I’ve lamented here in the past about the UC’s drive toward mediocrity, particularly as shown by the axing of the Santa Cruz water polo program. Though I still think the UC can and should do better in protecting the system’s reputation and standing in all programs, I read an interesting article yesterday that included some discussion of Yale’s water polo program, and other sports, after they lost official recognition and became club programs. Glad to see that relegation to club status isn’t always the death knell of an athletic program, but can lead to positive outcomes.

Two related notes for the aquatics inclined: Penn State swimmers raised $235 in a charity auction by agreeing to deliver pizza in their speedos, and this year’s Maverick’s Big Wave contest may be canceled due to a lack of sponsors. Hmmm. Pondering. Hmmm.

Well, except during the intermission. But there were a lot of them, and I’m not so proud that I can’t admit to hearing voices every now and then. Would I be here with my occasionally typing dog if I were completely normal and well-adjusted?

Went to a benefit concert last night featuring three Yale undergrad a capella groups: the Duke’s Men, the Society of Orpheus and Bacchus, and the Spizzwinks(?). Great show, and a lot of fun. Felt really old when I was watching the performers, but then when I was saw the rest of the audience I felt young as a spring chicken.

Between the job change and other distractions and priorities I’ve been slacking on atending alumni events lately, so when the local Yale Alums invited the local Cal Alums to their little shindig I jumped on the opportunity. Apparantly I was the only one though. Good thing I went with someone. Still, we had a good time, though I guess you just have to mentally substitute in ‘Stanford’ for ‘Harvard’ in all the punchlines to appreciate the jokes.