Monday, November 30, 2009

White House party crashers

Last week a Michaela and Tareq Salahi crashed the White House state dinner and even got to meet President Obama. They did it as they were looking for fifteen minutes of fame and fortune. First of all, how did the Secret Service let them get into the dinner. Confirming guests is basic protocol for any event at the White House. There was serious potential for them to orchestrate a catastrophe of major proportions.

Secondly, how stupid can this couple to do this to try and get fifteen minutes of fame when the consequences are not exactly a slap on the wrist and a $5 fine. They could face federal charges and many years in prison. So much for the slow news time around the holidays!

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Tiger Woods gets into an auto accident

Early Friday morning Tiger Woods got into a car accident right outside his home-and I don't believe he was leaving for early morning shopping. He was treated and released from the nearby hospital. However, he has yet to sit down with police to tell them what happened. While he is not required by law the reputation is crumbling day by day and this guy is not a trashy celebrity. Even if there was any foul play, please just fess up and take your punishment appropriately. The media should be focused on you winning tournaments not tabloid stuff like this.

Thanksgiving

I had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family, food, conversation, and a lot of catching up. Let the holiday season commence! I came back and had a quiet weekend at home catching up on some stuff-I hope I caught up on everything! I watched some football too. Now a few weeks of parties and end of the year stuff at work before the longer Christmas break.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving

I am off to Massachusetts for Thanksgiving. I would like to wish everyone a wonderful day full of food, family, football and being thankful for everything that you have.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

big football weekend

Both of my teams this weekend had big wins this weekend. Ohio State defeated Michigan 21-10 on Saturday. The key was Michigan QB Tate Forcier's 4 interceptions and the inability of Michigan's much maligned defense to stop Ohio State. As much as I enjoy winning this game, it is almost shocking to see Michigan play so poorly in it as it is such a big game every year. Penn State won their season finale and hopefully will get to go to a BCS bowl.

The Patriots rebounded and defeated the New York Jets 31-14. Jets QB Mark Sanchez threw four interceptions (see a pattern here) and Tom Brady figured out the Jets defense this time around. While they have not wrapped up the division, this should give them a little more breathing room as they are not out of the meat of their schedule yet.

The Indianapolis Colts also improved to 10-0 after ea king by the Baltimore Ravens. While it wouldn't be a big deal if they lose, I would love to see them go 16-0 and deal with the pressure of that in the playoffs-although the Pats might have to go back to Lucas Oil Stadium, they would be a lot looser that an undefeated Colts team in a potential playoff game.

Misuse of stimulus funds in Massachusetts

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and his administration approved of allocating $9 million in stimulus money to build a footbridge across US Route 1 next to Gilette Stadium, the New England Patriots home stadium, in Foxboro, Massachusetts.

I think this use of stimulus funds is a complete joke. While it does create jobs, the Patriots owner, Bob Kraft, has the financial resources to build this infrastructure if it there is necessity for it. Past history has said it would keep fans going to and from the bars on the other side of the highway safe, however the state should insist that Kraft pay for this himself considering that all of the other construction related to the fairly new complex was funded by him. This money needs to be put towards job creation in places where it is needed, like inner city areas in Lawrence or Lowell. I hope this begins to shed light as to how stimulus money is being used across the nation.

Healthcare goes to debate

The Senate voted along party lines this weekend to go to debate on the health care reform. This was after several calls by constituents and citizens to undecided senators. If nothing else I can appreciate the grassroots movement that the whole health care reform is taking which was not the case in past attempts to get health care reform going, at least not on this level. Keep the calls, letters, and office visits to our senators coming and we will get this passed!

Monday, November 16, 2009

Sarah Palin back again

Sarah Palin is back in the news with her book "Going Rogue". She was also interviewed today on Oprah. Democrats want her to go away but she isn't going to be. She developed star power where she is going to be an intriguing character for years to come in politics.

I do have a few thoughts on her running for President and getting the nomination in 2012. Quite frankly, it scares me. She has the base behind her to get the nomination. As a candidate in the general election, she has the celebrity power and persona that people do like. If you think people do not vote for a candidate with celebrity like status, look who is sitting in the Oval Office. Also, there are many feminists who might think this will be the last chance to elect a woman for a long time and why not give her a shot. Everyone says Obama against Palin would be like getting to the World Series and deciding to play the Nationals but be careful what you wish for.

Football weekend recap

Talk about elation and despair. On Saturday Ohio State defeated Iowa 27-24 to earn a trip to the Rose Bowl. Despite being heavy favorites and having a two touchdown lead in the 4th quarter it came down to the final play-which did not surprise me as the game was for a trip to the Rose Bowl. While the BCS makes the title game the ultimate goal going to the Rose Bowl is college football's longest standing tradition so this is quite satisfying. The last time they went I was a freshman in high school and there were no blogs or text messages!

On the flip side, the Patriots lost an important game to Indianapolis on Sunday night football. They a 13 point lead with four minutes left and lost. The key play was going for it on 4th down late in the game when they should have punted. Belichick would have become a Boston goat if it was the playoff. Indianapolis stays undefeated and this loss cripples their chances for home field throughout the entire playoffs.

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Family feud

In addition to catching up on stuff, I watched the Ohio State vs. Penn State game which is also known as the family feud as my uncle attended Ohio State and his children (my cousins) attended Penn State. It is one of the few times I get to root for both teams, however I usually lean one way depending on where each team was in the Big Ten/national title race. This year the slight edge went to Ohio State in rooting, as they control their own destiny for the Big Ten title.

I was correct too, they dominated defensively and Terrell Pryor made big plays (and did not make mistakes). They have two games against Iowa, for first place in the Big Ten and then against arch rival Michigan. They play Iowa at home and then Michigan isn't playing at a high level for November. This time of year we that is thrown out the window especially in rivalry games and the trip to the Rose Bowl at stake.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

One year ago

One of the greatest nights of my life.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADSRsAyhgxw

GOP Sweep in Virginia

The GOP swept all three top statewide positions in Virginia's election yesterday lead by Bob McDonnell winning over Creigh Deeds with 59% of the vote. The Republicans also made gains in the House of Delegates.
This was not a referendum on President Obama as much a response to the lackluster candidacy and campaign of Creigh Deeds. He did not present himself as a real Democrat and that alienated a lot of activists from volunteering, and, for that matter, voting. He did not go after the first time voters that came out to vote for Obama last year, particularly youth and African Americans. These are the ones that carried Obama to victory in Virginia and Creigh needed to do the same.
I am sure the Democrats will learn from this and come back stronger in 2010.