Thursday, September 24, 2009

September sports

The Pats went down to the Jets this past Sunday in week 2. They were not ready for the defense that the Jets brought against Tom Brady. Hopefully they will make some adjustments for the next time they play them in Foxboro. It would have been helpful for them to get an early jump on the division, but at least it is only September.

The Red Sox are just a few games away from clinching the wild card berth and as I have said, it is all about getting into the playoffs in some fashion and then letting things happen. I remember last year when there were not expectations and they came one game away from the World Series. The October magic is not too far away.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Week in Review

Sorry for the lack of posts, it was a busy week for me. Anyway, a recap of events that went on this week.

Kanye West: What were you thinking, this isn't the first time that you put your foot in your mouth. Who can forget the first time?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIUzLpO1kxI

Patriots: Exciting win Monday night, that was stupid for the Buffalo player to take the ball out of the end zone. That is what separates the haves from the have nots. As expected, Tom Brady and the Pats took full advantage of the turnover.

Red Sox: They are getting hot in September, which is the right time to get into form. Looks like they are in good position to make a run in October.

Yale grad student: Really sad, she was supposed to get married now they are going to be burying her.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Weekend heartbreak

It was a difficult week for my teams as both lost to two teams that I do not like in the final minutes of the game. Ohio State lost to USC and Notre Dame lost to Michigan. While it does not derail national title hopes for either team, it would have been good to see them make a big statement especially for OSU to win a big game against a non-conference opponent. At least they lost in September so there is a chance for them to get back into the picture. Michigan also looks like they are going to be a factor as they have won almost as many games as last year.

Teabaggers and NPC 5K

Who would have ever thought I would include politics and personal interests in the same post. Yesterday I ran the National Press Club 5k in downtown Washington in 25:40, another personal best for me. However the excitement came with the large teabagger protest right in Freedom Plaza on Pennsylvania Ave. The crowd was cooperative in staying out of the road but it was one of those "only in Washington" moments where you can get up and run a race and there is a sideshow going on around you.

When the race director was advising us to be aware of the "other people celebrating the first amendment" it was comical to see him do it with a straight face. Talk about liberal main stream media at its finest.

Friday, September 11, 2009

September 11, 2001

We will never forget! I was beginning my second year of college at the time. Given the large Jewish population and there were a lot of student from New York/New Jersey, there was a lot of fear and sadness that day. I wish there was more unity like there was that day but we know the "cause will endure" like the late Ted Kennedy said.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Football is back

The NFL is back! Tonight Pittsburgh and Tennessee are opening up. The Patriots open up Sunday against the Bills. Destination Miami!

College football has begun as well. Go Ohio State Buckeyes and Penn State! Destination Pasedena-either for the Rose Bowl or the BCS Championship Game.

President Obama's healthcare speech

President Obama delivered an address to Congress on Wednesday night discussing the basic principles of the health care bill that he hopes to pass. He stressed the importance of this bill for our nation and called on both parties to work together and make sure that this is passed. Most importantly he stressed the importance of establishing a government health care plan for those that cannot afford or do not want a private plan. This was a point of contention that a lot of supporters of health care reform were concerned he was not supporting-mainly because it might jeopardize passing the bill. However, Obama and the Democrats realize the importance of having this as part of the plan. It was a very evenhanded presentation of the issue and he made an all out attempt to rally Congress to do this-whether it happens remains to be seen.

The most significant moment of the night was Rep. Joe Wilson of South Carolina heckling the president during the speech. It is a microcosm of the attitude of the GOP as they only want to be an angry opposition and not come to the table and play. If they do not show up to play, they will have to "forfeit" so this is the time for them to begin working to get this done.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Weekend in New England

I just got back from a wonderful Labor Day weekend in New England. I got to see family and enjoy some great weather. I took a day trip to Marblehead, a town on the North Shore as well as Ogunquit, Maine. I actually ate fried clams both days! I also had my last meal at Cedar Crest, a restaurant in Lawrence, MA that I would go to often when I was growing up. Now it is back to Washington for what promises to be a very busy fall. The holidays will be here before you know it.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Schilling for Senate?

I read today that former Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling was considering a run for the late Ted Kennedy's open seat. As a Red Sox fan, he will always be a hero in New England as part of the Red Sox two World Championship teams. However, filling Ted Kennedy's seat should not be taken lightly and we need a politician that has knowledge on the issues and is qualified to represent the state and Schilling is not that person. We are in unprecedented times and Massachusetts needs an experienced leader to guide us through these waters. Additionally, a failed campaign could ruin his reputation among Red Sox fans across New England.

Paying respects

I went to see Senator Kennedy's motorcade arrive at Arlington Cemetery over the weekend and it was amazing to see how many people were out to watch it, many of them were not even his constituents. He was truly one of the greatest leaders in American history that made a huge impact on the way it is today. The family seemed also supportive of all the people that came out to pay their final respects. It shows how committed the family is to public service and the nation has always looked to them for leadership no matter what side of the aisle you are on.