June 2007 Archives

It's not like the Half & Half to plug all that much--a little Judge Mathis here, a little Old Joy there, and it's time once again to promote an local event of critical importance: Blumesday.

No, not Bloomsday, the annual nerd-fest that honors James Joyce's Ulysses. Blumesday, a celebration of the writings of Judy Blume. If you've never before heard of Judy Blume, might as well stop reading now. If you possibly cut your teeth on such tomes as "Tales Of A Fourth Grade Nothing", "Are You There God, It's Me Margeret", and "Blubber", you've come home.

Selected speakers will be giving selected readings from their favorite Judy Blume books. I will be reading from "Then Again, Maybe I Won't". There is sure to be plenty of groan-inducing, emotionally-charged passages that will bring us all back to our awkward youths. I am very excited.

7:30, Saturday June 16th at the Baghdad Theatre. I believe the event is free, if not very cheap. Please come!

The maiden season of the Portland Croquet Leagueends next saturday the 23rd at the 4th Annual Mt Tabor Croquet Invitational. As it stands now, team Half & Half leads with 11 points, and will face off with team Makelike, the second highest scoring team, in a final match. If I sound less than enthusiastic, it's because I am. Jeff stayed with team Half & Half, while I played for the Acorn. Though our skill level was challenged and our style sporadic (and my playing abysmal), Acorn made a respectable showing but alas, did not qualify for the finals. Jeff's cutthroat tactics secured Half & Half's place in the top tier early on, while also securing his role as "league villain" for all eternity.

Truly, this first season had several flaws that need to be addressed before we play again. Croquet is one of the most frustrating games I've ever played, but there's nothing quite like sailing through a wicket to make you feel like success should be so effortless. I am looking forward to another season this summer, and the opportunity for redemption and vengeance.