The semester begins

Posting will usually take place in the afternoon on Mondays as I have a class in the morning. Tuesday - when I wake up. Wednesday - See Monday. Thursday - see Tuesday. Friday - whenever I wake up.

A new semester has begun. It should be fun and exciting if you took away the classes and homework.

The most popular politician in Indiana: Senator Evan Bayh.

Indiana's two U.S. senators, Democrat Evan Bayh and Republican Dick Lugar, both were found to be popular. No surprise there. Approval ratings were statistically the same, Bayh, 63 percent; Lugar, 62 percent. Senators rank high in most states, even as many voters now look with disdain on the House portion of Congress.

The Indiana polling was conducted for WHAS-TV in Louisville, which has extensive Indiana viewership, and WXIN-TV, Fox 59 News, in Indianapolis.

The GOP has nominated a teacher in the 37th district.

No, they are not Jewish but they star in The Producers. I have not seen the film but I hear Matthew Broderick is married to a Jewish actress....and his mother was Jewish.

SNL is on the rise again.

Mike Weaver is a person of faith. I am too. I think Democrats need to show that we are the party of moral values.

Governor Vilsack needs to make sure a Democrat keeps control of the Governor's office in 2006. The Democrat: Chet Culver.

Jim Zulevic, an alumnus of the Second City, has died at the age of 40.

"Everybody is in a state of shock today," said Andrew Alexander, the owner of Second City, on Sunday.[...]

"I figured maybe an improv class would help with my writing, and the best friend of a really cute girl from the South Side was taking it," Mr. Zulevic said in a recent interview.

That early exposure led Mr. Zulevic to classes at Second City and, by 1992, a spot on the national touring company. For most of the rest of the 1990s, he moved steadily up the Second City rung from the e.t.c. company to the mainstage. A Second City performer of unusual longevity, he worked pretty much nonstop on and around Wells Street from 1992-1999.

"I was lucky enough to work with Jim every night for a year," said Fey, now head writer for NBC's Saturday Night Live. "Jim loved Chicago and The Second City, and he loved old-school improv. ... He was more Gibson's Steak House than Tru, and I admire him for it."

In many ways, Mr. Zulevic belonged to the illustrious Second City tradition of big, funny men with dark and caustic senses of humor but gentle souls and warm hearts. His work variously recalled the likes of John Belushi and Chris Farley, although he also had a singular style typified by his angular visage, prominently expressive eyebrows and a quizzical look when confronted with unconventional behavior.

"Jim was hilarious, angry and lovable," said Kelly Leonard, Second City's producer. "His talent was so huge, it was barely controllable."

"Jim was a big guy, but he'd take all kinds of physical risks," said Mick Napier, who directed Zulevic in several shows.

May he rest in peace.

I think that's all I have for now. I am taking a much deserved nap right now.