4.23.2009

Goodnight, and good luck: World Commentary

So...what is the deal with Iran and like, the rest of the world?

We are also discussing this in my Pol 3, International Relations class. For that class, our big-ass paper is on whether or not we think Iran should be allowed to develop nuclear weapons. 
My answer...a resounding "NO!"

IMO...we simply should stop, whenever and wherever we can, any and all nuclear development. (And that includes our own)
Especially Iranian nuclear development. 

Kudos to Obama for actually wanting to negotiate with this nation. That is how you get things done, peacefully. Simply hating them just leads to more hate, and more violence...and if we continue to act as we have for the past eight years, we are simply HELPING build a whole new generation of people that want to kill us. 

So, we do need to negotiate. We need to try to work things out between our nations. Thank god Bush is gone from the hot seat. 

However, and its a big however, Iran still is pretty crazy.
They arrest this woman on charges of spying for the United States. This, simply, is unacceptable. Yes, I understand that we have arrested many of their citizens, and many of those have been without just cause. And I also feel that that is unacceptable. But we need to get this woman out. We cannot allow her to suffer at the hands of this regime.

While I agree that yes, we need to have better ties with Iran, we certainly don't need to be their friend. (And that same holds true with Saudi Arabia.)
What is this deal with the Iranian President in front of all these other countries? Spewing hatred and venom at Israel, at the West, at everybody. I have a friend in my dorm who speaks the language, and she told me that, well...the translation we were hearing wasn't totally accurate. The translators....cleaned up the language a little bit. How can he say these things and then asked to be taken seriously?

Four months ago, I would have been a hypocrite for saying such a thing, as we had a similar leader in office. Luckily, America, we've cleaned up our act in this recent election.

We need to negotiate with these nations, and have better ties with them, if only to avoid bloody violence. But we do not need to accept their actions. Once we have done more to fix our moral credibility internationally, we will be able to say and do more. And we must say and do more.

Saudi Arabia is just as terrible as Iran, and yet they are considered a 'friend.' Not ok. They beat women, they hate women. The religious police has control, complete control. The royal family has complete control. Both nations are not good, and while I do agree that we need to have a better and different relationship with them then we have had, we need to do more. 

That is our moral responsibility.

So, everyone, goodnight, and good luck. 

4.21.2009

A New Birth of Freedom

Well. I'm not even sure where or how to begin this.

A few things have happened recently regarding gays that I want to talk about.

First. This whole "A Storm is Gathering" nonsense actually makes me laugh. I mean, seriously...'a rainbow coalition of people of every creed and color are coming together in love?"

I mean, its ridiculous. The only message it serves is that "homophobic activism is ever more depopulated and isolated as well as brain dead." (Plus, its totally racist...I love that the hispanic man can barely say his four english words...and they get away with this.)

It just is stupid and disgusting to see people like this. In four states we now have equal rights for gays, and the homophobia is going to mount. I don't understand how people can get away with this. When you see these people, you need to stand up to them. Be gentle if possible...but if they are obnoxious and hateful, well, then stand up and verbally kick the shit out of them. People like Dr. Laura cannot call homosexuality a "biological error" and get away with it. (Even if now she has "improved.") 
Be more intelligent, be more articulate, and be tougher than them. 
On picnic day I had a conversation with a UC Davis third year about her opposition to gay marriage. She said it whittled down to...wait for it...the bible. She couldn't get over a point I was making that the church and religion should have nothing to do with these decisions. "We cannot be run by the Christian bible."
But, she responded, "We're a Christian nation."
"But we don't have a national religion. No religion can impose its values on others."
But, she responded, "We're a Christian nation."

The argument ended up about women's roles. I told her that she is telling gay people that their relationships, and their lives, matter less than heterosexual's. "Traditional marriage" does not exist anymore. Traditional marriage consists of whites marrying whites, and women acting as slaves for their husbands. 

She then said that her future husband, and all husbands, should have the final say in decisions. Her opinion was not as important as his.
At that point, I simply turned and walked away. Here it was, where a WOMAN was arguing that men should be in control..and a MAN was arguing that, maybe, just maybe, women were not subject to their husbands.

You cannot reason with that. 

I've been told off, and criticized harshly for responding very bluntly to prop 8...a vote that I simply consider to be one made in favor of homophobia. 

I'm sorry, but you don't win by backing down. It has been asserted that "being kind, and gentle with the opposition will bring them over to our side." 

No. Sorry, but no. I'm not going to convince the right-wing homophobes to change position. But by being tough and forceful we can swing the middle...and thats how we win.

So. For fun, call or mail the National Organization for Marriage at (609) 688-0450 or send mail to the

National Organization for Marriage
20 Nassau Street, Suite 242
Princeton, NJ 08542

And tell them how you feel about them. 

It is HELLZA hot

Look above

4.20.2009

Music of the Week: Am I ridiculously joyous right now or what?

As promised, more love.

1. Trapeze Swinger by Iron and Wine
And here begins the parade of Iron and Wine songs through this weeks music. Perhaps I'm just really depressed over not being able to see them in SF, as both shows are already sold out, or perhaps I just really like them. Or both. Anyway, to get this song, I went to subpop.com, found Iron and Wine, and downloaded the song. If you can't figure it out, I suggest you avoid this blog.
2. Upward Over the Mountain by Iron and Wine
And thus continues the parade. Perhaps it is this line "So may the sunrise bring hope where it once was forgotten..." that forces me to enjoy this song.
3. If I Had Eyes by Jack Johnson
Yes, it was a slightly disappointing cd by JJ. It lacked that Bubble Toes, or Flake, or Taylor, or Sitting, Waiting, Wishing. It lacked that truly awesome upbeat and happy love song. "If I Had Eyes" was supposed to be that albums song. Unfortunately, it doesn't quite make it to the level of those JJ favorites...but it is quite the solid song in its own right.
4. Spaceman by The Killers
You cannot hate it. Yes, they are a little crazy and wild, but they continue to produce new and creative things. 
5. Casimir Pulaski Day by Sufjan Stevens
I, stupidly, did not listen to this song for several weeks. That is over. Eva Rendle, bless your hippie heart. 
6. Jezebel by Iron and Wine 
Again, an Eva Rendle to Brendan discovery transfer. The beauty, oh the beauty.
7. Promising Light by Iron and Wine
Another back to back Iron and Wine decision. This lovely song by Sam Beam is making its MOTW debut...so enjoy.
8. Do You Remember by Jack Johnson
No, it is not fall...but Davis is the cycling town...so the bike references to have quite the relevance (And Davis and SB are both UCs..) 
9. Bookends by Simon and Garfunkel
The melody is simply, beautiful. I wish the song was longer. 
10. Orange Sky by Alexi Murdoch
Hmm...another song about a warm, orange sun. Springtime in Davis. 
11. Other Side of the World by KT Tunstall
Its a little older, but still a goodie. 

ANYway. Enjoy. 

Lets play BIG TIME catch up: Part 3

Wow. It has been 13 days since I last blogged. 
And for that I am truly sorry. A lot of stuff's been going on. Last week I was SUPER sick. It was quite awful. And then this weekend, obviously, was Picnic Day, (more on that later though) so suffice it to say that I have had other things on my mind.

Lets recap.

I grew out a really bad-ass beard from almost three weeks. Yes, some people argued I looked Amish. Some even argued I looked bad. Most argued I looked A LOT older. (like I needed that)
Anyway, the beard is now gone. 
Last thursday the Sereno Serenogades won our first IM soccer match of the spring season...and we are looking to dominate some beazies now...every thursday night. 

Friday was the first day in Davis it was TRULY hot. Michael and I played a few hours of pick up soccer and then headed down to Jamba...beautiful weather. (mark the date, 4/17) ...and guess what, it is not going to stop being hot until like, October. Oh snap. 

I went downtown with JR, Mickey, Alex, and Stacey for some Sushi...my first ever...and the experience was pretty epic, I have to admit. (Though I'm very disappointed freakin gelato was closed when we got there for desert.)

I decided that I needed to purchase my yearly string of progressive/liberal/awesome shirts on cafepress.com . So...I've narrowed the options down to 8 or 9...and I'm taking volunteers to help me choose...so hit me up if you are interested. KK has already helped narrow it down...but I need a few others to vote or something on the final chioces (You know the qualifications...liberal, awesome, and blunt).

And I'm going to wrap this up quickly. Saturday was picnic day, and lemme tell you, it was pretty epic. Music, events, Woodstocks, friends, Battle of the Bands...Picnic Day '09 rocked. 

Alright...I'll have some more later.



4.07.2009

Lets play catch up: Part 2

Hola everyone. (I know, I'm totally a big fat gringo, so what am I doing saying hello in spanish?)

Answer: I have no idea.

Well, its raining in Davis. And bloody freakin cold.

Also, I'm trying to be an IM Soccer Ref this quarter. So I could reallyyyyyyy really use that job. I've already spent like 8 hours at clinics and stuff over the past 2-3 days, and tonight is the last one, so lets hope that I get this job. 

I also am considering rushing the fraternity Sigma Chi, thanks to a few brothers that are urging me down that road. I'm not really sure. Most (if not all) people would definitely NOT peg me as a brother...in fact, most would say that my charm (haha) lies in the fact that I try to avoid the mainstream. (Don't laugh. lol) Um, so we'll see.

I also am considering applying for an internship at one of my favorite websites, baseball prospectus . But, the letter of inquiry is due tomorrow, and I really don't have any idea of what to write about. So.....I'm not sure.

And, yeah, I'm in class a lot this quarter. So, it looks like these next 9 weeks are shaping up to be some busy ones.

Cheers.

Music of the Week: Ah hell, its raining outside.

Good afternoon friends. It is raining in Davis, and I got...wait for it...SOAKED. Ugh.

Anyway, here is my music of the week.

1. The Wrestler by Bruce Springsteen
When I was home last my mom asked me to buy this for her on itunes, (because she still can't figure out how to use the damn thing) and I was like...oh shit, this IS a good song. (Even though I never did see The Wrestler).
I used to enjoy the song, but only started to once again when I watched the trailer for one of two movies that I have not stopped thinking about over the past few days...Before Sunrise and Before Sunset. I will be blogging on these movies very, very soon.
3. Daniel's Song by the Finches
Yes, it keeps moving back up. Its just a great freakin song. Can we all agree on that already?
4. Orange Sky by Alexi Murdoch
I had heard this song somewhere, once before. But then during the ER finale, they played a preview for this new show, Southland, only like a million times, and this song was in it. Soooo...there you go.
5. New Slang by the Shins
Wasn't this the song that as Sam in Garden State said, "will change your life." ??
6. Nothing Better by The Postal Service
Will someone please call the surgeon already? Peter Benton anyone? (To ER fans)
7. Sodom, South Georgia by Iron and Wine
YES...it is returning. When I need a slow, soothing song, this is something I can always turn to.
8. Clark Gable by The Postal Service
And when I need a faster, but still smart and graceful song, this is something I can always turn to.
9. Sound of Silence by Simon and Garfunkel
I opted for this live version because they slowed the song down a little bit, and that is probably what really makes me love the song. 
10. Fair by Remy Zero
I had some trouble finding a legit video for this...so this one will have to do. I guess perhaps I'm in a Garden State mood today?
11. Bluebird of Happiness by Mojave 3
Hayley is the only person I will share with where I got this song...because we both used to watch this show. Everyone else, just enjoy the melody.

4.06.2009

On the Road to October: NL Predictions

It's opening day! Thank goodness. Here are my thoughts on how the National League is going to turn out, with a one line summary explaining each choice. Enjoy!

National League East: 
1. NY Mets: Done deal, they have Wright, Reyes, and Beltran leading the offense, and a much improved bullpen helps their key '07 and '08 weakness.
2. Phillies: Cole Hamels will NOT throw that many innings again, and lets remember, relievers are fungible, so lets assume Brad Lidge will not be as brilliant. Also, 3 years and 30 million for Raul Ibanez is better than 2 years and 14 million for Pat Burrell? Hell no. 
3. Braves: They are going to be close to the Phillies, very close. They've improved, yes. But seriously, Jeff Francoeur. Get bloody rid of him. 
4. Marlins: Screw that management. All they think about is money. 
5. Nationals. Long, long road ahead.

Central: 
1. Cubs: No-one else is close. What remains to be seen is if they can play in October. I guess playing important games down the stretch is more crucial than skipping to the finish line.
2. Brewers: Yes, they lost Ben Sheets and, that one guy, I think he went back east or something? But they still have a great, and YOUNG, hitting corps. They just won't be anywhere close to the playoffs.
3. Cardinals: No.
4. Reds: Everyone is talking about this great young pitching corps...and I don't see it. They are still the same Reds, in that they do not have pitching. (Besides Volquez) 
5. Astros: Pathetic team, pathetic system.
6. Pirates: See above.

West:
1. Dodgers: Great offense, acceptable pitching.
2. D-Backs: Great young hitters, and with Webb/Haren atop the rotation, look for the wildcard.
3. Giants: See my last baseball post. If they had added a pair of hitters, such as Adam Dunn at first and Pat Burrell or Bobby Abreu at a corner, they could of competed.
4. Rockies: Traded Matt Holliday for, nothing all that valuable.
5. Padres: A sad state of affairs. Trade Peavy already. 

4.05.2009

Of Courage Undaunted: The Five People I'll Meet....sometime.

The title of this post stems from two areas. First, I'm going to talk about five people that have previously roamed this earth and have strongly influenced me. This draws on the book "The Five People You Meet in Heaven." Seeing as I don't believe in god, or heaven, I can only hope that I'll unite, emotionally and spiritually, with them in the future. Second, "Of courage undaunted" is the beginning of a fantastic single sentence description of Meriwether Lewis by Thomas Jefferson. It also describes how I view these men's lives.

I understand that I have only met one of these people, but that doesn't mean that those I have not met have influenced me any less, just differently. 

1. Robert F. Kennedy. 
By far, a better man than his older brother. And also, the man who should have been President. Looking back through history, I'm not sure if anyone deserves that title more than RFK. He was tough, yes. He was ruthless, and bullying, yes. But was he also compassionate, empathetic, kind, and good? Yes. That is the kind of politician we, still, lack.

2. Abraham Lincoln. 
Lincoln did suspend Habeas Corpus, and didn't necessarily have emancipation at heart when he confronted the Confederacy. But he was also the most brilliant politician ever to serve, the most influential President of the 19th century, and a truly gifted man with words.

3. John Nunes. 
Please don't think me cheesy for including this man in a list that is full of famous men. But in regards to how I think of him, how I wish to emulate him, he certainly is deserving. The man was good, he was kind, he was thoughtful. He looked after every child in his presence, and treated each of them with respect. When hundreds, probably more, show up to honor a man, and when poor college students take the train for hours on end to do so, (not me) he is special.
I hope to be a father like he was, a husband like he was, a man like he was, and a human like he was.

4. Mohandas Ghandi.
What more is there to say that hasn't already been said? Next.

5. Chris McCandless.
He might have had a mental problem, I don't know. But he was able to connect with people, and matter to them. I hope to be able to do that as well. 

ANYway, talk to you later.