Smells like Autumn spirit

For the first time since April, it smelled cold outside today. Just another sign that Summer is on the way out and Autumn is on the way in. I don't tend to mind the beginning stages of Fall. The leaves change colors, football season begins, the humidity leaves, and school begins. It was another nice weekend for me. How can I be disappointed when the Gophers, Cyclones, and Vikings all have great wins? The highlight of the weekend was probably trekking up to Evanston, Illinois to meet my parents and to watch the Northwestern Wildcats host the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers. It was a hard fought game with the maroon and gold coming out on top.

1. I was disappointed but not surprised by Saturday Night Live two nights ago. I have actually really enjoyed SNL's weekend update show they have been doing for a half hour at 7:00 on Thursday evenings. However, this past week's episode, hosted by Megan Fox, was terrible.


2. The country of Afghanistan has been on my mind recently. Yesterday, Nimit brought home an interesting NY Times article about Afghanistan by Frank Rich called Obama at the Precipice. Last night, I watched Jay Leno and liberal commentator Bill Maher was talking about the issue. If we put aside the fanatical conspiracy theories, we know that the Taliban - the rogue government who controls Afghanistan - hijacked planes and crashed them into building on September 11, 2001. Eight years ago, we declared war against the Taliban. Eight years later, thousands of our bravest have died for our country, almost a trillion dollars has been spent, and still 80% of the country is under Taliban control. Frank Rich compares this situation to Kennedy/LBJ during Vietnam. He says we need to get out as soon as possible. His theory is quite simple. It is a war we just cannot win. We could stay another eight years, spend another trillion dollars, have thousands more of our troops die, and we still will not win the war. Rich has said we have already lost the war, let's gather what pride we have and get the heck out of there. As a proud, patriotic American, this absolutely breaks my heart. However, as much as I hate to admit, it's time to get out. The reality is we never should have gone in. I sympathize with Obama on this. There is no way for him to win - both literally and politically.


3. Bill Maher also brought up health care. I know I have probably bored you with my endless rants about the health care industry in America. His one quote I find interesting was, "Why is America the only Westernized country that profits off of sick people?"

4. Currently listening to Feel Good Inc. by Gorillaz.

Oprahagen

It's official. The city of Chicago has unleashed the big guns in order to secure an Olympic birth. Of course we already knew that First Lady Michelle Obama was traveling to Copenhagen, Denmark - the site where the International Olympic Committee will choose where the Olympics will be held in 2016. Today, it has been announced that Oprah Winfrey will be making the trip to Denmark. I believe it is next week when the games will be announced. The heavy favorite is for Brazil to host the 2016 Olympics. Oprah certainly won't hurt our chances; either will Michelle's husband. Let's hope he can make it. Again, I think it would be outstanding for not just Chicago, but for the United States to once again host the Olympics. How many times in our lives will we have an opportunity to witness first hand our men's basketball put together another gold medal run? Our gymnasts to dazzle us with their elegance? Or Phelps to shatter more records? Next week is a big for Chicago. I will be hoping for the best.

1. I watched the movie X-Men: Wolverine today. It is definitely the least interesting of all the X-Men movies. I give it a C/C-.

2. It looks like an all but done deal that the Nets will be sold to a Russian billionaire and moved to Brooklyn. I always hate when cities have more than one team. I'd rather a city that really wants a team (like Kansas City, St. Louis, Las Vegas, Pittsburgh, et cetera) get a team rather than give a big city a second team.

I miss summer but I welcome Pumpkin Spice Lattes with open arms

I just read an interesting book by John Grisham called The Chamber. The fictional novel is about a lawyer who defends his Grandfather - who is on Death Row for a bombing 23 years earlier during the civil rights area. The book takes place in small town Mississippi and at the infamous Parchman Prison in Mississippi. Grisham, once again captures the passion of a particular issue - capital punishment. The issue of capital punishment is something that challenges me as a man, a Christian, and a citizen of this earth. Just recently my roommates engaged in fierce conversation. One roommate is vehemently opposed; the other is a supporter. I do find myself open to both sides of the argument but in general, would cast my vote to opposition of capital punishment for a few reasons: 1, there are too many cases of DNA evidence overturning a wrongful conviction. 2, the morality behind it doesn't add up. Two wrongs do not make a right. I kill you. The government kills me. Everybody wins? Nope. 3, it is more expensive. Although it costs tens of thousands of dollars a year to keep a prisoner alive, it actually costs more to terminate his life (when you take into account public attorney, court time, judge fees, the actual execution, et cetera). I do pity those judges and juries that have to decide if someone should be executed or not. I also feel for the governors of those states with capital punishment who have to deal with whether to offer clemency to someone on death row. It is such a sensitive topic. I guess I feel a life spent in a 6 x 8 cell for 23 hours a day would be worse than lethal injection. On the other hand I am human. I know if someone did something terrible to a loved one of mind, I would demand their blood. This is another reason why I could never be a judge.

1. Iowa State has suspended three football players for possession of marijuana. This really irritates me. Here these athletes get free tuition, free apartments, free books. In a city like Ames, the football players are treated like kings. They have women throw themselves at them (I have witnessed this many times), and have great lives. What are they asked for? Go to class and get at least a 2.0 gpa. Don't get arrested. It is just amazing how many of these idiots cannot handle these two simple rules. ISU has been pretty fortunate lately in that these are the first players suspended in a while. In Iowa City, the Hawkeyes have had around twenty players suspended in the past year or so. No, I don't think these three morons should be kicked off the team for simple possession of weed. I do think though this is their last strike and one more fuck-up and they should be booted.

2. Speaking of football, an Oregon football fan was upset with the way that his team played in a loss a few weeks ago at Boise State. So, he printed up a fake invoice and sent the bill to Chip Kelly, Oregon's head football coach. The invoice was for gas, hotel, food, et cetera. He complained of bad service. Instead of ripping it up, Kelly sent the man a check for $439 and reimbursed him!! http://www.everydayshouldbesaturday.com/2009/09/21/chip-kelly-is-a-man-of-his-word-seriously/

3. What did everyone think of The Office season premiere. I thought it was funny. This is a make or break year for the series. Last year was mediocre. If they don't pick it up this year, it will be its last. No doubt about that. However, both the premiers of Big Bang Theory and How I Met Your Mother were excellent. In terms of new shows, the two highlights were Glee and Community. Both have potential to be fantastic.

4. I watched the Barack Obama appearance on David Letterman last night. I thought it was great. It was light, and fun. Letterman was at the top of his game; and Obama came off as charming as ever. Obama could use a little PR. Booking himself on The Late Show was a smart move.

5. Currently listening to "Under Pressure" by Queen and David Bowie

I try to look like Grace Kelly but all her looks were too sad.

Apparently President Obama read my latest blog entry and is critical of it. In a recent interview with the Ohio newspaper, The Toledo Blade, Obama said that he is not in favor of mass protests. He is of course referring to the enormous protest that is being held outside the G20 summit - which this year will be in Pittsburgh. Said Obama: "I was always a big believer in -- when I was doing organizing before I went to law school -- that focusing on concrete, local, immediate issues that have an impact on people's lives is what really makes a difference and that having protests about abstractions [such] as global capitalism or something, generally, is not really going to make much of a difference." I see his point but I disagree. Did Dr. King not make a difference with his "I have a dream" speech about breaking down racial barriers? Did JFK's inaugural speech about self-sacrifice did not spark tens of thousands into action? I have always loved anthropologist Margaret Mead's quote that says, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." But protests large and small make a difference. Ask President Johnson or Nixon if large Vietnam protests made a difference? I would have expected of all people, a former community organizer, would understand the importance of public protest.

1. I saw a couple of movies this weekend. The Clive Owens/Julie Roberts movie is okay at best. I give it a C. However, I really liked the Ben Affleck, Russell Crowe, Rachel McAdams drama State of Play. I give it an A-/B+. It was well acted, smart, and interesting.

2. The highlight of this weekend was definitely Friday night. To celebrate Anay's birthday, a group of us went to a trendy restaurant called Hub 51 (where we dined next to Chicago Bears Jay Cutler and Greg Olson). Hub 51 is probably my favorite Chicago restaurant. I had a great Ahi Tuna and the best Carrot Cake of my life. I gorged but nothing like Nimit... who felt the need to order TWO brownie desserts. After dinner, I headed over to Allie's party for some tequila shots with Winstead, and some wicked games of beer pong.

3. I missed the Emmy's last night but I heard they were really entertaining. Confirm or deny?

4. Currently listening to "If you want to sing out" by Cat Stevens

Yes we canned.

I am once again disappointed with the Obama administration. Not because of a policy decision but because the Democrats once again refuse to play hardball. A few days ago, environmental advisor and "green jobs czar", Van Jones, was "asked to resign" after he had the audacity to be caught on video saying, "Republicans are assholes". Do you think Bush cared when Cheney told congress to "go fuck themselves!"? Of course not. Sarah Palin writes some idiotic post about death panels on her Facebook page and all of sudden Obama has to change his policy. Fox News commentator Glenn Beck is offended that Obama allowed an advisor that used a curse word... soon afterward he's fired. The last time I checked, the Democrats had the presidency, both houses of congress... and Bruce Springsteen. Yet, once again, the Democrats are completely bullied. Playing nice doesn't work in 2009 politics. Obviously part of the problem is the media. To increase viewership, news outlets constantly choose someone on the far right to battle with someone on the far left. We have replaced balance with accuracy. I truly believe the majority of Americans want our health care system to be reformed. It is time that those of us without health insurance (including me) start to make some noise. Why are the tens of millions of us without health insurance being pushed over by radical right wing extremists whose complete arrogance has "earned" them incredible media coverage? I want Obama to demand in the near future a march onto Washington and every other big city in the United States. Let the nation and our country see the faces of the unemployed, and uninsured. Not all of us are black, homeless, from the projects, and addicted to drugs. Let the old come. Let the sick come. Let the healthy come. Let the media show the world why we need reform - sooner rather than later. This is a call for action President Obama. Your loyal supporters are growing frustrated that you are being pushed around by large insurance companies and radical Republicans. Let's do something now.

1. I did watch the first Jay Leno show last night. Basically, it was identical to the Tonight Show. Fans of the Tonight Show with Jay Leno will love it. The format is the same. The monolog was funny, Seinfeld was charming as usual, but the real highlight was when he had Kanye West on the show. West was noticeably lugubrious. He appeared to really be sorry for his interruption of Taylor Swift's acceptance speech. I also appreciated how hard Leno came down him. Like a father admonishing a teenager, Leno asked the hard questions and demanded answers.

2. Did anyone else watch Michael Jordan's hall of fame acceptance speech? I was actually disappointed. Jordan, never had a shortage of hubris during his career, apparently five years after retiring, it never went away. Instead of graciously thanking people like his personal trainer, he took the opportunity to rip on his high school basketball coach, old coaches like Jeff Van Gundy, and old opponents like Byron Russell. Why? You were introduced by an ESPN video proclaiming you the greatest of all time. A little humility would go a long way.

3. Rest in peace Patrick Swayze. You were a good, charitable, man who deserved to live longer. My favorite Swayze moment was his SNL skit with Chris Farley as the Chippendales' dancers. One of the ten funniest moments on Saturday Night Live.

4. Currently listening to "Run This Town" by Jay Z. Album: Blue Print III.

Shut up Kanye

I have always enjoyed Kanye West's music. His extremely catchy songs like "School Spirit" and "Gold Digger" have allowed him a vehicle to express his views on everything from George W. Bush's views on African-Americans, other musicians, and of course, his favorite topic, Kanye West. Chicago's most famous rapper has enlightened us with such gems like, "I realize that my place and position in history is that I will go down as the voice of this generation, of this decade, I will be the loudest voice." Kanye is also quite famous for his angry outbursts. About two years ago, he had a complete melt-down after losing an award at a European music show. Last night, during the MTV Video Music awards, Kanye interrupted Taylor Swift's speech by going on a tirade about how Beyonce should have won. Earlier in the night, he could be seen drinking straight from a bottle of Cognac. Do you think alcohol played a factor in his outburst? He was then escorted out of the building after his rant.

1. I had a nice, uneventful weekend. I watched a lot of football. The highlights were the Gopher and Vikings victories... unfortunately they did not match my disappointment that happened after the arch-rival Hawkeyes beat my beloved Cyclones. Friday night, some friends and I went to a new bar in the Gold Coast called The Hunt Club. I casually sipped Amstel Light while Nim enjoyed very much his vodka on the rocks. The night ended with us going to the dance floor upstairs and watching Nimit take up half the dance floor with his dancing. It was so funny and great.

2. Does anyone have interest in the new Jay Leno show premiering tonight? I will tune in to watch, at least tonight, because I have no idea what the premise is? Is it going to be just like the Tonight show? Is it going to be just sketch comedy? Is he going to interview anyone? We will see.

3. Currently listening to the Lilly Allen cover of The Kooks' song, "Naive".

Good day for the president

It has been a good day for the president. I did not have an opportunity to watch Obama's speech on education. This morning I did however read the transcripts and I came away impressed. In particular, I appreciated Obama taking a Bill Cosby bluntness approach when addressing our nation's youth. I like how he told our young men to stop dreaming of becoming professional athletes. I like how he told our young women to stop putting up controversial pictures on Facebook. Across the country, the reviews were almost universally positive. After his speech at the school, Obama addressed congress. In what was probably his best speech since his inauguration, Obama outlined how not all governmental run programs are evil (e.g. Medicare, and Social Security). According to CNN.com, All Americans would be required by law to have health insurance under his proposal, Obama said. He noted the requirement would be similar to mandatory auto insurance in most states and also would mandate businesses to either offer health care coverage to workers or contribute to covering their costs of obtaining coverage.
"There will be a hardship waiver for those individuals who still cannot afford coverage, and 95 percent of all small businesses, because of their size and narrow profit margin, would be exempt from these requirements," Obama said. "But we cannot have large businesses and individuals who can afford coverage game the system by avoiding responsibility to themselves or their employees." Quite simply, he is saying that everyone needs health insurance in America. If you want to keep your private insurance that you like, terrific, if you can't afford it, or don't like it, then there will be a "public" option/government option. Although Obama acknowledges that taxes would have to be raised, he pointed out that the overall cost of health care would be lowered greatly as private health insurance costs would now have to compete against the public option. Republicans are almost unanimously opposed to the plan. They say that if the public option is out there, it would cause all private health insurance companies to collapse. My honest opinion... good riddance!! Clearly the Republicans are playing to special interests. I have always been in favor of universal health care. All in all, I give Obama's speech an A. He turned a complicated issue and made it quite simple. And frankly, the majority of Americans agreed with him. A Democracy Corp poll taken immediately after the speech found that the approval rating for Obama's health care plan jumped from 46% to 66%. CNN ran a similar poll and saw a jump from 53% to 67%. I understand that this poll was taken directly after his speech and the numbers will go down a bit as the days go on. All in all, it has been a very good couple of days for our President.

1. Yesterday night, the Iowa State alumni association in Chicago played the University of Iowa alumni association in flag football. Despite the Cyclones losing the game, the unanimous play of the night was Koo's incredible jumping catch over a taller Hawkeye defensive back for a forty yard gain. It was a great play. Anay, Nim, Koo, and I played for the Clones. I will also point out that Nimit's stats for the night. One throw attempt - One interception on that throw. No further comment necessary.

2. The NFL season begins tonight with the Titans hosting the Steelers. I am very ready.

3. I was in a gas station this morning and I saw Audrina Patridge on the cover of Maxim. She looks... okay. http://fauxgentleman.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/audrina-patridge-underwear.jpg

4. I have been getting into this new band, Glasvegas. My favorite song is "Daddy's Gone". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uSdQxKaBfU. Could they be more Scottish?!

5. This might be the most controversial beer ad I have ever seen... and that is saying something: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZX9Rv_2_C0

(If you're wondering if I want you to) I want you to

What a great labor day weekend. Allie and I left for Minnesota Friday afternoon. I had dinner with my Mom and sister and then met up with some friends in downtown for some Brit's Pub and Sneaky Pete's. Saturday was pretty casual. I mowed the lawn, washed the car, got the oil changed, watched the Gophers win at Syracuse, and then I got a surprise from my parents. They bought us tickets to go see comedian Jim Gaffigan. He was fantastic. He kind of did a greatest hits of his bits. All in all it was a great show. Sunday afternoon, a few friends and I went to the Minnesota State Fair. It was beautiful weather, the food was outstanding, the people watching was legendary, the Humanzees were in full bloom, and Mike even won a big moose stuffed animal.

1. Terrelle Pryor, sophomore quarterback for Ohio State University, is supremely talented athletically. He was ranked the #1 overall player in his class two years ago. He wore eyeblack yesterday with Mike Vick's name on it. Asked why he would do such a thing he had this explanation..."Not everybody’s the perfect person in the world. I mean everyone kills people, murders people, steals from you, steals from me, whatever." Pryor has been handed everything his whole life. He is such an idiot.

2. Currently listening to "Grace Kelly" by Mika.

The Gold

I was thumbing through the Red Eye today. For those who don't know what I am talking about, it is like a Minneapolis City Pages. Today's headline article was about Chicago's bid to host the 2016 Olympics. For those that don't know, the International Olympic Committee has narrowed down their choices to four cities: Madrid, Rio de Janiero, Tokyo, and Chicago. I was stunned when, according to Chicago Tribune/WGN surveys, only 45% of Chicagoans want the Olympics to come to the Windy City. To that I say... are you crazy? The Olympics would not only be good for the city, the state, but for the whole United States. It would force Chicago to work on issues like disgusting subway stations, crime, and plus the city would get a bunch of cool new stuff. If I was a member of the IOC, I would look at this survey and immediately cross Chicago off the list. If the majority of people are opposed to the Olympics than good riddance. Plus, it would be great for the local economy. Sure there would be some problems. There would be a lot of construction in the next seven years. Yes, the media would invade the city. I think it would be awesome.

1. I see that Brett Favre's #4 Vikings jersey surpassed Jay Cutlers jersey to become the top selling jersey in the country. Do you think Viking fans are excited?

2. Currently listening to Naive by The Kooks.

The time is now

After a long wait, I have a second interview with a very familiar company tomorrow afternoon. Wish me luck... I really really really would like this job. An office on Michigan Avenue overlooking the Magnificent Mile would be an excellent way to start Autumn...

1. According to Political Wire, Levi Johnston tells Vanity Fair that Sarah Palin had a rather unorthodox plan -- even before she was picked as Sen. John McCain's running mate -- for how to deal with news that her daughter was pregnant.Said Johnston: "Sarah told me she had a great idea: we would keep it a secret -- nobody would know that Bristol was pregnant. She told me that once Bristol had the baby she and Todd would adopt him. That way, she said, Bristol and I didn't have to worry about anything. Sarah kept mentioning this plan. She was nagging -- she wouldn't give up. She would say, 'So, are you gonna let me adopt him?' We both kept telling her we were definitely not going to let her adopt the baby. I think Sarah wanted to make Bristol look good, and she didn't want people to know that her 17-year-old daughter was going to have a kid."

2. Has anybody seen the preview for the new Megan Fox movie - Jennifer's Body? Is it possible that it will be the worst movie of the year? I think so. I have often said I would be fine never seeing Fox again. It looks like that won't be the case for a while. Yesterday I was watching TV, some stupid show like Entertainment Tonight or Access Hollywood, and Fox said, "Whenever I am about to go on TV, I get really bad diarrhea." I rest my case.

3. I just watched the Twins lose to the White Sox. They are at home and are up 2-0 going into the ninth inning. There are two outs. Home run. Another home run. Walk. Walk. Double. Wild Pitch. All with two outs. Thank goodness the college football season starts tomorrow. A group of us are going to a local sports bar to watch the Iowa State game.

4. I watched the movie Steel Magnolia today. I don't know. I guess I don't understand the brilliance. I give it a C+.

5. I watched Obama's press conference. Can you believe how much older he looks than even a year ago? His hair is almost completely gray now.

And summer unofficially ends...

To conclude the last weekend in August, I welcomed my baby (21 year old) sister to the Windy City. I definitely think she was intimidated by the size of Chicago but still had a good time. We saw the Field Museum, Navy Pier, Michigan Avenue, saw a comedy show, and enjoyed the nice weather. I was sad to see her go but then I remembered I am heading back to the Sota this weekend for Labor Day.


1. Obama's approval rating continues to make a steady drop in the polls. According to a CBS News poll, only 48% of Americans approve of the way Obama has handled Afghanistan. That is down about ten points since the beginning of summer. Unfortunately this is now just one of several issues that Obama is struggling with.

2. If you are a fan of basketball... a great article on Ricky Rubio: http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/The_Baseline/entry/view/32487/Debunking_Tall_Tales_Surrounding_Rubio

3. Iowa State is not good at athletics. I have always maintained the number one reason is because ISU has a tiny athletic budget. If you're a recruit, and you take a look at the locker-rooms at Univ of Oregon http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1NyaTVUhFQ&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fsportsillustrated%2Ecnn%2Ecom%2F2009%2Fextramustard%2Fhotclicks%2F09%2F01%2Fus%2Dopen%2Dbabes%2Dmost%2Dhandsome%2Dqb%2Findex%2Ehtml&feature=player_embedded and then you walk around ISU's, your decision will be a no-brainer. I have taken a look personally at two schools with huge athletic budgets (Nebraska and Minnesota) and some from smaller schools. Obviously there are a lot of decisions that factor into a recruit choosing a school (playing time, location, et cetera) but nicer facilities wouldn't hurt.

4. I always am saddened by a death - even flamboyant celebrities. That doesn't mean I am always surprised though. Last week, infamous disc jockey, DJ AM, was pronounced dead on arrival while being found with a crack pipe in his possession. Besides the crack, he also took NINE Oxycontin pills. Geez man! If you weren't trying to kill suicide, then what were you thinking? R.I.P. I hope others can learn from your example.