In one year, out the other

First off, I apologize for the incredibly long delay in between posts. It has been a ridiculously crazy two weeks. Last Saturday I went back to Minnesota. The trip became a huge whirlwind. I was up early and up late trying to cram in as much time with friends and family as possible. I'm not upset, just a little exhausted. Needless to say, I had no time for sleep as I started yet another new job. I will go into the job in detail at a later day as I learn more about the company and the position.

1. I did get an opportunity to see a movie. My parents and I went out to go see Sherlock Holmes. We all enjoyed it. I thought it would be a light, comedic, mystery. I was incorrect. In the same fashion as Batman, Sherlock Holmes was a nefariously dark movie. I give it an A-/B+ and recommend it.

2. How was everyone's Christmas? I had a lovely time. Gift wise, the highlight was a GPS system for my car. Anyone who has driven with me knows how notoriously bad I am at directions. The lowlight... a snuggie from my sister. Oh yes... it is more hideous in person than on TV.

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.