*All About Me is a new WEEKEND section that explores the uniqueness of the people at IU and in Bloomington.*
Brian Plotkin is a Chicago boy. Training restlessly and practicing soccer are all in a day's work for this midfielder. Plotkin, the captain of the IU soccer team, spent his summer playing and teaching soccer in his hometown, which he considers "the greatest city" in the United States.\n"It has great people, great food and great sports."\nHe did take a break from his summer routine of teaching soccer 8- to 13-year-olds and traveled to Europe for two-weeks to play fútbol. But more things spark Plotkin's interest than a black-and-white ball. Here's what he's all about:
Television \nIt's not hard to guess that one of Plotkin's favorite shows to watch is "SportsCenter" and beyond watching soccer on TV, he enjoys college football, college basketball and the Chicago Cubs.\nThe reality television boom didn't pass him by either. He frequently tunes in to MTV to catch "Laguna Beach," "because I am in love with LC." \nReruns and marathons of "The West Wing" on Bravo are another way Plotkin entertains himself during his down time. "My favorite character on 'The West Wing' is Josh Lyman (Bradley Whitford) because he's smart and witty."
Movies \nPlotkin digs comedies like "Eurotrip" and "The 40-year-old Virgin," which he saw recently. But one of his favorites is "Master of Disguise." \n"It's the funniest movie I've ever seen."\nHe also likes action movies likes "Bourne Supremacy," saying he likes it better than the "Bourne Identity." And of course there's the inspirational sports movie "Miracle."\nMusic \n"My favorite song right now is called 'Kylie' by Akcent," He said that it brings back some good memories. \nHe also enjoys the sound of alternative crooners like Fall Out Boy and the Killers. \nBefore he laces up to play, Plotkin gets his game face on by listening to "Nothin' Else Matters" by Metallica and "Outta Control" by 50 Cent.
Books\nWhen it comes to reading, Plotkin likes variety.\n"The Miracle of St. Anthony" by author Adrian Wojnarowski is one of this two-time national champion's favorite books. "It's a good sports story. It's inspirational."\nThe Bible and "Blink" by author Malcolm Gladwell are two other books that top Plotkin's book shelf.
Food\nPlotkin frequents Bloomington Bagel Co., Inc., 113 N. Dunn St. or 7th and Morton Street, at least three to four times a week. "I get an everything bagel with honey almond cream cheese, toasted."\nMancino's Pizza & Grinders, 916 N. College Ave., Malibu Grill, 106 N. Walnut Ave., and Austin Riley's Royal Pizza Works, 1310 N. College Ave., are all places he likes to grab a bit to eat. \n-- Features Editor Maggie Bozich still has a headache from learning how to head the soccer ball. To get a hold of her at mbozich@indiana.edu.\n-- Know someone unique, eccentric or just kinda cool? Send your suggestions for future "It's All About Me" subjects to weekend@ids.edu.
