tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51307320175330410852024-03-13T23:27:28.501-07:00Boston to WashingtonMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04665136574177832188noreply@blogger.comBlogger433125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5130732017533041085.post-92184766148002609752011-03-04T18:02:00.000-08:002011-03-04T18:08:39.498-08:00NFL LockoutThe NFL owners and players agreed to extend the deadline for negotiations one more week and therefore averted a lockout. President Obama chimed in by saying that he would not get involved in a dispute between millionaires and billionaires when he needs to worry about Americans that are out of work and instability in the Middle East and North Africa. However, he does need to consider the economic engine that the NFL brings to cities across the United States and how it is woven into the fabric of American culture. I do remember President Clinton getting involved the baseball strike negotiations.Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04665136574177832188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5130732017533041085.post-278537272875810322011-03-04T17:56:00.000-08:002011-03-04T18:02:28.362-08:00Charlie SheenUnlike what this guy thinks he is not #winning as he tries to say in his tweets. He is a self centered egomaniac who put the crew of Two and a Half Men out of work with his antics. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Unfortunately</span> since the show was about two brothers I don't know if they can continue it without him. I have been enjoying the comparisons of him to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Gadafi</span>.Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04665136574177832188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5130732017533041085.post-7644795887838456352011-03-04T17:54:00.001-08:002011-03-04T17:56:41.486-08:00APPA Leg Rally<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">APPA</span> had our annual Legislative Rally this past week. I didn't go to as much of it as usually do but we had a few good speakers including Paul <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Begala</span> and Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson. Our National Conference is in Washington this year and I am looking forward to welcoming everyone back to DC for that.Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04665136574177832188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5130732017533041085.post-48755214391884253692011-02-21T18:37:00.000-08:002011-02-21T18:43:59.520-08:00Violence in LibyaThe Crisis in Egypt is starting to have a domino effect on the Middle East. There have been protests and demonstrations in nations like <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Bahrain</span>, Iran and Libya. Only problem-these nations are not close to pseudo democracies that Egypt is. In Iran they are calling for the deaths of protesters and Libya is actually doing air raids on the protests. I don't have a good feeling that these are going to go as well but to see this spectacle of change and people having a voice in this nation is impressive, the more they crack the "iron fist" eventually it will break.Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04665136574177832188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5130732017533041085.post-78397936895067071682011-02-21T18:26:00.001-08:002011-02-21T18:36:17.227-08:00February is dead month in sportsThis post is just to state the obvious. After the Super Bowl February is the dead month in sports. There are no major championships until you get to March and the NCAA Tournament. There are, however, important college basketball games that start to separate the good teams from the great teams. The top four teams in the nation all last week and they need to watch their records going into the conference tournaments if they plan on getting an number one seed (not to mention they do not want to lose momentum). This will no doubt be a very wide open tournament this year with any Big East team having a chance to make a run as well as no clear top team. Even when there is a top team (see Kansas 2010) that is not even a guarantee. At least this month give us something to look forward to.Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04665136574177832188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5130732017533041085.post-2845872865357569032011-02-11T16:50:00.000-08:002011-02-11T16:58:15.746-08:00Down goes Egypt!After days of protests and even violence at times, Egyptian President <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Hosni</span> Mubarak finally resigned ending 30 years of rule with an iron fist. We had a relationship with them as they were a democracy, however they were a "puppet" democracy.<br /><br /> It will be very interesting to see how this change of power plays a role in the future of Egypt and, more importantly, the Middle East as we have many foreign policy interests there and the stability of this part of the world is a huge part of the War on Terror and national security.<br /><br />Overall, the events here were more fascinating than anything happening in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Boehner</span> World or in Richmond for that matter. I also hopes this is a turning point in the role of the Middle East in world peace.Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04665136574177832188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5130732017533041085.post-28314842605981262462011-02-08T09:54:00.000-08:002011-02-08T09:59:32.432-08:00Green Bay wins Super BowlAs I predicted, Green Bay one the Super Bowl over Pittsburgh 31-25. It did not seem like there was a memorable play like the past few years that defined this one but the game was close and entertaining so I cannot complain about that. Green Bay was the better team throughout forcing three turnovers and capitalizing on a lot of opportunities.<br /><br />Unfortunately, this Super Bowl will probably be remembered much more for the snafus than anything that happened in the game. Christina Aguliera botched the national anthem, 400 people were denied admission, weather, a not so great halftime show, and controversial commercials. Hopefully there will be one next year with the lockout looming.Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04665136574177832188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5130732017533041085.post-12779161598219921522011-02-05T10:07:00.000-08:002011-02-05T10:17:02.898-08:00Super Bowl weekendEven though it isn't official this an an American holiday. Getting ready for parties and all of the pregame, game and post game rituals are as much of a tradition as putting up a Christmas tree or serving turkey on Thanksgiving.<br /><br />This year's game features the Green Bay Packers vs. The Pittsburgh <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Steelers</span> at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas. While there is bitterness that it isn't the Patriots, I have taken a step back and realized that this year's version is America at its finest. Tradition is meeting progress. The Packers and the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Steelers</span> are two of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">NFL's</span> most storied franchises and have combined for nine Lombardi trophies. Most importantly, this game is about the fans. On one side it is the steel workers from western Pennsylvania vs. the farmers and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">meatpackers</span> in Wisconsin. These are the people that define America and they do deserve to watch their team play in this game. Cowboys Stadium is also the most state-of-the-art stadium built in the world and represents American progress.<br /><br />As for the game, I like the Packers 33-30. Aaron Rodgers is determined to get out of the shadow of Brett <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Farve</span> in this game and their defense will step up.Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04665136574177832188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5130732017533041085.post-12360884099124817222011-02-03T09:40:00.001-08:002011-02-03T09:44:24.259-08:00Egypt getting very dangerousThe level of violence in Egypt has escalated beyond normal but it is not a war. I cannot define what it is. All I know is that it will continue until Mubarak steps down from power. Also, it is very difficult to categorize this as a Democratic society with this level of violence and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">defacto</span> revolution. I feel bad for Americans who are studying abroad in Egypt as it is a very exotic and interesting place as it has storied history.Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04665136574177832188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5130732017533041085.post-51043405936680541222011-02-03T09:37:00.000-08:002011-02-03T09:40:03.893-08:00SnowHalf of the nation was paralyzed under a winter storm this past week that stretched from the Midwest to New England. The DC/Arlington area was left out other than a light freezing rain. While a snow day is nice every now and then, this magnitude of a storm would have paralyzed the city for almost a week. Unfortunately I have a feeling that we will get one really big storm before the winter ends.Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04665136574177832188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5130732017533041085.post-7667803069932310942011-01-30T17:36:00.001-08:002011-01-30T17:43:43.367-08:00End of the monthOkay, so much for that resolution to post more in 2011. However, I have decided that this will get me back on track. So here is a summary of my thoughts on the events of the past two weeks.<br /><br />Super Bowl <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">XLV</span> will be Pittsburgh vs. Green Bay. I am thrilled that the Jets went down and it pits two of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">NFL's</span> most storied franchises at their premier stadium. It should get the most fan interest of Super Bowls in recent years.<br /><br />The State of the Union speech was last week and he delivered what the voters wanted, a good middle of the road speech although there was a lot of stuff he said that won't even come up for a vote. However, it struck the right tone given it was post Tuscon and post "shellacking" midterm election.<br /><br />The Egypt situation is very difficult as they are a close ally of the United States. I think that Mubarak should resign and let a new government come in. I think a leader stepping down is better for American and other Middle East interests than increased volatility.Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04665136574177832188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5130732017533041085.post-74635966458896088802011-01-17T18:16:00.000-08:002011-01-17T18:24:09.462-08:00Patriots once again, FAILThe New England Patriots lost to their hated division rival New York Jets in the playoffs 28-21 on Sunday. During the regular season they achieved a 14-2 record and home field advantage throughout the playoffs but that wasn't enough to stop the Jets yesterday. New York trashed talked a lot the entire week but backed it up with simply put, clutch play, in all aspects of the game yesterday that the Patriots could not match. Someone forgot to tell the Patriots that regular season accomplishments go out the window once the playoffs start and that going to the Super Bowl wasn't their birthright.<br /><br />I have felt that the fourth title was the most difficult to win of all and had reservations about this game. Everyone said this would be the year that the Jets would get by the Patriots and they had their one chance on Sunday-they took advantage of it.<br /><br />At least this is a young team and they have a lot of draft picks this year so I think there is still one more Super Bowl left in them.Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04665136574177832188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5130732017533041085.post-40419429369007134502011-01-17T18:11:00.000-08:002011-01-17T18:16:15.809-08:00Tuscon one week laterAmerica is moving on from its most recent tragedy. Congresswoman Giffords is recovering at a pace that is exceed the expectations of her doctors and is inspiring the nation in this way. President Obama spoke at the memorial service this past week and called for the nation to come together and see democracy in a way that children, particularly the young nine year old victim saw it, as a place of civilized discussion and leadership. In another touching story, the organs of the nine year old victim were donated to a girl in Boston. One can only hope that this event will change the course that the nation is going in as it wasn't going in the best direction prior to the unfortunate events of January 8.Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04665136574177832188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5130732017533041085.post-81281800322589218982011-01-08T20:08:00.000-08:002011-01-08T20:20:45.166-08:00Tragedy in ArizonaRep. Gabrielle <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Giffords</span>, a Democrat from Arizona, was shot in the head today along with six other people. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Giffords</span> is still fighting for her life but the other six individuals, including a federal judge and a nine year old girl, were killed.<br /><br />This is difficult to comprehend for our generation as we are seeing our elected officials become victims of hate and divisiveness for the first time just as our parents saw in the 1960s. There is not doubt today's events will change the current American climate in some way whether the people start to view the Tea Party differently, security of Congressman, or if this is the beginning of violent activity to resolve our political differences-which would be unthinkable.Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04665136574177832188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5130732017533041085.post-48455702537717192982011-01-06T18:42:00.000-08:002011-01-06T18:46:26.723-08:00Ohio State wins Sugar BowlOhio State won the Sugar Bowl on Tuesday night 31-26 over Arkansas in a thrilling Sugar Bowl Classic <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">matchup</span>. They jumped out to an early lead and let Arkansas back in the game. They almost blew the game when they had a punt blocked with less than a minute on the clock. Oddly enough, all five players that received suspensions next season for ethics violations played huge roles in the game including the player that made the game winning interception. This marks their first ever win over an SEC team and second consecutive <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">BCS</span> bowl victory.Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04665136574177832188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5130732017533041085.post-90810685057936772712011-01-06T18:36:00.000-08:002011-01-06T18:42:48.762-08:00112th Congress in SessionIt is looking like it will be a crazy two years with the new Congress. The session kicked off with the reading of the Constitution during the session. Both Republicans and Democrats participated but the spectacle of it was something that could only be handcrafted by the GOP. Ironically, the violated the Constitution by letting two members of Congress introduce a motion and they had not been sworn in yet-they were attending a fundraiser. Next step-repealing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">healthcare</span> reform. Good luck on that one guys.Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04665136574177832188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5130732017533041085.post-11859598100211460252011-01-02T16:47:00.001-08:002011-01-02T16:54:22.408-08:00back from holiday breakHappy 2011 to all my readers. I am back from holiday break ready to hit the ground running in 2011 with work and other personal activities. It always seems like the holidays go by too fast but life is not a holiday unfortunately. I went back to New England and got to see family and even enjoyed a snowstorm. It had been a while since I actually shoveled snow so I could not complain about doing it when assigned. Other than the New England snowstorm (it did not come to DC) not too much happened in terms of news. In sports, the Patriots clinched the top seed in the AFC playoffs so the Super Bowl is essentially theirs to lose. However, it will be a tough road to get to Dallas.<br /><br />The Big Ten took a beating in New Years Day bowls and hopefully Ohio State can salvage the conference in the Sugar Bowl versus Arkansas. Speaking of the Buckeyes, several starters (including Terrell Pryor) got into hot water with the NCAA for selling souvenirs to pay for, of all things, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">tattoos</span>. They will be suspended the first five games of the 2011 season but can play in the Sugar Bowl.<br /><br />I hope for the best for all of you this year.Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04665136574177832188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5130732017533041085.post-52065275264748266432010-12-23T16:11:00.000-08:002010-12-23T16:13:53.677-08:00Happy holidays to allIt has been a very exciting 2010. I hope everyone has a happy holiday season and happy and healthy 2011. I look forward to sharing the news and my thoughts throughout 2011 on Boston to Washington. One of my New Year's resolutions will be to post more! Thank you for your suppport this year.Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04665136574177832188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5130732017533041085.post-48955215521451577312010-12-18T18:40:00.000-08:002010-12-18T18:50:11.098-08:00DADT RepealedToday the Senate made a historic vote to repeal the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy. Under this policy, gay and lesbian servicemen could risk discharge from the military if they revealed their sexual preference. With this repeal, they can now serve without being <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">discriminated</span> against based on their sexual preference. It will also encourage more highly skilled officers to enlist and provide necessary skills to help the armed forces. This is especially satisfying as this was the change that President Obama promised during the campaign. For those that are complaining, he has delivered in a few ways on that.Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04665136574177832188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5130732017533041085.post-3798935018675338812010-12-18T18:21:00.000-08:002010-12-18T18:37:48.327-08:00Turning a pageThe year has come to an end for Arlington Young Democrats and my role with the Careers and Networking Group. I take a lot of personal pride in building the online groups, first introducing the group, organizing and promoting all of the events, and plugging members into other <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">AYD</span> events. However, I feel it is time to move onto other ventures including putting more time into my job. It is bittersweet to step away from this role but it was a great ride and good experience for me. My good friend and roommate Shawn will be taking over responsibilities for now with this group. He will be serving as Secretary so he hopes to pass the chair of this onto another person.<br /><br />Most importantly, I ended my term on a high note. I received the Community Service Award for 2010 and was very honored and humbled to get this. We have a lot of great people in this organization and I took a lot of pride in this recognition. Between my recognition my colleagues and friends Gordon and Lauren getting <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">AYD</span> of the Year and Unsung Hero, respectively, we established a legacy and of course, we went out on top! Thanks to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">AYD</span> for a memorable year and this recognition. I won't go to far and look forward to sharing my new experiences with those I met and got to know this year.Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04665136574177832188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5130732017533041085.post-76347080375537762642010-12-13T17:57:00.000-08:002010-12-13T17:59:56.923-08:00Cold in DCIt is going to be very cold for the next few days in DC/Arlington with highs in the 20s and low 30s. This was the weather I was supposed to have for New England in a few weeks. All I care is that the snow stays away and I can get home safely for Christmas. Looks like I will be wearing sweaters to work for the next several days.Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04665136574177832188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5130732017533041085.post-27380843124968665712010-12-13T17:55:00.001-08:002010-12-13T17:57:50.278-08:00Brett Farve Streak endsBrett Farve's streak of consecutive games started ended today at 297. We knew it was going to end sometime and his injury was too much to overcome. It was definitely a strange sequence of events with the dome collapse and all as to how it came to an end. Not surprisingly, ESPN spent the first 20 minutes of the Monday Night Countdown show talking about it. They weren't even covering the rescheduled game.Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04665136574177832188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5130732017533041085.post-64180314726970267852010-12-12T17:53:00.000-08:002010-12-12T17:57:32.763-08:00Roof CollapseThis weekend's Giants-Vikings game had a crazy set of events unlike most games have ever seen. The Giants had their flight diverted to Kansas City due to a major snowstorm in Minneapolis and the plan was to delay the game one day. Then on Sunday morning the roof of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">MetroDome</span> collapsed forcing them to move the game to Detroit on Monday night. Talk about a logistical nightmare to try and plan for. There was always talk about a new football stadium in Minnesota. Maybe now is the time for action in the Twin Cities.Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04665136574177832188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5130732017533041085.post-75279042618555480402010-12-12T17:49:00.001-08:002010-12-12T17:53:35.125-08:00Patriots on a rollThe New England Patriots are looking like the best team in the AFC and the NFL after beating the Jets last week and then doing the same to Chicago this weekend. They are playing well in December, the time of the year you are supposed to be hot and as of now they are officially in the playoffs. The playoffs could be a huge <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">wake up</span> call as it looks like any potential game will be a rematch. However it seems like this team is very hungry to get back to the Super Bowl especially after their difficult loss in the opening round of the playoffs last year.Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04665136574177832188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5130732017533041085.post-84468874561790527272010-12-06T17:08:00.001-08:002010-12-06T17:09:43.923-08:00WikiLeaksIt is plan and simple, releasing this information is a matter of national and worldwide security and those doing it should be punished to the fulllest extent of the law. I rest my case.Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04665136574177832188noreply@blogger.com0