is extremely personable. He really makes you feel like a friend. He started his speech by focusing on the role of the US in the world (the speech was also part of the Diversity Lecture Series). He used the word interdependence (instead of globalization). His primary points were that we live in a world economy and share world politics. Countries around the world are now depedent on other countries for pretty much everything, and it's a two-way street (hence interdependence). His major point was that the US needs to make friends, not enemies, in the international community. Via friendships, the economy grows, a free exchange of ideas and goods can then flow.
His next section focused on national areas. Primary focus on security, economy, and education. On security, he mentioned several ways to improve. Checking more of the cargo shipments that enter the country (via sea and airports). On Iraq, he felt it wrong to go to war, but now that it has been done, we must maintain a presence or else it "will become the haven for terrorism that it was falsely accused of being" when we attacked. He also mentioned increased foreign aid and efforts to countries that dislike us. [Interesting stat: Indonesia (largest muslim populated country) Approval of US-38%, and Bin Laden 60% before the Tsunami; after the Tsunami US-60%, Bin Laden 25%] On education, he talked about leveling the playing field. A specific he mentioned was NC (I believe) and their system of economic equivalence in the school. Where the schools were set-up so students of all socioeconomic class were present. An interesting idea.
Now, a Democratic president has to make some pokes/differences of opinion with a sitting Republican president. Clinton did not Bush-bash, but did state what he disagreed with. First, was the attitude of correctness in the US, but requiring more from other countries. Examples: Retaining the right to torture (ie. exempt from Geneva convention) in the "war on terror"; renouncing Nuclear test ban, nuclear proliferation while requiring other countries decrease supplies/never start a program. Clinton's biggest complaint came in area of economy. He feels the Bush economic plan is a disaster and makes the country far worse off for future generations. Here is the Bush plan: lower taxes and increased spending growing the debt to a huge amount. Clinton knows this must stop. He talked about what he did during his years (when the economy was soaring), and his response when asked what economic plan he brought to the White House: "Arithmetic." It's simple, if you give tax cuts, you can't increase spending.
That's the highlights. I was really impressed and enjoyed my time listening to Clinton. I do look forward to Bush Sr in March.

The West Wing
Last night was a Live episode of the West Wing. The two Presidential candidate (Santos [D] {Jimmy Smits} and Vinick [R] {Alan Alda}) squared off and dropped the stupid rules of normal debates. Instead they went, no holds bars and argued the issues. Here's what I thought was neat: 1) they actually discussed things, instead of just giving quotables; and 2) It mirrored the previous speech by Clinton. The debate actually had the candidates lay out their plans/policies they will seek if elected. It allowed more than just rhetoric, but actual dialogue. Personally, I more often agreed with Santos' positions, but still had several areas where I felt Vinic was more correct {esp. about the Pharmaceutical industry}. For those unfamiliar with the show, Santos represents a fairly liberal candidate, and Vinick is a moderate republican.

I've already gone quite long on this post, but would be more than willing to discuss any of the above with anyone. Alrighty, gotta go.

Movie Review: Saw II

So, my Dad and I got to Cincinatti in great time and did not just want to hang out in the hotel room all evening on Friday night. Due to that we went down to the movie theater that was close by. There really wasn't much great playing, so we opted for Saw II. Now, I've seen (and own) Saw, but dad has not. I gave him the highlights and in we went. Overall, the movie was decent. The story got off to a slow start (after the initial scene), but once the movie got going and the story revolved around the people in the house, it was pretty good. Kept you guessing a little bit and kept you thinking what was going to happen next. The best part of the film is the ending though. Some of the things that just seem trivial during the film actually turn out to be a great setup. The film's finale is really good. Now, all in all, I don't think you gain anything by watching this on the big screen, so in the end I would say it is worth the $3+ to rent.

By comparison to the first film, I would say overall the first one was better. I think the ending of the second is better, but the beginning and middle lack a bit of the polish the first had. But what can you expect when a film is thrown together in less than 1 year. Hopefully, they will spend some time refining Saw III (because if this one makes much money at all, you can be sure of a 3rd installment).

Well, I guess I'm going to wrap things up here in the library and get off to Hinkle to listen to President Clinton....expect a post on that tomorrow.

I'm outie.

Best Star Wars Moments

Ok, everyone knows I like Star Wars. With the release of the final installment on DVD this week, I saw a USA today article about the 5 best Moments from the movies. That got me thinking, what are my favorite moments from the greatest film franchise of all time. Well, while in a meeting this morning, in an attempt to stay awake, I jotted down some of my favorite moments. Granted, my original list was pretty decent in length, but I'm going to narrow it down to a Top 10 list. I'm sure plenty of people will disagree with my list, but that's what comments are for. Well without further ado....

Top 10 Star Wars Movie Moments:

10. Pod Race - Episode I: This was about the only epic feeling moment in Episode I. It was unique and pretty exciting/entertaining to watch.

9. Princess Leia in the Metal Bikini - Episode VI: As a guy, this has got to make the list. The last time that Carrie Fisher was actually hot. A true viewing pleasure.

8. Darth Vader destroying the Emperor - Episode VI: A good ending to the Star Wars saga, but what allows this to gain access to the list is the parallel from Episode III. After watching Anakin choose Palpatine and kill Mace Windu in a similar situation, and then to save Luke (and himself) is awesome. A coming full-circle kind of moment.

7. Yoda versus Palpatine - Episode III: Some may think that Yoda's first appearance with a lightsaber should make the list, but I felt that one was too gimicky. However, the fight with Palpatine that takes place in the Senate chambers is really amazing. Also shows the changing of power as the Jedi Master falls to the Sith Lord. Truly Yoda's coolest action moment, despite it ending in defeat.

6. Darth Maul vs. Qui-Gon Jin and Obi-Wan Kenobi - Episode I: The true shining moment of Episode I (and there were very few). Darth Maul was a cool character and the double-sided lightsaber was frickin' sweet. This was also the first multi-person lightsaber fight. Up to this, it was one-on-one battles that mostly looked like fencing, this fight was very acrobatic and simply put, amazing.

5. Space Battle over Coruscant - Episode III: Also known as the opening scene of the movie. The start is pretty good, two fighters flying around a capital ship...then they whip over the top and on the screen unfolds the coolest looking space battle ever put on film. The visual is just unbelievable and the scene really sets the tone for the rest of the movie...hold on to you seats.

4. "No, I am your father!" - Episode V: The only Episode V (Empire Strikes Back) moment on my countdown (a sacrilege to purists, but hey, it's my list). Anyway, with 5 words, the entire Star Wars world gets flipped upside down. Granted, with the prequels, this may lose some of its shock factor. But the first time you see it, you still want to go, "No, it can't be" (but not as whiny as Luke does it).

3. Trench Run - Episode IV: The ending battle of the very first Star Wars movie. It wasn't a huge fight, but something better. A David v. Goliath type of thing. A small ship taking out the huge world killing Death Star. Plus you have Vader trying to take out Luke, teamwork saving the day, and the use of faith to defeat evil. Plus the basis for many video game levels and a great ride at Disney World MGM (Star Tours).

2. Anakin verus Obi-Wan Kenobi - Episode III: The greatest lightsaber fight...ever! You knew this fight was coming, my expectations for it were extremely high, and I was impressed. It blew me out of the water. The use of the set, the emotion both actors convey....just awesome. I could watch this duel over and over and still not be disappointed.

And the number 1....

1. Star Destroyer - Episode IV: The first ever Star Wars scene shown. You just finish reading the setup, the camera pans down, a ship flies over shooting back to you, and then the Star Destroyer slowly flies overhead. Almost gives you chills. From the very beginning, I'm hooked and want to know what's going to happen next. A true masterpiece of cinema.

Honorable mentions: Battle of Hoth (snowspeeders/AT-ATs), Luke vs. Vader in Episode VI, First appearance of Vader (both in Episode III and Episode IV), Jango Fett getting his head chopped off by Mace Windu, and the ground battle (rooting for stormtroopers) at Genosis in Episode II.

Ah, what a trip down memory lane. Let me know if you agree/disagree/what's your top 5/10. Hope you enjoyed.

Star Wars Battlefront II

OK, so I'm really tired this morning (not looking for sympathy), but have no-one to blame but myself...maybe my brother, but probably just myself. For those of you who know me decently, you know I enjoy playing video games with my brother. Well, yesterday, Star Wars Battlefront II came out, and my brother (being the video game and Star Wars nut that he is) had preordered it. He started playing somewhere around 2ish (I believe). I got off my rotation and went straight to his place. I was there and playing by 5:15 pm. We went to go get food at 6:30ish (with my sis-in-law, of course), then back to gaming by 7. We proceeded to play straight through until nearly 1 AM. Yep, that's right, 4 1/2 straight hours (nearly 6 on the night) of video gaming. And it was awesome!!! The time flew (hence the reason I stayed up late). Here's the coolest thing... we've barely scraped the surface of what can be done. We experienced a little of everything, but all of the options available are ridiculous. I now know what will take up pretty much all of our gaming action in the near future. The cool thing is, because of that photo scavenger hunt thing we did, I should be getting a free copy of the game. According to my brother, the guy is picking it up on Friday and then should be mailing it out shortly thereafter. Then I will be able to play on my own....or if anyone else wants to stop by and play.... just a thought.

Anyway, the moral of the story is: Star Wars Battlefront II is phenomonal....and I'm tired.

Overall game impressions: Extremely fun. I miss a few of the maps (Bespin and Rhen Var), but like some of the new ones. I wish you started each map with all characters instead of earning them, but I'll deal. Space missions are so-so (jury's still out). Galactic Conquest is now really good (esp. w/ the bro, because he likes some of the strategy junk that goes with it, and there are more fights which I really like). A great game worthy of many many many hours of playing time.

Ok, time to act like I'm doing work while really dozing off.