Have a Merry Boxing Day

1. I have decided that only two things will end me (and both involve fast food.) One, if Taco Bell ever decides to deliver. Two, if McDonald's ever makes their breakfast menu and all day thing. After an eye exam this morning, I felt the hunger pangs that I knew could only be cured by a McDonald's breakfast combo meal. I was right. Someday my wish will come true.

2. Am I the only one to notice that more and more of magazines, newspapers, and TV time is devoted to celebrity gossip. When I was little, I remember there were always the National Enquirers and the US Weeklys but now even the legitimate news sources lead off with an expose on Britney Spears' sister's baby's daddy.

3. Only 2% of registerd voters in Iowa and 1% in New Hampshire are African American. I am not so naive to think that it will take a slight miracle for him to win in those two states in the upcoming weeks despite, in my opinion, that he would make the best candidate. I would look for him to do really well though in the next couple of states (South Carolina and Florida.)

4. Damnit!! Why is it the older I get the more I look like Carl from Aqua Teen Hunger Force?

5. Egypt has somehow trademarked the Sphinx and the Pyramids. They will require future royalties for any reproductions. I find this absolutely ridiculous and it is just another way for a corrupt government to get more money. Don't worry, I'm sure Egypt's ruling party will share all of the royalties with the people of Egypt...

6. President Bush just signed the 2008 Federal Government Budget Bill for a whopping 555 billion dollars. Of that, 77 billion will go for funding wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. This does not include the rest of the military, just Iraq and Afghanistan. To put it in perspective, 28 of the 555 billion will be going toward domestic issues. When our more conservative friends complain that all of our money is going toward protecting the environment, the arts, or schools, I hope you use this as proof.

7. Today is December 26th and that means it is Boxing Day. According to Wikipedia, here is what Boxing Day: Boxing Day is a traditional celebration, dating back to the Middle Ages, and consists of the practice of giving out gifts to employees, the poor, or to people in a lower class to honor their god.

8. I had an absolutely wonderful Christmas. I hope so did all of you.

It is December 24th and that means Christmas Sweater Day

With the year 2007 wrapping up, I thought I would post a nice little review of the year 2007 and a preview for what will happen in 2008.

Music: I think this was a mediocre year for mainstream music. Sure there are some catchy hits by Timbaland, Kanye West, et cetera but this was a banner year for the quasi indie/mainstream bands. I really enjoyed the albums by The Shins, Amy Winehouse is a budding star, Arcade Fire was brilliant, The Arctic Monkeys rocked, and how could you not love Radiohead's In Rainbows? As for 2008, obviously the new Weezer album is what I am most looking forward to listening to. One name to watch out for is Ingrid Michaelson. A woman at work got me hooked to her. She has a lot of talent and I think she will become 2008's Feist. Listen to Michaelson's "Men of Snow" or "Take me the way I am" to get a taste.

Movies: As usual, this year had many good and many bad movies. Some movies I absolutely loved were August Rush, and Waitress. I thought the graphics alone in Transformers made it worth a rental. As far as upcoming movies, I am most looking forward to Juno. Yes I know it is out in limited release but I can't wait until this movie expands to more theaters. I have heard so many good things. I am also looking forward to the new Michael Ian Black movie, Run Fat Boy Run, and there is a new documentary about John Lennon which is already getting great reviews. I haven't seen the film version of The Kite Runner. That is high on my list. And I know it won't happen for a few years but I am thrilled that Peter Jackson has agreed to do The Hobbit.

Books: How could I not start out by saying how much I loved Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. It was everything I wanted. For non-fiction, I really loved reading Barack Obama's The Audacity of Hope. I hope I have not cursed him. I also read Howard Dean's and John Kerry's autobiography shortly before they lost in their own respective races. There is very little that Barack Obama says that I disagree. I also admired his optimism and his book had a lot of great behind the scene stories with President Bush, Karl Rove, et cetera. Maybe my favorite book of 2007 was The Kite Runner by Khalid Hosseini. I must warn you though. This is not an uplifting fun read. Although absolutely brilliant, the story is incredibly sad in a touching beautiful way.

Politics: In general, I was very disappointed by my elected politicians. The Democrats despite having the majority in both chambers of congress, failed to produce one single, major piece of legislation on my top ten wish list. I fear that their inadequacy might come back in 2008. What am I looking forward to in 2008??? The induction ceremony of Barack Obama. The Iowa Caucus is only in nine days! I can't wait. My favorite politician of 2007 -- Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Life: Every day is better then yesterday. "Whatever I have tried to do in life, I have tried with all my heart to do it well; whatever I have devoted myself to, I have devoted myself completely; in great aims and in small I have always thoroughly been in earnest."-Charles Dickens

Merry Christmas everyone!

music prodigies and dodgeball

It is great to be back at work after a fantastic weekened with friends. The highlight was my time with friends this past weekend. It was really great to spend Saturday night with Aaron, his lovely and very cool girlfriend, Lauren, and the rest of Robbins' company. We went out to a couple bars in Minneapolis and had a great time. I also enjoyed hanging out with one of my oldest friends from the mean streets of West Bloomington, Adam X, on Sunday. We played little billiards, enjoyed some food, and reminised of my days as a dodgeball legend at Jefferson High School. Surely you must be thinking that after a few days off of blogging, I must have some things on my mind. Well, right you are:

1. The most under-rated movie of the year is August Rush. I saw it on Friday night and I absolutely loved it! The acting is good, the story is magnificent, and it is one of those movies that eight year olds and 80 year olds will both enjoy.

2. Did anyone see Family Guy last night? The monologue where Stewie just complely rips Colin Farrell is one of the funniest 90 seconds in television history.

3. Did anyone else spend just a little too much time yesterday watching the Lord of the Rings triology on TNT. Okay, probably just me.

4. Minnesota vs. Chicago in Monday Night Football. I'm pumped.

5. While I was at church Sunday morning, right after our minister gave his sermon, I thought of how lucky I am to attend a church that values the actual teachings of Jesus. Our church preaches things like helping the sick, needy, and less fortunate. It approaches current events by seeing the joy in everyday, while also being a realist. WPC also refuses to engage in the hateful dialogue that so many baptist, evangelical shitty churches do where they judge other cultures and societies, organize hateful protests, and sit in the highest seat in their glass, ivory tower. I think one of the benefits of attending a good sized downtown church compared to a suburban church, is our church doesn't just write checks to charities and call it a day. Our ministers, church leaders, and members volunteer at AIDS walks, organize food shelves for the needy, support sister churches in Africa, Cuba, and Brazil, and still writes large checks to numerous charities around the world. They don't just talk the talk, they walk the walk. It is an honor to say I am a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church.

6. Earlier this year, I was at Iowa State talking college football with Anay and he asked me what my thoughts were on the season. I said that by far, the team I most enjoy watching play this season will be West Virginia. They run a highly aggressive, fun offense which is almost impossible to stop. Well, after the University of Michigan hired West Virginia's basketball coach, John Beilein, to be their next men's basketball coach, the Maize and Blue yesterday hired WVU's football coach, Rich Rodriguez to be their next football coach. I hate to admit it, but this was a fantastic hire. Their former coach, Lloyd Carr, ran an ultra-conservative traditional, drop back, I-formation offense which required massive offensive linemen, hard-nosed tough running backs, a classic pro-style quarterback that was accurate and could throw a long way. Their new offense will require smaller and quicker offensive linemen, darty, shifty running backs who can also catch in the backfield and a very mobile quarterback. It will take a couple of years for Rodriguez to get his guys but once he does, Michigan will regain their place atop the Big 10. My only criticism of the whole situation was how shady he was hired. Normally, if a coach is courted, the athletic director of the hiring college, asks the other school's athletic director for permission to speak with the coach about the hiring situation, if that request is granted, then the courting may began. In this case, Mary Sue Coleman, the president of Michigan met secretly with Rodriguez in Toledo and they ignored all decorum. But, what does Michigan care? They got their man and they will be heading back to the Rose Bowl in a couple of years.

Nobody does folk music like Nebraskans

You people are in for a treat. I have a lot on my mind right now and I will share all of my nuggets of knowledge with all of you in a little piece I like to call, "Nobody does folk music like Nebraskans."

1. Out of Omaha, NE came the lead singer of Bright Eyes, Connor Oberst. I have stated that his lyrics are beautiful, the music is tremendous, the message is moving, but his voice makes me want to scratch his eyes out. However, Mr. Oberst is brilliant. Please read this interview I just read for further proof: http://www.avclub.com/content/interview/conor_oberst_of_bright_eyes?loc=interstitialskip

2. Yes, Jessica Alba is pregnant. No, I am not the father... so who cares then?

3. I am pretty sure one of every man's fantasies is for their girlfriend/wife/fiancee/one night stand to appear to them wearing the gold bikini outfit that Princess Leia wore in Star Wars. I just saw a preview for the new movie, Fanboys, and I see that the lovely Kristen Bell is donning the outfit. Thank you thank you thank you: http://www.egotastic.com/entertainment/celebrities/kristen-bell/kristen-bell-is-princess-leia-in-the-gold-bikini-003043

4. This article about maybe making an Arrested Development movie absolutely made my morning: http://blog.spout.com/2007/12/10/arrested-development-movie-five-possible-plotlines/. I would actually wait in line for a long time on opening night to ensure good seats for that movie.

5. Merriam Webster dictionary just made Woot as their 2007 word for the year. How about... lame?!

6. And now for my serious social commentary portion of today's blog. Like every one who reads this, I am utterly disgusted with the rising cost of tuition for colleges and universities. While reading USA Today this morning, they had a nice article about it. They also highlighted the top ten most expensive colleges in the country:

a. Columbia
b. University of Chicago
c. University of Pennsylvania
d. Brown
e. Stanford
f. Harvard
g. MIT
h. Duke
i. Yale
j. Emory

The University of Columbia comes in at a whopping $47,147 a year for tuition alone. (The rest of the top ten are very close.) That does not include cost of living. Columbia is in downtown, New York City. Let's include books, and a very tiny studio apartment in New York City, plus eating, and a very small entertainment allowance. A four year degree from Columbia might cost around $250,000. That is absolutely absurd!!!! To put that in perspective, Iowa State University cost $5,500 per year for in state and about $15,000 per year for out of state. According to a recent Businessweek article, room and board in Ames, Iowa costs approximately $7,000. That puts the total up to $22,000 per year.for an out of state student. (And I actually think $7,000 will go a long way in Ames.) That means the average cost of a four year degree at Iowa State is $88,000

ISU - $88,000
Columbia - $250,000

I guess the question we have to ask ourselves, is who gets the better bang for their buck. I feel I had a great education, made great friends, and I'm proud of my degree. That little Iowa State degree got me a great job before I graduated working for a giant media company. Would I really make that much more with a degree from Columbia? I don't think so. Two words: Go Cyclones!

"The only true sin is theft. Theft of a person, theft of an object, theft of the truth... The only true sin is theft."

A few weeks ago, while visiting my friend Nimit Pathak, he highly recommended the book The Kite Runner to me. Nimit, not being a man to openly endorse many things, I took this recommendation to mean this book is the real deal. Last night, after enjoying a terrific Vikings victory, I started this book and read about the first quarter. It is fantastic. (If any of you have read it, please do not share with me what happens.) I am quite excited to continue reading it.

1. I had my company holiday party this past Saturday. I had a great time. There was an open bar and massive amounts of delicious food. The employees were happy and everybody wins.

2. I am getting pretty pissy about the writer's strike. Not just because they are striking, but it looks like there is no end in sight. All of this means is ridiculous reality shows and re-runs will fill the airwaves.

3. Despite my numerous trips to McDonald's in the past year, I had never taken advantage of their RedBox Video Rental thing. They had a nice selection of new releases and it was only a buck?! Oh darn, I guess this means more trip to McDonald's for me.

4. I think most of you that read this blog know that I love Christmas songs and I love Paul McCartney and the Beatles. However, my least favorite Christmas song is Sir Paul's terrible, "Wonderful Christmas Time." It's so dorky and awful. Give me a little Oh Holy Night and I'm set.

5. I am really bummed out. Will Ferrell announced he is doing a stand-up comedy tour. Unfortunately, he is not coming to Minnesota (or Iowa or Illinois for that matter.) I just think he would be so awesome live.

6. ISU beat Iowa in basketball on Saturday. Everybody's happy!

7. I would like to take a trip somewhere warm but that is cheap. I need suggestions.

8. What do you think of Michale Vick being scheduled for 23 months in prison. I actually think the sentence is fair. With how much vitriol has already been spewed at him, after two years in prison, he will be as rehabbed as he ever could be.

9. I am excited for Will Smith's new movie, I am Legend. I have liked most of his Sci-Fi Alien movies (Independence Day, Men in Black, et cetera) so I am actually excited for this movie. I think Smith is an underrated actor. He can do drama, sports, comedy, action, war... Anything.

Notes in his pocket

It has been seven days since moving back into my parent's house and I am finally starting to enjoy it. Besides the obvious benefits of growing closer to my family and the financial benefits, there are other benefits as well. I had briefly forgotten what a tremendous cook my Mom is. When I was by myself I ate a lot of microwavable foods and canned foods. That's not the case anymore. My Dad and I came home from playing racquetball last night and my Mom yelled from upstairs, "I made some pecan pie. It's in the refrigerator if you're interested." As most of you know, I am a food conisseur, so I am very thankful for home cooking. Now onto more diving into my mind:

1. After a dissapointing summer, I think this Autumn/Winter has had numerous good movies. Plus, there are a lot of tremendous movies coming out soon or being filmed. Would anyone be interested in seeing the movie Juno with me? Also, Prince Caspian, the Chronicles of Narnia movie preview looked sweet. Has anyone seen the preview for the new Batman movie, The Dark Knight? It looks awesome.

2. Iowa State basketball lost by 35 points at home last night. As Anay put it, "That was disgusting." It is very rare that I will not finish a game I care about. Even I said enough is enough.

3. The big national news is about Mitt Romney's religion speech tonight. Yawn. Who cares if he's Mormon?

4. What's the deal with the weather? It was an extremely dry summer, rainy October, dry November, and now we have more snow in Minnesota then we have had in 22 years. Make up your mind!

5. I am absolutely disgusted with the media's coverage of the terrible shooting rampage at an Omaha mall. He clearly states how his whole goal in killing nine people was so he could be famous. So what does the media do? They put his face, name, and his biography on every major outlet. He's getting everything he wants.

The mistake of the common

It is a glorious Monday afternoon and as such, I wish to opine about a little this, and a little that. I will not bloviate, but in the mode of posting lyrics that are meaningful, in the middle of my annual listen to as much Christmas music as possible, I was on the treadmill yesterday and a beautiful Beatles song came on my iPod. No, I don't normally work out to the Beatles but I was in a great mood yesterday and so I listed to some happy Beatles songs. Here are the lyrics to the Beatles song, "For No One."

Your day breaks, your mind aches
You find that all the words of kindness linger on
When she no longer needs you
She wakes up, she makes up
She takes her time and doesn't feel she has to hurry
She no longer needs you
And in her eyes you see nothing
No sign of love behind the tears
Cried for no one
A love that should have lasted years!
You want her, you need her
And yet you don't believe her when she said her love is dead
You think she needs you
And in her eyes you see nothing
No sign of love behind the tears
Cried for no one
A love that should have lasted years!
You stay home, she goes out
She says that long ago she knew someone but now he's gone
She doesn't need him
Your day breaks, your mind aches
There will be time when all the things she said will fill your head
You won't forget her
And in her eyes you see nothing
No sign of love behind the tears
Cried for no one
A love that should have lasted years!

So often the duo of John Lennon and Sir Paul have written such simple melodic lyrics that will stand the test of time. When I think of today's artists, I find very few that I think will still be listened to forty years after their creator. I think maybe Kanye West, DMB, Coldplay and a few others... "For No One" was recorded in 1965. Now, I will resume my normal post as social commentator on things only I find interesting:

1. The Des Moines Register had a poll that had Obama number one in the Iowa pre-caucus poll. That really excites me. I think Hillary will do really well in New Hampshire but if Obama could win Iowa, that would be huge!

2. When will the Superbowl forgive young people for the Janet Jackson fiasco and allow people under 45 perform at the halftime show. The last three acts have been Paul McCartney, Rolling Stones, and Prince. This February's Superbowl halftime show will feature Tom Petty. Yawn.

3. I was thoroughly entertained by Desperate Housewives last night.

4. It was great to see friends from college and high school on Friday and Saturday night. I wish more friends would make the effort to make the laborious drive up to Minneapolis. Andrew is the obvious exception since he is moving here. But I can think of SEVERAL trips I have made to neighboring states and I can count on one hand the visits to Minneapolis. Apparently places like Ames, Iowa must be pretty happening on the weekends.

5. The NCAA football national championship game between Ohio State and LSU disgusts me. This was supposed to be the year of the underdog and great upsets. Yet...

USC won the Pac 10
Ohio State won the Big 10
LSU won the SEC
Oklahoma won the Big 12
West Virginia won the Big East
Virginia Tech won the ACC

As usual, there were some great stories like Illinois finishing second in the Big 10, and Kansas going 11-1 but all in all, the winners stayed winners and losers stayed losers.

6. The goal for Iowa State football next year is to be 6-6. That's average. Do you know what average means? It means you're the best of the lousiest and the lousiest of the best. I have no problem being the lousiest of the best... for now. Big 12 title in 2011.

7. I am thinking about buying either Netflix or Blockbuster's equivalent. Does anybody have any tips or suggestions?

8. The worst part of the winter is what is does to your car/driving. I hate already being late getting ready for work and now I have to sit and scrape my window, heat up my car, and melt half the ice on my window so I can barely see and attempt to drive to work. Then, once I get going, I have the privilege of going 30 mph on the highway because people forget how to drive in the winter. Roar!!!

9. While having lunch with a certain Robbins character on Saturday, we both agreed that Christmas would be a lot better if nobody would get anybody anything. I don't know what to get my 19 year old sister? Or my 53 year old Dad? Wouldn't it be better if we all saved our money and celebrated the real Christmas? Plus, I don't need anything. Sure on my list included some fun CD's and DVD's, but in reality, what I need are things like a tie rack and a new belt. But, I don't want get a tie rack for Christmas.