I have a feeling it is a lump of coal for me this year...

Another whirlwind weekend has come and gone. Friday night, Anay, Ann, Nim and I got some pizza, watched the Cyclones beat the Hawkeyes in basketball, and then headed way out to Cary, Illinois to our friend Bill's house to say hi. Saturday night, was a night for parties. My friends Sarah and Jim had a party, and Allie had a party. Somehow, Anay and I squeezed both in. Sunday was a bit more chill. I just watched some football and then later Allie and I went bowling. It went by too quickly, but it was another fun weekend.

1. I would hardly be described as a fan of celebrity gossip... however, when I went over to cnn.com, and one of their headlines is Jessica Simpson confirming she is in a relationship with Smashing Pumpkins vocalist Billy Corgan... even I have to shake my head in amazement.

2. Today, I read this report that Tiger Woods will cost the sports economy almost a billion dollars in 2010 if he doesn't play. TV ratings, golf course attendance, merchandise, et cetera. TV ratings when Tiger plays in a tournament are 61% higher than when doesn't. In a way, these outlets like ESPN are biting the hand that feeds them.

3. Currently listening to "We've been had" by The Walkmen.

I've never been to heaven; but I've been to Oklahoma

As a sports fan, I have always seemed to enjoy All-Star games; in particular, the NBA All-Star game. The biggest problem though is fans are allowed to control who starts. Not only is this blatant favoritism for bigger markets, but it allows for popular, but mediocre players (like Shaq) to start in place of better players at their position. Currently, in the Western Conference, the top voting guard is Kobe Bryant. The second is Tracy McGrady. Okay, I get Kobe, but McGrady is yet to play one game this year. Instead, he will start over a better, more deserving guard like a Tony Parker or a Brandon Roy

1. With Old Man Winter rearing his ugly head, I have watched a lot of movies. Some have been bad like Night at the Museum 2, and The Ugly Truth. I would give both movies D's. Some have been okay, like the food documentary, Food Inc. And some movies have been terrific. Anay and I just watched the drama, The Kingdom this afternoon. Starring Jamie Foxx, Jason Batemen, Jeremy Piven, and Jennifer Garner, the kingdom is about terrorism in Saudi Arabia. I give the movie a A-/B+. It was interesting, action packed, and just plain bad-ass.

2. Currently listening to "Around the bend" by Asteroid Galaxy Tour

Malice in Wonderland

Yesterday I got an email from one of my friends who likes politics with highlights from the recent Esquire magazine interview with former attorney general, Alberto Gonzalez. Of all the failings, and shadiness, perhaps nothing is more duplicitous than the illegal firings of U.S. attorneys who were liberal; or who were not "loyal" enough to the Republican party. Here is my favorite quote from Gonzalez: "We should have abandoned the idea of removing the U.S. attorneys once the Democrats took the senate. Because at that point we could not really count on Republicans to cut off investigations or help us at all with investigations. We didn't see that at the Department of Justice. Nor did the White House see that. Karl didn't see that. If we could do something over again, that would be it."

To me, he is basically just saying he regrets being caught. Not only were these firings illegal, but it should have resulted in multiple impeachments. Instead, the only person who served any time in jail was former Vice President Cheney's chief of staff, Scooter Libby. Even now, the whole thing just makes me livid that the Bush administration got away with it. On the one hand, I can understand why President Obama did not push for criminal charges. The Republicans lost, it was time for a new change in America. On the other hand, they let the bad guys get away with it


1. Speaking of politics, when I was watching CNN, they asked if anybody has a chance to beat Obama in 2012. Although I feel that Huckabee could, the panel thinks it will be an unknown that will rise to fame and challenge Obama. In a way, following Obama's path to the presidency. One name that came up was moderate Republican senator from South Dakota, John Thune. He is eloquent, handsome, from the North, and could be a real asset to the future of the GOP.

2. Is it Festivus season already?

What is history but a fable that is agreed upon?

One of my highest hopes for the Obama administration was his ability to restore the way other countries look at the United States. Hopefully, America's reputation slowly changes for the better. Too long have we been thrusted in the role as the crooked chief of police. While reading the recent Newsweek, there was a great article about how India has slowly been changing their outlook on America. According to the article, India's leadership in the past has not only not wanted to work with the United States, but has gone out of their way to work against America on issues like global warming, war, and economic turmoil. India's basic stance was that they did not have the money to do anything. How could they be expected to work on climate change when their people were starving? However, Prime Minister Singh has been working hard, and not quietly, to embrace the West. "The shift is occurring because India's government knows that with rising wealth and power comes greater responsibility," says Newsweek reporter, Jeremy Kahn. A couple of months ago, India voluntarily declared it would curtail future rises in carbon emissions - something prior prime ministers would not do without financial incentives from the West. Just this past week alone, the Indian government, when discussing a new climate treaty in Denmark said India would "be a dealmaker, not a deal breaker." How much of this is a result of Obama being elected president and how much of it is on Prime Minister Singh? Of course it is a mixture of both. The bottom line is that the second most populous country is making huge improvements in terms of economy and global warming. I could care less who gets the credit. And with Singh's party, the Congress Party, winning huge in the last Indian election, I see only great things for the future relationship of India and America.

1. Last night I rented the movie, Night at the Museum 2. I give like a C. It had its moments of funny, but mostly I just thought it was ridiculous.

2. This weekend was an absolute blast for me. Friday night, our friends from college, Anay's Allie, Aaron and Lauren came to visit. Friday, we went to a local bar, Wrightwood, and met about a dozen of our friends out for a little relaxing, dancing, and just in all out good time. Saturday afternoon we all went downtown to Daley Plaza to see the Chicago Christmas market, eat good food, see the giant tree, and show the Iowans downtown. Saturday night, my apartment had their first party. We welcomed 50 of our closest friends and acquaintances for an ugly sweater party. (Go to Facebook if you are unsure what that means.) It is hard not to be in a good mood when everyone at the party looked so hideous. It was just a really nice weekend.

3. I can't get that damn "party in the usa" song by Miley Cyrus out of my head. AAAAGGHH!!!!

Tiger trap

Like anyone who has picked up a paper or turned on the TV in the past 48 hours, I am completely exhausted about the Tiger Woods drama. I continue to be amazed at the appetite America has on celebrity gossip. Because Woods is a sports star, this story has captivated the whole country. Yesterday I was in a sports bar with Nimit and Anay watching the basketball game, and every other table was talking about Woods cheating on his wife. I am kind of split. On the one hand, this is a matter between Tiger and his wife. It is nobody's business but theirs. On the other hand, WTF Tiger?! You are one of the ten most recognized people in the world. Are you so stupid that you think you wouldn't get caught. He left text messages, voicemails, and emails to one of the two women he is accused of cheating with. Did he really not think there was a chance some of that could be leaked? But more importantly, when you get married, that's it, you are with that woman for the rest of your life. If you can't commit to her, then don't get married. Stay single and be with all the women you want! When you get married, knock it off! It is just amazing how weak these men get when they get rich and famous.

Speaking of athletics, Men's Health magazine has their list of ten things you need if you are to be considered a Men's Health athlete:

1. Bench 1.5 times your body weight.
2. Run 1.5 miles in ten minutes.
3. Touch the rim
4. Leg press 2.25 times your body weight.
5. Swim 700 yards in 12 minutes.
6. Do 40 pushups without a break.
7. Have a waist to hip ratio of 0.81 inches or less.
8. Run 300 yards in one minute.
9. Touch your toes (standing and sitting).
10. Toss a basketball 75 feet while kneeling.

Apparently I have some work to do. I could do the swimming, touch my toes, and probably run 300 yards in one minute. After that are some question marks.

Road Thrill

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend. Mine was a whirlwind. I spent most of it in Wisconsin, with a very brief Minnesota appearance for one night. I certainly miss my family when I am in Chicago. I enjoy every moment when I am back in the 'sota.


1. People who have read my blog are well aware of my views on Lady Gaga. Although her songs are undeniably catchy, she just rubs me the wrong way in interviews. She is crazy. I do not believe it is all an act... I think she is flat out nuts. What I did not realize is that she actually is highly intelligent. She began at Julliard at 11. She attended NYU's performance school before dropping out to pursue her music career. I guess Gaga was some kind of piano prodigy. I am impressed.

2. Did anyone else watch Glee Wednesday night? I am hardly one to be accused of being overly-sensitive, but, the scene where the cast sang "Imagine" with the hearing impaired children was incredibly moving.

3. Good for you Rolling Stone magazine. I see you have 17 year old Taylor Lautner wearing a wet t-shirt, and seductively posing on your cover this week. I did not realize you were trying to be the next Tiger Beat.

Drove to Chicago. All things know. All things know.

Well, that was one of my more whirlwind weekends. Friday night, was really fun. It was my roommate, Ann's, birthday. She celebrated it at this really cool, chic, nightclub downtown called Landmark. I don't care to discuss how much money was spent... but it was all worth it. Saturday while my friends were sleeping in until mid-day, I had to be at work at 9:00. I survived that enough to come home and watch my teams embarrass themselves. Moving on, Saturday night I went over to Allie's apartment. Her roommate has a birthday this weekend, and her girlfriend (yes, her roommate is gay), was throwing her a surprise party. I always love and have loved surprise parties; this was no exception. It also allowed me to get out of my comfort zone; being surrounded by so many people from an alternative lifestyle. I think I made some new friends and had a nice night. Although at 24, I think I am ready to retire from playing flippy cup, and drinking Busch Light. I was really excited for Sunday though. Nathan Lane, possibly the most talented living theater actor of our generation, has been in Chicago for a new show, The Addam's Family. It was a musical, quite strange, but still overall funny and enjoyable. Nathan Lane was of course brilliant. I also loved seeing the show in The Oriental Theater. Absurdly gaudy, but also resplendently beautiful, The Oriental Theater is a Chicago treasure.

1. Joe Mauer won the American League MVP award today. He received all but one first place vote? Who was the idiot that did not vote him for first? About this time last year I said the Twins desperately need to sign Mauer to an extension. How many tens of millions of dollars did that mistake cost the Twins.

2. In a recent Des Moines Register article, 68% of Iowa Republicans "like what they see" out of Sarah Palin. I would love nothing more than for Palin to win the Republican nomination. Obama would destroy her in 2012. Unfortunately ladies and gentlemen, we are not that far away from campaigning season again for the 2010 mid-term elections.

3. I have a question about stretching. I am not very flexible and really need to work on it. How long should I hold one stretch position to gradually become more lithe? I have heard anywhere from 30 seconds to 120 seconds is necessary. I don't like stretching but if I want to reach optimum health, it is something I need to reincorporate into my work-outs.

4. Currently listening to "Chicago" by Sufjan Stevens.