Elliott update

Everyone's favorite former Drake student body president has been back in the news lately. Apparently, his murder trial is less than a month away, so the Des Moines Register has been digging up what little dirt they can find on Mr. Elliott.

This story, which ran April 28, is really well-done. It's a long piece, and it's clear that the reporters had basically nothing to work with because all the court records are sealed. But they managed to track down enough family members, former classmates and co-workers to weave together an interesting tale.

As you can probably tell from my continued blog postings about it, I can't get over this story. It's so bizarre – maybe because it's the first time I've ever known a murder defendant personally? Or maybe because there was nothing about this guy that screamed sex offender, baby killer or all-around scumbag when I was working with him on a small-group project freshman year? Am I that bad at reading people, or was he that good at hiding his dark side? 

The Register story attempts to answer some of those questions, because apparently, I'm not the only one asking them. 

Thanks, Uncle Sam

My $600 from the government magically appeared in my bank account today. I know I'm supposed to run out and spend it on a big-screen TV or a new couch or something, but I'm going to let it sit in my checking account for a while. At least until June, when I'm going on my return trip to the Dominican Republic. 

Does the fact that I'll probably end up spending my economic stimulus check in another country make me a bad American? Would it help if I went on a mini shopping spree and spent part of the check on clothes before I leave? I like that idea – doing my civic duty by going to the mall and buying cute sandals and a new swimsuit. Being patriotic never sounded so fun.